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Paradise Found
Paradise is just an illusion...
Or so Philip thinks as he vacations on exotic Anguilla. He should be celebrating the end of law school and the start of his successful career, but he's tired of living a lie for his family's sake. For just one night, he lets down his guard with two men he thinks he'll never see again.
He isn't the only one with secrets. For years, Cameron Drake has suppressed his need for dominance, afraid of hurting his lover, Mark Wilder. But when Cameron's hand meets Philip's ass, there's no more pretending. Mark can't face his conflicting feelings about the ménage; does Cameron want more than Mark can give?
The three of them may have been perfect together but consequences follow them back to their real lives. Will their desire for another encounter shatter the illusions they've built to protect themselves or clear the obstacles to paradise?
Or so Philip thinks as he vacations on exotic Anguilla. He should be celebrating the end of law school and the start of his successful career, but he's tired of living a lie for his family's sake. For just one night, he lets down his guard with two men he thinks he'll never see again.
He isn't the only one with secrets. For years, Cameron Drake has suppressed his need for dominance, afraid of hurting his lover, Mark Wilder. But when Cameron's hand meets Philip's ass, there's no more pretending. Mark can't face his conflicting feelings about the ménage; does Cameron want more than Mark can give?
The three of them may have been perfect together but consequences follow them back to their real lives. Will their desire for another encounter shatter the illusions they've built to protect themselves or clear the obstacles to paradise?
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First published May 18, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 26, 2011
Philip is a young man from a rich family who has just graduated. He's spending a vacation on Anguilla before going to work for his father. In order to be accepted in his family and in his family's law firm, he hides his homosexuality.
On Anguilla Philip meets Cameron and Mark. The two have been together for quite some time, but their relationship is not what it used to be - or it's never been what it was meant to be. They are spending their vacation on an exotic island to find a way to revive their cold sexual life. They think that adding a third man for one night might give it a much needed spark, a fresh new start.
Philip reluctantly accepts the proposal of the two men. It's his last chance to enjoy sex with men before living the life of deceit his family has set for him. Unfortunately, or fortunately, the threesome is not as careless as it was meant to be. There's something in Philip that enthralls the two other men, who spend the night around him instead of using him to re-connect. Philip stirs in Cameron his dominant nature, surprising Mark, who didn't know about the more bossy side of Cameron. This revelation, instead of bringing something positive in their life, brings them further apart. After that night, Philip goes back to his life of lies, longing for what he cannot have with the two men; Mark realizes he would like to submit to Cameron, to have Cameron dominate him, but Cameron denies him; Cameron has to face the demons of his past BDSM lifestyle. There's a big amount of dissatisfaction that the three of them have to work over to be able to satisfy their most intimate needs and desires.
The story is interesting and it reads quickly, because it's well written. My biggest problem was that the story was coherent, but I had to chase the information I needed to really be interested in it for a while, so for a long time I had the impression that I was told more than shown what was happening.
At the beginning we are told that Cameron and Mark feel that the sex between them is not passionate enough, but they really love each other. In the first sex scene with Philip, Mark briefly shows how possessive he is toward Cameron, because he realizes that Cameron and Philip are sharing a very special connection. I would have loved that the author had spent more time on the display of those feelings, even if I know it wasn't possible because in that moment we had Philip's point-of-view. Since Mark seemed the one who had more to lose in inviting a third man into their bed, I wish we had known more about what he was thinking, even before the actual invitation. The attraction to Philip, that he didn't want to reveal to Cameron, and then the frustration for that special connection, that he would have wanted for himself, could have provided an interesting conflict.
On another occasion, when Mark misunderstood Cameron's request to start to pack his suitcases for the ending of their relationship, I was expecting a stronger reaction from Cameron. I mean: WTF? I tell you something and the first thing you think of is that I'm sending you away? It was a strong sign of dissatisfaction and it would hurt anyone on the receiving end of this.
I think that Philip's dismay for not being included in Cameron and Mark's cuddling after their reunion was instead very well done and since I love angst, I would have liked to stay with Philip in those moments a little longer. I realize I am practically saying that I wanted to read the situations that the author chose not to include in her story. If an editor is responsible for that, I'd love to kick them where the sun doesn't shine.
Of the three main characters, I think Mark was the more interesting and the one who really worked and changed to make things work with Cameron. As I said before, he was the one who had more to lose in my opinion and maybe the one who had more insecurities. Once he found out that Cameron was a Dom, he tried to understand what BDSM was about and he was trying to make Cameron aware of the fact that he wanted his man to let that part of him free. I think - seeing Philip's natural submissive nature - that he risked of being left out in the menage, because Cameron didn't want to fully include him in it.
Philip had also to change. I really liked to see his confidence built on the success in his profession, even if it wasn't really what he wanted. He was the one who set things in motion to achieve their reunion. There are hints to the fact that he liked to take directions in court, but I didn't really see where his submission came from. I can accept that it might be a suit you find yourself slipping in when you are in the right situation, but I would have expected further explanations about it.
Cameron was the character I had more problems with. First of all, I don't think he really changed, unless you consider a change his going back to his Dom status. Maybe it's also because I am more attracted to Doms who are more interested in the psychological aspect of power exchange than in simply inflicting pain, but I wasn't able to make myself be interested in him and be sorry for him and like him. I think that the BDSM element of the story was the less satisfying because I wasn't able to perceive the intensity of the feelings of the people involved in it. The menage part of the story, instead, was told in all its aspect, especially Mark's and Philip's side and their doubts about being left out.
The main secondary characters were Philip's homophobic father, who was rather predictable, and Philip's PI friend, who I really liked, with his tousled appearance and keen mind. The owner of one of the BDSM clubs Mark visited was also very intriguing.
I feel there were some aspects that could have been explored deeper. The premise of the story is interesting and somewhat original, but probably the story is too short to combine menage and BDSM, therefore I think it doesn't hit either targets completely.
Galley received via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.
On Anguilla Philip meets Cameron and Mark. The two have been together for quite some time, but their relationship is not what it used to be - or it's never been what it was meant to be. They are spending their vacation on an exotic island to find a way to revive their cold sexual life. They think that adding a third man for one night might give it a much needed spark, a fresh new start.
Philip reluctantly accepts the proposal of the two men. It's his last chance to enjoy sex with men before living the life of deceit his family has set for him. Unfortunately, or fortunately, the threesome is not as careless as it was meant to be. There's something in Philip that enthralls the two other men, who spend the night around him instead of using him to re-connect. Philip stirs in Cameron his dominant nature, surprising Mark, who didn't know about the more bossy side of Cameron. This revelation, instead of bringing something positive in their life, brings them further apart. After that night, Philip goes back to his life of lies, longing for what he cannot have with the two men; Mark realizes he would like to submit to Cameron, to have Cameron dominate him, but Cameron denies him; Cameron has to face the demons of his past BDSM lifestyle. There's a big amount of dissatisfaction that the three of them have to work over to be able to satisfy their most intimate needs and desires.
The story is interesting and it reads quickly, because it's well written. My biggest problem was that the story was coherent, but I had to chase the information I needed to really be interested in it for a while, so for a long time I had the impression that I was told more than shown what was happening.
At the beginning we are told that Cameron and Mark feel that the sex between them is not passionate enough, but they really love each other. In the first sex scene with Philip, Mark briefly shows how possessive he is toward Cameron, because he realizes that Cameron and Philip are sharing a very special connection. I would have loved that the author had spent more time on the display of those feelings, even if I know it wasn't possible because in that moment we had Philip's point-of-view. Since Mark seemed the one who had more to lose in inviting a third man into their bed, I wish we had known more about what he was thinking, even before the actual invitation. The attraction to Philip, that he didn't want to reveal to Cameron, and then the frustration for that special connection, that he would have wanted for himself, could have provided an interesting conflict.
On another occasion, when Mark misunderstood Cameron's request to start to pack his suitcases for the ending of their relationship, I was expecting a stronger reaction from Cameron. I mean: WTF? I tell you something and the first thing you think of is that I'm sending you away? It was a strong sign of dissatisfaction and it would hurt anyone on the receiving end of this.
I think that Philip's dismay for not being included in Cameron and Mark's cuddling after their reunion was instead very well done and since I love angst, I would have liked to stay with Philip in those moments a little longer. I realize I am practically saying that I wanted to read the situations that the author chose not to include in her story. If an editor is responsible for that, I'd love to kick them where the sun doesn't shine.
Of the three main characters, I think Mark was the more interesting and the one who really worked and changed to make things work with Cameron. As I said before, he was the one who had more to lose in my opinion and maybe the one who had more insecurities. Once he found out that Cameron was a Dom, he tried to understand what BDSM was about and he was trying to make Cameron aware of the fact that he wanted his man to let that part of him free. I think - seeing Philip's natural submissive nature - that he risked of being left out in the menage, because Cameron didn't want to fully include him in it.
Philip had also to change. I really liked to see his confidence built on the success in his profession, even if it wasn't really what he wanted. He was the one who set things in motion to achieve their reunion. There are hints to the fact that he liked to take directions in court, but I didn't really see where his submission came from. I can accept that it might be a suit you find yourself slipping in when you are in the right situation, but I would have expected further explanations about it.
Cameron was the character I had more problems with. First of all, I don't think he really changed, unless you consider a change his going back to his Dom status. Maybe it's also because I am more attracted to Doms who are more interested in the psychological aspect of power exchange than in simply inflicting pain, but I wasn't able to make myself be interested in him and be sorry for him and like him. I think that the BDSM element of the story was the less satisfying because I wasn't able to perceive the intensity of the feelings of the people involved in it. The menage part of the story, instead, was told in all its aspect, especially Mark's and Philip's side and their doubts about being left out.
The main secondary characters were Philip's homophobic father, who was rather predictable, and Philip's PI friend, who I really liked, with his tousled appearance and keen mind. The owner of one of the BDSM clubs Mark visited was also very intriguing.
I feel there were some aspects that could have been explored deeper. The premise of the story is interesting and somewhat original, but probably the story is too short to combine menage and BDSM, therefore I think it doesn't hit either targets completely.
Galley received via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.
September 9, 2013
Well, that was lame...
...and artificial, trite, predictable, full of repetition, unoriginal, and in no way adding anything to the genre.
It's not the absolute worst. It's just not good. Perhaps a new m/m, a new D/s, and a new plural-persons-relationship reader would enjoy this more than I did.
For me it was: just Blah :-s
(Audible version).
...and artificial, trite, predictable, full of repetition, unoriginal, and in no way adding anything to the genre.
It's not the absolute worst. It's just not good. Perhaps a new m/m, a new D/s, and a new plural-persons-relationship reader would enjoy this more than I did.
For me it was: just Blah :-s
(Audible version).
May 17, 2020
I enjoyed the story - the couple hoping a third will fix their problems, and the secrets in the men's backstories. The BDSM scenes were okay.
I really liked the narrator, James DeGrassi and I'll definitely look for more audiobooks performed by him.
I really liked the narrator, James DeGrassi and I'll definitely look for more audiobooks performed by him.
September 13, 2019
Wow, this was very steamy and I loved it!
This is a gay menage story, so if you don't like that kind of book, stop reading now. The story starts off with Mark and Cameron, who are a couple, looking for a guy to join them while they're on vacation. They hone in on Phillip, a recent college graduate who is in the closet. They convince him to hang out and he eventually admits he's gay and joins them for a very hot sex scene. Cue freak outs, jealousy, and hidden D/s tendencies and the drama starts.
I felt so bad for Phillip, Mark wasn't very nice to him and his family treats him poorly. I mean, what kind of father tells their son to get conversion therapy? Each guy had their own issue, but luckily Phillip is stronger than he thinks and of course they reunite on vacation. This had some super hot scenes and was fun to read.
This is a gay menage story, so if you don't like that kind of book, stop reading now. The story starts off with Mark and Cameron, who are a couple, looking for a guy to join them while they're on vacation. They hone in on Phillip, a recent college graduate who is in the closet. They convince him to hang out and he eventually admits he's gay and joins them for a very hot sex scene. Cue freak outs, jealousy, and hidden D/s tendencies and the drama starts.
I felt so bad for Phillip, Mark wasn't very nice to him and his family treats him poorly. I mean, what kind of father tells their son to get conversion therapy? Each guy had their own issue, but luckily Phillip is stronger than he thinks and of course they reunite on vacation. This had some super hot scenes and was fun to read.
September 18, 2011
Mark and Camron are a couple on the brink. They figured if they have a night of fun, pick out someone together, they can spice up their relationship again. They find Philip. Philip is reluctant to embrace the feelings he has for men because he knows his family will disapprove. The three men end up having an unforgettable night. Mark can't suppress the feelings brought out by the way Cameron dominates Philip. In the morning they part ways.
The story develops and each man finds his way back. Mark sorts through his own feelings. Because he wants the best of both. Being dominated and dominating. But he can't be both, can he? Cameron wants his Dom needs met but he knows his boyfriend , Mark, would never sub for him. And Philip felt so perfect under Cameron's hand. Philip decides they all need to settle this, once and for all. Three together.
Perfect! I really enjoy this theme MMM menage with Bdsm elements. There is something quite captivating about seeing the interaction between men in a D/s relationship. The power exchange is quite remarkable. This author had a lot of work having to jump back and forth between three characters and their lives, but it works! It is well written and the emotion is felt. The sex scenes are just what you want when you experience Bdsm. I am glad I got To review PARADISE FOUND. I look forward to more from this author and recommend anyone that enjoys MM erotica, menage and BDSM. Go get a copy of this book.
The story develops and each man finds his way back. Mark sorts through his own feelings. Because he wants the best of both. Being dominated and dominating. But he can't be both, can he? Cameron wants his Dom needs met but he knows his boyfriend , Mark, would never sub for him. And Philip felt so perfect under Cameron's hand. Philip decides they all need to settle this, once and for all. Three together.
Perfect! I really enjoy this theme MMM menage with Bdsm elements. There is something quite captivating about seeing the interaction between men in a D/s relationship. The power exchange is quite remarkable. This author had a lot of work having to jump back and forth between three characters and their lives, but it works! It is well written and the emotion is felt. The sex scenes are just what you want when you experience Bdsm. I am glad I got To review PARADISE FOUND. I look forward to more from this author and recommend anyone that enjoys MM erotica, menage and BDSM. Go get a copy of this book.
June 8, 2011
4.25 stars
Maybe I've gotten so jaded I no longer read labels (or you know, it could be that publishers these days seem adverse to them), but I didn't realize this was a book associated with BDSM at all. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy reading BDSM, at all different levels. For something heavy I need to be in the right mood, but thankfully this wasn't the case.
I admired the way this story is told -- from the alternating POV of all three characters and quite succinctly. It is quite a short story for the length of time it spans and the issues that the three men deal with, yet I thought that the cut and paste style (they're often in different cities and jump months in advance) worked very well for this story. There aren't any extraneous details that get in the way of the pace. I also loved Philip and Mark, though Cameron took some warming up to for me.
All in all, this is a solid read that managed to tell a common plotline (drifting couple brings in a third that repairs their relationship and forges a new triad) in a way that seemed fresh.
Maybe I've gotten so jaded I no longer read labels (or you know, it could be that publishers these days seem adverse to them), but I didn't realize this was a book associated with BDSM at all. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy reading BDSM, at all different levels. For something heavy I need to be in the right mood, but thankfully this wasn't the case.
I admired the way this story is told -- from the alternating POV of all three characters and quite succinctly. It is quite a short story for the length of time it spans and the issues that the three men deal with, yet I thought that the cut and paste style (they're often in different cities and jump months in advance) worked very well for this story. There aren't any extraneous details that get in the way of the pace. I also loved Philip and Mark, though Cameron took some warming up to for me.
All in all, this is a solid read that managed to tell a common plotline (drifting couple brings in a third that repairs their relationship and forges a new triad) in a way that seemed fresh.
November 3, 2013
I don't know. In this story, the third in the relationship was treated like an afterthought or consulation prize. I don't really like the way he was treated and feel like he could have done better for himself than these two messed up guys trying to 'revive' their lost feelings for each other.
I can't imagine being in a relationship as long as they had been but neither reallly compromising or knowing the true desires of each other...sad.
I can't imagine being in a relationship as long as they had been but neither reallly compromising or knowing the true desires of each other...sad.
June 21, 2011
Cameron and Mark’s relationship is in a little bit of trouble. They just don’t have that spark together anymore so they decide to travel to the exotic Anguilla. It is here they choose to find one man, for one night to spice up their sex life.
Phillip just graduated Yale law school and travels to Anguilla with a few fellow graduates but he is pretty melancholy. His father, who will be his boss does not approve of Philip being gay. So Philip has tried to hide those tendencies and be the son his father wants – but it just makes him depressed. Drinking alone, Cameron and Mark spot him and want him for the night. At first Philip resists, but he is on an island, and there are two hot sexy men available.
But this isn’t just a fun night of sex. Okay it is – but after the smexin’ serious issues come out. Cameron is a natural dominant. Philip is a natural submissive. And Mark is both. These boys have a lot to work out.
Paradise Found is a m/m/m ménage that gives us lots smex. I enjoy the occasional triple M because sometimes you just need that uber sexy love scene. And three hairy chests, are always better than one, yes? Okay, moving on. As Cameron and Philip are getting it on (and Mark is watching) Philip’s Dom tendencies come out and a little spanking action gets going. This gets everyone off. But later, as Mark tries to tell Cameron he wants to submit to him and wants to be spanked too, Cameron shrugs it off. We later learn Cameron had a bad Dom session once and he became scared and no longer wants that lifestyle. But Mark wants it. And after Philip leaves and goes back to his lawyer job that he hates, he wants it too. Basically, all three are in need of something in this relationship, and it takes a bit of plotting from Philip and some communication from all three to get them settled.
I get that Cameron had a bdsm session go bad and he is trying to not live that lifestyle anymore. But, I have a hard time buying into the fact that he doesn’t recognize the needs of Mark. He worked professionally as a dom for years before he meets Mark. But he doesn’t recognize this is what Mark needs to make him happy? And then Philip can come in and save this relationship, someone who doesn’t have much experience with dating any men period? I like the concept, I just don’t know if I totally buy into it. I also think the declaration of love at the end comes out of nowhere.
If you are looking for a book with hot m/m/m scenes, you will most likely enjoy Paradise Found. Even though I had a few issues with the actual story, I hope Hunter Raines writes more
Rating: C
Phillip just graduated Yale law school and travels to Anguilla with a few fellow graduates but he is pretty melancholy. His father, who will be his boss does not approve of Philip being gay. So Philip has tried to hide those tendencies and be the son his father wants – but it just makes him depressed. Drinking alone, Cameron and Mark spot him and want him for the night. At first Philip resists, but he is on an island, and there are two hot sexy men available.
But this isn’t just a fun night of sex. Okay it is – but after the smexin’ serious issues come out. Cameron is a natural dominant. Philip is a natural submissive. And Mark is both. These boys have a lot to work out.
Paradise Found is a m/m/m ménage that gives us lots smex. I enjoy the occasional triple M because sometimes you just need that uber sexy love scene. And three hairy chests, are always better than one, yes? Okay, moving on. As Cameron and Philip are getting it on (and Mark is watching) Philip’s Dom tendencies come out and a little spanking action gets going. This gets everyone off. But later, as Mark tries to tell Cameron he wants to submit to him and wants to be spanked too, Cameron shrugs it off. We later learn Cameron had a bad Dom session once and he became scared and no longer wants that lifestyle. But Mark wants it. And after Philip leaves and goes back to his lawyer job that he hates, he wants it too. Basically, all three are in need of something in this relationship, and it takes a bit of plotting from Philip and some communication from all three to get them settled.
I get that Cameron had a bdsm session go bad and he is trying to not live that lifestyle anymore. But, I have a hard time buying into the fact that he doesn’t recognize the needs of Mark. He worked professionally as a dom for years before he meets Mark. But he doesn’t recognize this is what Mark needs to make him happy? And then Philip can come in and save this relationship, someone who doesn’t have much experience with dating any men period? I like the concept, I just don’t know if I totally buy into it. I also think the declaration of love at the end comes out of nowhere.
If you are looking for a book with hot m/m/m scenes, you will most likely enjoy Paradise Found. Even though I had a few issues with the actual story, I hope Hunter Raines writes more
Rating: C
November 16, 2011
I really enjoyed this story. Mark and Cameron are a couple on the brink of breaking up. But when a troubled Philip comes into the mix, they finally learn what they mean to each other.
Good emotions and some super hot sex make this a great read.
Good emotions and some super hot sex make this a great read.
December 5, 2012
Excuse me while I puke .
March 2, 2025
Philip Kendall lives in New York City, son and both of three of the partners in a high powered law firm headed by his father. He doesn't feel like he fits in as he knows he has urges unlike anything his father or brothers would understand. They expect him to like themselves and extremely heterosexual an alpha male. Philip doesn't fit that profile.
After college, he takes a vacation to an resort island before his planned return to New York and signing on to his father's firm with partnership as a goal. It will require a bit of playacting to at least appear to fit in although meeting a couple of guys, Cameron Drake and Mark Wilder, at the resource makes those plans even less appetising and unappealing, but one of the two is scared of what their threesome might mean and orders Philip never to come near there again.
Also as it turns out that is not possible for Philip nor is it really acceptable to the other. The couple is realizing something is missing from their relationship and that Philip fills a need they both have. They end up six months later back on that same island at the same hotel when they manage to learn a lot more about each other.
I recommend this novella to anybody who enjoys reading about love finding a way, even if reached with what might be considered not normal routes.
After college, he takes a vacation to an resort island before his planned return to New York and signing on to his father's firm with partnership as a goal. It will require a bit of playacting to at least appear to fit in although meeting a couple of guys, Cameron Drake and Mark Wilder, at the resource makes those plans even less appetising and unappealing, but one of the two is scared of what their threesome might mean and orders Philip never to come near there again.
Also as it turns out that is not possible for Philip nor is it really acceptable to the other. The couple is realizing something is missing from their relationship and that Philip fills a need they both have. They end up six months later back on that same island at the same hotel when they manage to learn a lot more about each other.
I recommend this novella to anybody who enjoys reading about love finding a way, even if reached with what might be considered not normal routes.
January 18, 2019
The love seemed a little rushed, though I liked the basic story.
September 8, 2019
Just ok for me. Not to memorable.
October 20, 2019
2* = "it's okay"
February 7, 2020
The chemistry was not there for the thruple or even for the couple.
June 5, 2011
Stars: 4.5/5
Overall
Triads tend to be very good or very bad, as it's difficult enough to balance out one relationship, and adding another person just complicates things further. Raines impressed me by pulling together a very good threesome both in and out of bed, taking three different character types and exploring the challenges of their relationship all together and in pairs. The writing was steady, the story development was strong, and the characters were enjoyable. A pleasurable read that I look forward to re-visiting in the future.
Strengths
Handling of BDSM topics. Raines' approach to telling the reader about, and having the characters learn about, BDSM was unique and I enjoyed it. We see the scene from a Dom's perspective, then we see it from someone who knows nothing and is informed by someone outside the relationship about it while learning about himself. Also, while understanding the lifestyle is important, the author also takes the time to make little jokes between characters that lighten the mood at just the right moment. The scenes felt good and everyone was happy with their level of involvement, which helped the dynamic.
Handling of threesome. Raines handled the complexities of a threesome admirably by recognizing the difficulties both internally and externally (although the latter is only mentioned in passing). The spark that initially brings the three together burns through out the book, even as the characters go their separate ways. The emotional ramifications of being in a triad (jealousy, favoritism, 'there first' attitude, and being replaced) are all addressed and looked at seriously, getting to the important elements that make this particular relationship work.
Characters/development. I think I fell in love with these characters almost immediately. They are all good men who have minor faults (most of which includes being embarrassed about something and lack of communication), and by the end of the second or third chapter I wanted them happy (and preferably in a big pile of naked...which is related to them being happy). While some of the head skipping was confusing (it may be my copy, but there was no indication sometimes when we went from Philip's head to Cameron's, etc), it wasn't confusing enough to disrupt the flow of story. Fun characters to spend the afternoon with.
Weaknesses
Financial believability. There was a bit too much money floating around at times, which worked for the plot, but left me wondering where it came from. Philip obviously came from/had loads of money, but Mark and Cameron weren't in high-paying jobs (necessarily), and at one point they seemed to get a week's vacation without much notice, unless I missed a time skip. This is a minor snit, but too many stories depend on magic money that it feels necessary to mention. However, it doesn't distract from the overall story and the issue only arises once.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
Overall
Triads tend to be very good or very bad, as it's difficult enough to balance out one relationship, and adding another person just complicates things further. Raines impressed me by pulling together a very good threesome both in and out of bed, taking three different character types and exploring the challenges of their relationship all together and in pairs. The writing was steady, the story development was strong, and the characters were enjoyable. A pleasurable read that I look forward to re-visiting in the future.
Strengths
Handling of BDSM topics. Raines' approach to telling the reader about, and having the characters learn about, BDSM was unique and I enjoyed it. We see the scene from a Dom's perspective, then we see it from someone who knows nothing and is informed by someone outside the relationship about it while learning about himself. Also, while understanding the lifestyle is important, the author also takes the time to make little jokes between characters that lighten the mood at just the right moment. The scenes felt good and everyone was happy with their level of involvement, which helped the dynamic.
Handling of threesome. Raines handled the complexities of a threesome admirably by recognizing the difficulties both internally and externally (although the latter is only mentioned in passing). The spark that initially brings the three together burns through out the book, even as the characters go their separate ways. The emotional ramifications of being in a triad (jealousy, favoritism, 'there first' attitude, and being replaced) are all addressed and looked at seriously, getting to the important elements that make this particular relationship work.
Characters/development. I think I fell in love with these characters almost immediately. They are all good men who have minor faults (most of which includes being embarrassed about something and lack of communication), and by the end of the second or third chapter I wanted them happy (and preferably in a big pile of naked...which is related to them being happy). While some of the head skipping was confusing (it may be my copy, but there was no indication sometimes when we went from Philip's head to Cameron's, etc), it wasn't confusing enough to disrupt the flow of story. Fun characters to spend the afternoon with.
Weaknesses
Financial believability. There was a bit too much money floating around at times, which worked for the plot, but left me wondering where it came from. Philip obviously came from/had loads of money, but Mark and Cameron weren't in high-paying jobs (necessarily), and at one point they seemed to get a week's vacation without much notice, unless I missed a time skip. This is a minor snit, but too many stories depend on magic money that it feels necessary to mention. However, it doesn't distract from the overall story and the issue only arises once.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
October 31, 2011
Review by Sabrina: First, I want to say that I always try to stay away from menage books. I always get the feeling that someone is going to feel left out. People only have so much attention to devote to one person, much less two. Now, with this said, they actually addressed this in the book. Their first sexual encounter with each other was not completely successful. I mean, everyone was 'happy' at the end, but someone looked back and saw himself as an outsider. Later, when they have worked out the tangles in the relationship and try another sexual encounter... it was MUCH better. The original couple talked about everything when it came to trying to include Philip. They were attempting to go into this with eyes wide open. The plot was a little weak. Though the paradise destination that was used was different so that gave it a slightly new look. The "villain" in the story was really two dimensional, though that was more than likely due to the length of the book. There's only so much that can go into the story that is a hundred pages long. I am also a little hesitant when characters say the 'L' word really soon. I just don't get it. Sometimes it works though, this was ALMOST one of those times.
Now, despite all of this, I really liked it. It was adorable. The sub and the Dom were awesome together. The switch in the story made sense and complimented very nicely. The tough decisions, though made quickly, were made logically. It was a wonderful little novella. I definitely recommend it. Just beware of small adjustments that I am sure could be taken care of with a longer novel.
Quote: "I was just thinking that I'm about ready to try hard work for little pay." I picked this because I think we have all found ourselves in this situation. Whether or not it is by choice is another story... if we could all be so lucky.
Now, despite all of this, I really liked it. It was adorable. The sub and the Dom were awesome together. The switch in the story made sense and complimented very nicely. The tough decisions, though made quickly, were made logically. It was a wonderful little novella. I definitely recommend it. Just beware of small adjustments that I am sure could be taken care of with a longer novel.
Quote: "I was just thinking that I'm about ready to try hard work for little pay." I picked this because I think we have all found ourselves in this situation. Whether or not it is by choice is another story... if we could all be so lucky.
November 17, 2011
The premise was interesting in this well-written story but I just didn't connect with the characters. Cameron and Mark's relationship is floundering a bit and so they decide their vacation would be a good time to try and spice things up by adding a third for a night of fun, no-stings attached sex. Phillip is a deep in the closet lawyer who ends up bringing Cameron's deeply buried Dom side out. I found it hard to believe that Cameron had hidden his real self away so well that Mark, his lover of many years, had no clue. But it was Phillip's relationship with his family, especially his father, that I couldn't stand. I found it hard to believe a successful, well-educated man like him could be such a doormat despite his sexually submissive side. So overall while I liked the storyline itself I didn't enjoy the characters as much.
May 13, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this very well-written book. It tells the story of Mark, Cameron, and Philip, and how they embark on a threeway-relationship. Clearly denoted POV changes allow the reader to get an insight into the thoughts of each of the three main characters.
While reading books describing ménages à trois, I often ask myself why exactly there's a need for the third person in the relationship. Here, Mark and Cameron have a reason to include Philip in their pre-existing relationship, and that makes the book all the more enjoyable.
I was a little bummed to see the book end just after they'd agreed to start their life as a threeway and would've loved some scenes showing them adjusting to the changes in their lives. Also, the epilogue was a little too over the top for my tastes.
While reading books describing ménages à trois, I often ask myself why exactly there's a need for the third person in the relationship. Here, Mark and Cameron have a reason to include Philip in their pre-existing relationship, and that makes the book all the more enjoyable.
I was a little bummed to see the book end just after they'd agreed to start their life as a threeway and would've loved some scenes showing them adjusting to the changes in their lives. Also, the epilogue was a little too over the top for my tastes.
January 18, 2012
3.5 stars, it would have been better, but for me the epilogue was over the top. Overall the writing was compelling enough for me to wanting to know what happens next and to finish the book:)
August 3, 2011
Okay story about a gay couple who are looking to spark something in their relationship. They meet another guy at a resort in Anguilla. Interesting idea but it fell flat in the execution for me. Also, I thought that Phillip's father was overly villainous and icky - it just wasn't necessary. I couldn't quite understand how Cameron and Mark were able to be together without actually talking for months on end either. It had promise but in the end it was just okay for me.
August 24, 2011
I found this story to be curiously compelling . . . all three of the characters were caught up in some very destructive thinking and while their erotic history was steamy, there were also serious baggage they each had to process in order to have a relationship that was mutually positive. Some very minor BDSM content, but the core of this story is the the difficulties caused when people are not honest with each other, much less with themselves.
December 29, 2012
3.50. Communication, hello people talk about how you're feeling in your relationship. If you like smacking ass, let your partner know you like smacking ass. If you like having your ass smacked let, you're partner know you like having your ass smacked, flipped and rubbed down. It's not rocket science. The sex was super hawt and well written.
June 10, 2011
Hunter Raines effortlessly weaves together a fabulous ménage with some seriously smoking BDSM sex in Paradise Found. To read this review in its entirety, please visit http://www.blackravensreviews.com/?p=...
June 23, 2011
This is a wonderful story of honesty and coming to terms with sexuality. Not only is it a hot story but a moving one too. It is about how sexual honesty with yourself is important for the health of your relationship. If you like top quality erotic male on male stories you will love this.
June 1, 2011
3.75 out of 5
December 29, 2012
Great, quick erotic read. Easy to follow, fun to read!
June 2, 2011
4.5 stars
September 3, 2012
Wow...I don't even know what to say. This book was smokin' hot!
August 28, 2011
Over all it was ok. I guess I wanted more character development.
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