What do you think?
Rate this book
Open Wounds #4
Vidar
All his life, Vidar Rourke has stood tall against every challenge he’s faced—from his father’s fists to the demanding world inside an MMA cage. Providing for and protecting his family has been the north star on the path he set for himself years ago, and he’s never faltered.
Never get attached.
Two men have come into his life like a whirlwind hellbent on throwing him off course. One a new possibility and the other an old ache—both equally tempting. As his walls start to crumble, he’ll have to balance letting them close enough without dropping his guard.
Never reveal your weak spots.
An old mistake crawls out of the shadows issuing a challenge and threatening the delicate harmony he’s found with his lovers. Stepping into the cage again was never part of the plan, but as the door shuts behind him on the most important fight of his life—he’ll make every punch count.
Never get attached.
Two men have come into his life like a whirlwind hellbent on throwing him off course. One a new possibility and the other an old ache—both equally tempting. As his walls start to crumble, he’ll have to balance letting them close enough without dropping his guard.
Never reveal your weak spots.
An old mistake crawls out of the shadows issuing a challenge and threatening the delicate harmony he’s found with his lovers. Stepping into the cage again was never part of the plan, but as the door shuts behind him on the most important fight of his life—he’ll make every punch count.
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2019
86 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Frost
53 books485 followersRomance writer. Dog mom. Hoarder of coffee cups. She/her.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 1, 2021
Reread November 2021
Sweet, almost end, to the series. Where’s the next book already?? *grabby hands*
ETA:The added drama at the end of the book wasn’t really necessary but I assume there’s a reason for it.
Original Review
This would have to be my favourite of the series. And not just because I’m partial to a well-written MMM. Over the last few books Vidar has been a bit of a lonely enigma and after putting his family first for so long he absolutely deserved his HEA.
I had heart eyes for a lot of this. Both Niko and Roc are dating, as they were last book, and I just loved them together. The best thing was that although Vidar is keeping them at arms length he’s still very much a necessary part of this relationship and when they finally scorch up the sheets it’s pretty wonderful.
What kept this from being a 5 star read, for me, was the ending. NO SPOILERS...
Still love this series and these men. And if I’m reading all the plot bunnies floating through this one correctly I’d say we have more books coming which I’ll be one-clicking.
Sweet, almost end, to the series. Where’s the next book already?? *grabby hands*
ETA:The added drama at the end of the book wasn’t really necessary but I assume there’s a reason for it.
Original Review
This would have to be my favourite of the series. And not just because I’m partial to a well-written MMM. Over the last few books Vidar has been a bit of a lonely enigma and after putting his family first for so long he absolutely deserved his HEA.
I had heart eyes for a lot of this. Both Niko and Roc are dating, as they were last book, and I just loved them together. The best thing was that although Vidar is keeping them at arms length he’s still very much a necessary part of this relationship and when they finally scorch up the sheets it’s pretty wonderful.
What kept this from being a 5 star read, for me, was the ending. NO SPOILERS...
Still love this series and these men. And if I’m reading all the plot bunnies floating through this one correctly I’d say we have more books coming which I’ll be one-clicking.
August 26, 2019
I’m sure I’ll be in the minority again but this did not meet my expectations. Definitely read the prior series books because they give a more background on the family and their history, introduce these three guys and perhaps you will garner more appreciation for this story than I. Even having read all of them, I had to reread and double check to see if I missed or forgot some information that would have added depth to this story. Vidar was always a rather dour, quiet figure, a few clues to his nature partly described by his brothers in preceding volumes. Characterization is so thin with lots of telling but too little showing and no UST or strong chemistry I could feel for a 3-way relationship that appears almost out of nowhere. Relationship building is lackluster with very little shared dialogue between the three and I couldn’t empathize. A couple instances hinting of some revelations from Vidar didn’t offer strong impact. Suspense and fighting scenes added interest and the majority of the substance in the narrative. The last of the suspense scenarios read to me as an awkward introduction of characters for some future books, maybe this series.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
May 15, 2022
I've been very excited for VIDAR for a while so I immediately jumped into this one. It definitely helps to read the prior books in the series because it really sets up how these guys met.
I enjoyed Vidar, Niko, and Rocco and they had great chemistry together as a unit but also in pairs. While Rocco and Vidar have a history, I never felt like Niko was left out. He really became the glue that brought them all together. Rocco was incredibly sweet which was a nice contrast to Vidar's rougher edges.
I do feel like Vidar's fight was just kind of stuck onto the end in order to include some MMA content but that's a minor complaint.
Content Warning: as a teenager Vidar's father badly beat Vidar up when he caught Vidar and Rocco kissing; Rocco works on a case about a runaway teen; references to a side character who was kidnapped and abused
I enjoyed Vidar, Niko, and Rocco and they had great chemistry together as a unit but also in pairs. While Rocco and Vidar have a history, I never felt like Niko was left out. He really became the glue that brought them all together. Rocco was incredibly sweet which was a nice contrast to Vidar's rougher edges.
I do feel like Vidar's fight was just kind of stuck onto the end in order to include some MMA content but that's a minor complaint.
Content Warning: as a teenager Vidar's father badly beat Vidar up when he caught Vidar and Rocco kissing; Rocco works on a case about a runaway teen; references to a side character who was kidnapped and abused
September 15, 2019
It was EVERYTHING !
dang but I adore this series and the characters. Each book gets better and better but I think Vidar is my fave!
dang but I adore this series and the characters. Each book gets better and better but I think Vidar is my fave!
October 19, 2019
5 stars!!!
I couldn't wait to finally read Vidar's story.... and wow... it was soooo good. I fell in love with the whole Rourke family and damn, I miss them already.
March 18, 2020
I liked this.
Didn't quite feel the Vidar, Niko and Rocco connection as a "throuple" but felt that they cared deeply for themselves and I'm sure had there be more page time with them as a unit, I would've felt it better.
All in all, as I said, I liked the book and thought it was a great end to a highly enjoyable series.
Didn't quite feel the Vidar, Niko and Rocco connection as a "throuple" but felt that they cared deeply for themselves and I'm sure had there be more page time with them as a unit, I would've felt it better.
All in all, as I said, I liked the book and thought it was a great end to a highly enjoyable series.
September 5, 2021
NGL, this book felt rushed. I was hoping for more of a story. I guess my expectations for Vidar’s book was high. Vidar has a lot of baggage. Family and long held secrets don’t mix. Rocco and Niko were there for him as he went through it all. It happened lightning fast though.
For an mmm book, I felt a lot was left unexplored.
The conclusion was ok but again felt like too much too soon. 😣
For an mmm book, I felt a lot was left unexplored.
The conclusion was ok but again felt like too much too soon. 😣
July 12, 2022
Yay
I've been waiting for Vi's story. He deserves all the love ever. He's taken so much guilt on his shoulders and pushed away anything that makes him happy, like Niko and Rocco. Thank goodness they both refuse to let him do that.
I've been waiting for Vi's story. He deserves all the love ever. He's taken so much guilt on his shoulders and pushed away anything that makes him happy, like Niko and Rocco. Thank goodness they both refuse to let him do that.
September 1, 2019
I like it, but I wish to be longer with more background of main characters
February 6, 2021
Tak się popełnia zbrodnię na książce...
Czekałam na historię Vidara, bo był największą enigmą ze wszystkich braci.
Tymczasem dostałam niecałe 130 stron właściwego tekstu, z trzema POV-ami i niczym, co byłoby choć trochę wiarygodne. Wszystko ledwie draśnięte po powierzchni... Już we wcześniejszych częściach był problem z właściwym traktowaniem i rozwinięciem części wątków czy uzasadnieniem postępowania bohaterów, ale w tej po prostu zero satysfakcji z czegokolwiek... Jako zarys, z którego miałaby się rozwinąć powieść ze trzy razy dłuższa, byłoby to do przyjęcia, ale jako zarys, który stał się gotową historią - nie do zaakceptowania...
Sama jestem sobą zdziwiona, że daję AŻ dwie gwiazdki 😂
Czekałam na historię Vidara, bo był największą enigmą ze wszystkich braci.
Tymczasem dostałam niecałe 130 stron właściwego tekstu, z trzema POV-ami i niczym, co byłoby choć trochę wiarygodne. Wszystko ledwie draśnięte po powierzchni... Już we wcześniejszych częściach był problem z właściwym traktowaniem i rozwinięciem części wątków czy uzasadnieniem postępowania bohaterów, ale w tej po prostu zero satysfakcji z czegokolwiek... Jako zarys, z którego miałaby się rozwinąć powieść ze trzy razy dłuższa, byłoby to do przyjęcia, ale jako zarys, który stał się gotową historią - nie do zaakceptowania...
Sama jestem sobą zdziwiona, że daję AŻ dwie gwiazdki 😂
September 18, 2019
Vidar finally gets his second chance and HEA. He has loved Rocco since he was a teenager but is letting the past prevent them from being together. Niko is the glue that holds these two together and fixes their past. He is perfect for them. This was a perfect blend of romance, emotion, danger, and of course steamy sex.
Read
March 28, 2023I should have waited to read this. My expectations were just too high.
Read
September 24, 2021My favourite of the series so far!
I have to say, MMM can be a little hit and miss for me so I was wary about this one. I’m glad I was wrong because actually it’s written rather well. That seems like faint praise but I have some very picky views about poly relationships in romance (including that representation of poly relationships should not solely be triads). For how short this book is it really did well in establishing their relationship.
Anyway, the fact is I really liked this book and while I do think there could have been more time spent on the relationship itself, I thought that the characters worked really well together. What made this my favourite was hands down Vidar. I love this man so much. He’s come across in the earlier books as such a quiet, stoic, almost dour man and really he’s just a sweetheart. I have a real soft spot for strong and silent and Vidar was that and so much more. He had depths guys. I just wanted him to realise how worthy of being loved by Rocco and Niko he was and I’m so, so glad he got his HEA.
I have to say, MMM can be a little hit and miss for me so I was wary about this one. I’m glad I was wrong because actually it’s written rather well. That seems like faint praise but I have some very picky views about poly relationships in romance (including that representation of poly relationships should not solely be triads). For how short this book is it really did well in establishing their relationship.
Anyway, the fact is I really liked this book and while I do think there could have been more time spent on the relationship itself, I thought that the characters worked really well together. What made this my favourite was hands down Vidar. I love this man so much. He’s come across in the earlier books as such a quiet, stoic, almost dour man and really he’s just a sweetheart. I have a real soft spot for strong and silent and Vidar was that and so much more. He had depths guys. I just wanted him to realise how worthy of being loved by Rocco and Niko he was and I’m so, so glad he got his HEA.
September 27, 2021
I wasn't sure what to expect from Vidar's story, but his poly romance with Niko and Rocco was better than I could have imagined. After spending so long looking after his brothers, it was about time that Vidar sought out happiness of his own, and the men he chose couldn't have been a better fit for him. I adored Niko's vibrant energy, and Rocco was equally passionate about the things he cared about. Despite Rocco and Vidar's history, I never felt like their relationship was unbalanced--in fact, Niko was the catalyst that brought the three of them together when I couldn't see another way forward. Their journey didn't have a ton of depth to it, but even in the briefest of interactions I could tell that Rocco, Vidar, and Niko were all committed to making things work between them. Their relationship had its ups and downs, but when push came to shove these three showed that they'd do anything to stay in each others' lives.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
September 29, 2020
So good!
This book has quite a few themes in it. Vidar and Rocco have a history together but Vidar is closed to any reconnection. He then meets Niko and even with the age gap, wants him, but again refuses connection. As Niko and Rocco form a bond , Vidar is forced to reassess his choices. I do think he caves a little too easily; he really should have had counseling or something. But that’s just a personal nitpick. Overall, this book has a lovely MMM romance, age gap, some hurt/comfort, friends to lovers and a great supporting cast of friends and family. I highly recommend you read the series in order so you get to know them all.
This book has quite a few themes in it. Vidar and Rocco have a history together but Vidar is closed to any reconnection. He then meets Niko and even with the age gap, wants him, but again refuses connection. As Niko and Rocco form a bond , Vidar is forced to reassess his choices. I do think he caves a little too easily; he really should have had counseling or something. But that’s just a personal nitpick. Overall, this book has a lovely MMM romance, age gap, some hurt/comfort, friends to lovers and a great supporting cast of friends and family. I highly recommend you read the series in order so you get to know them all.
January 20, 2021
Unlike the other Open Wounds books this one is MMM and you can guess that from the blurb, although I did hoped it wouldn't be 'cos MMM just doesn't work for me. Anyways, I wanted to read Vidar's story since the moment he appeared in Carry and Drag because I loved his broodiness and his intensity.
So while reading and after finishing it I can't say I loved it. It was an OK read for me. A part is because it's MMM and no matter how many stories I've tried (and I really hoped this would be the story that would change my mind) and from how many authors (new to me or old and loved), MMM and/or poly, harems and the like, just aren't for me.
So maybe because of that I didn't felt the level of intensity I was expecting. It kinda felt like a story to pave the path for the Iron Heretics series (which I hope have Drake's and Luca's stories) interspersed with why Vidar acted the way he acted.
Either way I love Michelle's writing and will continue reading her, and I have to say I loved the names she's using!
So while reading and after finishing it I can't say I loved it. It was an OK read for me. A part is because it's MMM and no matter how many stories I've tried (and I really hoped this would be the story that would change my mind) and from how many authors (new to me or old and loved), MMM and/or poly, harems and the like, just aren't for me.
So maybe because of that I didn't felt the level of intensity I was expecting. It kinda felt like a story to pave the path for the Iron Heretics series (which I hope have Drake's and Luca's stories) interspersed with why Vidar acted the way he acted.
Either way I love Michelle's writing and will continue reading her, and I have to say I loved the names she's using!
September 8, 2021
Second chance + new love!
I enjoyed this book, but I think it’s the weakest of the series. It’s kind of a surprise MMM because Rocco was only introduced in the previous book. I do think the author did a decent job of building the tension between Vi and Niko since book one, and there’s a steamy scene with Rocco and Vi at the start of this book, but I do wish the book had been longer to develop their characters and relationships a bit more. I also wanted more detail on Rocco and Vi’s friendship and relationship as teens. But overall it was good and wrapped up the series pretty well.
I enjoyed this book, but I think it’s the weakest of the series. It’s kind of a surprise MMM because Rocco was only introduced in the previous book. I do think the author did a decent job of building the tension between Vi and Niko since book one, and there’s a steamy scene with Rocco and Vi at the start of this book, but I do wish the book had been longer to develop their characters and relationships a bit more. I also wanted more detail on Rocco and Vi’s friendship and relationship as teens. But overall it was good and wrapped up the series pretty well.
November 3, 2021
I knew there was more to Vidar's story and we get it in spades here. Thankfully, it doesn't take too long for us to learn about the initial blowup that sent Rocco off to Europe and Vidar ending up as the head of the family.
Vi has always taken care of his mom and brothers, never allowing himself to open up to others taking care of him as well. That changes when Nikko enters the picture, and although he tries to stop it, the inevitable happens and Nikko's persistence pays off. Add in Rocco, and you get a delicious trio where each party gets what they need from each other.
Really enjoying this family and looking forward to the next story where sweet Luca meets his match.
Vi has always taken care of his mom and brothers, never allowing himself to open up to others taking care of him as well. That changes when Nikko enters the picture, and although he tries to stop it, the inevitable happens and Nikko's persistence pays off. Add in Rocco, and you get a delicious trio where each party gets what they need from each other.
Really enjoying this family and looking forward to the next story where sweet Luca meets his match.
January 19, 2022
With this book, the author gives the final Rourke brother, Vidar) his own story. The author finally exposes Vidar and his insecurities and emotional weaknesses. He's a good chap. The entire family is good. They all love and care for each other. It's all very heartwarming. But the author tends to create problems where there shouldn't be. They develop situations in the story that create anticipation for a big payoff, but then the conflicts are resolved with lackluster results. Problems are resolved and wrapped up quickly and tidily when more angst and suspense would have made for a better story.
August 11, 2020
Finally Vidar's HEA!
I've been waiting to read Vidar's story from the beginning of the series.
He’s always this presence watching over his family and guarding his walls to keep everyone out.
But when he meets Nico, and Rocco comes back into his life, his undeniable attraction to both men will lead him to lower his guard.
I love a well-written MMM and this definitely falls into the category!
Although this book can be read as a standalone, I would not recommend it, because having the previous knowledge given by the rest of the series, makes it so much more enjoyable.
I've been waiting to read Vidar's story from the beginning of the series.
He’s always this presence watching over his family and guarding his walls to keep everyone out.
But when he meets Nico, and Rocco comes back into his life, his undeniable attraction to both men will lead him to lower his guard.
I love a well-written MMM and this definitely falls into the category!
Although this book can be read as a standalone, I would not recommend it, because having the previous knowledge given by the rest of the series, makes it so much more enjoyable.
February 13, 2020
2☆
I was excited to finally read Vidar's story...
But this one was just not for me
I rarely like MMM books but uhm this one was
not one of them
I felt like Vidar liked Niko because it was obvious in the previous books
and Rocco was his first everything but i felt like Vidar and Niko should just be together and Rocco with I dunno .
I was excited to finally read Vidar's story...
But this one was just not for me
I rarely like MMM books but uhm this one was
not one of them
I felt like Vidar liked Niko because it was obvious in the previous books
and Rocco was his first everything but i felt like Vidar and Niko should just be together and Rocco with I dunno .
September 20, 2021
I loved Vidar, it was just such a great book. I love 3 men together and how they build their relationship. It’s got a little second chance and brand new lover all combined in one. It was fast-paced, sweet and super sexy and hot. I love how all the characters from the previous books play a real part in this story. I really like how it ended too. I definitely recommend this book.
November 3, 2021
LITERAL, ESPERANDO CASI CUATRO LIBROS ANTES PARA LEER EL DE VIDAD Y ME DAN ESTO.
Vale, no soy fan de leer tríos o MMM, paso de ellos. Pero lo que me dolió mucho es de que andaba esperando una historia de Vidar y Nikko, lo andaba esperando desde que apareció en el libro uno, y me salen con esto. Mi corazón prácticamente anda roto ahora.
Bueno...
Vale, no soy fan de leer tríos o MMM, paso de ellos. Pero lo que me dolió mucho es de que andaba esperando una historia de Vidar y Nikko, lo andaba esperando desde que apareció en el libro uno, y me salen con esto. Mi corazón prácticamente anda roto ahora.
Bueno...
May 2, 2020
Entertaining, but missing action. Nice build up, but the pay off was lack luster. And that side plot that was just so not necessary, was so not necessary. And surprisingly of all 4 books, this one's sex scenes bored me the most. Was not expecting that.
May 3, 2021
nice to see Vidar happy. Big ending felt tacked on, like it come from nowhere. I wonder if a tiny foreshadow, only a sentence earlier on, would have solved this. (And there's relishing, so much relishing!)
December 31, 2019
I COULD NOT FINISH THIS SHIT
June 6, 2022
Cherry picking with this series and I pretty much enjoyed this book. I was looking for fairness and I got it. Wish they would stop bopping Niko but he always jump back up.
June 10, 2022
🥰🥰🥰🥰
Such a good book!!! I love Nico!! When he wants something he goes after it!! So glad Vidar got the ending he deserved!!!
Such a good book!!! I love Nico!! When he wants something he goes after it!! So glad Vidar got the ending he deserved!!!
July 8, 2022
Book 4 of the Open Wounds series. 3.5. Good Relationship development, not too much angst (that’s pretty much how I felt about most of this series).
July 24, 2022
❤️❤️❤️
Yay!!!!!! I wasn’t sure how this story would go in the beginning but it turned out how I hoped it would!!! Loved it 😍
Yay!!!!!! I wasn’t sure how this story would go in the beginning but it turned out how I hoped it would!!! Loved it 😍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews