Polyamory on Trial

County Durham Quad #2

by Jude Tresswell

DISCLAIMER: Adult content

A young Syrian needing treatment at Warbridge Hospital is seen by Phil Roberts, one quarter of a gay, polyamorous quad living in North East England. The men in the doctor's life are Mike Angells, Ross Whitmore and Raith Balan, who Phil grows closer to each day.

Phil is troubled. Is his patient in the UK legally? Who has caused his injuries? Is trafficking involved? As the foursome struggle to find out, hampered by the fact that Mike is no longer a detective, cracks begin to appear in their relationship. Can four men be equals? Meanwhile, there are cracks of a different sort to deal with--and the job of doing so seems to fall exclusively on Mike's broad shoulders!

This second tale about Mike, Ross, Raith and Phil can be read as a standalone or as a sequel. As in the first story, Badge of Loyalty, comments about living polyamorously are interlaced with events. This time, it's Mike who offers readers an opinion.

Genres: Polyamory, Mystery, LGBT

240 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2018

About the author

Hello.
If the asexual side of my stories is of interest, perhaps you'd give a listen to the episode of the Queer Words podcast which went online on December 28th? Wayne Goodman, the host, interviews me and the focus is how being ace impacts writing and other aspects of living. You can find it at https://queerwords.org and it's 20 minutes long. No chatter, stripped down editing.
It contains a book extract. There are others (read over stunning drone-shot scenery of County Durham) on my channel at https://youtu.be/Lqlg4P5uvQc . I think my favourite is the one for Book 5 because it has a motor bike. It's at https://youtu.be/n-YAkp2Zh0c
Scar Ghyll Levels, the audio story referred to on the podcast, complete with 200 photographs, is at https://youtu.be/M6xSuQ9utWg
Buy links and blog link for everything at
https://amazon.com/-/e/B07PDGWWPG
https://polyallsorts.wordpress.com

Reviews

[Sofia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is now my second Tresswell read so I'm now used to her delivery which is not the usual. This time round, we had lots of explanations from Mike, I love his turn of phrase and I liked his ponderings though they did dominate the book. But then what should I have expected from that title.

Her secondary plot, had her gentle treatment and points of shame, reflection and action. She shows what hiding, secrets lead to in both plots. Abuse hides very well in secret places.

An arc gently provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley in return for a review

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.5 stars

This story is a continuation of Trusswell’s Badge of Loyalty. Unlike the first story, where nearly all the action focused almost exclusively on Mike’s former career as a law enforcement officer, Polyamory on Trial offers much more insight into each of the four men’s thoughts. In all honesty, it feels a bit overbalanced. The almost slice-of-life narrations each of the men provide gives a far better understanding of how they approach and handle their various relationships, but while the trafficking thread isn’t entirely lost, it feels like it lacks a lot of punch compared to the interpersonal relationships being depicted.

Trusswell does a far better job detailing the actual relationships between Mike and Ross and Phil and Raith. Mike and Raith seem to have the most distinctive voices. Despite the fact that Ross and Phil are very different conceptually—the latter is a doctor and the former basically managed Raith’s art career—their on-page presence made them feel more or less interchangeable. As far as dynamics go, there is a lot of telling rather than showing, but given that it’s packaged in first-person narrative, it feels more genuine that a third-person narrative would.

Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.

[Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues) · Rating 5 out of 5]

****4.5 stars!****

Let me start by saying that Jude Tresswell is a new-to-me author. I read the blurb for PoT and was immediately intrigued with the premise of the story. A crime/thriller set against the backdrop of a polyam relationship. Tell me more!

The subject of human trafficking, whilst not very palatable, is a real world - current - problem. In my opinion, the author handled this subject with the sensitivity and respect it deserves without sensationalising it. It made me think - what would I have done if I have been in Mike et al’s position?

I’d like to think I wouldn’t have turned a blind eye and would have found the courage to act upon my suspicions.

As ex-DI, Mike and his partners, Ross, Phil and Raith, become embroiled in the case, we get a unique insight into their relationship and the love they have for one another. Finally all living under one roof - well, once the refurb is finished (if Mike can get the help he needs, lol) - we see the dynamics of their individual relationships and how they work as a whole.

I was mesmerised by each of the men and the different qualities they brought to the quad. Plus, the differing relationships they each had with one another. Yet, take one out of the equation and they were not a whole. Love in its many forms.

This story had its hooks in me from the off right up until the ‘lump in my throat’ ending. The author’s writing was such that once I started, I couldn’t bear to put it down.

As I’ve said, JT is new to me and so I haven’t read the first in this series, Badge of Loyalty, but I have to stress I was not lost or felt I was missing anything. But I am a nosey so-and-so, so will definitely be reading BoL as soon as I am able. So much was alluded to in Book 2 that I need to satiate my curiosity.

I only had one teensy-tiny niggle. And I must stress that this is all me, but you all know how greedy I am, always wanting more, yada yada yada. Well, I would’ve loved some more details in the smexy times *winks*

I know, I know *holds hands up*... I’m a seven letter word starting with p and ending with t!

Now, where was I, yes *coughs* if you like crime with a difference then this book is definitely for you.

[Gillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Polyamory on Trial is the follow-up to Jude Tresswell’s Badge Of Loyalty. Mike, Ross, Phil and Raith are back and struggling somewhat with issues of equality and balance in their relationship. Although feeling more connected now that they are living together, they are still dealing with Mike’s sudden departure from the police force. On top of that, a Syrian refugee has gotten under Phil’s skin and he feels there is far more to the young man than he or his handler are letting on.

I really enjoyed seeing how the men handled differences and disagreements, in this book. Some issues were small and quite funny (poor Mike being left with literal cracks in the foundation), and some were rather more serious. Tresswell seems to be able to blend both weighty topics with the minutiae of every day life and somehow make it work

This author has a style of writing that may not appeal to everyone, but if you enjoy multiple POV’s and polyam relationships (and not just the sex but the real life, everyday stuff), you’ll find this one to be worth reading.

I would definitely recommend reading the first book, though, regardless of what the blurb says. The background info is vital.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Possible triggers: rape, smuggling ring, beating and using others to keep everyone in line.
Even though Mike isn't a cop anymore, he can't help but get involved when Phil brings to his attentions patient who was raped and not gay and Syrian. The woman who was with him made everything seems more fishy and the more they dug, they were finding out people are being smuggled in. Mike has contacts still he talks and everyone is trying to figure out what to do. They decide to break in to see if they can find out some things and end up finding Khaled, the patient. They get him out of there and they all do their best to remain unaffectionate around the boy. But in one moment, Ross and Mike weren't thinking and Khaled ran away. While they chased him and tried to stop him, he ended up climbing a ridge that didn't support him and feel to his death. They're all devastated and they try to save another. They do and this one turns out better. But it's also left Phil injured. And I'm this book with all that's going on, the doubts about their relationship are rising up quick with Phil. Even a bit with Raith. And it's now up to them all to try to make their relationship better and maybe try to save some others. But how can you when it seems never ending?
This book is harder on the polyam quad. It's more from Mike's perspective in parts of the book, but as a whole, this case is causing some doubts in Phil. He feels like an outsider instead of being a part of the group. Especially since Ross only interacts really with Mike. Mike is the one who is affectionate with Raith and Phil. But then Riath and Phil have kind of formed their own duo as well so maybe it won't be as bad. It's just causing a bit of rift between them all and it's hard to talk about with everything else going on. As much as he tries. He communicated it somewhat but to him, when he does admit it, it feels like he's being selfish and that bother him even more. So, I feel for Phil in this one. As well as Mike. Mike is still recovering from what he went through at the end of book one. It's not been an easy time for any of them to be honest. The secret Mike is still keeping about why he quit is getting to Raith and Phil and Ross had to finally explain it was because of him. He didn't explain why, but he had to tell them at least that much. So it's been a rough book all around. It's still a good story though.
This has been a pretty good series. I'm glad I've got to read it.


http://lovebytesreviews.com/

[Keith Chawgo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start out firstly by stating that I have not read the previous instalment of this series. I am not sure if this left me at a disadvantage but my review may hinge on this fact.

Tresswell’s Polyamory on Trial is an interesting book with characters that are apparently very open and honest. As this is reinforced multiple times throughout the text, it must be so though the four men involved in their alternative relationship lifestyle, they tend to carry their life as if they are in a self help group that endlessly talk to the point of over examining and analysing their relationships and thought processes.

It is an interesting experiment and works within this world. In its idyllic stance, this takes a back seat to the topic of human trafficking and Syria. Although these issues are important to address, at times the situation seems a little forced and this maybe through the plot device of alternating between first person and third person perspective.

The four main characters are interesting and each come out with their own personalities intact. The fifth member that is added due to shady circumstances within his legal status, comes off as a bit flat. Although as stated above, this character does bring forth the question of immigration, human trafficking, refugee status, etc and tosses around these hot potato subjects around, the character seems to be a political agenda added to more or less spice up the harmony within the household.

Tresswell does not force her agenda into the story overtly but at times it feels that she opened this up because as this is the second book, she already tackled one hot topic and needed to add another. It does raise necessary questions but it does feel a bit forced and a plot device to make the book relevant. Saying this, it is all very well handled and works within the construct of the story.

Overall, this is an interesting book with well developed characters and a mystery woven into the plot. The relationship situation shows that like “normal” relationships, they are quite fragile and come with their own host of problems. The plot does tend to drag in parts but overall it does give payback with a host of interesting characters.

[Karolina Cebula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review in English and Polish || Recenzja po angielsku i polsku

A young Syrian is brought to Warbridge A&E. All indicates that he was brutally raped, which draws Phil's attention as he treats him. The man worries that the boy stays illegally in the country and is forced to have sex. The doctor shares his observations and fears with his lovers. Together they begin to investigate the matter that turns out to have a disastrous effect on the quad's relationship. As if that was not enough, Phil has to deal with some professional problems, which have a negative impact on his mood and the atmosphere at home he shares with his lovers.

"Polyamory on Trial" is the second volume of the criminal themed "County Durham Quad" series, focusing on four men in a polyamorous relationship. And this is the topic I would like to focus on, as unlike in the previous installment, in this one we really have nothing to complain about. Let's start with the fact that we finally have the opportunity to see the dynamics between four lovers, as in this volume they not only live together, but above all they are really present in the story we read. This is a huge difference compared to the previous part of the series. The more so because thanks to the active participation of all four of them in the life of their love quad, the subject of polyamory is more developed, and their bond is explained in more detail. Thus, all the things that previously were the reason for the reader's mixed feelings, now make a lot of sense. Sure, we can still have some doubts about their mutual relations, but this time we have something to base our opinion about them on.

There's no doubt that reviewing "Polyamory on Trial" I have to write a few words about the characters that we finally get to know. Let me say that in the previous volume, the creation of two of them was a little dim, while the other two were just the shadows cast by people staying outside our visual field. This time the author clearly showed us the dynamics between four protagonists, as well as created each one of them very carefully. So this time I can say with a clear conscience that after reading "Polyamory on Trial" we begin to really understand the characters, both in terms of the role they play in the polyamorous relationship, as well as the way they think and act. While previously it was difficult for us to form an opinion about them or simply to like them, now we can really fall in love with the quad. Personally, from the beginning, I had a weakness for Ross and I wasn't sure whether I like Mike or not, but this time I can say in all seriousness that I love all the members of this unique, diverse and crazy quad.

The plus of the novel is also its plot. Let's start with the fact that the story presented in this volume not only contains a criminal theme, but also has the right vibe that is so important in this case. It is thanks to it that the readers fully feel all the emotions and curiosity connected with this type of novel and, to a certain extent, they engage themselves in the investigation. It is also worth noting that in the case of "Polyamory on Trial", the action of the book is more precise, the events are combined in a smoother way than ever before and keep us in suspense. Thus, the reader can focus equally on the contemporary life theme, and on the mentioned criminal topic. I think I should also add that once again, just like in the case of the previous book, the events of this volume are largely reflected in the title of the novel, which I think is really fantastic. The more so because the author refers to the title in many different angles, which I think is impressive.

Finally, I would like to refer to the very important problem raised in the novel which for contemporary Europe are illegal immigrants. I believe that the use of this motif in the book is its great advantage, because it draws our attention to many ethical problems, as well as emphasizes the fact that assimilation can be extremely difficult, and acceptance requires the man to be open and ready for it. In a very emotional way, the author shows her readers how easy it is to become a victim of human brutality and ruthlessness, and how easily dreams can turn into a nightmare. What's more, in "Polyamory on Trial" we also see a vicious circle from which not everyone is able to and can free oneself. Consequently, one of the lessons we receive while reading this novel is awareness of the problem, the risks and the fact that we can't help everyone, not everyone can be saved, even if we give it our all. However, I assure you that if we devote more time and space to this subject and the way it was presented in the novel, we could write a long essay on this topic.

To sum up, "Polyamory on Trial" is a really good and valuable novel that I can really recommend to a large group of readers. In addition to an interesting plot, ethical problems and fantastic characters, we also find here the widely developed subject of polyamory. After reading this novel, we really see this series in a completely different light. I am the best example of it.

__________________________________

Na pogotowie szpitala w Warbridge trafia młody Syryjczyk. Wszystko wskazuje na to, że został brutalnie zgwałcony, co zwraca szczególną uwagę zajmującego się nim Phila. Mężczyzna obawia się, że chłopak może przebywać w kraju nielegalnie i być wykorzystywanym wbrew woli. Swoimi spostrzeżeniami i obawami dzieli się ze swoimi kochankami. Wspólnie zaczynają drążyć sprawę, która okazuje się mieć zgubny wpływ na ich wzajemne relacje. Jakby tego było mało, Phil musi poradzić sobie z problemami zawodowymi, które tym gorzej wpływają na jego samopoczucie i atmosferę w dzielonym z kochankami domu.

„Polyamory on Trial” jest drugim tomem serii z wątkiem kryminalnym „County Durham Quad” skupiającej się wokół czwórki mężczyzn znajdujących się w związku poliamorycznym. I właśnie na tym temacie chciałabym się skupić, jako że w przeciwieństwie do tego, co otrzymaliśmy w poprzedniej części, tym razem naprawdę nie mamy na co narzekać. Zacznijmy od tego, że w końcu mamy okazję obserwować dynamikę czwórki kochanków, jako że w tym tomie nie tylko mieszkają razem, ale przede wszystkim są naprawdę obecni w przedstawionej tu historii. To ogromna różnica w porównaniu z poprzednią odsłoną serii. Tym bardziej, że dzięki czynnemu udziałowi całej czwórki w życiu ich miłosnego czworokąta, temat poliamorii zostaje bardziej rozwinięty, a łączące ich więzi dokładniej wyjaśnione. Tym samym, to co poprzednio wywoływało w czytelniku mieszane uczucia, teraz nabiera większego sensu. Jasne, nadal możemy mieć pewne wątpliwości, co do ich wzajemnych relacji, jednak w końcu mamy na czym oprzeć naszą opinię na ich temat.

Recenzując „Polyamory on Trial” bezsprzecznie muszę odnieść się do tematu bohaterów, których w końcu naprawdę poznajemy. Pozwolę sobie na stwierdzenie, że w poprzednim tomie dwójka z nich była raczej niewyraźna, zaś druga dwójka stanowiła tylko cień rzucany przez osoby znajdujące się poza naszym polem widzenia. Tym razem autorka przedstawiła nam wyraźnie dynamikę całej czwórki, jak również bardzo dokładnie ukazała każdego z mężczyzn po kolei. Mogę więc z czystym sumieniem stwierdzić, że po przeczytaniu „Polyamory on Trial” zaczynamy ich naprawdę rozumieć, zarówno pod względem roli jaką odgrywają w poliamorycznym związku, jak i sposobu myślenia, sposobu działania. O ile poprzednio ciężko było nam wyrobić sobie na ich temat jakąś opinię, czy też po prostu ich polubić, o tyle teraz naprawdę możemy ich pokochać. Osobiście od początku miałam słabość do Rossa i nie byłam przekonana, co do osoby Mike’a, jednak teraz mogę z całą powagą stwierdzić, że uwielbiam cały ten wyjątkowy, różnorodny i szalony czworokąt.

Plusem powieści jest również jej fabuła. Zacznijmy od tego, że przedstawiona w tym tomie historia nie tylko zawiera wątek kryminalny, ale także posiada jakże niezbędny w tym wypadku klimat. To właśnie dzięki niemu czytelnik w pełni odczuwa wiążące się z taką powieścią emocje, ciekawość i w pewnym stopniu angażuje się w dochodzenie. Warto również zauważyć, że w przypadku „Polyamory on Trial” akcja książki jest bardziej zwarta, a wydarzenia łączą się ze sobą płynniej niż dotychczas i trzymają nas w napięciu. Tym samym czytelnik może w równym stopniu skupiać się na wątku obyczajowym, jak również na wspomnianym wątku kryminalnym. Należy też dodać, że kolejny raz przedstawione w książce wydarzenia w ogromnej mierze znajdują swoje odbicie w tytule powieści, co uważam za rzecz naprawdę fantastyczną. Tym bardziej, że autorka odnosi się do tytułu pod naprawdę wieloma różnymi kątami, co mi osobiście bardzo zaimponowało.

Na koniec chciałabym odnieść się do poruszonego w powieści bardzo ważnego problemu, jakim dla współczesnej Europy są nielegalni imigranci. Uważam, że wykorzystanie w książce tego motywu jest ogromną jej zaletą, ponieważ zwraca naszą uwagę na wiele tematów natury etycznej, jak również podkreśla fakt, że asymilacja bywa niezwykle trudna, zaś akceptacja wymaga od człowieka otwartości i gotowości. Autorka w bardzo emocjonalny sposób pokazuje swoim czytelnikom jak łatwo jest stać się ofiarą ludzkiej brutalności i bezwzględności, z jaką łatwością marzenia mogą zamienić się w koszmar. Ponadto, w „Polyamory on Trial” widzimy także błędne koło nieszczęść, które nie każdy potrafi i może zatrzymać. Co za tym idzie, jedną z lekcji jakie otrzymujemy czytając tę powieść jest świadomość problemu, zagrożeń oraz faktu, że nie każdemu można pomóc, nie każdego można uratować, nawet jeśli daje się z siebie wszystko. Zapewniam Was jednak, że gdyby poświęcić temu tematowi i jego przedstawieniu w powieści więcej miejsca, moglibyśmy napisać na ten tema cały esej.

Podsumowując, „Polyamory on Trial” jest naprawdę dobrą i wartościową powieścią, która z powodzeniem mogę polecić licznemu gronu czytelników. Poza interesującą fabułą, zajmującymi problemami natury etycznej oraz fantastycznymi bohaterami, znajdziemy tu również szeroko rozwinięty temat poliamorii. Po przeczytaniu tej powieści naprawdę spojrzymy na całą serię zupełnie inaczej. Jestem tego najlepszym przykładem.

[Sadie Seroxcat · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Polyamory on Trial' was an interesting book, with two main plotlines and interwoven themes. I haven't read the book which precedes this one ('Badge of Loyalty'). I don't feel that takes anything away from the clarity of this story - though I am now very curious about what happened, because it's often alluded to, so I might need to find/read it now just to sate my curiosity! 'Polyamory on Trial' tells us a tale about a polyamorous quad of men and their efforts to save young Syrian refugees who have been trafficked into the North East of England, kept in slavery and punished with rape for any escape attempt. As we see them work together for the benefit of the young Syrian men, we also learn a great deal about the reality of polyamorous relationships (and the problems caused by misinformation and preconceptions others have about them too). I did enjoy the book, despite it's subject matter being somewhat upsetting. All of the details concerned with the trafficking, slavery and rape of refugees was sensitively handled and brings to light the reality of awful things which do happen to real people all the time. I also felt that there was much to learn about relationships (of any kind really, but in particular polyamorous ones), in the way the characters talked through everything constantly and felt so strongly about their four tenets of love, passion, openness and honesty. My only real negative point is that the 'message' is rather often repeated, along with the reiteration of other details also seeming repetitive at times. The author is obviously extremely passionate about the subject matter which is great, but occasionally as the book moved along I wasn't quite sure if I was feeling a little lectured, or if it felt like the author assumed a very short memory span in the readers. All told, interesting and informative with engaging characters. Worth reading.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really didn't know what to expect going into this book. It has been a while since I read the blurb, and I struggled through the first book. I enjoyed reading this story much more than the first; mainly because of the detailed character development, and the fact that all four members of the quad were involved in the plot. The storyline is a little disjointed, as with the first, because the author likes to put two stories, related, of course, into one book by dividing the writing between the actual plot, and the thoughts of the characters (this time only Mike's).

I'm not really sure which of the two is the sub-story. Going with the title, Polyamory On Trial, I'm going to say that even though this subplot doesn't really have much to do with the action in the book, it is of equal importance. In these sections, Mike not only describes each of his partners in detail, he also describes their relationship and its dynamics. For anyone who has never known a polyam group, this is actually not a bad description. He talks about how they are together, and how the outside world sees them; or, more to the point, polyamorous relationships in general.

The actual storyline is a bit jumbled, IMO. It IS very pertinent to the current events affecting the setting of this book. It's a bit of a good guys versus bad guys trope, following along from the first book when Mike was a police detective. But, as with the first book, lies and cover-ups make more of a mess than a satisfactory conclusion.

Overall, I did enjoy this second installment better than the first. We learn more about each of the quad; not only from Mike, but also because we get to watch them interact throughout this story. And, though I would have liked the story to have been a bit different than it was, the author wrote it, not I.

* I received an ARC of this book. *

[Firdaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Courtesy netgalley

The Oxford English Dictionary defines Polyamory as”the practice of engaging in multiple sexual relationships with the consent of all the people involved.” ‘Poly’ signifies many and ‘amor’ is the Latin for love. In “Polyamory on Trial”, Jude Tresswell examines this phenomenon in the lives of his four protagonists: Mike Angells, Ross Whitmore, Dr Phil Roberts. and Raith Balan. Whereas the OED definition tends to concentrate on the “sexual relationships” Tresswell imbues the relationships with a great deal of friendship, companionship, understanding, affection, solidarity and, of course, love, not just in its carnal sense.

In spite of a close bond between the young men, not all is hunky dory and the harmonious relationships have their own ups and downs and minor irritants, temporary though they may be.

Enter a Syrian refugee, Khaled Hudson. He has been physically abused and lands up at Warbridge Hospital where he is attended to by Phil. Through a strange set of circumstances, Khaled lands up living with the four gay men which further complicates their relationship. His situation raises several questions: is his presence in the UK legal? Who has caused his injuries? There is obviously some illegal trafficking of refugees which is evident from the opening pages. Mike Angells, who has recently lost his job with 5e Force begins to investigate, But more important is the new entrant who acts like a grit of sand in the well-oiled relationships between the four and threatens to upset the balance. Will their relationships survive this ordeal?

Tresswell handles the tensions very well and creates a very readable novel.

[L Cam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Netgalley ARC

I started reading this before I realized it was book 2 in a series. I had to go back and read the first book because it didn't make much sense to me. I'm also used to some stories with poly characters starting out that way. This is most definitely not the case.

Tresswell's writing is a very author specific writing style. She writes in a way where you can hear the local dialect and jargon of the characters because she actually makes them speak that way rather than tell you what kind of accent or quirk they have.

The books is slow. There's nothing around that, but the characters are so different and part of a polyamorous relationship that the uniqueness of that alone is also what kept me reading. It's bit on the dry side, but it's definitely worth the read for the writing and characters alone. She definitely does Mike and he guys justice in describing and telling their everyday lives. I also applaud the unique tale of mystery woven into the story.

[Clazzzer C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was totally removed from my usual genres but I enjoyed it a lot. A cross between an in depth look at a polyamorous relation and all the cracks and creases that exist there, just as they do in each and every one of our relationships, with the tendency to look deeper into people's lives and situations in case a law is being broken some where along the line. In this situation it really did seem that an infringement of the patient's rights had taken place. His safety was question. His body had been violated. It is entirely understandable that their investigation was taken up. The consequences of said investigation were more serious than they envisioned however and had much more far reaching consequences. I have to say I really enjoyed this read. It was thought provoking and substantial, and I definitely recommend.

[Laura Hundley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really stepped out of my usual genres to read this book and I am so excited that I did. If anyone thinks that the LGBTQ community is any different than the heterosexual group, this book proves that we are all the same. We have the same problems, fears, hopes, and want to help as many others as we can. This book has four protagonists and there are two main relationships. This story is real and had me feeling every emotion at different times in the novel. I found out that there is another book that centers on these four characters that came out first and I will def read it although in no way do you have to read it to understand these characters.

Thank you to netgalley as well as the author/publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this author's take on the mystery genre while also writing realistically about the quad of men who make up the polyamorous relationship of the title. Each character gets a spotlight in the story but all of them have interesting and believable roles to play in working on the mystery. Here after all the news about legal/illegal immigration, trafficking and the mistreatment of those who look "foreign" I found the author's use of that in this story well done and sensitively handled. While I do agree that each of these books could be read alone, it is much more interesting to watch the development of the characters and their relationship in order. Look forward to starting book #3 in the series.

[Ashleigh Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though this is book 2 you can read this as a stand alone.

I found this book rather hard hitting to read and felt I needed breaks from it as a result. This was written well and I felt so sorry for the immigrants who came over from Syria and what they had to go through when they did get here. I liked that we got perspectives mostly from the people who were trying to help but did also hear a little from those who did unspeakable things.

I also liked that the book spoke about the polyamerous relationship the men were in and how it was effecting them all and the diffefent types of love which was in the relationship.

This was good just a little too much for me and I dont see me reading this again.

[Natalie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received from Netgalley. The four lovers are back. Raith, Phil, Mike and Ross are dealing with the fallout of the events from the previous book, as well as issues with equal division, Phil’s patients, Raith’s insecurity and keeping Mike’s sanity. This one felt like Mike and Phil were the main characters, though the four together feel more together than the first one. Its sweet, a little sad and very real. I like the writing style and the little interview parts with just Mike this time. Does contain violence, assault and people with no morals.

[Aaron Bloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

(ARC) This is the same four men as in Badge of Loyalty but the focus is on all four of them. Last time it was mainly on Mike, the cop. It uses end-of-chapter 'interludes' again and for that reason, isn't quite as original and unusual. That's the only reason I didn't give it another 5 stars. The story is sometimes funny, sometimes very sad. It has social commentary, it's thought provoking, it asks questions. There's plenty of affection and sweet dialogue. I liked it.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I love m/m/m/m. This is book 2, Phil's story. And I adored it, just like book 1. I like how this is about relationship between four men, who while they are all not in a sexual relationship with each other, and really don't even live together, they each bring to the group what the other needs. It's not easy, communication is a struggle, but it works! I am very much looking forward to book 3.

[Fran Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Checked it after viewing author's blog. How does polyamory stand up to being tested? Interesting characters and sharp dialogue tho a sometimes upsetting plot. Seems very real though.

[Stacey Morris · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book ends horrible

Parts of this book are okay others so horrible I can’t even read them I had to just eye ball this to horrible to read

[Suze · Rating 3 out of 5]

This time we hear Mike's voice as the thoughts of and about the quad.
However, it is Phil who is the main catalyst for the trouble that heads their way.
Treating an abused young man leads them into people trafficking and abuse. We can see how frustrating it can be to have some information and then either not be able to act on it or not have enough - though would civilians really get as involved as any novel takes us!!
Outside of the dire world of trafficking, not so heavy though the quad does go through some issues

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

this one was good... confusing in so many spots... made me curious... made me smile.. made me mad.. so many things going on and emotions.. so many feelings and personalities to keep track of. it was good

[Andrew Peters]

Jude Tresswell’s Polyamory on Trial presents an intriguing blend of modern themes. In a small town in Northern England, a committed foursome of gay men uncovers a human trafficking operation that preys on Syrian refugees. The men face questions of moral obligation while figuring out how to live together as a quad.

Read my full review at Out in Print