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Middleman

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I don’t kneel for any man. Not anymore.I had the perfect dominant boyfriend. Then Cortez left me to save the world.After two and a half years lost drowning my misery in bad decisions, one man changed everything.Rogan is the perfect submissive, who puts me back in control of both him and my life.Until Cortez comes home.Who am I? Cortez’s bottom or Rogan’s top?Maybe I’m both.Maybe I was made to be their middleman.

360 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2017

162 people are currently reading
788 people want to read

About the author

Jayne Rylon

288 books1,549 followers
Jayne Rylon is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She received the 2011 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Indie Erotic Romance. Her stories used to begin as daydreams in seemingly endless business meetings, but now she is a full time author, who employs the skills she learned from her straight-laced corporate existence in the business of writing. She lives in Ohio with two cats and her husband, the infamous Mr. Rylon. When she can escape her purple office, she loves to travel the world, avoid speeding tickets in her beloved Sky, and–of course–read.

Jayne is a member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA), the Central Ohio Fiction Writers (COFW) and Passionate Ink.

You can keep up with what's new in Jayne's world by subscribing to the Naughty News. 25 subscribers win prizes in each edition www.jaynerylon.com/newsletter

Chat with her on Facebook (facebook.com/jaynerylon) or Twitter (@jaynerylon)

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5 stars
409 (36%)
4 stars
376 (33%)
3 stars
236 (21%)
2 stars
67 (6%)
1 star
19 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
Profile Image for Ula'ndi Hart.
987 reviews15 followers
June 19, 2017
Overall book rating: 3
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4


Let me start with this. This book? Is not BDSM. It’s kinky sex with a brief “bondage” scene.

There. Now that I’ve got that off my mind I feel slightly better.


This doesn’t at all mean that I didn’t enjoy the read. Though I’m sorry to say that the inside of the book did not live up to the HOT cover.

I like a good ménage. The more steam the better. And this had its moments. But for me it was kind of overshadowed by lots of little niggles.

The military part of the story was just kind of unrealistic I’m afraid to say. It made the whole traumatic exit in the first chapter lose its emotional punch.
What secret military system is going to call a civilian lover and lay the whole situation out over a phone? Maybe I just watch too much Jason Bourne movies, but really?

Then enters the business tycoon. Rogan. Hmmm I liked him. I enjoyed his unconventional personality. Dominant in his everyday work yet submissive in the bedroom. That made me sit up and read with gusto again.

There were of course little over the top moments but I understand we need a little drama to keep us hooked. So I overlooked the whole bad boyfriend thing we had going on. And I struggled a little with Rogan being so in command of his empire but not able to see though the piece of work he dated sooner.

What I did like about this was how Rogan handled the situation when Kaden couldn’t decide how to move forward. Again, his mind switch happened so fast it almost gave me backlash. But I went with his newly discovered self worth moment with a “Well done boy” moment.

I loved Kaden’s artistic side and his self expression. The portraits were a nice touch.

Cortez....mmmm. I’m not so sure. He has dominance to his personality yes. But the feel of the book was so “martyr”. And the whole threesome thing again just happened to “Once upon a time” for my taste. Kaden keeps referring to his presence as “Now you’re in for it, just wait and see”....well I’m kind of still waiting.

So basically I enjoyed the read. But I think it had moments of questionable maturity.
If I can call it that by lack of a better description. There were good parts, there were sweet parts and there were those.

I’m not at all sorry that I read it. It was hot. I can give it that. And I did like the characters well enough. Rogan was my favourite though.

Enough said.
Profile Image for Olivia.
171 reviews65 followers
August 8, 2019
One of the most uneven books I've ever read.
I enjoyed the parts with MCs as duos a lot but since they started as a trio it was a disaster.
Profile Image for Chris.
2,070 reviews
December 12, 2017
Can’t say I loved this - actually I really hoped for more. The balance of this story was a bit off center for me and I struggled a bit with the style. I love a good ménage but it really came way too late. I didn’t hate it, it was just a bit “meh” for me 😬
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,211 reviews220 followers
June 1, 2017
5 Star Review Middleman by Jayne Rylon

A new and exciting story from Jayne Rylon. Middleman is a stand alone novel and is a MMM story so be open minded and prepared for an amazing journey. I was excited to read this story and I was blown away by the writing.

Middleman is told in a three POV's Kaden, Cortez, and Rogan which is exactly how I think this book needed to be read and due to the level of writing I had no issues whatsoever following the story at all.

This book is smoking hot and at times an emotional read. There is angst,drama, sadness, happiness and above all strength; at times my heart was pounding as I wondered if these three strong individuals would be able to make it work.

Kaden, Cortez, and Rogan are all so different but they blend well together and draw on each other for strength. Their scenes are scorching and the level of heat intense.

I loved this book from start to finish. Take a chance and read this one after all Love is Love. I dare you....
Profile Image for Dar.
4,538 reviews92 followers
May 28, 2017
This is next level good!!! I expected it to be a good read, but this was crazy amazing. Nothing I thought would happen is how the story played out, but, the way it went exceeded the best I could imagine.

The story is told in alternating POV, and we get to switch between Kaden, Cortez, and Rogan. Because the thought process of each character is unique, it isn't confusing. You never have to wonder who's chapter you are in, the way they are thinking let's you know (and the title at the beginning, just an FYI)

The story begins with a break-up, then we fast forward, and you get a glimpse at how are men are doing. Truthfully, not well, but hanging on. When Rogan enters, his story tells you heartbreak is coming, and you are anticipating how it will play out. It is devastating, but it gives the catalyst for his strength

There is a lot in these stories. The way they intertwine, their strengths and needs expose them. The strongest of the group is really weak when it comes to those he cares about. The most submissive is the strongest in his resolve, for what is best for him and those he cares about. As expected, the one in the middle is the most conflicted, confused, and needy. While trying to stay strong, their weaknesses only endear them to those who care about them

And hot, the smexy times are off the charts, scorching off the pages, and branding you with the intensity. Whichever, whoever, these are three intensely sexual, sensual, men, and when their attraction flares, watch out

There aren't twists and turns in the standard sense in the story, but the emotional tugs and pulls will leave you entranced. There is a path these three take, they think they need each other, but quickly learn they need to be balanced personally first, then they will have something to offer another.
Profile Image for Kahea.
2,264 reviews123 followers
May 30, 2017
**4 ‘Always Were’ Stars**

I think saying that Middleman will incinerate your panties is not only an understatement, but an unnecessary one given THAT cover. But as with most things, one should never judge anything by its surface appearance, because while this book is smexy as all get. It is also filled with a lot of heart as these three men work through their own demons while fighting for what could be their ultimate happily ever after.

I really liked Kaden, Cortez and Rogan, but I have to admit that Rogan was my favorite of the three. He reminded me of a Chimera ~ what you saw on the outside hid the truth of who he was on the inside and yet the two sides blended so well together. His complex nature was a huge draw and I was simply charmed by him and his strength. Cortez was all kinds of alpha male goodness and had me wanting to bend to his will, but it was his heart and his acknowledgement of what it wanted, even if he couldn’t have it, that won me over. Kaden, of the three, was the one that had me flip flopping the most. I loved the man he evolved into throughout the book, but his hang up over Cortez and how he used it to isolate himself rubbed me the wrong way, even though I understood where he was coming from.

The journey that Kaden, Rogan and Cortez travel to get to their HEA’s was an interesting, yet enjoyable one. What I found most interesting, and intriguing, was how often all three of them were together throughout the story regardless of what was going on. Each of them are dealing with their own issues and I loved how they ended up helping each other work through them and heal so they could move forward.

While I haven’t read all of Jayne Rylon’s books, I have read a decent cross section, but Middleman is only my second menage read by her and I thoroughly enjoyed it. While there were some parts that dragged for me, which I will say is more of a ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ situation, I was totally invested in getting to know Rogan, Kaden and Cortez and seeing how their HEA came to be. The various twists and turns were done well and I liked how they all ended up working out in the end.

~ Copy provided by the author ~
Profile Image for Tina.
492 reviews7 followers
September 19, 2017

I'm picky when it comes to mmm and this is a good example of what I don't like. The feeling of the third wheel!
I didn't hate it, but didn't love it either
Profile Image for ⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven•.
1,588 reviews297 followers
May 4, 2023
I had so much fun with this, It took me time to get into but once in, I was invested. Especially that chap 1 HURT. We see how Cortez & Kaden's relationship ends, how Kaden & Rogan's starts & finally how the 3 come to be together. Kaden is the true vers/switch here while the other 2 are dedicated in their roles (justifies the title). The steam & angst is plenty, so is the reward.

I do wish we could've gotten more of Cortez & the 3's relationship together, but the epilogue did answer whatever I had. A lot of focus is on build of K+R's relationship, Cortez? Yes that man is so honorable & easy to love, even his misdoings were out of love. Rogan's sweet, fierce, submits beautifully, & a hot rich business man. Our main guy Kaden, gosh that man has seen such highs & lows, a creative heart, specialising in male nude art, tattooed hottie who blossoms into a true switch.

We get quite the time skips to grow the relationship & skip mundane stuff, tho I do kinda wish to have seen bodyguard Cortez more. Yes he's hot, Sue me.

I had seen Kate's crew series of Jayne's tho I still don't have the courage to get it lol.
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,863 reviews1,564 followers
June 4, 2017
I can always count on Jayne Rylon to give me a hot and sexy as hell book with a whole lot of heart. I absolutely loved the romance between Cortez, Kaden and Rogan in Middleman.

The book opens at the tail end of Kaden and Cortez’s romance. Neither one are happy that it’s ending, but there’s nothing either of them can do to change their circumstances. Kaden is heartbroken, and actually quite broken in general, until he meets Rogan. Rogan is just the balm to Kaden’s soul. But even though they have what appears to be an ideal relationship, something is missing. A missing piece to their puzzle—a puzzle that’s not solved until Cortez reappears in the picture.

I loved the dynamic between Kaden and Cortez, Kaden and Rogan and Rogan and Cortez. Loved how they met each of their needs, wants and desires. Loved how they pieced themselves together. Loved how they loved. Sigh. I just loved them. ~ Missy, 5 stars
Profile Image for Amanda Anderson (Beauty.and.the.bookies).
1,464 reviews71 followers
May 18, 2021
I LOVED this audio! This was my first book by this author and I am obsessed. I love MM and when I seen this cover I knew I would like the story. Two guys are hot but add an extra and I am a goner. & that cover is PERFECTION. It showcased Kaden, Cortez and Rogan exactly as I imagined them. The chemistry and connection between the 2 main characters was explosive throughout the entire audiobook and by the time the third guy came into the picture I didnt think I would even like him (Cortez) but he DEFINITELY won me over. The ending was so so so good too. Now I think I need to read this Powertools series that I keep hearing about. 5 stars for these 3 sexy men!
Profile Image for Jenn.
147 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2017
**Received ARC for a fair and honest review**
Middleman is a standalone book, no cliffhangers and it does have a HEA. I rate this book at 5 stars. If you don't like MMM then this book isn't for you. If you are open minded, this book is a hot, steamy, fantastic read that you will have a hard time putting down.
Kaden thought he'd found the love of his life Cortez until that love up and left for his job without looking back. Kaden was devastated and used booze, drugs and a plethora of one night stands to cope with his pain. But they are never more than one night stands because Kaden isn't willing to risk another heartbreak. Rogan walks into Kaden's studio to commission him to paint a picture for his partner of five years. Kaden and Rogan are at his beach house and Rogan is positioned so that Kaden can work on the piece when they hear voices and in walks Ronaldo with his lover. Rogan is devastated.
I really enjoyed the characters in the story, minus Ronaldo of course. Even Cortez redeemed himself, especially with all the pain and agony he suffered to get back to his life. As I was reading I was thinking to myself, this is supposed to be a MMM, but it's just a MM, and as the book went on I didn't think it would be able to pick up the third M and continue smoothly, but I was wrong. I enjoyed the way the author re-integrated the third male. I also enjoyed the storyline, it was definitely a new one for me. I blazed through this book, not that I'm surprised since I've read almost everything the author's written. Be interesting to see if this will be the start to a series or not. I would definitely read the next book if it was!! Happy Reading!!
Profile Image for Erin.
1,920 reviews64 followers
June 4, 2017
*I was given a copy of this free to review from the author*
So, I am on vacation in France, but so as to stay on the advanced reader list I knew I needed to take care of this.
At first, I didn't think I was in the mood for a M/M/M D/s story, but as soon as I got not even 5 pages in, I was hooked. Honestly hooked.
I think that Jayne Rylon's writing has grown so much over the years and this was the best one yet. There are times that I felt the Powertools or Hot Rods read a little simple, and the Men in Blue irked me occasionally due to the sometimes over the top-ness. But this... This was so well done. At no point in the book did I feel irked by anything or feel it was simplified for quick writing.
This had depth. Lots of depth.
I also liked how... Bugger I can't remember their names, but the pair from Men in Blue the artist and her wounded solider. I really liked that cameo. It felt natural and not forced at all like some other cameos have.
I liked all the characters; Cortez, Kaden, and Rogan. Though every time I saw Rogan's namw I kept wanting to add "Josh" because it made me think of the curry (Rogan Josh).
I think my only criticism was that Cortez literally vanished for half the book, yeah we got two small chapters of him while he was gone, but I liked him so I wanted more.
I literally devoured this book and as I could only read it while I was stuck with the baby napping on my boob, I was quite sad sometimes when she'd wake up.
I wonder if there is going to be a sequel with Cortez's agency friend who helped with the take down. That'd be sweeeeet.
Profile Image for Hannah Myers.
216 reviews2 followers
May 26, 2017
When Cortez walked away from Kaden, he fell into a dark pit that even his art couldn't completely pull him from. Finally after three years, Kaden is coming back to life. When commissioned by Rogan to paint a nude portrait for his partner as an anniversary gift, Kaden feels a strong connection with him. An explosive break up leaves Kaden and Rogan to pick up the pieces together and explore a new relationship with Kaden clearly on top this time. Determined to not be hurt again, they struggle to find their "happy place". Unfortunately, trouble from the past threatens to tear them apart. Cortez has struggled the last three years to stay sane during his undercover assignment. His thoughts often stray to the man he left behind. When Cortez is finally free to come home, he finds that Kaden and Rogan are in love, leaving him the odd man out...or is he? Can they put the past behind them and become even stronger together? Fantastic story and liked the peek at the men in blue!
Profile Image for Rachael.
267 reviews
May 28, 2017
Where to start....Kayden's life was torn apart when Cortez left on his mission. He floundered, used drugs and turned to drinking. Then he started having only one night stands. All that until Rogen crashed into his life.

Rogan wants to commission Kayden to paint a nude picture of himself for his boyfriend of 5 years. When they go to his beach house to do the painting, his boyfriend shows up with another guy and makes out right outside. Needless to say that was the END of that relationship. But Ronaldo isn't going to go away quietly when he is losing his meal ticket.

Kayden has Rogan, but something is still missing. He has not gotten over Corez still and is shocked when he turns up on his doorstep. One thing leads to another and the three of them make a perfect match. It just takes awhile for them to figure it out.

Great storyline, with three hot guys. Their descriptions are HOT!!! The scenes are even HOTTER!!!

A was given an advanced reader copy for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Gustaf.
1,444 reviews194 followers
November 12, 2021
I liked this well enough, especially the first part of Kaden and Rogan meeting, connecting and falling in love. The end and the part where Cortez came back went too smoothly (I know, I can't believe I'm saying that either. Suddenly and without a lot of talking about it or anything at all they are a having a threesome and then in love all three of them. Yeah, no. But the first maybe 60% of the book was sooo good. And hot. Seriously hot.
Profile Image for Pauline Cassie.
1,215 reviews58 followers
June 1, 2017
Having read a number of wonderful novels by this author, I knew I would be in for a treat with her newest work ‘Middleman’ and I wasn’t disappointed!

A beautiful story of love, loss, grief and rebirth is present throughout this novel, and for all three of the characters.

Knowing that this had a ménage storyline it was fairly obvious as to who the three lovers were going to be. However, although always in the background, I felt that the storyline was the main concern and not getting the characters together.

The relationship between Kaden and Cortez was short-lived but extreme and its end left them both devastated. Despite Kaden’s ‘one and done’ attitude to relationships following this, the introduction of Rogan, through Kaden’s work as an artist changes this.

Rogan’s initial storyline and ultimate breakup was predictable but necessary to allow these two the opportunity to get together.

Their growing relationship works through heartbreak, relief and love of another with the recognition that sometimes love doesn’t conquer all. Kaden and Rogan’s love develops despite all of this even though Rogan recognises that there is a part of Kaden that he’ll never be able to satisfy which he worries will drive a wedge between them.

Cortez returns at a time when Rogan’s ex once again causes problems for him and is employed as a personal bodyguard. This situation allows a friendship to develop between Cortez and Rogan.

The jump from a couple to a ménage seems to transpire incredibly fast in comparison to the time taken to nurture Rogan and Kaden’s relationship and is the only criticism I have of this wonderful love story.

Well done on another masterpiece Jayne!
Profile Image for Janice Somers.
849 reviews35 followers
July 12, 2017
This is an amazing story of Love, betrayal, anger, self-destruction, creativity, attraction, abusive, awakening, second love, growth, unforgiving, desire, compromise, recovery, rebuild and combine.
The story is all of the above and so much more. Cortez and Kaden are lovers for a short time when Cortez has to leave for his secret job and he doesn't know for how long or if he will even return, so he chose the most crase way to leave Kaden. Kaden is left broken and throws himself into dangerous situations.
Kaden continues to paint and his art is what brings him to Rogan. Rogan has been in a relationship for 5yrs and commissions Kaden to create a painting of himself as a surprise for Ronaldo, his lover. During a session a they are interrupted and a commotion irrupts. Kaden assists Rogan in leaving and takes him home. They become close and struggle to find themselves and while chaos builds around them.
A knock on the door .... Kaden opens the door and slams it shut. The knocking resumes and this time Rogan opens the door...Cortez?
I felt all the emotions that, I believe, were intended by the author. The heartache, anger and brokenness of Kaden. His art is what held him together and he never let himself heal. Rogan is a bonus, a saving grace for Kaden and the connection of the two begins to give hope.
Then Cortez returns from a hell of his own...

This is a story of M/m/M.
Profile Image for Gina.
278 reviews22 followers
May 30, 2017
ok, this is a tough review for me.
I like the story alot it's an awesome concept, intense and gripping. I like the characters they are full and colorful and vivid and as always Jayne's naughty times are smokin HOTT!
Unfortunately I have a personal quirk...I very much dislike first person POV and with three main characters and the first person POV shifting from chapter to chapter I found parts of the story difficult to follow on occasion, for example:
" "Son of a bitch." I squeezed the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger."
I have read this sentence and the surrounding scene several times and while I think I know what was meant I dislike stumbling over sentences because it disrupts the flow of reading for me.
I recommend authors that write in first person find a beta that doesn't like that POV because they are more likely to find any little glitches that might cause readers to stumble.
Profile Image for Cathy.
74 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2018
Jayne Rylon is an incredibly talented erotic author. She is able to weave together two, three, and more people showing love and making it all seem possible. Her newest book is no different. It is not for everyone but none of her books are. However, if you are the type of person who can open your mind to love in all forms, grab her books today.

Rogan, Kaden, and Santiago are all talented in different ways. Santiago is a hero who is broken but does what he thinks is best. Rogan made an unwise choice but tries to make thing better. Kaden has been shattered but learns to love again. And combined all of them leap off the page.

I absolutely love the nods to her Men in Blue series. While this book is a stand alone, seeing those references was a cool reminder.
Profile Image for Paperback Princess.
1,090 reviews77 followers
March 6, 2018
Omg ...I’m at a loss with this book lol!!! It’s easily hands down one of the hottest books I’ve ever read...sheesh!!!!

Honestly though you have to be really into MM romance and threesomes because if not then this is definitely not the book for you. Fortunately for me though I love it all lol!!

I will say some of the writing was a bit weird for in the beginning but once I got passed it I really started to get into it.

Fun and sexy a must read for me
1,008 reviews8 followers
June 9, 2017
I couldn't resist this cover. This is the first book I've read by this author but I've got more of her work line up to read.

This is a really good story. Some times it was predicable and other times, particularly when Kaden and Rogan and sorting themselves out, it was surprising and the emotions confronting. If you like m/m/m Middleman with worth reading.

262 reviews
December 28, 2020
2.5 stars. I wasn't impressed by this one. So Cortez comes backs after 3+ years and he doesn't have a real discusssion with Kaden to explain the reasons behind his decision? I would have preferred a love story between Kaden and Rogan only.
Profile Image for Tina.
1,783 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2017

Great M/M/M romance.

Would like to read more books like this one written by Jayne Rylon.
Too bad that her other menage books are M/M/F.
Profile Image for J.L..
Author 14 books72 followers
May 11, 2021
I snagged this book because it ticked all the boxes of my latest favorite reads, but especially because an author that I adore mentioned reading it in her online fan group. Though I spent extra money on it because it was not available on Kindle Unlimited, I don’t regret the purchase at all. This book featured intense, dynamic characters and a nontraditional love triangle that evolves into so much more.

The book opens with the destruction of Kaden and Cortez’s relationship, and I figured that’d be the last we see of Cortez until he reappears in Kaden’s life. However, though most of the first half to two-thirds of the story involves the initial romantic arc between Kaden and Rogan, Rylon weaves in glimpses of what Cortez is up to during that time. Those snapshot scenes are poignant and dramatic and help aid the tension between all three men once Cortez comes home. Kaden’s willingness to do his best by Rogan means growing closer to Cortez, and the burgeoning friendship that grows between Cortez and Rogan feels almost inevitable at that point. Though Rylon almost hints at the drama of a standard love triangle, I found myself hoping that Kaden, as the heart of this book, would find his happily ever after as his most authentic self. Switches don’t get enough love in power dynamic romance.

I was a hundred percent satisfied with the outcome of this story, both regarding the complicated romance arc and the external plot. Though the typical “glimpse into the future” epilogue does show the happily ever after, I know that such a relationship doesn’t develop without growing pains, and I wouldn’t be mad if Rylon wrote a follow-up with these characters.
Profile Image for ~ Lei ~ Reading Is An Adventure ~.
1,167 reviews251 followers
June 26, 2017
★★★☆☆ ~ 3 Stars
As someone who has read a number of this author's books, suspending belief is essential to enjoying her books. This isn't a bad thing, the books are fun and I keep reading them so....

Hmmm,

But even with that, these are always fun books to read. I don't know if I believe in a successful poly relationship with these characters, but remember, I did say suspend belief.

And I dare you to turn your nose up at the cover!
Profile Image for Jill S (Love Affair With Fiction).
646 reviews71 followers
November 7, 2020
Middleman was a hot and steamy read. But with all the steam coming from this book, there was an equal amount of emotion.
I fell hard for these three men and rooted the whole time for them to find love together.
Profile Image for Jessica (jpbooklife).
1,004 reviews7 followers
December 4, 2021
I will say that the narration in this book was great. Gregory Salinas did such a good job of giving the characters such distinctive voices that I always knew who was speaking.
Unfortunately, though I thought this story had a lot of potential, I didn't feel that it delivered on it. The story and the characters just fell flat for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews

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