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Us #2
Sound of Us
Jake Bowden didn’t expect to be settling into a strong, loving relationship with another guy at only twenty-three years old—never mind with two. His chemistry with Cris is as strong as ever, while things with Charles are more like a simmer than a heavy boil. Charles says he’s perfectly content to go at Jake’s pace, but Jake isn’t sure slow is what he wants anymore. And when Jake wants something, he isn’t shy about going after it.
Cris Sable is head-over-heels in love with the two men in his life, and he’s vowed to do everything he can to protect the fragile, three-way relationship they’re cultivating—even if it means lying about his past. A dark past that resurfaces in an unexpected way and forces Cris to make the difficult choice between shielding Jake and Charles from it, or trusting them enough to help him face it head-on.
Charles Greenwood had forgotten what it felt like to be loved, until a feisty go-go boy and an ex-porn star fell into his bed, and then stole his heart away. He loves both men equally, but differently, slowly stoking the fire of the chemistry he shares with Jake, while passionately pursuing Cris—both in and out of bed. Their lives are entwining in the very best way…until Cris starts to pull away, distancing himself from the loving support of their triad. And after Cris disappears one night on a drunken bender, Charles vows to do whatever it takes to prove to Cris that he can trust them with anything—mind, body and spirit.
Three separate hearts will finally beat as one.
Note: This is the continuation of an m/m/m romance begun in Here For Us and is best read in order to fully enjoy the character and story development. The book also contains mild BDSM elements, including spanking.
Cris Sable is head-over-heels in love with the two men in his life, and he’s vowed to do everything he can to protect the fragile, three-way relationship they’re cultivating—even if it means lying about his past. A dark past that resurfaces in an unexpected way and forces Cris to make the difficult choice between shielding Jake and Charles from it, or trusting them enough to help him face it head-on.
Charles Greenwood had forgotten what it felt like to be loved, until a feisty go-go boy and an ex-porn star fell into his bed, and then stole his heart away. He loves both men equally, but differently, slowly stoking the fire of the chemistry he shares with Jake, while passionately pursuing Cris—both in and out of bed. Their lives are entwining in the very best way…until Cris starts to pull away, distancing himself from the loving support of their triad. And after Cris disappears one night on a drunken bender, Charles vows to do whatever it takes to prove to Cris that he can trust them with anything—mind, body and spirit.
Three separate hearts will finally beat as one.
Note: This is the continuation of an m/m/m romance begun in Here For Us and is best read in order to fully enjoy the character and story development. The book also contains mild BDSM elements, including spanking.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2017
116 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Arthur
87 books1,234 followersNo stranger to the writing world, A.M. Arthur has been creating stories in her head since she was a child and scribbling them down nearly as long. She credits an early fascination with male friendships (bromance wasn't a thing yet) with her later discovery of and subsequent affair with m/m romance stories. When not writing, she can be found in her kitchen, pretending she's an amateur chef and trying to not poison herself or others with her cuisine experiments. You can contact her at AM_Arthur(at)yahoo(dot)com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
April 23, 2017
Quite enjoyed being back with these guys but I didn't enjoy this as much as book 1. For me I kept getting distracted, so maybe I wasn't in the right zone!
March 17, 2020
*** We are continuing from the previous book, about the wonderful, yet intense story, of a male ménage finding their happiness.
Jake and Cris haven't quite captured the concept of no more hiding and to face up to what they want and feel. The men are getting stronger and more loving as they move along,
and Cris, 29,
has an upset from his past that threatens the men he loves. He gets drunk and needs to be taken home by Chet, 48, and Jake, 23.
Together they talk and understand what happened. Cris had kept his past buried, and hoped to never hear those names again. This time the guys rally and support him, go along on the trip, and console him. These guys really connect and bond.
The sex scenes, once again, are magnificent with deep emotions, plus they are wild, raw, and uninhibited. We get first times, and spanking, but light BDSM is talked about. The ménage sex is beautiful, sharing, and erotic, with DP ( double penetration) also.
Jake has a bipolar episode, and he reaches out to his therapist and then the men, instead of allowing himself to dive into depression, as he did before his diagnosis. It's a big step, plus Cris stops his own downfall and reaches for his lovers.
There are still some insecurities about being a throuple, trio, triad, and letting the world know. People can be judgmental and hurtful, so I expect another book for these great guys.
I highly recommend this series. ENJOY !
===========================
Jake and Cris haven't quite captured the concept of no more hiding and to face up to what they want and feel. The men are getting stronger and more loving as they move along,
and Cris, 29,
has an upset from his past that threatens the men he loves. He gets drunk and needs to be taken home by Chet, 48, and Jake, 23.
Together they talk and understand what happened. Cris had kept his past buried, and hoped to never hear those names again. This time the guys rally and support him, go along on the trip, and console him. These guys really connect and bond.
The sex scenes, once again, are magnificent with deep emotions, plus they are wild, raw, and uninhibited. We get first times, and spanking, but light BDSM is talked about. The ménage sex is beautiful, sharing, and erotic, with DP ( double penetration) also.
Jake has a bipolar episode, and he reaches out to his therapist and then the men, instead of allowing himself to dive into depression, as he did before his diagnosis. It's a big step, plus Cris stops his own downfall and reaches for his lovers.
There are still some insecurities about being a throuple, trio, triad, and letting the world know. People can be judgmental and hurtful, so I expect another book for these great guys.
I highly recommend this series. ENJOY !
===========================
April 25, 2017
2.5 stars
Shouldn't have read it. I was not that impressed with the first book and liked the second one even less. Ok, just gotta say that the biggest dislike is the sudden evolution into a D/s relationship for one of the couples. Just felt out of left field and also awkward. Also if Charles could stop saying "love" that would be great. Chet is in his 40s not 60s and talking to his grandkids.
On a good note I liked Jake's growth as a character a lot. I also found less emphasis on the other side characters which helped keep the story tight.
Shouldn't have read it. I was not that impressed with the first book and liked the second one even less. Ok, just gotta say that the biggest dislike is the sudden evolution into a D/s relationship for one of the couples. Just felt out of left field and also awkward. Also if Charles could stop saying "love" that would be great. Chet is in his 40s not 60s and talking to his grandkids.
On a good note I liked Jake's growth as a character a lot. I also found less emphasis on the other side characters which helped keep the story tight.
April 21, 2017
REVIEWED FOR LOVE BYTES
Sound Of Us picks up immediately where Here For Us left off which made perfect sense as Chet, Cris and Jake’s story was definitely left unfinished. At the start of this book they are certainly together but they are not completely settled and at least one of the new triad is hiding secrets.Jake is the youngest and the one that seems to be struggling the most. Chet is a bit of a mystery to him, he is fierce about becoming independent again which sees him living separately from his two men and he is still coming to terms with his recent diagnosis and subsequent reliance on medication. Although Chet and Cris have no problem living together or being intimate together without him there is a definite physical and mental gap where Jake should be.
Cris has secrets. They are long buried and really bare no relevance on who he is today – until they do and he finds himself lying by omission to the two most important people in his world. Not managing how this makes him feel causes a few problems between the three men but they show a maturity, and a little bit of kink, in sorting things out in a way that makes Cris feel cared for and protected.
Chet is the oldest of our three men but he has his own worries when it comes to the two men that have taken over his life and made him happy again. His relationship with Cris is easier as they have known and worked with each other for years and he became adept at hiding his feelings. His affection for Jake however seems to have taken him slightly by surprise and the intimacy between them is more difficult and certainly something that requires more work.
As in the first book this threesome works well mainly due to the communication between all the men. Although the sex is plentiful it’s not what drives them – they spend time talking, going out together and building their relationship with each other. Menage is a favourite of mine when done well – this one is done well.
Sound Of Us picks up immediately where Here For Us left off which made perfect sense as Chet, Cris and Jake’s story was definitely left unfinished. At the start of this book they are certainly together but they are not completely settled and at least one of the new triad is hiding secrets.Jake is the youngest and the one that seems to be struggling the most. Chet is a bit of a mystery to him, he is fierce about becoming independent again which sees him living separately from his two men and he is still coming to terms with his recent diagnosis and subsequent reliance on medication. Although Chet and Cris have no problem living together or being intimate together without him there is a definite physical and mental gap where Jake should be.
Cris has secrets. They are long buried and really bare no relevance on who he is today – until they do and he finds himself lying by omission to the two most important people in his world. Not managing how this makes him feel causes a few problems between the three men but they show a maturity, and a little bit of kink, in sorting things out in a way that makes Cris feel cared for and protected.
Chet is the oldest of our three men but he has his own worries when it comes to the two men that have taken over his life and made him happy again. His relationship with Cris is easier as they have known and worked with each other for years and he became adept at hiding his feelings. His affection for Jake however seems to have taken him slightly by surprise and the intimacy between them is more difficult and certainly something that requires more work.
As in the first book this threesome works well mainly due to the communication between all the men. Although the sex is plentiful it’s not what drives them – they spend time talking, going out together and building their relationship with each other. Menage is a favourite of mine when done well – this one is done well.
April 20, 2017
Review originally posted at Sinfully.
If you enjoyed Here for Us, the first part of Cris, Jake and Charles/Chet’s story, you’re going to enjoy this one as well. The books need to be read in order as this is a continuation of their story, building upon issues raised in the first book.
There are two main plotlines outside of the general furtherance of triad: there’s Cris dealing with the past he thought he escaped and Jake trying to become more independent before fully committing to the triad. Both men fall back on old destructive behaviors and the others are there in full force offering support. With such different personalities and histories between them all, Charles has his work cut out for him here.
Cris’s story had me yelling at my kindle. I’m not going to give anything away other than what the blurb says, but I loved the way Cris dealt with his past. I’m pretty vengeful when it comes to characters that I like who have been wronged and are manipulated, but A.M. Arthur balanced out Cris’s long held feelings of pain, hatred and anger with the ability to not necessarily forgive, but to come to peace with things, without having him make a complete change in his feelings. The end result was something that felt real and very satisfying.
Jake’s story is a direct continuation of his fears in the first. One of his main concerns is wanting to know that if things don’t work out, he can handle his bi-polar on his own since Cris and Charles have been with him throughout his diagnosis and treatment. In addition, Jake still harbors plenty of self-doubt, especially when he thinks of how much history Cris and Charles have together. He’s just waiting for the day that they realize that he has nothing to offer and they don’t need him. Jake makes great strides in this book, dealing with his bi-polar and setting up a path for his future outside of his go-go dancing job, without losing that spark that makes his character so appealing.
The age gap in the story shows in Charles’s maturity, stability and ability to read the two men he loves so well and do what needs to be done to help them. His story revolves around his love for Cris, Jake and his nephew Dell. He has overcome his difficult past that helps him work with all three men, but I would really like to see him face a challenge and have to rely on Cris and Jake. I love the scenes where he is starting to let loose and open up and not worry about being the old guy of the three.
Where the first book was fairly light on the sex, this one focuses on the physical relationship quite a bit more. There are several new levels that the men explore. First there is Jake’s readiness to move forward physically with Charles and resume things where he left off with Cris. While Jake’s mind and heart is willing, other parts of his body are still adjusting to the medication he is taking to control his bi-polar. There is also the introduction of spanking woven into Cris’s story as both a form of discipline and pleasure. I have to say that Charles’s Dom side is very appealing.
Even though there is a lot of drama and emotion going through the book, it’s still not overly angsty. The men are really working on communication and any missteps in the relationship are not drawn out. While the triad has become a more solid unit, I’m glad that the men still have their individual relationships with each other. They are sexy, sweet and everyone has something to offer the other two whether they realize it or not.
I am thrilled that A.M. Arthur has said there will be more books in the series, including another focusing on the triad as well as Taro and Dell’s story. She has set up a very interesting story between the demisexual Taro and homoromantic asexual Dell that I would love to see explored.
If you enjoyed Here for Us, the first part of Cris, Jake and Charles/Chet’s story, you’re going to enjoy this one as well. The books need to be read in order as this is a continuation of their story, building upon issues raised in the first book.
There are two main plotlines outside of the general furtherance of triad: there’s Cris dealing with the past he thought he escaped and Jake trying to become more independent before fully committing to the triad. Both men fall back on old destructive behaviors and the others are there in full force offering support. With such different personalities and histories between them all, Charles has his work cut out for him here.
Cris’s story had me yelling at my kindle. I’m not going to give anything away other than what the blurb says, but I loved the way Cris dealt with his past. I’m pretty vengeful when it comes to characters that I like who have been wronged and are manipulated, but A.M. Arthur balanced out Cris’s long held feelings of pain, hatred and anger with the ability to not necessarily forgive, but to come to peace with things, without having him make a complete change in his feelings. The end result was something that felt real and very satisfying.
Jake’s story is a direct continuation of his fears in the first. One of his main concerns is wanting to know that if things don’t work out, he can handle his bi-polar on his own since Cris and Charles have been with him throughout his diagnosis and treatment. In addition, Jake still harbors plenty of self-doubt, especially when he thinks of how much history Cris and Charles have together. He’s just waiting for the day that they realize that he has nothing to offer and they don’t need him. Jake makes great strides in this book, dealing with his bi-polar and setting up a path for his future outside of his go-go dancing job, without losing that spark that makes his character so appealing.
The age gap in the story shows in Charles’s maturity, stability and ability to read the two men he loves so well and do what needs to be done to help them. His story revolves around his love for Cris, Jake and his nephew Dell. He has overcome his difficult past that helps him work with all three men, but I would really like to see him face a challenge and have to rely on Cris and Jake. I love the scenes where he is starting to let loose and open up and not worry about being the old guy of the three.
Where the first book was fairly light on the sex, this one focuses on the physical relationship quite a bit more. There are several new levels that the men explore. First there is Jake’s readiness to move forward physically with Charles and resume things where he left off with Cris. While Jake’s mind and heart is willing, other parts of his body are still adjusting to the medication he is taking to control his bi-polar. There is also the introduction of spanking woven into Cris’s story as both a form of discipline and pleasure. I have to say that Charles’s Dom side is very appealing.
Even though there is a lot of drama and emotion going through the book, it’s still not overly angsty. The men are really working on communication and any missteps in the relationship are not drawn out. While the triad has become a more solid unit, I’m glad that the men still have their individual relationships with each other. They are sexy, sweet and everyone has something to offer the other two whether they realize it or not.
I am thrilled that A.M. Arthur has said there will be more books in the series, including another focusing on the triad as well as Taro and Dell’s story. She has set up a very interesting story between the demisexual Taro and homoromantic asexual Dell that I would love to see explored.
April 14, 2017
This is the sequel to Here for Us which needs to be read before this one. I did enjoy seeing more of the development of this ménage relationship and the way the characters issues were handled. Actually, the only ones with true issues were Jake and Cris; Jake is still learning to cope with his bipolarism and Cris's past catches up with him. Charles/Chet is the oldest and most level-headed and I liked the way A.M. Arthur made him a strong guide for both Cris and Jake. He didn't become a creepy daddy-type character either, and I felt he was balanced well with the other two.
Both stories are far less angst-filled than most of Ms. Arthur's past books. There is a great deal of focus on the burgeoning sex-life between the three. There was little sex in the first book and it builds gradually here, as well, as Jake and Cris learn to trust and communicate with Charles and each other.
I did think the ending was rather abrupt and would have preferred it ended at a different point than it did. If you like ménage and prefer one that begins with everyone coming together close the same time, this might suit you well. Dell, Charles's nephew and Toro, Jakes friend, are future characters I think, and will also bring more sexually-diverse storylines into the mix!
Both stories are far less angst-filled than most of Ms. Arthur's past books. There is a great deal of focus on the burgeoning sex-life between the three. There was little sex in the first book and it builds gradually here, as well, as Jake and Cris learn to trust and communicate with Charles and each other.
I did think the ending was rather abrupt and would have preferred it ended at a different point than it did. If you like ménage and prefer one that begins with everyone coming together close the same time, this might suit you well. Dell, Charles's nephew and Toro, Jakes friend, are future characters I think, and will also bring more sexually-diverse storylines into the mix!
February 7, 2018
I liked the first book very much, so I had high hopes for this one. Sadly it couldn't keep my interest.
In the end I have to say: too much sex and not enough story.
In the end I have to say: too much sex and not enough story.
April 24, 2017
Good.
I was looking forward to catching up with Jake, Cris and Chet again. Things were a little slow to start but once the story got going it was enjoyable.
I was looking forward to catching up with Jake, Cris and Chet again. Things were a little slow to start but once the story got going it was enjoyable.
April 27, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Sound of Us is the second book in the Us series and a direct follow up to Here for Us. Although we get some background here on what has been going on with the guys, this book is best read after the first story.
At the end of the first book, the guys were coming together officially as a threesome, and now we see them a short time later. The two conflicts they are facing now are the secret from Cris’ past and his instinct to hide it from the other guys, and Jake’s feeling that he needs to spend some time living on his own without the other men. In Cris’ case, we see his fear about sharing what is going on at war with his partners’ desire to help care for him and support him. I think this part is developed well and the secret doesn’t drag on too long. I liked seeing the way the other two men help bolster Cris and give him their unconditional support as he decides how to go forward.
With Jake, his fears manifest in a couple of ways. First, he wants to move out so that he can prove to himself his is able to be self sufficient. Jake also still suffers from major worries that he is not worthy of being with these other two guys, and that ultimately they will decide they are better off without him. This part did drag on a bit for me, as I feel like this same issue was at play in the first book and we are frequently bouncing back and forth from things being fine to Jake being anxious about his place in the relationship. I did like the way we see the connection growing between Jake and Chet, however. It seemed very natural to me that their part of the triad would take longer to solidify, so it worked for me that it grows more slowly. I actually felt like their proclamations of love after only a few short weeks had felt way too fast, so I like that here we see things develop a bit more naturally between them.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Sound of Us is the second book in the Us series and a direct follow up to Here for Us. Although we get some background here on what has been going on with the guys, this book is best read after the first story.
At the end of the first book, the guys were coming together officially as a threesome, and now we see them a short time later. The two conflicts they are facing now are the secret from Cris’ past and his instinct to hide it from the other guys, and Jake’s feeling that he needs to spend some time living on his own without the other men. In Cris’ case, we see his fear about sharing what is going on at war with his partners’ desire to help care for him and support him. I think this part is developed well and the secret doesn’t drag on too long. I liked seeing the way the other two men help bolster Cris and give him their unconditional support as he decides how to go forward.
With Jake, his fears manifest in a couple of ways. First, he wants to move out so that he can prove to himself his is able to be self sufficient. Jake also still suffers from major worries that he is not worthy of being with these other two guys, and that ultimately they will decide they are better off without him. This part did drag on a bit for me, as I feel like this same issue was at play in the first book and we are frequently bouncing back and forth from things being fine to Jake being anxious about his place in the relationship. I did like the way we see the connection growing between Jake and Chet, however. It seemed very natural to me that their part of the triad would take longer to solidify, so it worked for me that it grows more slowly. I actually felt like their proclamations of love after only a few short weeks had felt way too fast, so I like that here we see things develop a bit more naturally between them.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
February 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this book even more than the first one. This one dealt with a little bit more darker issues and the way the characters dealt with them was inspiring. The way the author portrayed the problems was very realistic. Also the way the characters reacted to the obstacles that were thrown their way was very realistic and refreshing. This series has proved to be a very realistic representation of life and the struggle everyone faces now and again.
January 18, 2018
Amazing!!
I love these guys. Unique individuals who find the strength in themselves as well as each other to go into an amazing triad filled with love, respect, and beautiful passion. I am really loving this series and look forward to reading Taro and Dell's story. I think that one is really going to show just how talented A.M. Author truly is.
I love these guys. Unique individuals who find the strength in themselves as well as each other to go into an amazing triad filled with love, respect, and beautiful passion. I am really loving this series and look forward to reading Taro and Dell's story. I think that one is really going to show just how talented A.M. Author truly is.
April 23, 2017
These three love each other so much!
Sound of Us is book 2 in A. M. Arthur's new series called Us. While you probably could read book 2 without reading book 1 first I strongly recommend that you start with book 1. First off, it's a great book and second, book 1 gives you a lot of the background information about Cris, Chet (Charles) and Jake.
Here for Us ended with a HFN (happy for now) but Sound of Us digs deeper into the relationship between the three MCs (main characters).
Cris has been keeping a secret from his two boyfriends. He doesn't want to face anything to do with his past and he has never seemed to find the right time to tell them what they deserve to know about it.
Jake has to come to terms with his illness; he needs to know he can handle life without the constant support of Chet and Cris.
Chet (Charles) does what he always seems to do best and that is be totally supportive of his boyfriends in whatever way they need at the time.
Sound of Us should have come with a warning – something like "caution, contents may cause your ereader to spontaneously combust." The sexy time in this book is beyond scorching and it's pretty plentiful. I love how Ms. Arthur seems to give these guys exactly what they need, exactly when they need it.
Parts of this story made me smile and parts of it made my heart ache for what the characters had to go through to finally find their HEA. The dialogue is witty and the writing flowed very well. This is a book that I didn't want to put down once I started but real life intruded and forced me to take much longer to read than is normal for me. This was frustrating and at the same time the story was so good I really didn't want it to end anyway so stretching things out was also kind of a good torture.
I know Ms. Arthur has more books planned for this series. She introduced some interesting secondary characters that I'm hoping will get stories of their own soon.
*****Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com*****
Sound of Us is book 2 in A. M. Arthur's new series called Us. While you probably could read book 2 without reading book 1 first I strongly recommend that you start with book 1. First off, it's a great book and second, book 1 gives you a lot of the background information about Cris, Chet (Charles) and Jake.
Here for Us ended with a HFN (happy for now) but Sound of Us digs deeper into the relationship between the three MCs (main characters).
Cris has been keeping a secret from his two boyfriends. He doesn't want to face anything to do with his past and he has never seemed to find the right time to tell them what they deserve to know about it.
Jake has to come to terms with his illness; he needs to know he can handle life without the constant support of Chet and Cris.
Chet (Charles) does what he always seems to do best and that is be totally supportive of his boyfriends in whatever way they need at the time.
Sound of Us should have come with a warning – something like "caution, contents may cause your ereader to spontaneously combust." The sexy time in this book is beyond scorching and it's pretty plentiful. I love how Ms. Arthur seems to give these guys exactly what they need, exactly when they need it.
Parts of this story made me smile and parts of it made my heart ache for what the characters had to go through to finally find their HEA. The dialogue is witty and the writing flowed very well. This is a book that I didn't want to put down once I started but real life intruded and forced me to take much longer to read than is normal for me. This was frustrating and at the same time the story was so good I really didn't want it to end anyway so stretching things out was also kind of a good torture.
I know Ms. Arthur has more books planned for this series. She introduced some interesting secondary characters that I'm hoping will get stories of their own soon.
*****Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com*****
March 21, 2023
So sweet. We get more of our triad, and conclusion to Cris's family arc. I'm so far loving this.
May 3, 2017
This is so petty but just like the first book, Charles' patterns of speech made me crazy. It was so stifled and obviously an attempt to make him sound older than the other two. It kept ripping me out of the story.
But the story... it was nice. Fine. Not a lot of drama and what there was, was resolved quickly. This book had a laundry list of things in it so it read a little bit like something that was produced less to tell a real story and more to check the PC boxes of a book in this genre being written right now. If you are looking for a lot of sex, MMM, domestic discipline (which was so random here, imo), this is for you.
But the story... it was nice. Fine. Not a lot of drama and what there was, was resolved quickly. This book had a laundry list of things in it so it read a little bit like something that was produced less to tell a real story and more to check the PC boxes of a book in this genre being written right now. If you are looking for a lot of sex, MMM, domestic discipline (which was so random here, imo), this is for you.
June 2, 2017
2.5*
This is a continuation of Here for Us and does not really stand on its own. Although it would not be impossible to skip the first book as there is enough quick rehashing parts to help a new reader settle in. The three main characters are Charles, Cris, and Jake and they are in a newly formed three way relationship. The first book saw them getting together and this one sees them getting used to the new relationship and trying out new ways of expressing their love both sexually and non-sexually. On that level the book works. I like the characters enough I probably will read the third when it is published but the writing style is so annoying I likely would not read it immediately if it were available now.
In book one I found the amount of sex appropriate but in this one it seemed to be too much. Although that could be because there was some odd and out of place spanking added in.
One improvement over the last book is it cuts down on side characters and does not bother explaining too much who they are. I really liked Dell and Taro although I could really have done away with the PSA for asexuality. It was very clumsy. And that brings me to the writing style itself which I do not enjoy. so much of it is telling not showing. And the telling feels like it is trying too hard. Very awkward pop psychology character studies. And then there is my pet peeve. Timing! Seriously why can't some authors get out a calendar and sketch out a reasonable timing in it and then stick to it consistently through a book. We have bits that tell of how they are settling in and make it sound likes weeks have gone by. Then we have contradictory statements saying that only two weeks have gone by. This makes no sense and I find it jarring. Are we really to believe that Jake has learned how to cook and become a foody all in two weeks?
This is a continuation of Here for Us and does not really stand on its own. Although it would not be impossible to skip the first book as there is enough quick rehashing parts to help a new reader settle in. The three main characters are Charles, Cris, and Jake and they are in a newly formed three way relationship. The first book saw them getting together and this one sees them getting used to the new relationship and trying out new ways of expressing their love both sexually and non-sexually. On that level the book works. I like the characters enough I probably will read the third when it is published but the writing style is so annoying I likely would not read it immediately if it were available now.
In book one I found the amount of sex appropriate but in this one it seemed to be too much. Although that could be because there was some odd and out of place spanking added in.
One improvement over the last book is it cuts down on side characters and does not bother explaining too much who they are. I really liked Dell and Taro although I could really have done away with the PSA for asexuality. It was very clumsy. And that brings me to the writing style itself which I do not enjoy. so much of it is telling not showing. And the telling feels like it is trying too hard. Very awkward pop psychology character studies. And then there is my pet peeve. Timing! Seriously why can't some authors get out a calendar and sketch out a reasonable timing in it and then stick to it consistently through a book. We have bits that tell of how they are settling in and make it sound likes weeks have gone by. Then we have contradictory statements saying that only two weeks have gone by. This makes no sense and I find it jarring. Are we really to believe that Jake has learned how to cook and become a foody all in two weeks?
April 26, 2017
I've read several AM Arthur books and I enjoyed Cost of Repairs and Perspectives. This one didn't work for me.
Pluses for erotic descriptions, discussion of Jake's bipolar issues, Ned
Minuses for rushed and poor editing, repetitiveness, confusing names (Chet/Charles/Cris/Christian -- I constantly had to check who I was reading about), boring go-nowhere red herrings (Booker's threats, Cris's parents), making Chet/Charles talk like Yoda instead of a real person (one more "do you consent?" and "you always know the right thing to say" and I was going to scream), and pointless setups for other books (Benny, Dell/Taro)
Pluses for erotic descriptions, discussion of Jake's bipolar issues, Ned
Minuses for rushed and poor editing, repetitiveness, confusing names (Chet/Charles/Cris/Christian -- I constantly had to check who I was reading about), boring go-nowhere red herrings (Booker's threats, Cris's parents), making Chet/Charles talk like Yoda instead of a real person (one more "do you consent?" and "you always know the right thing to say" and I was going to scream), and pointless setups for other books (Benny, Dell/Taro)
May 31, 2017
This book was just mostly predictable and frankly uninteresting.
May 10, 2017
The Sound of Us follows the triad that we met in A.M. Arthur’s Here for Us as they come through one crisis and begin to establish the parameters of their unique relationship. Lots of emotion, a whole lot of hot, steamy sex, mixed with some serious conversations, a bit of BDSM play and talk of the future all are rolled up into the second book in this series.
As Jake gets stronger and a better understanding of his bi-polar disorder, he makes a decision that while his lovers Cris and Chet understand they don’t like. He plans to move back to the apartment he shares with a friend to prove that he can live on his own and manage his disorder, medications, and life by himself. He’s not cutting them out, he intends to see them and have dinner with them daily, but getting back to work and a normal routine is what he needs to do. While it seems Jake is taking control of his life, someone from Cris’ past threatens those he loves sending him into a tailspin and making Chet and Jake take action they feel he needs.
Building their triad relationship takes patience, understanding and a whole lot of love and while these three men have good communication, melding their lives isn’t always easy. Cris has kept secrets from Chet and Jake and suffers the consequences when they find out. The interplay between these three is interesting and as they become closer, their intimacy increases and they begin to realize how much they need one another in their lives. I liked that they began to share their relationship with friends and family and even start to be seen in public together. While not always easy, they are moving at a pace that works for all parties involved. Jake is really showing growth in his character, but as the youngest of the group I expect that; he is figuring out his life, what interests him, and maybe even what he’d like to do after his time as a go-go dancer is over. Cris and Chet’s absolute faith and encouragement go a long way to making him feel secure both in his ability and in his life. The way Chet and Jake pull together to help Cris through his struggles show the bond between them goes both ways and I have a feeling when we see these three again, Chet may be facing something that allows the others to give back freely to him.
This is a fascinating series and a good look at what it takes to make a unique relationship work while not always easy, for these three men their triad works and is getting stronger with each and every passing day.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
April 15, 2021
I love series where the story doesn’t end with the relationship starting. I’m much more interested in the potential drama of personalities existing together after the blush of fresh romance has worn off. Three people instead of two provide even more opportunities for interesting conflict. As a dynamic so far out of my lived wheelhouse, I love reading different takes on the possibilities, especially between three characters as disparate as Jake, Cris, and Chet/Charles.
The primary plots, internal and external, of this story center on Jake and Cris. Jake’s issues are closer to home as he learns to manage his newly diagnosed bipolar disorder. Once again, the other two men in his relationship are not there as a way for the author to “fix” Jake’s mental illness, and I appreciate how Arthur treads the thin line of having them support Jake in a way that maintains his agency even though it would be so easy for them to smother the younger man with their care.
Further outside their contained circle is a lingering issue on Cris’ part, after he’s sworn to his partners that the lies are over. Cris may have no more secrets to keep, but that doesn’t stop problems from his former life from interfering with his potential happy ending. Again, Jake and Chet support Cris through a difficult time and acknowledge the issue of these secrets without hinging their love on it.
Ultimately, the three men grow closer and onto a more even keel, which is especially important due to the various unbalanced dynamics present at the beginning of this book. I have more faith after this book that their “happily for now” is, in fact, a “happily ever after.”
Through both of these conflicts, Charles’s age and experience are a feature rather than a bug, and while it seems he’s getting off fairly light in this book, I may have sneaked a glance at future blurbs in this series. Before that, however, it looks like we’ll finally get the full story of Charles’ nephew and Cris’ best friend, and even though we’re back to a binary relationship, I already know nothing about these characters will bore me.
The primary plots, internal and external, of this story center on Jake and Cris. Jake’s issues are closer to home as he learns to manage his newly diagnosed bipolar disorder. Once again, the other two men in his relationship are not there as a way for the author to “fix” Jake’s mental illness, and I appreciate how Arthur treads the thin line of having them support Jake in a way that maintains his agency even though it would be so easy for them to smother the younger man with their care.
Further outside their contained circle is a lingering issue on Cris’ part, after he’s sworn to his partners that the lies are over. Cris may have no more secrets to keep, but that doesn’t stop problems from his former life from interfering with his potential happy ending. Again, Jake and Chet support Cris through a difficult time and acknowledge the issue of these secrets without hinging their love on it.
Ultimately, the three men grow closer and onto a more even keel, which is especially important due to the various unbalanced dynamics present at the beginning of this book. I have more faith after this book that their “happily for now” is, in fact, a “happily ever after.”
Through both of these conflicts, Charles’s age and experience are a feature rather than a bug, and while it seems he’s getting off fairly light in this book, I may have sneaked a glance at future blurbs in this series. Before that, however, it looks like we’ll finally get the full story of Charles’ nephew and Cris’ best friend, and even though we’re back to a binary relationship, I already know nothing about these characters will bore me.
May 7, 2017
Once again we get to see into the lives of Jake, Charles, & Cris who are now learning to navigate their way around a polyamorous relationship that they began in Here for Us. Sound of Us sees the boys shortly after Here ended. Cris' past comes back and not wanting to bring his lovers into the sordid world he grew up in, Cris keeps the troubles to himself. Safe to say that doesn't sit too well with Charles and Jake once they find out. Jake has felt abandoned so often that despite his love for his fellas he is still expecting the day to come that they realize they'll be happier without him, add onto that is him learning to live with being bipolar and manage it independently because he expects the day he won't have Charles and Cris to help him. Since, as you know I don't do spoilers, all I will say is that Charles has his hands full but loving every minute of it.
Sound of Us is chock full of drama, lust, humor, love, and plenty of heart. Friendships with secondary characters may not surface as much as they did in Here for Us but they are just as important and meaningful. With hints of demisexual Taro and homoromantic asexual Dell finding a connection, I am already intrigued to read their story down the road.
I won't lie, one of the major factors that drew me to ménage and poly stories was the heat levels that are pretty standard for these particular tropes. However, it is stories such as AM Arthur's Us series that go beyond the heat factor and explore a loving, honest, and emotional journey for those involved in the relationship. Yes, there is definitely heat and lust oozing off the pages between Jake, Charles, and Cris but it is much deeper than just sex. This is a truly heart-warming, and yes a little heartbreaking at times, journey that will make you smile and leave you wanting more.
Sound of Us is chock full of drama, lust, humor, love, and plenty of heart. Friendships with secondary characters may not surface as much as they did in Here for Us but they are just as important and meaningful. With hints of demisexual Taro and homoromantic asexual Dell finding a connection, I am already intrigued to read their story down the road.
I won't lie, one of the major factors that drew me to ménage and poly stories was the heat levels that are pretty standard for these particular tropes. However, it is stories such as AM Arthur's Us series that go beyond the heat factor and explore a loving, honest, and emotional journey for those involved in the relationship. Yes, there is definitely heat and lust oozing off the pages between Jake, Charles, and Cris but it is much deeper than just sex. This is a truly heart-warming, and yes a little heartbreaking at times, journey that will make you smile and leave you wanting more.
October 31, 2017
Cris und Charles unterstützen Jake bei seinen Entscheidungen, auch wenn sie ihnen nicht immer gefallen. Aber Jake, der nun immer besser mit seiner Erkrankung, aber auch seinen Unsicherheiten umgeht, will sich beweisen. Und vielleicht will er seine Stabilität, Reife und Entwicklung auch seinen beiden Liebhabern beweisen. Deswegen verläßt Jake das schützende Haus Charles‘ um wieder in seine Wohnung zurückzugehen. Es läuft aber überraschend gut, auch wenn Jake seine Zweifel nicht völlig ignorieren kann.
Während Jake sich immer mehr stabilisiert, gerät Cris‘ Welt ins Wanken. Seine Vergangenheit holt ihn ein und er muss erneut Farbe bekennen. Denn er ist nicht der, als der er sich ausgegeben hat und vor allem Chet treffen Cris‘ Enthüllungen. Allerdings beweist Charles die nötige Reife und Ruhe, die man von ihm erwartet. Ohne jedes Zögern steht er an Cris‘ Seite und hilft ihm durch diese schwierige Zeit, die Cris, Chet und Jake jedoch nur noch weiter zusammenbringt und ihre Beziehung festigt.
Der zweite Teil der Serie gefiel mir noch besser als der erste Teil, wo Jake, Chet und Cris sich finden. A.M. Arthur schreibt sehr einfühlsam, liebenswert und emotional, aber auch sehr sexy und humorvoll. Es war großartig zu diesen drei unterschiedlichen Männer zurückzukehren und sie bei den nächsten Schritten ihres gemeinsamen Lebens zu begleiten.
Jetzt erfährt man auch ein wenig mehr von Cris und seiner schwierigen Vergangenheit und dem gestörten Verhältnis zu seinen Eltern, mit denen es ein unerwartetes Wiedersehen gibt. Obwohl er Chet gegenüber nicht ganz ehrlich war, fängt dieser ihn aber auf und auch Jake beweist, dass er eine Stütze und ein gleichwertiger Partner sein kann.
Fast ein wenig wehmütig habe ich diese Geschichte beendet, auch wenn ich mir natürlich ein Wiedersehen im nächsten Teil – der von Taro und Dell handeln wird – erhoffe.
Während Jake sich immer mehr stabilisiert, gerät Cris‘ Welt ins Wanken. Seine Vergangenheit holt ihn ein und er muss erneut Farbe bekennen. Denn er ist nicht der, als der er sich ausgegeben hat und vor allem Chet treffen Cris‘ Enthüllungen. Allerdings beweist Charles die nötige Reife und Ruhe, die man von ihm erwartet. Ohne jedes Zögern steht er an Cris‘ Seite und hilft ihm durch diese schwierige Zeit, die Cris, Chet und Jake jedoch nur noch weiter zusammenbringt und ihre Beziehung festigt.
Der zweite Teil der Serie gefiel mir noch besser als der erste Teil, wo Jake, Chet und Cris sich finden. A.M. Arthur schreibt sehr einfühlsam, liebenswert und emotional, aber auch sehr sexy und humorvoll. Es war großartig zu diesen drei unterschiedlichen Männer zurückzukehren und sie bei den nächsten Schritten ihres gemeinsamen Lebens zu begleiten.
Jetzt erfährt man auch ein wenig mehr von Cris und seiner schwierigen Vergangenheit und dem gestörten Verhältnis zu seinen Eltern, mit denen es ein unerwartetes Wiedersehen gibt. Obwohl er Chet gegenüber nicht ganz ehrlich war, fängt dieser ihn aber auf und auch Jake beweist, dass er eine Stütze und ein gleichwertiger Partner sein kann.
Fast ein wenig wehmütig habe ich diese Geschichte beendet, auch wenn ich mir natürlich ein Wiedersehen im nächsten Teil – der von Taro und Dell handeln wird – erhoffe.
June 29, 2017
Wow.. I love this book, a beautifully written story with 3 amazing guys. Cris is a beautiful guy with struggles as well as Jake. Thank goodness they have Chet there for them. Between the three of them they make a fantastic trio.. This has some really hot scenes and bravery and courage and mental health struggles.
Life continues with Cris, Jake and Chet being all together from the first book in this series.
Their relationship is still new and not many of their friends know yet.. Jake is moving out back to apartment for a while. Working out a polyamory and feelings of outing to their friends stains things.. Jack a go go dancer, Chet has his porn site and Cris is an computer programming whizz.
Jake has bipolar and is still adjusting to it along with the newness of there relationship has him scared.. Cris, one of his secrets came out but he has another to yet share and its a dozy. Thoroughly recommend this, but you'll need to read the first book.
Life continues with Cris, Jake and Chet being all together from the first book in this series.
Their relationship is still new and not many of their friends know yet.. Jake is moving out back to apartment for a while. Working out a polyamory and feelings of outing to their friends stains things.. Jack a go go dancer, Chet has his porn site and Cris is an computer programming whizz.
Jake has bipolar and is still adjusting to it along with the newness of there relationship has him scared.. Cris, one of his secrets came out but he has another to yet share and its a dozy. Thoroughly recommend this, but you'll need to read the first book.
May 14, 2017
Erotically sweet, this one is a study in contrast
There's lots and lots of smexy times in this one but they're never superfluous and they work perfectly within the story narrative.
I love how AM Arthur always has her characters talking throughout their relationship, not just when things have gone wrong.
There's a bit more angsty in this one as we get the full story of Cris' crime family past and also see how Jake's bipolar continues to affect his emotions and behaviour.
I've enjoyed this duo of books and I believe there is one more to come with this triad before we hopefully get the stories of some of the secondary characters.
I also want to shout out for the covers, both of them were beautiful.
There's lots and lots of smexy times in this one but they're never superfluous and they work perfectly within the story narrative.
I love how AM Arthur always has her characters talking throughout their relationship, not just when things have gone wrong.
There's a bit more angsty in this one as we get the full story of Cris' crime family past and also see how Jake's bipolar continues to affect his emotions and behaviour.
I've enjoyed this duo of books and I believe there is one more to come with this triad before we hopefully get the stories of some of the secondary characters.
I also want to shout out for the covers, both of them were beautiful.
January 5, 2019
Three very different men find the strength to love each other
This book contains graphic mmm sex scenes and is for 18+ readers.
I loved this book! Charles(Chet), Cristian(Cris), & Jake are an unlikely triad. Charles thinks he's too old for this kind of love. Cris is hiding a secret that may pull them apart. Jake is dealing with bipolar. You will ache for them. Laugh with them. Feel pride when Jake conquers his fears & goes after his dreams. The minor characters are rich & well thought out.
I got caught up in their story. The emotion is palpable. The sex is steamy. It leaves you wanting More. You will love this book . Just what we have come to expect from A. M. Arthur.
This book contains graphic mmm sex scenes and is for 18+ readers.
I loved this book! Charles(Chet), Cristian(Cris), & Jake are an unlikely triad. Charles thinks he's too old for this kind of love. Cris is hiding a secret that may pull them apart. Jake is dealing with bipolar. You will ache for them. Laugh with them. Feel pride when Jake conquers his fears & goes after his dreams. The minor characters are rich & well thought out.
I got caught up in their story. The emotion is palpable. The sex is steamy. It leaves you wanting More. You will love this book . Just what we have come to expect from A. M. Arthur.
August 16, 2020
Der 1. Band hat mir viel besser gefallen, das liegt vor allem daran, dass das Trio bei mir etliche Sympathiepunkte verloren hat. Allen voran Chet, der bisher hilfsbereit und liebevoll dargestellt wurde. Keine Ahnung, was sich die Autorin dabei gedacht hat, aber den Partner grün und blau zu schlagen, weil er ein Vertrauensproblem hat, erscheint mir nicht als geeignete Maßnahme. Was als zärtliche Beziehung der drei Männer begonnen hat, wurde durch diese Prügelszene meiner Meinung nach völlig ruiniert.
Jetzt hoffe ich darauf, dass der nächste Band ohne absurde BDSM-Szenen auskommt, denn der handelt von Dell.
Jetzt hoffe ich darauf, dass der nächste Band ohne absurde BDSM-Szenen auskommt, denn der handelt von Dell.
May 7, 2017
Normally I give all A.M.'s books at least 4 plus stars but this one I liked but didn't love it just didn't blow me away. I was frustrated and sick of Jake's self-esteem issues with the relationship and feeling like a third wheel because he wasn't in friendship/relationship that long. Like I said I thought it but good but wanted more. I did like when more characters were involved in the story like Chet's Nephew Dell and his issues and new budding relationship, It made things more interesting. The rest of the story and drama between the triad was just ok/mundane.
July 7, 2017
Love it
I love to read about my three favorite guys. I was scared that jake recent diagnosis would break them all apart or Chris secrets would rip them into different directions. But it didn't. I feel like Chet words knew how to keep everyone leveled and that each person in the relationship brings something to the table that each one needs from the other. I was thinking no this is going to end very bad. I wish we knew more about Chet pass. I wanted to know what Dell went through that night but know a bit of it was wow. Love it. Must read for those who haven't.
I love to read about my three favorite guys. I was scared that jake recent diagnosis would break them all apart or Chris secrets would rip them into different directions. But it didn't. I feel like Chet words knew how to keep everyone leveled and that each person in the relationship brings something to the table that each one needs from the other. I was thinking no this is going to end very bad. I wish we knew more about Chet pass. I wanted to know what Dell went through that night but know a bit of it was wow. Love it. Must read for those who haven't.
July 3, 2020
Darum geht's:
Cris, Chet und Jake sind sich einig geworden, dass sie es zu dritt probieren wollen. Jake braucht sowieso Unterstützung, bis er seine Bipolarität im Griff hat und deshalb wohnen die drei Männer in Chets Haus zusammen. Ganz selbstverständlich finden sie sich aber nicht zusammen, sondern es braucht viel Arbeit und Gespräche zwischen ihnen. Besonders, da Cris etwas Großes vor seinen Männern verheimlicht.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
Cris, Chet und Jake sind sich einig geworden, dass sie es zu dritt probieren wollen. Jake braucht sowieso Unterstützung, bis er seine Bipolarität im Griff hat und deshalb wohnen die drei Männer in Chets Haus zusammen. Ganz selbstverständlich finden sie sich aber nicht zusammen, sondern es braucht viel Arbeit und Gespräche zwischen ihnen. Besonders, da Cris etwas Großes vor seinen Männern verheimlicht.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
May 31, 2017
Fantastic
I don't think I've ever read a bad story by A M Arthur. This one does not disappoint, continuing from here for us. This book takes the story of chet, cris & Jake to the next level, with the boys striving to make their relationship work despite depression, the FBI and a visit to jail. Thoroughly recommended but read here for us first or better still the 2 for runner series cost of repairs & perspectives you will not be disappointed.
I don't think I've ever read a bad story by A M Arthur. This one does not disappoint, continuing from here for us. This book takes the story of chet, cris & Jake to the next level, with the boys striving to make their relationship work despite depression, the FBI and a visit to jail. Thoroughly recommended but read here for us first or better still the 2 for runner series cost of repairs & perspectives you will not be disappointed.
October 3, 2017
Very good! I liked part 2 and the story came together as it continued this interesting triad story from part 1. I got a better feel for Jake in this story and his emotional connection to Chet was solidified. I worried about Jake's true feelings in part 1.....but no more. Cris, Jake and Chet worked through their emotions verbally and physically and arrived at a comfortable and very satisfying relationship that was pleasing and gratifying to all 3 men. Good conclusion!
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