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We Three Kings
Chicago 1982 is a goldmine for the construction industry, and Eric and his two business partners are thriving. Once nothing more than orphans in a Catholic boys' home, they've overcome poverty and abuse to obtain success. Now living the lives they once only dreamed of, they're sure of one thing: they will never look back.
Then the past returns, by way of a cheap polyester suit and a smile Eric has never forgotten—and all the dark memories come crashing back. Lucky for him, Jimmy has no idea who Eric is, or who Eric used to be…
Then the past returns, by way of a cheap polyester suit and a smile Eric has never forgotten—and all the dark memories come crashing back. Lucky for him, Jimmy has no idea who Eric is, or who Eric used to be…
148 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2017
1 person is currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
A.F. Henley
39 books215 followersHenley was born with a full-blown passion for run-on sentences, a zealous indulgence in all words descriptive, and the endearing tendency to overuse punctuation. Since the early years Henley has been an enthusiastic writer, from the first few I-love-my-dog stories to the current leap into erotica.
A self-professed Google genius, Henley lives for the hours spent digging through the Internet for ‘research purposes’ which, more often than not, lead seven thousand miles away from first intentions but bring Henley to new discoveries and ideas that, once seeded, grow like weeds.
A self-professed Google genius, Henley lives for the hours spent digging through the Internet for ‘research purposes’ which, more often than not, lead seven thousand miles away from first intentions but bring Henley to new discoveries and ideas that, once seeded, grow like weeds.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 9, 2017
4.5 stars
“There are thousands of days in our life, boss. Millions of minutes, and with each new moment, a new breath, a new glance, a new view.” He lowers his hand and sets it on my arm. “A million new chances to try again.”
This is a beautifully written story about forgiveness and redemption. Eric and his two best friends, Mark and Devin, have overcome the abuse they suffered at the hands of the church run orphanage they grew up in. They are now successful businessmen and they try to live their lives in a way that is positive and helpful to others. Eric's past behaviors though still haunt him and he regrets some of the things he did to survive. His memories bombard him when he interviews Jimmy for a job at their company. Eric sees hiring Jimmy as a way to fix past wrongs. Unfortunately the longer Eric is not honest with Jimmy, the harder time he has with the truths about himself.
This story is told from Eric's point of view and I found him to be a fantastic narrator. He begins each chapter with memories from his past. I was worried about this part of the story going in because I saw that movie Sleepers and I remember it being pretty hard to watch. Fortunately the author doesn't make these scenes graphic. Despite that you still get the feel for the terror these boys went through in every creak in the hallway or dark shadow that passes their door. I was on pins and needles for everyone of those flashbacks.
Despite his lack of honesty with Jimmy, Eric finds himself attracted to the man and begins a romantic relationship. Eric is slowly unraveling and while he knows his decisions are bad, he can't seem to stop himself. Throughout he does a bunch of soul searching and he's stuck on his anger at himself for both the past and the present.
While part of the story is about Jimmy and Eric falling for each other, Jimmy is almost a side character. He has a strong role and a place of importance but really this story is Eric's. I thought the connection between the two men was touching. Eric's two friends have smaller roles but they play a major part in the end of the story. By far though, my favorite side character was Meryl, a homeless man that Eric talks to every day. This was so well done. So creative and thought provoking. I don't want to say more about this because I don't want to spoil anything but I loved these interactions. He and Eric are characters that will stick in my head for a long time to come.
In the end, yes, this is a romance, but it's also a story about letting go of your past, of your fear, you anger and/or self-loathing and starting afresh.
There are a few authors I wish got more attention and this is one of them. I've loved everything I've read of hers and I would have everyone I know read this if I could (and after this go read her Wolf series).
“There are thousands of days in our life, boss. Millions of minutes, and with each new moment, a new breath, a new glance, a new view.” He lowers his hand and sets it on my arm. “A million new chances to try again.”
This is a beautifully written story about forgiveness and redemption. Eric and his two best friends, Mark and Devin, have overcome the abuse they suffered at the hands of the church run orphanage they grew up in. They are now successful businessmen and they try to live their lives in a way that is positive and helpful to others. Eric's past behaviors though still haunt him and he regrets some of the things he did to survive. His memories bombard him when he interviews Jimmy for a job at their company. Eric sees hiring Jimmy as a way to fix past wrongs. Unfortunately the longer Eric is not honest with Jimmy, the harder time he has with the truths about himself.
This story is told from Eric's point of view and I found him to be a fantastic narrator. He begins each chapter with memories from his past. I was worried about this part of the story going in because I saw that movie Sleepers and I remember it being pretty hard to watch. Fortunately the author doesn't make these scenes graphic. Despite that you still get the feel for the terror these boys went through in every creak in the hallway or dark shadow that passes their door. I was on pins and needles for everyone of those flashbacks.
Despite his lack of honesty with Jimmy, Eric finds himself attracted to the man and begins a romantic relationship. Eric is slowly unraveling and while he knows his decisions are bad, he can't seem to stop himself. Throughout he does a bunch of soul searching and he's stuck on his anger at himself for both the past and the present.
While part of the story is about Jimmy and Eric falling for each other, Jimmy is almost a side character. He has a strong role and a place of importance but really this story is Eric's. I thought the connection between the two men was touching. Eric's two friends have smaller roles but they play a major part in the end of the story. By far though, my favorite side character was Meryl, a homeless man that Eric talks to every day. This was so well done. So creative and thought provoking. I don't want to say more about this because I don't want to spoil anything but I loved these interactions. He and Eric are characters that will stick in my head for a long time to come.
In the end, yes, this is a romance, but it's also a story about letting go of your past, of your fear, you anger and/or self-loathing and starting afresh.
There are a few authors I wish got more attention and this is one of them. I've loved everything I've read of hers and I would have everyone I know read this if I could (and after this go read her Wolf series).
December 28, 2019
2.5 Stars I found this to be a bit over the top and unbelievable, actually skimmed a bit to get through it. There was so much that felt not actually developed, not thought out and thrown in there for the sake of it.
March 3, 2017
https://justlovereviews.com/2017/03/0...
4 stars
In this gritty and emotional novella, A.F. Henley seamlessly blends the past and the present to bring us a story of brotherhood, redemption and forgiveness.
“Funny thing about the past though. It never stays buried for long.”
No one knows that better than Eric. Along with his two best friends, Mark and Devin, they have all managed to overcome the trauma of their time in a church run orphanage to build up a successful business in real estate development. While they each have their own way of keeping the past firmly in the past, all of Eric’s walls come tumbling down the minute he sees a pair of familiar gray eyes. Suddenly, he’s remembering a time when he wasn’t a successful businessman, but an angry teenager with every reason to hate beauty, to hate innocence, when those things were cruelly taken from him.
“Did I do something to offend you?”
Yes, I want to tell him. You offend me for every reason that you offended me back then: that you’re gorgeous and sweet, and soft and afraid; that you can still seem so nervous standing in front of me; that you somehow didn’t turn out hard like they made me.
But Eric isn’t that angry teenager anymore and he’s more than ready to make amends. When he offers the stormy-eyed Jimmy Rose a position within his company, he does so with the intention of offering up penance for his past deeds. But Eric has no idea that it will set off a chain of events that will make him reevaluate every terrible thing he thought about himself, and about what really happened all those years ago.
Given the content, it seemed unlikely that this book would be anything but depressing, but in the author’s gentle hands, it becomes a heartfelt and touching story about second chances – not only the ones you give others but the ones you give yourself.
“There are thousands of days in our life, boss. Millions of minutes, and with each new moment, a new breath, a new glance, a new view.” He lowers his hand and sets it on my arm. “A million new chances to try again.”
Each chapter begins with one of Eric’s memories of his time in the orphanage with Mark and Devin, and each of those memories is cleverly related to the events of the present day. I thought it was an excellent way to weave both timelines into the narrative without it becoming confusing or bogged down in details.
We Three Kings is a compelling, complex and uplifting read. This novella feels bigger than it really is, likely because it takes the reader on an complex emotional journey without ever feeling like it’s too much. Yes, it’s dark in places, but it ends on a hopeful, joyous note.
If you get told often enough that you’re worthless or that you’ll never amount to anything […] there’s always going to be a voice nagging in the back of your consciousness that says you haven’t done enough. That you haven’t done it right. […] If we’re really lucky, someone comes along and they tell you something different. They whisper in your ear that you’re perfect just the way you are. They make you say it along with you until you believe it, too.
I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review
4 stars
In this gritty and emotional novella, A.F. Henley seamlessly blends the past and the present to bring us a story of brotherhood, redemption and forgiveness.
“Funny thing about the past though. It never stays buried for long.”
No one knows that better than Eric. Along with his two best friends, Mark and Devin, they have all managed to overcome the trauma of their time in a church run orphanage to build up a successful business in real estate development. While they each have their own way of keeping the past firmly in the past, all of Eric’s walls come tumbling down the minute he sees a pair of familiar gray eyes. Suddenly, he’s remembering a time when he wasn’t a successful businessman, but an angry teenager with every reason to hate beauty, to hate innocence, when those things were cruelly taken from him.
“Did I do something to offend you?”
Yes, I want to tell him. You offend me for every reason that you offended me back then: that you’re gorgeous and sweet, and soft and afraid; that you can still seem so nervous standing in front of me; that you somehow didn’t turn out hard like they made me.
But Eric isn’t that angry teenager anymore and he’s more than ready to make amends. When he offers the stormy-eyed Jimmy Rose a position within his company, he does so with the intention of offering up penance for his past deeds. But Eric has no idea that it will set off a chain of events that will make him reevaluate every terrible thing he thought about himself, and about what really happened all those years ago.
Given the content, it seemed unlikely that this book would be anything but depressing, but in the author’s gentle hands, it becomes a heartfelt and touching story about second chances – not only the ones you give others but the ones you give yourself.
“There are thousands of days in our life, boss. Millions of minutes, and with each new moment, a new breath, a new glance, a new view.” He lowers his hand and sets it on my arm. “A million new chances to try again.”
Each chapter begins with one of Eric’s memories of his time in the orphanage with Mark and Devin, and each of those memories is cleverly related to the events of the present day. I thought it was an excellent way to weave both timelines into the narrative without it becoming confusing or bogged down in details.
We Three Kings is a compelling, complex and uplifting read. This novella feels bigger than it really is, likely because it takes the reader on an complex emotional journey without ever feeling like it’s too much. Yes, it’s dark in places, but it ends on a hopeful, joyous note.
If you get told often enough that you’re worthless or that you’ll never amount to anything […] there’s always going to be a voice nagging in the back of your consciousness that says you haven’t done enough. That you haven’t done it right. […] If we’re really lucky, someone comes along and they tell you something different. They whisper in your ear that you’re perfect just the way you are. They make you say it along with you until you believe it, too.
I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review
December 6, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
A.F. Henley has re-released a wrenching novel that begs the question, can we ever really undo past mistakes? We Three Kings looks at three boys who survived unspeakable abuse at the hands of men who should have cared for and nurtured them while watching over the boys at their orphanage. Never delving into actual explicit memories, but always skirting the edge of informing the reader of what made Eric, Mark, and Devin the men they are today, this novel grapples with the idea that guilt is a powerful force—one that can make us better and one that can keep us trapped in the past.
But this novel is also about forgiveness and healing, as well as rediscovering a romance that has laid dormant for years, but still remains strong. There was so much about We Three Kings that worked. The emotional turmoil Eric experiences felt incredibly real and I found I didn’t need graphic details about his past in order to understand the trauma he had endured. The dynamic between the three men was intense and sometimes felt a bit forced, especially in regards Mark’s behavior, and yet the ending where the three confronted the past together was so very powerful.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
A.F. Henley has re-released a wrenching novel that begs the question, can we ever really undo past mistakes? We Three Kings looks at three boys who survived unspeakable abuse at the hands of men who should have cared for and nurtured them while watching over the boys at their orphanage. Never delving into actual explicit memories, but always skirting the edge of informing the reader of what made Eric, Mark, and Devin the men they are today, this novel grapples with the idea that guilt is a powerful force—one that can make us better and one that can keep us trapped in the past.
But this novel is also about forgiveness and healing, as well as rediscovering a romance that has laid dormant for years, but still remains strong. There was so much about We Three Kings that worked. The emotional turmoil Eric experiences felt incredibly real and I found I didn’t need graphic details about his past in order to understand the trauma he had endured. The dynamic between the three men was intense and sometimes felt a bit forced, especially in regards Mark’s behavior, and yet the ending where the three confronted the past together was so very powerful.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
March 15, 2017
(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews.)
This was my first foray into the world of A.F. Henley, but it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed this story. We Three Kings portrays a twist on the old bully/bullied relationship and what happens years later.
Eric is a successful land and construction developer who is in partnership with two other men who were raised with him in a Catholic orphanage. At the time, which appeared to be the 1960’s mainly, the boys were confined to the home. Throughout the story there were shadowed references to sexual abuse of the boys in the home by the Fathers in charge of the home. All three boys were thrown out into the world when they turned sixteen. They spent some time on the rougher side of the streets, and then through a lot of hard work, they pulled themselves up in their early twenties. Along the way they decided to change their names to distance themselves from their upbringing and their time on the streets. Now they jointly own their own company and are hugely successful.
Eric remembers though how he and his friends bullied the other younger boys in the home. They weren’t nice boys, and he has been ashamed of it ever since. Then one day a beautiful young man shows up at the men’s company applying for a job. There is only one problem. Eric remembers Jimmy as one of the kids he picked on the worst.
When Eric hires him, it is clear that Jimmy doesn’t recognize him. But the guilt is eating Eric up from within.
The author did a good job with the story. I liked the characters, especially the psychic homeless man that Eric shares his lunch with every day. Good details. My only slight complaint is that I would have loved it to have been further developed. I think there was more story to tell.
I recommend the book. If you’re looking for a short, but good, read, pick it up.
This was my first foray into the world of A.F. Henley, but it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed this story. We Three Kings portrays a twist on the old bully/bullied relationship and what happens years later.
Eric is a successful land and construction developer who is in partnership with two other men who were raised with him in a Catholic orphanage. At the time, which appeared to be the 1960’s mainly, the boys were confined to the home. Throughout the story there were shadowed references to sexual abuse of the boys in the home by the Fathers in charge of the home. All three boys were thrown out into the world when they turned sixteen. They spent some time on the rougher side of the streets, and then through a lot of hard work, they pulled themselves up in their early twenties. Along the way they decided to change their names to distance themselves from their upbringing and their time on the streets. Now they jointly own their own company and are hugely successful.
Eric remembers though how he and his friends bullied the other younger boys in the home. They weren’t nice boys, and he has been ashamed of it ever since. Then one day a beautiful young man shows up at the men’s company applying for a job. There is only one problem. Eric remembers Jimmy as one of the kids he picked on the worst.
When Eric hires him, it is clear that Jimmy doesn’t recognize him. But the guilt is eating Eric up from within.
The author did a good job with the story. I liked the characters, especially the psychic homeless man that Eric shares his lunch with every day. Good details. My only slight complaint is that I would have loved it to have been further developed. I think there was more story to tell.
I recommend the book. If you’re looking for a short, but good, read, pick it up.
September 27, 2019
“Beware of that monster called 'self-loathing'.” ~ John Green
Eric, of 'We Three Kings' by A.F. Henley, and his two best friends have survived a rotten childhood doing whatever they had to do to survive. Determined to put the nightmare behind them, they built a successful new life. Eric's friends have made peace with their past actions and put their guilt to rest, but not Eric. Eric's conflicting feelings are exacerbated when Jimmy, someone from his childhood Eric was especially unfair to, comes to his office for an interview with their thriving company.
Eric recognizes Jimmy right away and panics. He's praying Jimmy won't remember him. Eric knows that the prudent thing to do is to not hire him, especially without consulting his partners, both of whom are on a business trip. Against his better judgement, Eric decides to give Jimmy the job but for the wrong reason. It is okay that Eric wants to help Jimmy jumpstart his business career, but it's not okay that his decision is made out of guilt, as a way to make up for his mistreatment of Jimmy in the past. Even though he has made a new life for himself, still, in the back of his head, he can hear all the people who told him that he was garbage and would never amount to anything.
Needless to say, when his partners return from their trip, they are not happy when they learn that Eric hired Jimmy on his own, without consulting them first, especially considering the precarious position this puts them in. They are even less happy when they find out how 'close' Jimmy and Eric have grown especially when his partners learn that Eric hasn't told Jimmy that he knew him from before. His partners impress upon Eric how much damage could result from hiring Jimmy, i.e., a sexual harassment suit, ruining their business, and destroying everything they have worked so hard to build.
This story is a lesson to those who let their past hold them back, never letting themselves forget who they may have been, and bad decisions they may have made in the past. In his mind, Eric felt like he was playing a part of the man he wanted to be, he didn't deserve what he had now because he couldn't forgive how he was in the past. It is true that the first person you need to nurture and love is yourself. No matter what everyone else says about you, your messages to yourself are what makes or breaks you. Without loving yourself, there's no room for forgiveness or redemption. Thanks, A.F., for giving Eric his deliverance.
NOTE: This book was provided by the pubisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Eric, of 'We Three Kings' by A.F. Henley, and his two best friends have survived a rotten childhood doing whatever they had to do to survive. Determined to put the nightmare behind them, they built a successful new life. Eric's friends have made peace with their past actions and put their guilt to rest, but not Eric. Eric's conflicting feelings are exacerbated when Jimmy, someone from his childhood Eric was especially unfair to, comes to his office for an interview with their thriving company.
Eric recognizes Jimmy right away and panics. He's praying Jimmy won't remember him. Eric knows that the prudent thing to do is to not hire him, especially without consulting his partners, both of whom are on a business trip. Against his better judgement, Eric decides to give Jimmy the job but for the wrong reason. It is okay that Eric wants to help Jimmy jumpstart his business career, but it's not okay that his decision is made out of guilt, as a way to make up for his mistreatment of Jimmy in the past. Even though he has made a new life for himself, still, in the back of his head, he can hear all the people who told him that he was garbage and would never amount to anything.
Needless to say, when his partners return from their trip, they are not happy when they learn that Eric hired Jimmy on his own, without consulting them first, especially considering the precarious position this puts them in. They are even less happy when they find out how 'close' Jimmy and Eric have grown especially when his partners learn that Eric hasn't told Jimmy that he knew him from before. His partners impress upon Eric how much damage could result from hiring Jimmy, i.e., a sexual harassment suit, ruining their business, and destroying everything they have worked so hard to build.
This story is a lesson to those who let their past hold them back, never letting themselves forget who they may have been, and bad decisions they may have made in the past. In his mind, Eric felt like he was playing a part of the man he wanted to be, he didn't deserve what he had now because he couldn't forgive how he was in the past. It is true that the first person you need to nurture and love is yourself. No matter what everyone else says about you, your messages to yourself are what makes or breaks you. Without loving yourself, there's no room for forgiveness or redemption. Thanks, A.F., for giving Eric his deliverance.
NOTE: This book was provided by the pubisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 29, 2018
Although I enjoyed the story, I just don't find it believable. I was frequently wanting more character and plot development to make this story longer. I do like the writing and narrative, however, and I want to read more of this story to learn of Jimmy and Eric's journey together. I bought this to read on a plane.
April 2, 2017
Eric, Devin, and Mark lived through that terrible childhood in a Catholic orphanage and while Mark and Devin seemed to have made peace with their past, Eric, the main character in this captivating novel, clearly has not. Despite their horrible youth, years later in 1982, they came out having made a successful and good life for themselves. Because of the terrible things he did back in that orphanage, Eric is trying hard to be good and helpful to others and we learned that through the very likeable character of Stacy (she is a gem and Eric has some wonderful scenes with her) and the homeless Meryl which gives Eric and the reader a lot to think about. I believe that especially Meryl A.F. Henley intended to be much more than he seems to be.
But the deeds of his past as kid in that orphanage hunt Eric until today and he has never forgiven himself for what he did especially to a younger boy named Jimmy.
As Eric’s thoughts go in the novel, Fate is a vile bitch and so when his and his friends company is looking to hire someone for a new job, Jimmy showed up.
Instantly guilt came back to Eric with the force of a tsunami and it did not help at all that Jimmy has come out of his frightful and dire youth being the sweetest, kindest man possible. He does not recognise Eric and that adds to making Eric’s life a turmoil of awful emotions. On top of that the two start to get really close.
A.F. Henley dared to pick up a very serious and difficult topic about abused kids in a Catholic orphanage and what it can do to kids and the consequences that will linger through their whole lives.
Every chapter starts with a glimpse of what happened to Eric, his friends, and Jimmy back then in those very dark, awful days and how being abused changed them and turned them into something they would otherwise not have become as kids. Although there is no way to misinterpret what happened back there and then, A.F. Henley very carefully managed to not make it graphical or anything in any way, all we get are hints. Henley masterfully preserved the dignity of his characters and showed how much he do care about them.
What makes this story work so well and make it so very intense is that Eric’s thoughts are written in first person perspective. We get the full brunt of his feelings of guilt for Jimmy and it was impossible for me not to be drawn into Eric’s state of mind, the storm of emotions that was going through having to face his past again.
Something that made this great novel thrilling for me was that Jimmy did not seem to know who Eric was but that never really is a clear thing and A.F. Henley did a great job on always keep me guessing. And like Eric’s, my heart almost stopped as well on several occasions when Jimmy made hints of his past. Several times I wondered if he was not too innocent to be true? And if he really had no idea that Eric was his tormentor from the past and with them now getting along so well and even intimate, how could all this be resolved without blow like a bomb, and there still be a happy end? All the while Eric’s affection for Jimmy brings him closer and closer to destroy everything he had worked for and the friendship/brotherhood with Devin and Mark.
A.F. Henley scintillated in this and came up with a very honest and realistic ending.
An absolute must-read for anyone who prefers high-quality m/m novels to the usual boy meets boy stories!
But the deeds of his past as kid in that orphanage hunt Eric until today and he has never forgiven himself for what he did especially to a younger boy named Jimmy.
As Eric’s thoughts go in the novel, Fate is a vile bitch and so when his and his friends company is looking to hire someone for a new job, Jimmy showed up.
Instantly guilt came back to Eric with the force of a tsunami and it did not help at all that Jimmy has come out of his frightful and dire youth being the sweetest, kindest man possible. He does not recognise Eric and that adds to making Eric’s life a turmoil of awful emotions. On top of that the two start to get really close.
A.F. Henley dared to pick up a very serious and difficult topic about abused kids in a Catholic orphanage and what it can do to kids and the consequences that will linger through their whole lives.
Every chapter starts with a glimpse of what happened to Eric, his friends, and Jimmy back then in those very dark, awful days and how being abused changed them and turned them into something they would otherwise not have become as kids. Although there is no way to misinterpret what happened back there and then, A.F. Henley very carefully managed to not make it graphical or anything in any way, all we get are hints. Henley masterfully preserved the dignity of his characters and showed how much he do care about them.
What makes this story work so well and make it so very intense is that Eric’s thoughts are written in first person perspective. We get the full brunt of his feelings of guilt for Jimmy and it was impossible for me not to be drawn into Eric’s state of mind, the storm of emotions that was going through having to face his past again.
Something that made this great novel thrilling for me was that Jimmy did not seem to know who Eric was but that never really is a clear thing and A.F. Henley did a great job on always keep me guessing. And like Eric’s, my heart almost stopped as well on several occasions when Jimmy made hints of his past. Several times I wondered if he was not too innocent to be true? And if he really had no idea that Eric was his tormentor from the past and with them now getting along so well and even intimate, how could all this be resolved without blow like a bomb, and there still be a happy end? All the while Eric’s affection for Jimmy brings him closer and closer to destroy everything he had worked for and the friendship/brotherhood with Devin and Mark.
A.F. Henley scintillated in this and came up with a very honest and realistic ending.
An absolute must-read for anyone who prefers high-quality m/m novels to the usual boy meets boy stories!
March 20, 2017
3.5 stars
This story is told in first person, present tense, and completely from Eric's point-of-view. Had I known it was narrated in present tense I probably wouldn't have requested a review copy. For some reason the style of speech comes across as telling. However, given this is a recount of Eric's story the tense used was rather fitting.
So, back to the book. Did I enjoy it? Yes, I did, the first 80% was a riveting read. The flashbacks to Eric and his pal’s early days are well done.
My favourite character was Meryl, the homeless man. Eric's kindness toward him is probably what made me warm to Eric so much. That and his need for redemption.
Given the story is told from the main characters POV, I never felt like I got to know Jimmy, but then I'm not sure I was supposed to.
All in all, this was a lovely story many readers are bound to enjoy.
Copy received via NetGalley.
This story is told in first person, present tense, and completely from Eric's point-of-view. Had I known it was narrated in present tense I probably wouldn't have requested a review copy. For some reason the style of speech comes across as telling. However, given this is a recount of Eric's story the tense used was rather fitting.
So, back to the book. Did I enjoy it? Yes, I did, the first 80% was a riveting read. The flashbacks to Eric and his pal’s early days are well done.
My favourite character was Meryl, the homeless man. Eric's kindness toward him is probably what made me warm to Eric so much. That and his need for redemption.
Given the story is told from the main characters POV, I never felt like I got to know Jimmy, but then I'm not sure I was supposed to.
All in all, this was a lovely story many readers are bound to enjoy.
Copy received via NetGalley.
March 13, 2017
this was an excellent novella that explored guilt, repentance and the realisation that most times, when kids behave badly, they aren't doing it because they're inherently bad people, but because they've learned from bad people - and as adults, you can move on and become a better person. it's about recovering from an abusive and traumatic childhood; of learning to both accept forgiveness and forgive yourself for actions that were never really your fault in the first place.
we three kings is an interesting, complex study of the human psyche and relationships, and i'd definitely recommend it.
we three kings is an interesting, complex study of the human psyche and relationships, and i'd definitely recommend it.
August 24, 2017
"How dare I feel a measure of comfort over somebody else's distress? What kind of person did that make me?
A survivor. It made me a survivor."
Every now and then a book comes along that makes a person stop and think about perspective. It is quite easy to understand the victim's perspective, but it is often harder to look at a bully's point of view, to see the world through their eyes. In We Three Kings we flip between the 80's (when the book is set) and, via the memories of Eric, the past he's come to regret.
This is my first book by this author and I am looking forward to reading more by them. It is a book that make me think while I read, think about the ripple effect of hate and bullying. When does it stop? How does someone fighting for their own survival, fighting not to become a victim, resist being the bully themselves? not for the sake of being a bully, but for the sake of their own sanity, their own survival. Especially when they are children trying to survive the bullying of adults.Sometimes it is not as black and white, right and wrong as it may first appear. That is the food for thought I had when reading this book.
I liked the 80's setting of the book and uncovering Eric and his friends past as we read on. I like that we got this story form Eric's POV, that the bright new shiny world he has created with his friends belies the start they had. It is considered and interesting.
Survival is a human instinct and AF Henley explores the effects of and oppressive childhood on that instinct. I like books that make me think, that make me see the grey. I like books that help me understand others' perspectives and, wrapped in a well written piece of fiction, this book did just that. It is slightly gritty and well worth a read. In my opinion at least.Review previously at bmbr.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
A survivor. It made me a survivor."
Every now and then a book comes along that makes a person stop and think about perspective. It is quite easy to understand the victim's perspective, but it is often harder to look at a bully's point of view, to see the world through their eyes. In We Three Kings we flip between the 80's (when the book is set) and, via the memories of Eric, the past he's come to regret.
This is my first book by this author and I am looking forward to reading more by them. It is a book that make me think while I read, think about the ripple effect of hate and bullying. When does it stop? How does someone fighting for their own survival, fighting not to become a victim, resist being the bully themselves? not for the sake of being a bully, but for the sake of their own sanity, their own survival. Especially when they are children trying to survive the bullying of adults.Sometimes it is not as black and white, right and wrong as it may first appear. That is the food for thought I had when reading this book.
I liked the 80's setting of the book and uncovering Eric and his friends past as we read on. I like that we got this story form Eric's POV, that the bright new shiny world he has created with his friends belies the start they had. It is considered and interesting.
Survival is a human instinct and AF Henley explores the effects of and oppressive childhood on that instinct. I like books that make me think, that make me see the grey. I like books that help me understand others' perspectives and, wrapped in a well written piece of fiction, this book did just that. It is slightly gritty and well worth a read. In my opinion at least.Review previously at bmbr.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2017
If it’s one thing I love it’s a good "enemies to lovers" story. I thought this was what this story would be about given the summary but that is a misnomer… in a very positive way. I enjoyed this story. Imagine being dumped in an orphanage ( in this case a Catholic one), struggling to survive (with your virginity intact) and the only solace is having best friends help each other survive the experience. That was the lives of Eric, Daniel and Mark. An experience the boys barely survived. An experience that solidified their unbreakable bond and friendship for life.
Eric, Daniel and Mark had a tough bully like exterior they developed as a result of the nurturing they received. The abuse at the boys home is mentioned but not overly detailed. Which I like cause it kept the story somewhat light. I wasn't looking for an overly emotional angsty read. Eric, considered himself the worst bully of all. He tortured poor little Jimmy to the point he broke his finger. So imagine how Eric felt when Fate kicked him in the ass. Little Jimmy grew up to be one sexy man. A man Eric can’t help being attracted to. A man whom Eric fears will remember him as the boy that made Jimmy’s life hell.
Eric, Daniel and Mark grew up to be self-made millionaire business partners running their own corporation. It’s a feat to be proud of to come from nothing to become millionaires. Jimmy’s presence forces Eric to reflect on his past and to think of the man he has become vs. the boy he once was. He is scared to reveal himself to Jimmy and I felt for him in those moments when he was tortured by memories from his past.
This story was entertaining but there were a couple hiccups that kinda took away from it. Daniel and Mark should have been fleshed out a little but more. They are on page a lot but they are one dimensional in comparison to Eric. The storyline is interesting but it needed a bit more "glue". I liked the romance between Jimmy and Eric but Eric’s constant worries, overthinking kinda took away from it. There's also not much sexy time at all.
This story is set in the 80’s and as we know AIDS ravaged the gay community. Heroine ravaged poor neighborhoods. I get wary whenever books mention this bleak period in American history because rarely do they "get it right". There’s a scene involving AIDS and Trans people in the book that kinda rubbed me the wrong way. It was a teachable moment and the reason I’m irritated with it is because Eric says to paraphrase: "Using the term GRID insinuates that the illness is a gay problem and we both know that’s B.S., don’t make this an orientation issue." I was beyond upset because if Stacy is more informed than the average person, hangs around gays and knows better according to Eric, then NO, I personally would not be so quick to forgive her but hey that’s just me and my weird quirks.
Outside of these little hiccups, We Three Kings , made me smile. I was happy for Eric and Jimmy by the end of the tale. All four boys came a long way since their orphanage days and to witness them beat the odds, friendship intact, made me smile.
*ARC provided for review at my discretion*
Eric, Daniel and Mark had a tough bully like exterior they developed as a result of the nurturing they received. The abuse at the boys home is mentioned but not overly detailed. Which I like cause it kept the story somewhat light. I wasn't looking for an overly emotional angsty read. Eric, considered himself the worst bully of all. He tortured poor little Jimmy to the point he broke his finger. So imagine how Eric felt when Fate kicked him in the ass. Little Jimmy grew up to be one sexy man. A man Eric can’t help being attracted to. A man whom Eric fears will remember him as the boy that made Jimmy’s life hell.
Eric, Daniel and Mark grew up to be self-made millionaire business partners running their own corporation. It’s a feat to be proud of to come from nothing to become millionaires. Jimmy’s presence forces Eric to reflect on his past and to think of the man he has become vs. the boy he once was. He is scared to reveal himself to Jimmy and I felt for him in those moments when he was tortured by memories from his past.
This story was entertaining but there were a couple hiccups that kinda took away from it. Daniel and Mark should have been fleshed out a little but more. They are on page a lot but they are one dimensional in comparison to Eric. The storyline is interesting but it needed a bit more "glue". I liked the romance between Jimmy and Eric but Eric’s constant worries, overthinking kinda took away from it. There's also not much sexy time at all.
This story is set in the 80’s and as we know AIDS ravaged the gay community. Heroine ravaged poor neighborhoods. I get wary whenever books mention this bleak period in American history because rarely do they "get it right". There’s a scene involving AIDS and Trans people in the book that kinda rubbed me the wrong way. It was a teachable moment and the reason I’m irritated with it is because Eric says to paraphrase: "Using the term GRID insinuates that the illness is a gay problem and we both know that’s B.S., don’t make this an orientation issue." I was beyond upset because if Stacy is more informed than the average person, hangs around gays and knows better according to Eric, then NO, I personally would not be so quick to forgive her but hey that’s just me and my weird quirks.
Outside of these little hiccups, We Three Kings , made me smile. I was happy for Eric and Jimmy by the end of the tale. All four boys came a long way since their orphanage days and to witness them beat the odds, friendship intact, made me smile.
*ARC provided for review at my discretion*
May 22, 2017
This quick 100 plus page book was not my favorite by this author.
Couple of things that hit my ‘not for me’ buttons. We get lots of back story, how they met, grew up. Fine, it’s important to understand what bonded them together. But then at the start of every chapter, we get more, and it’s all italicized. For some reason, that style of script alone drives me nuts. The other one, I can’t say without giving the main plot issue away. But really..
On the plus side, being taken back to the 1980’s was fun. Listening to a verbiage, the authors writing itself of course is flawless.
And even though, it’s about all three players, we are focus on just one, so we aren’t lost or getting vignette of all three in this shorter. And of course we are given a HFN ending, which is nice.
I was given a copy by Crystals Many reviewers for my honest review
Couple of things that hit my ‘not for me’ buttons. We get lots of back story, how they met, grew up. Fine, it’s important to understand what bonded them together. But then at the start of every chapter, we get more, and it’s all italicized. For some reason, that style of script alone drives me nuts. The other one, I can’t say without giving the main plot issue away. But really..
On the plus side, being taken back to the 1980’s was fun. Listening to a verbiage, the authors writing itself of course is flawless.
And even though, it’s about all three players, we are focus on just one, so we aren’t lost or getting vignette of all three in this shorter. And of course we are given a HFN ending, which is nice.
I was given a copy by Crystals Many reviewers for my honest review
July 8, 2017
I won this book off a Goodreads giveaway.
This was just an okay read. The main character/narrator definitely had his own voice, which was a nice change from the last book I tried reading. And it's always nice to see gay characters! But overall there were a lot of cliches and, at the end of the day, the story didn't have much of a plot. I understand that it /could/ have been character driven, but the characters weren't strong enough to round everything out.
First, the book seemed to take a slow pace and drag a little. Then the last few chapters felt really forced, inorganic, and rushed. It was nice for a quick, easy read, but I didn't walk away with much.
This was just an okay read. The main character/narrator definitely had his own voice, which was a nice change from the last book I tried reading. And it's always nice to see gay characters! But overall there were a lot of cliches and, at the end of the day, the story didn't have much of a plot. I understand that it /could/ have been character driven, but the characters weren't strong enough to round everything out.
First, the book seemed to take a slow pace and drag a little. Then the last few chapters felt really forced, inorganic, and rushed. It was nice for a quick, easy read, but I didn't walk away with much.
Read
March 20, 2017DNF, couldn't pull myself into it, though I really liked the premis
March 29, 2017
Not really sure what to think about this book. It's... raw, really. You can basically feel the main hero boiling. He has lot of toxic masculinity and bad trauma to go throught, althought he is a better person than he gives himself credit for, I think.
It's not bad, but I don't think I will be re-reading it either. *scratches head*
It's not bad, but I don't think I will be re-reading it either. *scratches head*
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