Two’s company and three’s a crowd, right? Not when you’ve got a genius who knows that sometimes it takes more than two people to make a family.
Cody’s been waiting years for his sexy former professor to take the leap and ask him out. Unfortunately, Cody’s youthful looks and the fact that Jameson has known him since he was fourteen aren’t helping the situation any. When the precocious student finally decides that the slightly reluctant Jameson needs a little push to move him in the right direction, Cody knows just what to do—follow his curiosity.
When Ford is introduced to Cody at Bound & Controlled, he’s interested but a little wary. Just because the funny little thing says he’s looking for a Daddy doesn’t mean Ford is the one for him. Guys are usually hesitant when it comes to getting close to an asexual Daddy Dom. But the unpredictable Cody seems to think that’s the perfect combination.
A little patience and a bit of research has helped Cody find his Mr. Rights. He’s just not sure what it will take to get his nervous professor and his loving Daddy to see that all they really need is each other.
61k words Story Contains: MMM Sexual Content, BDSM elements, Spankings, and Age Play
Author’s Note: This is a slow burn romance that has a HFN ending.
I knew what I was getting into with this book, and still I had some trouble with Cody dating two people at the same time. Yes, it’s a setup for a ménage (continuing in the next book), but before Ford and Jameson ever meet, it was still Cody dating two people at the same time.
Ford was asexual, but the Daddy/boy relationship wasn’t sexless. And Jameson just wasn’t a daddy, like Cody needed.
I guess this will all work out in the end, but it still made me feel a bit torn. I think I would have felt differently if Ford and Jameson met sooner. Now I felt there was all this talk about Cody dating two people who would fulfill different needs in him. And that sounds too much of an open relationship to me.
I mean, Cody never even asked Jameson what he felt about age-play. What if Jameson wanted to explore it with Cody and become a daddy? But Cody just decided beforehand that Jameson would not want to get involved and looked for a daddy elsewhere (before the two started dating for real). It didn't sit well with me.
I’m not sure if it a combination of the narration or the story 🤔 I'm usually good at getting through a book with subpar narration if the story is good, so I’m reaching the conclusion that this story is not good.
The Daddy/little thing just does not work for me. I don’t wanna hear it, I don’t wanna read it, I don’t wanna think it.
This is my favourite MA Innes so far. Her works get very repetitive and while they're fun, sweet and kinky, you do need to take a break between them. This book however was something a little bit more special.
I love that this was a threesome. I love that it was 2 very clear and honest relationships that merged into one (more so in the next book). I love that Cody was new to age-play but dived into it with such enthusiasm. I love Ford as a confident caring daddy. I even loved Jameson who was so scared of Cody but learnt and accepted him being little with as much love as a vanilla guy could.
I just thought the build up was great. The kink was great. The intricacies of Ford's asexuality was great. Pretty much I moved straight onto book 2 to read more about these three.
I love the unique personalities in this one, and M.A. Innes does an amazing job of incorporating these three into a relationship. There are a few surprises, and the guys work through them... a good set up for Embracing Love.
Narrated by Kenneth Obi, he does a lovely job with the different characters. Mr. Obi gives each man a unique voice, and I particularly enjoyed the scenes between all three of them.
an audiobook copy of Embracing Faith was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
This book was pick for me in a challenge I have read this author before. Cody’s been waiting years for his sexy former professor to take the leap and ask him out. Unfortunately, Cody’s youthful looks and the fact that Jameson has known him since he was fourteen are not helping the situation any. When Ford is introduced to Cody at Bound & Controlled, he’s interested but a little wary. Just because the funny little thing says he’s looking for a Daddy doesn’t mean Ford is the one for him. Guys are usually hesitant when it comes to getting close to an asexual Daddy Dom. I had to look up the whole asexual thing because I didn't really understand it but I did understand his need for control what I can't understand is why would you want to be in a relationship with someone that you are not having sex with. I really liked Cody and how he saw the world. I really wanted more of his relationship with Jameson. All this book is in the genre of menage it's not really because they all didn't have sex. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I’ve never read about Daddies and littles so this was very enlightening. I love that with reading, you learn so much of the world that otherwise would have been a mystery. Anyways, I want to point out that the author does a good job of giving each of them individual voices. Each chapter is a different POV and it’s very obvious whose voice you’re reading the perspective from. Not many authors do this well. In this case, their voices were very distinct. I like Cory’s innocent, curious and intelligent voice best. Jameson, for all that he’s a seasoned college professor and all is actually rather indecisive and somewhat skittish. And Ford, as the Daddy, is very firm.
I would say this book is more about exploring Daddy/little so there’s not really much romance. But it’s the exploration of Daddy/little that has me intrigued and fascinated. It’s an aspect of BDSM I’ve heard of but never exposed to. So I enjoyed this book for the part entertainment and part learning I got from this 😬
Review of the two books, you do have to read both. If you haven't read any age-play, but are curious, this two-book series is a comfortable, easy-to-empathize, place to start. The fact that the Daddy Dom of the trio is asexual would help folks easing into this kink, because it reduces (though does not eliminate) the juxtaposition of Daddy-Little-boy and sex.
Cody is an extraordinarily precocious 21-year-old who has been at his university since he was 14, has multiple degrees, and is still figuring out what he wants to do with his life. He did figure out, from his first year of classes, that part of what he wants is his ex-professor Jameson. The attraction is clearly mutual, but Jameson has spent the last 7 years making sure nothing inappropriate happened between him and his too-young student. But now that Cody is 21, he's not going to put up with that anymore. Except if he pushes too hard, he might lose Jameson altogether.
The other stumbling block to Cody's and Jameson's HEA is that Cody is realizing how kinky he is, in particular that he craves a Daddy, some spanking, and a safe place to be Little. Given that he lost most of his childhood to his driving intellect (encouraged by his mother, but not in a toxic way), and that he has been making adult decisions for himself since he was a young teen, it's no surprise that being Little feels like a safe harbor. But he has no evidence that Jameson has any desire to be a Daddy or even a Dom.
Luckily, Cody has friends in the local BDSM scene, and they introduce him to Ford. Ford is older, a caretaker Dom and a Daddy. Because he's asexual, he's had a hard time finding lasting relationships that work, since for most folk in the scene, sex is part of the package. But with Cody settled in love with Jameson, and holding out for him, an asexual Daddy is perfect.
Question is, can Cody have two relationships that each give him things he really needs? Can Ford and Jameson both live with not being everything to Cody by themselves? And what will happen when those two men meet?
This duo of books gives us all three POVs, and works the way slowly into a working triad relationship. I enjoyed it, although Ford is way, way too perfect to be real, and obstacles are passed smoothly and without trauma or stupidity on anyone's part, some kind of minor miracle.
I'd have loved to see missteps, conflicts, failings and reconciliations, and a lot more acknowledgement of how tricky a triad, especially an unbalanced one, can be. More conflict with the relatives, more conflict with the university rules, something. But this was a sweet, warm, if a little lightweight, story that explored Daddy kink in a very accessible and relatable way, with a satisfying HEA.
Ok. So I’ve been pretty stingy with my 5star reads the last 12 months but I’m so glad I ignored the questionable cover because this was hands down my favourite M.A. Innes book I think I’ve ever read. Usually they sit in the 3 star range, tending to be too slow and overly sweet and fluffy for my tastes. But the pacing here was perfect and this was super sweet and fluffy to boot, and I loved pretty much every second of it and didn’t want it to end.
The quality of the writing is the same, the difference for me was the characters. These three men were just so intriguing, right from the start. Cody’s voice was unique and adorable. Jameson was in love but a bit out of his depth, and Ford is just a wonderful Daddy and, in turn, a friend. Put them together and they are scorching, in their own unique way. *Happy sigh*
I loved how the relationships were set up and how by the last 10% it was all starting to change and move and come together. It didn’t seem awkward or manufactured. For Cody it was simple and practical and how it had to be. And as a reader it just made so much sense. They are all equals who need and want very different things in a relationship and it’s easy to see how they can get everything from each other. I can’t wait for the next book to read all about it.
5 "Good boys get the Best Rewards" Stars⭐ This MMM book/Series was one of those which sneaked up on me as I was scrolling MM books, Entranced me & I was powerless against my mind! This was my 1st book by MA Innes & I Loved it thoroughly❤. Cody, Ford & Jameson are lovable😍. The Friends are awesome, I'll definitely check out their books! DEVOURED this in 6hrs.
I loved getting 3 POVs! This story had me all laughing, Swooning & Fanning-Myself! (FYI, All 3 are Gay!) Cody is Cute, Sexy, Genius (With multiple degrees at only 21) & a virgin! Knows exactly what he wants. From his Psychology class, he was intrigued by Age play & hence met Ford in The Club. Ford (Accountant by profession) is an Asexual Daddy & not everyone gets him but he's sweet, caring & Perfect for Cody!
Now, Ford+Cody's relation is Perfect from the start, they communicate well & Ford also knows about Jameson, Cody's Hot Professor, to whom Cody wants to give his Virginity to...But Jameson can't help but see Cody as still the kid who he taught. But When Jame finds that Cody went to a BDSM club...Omg Fun! J's cautious, he wants Cody...& It's time he sees the Sexy minx.
There's something really hot in these lines..😉: "I got comfortable and just watched as my sweet boy made notes on the best way to seduce his boyfriend."
Cody & Jame does move forward in their Relationship (Kissing & Dinner dates!), but This whole situation is a little complex...So seeing the stress on Cody, Ford (Sexy Dom!) Takes the matter in his own hands..All 3 Surprise date time!
That Scene where Ford finally meets Jame will forever be one of the most Laugh-out-loud but intense moments!! As everything's out in the open...I adored that they'll give this 3some a chance. It's evident that Cody needs them both in his life❤. We get an HFN ending here with so much hope for the next one!
The Age-Play & Sexy scenes (No penetrative one here) were all spot on! I've already read the 2nd book as I'm writing this Review, just saying...Go for this Duet!
When I first learned that MA Innes was writing a slow-burn romance with an asexual character, I was a little hesitant because sex in a romance book is very important to me. Then I learned that while asexual, Ford enjoyed touch and hugs and cuddling with his partners, so that made me feel more interested in finding out what this story might be like. Then I learned this book is about a threesome, so even though one of the guys is asexual, the other two aren’t, and I felt even more interested. I’ve loved all of her other books and know she has an amazing ability to create characters I just fall in love with, so it seemed very likely that even though I’d never read a story with an asexual character, I’d love anyone Ms. Innes invented.
Once I read the book, I really learned that there can be so much intimacy without a sexual relationship, especially with including the intimacies of a Daddy Dom taking care of a little. I really fell in love with Ford, the asexual Daddy Dom, just as much as with Cody, the brilliant young little, and Jameson, Cody’s former professor (and a good friend of Beckett, the MC from Unconventional, who makes an appearance here!). I loved Cody’s trust and determination to find the life that’s right for him, even if what works for him involves two men meeting very different needs of his. And I loved Jameson, scared from some bad things that had happened to him in the past but wanting to move past them so he wouldn’t lose what he’d always wanted from Cody but never felt it was OK to have. Which leaves Ford, the strong Daddy Dom who wants what’s best for Cody, to bring them all together in the best way. I love how open Cody and Ford keep their communication about their relationship and Cody’s interest in and then relationship with Jameson, so there is never a feeling of cheating or anything being hidden. And I loved how sweet the ageplay between Ford and Cody is, and the trust and closeness it engenders. The ending left me feeling very excited about where things will go in book two!
I have to say that I’m so glad I decided to take a chance on this book, and I highly recommend it!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Embracing Faith is a m|m|m romance. I was curious to read this as I've never read about a thruple before.
The three men each have their own pov. Cody is a 21, super smart, college student. He has loads of degrees and at the time this book takes place, is doing one in psychology. He has a crush on a professor. But, despite them both being into each other, the two are not together because Jameson thinks Cody is too young.
The third pov is Ford. Cody meets him at a BDSM club. He's an asexual daddy dom. the two hit it off.
I found this enjoyable. I should have done a bit more research before I read it, as I didn't fully realise what age-play was, which takes place between Cody and Ford. Ford is asexual and it was good to see that here as I don't often come across asexual characters, however, I am not asexual and I'm not sure if the author is asexual so I can't speak on if the representation is accurate or not.
I know there is a sequel, but I felt the book was a bit short. Maybe it was just the the plot was just about the three guys getting together, but I felt not a lot happened.
It's good to read books about things outside of your knowledge and comfort zone, and Embracing Faith did that.
Re-read 11/3-4/19: still 5 stars, still sweet and hot, still love these three together!
Now I just want to read ALL of M.A.'s and Shaw's stories again. Right now. Damn RL for getting in the way... (sigh). When is Embracing Love coming out? I need to see how these three work out their relationship ASAP! So much potential for Ford and Jameson -- can't wait!
Update: Embracing Love comes out on Friday 6/14/19 -- only four days to wait! (Go pre-order the hell outta that book -- time for Ford and James to fall in love with each other!)
The plot is very engaging with a lot of communication between the main characters. Cody was a young (21yo) college student, confused about what he wants to do with his life. He has a curious mind (multiple degrees) and wants to learn as much as he could and about everything (hence, the multiple degrees, lol!).
His curiosity and exploration had led him to Ford (in a BDSM club *smirk*), an experienced asexual Daddy/Dom. Ford was caring, patient, mature and a great guide for Cody. I really love their dynamics very well.
Then comes Jameson, Cody's long lost crush for years and also Cody's ex-professor. Jameson has his own past and concerns stopping him from making a move on Cody despite his growing interest. With Ford in the picture, Jameson and Cody finally progressed while transitioning to this new phase of their relationship.
I loved how Cody and Ford's first meeting went, it was super cute. They seemed perfect for each other.. I laughed at their conversations that went round and round without either of them saying what they really want to say. It was kind of adorable. I also loved how Cody and Ford grew their relationship. Having an asexual Daddy was new and different. The intimate non sexual relationship between them was really sweet and perfect.
"Sex was like avocados for me. I understood from watching other people's reactions that it could theoretically be enjoyable, but for the most part, it just looked squishy and unappealing."
Their was great relationship growth and development. I really felt like I was getting to know Cody and Ford and Cody and Jameson. The relationships seemed to evolve so naturally (except when Jameson needed a little push..)
"He's never been mine, I'd made sure of that... but he was slipping away."
Cody felt so right and comfortable as a little. Getting Jameson to understand was a cause for concern though..
I loved the open communication these three managed to establish. Each man complimenting the others. I really enjoyed this story and would have loved just a little bit more...
Ohmygod this book was so stinking cute! Usually ABDL isn't my favorite but M.A. Innes has never written a book I didn't like and this was no different. There was a pretty gentle introduction into the play and plenty of explainations along the way. I think this book would be really good for someone new to ABDL because of the slow pace. I only wish the book were longer and we got to see more interaction between the three men because I have a feeling it's only gonna get hotter!
Asexual daddy Dom, the twink, and the prof (an audio review)
I have enjoyed M.A. Innes books before (as well as stories written under Shaw Montgomery), so I had high hopes for this one. I love MMM stories, have no problems with BDSM, have read daddy kink, and enjoy age play. This book brought together all those elements, so I should have really enjoyed it. I did, for the most part, but it felt a bit uneven. There are three main characters and each has their own rotating point of view. Yet somehow I felt Jameson got short changed. I didn’t connect with him as much as I did Cody and Ford. I felt like something was missing with him.
My other issue is with Cody himself. He’s twenty-one, started university in his mid-teens, and has six degrees. Now, I understand being a savant, but sitting classes and writing papers takes time. Even if he challenges almost every class, he still needs time to learn material. I felt his genius stretched credulity a bit and although his naïveté was endearing, it was also a little much. Sometimes I found him downright annoying.
Okay, after unpacking those issues, I settled into the story. Ford is an asexual Daddy Dom. He loves age play, and has a nursery at home. But all the men he’s encountered want a sexual relationship as well and that doesn’t work for him. I like when asexual characters are normalized. There’s nothing wrong with not being interested in sex. Doesn’t mean someone should be consigned to be alone for the rest of their lives. Cody encountering Ford on his first foray into a BDSM club was an interesting choice. Cody has a tendency to run on and ask impertinent questions, and Ford enjoys that. He’s open and happy to meet someone who is curious and open. Things quickly progress and Cody heads to Ford’s home for some play.
Cody also has been crushing on a professor on campus. The professor has, rightly, held the younger man at bay. There are ethics about these things, right? But he’s also been intrigued and now that Cody’s older, he’s at least open to having a discussion. Things progress in that relationship as well, leaving Cody torn between two men who both meet his needs.
It’s the mature Ford who insists the three men meet. Now, Jameson’s reaction to Cody’s declaration that he needs a daddy was a bit over the top, but I can understand being surprised. The three men meeting doesn’t occur until well into the book, setting up the next one nicely as this story ends on what can only be termed a HFN.
Kenneth Obi narrated this story and delivered the performance I expected. He’s consistent in his delivery with the manic Cody and the very chilled Ford. He also gave Jameson a good voice as well. There are plenty of cameos of characters from other series and it’s always fun to see them. If this is your first Innes/Montgomery book, don’t worry, you won’t be lost. I’m looking forward to the second book and hope it will come to audio shortly.
So lots of firsts here. This is my first by this author and my first book with the little/Daddy, ABDL trope. I am an avid reader of BDSM and enjoy the variations on the relationships within the BDSM scene (so to speak). I have to say, though, that ABDL is not my kink. Just could not get into it, particularly when diapers entered the equation. But I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Ford, Jameson and Cody were brought to life brilliantly on the pages of Ms. Innes' novel. The writing was pithy, witty, engaging, readable and during the sexy bits, lava-hot. The author has taken a very unique set up using a couple of different popular tropes and combined them effortlessly. The asides from Cody's over protective mom were hysterical "Do you know what comes up when you Google gay BDSM Daddies? Not Hallmark movies, let me tell you. You need someone who’s going to treat you right.” Dear God." Ford's explanation of his asexuality was done with humor and showed that he knows who he is and damn anyone else who doesn't like it "Sex was like avocados for me. I understood from watching other people’s reactions that it could theoretically be enjoyable, but for the most part, it just looked squishy and unappealing." LOL. Now I liked each MC but a little unsure that I like them as a triad. Maybe I needed more backstory. It appears from some of the other reviewers' comments that these characters have appeared in other books. Though it might have helped me understand the MCs, ultimately it was fine as a standalone. Ms. Innes is clear that this ends as an HFN and that if you want to know how this works out, you'll need to read book 2. I bought it.... but not sure I am ready to dive in yet. But for those who enjoy the little/Daddy dynamic, this was exceptionally well written.
WARNING SOME OF THIS MIGHT BE CONSIDERED AS SPOILERS!
As someone who is asexual, it's hard to find a truly asexual character in a MM book. Seems every other book they aren't actually asexual but demisexual. Or if they're asexual the entire book just revolves around trying to get the partner to understand about being asexual then at the end they sorta get it or come to terms with it but not really so most only end in HFN. You can't understand how much I love this book, but it just isn't for Ford's sexuality. I adore Cody & glad Jameson finally pulled his head out his booty. So I can't wait to read more about these three. I know Cody really understands, but if it starts to move to an actual mmm wonder if Jameson is going to be as understanding.
SIDENOTE: Beyond Ford & this series I hope M.A. Innes will write more stories that include asexuals & even some demisexuals. There just aren't enough & Innes seems to understand a large portion of asexuals want/needs.
I've always been a bit reluctant with MMM books, mainly because it tend to be a bit much of everything. But Cody, Ford and Jameson is a good exception.
Cody and Ford's relationship is one I could have read a whole book about, just their every day life as daddy and little. Cody is a lovely little, so energetic and cuddly, and Ford is one of the best daddies I've read about. Knowing he can't give Cody everything he needs and wanting to do anything to keep his boy happy.
We don't get as insight to Cody and Jameson's relationship, as it's taken so long for it to happen, and I didn't have the best impression of Jameson until the end of the book.
The three of them together is something I look forward to seeing more of, and for Jameson to open up even more. Cody and Ford made me smile but the way Jameson leaned in against Ford instinctively and seeking affection as well was heart-warming.
I picked this book up because it was MMM with BDSM in it. I thought that this book was somewhat good, there were some flaws in it such as the professors switch in mindset comes on to fast. Another one was that the relationship between the daddy and the professor was not that developed, but I chalk that up to the fact that they only meet near the end of the book so I assume it'll get more flushed out in the next one. My favorite part was when the professor found out what kink his boyfriend had (near the end of the book).
favorite quote(s) "Cody had a bad habit of telling me the truth." - page 95. "“We’re all a mix of different things with different people.” - page 229.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
No sé muy bien cómo valorar éste libro. Lo voy a dejar en 3 hasta que termine la continuación y si tal lo reviso. Me resultó un poco extraño, ya que no acabo de entender a los personajes totalmente, me falta un poco de profundidad en sus personalidades y por ello no conecto del todo con la histora, Ford "ni fu ni fa", Cody extraño y Jameson desdibujado. Pero aún así la historia resulta interesante porque me resulta novedosa y por ello voy directa a la continuación.
As always with this author the romance/plot was a bit rushed since this duology could be a short book together. However, the characters were freaking adorable, Ford and Jamison were just amazing and I appreciated so much the Ace rep in a BDSM book! Cody was cute even if his interactions with the other people his age were a bit annoying at times, he came of as a bit of snobby potato.
Again Ford was Daddy Dom goals and his description of how sex is for him like guacamole was just 🤌😂 I'll have to use it myself
I really liked the dynamic between the three mcs in this story - they find a balance that suits them. There's something about threesome stories that really appeals to me if done well, and this one is nicely angst-free.
I am torn here. I kept reading as I expected something to happen and I guess it did but I did not recognize it as a pivotal moment until the 'end' of the story. Except --- the end is not the end - just the middle.