Changes Coming Down

Changes #1

by Kaje Harper

For three gay men in love, opening the closet door could be a risky move.

Sheriff Casey Barlow has a slick, media-savvy challenger out to beat him in the upcoming election. Casey's damned good at his job, but he hasn't kissed the right asses, and early polls suggest voters like his opponent's style. Coming out now, let alone revealing his relationship with two men, could sink any hope of keeping his badge.

Scott Edison has a real shot at the NHL. He's playing the best hockey of his life. Whenever he can, he travels home to his gruff sheriff and their laid-back cowboy, but there are no out gay players in the NHL. As a rookie working his ass off to be called up, he can't afford to make waves.

Will Rice always figured he'd live alone, managing Graham and Annmarie Slater's cattle ranch, but a hot, young hockey player and a compact, muscled lawman rearranged his plans. Even though he's older and lanky and ordinary, he's been sharing their lives and their beds. He doesn't need to be out— isn't sure he ever wants the Slaters to know about him. Life's good the way things are.

Then Graham and Annmarie are killed in a hit and run that may not be an accident. As Will grieves, and Casey investigates, the coming changes will shake all their lives.

** this is a re-edit and expansion of the story in the "Hunting Under Covers" anthology

Genres: Contemporary, Sports, M M Romance, Romance, M M M, Mystery, Menage

266 pages, ebook

First published November 27, 2019

About the author

I get asked about my name a lot. It's not something exotic, though. “Kaje” is pronounced just like “cage” – it’s an old nickname, and my pronouns are she/her/hers.

I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.

I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)

My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.

I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.

You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.

You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper

Reviews

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 5 out of 5]

* ☘︎ :･ﾟTOP 10 READ 2023 :･ﾟ☘︎ *


4.5***** stars


A cop, a hockey player AND A DAMNED COWBOY on top of it??? Are you f*** kidding me? What a heart-stopping setup, right? RIGHT???


Three men in a small town in Kansas, deeply in love with each other for years already. But because of their jobs, their reputations and other reasons they’re still all equally deep in the closet.


❤︎ Casey: (33) ex-marine, the town’s Sheriff

❤︎ Will: (37) cowboy, foreman on a ranch

❤︎ Scott: (24) a pro hockey player in Toronto


Then there’s suddenly a lot of change happening for all three of them as they try to navigate their lives on the down low together:


🚔 there is a high probability that Casey is not going to be re-elected as Sheriff in a few days time and what is he going to do then?

🐎 the owners of the ranch, who where like parents to Will, are found dead in a car crash and there is a high probability of it not having been an accident - and they leave him with half of the ranch.

🏒 and Scott struggles with being away all the time; and when he’s close to give it all up to be with his men there is suddenly a high probability of his life’s dream coming true and being called up from the AHL to the NHL.

🏴 and on top of it all there is an anonymous blackmail to out them all


What I loved most about their relationship (that wasn’t without trouble or the occasional fight) was that they were all equally deeply involved with each other. At no point did I detect a deeper connection between any pairs. Not between Casey and Scott even though they were already a couple for a few years prior to meeting Will nor Casey and Will with Scott being up in Toronto for most of the time. I also loved how they had each other’s backs and held each other up.

“You came to cheer me up with a butt plug?”
Scott blushed. “It was the contingency plan. You know, a sympathetic ear, a smack to the back of the head, or sex. I wanted to have it all covered.”

Man, Kaje Harper really done it for me with this one and I can’t tell you how happy I am that there is still a second book to get to with these three. I’m usually not one to go for the closet-cases but I’m glad I did with this one. It was one hell of a ride.


Police work, ranch life, pucking around, an intense love story and hot sexy times —WHAT MORE IS THERE TO WANT!!



***************
Changes Duet

Book 1 - Changes Coming Down - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Changes Going On - 4.5 stars

[Moony Eliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a lot to say about this one, and I’m not sure how to go about it or how much sense I’m going to make. So you’ve been warned, but in case you just want the cliffs notes version: I liked it despite some issues I had with it, and I will definitely read the second volume when it’s released next year.

I am a relative newcomer to Kaje Harper’s catalogue, and based on the positive experiences I’ve had with her work so far, I intend to read all of it eventually. I was excited when I saw she was releasing a triad story... Not because I like reading about poly situations, but the opposite — I usually don’t. And nothing piques my interest quite like an author I dig creating content that challenges me. It stretches my boundaries, and I want the writing to sell it to me.

And it mostly succeeded. In this case, I liked the author’s choice to begin the story with the existing relationship; I think that helped the reader to feel all three men were on “equal footing” with each other. I really liked the MCs’ relationship, although I felt like their connection was better developed in the bedroom than outside of it. (For the record, that’s not nothing. The sex scenes were scorching.)

It feels a little funny to say this, considering the premise, but I found myself wishing for more 1/1 interactions in support of their whole. This is what I’m feeling especially challenged to explain, and since you can’t see my accompanying rapid hand movements, I’ll just do my wording best. 😅 I accepted and appreciated the three-way dynamic, but that house was built on a foundation I couldn’t fully feel. In order to develop a stronger bond between all of them, more one-on-one content was needed. More scenes where they connected to each other without it being about the third. It happened a couple of times, and I really liked those scenes, but more would have created better chemistry and emotional involvement. I need to feel that A is in love with B, and that A is in love with C, before I can feel that A is in love with B&C. B&C isn’t a person. (Sorry for the math-ish. There is no excuse for me.)

The plot was mostly basic, with several conveniences that felt pretty predictable. There was one thing that surprised me at 75% — Scott “breaking up” with them in order to delay his coming out. I actually loved this element, even though it might chafe some readers. But it was resolved quickly and didn’t really capitalize on the tension opportunity it created, nor on the chance to strengthen the bond between Will and Casey.

So, while I ended up appreciating what I thought I might not (the triad), I unexpectedly struggled with other elements. The result was a story that wasn’t as evocative as the others I’ve read from this author, and I really missed that. But I’m still looking forward to the rest of the story in the sequel (and hopefully another fab buddy read with Ele and Jan)!

[Teal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into this wondering whether I could enjoy reading MMM.



Turns out the answer is "Yes!"

My only other experience with MMM, several years ago, resulted in a DNF. Since then, I've watched for the right opportunity to try again. Unfortunately threesomes seem to go hand in glove (hand in fist? cheek by jowl?) with BDSM, so it took a long while before I found a candidate that appealed to me. But it was worth the wait.

Casey, Will and Scott have been in love, and in a committed relationship, for 3 years when the story begins. All three are firmly in the closet -- with regards to their sexuality as well as their unorthodox relationship -- and they have no plans to come out. They've discovered that being seen together is actually a good cover; everybody assumes "three buddies hanging out," and NOT "three guys banging each other."

At first I found it a bit disorienting to be dropped right into an already established threesome. How had they found each other? How had the necessary balance been achieved? What were the challenges along the way? Fortunately there are flashbacks that fill in some of the crucial backstory. Not all of my questions were answered, but in the end I felt I knew enough to roll with it. And what I found most intriguing about their relationship was that it seemed doubtful any pair of them could have made a go of it. But as a trio they felt stable, rather like the proverbial three-legged stool.

What didn't work so well for me was the mystery. At the end of the first chapter I thought I had it all figured out. Turns out I wasn't 100% correct; but still, I had the gist of it, and I'm not a reader who's usually good at cracking mysteries. Maybe in this case it was just a lucky guess, but it dampened my enthusiasm for that aspect of the story.

Something else that interfered with my enjoyment was that the dialogue didn't quite ring true. It seemed to be used for info-dumping, didn't always reflect the natural cadences of human speech, and often struck me as too on-the-nose. This proved problematic enough that I skimmed a few scenes because the conversations just did not sound realistic and I wanted to get them over with as quickly as possible.

But I appreciate this book for how it made me believe in a loving and stable throuple (who have a pretty damn hot sex life). I recommend it to anyone who wants to give MMM a try, or who's tried it in the past and not been convinced. Although it ends on sort-of-but-not-exactly a cliffhanger, the sequel, Changes Going On, is due out soon.

~ I received a free copy of this book through the MMRG's DBML program in exchange for an honest review. ~

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

*** 3.5 Stars ***

I really liked everything that was relationship related, these guys fit so easy and well together, but I must confess that I found the mystery element very weak and a bit boring diminishing my initial enthusiasm.
That being said, I cannot wait to read the next! 🙈🙈



Thank you, my BR partners, Elena and Moony for having me.

[Kaje Harper]

There is a flash-fiction prequel story for this novel on my website - "Plans Change" - Changes 0.5 - https://kajeharper.com/changes-0-5/

The second novel - Changes Going On - is due to release March 26th, 2020.

[Eugenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is only my second *gasp* of Kaje Harper’s books that I had the pleasure to read. The first, Into Deep Waters was PHENOMENAL and made me go through an entire box of tissues!

This book was as much a deviation from the other as could be in a non-paranormal world. I was ready to love it, but I ended up simply liking it. Here’s why...

I know this story came out of a challenge to throw three disparate characters together, whip them up and see what comes out of the oven. The ingredients? One young, NHL-bound hockey player. One 33 year old ex-marine turned small town sheriff. And one 33 year old ranch foreman.

What do they have in common? They are all in the closet and they have amazing sex. We see all three of them together a lot. We also see each of them alone in their own POV. What we don’t see a lot of is twosomes. Another reviewer (Moony Eliver) mentioned this. I saw connection between the three because I was told there was a connection....BUT I didn’t FEEL it.

Maybe there were too many ingredients in the pie (closets, deaths, investigations, long distance relationships, liberal families, a re-election campaign, hockey teams, hockey games, funerals, wills, angry family members, secretive pasts, car accident, a sting operation, blackmail, murder, award ceremonies, coming out, realtors, energy companies, ranch hands...) Maybe it didn’t cook long enough for all of those ingredients to properly combine. I can’t imagine how long this would take to cook—did you see that list? And I’m sure I forgot some.

I simply didn’t feel how these characters meshed outside of sex and that made me care less about the sexy times (and they were plenty hot)!

All that being said, when I finished the book I kept on reading the sneak peek at the next book because, yessssssss, I’m going to read it.

The story has solid bones, hopefully the next book will strikes the right balance in this triad and come out a five star dish!!

[Trio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kaje Harper has a way of delving deep inside her characters, and when I reach for one of her novels, I know I’m going to get something very special.

In Changes Coming Down Ms. Harper explores three very different men whose unique personalities form the foundation of the story. We learn what motivates each of them, their likes and dislikes, how they react to stress, and what makes them soar.

Since the story starts with the three men in a firmly established triad, I appreciate all the scenes of the men interacting one-on-one. Getting to see the dynamic within each couple makes it so much more compelling when they’re all together as a threesome.

The characters in Changes Coming Down are each facing major life changing events. Centered around each man’s decision to come out, we see how it impacts their career, their friends and families, plus their relationships with each other. As the story flows through everything these guys are facing, Kaje Harper also builds a clever mystery, plus she treats us to some glorious love scenes... and (bonus) this author writes a mean hockey scene!

As a devoted fan of polyamorous romances, it’s no surprise to me that Kaje Harper would do this genre justice. The sequel to Changes Coming Down is due out spring of 2020, and I can’t wait to see where these guys go from here!


a copy of Changes Coming Down was provided to me by the author through the MMRG Don’t Buy My Love program for the purpose of my honest review

[Elena · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Since I first realized this book was about a poly relationship, my mantra has been “if any writer can, Kaje Harper is the one to make that work for me.”
Although I won’t run looking for other books with more than two guys anytime soon, I’m glad to confirm that she could make it work and she did. I’m still a bit surprised myself, but her magic worked once again.

I love this author’s books, but I never know how to review them because the reason I love them is not about how they stand out in any particular way as far as the content or plot are concerned. It’s the writing that makes the difference for me, the way she has to portray ordinary people with their ordinary problems and relationships, to make me care for their little and big problems and root for them. Even when there’s an unexpected twist, I find her writing soothing because I know I can trust her to develop the story without unnecessary drama, but also without glossing over the difficult parts by making up a perfect, unrealistic world for the characters. There’s balance between the bad and the good, and that makes it very easy for me to sink in the story and get along with it.

In that regard, this was a typical Kaje Harper novel and it didn’t disappoint. The novelty was in the poly relationship.
My biggest worry when it comes to those in books, and the reason I don’t usually read them, is that I find difficult to believe in a romantic relationship involving more than two persons , unless the balance is really well done. I need to feel like all parties involved are on an equal footing, meaning that I need a “real triangle,” not one person keeping the other two together or one duo being stronger, with the third person there just to complete the three-way picture.
This book had all the balance I needed. At first I thought that it helped to have the relationship already established by the beginning of the book, but now I realize that it would’ve worked anyway.
Maybe seeing the relationships from the beginning would’ve make it easier to see precisely what each guy saw in the other two, individually, but it didn’t bother me too much that I only got to see the results. I believed in the way these three guys came to be together, I believed in their dynamic and I never doubted they would never work as well in duos as they work as a trio (if that makes any sense).
It’s not like the two-way relationships inside the main one weren’t good or strong, because they were, but it was clear that they were good but not complete, or as good as they could be, without that third piece, and that was true for every pairings.
That’s exactly what I was hoping to find in this book and I’m glad I wasn’t disappointed. I’m even gladder that it’s the start of a series and I have more of these guys to look forward to.

[Ariana (mostly offline) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars

I enjoyed most of this. However, I am caught in two minds:

On the one hand, I actually liked jumping into a solid relationship for once. Casey, Will and Scott have been together for three years and despite being in the closet - each man for his own reasons - they are completely happy with what they got.
On the other hand, I missed … something. I couldn’t put my finger on it until I read Mindy’s review. I think I would have liked to see them more interacting which each other in twos, and see them click on that basis, too.

I probably also missed a teeny bit of relationship angst. I admit this is my kryptonite, and although there is a lot of scope for it here, the focus of the books is somewhere else. Nothing wrong with that at all and it isn't that I didn't enjoy the gentle and solid way of their relationship.

Yeah, I know, it sounds confused and like I can’t make up my mind. And you couldn’t be more right!

I must say that I wasn’t overly blown away by the ‘mystery’ plot. In essence this is a coming out story for these guys first and foremost, and that is really well done.

Certainly want to know what happens next.
Off to start book 2!

[Gabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

*A free copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review, through the MMRG DBML program.*

I had no idea how this trio would work out. A cowboy with a sheriff in a small town is one thing, but how did the hockey player come into the picture. That was the main draw for me. I wanted to know how that happened. It wasn't as complicated as one might think.

We meet them as an established throuple, but there are 2 very short flashbacks how they met. I wouldn't have minded one more from Scott's pov though. Only cause I'm greedy.

There's Casey (34), the sheriff, who is a little stiff and grumpy. He's working towards reelection, which he'll most likely loose.Scott (24), the hockey player, who's striving for the NHL with a very good chance. He's the fun guy with the jokes and dirty talk, but despite his age and the fact he's a hockey player, I found him very mature.
Will (33), the cowboy and the head of his adopted parents' ranch, is somewhere between the two. He's not so stiff as Casey, but more serious than Scott.

All three of them are in the closet for obvious reasons. So most of the time they distant, there isn't much PDA. But I also thought they're a little... hmm... wouldn't say 'cold' to each other, but some of the time (especially at the beginning) they acted more like bros. What makes me conflicted is that I believe that gay couples in real life are more like this with each other, rather than the mushy, lets-talk-about-our-feelings kind of guys we read about in fluffy MM romance books. But I kinda like the mushy better. ;D

The author did a great job establishing the balance between the men. Despite the age-gap, different interests and professions, they're totally equal. There's no "middle man" here.

The sex took some maneuvering and instructions, much to Scott's delight. But it's not an overly erotic book. They're having some vanilla three-way, but no bdsm and nothing kinky.

There's a crime-mystery line too. That's actually how the book starts. All along I thought I knew who the killer was, he would have been the predictable and expected choice. The other guy made sense too, so I wasn't exactly surprised. But the investigation process wasn't boring for me here. In fact I quite liked it.

I understand why readers demanded another book. The ending just... ended. lol I thought I was missing a few more chapters. Good thing the first chapter of the upcoming book 2 is included and picks up exactly where it left off, in the same scene I mean, so it's like the next chapter.

Also, we know very little of Will's life before the Slaters took him in. I'm hoping we find out more. Casey's and Scott's background are clearer, but I want more for book 2. I'm not complaining though, because it would have took away the focus from the 3 of them. I'd say there was just enough.

Overall: it took me a little to get used to this dynamic, I guess Casey's bluntness put me off at the beginning, but then I really got into it. Scotty break my heart, the life of a hockey player is never easy.

3.5 stars rounded up. I'm sure I'll read the next one. *thumbs-up*

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time)]

Free on Smashwords, 12/21/20!

[Kathleen in Oslo · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I devoured this yummy morsel like a greedy little middle-aged woman who really should be working and sleeping and being productive but couldn't put her book down morsel-devourer. I RAVAGED THIS BOOK!!

Very kind of Kaje Harper to combine suspense, hockey, gruff cowboys, competence porn, age-gap, and super-hot sexytimes, basically all of my favorite things. Dropping us right into an established triad was cool. I spent the first bit lamenting the lack of backstory, but we quickly got the necessary flashbacks: Will's POV of the first time he met Casey and Scott, already an established couple; Casey's POV of Scott approaching him in a bar; and Scott's POV of why he suggested bringing a third into his and Casey's relationship ("Not just a deputy, but a partner." Sniff!)

It was angsty at times, though actually more dialed down than it could have been given everything going on. Scott, in particular, very much seems the odd man out: as much as he was the instigator of both the original twosome and the eventual triad, he is also the one traveling most of the year, significantly younger, least invested in the ranch (financially and emotionally), and closeted the longest. And getting the least (non-solo) sex! POOR SCOTT!!! This does cause him some turmoil (the emotional stuff, not the sex stuff; well, that too, probably) -- Scott worries that Casey and Will will decide they don't need him, after all, and settle into a nice, conventional coupledom -- but it's not overly dwelt upon.

Which, in a 3-POV story where each character is going through serious shit, is a positive. Harper is good at hitting the emotional beats of each character, giving us insight into their inner lives and insecurities and motivations, without dragging it out too much and dragging the story down with it. So with Scott: we know his fears from his POV, and later we get a bit in Will's POV referencing these fears -- which Scott finally admits in a conversation only alluded to -- meaning we know that they are still communicating and being honest with each other, even when Scott's feeling vulnerable out there on his own. And then we get Will's take on those fears, which is that Scott's absence, far from making him less necessary to the trio, only underlines how central he is to it and what his presence and personality adds to the relationship.

This occurs throughout. We get niggles or doubts from one character, then we circle back to it later from another character's POV -- almost never as dialogue or a recounted conversation, but in terms of their take/ internal monologue on whatever it was that was bothering the first person. It's cleverly done.

Unlike Taste of Ink or Scientific Method Universe, the fact that this is an established triad from the start means that this is less about the three men getting to know each other and eventually coming together, and more about maintaining a polyamorous relationship where (at least at the start) all the characters are still closeted. Harper seems very cognizant of the reader not wanting one of the men to feel left out -- particularly Scott, for the reasons above, and Will, since he was the one coming into an existing relationship -- and there is a lot of reassurance for the reader that this is not the case and that it's a real triad, not a 2+1 situation. In this respect, situating Scott as the initiator, Casey as the most volatile, and Will as the steady day-to-day guy is really smart. Anyway: maybe the constant reassurance is too much for some readers, but I liked it. Mostly because my instinct is to feel sorry for Scott as the one on his own most of the time, so I found it soothing. But YMMV.

I should note that there is hockey in this, but it is not a hockey romance. Hockey-adjacent, at best. Although it always eases my mind when I see "thanks for the input, Rachel Reid" in the acknowledgments of any puckball book. That woman just gives and gives.

Damn, I meant to write a one-line, all-caps, emoji-and-!!! review and I got in my own way. So tl;dr:

HOLY MOTHERFORKER, Y'ALL, THIS BOOK IS 🔥🔥🔥🥵🥰😍😛😭💜💜💜%¤&(/¤e#GUHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!"!!

Ya welcome!

ETA -- Book 2 review is here -- yummy yummy!

[annob [on hiatus] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh, I loved this one. The quiet, understated atmosphere of the story was simply great.

Sometimes a fickle thing as the right timing can make something work exceedingly well. This time it certainly worked in my favour. Normally I'm not keen on romances with already established couples—this time the dynamic had me totally hooked. Normally I'm not a fan of murder mystery sub plots in romances—this time it kept my interest up throughout. It's almost funny how many 'normally not' barriers of mine this book proved wrong.

We get to meet three men who are in the middle of an ongoing relationship with each other. They are in love, established but not out. There are a few flashbacks to how they met, but mostly the story is set in the current timeline. The story slowly revolves around the three men, their careers and seeing each other without outing themselves; but changes are coming. The murder plot simmers in the background. May sound simplistic, but the feeling of reality and the chemistry made it a scrumptious read.

I adored the trio of men, and thought it a fresh take that they were introduced mid relationship to the reader. The polyamory angle was written with great attention to detail and good balance, and with the heart in the right place.

The only minor, minor niggle that caused me some confusion was the age references in the beginning of the story, when two of the three guys were described as "older guys". My perceptions of Casey and Will needed a major overhaul once I learnt they were in their mid thirties rather than late forties I had assumed, haha!

I want more of these three, so I'm definitely reading the sequel as soon as it is released.

[Jewel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. This is one of those novels I should have liked. I generally like this author's writing and I tend to enjoy poly stories, but this one did not pass muster.

Changes Coming Down starts off as an "established throuple" story. I seriously missed the tension of 3 men finding each other and discovering their mutual attractions. Also, there was so much melodrama surrounding why all 3 just had to stay closeted, but...why?! Will doesn't have family, and his job isn't in danger, Casey's family is super liberal, and Casey doesn't expect to or even try to win the election... Scott was maybe the only one I could see why. Sort of. 

The mystery was pretty weak, too. I skimmed a fair amount, and then was right about whodunnit. 

The staged drama 2/3 through, however, nearly made me DNF, it was so ridiculous. Scott didn't have to publicly shout and stomp away for people to not think he was gay. He could have just said that of course he knew about Will and Casey because they're his best friends and what of it?! I, honestly, did not get why they were all so determined to stage a "bromance breakup".. 

There were a couple things I did really like, though they were not enough to bring my rating up. I was happy that Casey stood his ground with his father and I liked his mother, a lot.

I seem to be the odd one out on this one and can't really recommend it. Read some other reviews, though, and who knows, maybe Changes Coming Down will be more your cuppa than it was mine.

PS -> At the risk of seeming pedantic.. Most people assume that a California king bed is larger than a standard king. It's not, though. In fact, it's 4" narrower (and 4" longer) and has a smaller surface area. I wouldn't mention it, except that it was explicitly explained that Scott had a king size bed because of his height, while "an even wider, California king", was in Casey's room. In reality, Scott should have had the California king.

[Ay · Rating 5 out of 5]

you know that moment where you think to yourself: I really need to curl up and reread Kaje Harper's menage mystery books?

And then you do, and they are exactly what you needed?

Anytime this happens (ie recall a book a read a while ago and have a happy reread), I bump up the rating from 4 to 5 stars.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! 4.5 stars
I was afraid I won't grow to love the 3 men as a couple(triple?) because they are already three years into their relationship when the story begins. But I didn't have to worry, because Kaje Harper (as usual) delivers a very real, relatable relationship and, although I had a bumpy start, I grew to care for the three men very much. The mystery part of the story was a bit predictable, but I still had fun watching them solve it. I felt the bit about staging a public fight with Scott was a bit unnecessary and OTT at the time I read it, but in the end I realized it couldn't have been done differently and still had a satisfying ending.
I'm looking forward to the sequel!

[AussieMum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all time favourite MMM’s with an existing throuple. Up to now I’d only read the anthology version, but I loved this expanded edition.

There’s something really good about coming into an existing relationship here. Plonked straight into a tragedy for one of the men we see them navigate being deeply in the closet, while trying to be there for one another, all the while their jobs and lives are trying to keep them apart.

I instantly felt for each of these characters. All vastly different and dealing with their own issues, these men kept fighting for their relationship on their terms.

The expanded drama felt appropriate for the rerelease. The fleshing out heightened the tension but didn’t feel OTT.

All I can say is that Im so happy there’s a book 2.

[Drache.... (Angelika) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful relationship dynamics between three men/lovers in a already established relationship.

Casey, Scott and Will simply fit, different characters, an age gap and individual life circumstances notwithstanding.

I would have loved more time spent on page between Casey and Scott, Scott and Will, and Casey and Will, there wasn't much one on one time letting me see that they all loved each other individually.

There wasn't any time when they weren't going through a crisis, either. The plot was a series of unfortunate incidents and life changing situations. So much happened (many things in a very convenient but rather unlikely manner).

The writing was compelling.

Overall 2 stars for the plot and 4 stars for the mmm-relationship.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me WAY outside of my comfort zone (closeted, poly, established couple with a side of mystery) but it was a story in which the characters burrowed under my skin when I wasn't looking and then WHAM! - they were hurting & I was getting teary. How the hell did THAT happen?! Very much looking forward to seeing what comes next for this triad. Throuple?

[Relly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Sugar Plum Santa

4 stars ⭐️

What a great story, but going in I expected good things as as Kaje knows how to write and entertaining story.

I enjoy poly books and this was well handled. As the guys were already established I was a little bit worried because I enjoy the whole getting together aspect and to see them dealing with becoming a threesome. I didn’t feel cheated here. We slotted straight into the guys lives and yes I would enjoy seeing more from them getting to know each other but it worked for the story line and I didn’t feel like I was missing a book.

The story of the ranch and how each had to come to terms with either coming out or staying in the closet worked. It could have gone a different way and at times I was expecting it to but was happily surprised that she didn’t take that way.

Looking forward to the next book that will be an auto read

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

A sheriff, a hockey player, and a ranch foreman walk into a bar… It sounds like a set up for a joke, but amusingly enough, a bar is where all these men met. But despite a story featuring three very different characters, Kaje Harper makes Changes Coming Down work quite well. I just loved Will, Casey, and Scott, and was totally caught up in their story.

Harper makes an interesting choice here in starting this story with the men already in an established relationship. The book opens as the main conflicts are hitting them — uncertainly about whether Casey will be re-elected, Scott potentially moving up to the NHL, and the car accident that kills the Slaters and not only devastates Will, but has potential to upend things for all three men. I think starting the story here really gives an immediacy to all the issues the men are facing, putting us right in the middle of the action. At the same time, Harper does a great job getting us caught up on the backstory for the three men and how their relationship developed. I never had any doubt as to the commitment these men have for each other, and the strength of their connection only builds as the story develops.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Meep · Rating 3 out of 5]

Least mysterious 'mystery' ever.

I like the characters, it felt a bit strange starting a book with the 3-way relationship going strong, but liked how they all felt equal and felt complete and together.

It's the first part of the story, ends with a sort of cliffhanger and first two chapters of the next book.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded down because still no 1/2 stars here on GR...full review to follow soonish!

A sheriff, a hockey player and a cowboy are in a bar...

I know we've all heard that joke but in this case it's not a joke but the beginning of a new series by Kaje Harper...but...before I get into my review...

I'm going to tell you a quick story that sort of relates to this book...

You see Scott Edison, our hockey player is playing for the Toronto Marlies and he's working really hard to achieve the dream...every little boy who has every laced on a pair of skates and held a hockey stick has probably had this dream. Scott's waiting for that day when he gets his big break and is called up to play in the NHL and not just for any team...nope, Scott's dream is to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs and now for my little sidebar story...

I was actually going to write this review yesterday but as is often the case fact turned out to be stranger than fiction when the Leafs played the Carolina Hurricanes and it happened that both of the Hurricanes goalies came up injured so apparently in a situation like this the team can draw on pretty much anyone to fill the position and that's what Carolina did they called up the zamboni driver to be their goalie and not just any zamboni driver nope, since it was a hometown game for the Leafs they used their zamboni driver and as I'm sure most hockey fans already know...the Leafs lost...final score 6-3 for Carolina and now that the laughter has died down I'm going to try and get serious about my review. Sorry, I just needed to share this because...for years now people have said that the Leafts are jinxed and after this I think they might be right but also...Scott you seriously need to reconsider your life choices.

Ok, enough of the sidebar stuff let's talk about what truly matters here...this book. I'm a fan of Kaje Harper. I adore her series 'The Rebuilding Years' I've read the e-books and loved it so much I have the audiobooks as well which made the decision to read 'Changes Coming Down' pretty much a no-brainer for me.

Casey's a sheriff, Will's a cowboy and Scott plays hockey (as I've mentioned) so honestly each of these men have cause to want to stay 'in the closet'. It's not right and it's not how the world should be but it is how the world is in far to many places and while I'm not a fan of staying in the closet and I can't say that 'it worked' for me in this case what I will say is that it suited the situation and the dynamics for want of a more practical way to express things.

In spite of the fact that the relationship between these three worked and I liked the story I was really hoping that they'd give me more feelz than what I got. Which isn't to say that I won't read the next book because I definitely want to read the next book. There are questions to be answered still and our threesome is definitely in the midst of some life changing events and while I may not be 'in love' with them yet. There's some very strong like going on for my part and I'm curious to find out how things turn out for them and what else life has in store for them as a trio and as individuals.

Ms Harper had a fair bit to lay out here with the relationship dynamics, background for the MCs individually and as a threesome/thruple/menage/trio/traid whatever name you choose to give them and then there's each man's story as it pertains to them but also as it effects the relationship and for me it was nicely done.

Situations were well represented and clear and not to downplay it but there's also a bit of a mystery going on here and in spite of the fact that it was maybe a bit obvious as to the why and who of it, I really didn't find myself disappointed over it since the mystery part of things never felt to me like it was a priority in the story but more like a secondary aspect that helped to facilitate everything else.

'Changes Coming Down' is a solid beginning to a new series by Kaje Harper and I honestly can't wait to find out what the changes will be? Here's hoping that the next book is in the works.

An ARC of 'Changes Coming Down' was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[*Bohemian* · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given for free to me for a review via m/m romance group. I’m absolutely late on my deadline since life happens, but I will still give out my review as this book trully deserves it.

Established relationships are difficult ones to get into when I read romance. Polyamorous established relationships even harder. That combined with a heavy ’who dunnit’ element and BIG changes coming down took me a while to warm up. When it did I was so invested in Casey, Will and Scott’s story. They each represent such a different set of life choises that I honestly had hard time believing in their relationship at first but after I did, I could not wait to see how things would unravel in a satisfactory way. Won’t spoil it here.

I thought it was simply wonderful how we get to know the guys and how their relationship deepens even if we don’t get to trully witness the beginning of their relationship (we only get a some shared memory of it). The sex was raunchy as it can be between three virile guys - and sometimes very sweet. what was important to me was that I believed their love was real, I felt it. The mystery element wasn’t my favorite. It was necessary, I get it, but it took me away from the most interesting part of the story: how the guys make their life together happen.

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars

[Gustaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me the longest time to get into this book but when I finally did I loved it. Sure, I'm not a huge fan of my mc's staying in the closet for like the whole book but even that couldn't stop me from loving these three guys.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this, but I highly recommend starting with this little flash fiction prequel:

Plans Change (Changes 0.5)

I think it helps to establish the relationship dynamic before diving right in.

These three have a very interesting dynamic, and I hope we settle into that more with the second book. This one is much more focused on the surrounding plot with the hit-and-run and the ranch than the relationship, but this is such a different relationship than anything I've read before (and I don't mean because it's m/m/m; I've read lots of that :) that I'd really like to get more time with these guys in the small moments. Of course, I think part of what makes them so different is that Scott's career and all three of them being in the closet -- with no plans or desire to change that -- doesn't exactly allow them a lot of small moments since none of them live together and they're all very careful to maintain their straight bro-friends image.

I would also love more flashbacks to how their relationship(s) started. The connection's clear, the way they work is clear, but there's just some little piece missing to tie it all together. Hopefully we'll get that piece in the next book, but I still found this one very satisfying.

Also...I wouldn't call this a "cliff-hanger". I had been putting off reading this one until closer to the second book's release date because cliff-hangers drive me crazy, so if you're worried about that, don't be! It ends on a major moment for their relationship, and I'm excited to see how it all plays out, but I don't consider it a cliff-hanger at all. The non-relationship plot points are all tied up by the end of this one, so bring on the good stuff!! :)

**This book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review via the MMRG Don’t Buy My Love Program**

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were so many moments that broke my heart and while there was plenty of angst, I mean three dudes in the closet in one book? But, Kaje Harper knows how to weave hope into the angst and that hope helps you get through the all the heartbreaking bits. She also knows how to balance three strong personalities in such a way that the idea of three men together in every way just works.

I am full on board for this series and am anxiously awaiting book 2!

Full review soon on the blog and then here.




**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I vaguely remember this story when it first came out as a part of Hunting Under Covers, but I did get a giggle reading the flavored lube in this story as I know that was one of the prompts Kaje picked up for this one. And who amongst us that participated in that first MM Romance Group Scavenger Hunt will ever forget the flavored lube.

That being said I was drawn back into this story, because these men are just so likeable as a whole. They deserve to be together and have each others support no matter what twist the outside world wants to put on things. I liked how they were there for each other and every decision was made as a group because it would affect all of them. They made the hard choices and were there to support each other to the best of their abilities even when they weren't in the same space. In some ways a lot of their choices were hardest on Scott as he was always the one traveling playing in the NHL. But then the Casey and Will have to face the small town bigots a lot more often than Scott did. There's a lot tipping the scales for these guys that offset the balance they've lived with for a number of years and I enjoyed watching them find their footing and justice as the same time.