Three Under the Christmas Tree

by Silvia Violet

Ace and Gavin haven't had a threesome in far too long. When Ace meets the perfect guy to join them, he can't think of a better way to kick off the holiday season.

Jonathan is charmed by the sexy couple, and he quickly realizes that what started as a fling has the potential to be a whole lot more.

Gavin feels their connection just as strongly, but even after weeks of the three of them hanging out, he's afraid to suggest they turn their friends-with-benefits arrangement into a serious relationship.

The joy and shared experiences of the season have a way of making magic happen, if only all three men could find the courage to ask for what they want.

Genres: Holiday, M M M, Christmas, Romance, M M Romance, Menage, Contemporary

88 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2017

About the author

Silvia Violet writes fun, sexy stories that will leave you smiling and satisfied. She has a thing for characters who are in need of comfort and enjoys helping them surrender to love even when they doubt it exists. Silvia's stories include sizzling contemporaries, paranormals, and historicals. When she needs a break from listening to the voices in her head, she spends time baking, taking long walks, and curling up with her favorite books. Keep up with her latest ventures by signing up for her newsletter.

For insider information, early looks at works-in-progress, and other rewards, join Silvia on Patreon.

Reviews

[Katrina Passick Lumsden · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

Some of Violet's other works are enjoyable, but this one was missing a few things. The biggest being character development and interaction. The relationship between the three men didn't really progress naturally, it felt forced and rushed. There was also very little showing. Violet just told the reader that these three men feel this and think that and the audience is just expected to accept it. Overall, pretty disappointing, even for a quick novella.

[Len Evans Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally loved this story of a couple becoming a permanent thruple. My favorite of the three guys was hands down Jonathan, he was just so sweet and lovable could not get enough of him. I really think these three seriously need a sequel to get to see them fall deeper and deeper in love with each other, not likely to happen I know but a guy can wish can't he? The pacing in this book was just perfect for its length, I felt like the progression of the three's emotional connection was totally believable and real. The ending was definitely my favorite part of the whole story!!

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.2 Stars

I think I was expecting more from this novella; it lacked just a little too much in both emotional connection and depth of characters. But extra points for watching Rudolph together and all of the Hermey/Misfit references (which in some ways served as a bit of a metaphor here).

[Cadiva · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a bit of a spicy festive treat as two guys in a long term committed relationship see a guy they think would be perfect to add in as a third.

What starts as a bit of fun quickly becomes more complicated when each of the three realises they might have more feelings than they initially expected.

I liked the three together. This book is hot, as I'd expect a menage to be, but it also had good emotional connections to. Although Jonathan did frustrate me a bit with his insecurities.

I'd read more of this threesome in the future as I liked the dynamic.

#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.

[Trio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silvia Violet’s new novella, Three Under the Christmas Tree, was just what I needed to get into the mood for the holiday season.

Filled with warm and tender moments these three guys share an immediate attraction which is as hot as it is sweet.

Ace wants to give his long-time partner Gavin a little something special this year for Christmas, and what could be better than a night with a gorgeous, willing young man? Jonathan turns out to be more than the pair bargained for. While their initial attraction is intense, it soon becomes obvious all three of these men would welcome a permanent relationship.

Both Gavin and Ace are excited when they see how well Jonathan fits with each of them individually, and how compatible the three of them are outside of their sexual relationship. Everyone’s being cautious and tentative, and the rapport builds gradually as the they all get to know each other.

I love how Jonathan works through his growing emotions over the course of this story. He feels the pressure of joining an established couple, plus he’s been hurt in the past. He prudently says, “‘I don’t want to set myself up for a broken heart.’” Jonathan is young, a bit insecure, and readily admits to falling in love too easily. Silvia Violet captures all of Jonathan’s feelings perfectly.

I think they were all secretly hoping for an exclusive relationship from the get-go but everyone was afraid to hope for too much.

And the best part of the whole story is watching the three men get ready to celebrate Christmas! Decorating, enjoying holiday movies, and baking together. The easy affection and compatibility between them is heartwarming.

I can’t think of a nicer way to welcome in the holiday season than by reading Three Under the Christmas Tree.

[Aղցela W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short quick read that I liked. Ace and Gavin haven't had a threesome in far too long. When Ace meets a hot sexy guy on a dating app they hook up. Jonathan knows there is a chance that he maybe be hurt by the couple he is willing to take the chance. From the beginning these three had a lot of chemistry. This book had some hot sex scenes in it. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

Three Under the Christmas Tree is a hot and sexy holiday novella that I really enjoyed. It starts off pretty steamy and sex focused as these guys first get together, but Violet does a really nice job here developing the characters and giving us a chance to get to know them and showing them getting to know each other. Sometimes with menage stories, especially when it’s a couple adding a third, the men can blend together. But here I felt like each of the men was distinct and developed nicely given the shorter story length.

The crux of the conflict here is that all the men are interested in more, but they aren’t quite sure how to bring it up. Jonathan worries he is not wanted as more than a fling, and Gavin and Ace are considering a change to their existing relationship that they need to work through. However, I liked that while lack of communication is at the center of the conflict, it doesn’t drag on or weigh the story down with their inability to talk. Again, it may be the length of the book, but the pacing felt right for the discovery of their feelings and the ultimate discussion on their future.
So I really enjoyed this one and found it a fun, quick, and sexy read. If you are looking for something a little steamier this holiday season, definitely check out Three Under the Christmas Tree.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 hearts

This ended up being a good solid story with some nice kinky sex to break up the monotony of Christmas stories.

However I've definitely read this story before.

You would have to.

Exhibit A- The happy loving couple in an open relationship are looking for a third, they stumble upon the perfect guy and they all fall in love. But oh no the third guy isn't sure if he's welcome into this happy loving relationship and (yep you guessed it) no one has an adult conversation.

So that brings me to the biggest problem in this story. The misunderstanding. Jonathan (the third) hear's a small portion of a very insinuating conversation, doesn't stick around to hear the end of the conversation, and storms off in a huff of broken heart without a word.

Even though 'the misunderstanding’ doesn't irk me like it does some people, I still find it a bit… standard, like the go to for end-of-book drama. So while this didn't make me hate the book, it just made me feel.. indifferent towards it.

The light in the dark was the sex.



See the rest of my review here,

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an erotic juicy MMM Christmas story, seriously juicy :)
Looking for something 'new' in their relationship, Ace wanted to give his partner Gavin a 'surprise', but Gavin didn't like surprises, or so he said.
But after Ace convinced him, to peek on his Christmas gift, he's kinda eager to 'open' his gift right away, of course after seeing how hot Jonathan in person.

With a promise 'no string', and 'just for one time only', they took Jonathan and 'played' with him.
But Jonathan is actually not that kind of guy, he craved a 'string', a relationship. And he really liked Ace and Gavin, wanted them.
Things got a wee bit complicated after what he heard (unfinished) a conversation about him on a Christmas party.
Ace and Gavin need to tell him that there's misunderstanding and well, they're finally told Jonathan they wanted Jonathan and a relationship with him.
All ends well, of course.
You need to prepare for a hot steamy three-way among them. Entertaining, erotic and a promise of a HEA.

[Carra · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I’m not one for open relationships on a personal level, reading about one can really hit the spot—particularly one that turns into something more when a couple finds a third who just fits with them perfectly. Gavin and Ace love each other, but sometimes just want a bit more outside of the two of them, either separately or by bringing in a third (Jonathan) to play. This story shows what happens when a third becomes more, and does it quite well.

I like all three men a lot individually—Gavin with his cute Christmas quirks, Ace with his kitchen skills and alpha personality, and Jonathan who is like a blend of them both. The three of them together physically…yeah, that’s one hell of a threesome and their sex scenes are scorching hot. Beyond the physical, the three men also seem to connect in everyday life as well. As almost always seems to be the case with stories that are of this length, I really wished this would have been longer so there could be more on-page relationship development. We’re more told that the relationship progressed rather than shown for the most part, and personally I prefer to be able to read through the evolution of their connection.

That said, this story was still a very satisfying read and is getting 4 stars from me. Thanks to the adult language and explicit sexual content, this book is meant strictly for readers 18+. With Three Under the Christmas Tree being set during the holiday season (spanning just before Thanksgiving and forward), fans of menage holiday books—or just menage books in general—will definitely want to pick this one up.

[Diverse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ménage is my favorite trope. I always say this for every threesome book. I find it important to say it because it’s also the genre I’m most critical of. Sex is not the reason I love it. The psychology is. If it isn’t there then it will fall flat for me.

Three Under the Christmas Tree, while it was very entertaining and super sexy it doesn’t focus on the connection and psychology I long for in these books. Simply said it’s a short ménage for the holidays that is strictly about sex. Nothing wrong with that. That’s the author’s intention. For me that is not what I was expecting. But that’s okay. It is still a very well written love story.

I know if this was longer it would be outstanding as most of Silvia Violet’s books are. I’d love to see an expansion on Jonathan, Gavin, and Ace totally. Jonathan has a backstory I’m dying to read and I want to see where these three end up.

If anything the author has started something here and I very much want more of these three and to delve deeper into what’s happening here.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

Festive and full of frolics! This is a hot and sexy read, which also manages to consider the considerable issues involved in achieving harmony in a long term trio. I am always fascinated at how authors deal with the mental concerns, nearly as much as the delicious mechanics.

In this case, a committed, but open pair discover that Jonathan may be more that just a fling for both of them, which has never happened before. They don't quite know how to explain it to each other, let alone J, and only an intervention from Maggie really solves the problem.

I loved the home and tradition building that they did together too, it was perfect for a Christmas-time read. Thank you Ms Violet.

[Sue Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Under the Christmas Three is a very hot tale of a couple meeting just the right guy to have a threesome, but it's not long before the three of them realise their friends with benefits has the potential to be so much more. I admit to yelling at them to 'just talk' because you know they'd be perfect for each other. Maybe I got a little too invested! Anyway, this is a lovely hot Christmas romance.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars for this - it had all the makings of a good story but it didn’t work for me. I guess being a novella it felt a bit too rushed. I actually liked the three MCs and there could have been a nice build to their stories ... never mind 😊

[Joanne K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas romance ❤️

Loved this Christmas romance. The chemistry between Ace, Gavin and J is very steamy. Great quick read, perfect for the season

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy to read and review for Wicked Reads

Short, super hot holiday read. I love the chemistry between Ace, Gavin and Jonathan. This was a fast read, the story moves fast and jumps time which makes it go by quickly. The love between Ace and Gavin is evident, just as both thier connection with Jonathan. Hot sex with three hot males. If only they weren't ao afraid to all say what they wanted. Low on angst high on sex. Perfect afternoon holiday read.

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Holiday novella staring Gavin and Ace who are happy in their relationship. Ace is planning a "special" gift for Gavin for Christmas, but Gavin doesnt want to deal with Christmas anything until after Thanksgiving. Ace unfortunately cant wait and convinces Gavin open his gift.... Its the option of a threesome no strings one time only deal. While Ace found this person on a dating app he knows of him as well through a coworker they agree to meet up to test the connection. This isnt the first threesome Gavin and Ace have had but its been a while. They instantly connect and continue to connect in the bedroom leaving all parties wanting more.

Gavin and Ace are throwing a get together with their neighbors and friends, they invite Johnathan and show him off. Drama happens and misunderstandings take place threatening this threesomes future. Can Gavin and Ace repair what is broken with Johnathan and live their happy threesome life???

[The Novel Approach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ace and Gavin are an established couple. They have been together for eight years and have always had an open relationship. While Ace tends to stick with one-night stands, Gavin usually has longer term connections with outside men. Secretly, Ace has always dreamed of a three-way relationship—a closed one but with a third who could keep both him and Gavin happy. Finding that man has been as easy as spotting a unicorn, so while it’s a dream, it’s not much of a reality.

Ace is looking for the perfect Christmas present for Gavin. Gavin works too hard, and it’s been forever since they have brought a third into the mix. So, when Ace meets Jonathan online, and realizes he’s the new architect at one of the firms his construction company works for, he thinks he may have found a solution to both his issues. Ace is a top, full stop. His dominating tendencies are part of who he is, and bottoming is not something he enjoys. Gavin is submissive, but every now and then he prefers to pitch not catch. In Jonathan, who’s a switch, they each get what they want. On paper Jonathan seems too good to be true, and then they meet the man. The sex is off the charts hot. The attraction and the compatibility with both men is there. So where does that leave them? Well, it leaves Jonathan confused and a little scared to horn in on a relationship with two men who seem perfect the way they are—without him.

Jonathan has had lots of threesomes in his lifetime; he’s been the third for several of his acquaintances. He truly sees himself in a poly relationship, but has never found the right mix of dominant and submissive. Usually he falls too hard too fast, and he’s afraid—despite giving himself long pep talks to the contrary—that it is happening again. Of the three men, Jonathan is the most insecure, and he would be because of the dynamic already established by Ace and Gavin. Misunderstandings arise because of the lack of communication between the three, and Jonathan backs off and cuts ties with Ace and Gavin to preserve what’s left of his heart. At that point, Ace and Gavin are forced to reevaluate where they are headed, and if they want Jonathan to be a part of their future, they have to tell him so and mean it.

Gavin sighed. “J makes me feel like Christmas morning all the time.”

“Yeah, I see that on your face when we’re with him.” Gavin wished he could know how this would all work out….

“Yeah. It’s worth finding out, but whether there is or not, I have you. And you’re like drinking cocoa under a blanket with carols playing while it snows.”

All it takes is some straight forward communication, a little baring of their hearts and some pretty spot-on Christmas presents, and the HEA is assured. I totally enjoyed this short Christmas story. Silvia Violet is no stranger to writing solid poly relationships, and it shows. The chemistry between these three men was palpable, and the sex off the charts. With good characterization, you see how the triad dynamic fits for all three men. I totally enjoyed the vibe of this book; it was a great holiday read.

“Okay.” J opened the box. When he pulled out the glass pyramid, his eyes widened. In the light from the window, a rainbow of color danced over it. “It’s beautiful.”

“It’s symbolic too,” Ace said.

Gavin brushed his fingers over the smooth surface. “Three sides for the three of us.”

Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach

[Kendra T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sexy, hot, and adorable. Ace and Gavin are in an open but committed relationship, and they decide to add a third for a night. Jonathan ends up being someone that both guys develop a connection with, and one night is not enough. I liked the way the connection built between everyone, and I loved the communication between Ace and Gavin. There were times that they should have communicated more with Jonathan, but it all worked out in the end.

[Gabis Laberladen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darum geht's:

Ace und Gavin sind schon lange ein glückliches Paar. Ihre offene Beziehung erlaubt es beiden, sich auch anderweitig umzusehen und ab und zu holen sie sich auch gemeinsam einen Dritten ins Bett. Kurz vor Weihnachten will Ace seinem Gavin ein vorgezogenes Geschenk machen, denn er hat bei Grindr den perfekten Dritten für sie beide entdeckt.

So fand ich's:

Vom ersten Moment an, als sie Jonathan treffen, klickt es zwischen ihnen. Sie unterhalten sich gut, finden sich sympathisch und auch in Aces und Gavins Vorlieben von Dominanz und Unterordnung fügt sich Jonathan als perfekte Ergänzung ein. Eigentlich sind alle davon ausgegangen, dass es bei einem einzigen Treffen bleibt oder zumindest nach kurzer Zeit wieder Schluss ist. Denn Jonathan sucht keine feste Beziehung und Ace und Gavin sind ein Paar, das ihre Beziehung nicht dauerhaft auf drei Personen erweitern will - oder doch?

Beim Thema Gefühle und Beziehung fällt es allen dreien schwer, den Mund aufzumachen. Doch wenn es um harmonischen und sehr heißen Sex zu dritt geht, läuft es perfekt und wir bekommen reichlich und ausführlich davon. Und natürlich wartet am Ende ein Happy End auf die drei sympathischen Männer.

Mit (von Amazon angegebenen) 88 Seiten hat die Geschichte genau die richtige Länge, um sie am Stück wegzulesen und als vorweihnachtliches, erotisches Häppchen mit gleich drei Männern in einem Bett zu genießen.

[Veronica of V's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ace and Gavin have been a committed couple for nearly a decade. That doesn’t mean they don’t see other people on occassion, because they do, and sometimes they share those partners with each other. It’s fun, and keeps them happy. Ace is planning some sexytimes with a younger man he wants to share with Gavin, and Gavin’s keen. They meet Jonathan for coffee, and they all hit if off. Immediately.

The sexytimes are off the charts, and Jonathan struggles to keep in mind that it’s a one-off. Of course, that plan gets derailed when Ace calls him again, and again, and Gavin invites him to just hang out, and to join them at a holiday play. Is this turning into a real relationship? While Jonathan is afraid to hope his dream of a stable relationship is coming true, Gavin’s afraid to admit he’s like Jonathan to be a more permanent part of their lives. Ace is more than willing to bring Jonathan in with him and Gavin, but one of his loud-mouth buddies nearly ruins everything at their big Christmas party.

Still, Ace is not willing to let Jonathan disappear from their lives, and he and Gavin work together to ensure their fragile beginnings have a solid footing. It’s a sweet and very sexy novella that ends with lots and lots of happy endings. Expect a short interlude of bruised hearts before the gift-giving begins.

[Mari Cardenas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

Gavin and Ace are in an open relationship and occasionally they will invite someone to join them in a threesome. This time, Ace finds the perfect guy to join them and they have a fantastic time together. So much so, that all of them decide to continue seeing each other. However, Jonathan is afraid that he's the only one wanting more of this friends with benefits situation.

I have to admit that I'm not that much into open relationships, I simply don't understand them and because of that, it's hard for me to read about them so I won't get into that part of the book.

I liked Ace, Gavin and Jonathan, I think they had great chemistry and even if Gavin and Ace were a couple beforehand, Jonathan was a good fit for them. I really liked the progression of their relationship, it was very natural and organic and the sex scenes were off-the-chart hot.

Three Under the Christmas Tree was a good, sexy, enjoyable read, with a bit of angst in the form of some miscommunication thrown in for good measure. The triad seemed well-balanced for the most part and it ends with a strong HFN. Recommendable!

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

[Ria Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three men means 3x the spice

Oh Silvia Violet you certainly know just how to spice up Christmas!!!!

Gavin and Ace are in a committed relationship.....but every now and then they enjoy a threesome. So, Ace has decided to give Gavin an early Christmas present, in the form of Jonathon. What follows is a beautiful story of how these three men realise that a one night stand can turn into something very much more.

Insecurities abound when each man is unsure of how the other is feeling. A misunderstanding almost tears them apart. But each man knows what he wants and he goes for it.

The sex is hot and the foreplay amazing. Make sure you have a fan and some cold water beside you when you read this one. My only fault with this story was.....it was too short. I would have loved to have seen their relationship explored more, but what Ms Violet has given her readers is simply wonderful.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

FOUR STARS

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ace and Gavin have been together for years. They have an open relationship that works for them. Every now and then they find someone they want to have a threesome with and that's where Jonathan comes in. Ace wants to give Gavin a threesome to start the holiday season and he thinks that Jonathan is perfect for them.

Jonathan is excited about the prospect of a threesome with Gavin and Ace, but he has a tendency to get attached too quickly so he goes in with the idea that it'll be a one night stand. The three men have wonderful chemistry and the one night threesome turns into weeks of seeing Jonathan as often as possible.

I enjoyed this book. I'll admit that a good portion of it was sex and after the first few sex scenes, I started skimming through the rest, but the sex was steamy and good. I would have enjoyed more of a back story of Jonathan and more scenes with the three men just dating and not having sex would have been nice, but all in all this was a good book.

[Loves · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Specific plot spoilers tagged; general theme spoiler not tagged)
My problem with this book was the same issue Jonathan had: convincing myself that this triad relationship was based on more than great sex. I remained unconvinced. We barely know anything about the characters besides their good looks, job titles and preferences in bed. When you want to describe characters building a meaningful connection with each other you make them share intimate parts of themselves on page. Their past and/or insecurities, for instance. We don't even know how Gavin and Ace met each other or reached their original open relationship agreement. Clearly, a gradual building of trust and emotional intimacy was not what this book was about. So it was kind of a self defeating choice to make the main crisis about the doubts of one character regarding the seriousness level of the relationship.

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 out of 5 stars

This was a really quick story and the three guys all found out just how much love can come together at Christmas time. Though Jonathan drove me a little crazy with his constant need for a better label, I did enjoy Gavin and Ace’s relationship and this quote from Gavin to Ace was the best in the book:

“I have you. And you’re like drinking cocoa under a blanket with carols playing while it snows.”

This book is purely fictional (at leat from anything I can imagine) and I loved that aspect. I think the author could have given us a little more at times, but not having too many details to filter through was good, too. I enjoyed this story and am excited to read more Christmas stories now, too.



*** I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***

[Sakuko · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute little short story. Someone called it porny, but I didn't think so. Of course there was a good amount of sex, but not quite as much as I expected, actually.
It's a bit kinky, but mostly just restraints, rough fucking and bossiness. And dirty talk, juicy, juicy dirty talk. Nothing too out there, though.
It starts out very quickly with the sex, but as the book progresses there are quite a few scenes of the three of them just hanging out. There's even some relationship talk in there.
Now, the obligatory misunderstanding was really stupid and pointless, and I wish people would let that trope die already, but at least it didn't take too long to be resolved, considering the length of the book.
But all in all I was pretty happy with the book. It manages not only sexy fun but some likable characters and decent relationship dynamic in a pretty short page count.

[Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice novella. Ace and Gavin were already an established couple with an open relationship. They both looked forward to sharing Jonathan as a third. However, instead of one night of fun, both Ace and Gavin started to have deeper feelings for Jonathan and wanted him to be a more permanent part of their relationship.

Jonathan always felt like the third wheel. No matter how many times Gavin and Ace invited him over, and not just for sex, Jonathan thought that it would be the last time he saw them.

I didn't really feel a lot of chemistry between the three men, and I agreed with Jonathan's feelings, that he would never be an equal in the relationship.

[Szidi ☼ · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing is impossible, finding a book by Silvia Violet that i don't love. Everything she writes is awesome!

Christmas story with 3 men?! Why did i read this only now? It was perfect!

I loved Ace and Gavin's open relationship, and that they were searching for someone into their love. Jonathan was the perfect match, younger, bossy, submissive a little and versatile ;)
WOW the erotic scenes were super HOT!
I loved everything about this book, it was really good, and the Christmas presents were cute too :)

Give me more menage, or more christmas, or more christmas menage LOL :D ♥

[Patdbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

a chrustmas mmm delight😊

A Thanksgiving to Christmas mmm love story.

A couple in an open relationship hook up with a younger man for a hot threesome. And man, a hot steamy session they exactly got, however they got more than they bargained for. It gets heavy.

This book has three hot men, hot sex sessions, lively settings, the usual mix of mixed messaging or should I say miss understanding messaging, a twosome struggling to become more.

Well written, short and what I come to expect from the author.