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Stable Hill
Can three men from very different backgrounds find a home and a future together?
After losing his husband to cancer, Oscar Kennedy has his hands full with their four girls, the house, his job, and his mother-in-law. When he loses his father too, keeping Stable Hill, the old horse farm where he grew up, becomes impossible. Oscar hires Jeffrey Stokes, a slick-looking real estate broker with a roll-up-his-sleeves work ethic, to get it on the market.
Russell White manages the day-to-day at Stable Hill. Russ had loved Oscar’s dad like a father, and took on even more responsibility when the old man fell ill. He is shocked and saddened by Oscar’s decision to sell.
All three men have a stake in Stable Hill, and it’s not long before they start to invest in one another too. But their complicated relationship doesn’t make having to sell Stable Hill any easier. Will the fragile triad they’re building last when the farm that brought them together is gone?
Note: This is a second edition but no significant changes have been made to the text.
After losing his husband to cancer, Oscar Kennedy has his hands full with their four girls, the house, his job, and his mother-in-law. When he loses his father too, keeping Stable Hill, the old horse farm where he grew up, becomes impossible. Oscar hires Jeffrey Stokes, a slick-looking real estate broker with a roll-up-his-sleeves work ethic, to get it on the market.
Russell White manages the day-to-day at Stable Hill. Russ had loved Oscar’s dad like a father, and took on even more responsibility when the old man fell ill. He is shocked and saddened by Oscar’s decision to sell.
All three men have a stake in Stable Hill, and it’s not long before they start to invest in one another too. But their complicated relationship doesn’t make having to sell Stable Hill any easier. Will the fragile triad they’re building last when the farm that brought them together is gone?
Note: This is a second edition but no significant changes have been made to the text.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2019
43 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Payne
89 books400 followersJODI spent too many years in New York and San Francisco stage managing classical plays, edgy fringe work, and the occasional musical. She, therefore, is overdramatic, takes herself way too seriously, and has been known to randomly break out in song. Her men are imperfect but genuine, stubborn but likable, often kinky, and frequently their own worst enemies. They are characters you can’t help but fall in love with while they stumble along the path to their happily ever after.
For those looking to get on her good side, Jodi’s addictions include nonfat lattes, Malbec and tequila however you pour it. She’s also obsessed with Shakespeare and Broadway musicals. She can be found wearing sock monkey gloves while typing when it’s cold, and on the beach enjoying the sun and the ocean when it’s hot. When she’s not writing and/or vacuuming sand out of her laptop, Jodi mentors queer youth and will drop everything for live music. Jodi lives near New York City with her beautiful wife, and together they are mothers of dragons (cleverly disguised as children) and slaves to an enormous polydactyl cat.
For those looking to get on her good side, Jodi’s addictions include nonfat lattes, Malbec and tequila however you pour it. She’s also obsessed with Shakespeare and Broadway musicals. She can be found wearing sock monkey gloves while typing when it’s cold, and on the beach enjoying the sun and the ocean when it’s hot. When she’s not writing and/or vacuuming sand out of her laptop, Jodi mentors queer youth and will drop everything for live music. Jodi lives near New York City with her beautiful wife, and together they are mothers of dragons (cleverly disguised as children) and slaves to an enormous polydactyl cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 19, 2019
Jodi Payne’s latest novel, Stable Hill, is a sweet and romantic tale of three very different men who come together to find love. We get nicely detailed backstories for all three, and it’s a pleasure to watch as they navigate their journey.
Three years after his husband passed away from cancer, Oscar finally realizes he’s capable of feeling romantic love again. He discovers there’s a still a part of his heart that can open up and make a connection, and his heartfelt emotions as he ponders his reaction to Russ and Jeffrey’s advances are very moving.
In addition to reconciling his reawakening libido, Oscar struggles with incorporating his new romances into his home life. Bringing home a new boyfriend presents enough of a challenge, not to mention all the obstacles that adding a third man presents.
Watching how Jeffrey and Russ struggle to find a place within Oscar’s family is beautifully done. Each man makes connections with his kids that seem very real and as a child of multiple step-parents, this works well for me.
My favorite secondary character is Oscar’s mother-in-law, Rose. After the three men start their romance she plays a large part in incorporating Jeffrey and Russ into the fold. It’s interesting to see this powerful matriarch as she influences a good deal of the process. Rose is an amazing woman and it warms my heart to see the well deserved love and respect she gets from the other characters.
Jodi Payne’s writing style is always a pleasure to read. I find her books so addictive and once I started reading Stable Hill I had a hard time putting it down. I hope Ms. Payne plans to develop this one into a series because I’d like to read about the next stage in this triad’s relationship.
I received an ARC of Stable Hill by the author for the purpose of my review
Three years after his husband passed away from cancer, Oscar finally realizes he’s capable of feeling romantic love again. He discovers there’s a still a part of his heart that can open up and make a connection, and his heartfelt emotions as he ponders his reaction to Russ and Jeffrey’s advances are very moving.
In addition to reconciling his reawakening libido, Oscar struggles with incorporating his new romances into his home life. Bringing home a new boyfriend presents enough of a challenge, not to mention all the obstacles that adding a third man presents.
Watching how Jeffrey and Russ struggle to find a place within Oscar’s family is beautifully done. Each man makes connections with his kids that seem very real and as a child of multiple step-parents, this works well for me.
My favorite secondary character is Oscar’s mother-in-law, Rose. After the three men start their romance she plays a large part in incorporating Jeffrey and Russ into the fold. It’s interesting to see this powerful matriarch as she influences a good deal of the process. Rose is an amazing woman and it warms my heart to see the well deserved love and respect she gets from the other characters.
Jodi Payne’s writing style is always a pleasure to read. I find her books so addictive and once I started reading Stable Hill I had a hard time putting it down. I hope Ms. Payne plans to develop this one into a series because I’d like to read about the next stage in this triad’s relationship.
I received an ARC of Stable Hill by the author for the purpose of my review
May 25, 2019
Oscar has it hard, he is a widower with four children, besides his own job he has his father’s farm Stable Hill with employees to run. After losing his husband three years ago he now lost his father six months ago.
He has to sell the whole farm with stables and horses. So, here comes Jeffrey as a realtor in the picture.
Russell is a loyal farm manager, he was close friends with Oscar’s dad and now he lives alone at the farm. His heart is for Oscar, always been.
Oscar isn’t blind and has feelings, he did notice Russ and he did notice Jeffrey but no action taken. Until... until he finds both men together and wants nothing more than join them.
Cautious they start seeing each other. It isn’t easy, three men, a big family and business.
When the three came together for the first time, I felt the goosebumps all over me, what an emotional moment, hot of course but oh so emotional.
The way they handle their relationship with dates was uplifting. Positive attitudes even when it didn’t work out like it should. It was a constant learning process. Absolutely stunningly put down. The way how Russ and Jeff approached and got involved with the whole warm family was really awesome done. The personalities of all three men and their dynamic were such a delight to experience, so mature and reasonably, behind bedroom doors they were hot as hell. The story was amazingly written, besides that is was captivating and thoroughly developed.
With the Stable Hill scenery as background the circle is round.
Kindly received an arc from the author.
He has to sell the whole farm with stables and horses. So, here comes Jeffrey as a realtor in the picture.
Russell is a loyal farm manager, he was close friends with Oscar’s dad and now he lives alone at the farm. His heart is for Oscar, always been.
Oscar isn’t blind and has feelings, he did notice Russ and he did notice Jeffrey but no action taken. Until... until he finds both men together and wants nothing more than join them.
Cautious they start seeing each other. It isn’t easy, three men, a big family and business.
When the three came together for the first time, I felt the goosebumps all over me, what an emotional moment, hot of course but oh so emotional.
The way they handle their relationship with dates was uplifting. Positive attitudes even when it didn’t work out like it should. It was a constant learning process. Absolutely stunningly put down. The way how Russ and Jeff approached and got involved with the whole warm family was really awesome done. The personalities of all three men and their dynamic were such a delight to experience, so mature and reasonably, behind bedroom doors they were hot as hell. The story was amazingly written, besides that is was captivating and thoroughly developed.
With the Stable Hill scenery as background the circle is round.
Kindly received an arc from the author.
December 1, 2023
Re-read Nov. 27, 2023
This ménage required honesty, logistics and love....
There are some changes coming to the 25 acre Stable Hill Horse Farm. Oscar has 4 daughters and their grandmother, Rose to care for, and keeping the farm was just too expensive.
Oscar, 45, a blue-eyed silver fox,
is a Compliance Officer, who lost his husband three years prior, and his Dad, six months ago.
He hires Jeffery, 31, tall, dark hair and brown eyes,
who's strong and caring, a real estate man, to put it on the market. In the midst of all of that, we have Russ, the foreman, 28, blonde,
tan and fit with green eyes,
who had a sad family growing up, but Russ loves his work with the horses.
Russ lets Oscar know where he stands, and how he feels about Oscar, and we find out that Russ and Oscar also like Jeffery.
We see what life is like for Oscar as he works and raises the girls. We see Emily, 18, Sophie, 15, and twins, 10, Riley and Zoe, plus their grandmother, Rose, who is terrific, and they all live in town.
So, the farm is getting into better shape, and our three men, Oscar, Jeffery and Russ, show their interest and talk about how they will work it out, because each one is serious.
We see the men's interactions with the kids and Rose, and each other. It's a tense time, with giving up the farm and it's memories.
The three men have super sexy times, both M/M and ménage, too. Each man is different from the others, but they need what each man brings to the relationship. How will it ever work out? Russ will be jobless and Oscar and Jeffery can't give him up.
The girls and Rose are wonderful characters. It is well written, exciting, and has a terrific plot and flow.
The epilogue is fabulous.
ENJOY !
=====
This ménage required honesty, logistics and love....
There are some changes coming to the 25 acre Stable Hill Horse Farm. Oscar has 4 daughters and their grandmother, Rose to care for, and keeping the farm was just too expensive.
Oscar, 45, a blue-eyed silver fox,
is a Compliance Officer, who lost his husband three years prior, and his Dad, six months ago.
He hires Jeffery, 31, tall, dark hair and brown eyes,
who's strong and caring, a real estate man, to put it on the market. In the midst of all of that, we have Russ, the foreman, 28, blonde,
tan and fit with green eyes,
who had a sad family growing up, but Russ loves his work with the horses.
Russ lets Oscar know where he stands, and how he feels about Oscar, and we find out that Russ and Oscar also like Jeffery.
We see what life is like for Oscar as he works and raises the girls. We see Emily, 18, Sophie, 15, and twins, 10, Riley and Zoe, plus their grandmother, Rose, who is terrific, and they all live in town.
So, the farm is getting into better shape, and our three men, Oscar, Jeffery and Russ, show their interest and talk about how they will work it out, because each one is serious.
We see the men's interactions with the kids and Rose, and each other. It's a tense time, with giving up the farm and it's memories.
The three men have super sexy times, both M/M and ménage, too. Each man is different from the others, but they need what each man brings to the relationship. How will it ever work out? Russ will be jobless and Oscar and Jeffery can't give him up.
The girls and Rose are wonderful characters. It is well written, exciting, and has a terrific plot and flow.
The epilogue is fabulous.
ENJOY !
=====
June 5, 2019
On the whole, I enjoyed this. The setup, the realistic issues these 3 face with having a relationship, from each other and the world around them. The way their age differences were portrayed. But there were a few things that I wished the author had explored more and not just glossed over, which made this a decent, fairly steamy read for me, but not one I’ll read again .
There was a lot of time jumping and recapping what’s happened. Once the 3 came together there was a lot of off page time together. I hate that as a reader, especially when it’s early days.
We know all about Oscar but get barely any backstory from Russ or Jeffrey. I liked these men. I was interested. But the story definitely focused on Oscar.
I really wish this had been longer. I liked the bones of this but I just needed more.
There was a lot of time jumping and recapping what’s happened. Once the 3 came together there was a lot of off page time together. I hate that as a reader, especially when it’s early days.
We know all about Oscar but get barely any backstory from Russ or Jeffrey. I liked these men. I was interested. But the story definitely focused on Oscar.
I really wish this had been longer. I liked the bones of this but I just needed more.
June 7, 2021
Easily the best book I have read in a very long time! I love menage stories and this was one of the best, I really got why those guys needed each other.
Oscar is a widowed dad with four girls and his stepmom living in his deceased husband's town house. His old home is a farm, run by Russ who is keeping everything in shape and taking care of the horses.
Nevertheless, the farm costs money, that Oscar would rather spend on his girls college education, so he hires Jeffrey to sell the place.
It doesn't take long until those guys are all over each other and it is so much fun to read how they navigate their relationship, family and the knowledge that if Jeffrey succeeds he will put Russ out of a job and a home...
Bringing home a boyfriend after grieving for his husband for several years isn't easy, but bringing home 2 is definitely pulling Oscar out of his comfort zone, it also puts Russ in a weird position because the family already met Jeffrey and suspects he is more than a realtor and business acquaintance to Oscar.
This was so much fun to read, I really loved every page of it - sometimes it's fun to read a fairytale romance, but sometimes you want something that feels real and genuine and sweet and romantic at the same time - then you should definitely pick this up and enjoy the ride! Absolutely 5 stars for me!
Oscar is a widowed dad with four girls and his stepmom living in his deceased husband's town house. His old home is a farm, run by Russ who is keeping everything in shape and taking care of the horses.
Nevertheless, the farm costs money, that Oscar would rather spend on his girls college education, so he hires Jeffrey to sell the place.
It doesn't take long until those guys are all over each other and it is so much fun to read how they navigate their relationship, family and the knowledge that if Jeffrey succeeds he will put Russ out of a job and a home...
Bringing home a boyfriend after grieving for his husband for several years isn't easy, but bringing home 2 is definitely pulling Oscar out of his comfort zone, it also puts Russ in a weird position because the family already met Jeffrey and suspects he is more than a realtor and business acquaintance to Oscar.
This was so much fun to read, I really loved every page of it - sometimes it's fun to read a fairytale romance, but sometimes you want something that feels real and genuine and sweet and romantic at the same time - then you should definitely pick this up and enjoy the ride! Absolutely 5 stars for me!
March 15, 2020
Round up to 3.5 stars.
The blurb sums up the plot quite well so I won’t rehash.
For the most part, I quite enjoyed this. I liked how it wasn’t an established couple bringing in a third, it was three men who simultaneously found each other. I don’t say this often - this is my quirk about kids in my m/m books - but the family aspect worked for me in this one. The two older kids brought a bit of maturity and grounding that balanced out Oscar’s emotions. The age range and life experiences between our three protagonists was well written – especially with Russ, the youngest, and his feelings of jealousy and resentment. I think the dynamic – and thus the plot - benefited from that.
And there were a few pot-holes that bounced me out of the story:
The transition to a three-some felt abrupt. I knew the coming together would have to happen, and when it did, the timing and situation just felt off to me.
I thought the expectation of how quickly a working farm would actually sell was unrealistic, but I understand the need to move the plot along.
Nitpicking now: I also question when big developer said they were going to survey, having worked with surveyors, it’s my understanding surveying is expensive and you don’t plunk that kind of expense down unless you have a done deal. Maybe out east it’s different?
it seemed like a lot of people were working at the stable, at one point I think there was 12? Where did they all stay? If they weren’t doing a riding ring, what did they do all day? And nobody noticed Russ, Jeff, or Oscar disappearing into the house mid-day?
Emphasizing again, I did enjoy this. I liked the trio of men, I liked Oscar’s family dynamic, I liked how the emotions were balanced. There were a few things that didn’t quite work for me, and they may work better for another reader. If you like m/m/m romances, you may enjoy this.
This review is cross-posted at Rainbow Book Reviews.
A copy of the book was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
The blurb sums up the plot quite well so I won’t rehash.
For the most part, I quite enjoyed this. I liked how it wasn’t an established couple bringing in a third, it was three men who simultaneously found each other. I don’t say this often - this is my quirk about kids in my m/m books - but the family aspect worked for me in this one. The two older kids brought a bit of maturity and grounding that balanced out Oscar’s emotions. The age range and life experiences between our three protagonists was well written – especially with Russ, the youngest, and his feelings of jealousy and resentment. I think the dynamic – and thus the plot - benefited from that.
And there were a few pot-holes that bounced me out of the story:
The transition to a three-some felt abrupt. I knew the coming together would have to happen, and when it did, the timing and situation just felt off to me.
I thought the expectation of how quickly a working farm would actually sell was unrealistic, but I understand the need to move the plot along.
Nitpicking now: I also question when big developer said they were going to survey, having worked with surveyors, it’s my understanding surveying is expensive and you don’t plunk that kind of expense down unless you have a done deal. Maybe out east it’s different?
it seemed like a lot of people were working at the stable, at one point I think there was 12? Where did they all stay? If they weren’t doing a riding ring, what did they do all day? And nobody noticed Russ, Jeff, or Oscar disappearing into the house mid-day?
Emphasizing again, I did enjoy this. I liked the trio of men, I liked Oscar’s family dynamic, I liked how the emotions were balanced. There were a few things that didn’t quite work for me, and they may work better for another reader. If you like m/m/m romances, you may enjoy this.
This review is cross-posted at Rainbow Book Reviews.
A copy of the book was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Read
May 21, 2019A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Jeffrey and Russ have met before as their paths crossed a few times when they were both in need of an anonymous partner. So, Jeff’s ecstatic that his sexy new client, Oscar, has put him in direct contact with his sexy stranger, Russ. The sexual tension is pretty high from the start, with all three men experiencing a great deal of attraction. Oscar’s rather troubled by this, at first. He had walled himself off in grief for so long he isn’t really expecting to encounter two very different men with whom he shares such unexpected chemistry. At first, the shock is too great, and Oscar rebuffs Russ’s attempt at seduction, but Jeffrey helps Oscar see that it’s okay to want a man after so much celibacy, and Rose is ready to push Oscar after a good man, too. She knows her son would have wanted Oscar to move on with love.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Jeffrey and Russ have met before as their paths crossed a few times when they were both in need of an anonymous partner. So, Jeff’s ecstatic that his sexy new client, Oscar, has put him in direct contact with his sexy stranger, Russ. The sexual tension is pretty high from the start, with all three men experiencing a great deal of attraction. Oscar’s rather troubled by this, at first. He had walled himself off in grief for so long he isn’t really expecting to encounter two very different men with whom he shares such unexpected chemistry. At first, the shock is too great, and Oscar rebuffs Russ’s attempt at seduction, but Jeffrey helps Oscar see that it’s okay to want a man after so much celibacy, and Rose is ready to push Oscar after a good man, too. She knows her son would have wanted Oscar to move on with love.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
May 30, 2019
M/M/M really cute.
A bit too long but enjoyable.
A bit too long but enjoyable.
August 3, 2019
Dios mio, qué libro más aburrido, qué historia más insípida y que protagonistas más sosos!!!!
May 11, 2019
3.5 stars
I liked the set-up of this story and really wanted to fall in love with it, but I didn’t really get there.
I had a hard time believing in the strength of the relationship between the three men, mostly because of Oscar. He is at times quite self-absorbed and not as aware or as careful of Russ’s and Jeffrey’s feelings as he should be. He also has quite a mean temper on him, and I didn’t care for his angry outbursts, even taking into account the difficult choices he has to make.
The issues and worries all three men face are very realistic though, a definite plus, and I liked that they weren’t able to magically fix everything because of love, but I didn’t feel as if they actually grew stronger trying to overcome all these issues together.
One of the things I did really like in this book were its secondary characters, especially Rose, and everything to do with Oscar’s family, including how Russ and Jeffrey find their place with them.
I liked the set-up of this story and really wanted to fall in love with it, but I didn’t really get there.
I had a hard time believing in the strength of the relationship between the three men, mostly because of Oscar. He is at times quite self-absorbed and not as aware or as careful of Russ’s and Jeffrey’s feelings as he should be. He also has quite a mean temper on him, and I didn’t care for his angry outbursts, even taking into account the difficult choices he has to make.
The issues and worries all three men face are very realistic though, a definite plus, and I liked that they weren’t able to magically fix everything because of love, but I didn’t feel as if they actually grew stronger trying to overcome all these issues together.
One of the things I did really like in this book were its secondary characters, especially Rose, and everything to do with Oscar’s family, including how Russ and Jeffrey find their place with them.
June 3, 2019
While the writing style was decent, the plot and the MCs were not overly interesting (unless you are interested in the details of selling a farm). In fact, only one MC was a fully fleshed out character, with complex personality and history (Oscar). Russel and Jeffery remained pretty one dimensional, with very little of their history and personality revealed or explained. For instance, we don't know why Jeffery had been uninterested in romantic relationships for most of his life. We got excuses, not a real explanation. The strong connection between Russel and Oscar's father was mentioned several times but never in detail and did not have real impact. The same is true about Jeffrey's past triad relationship or Russell's estrangement from his family. It's like there were lot of trivia facts about these characters that never developed into something meaningful. Due to their lack of depth, the relationship progress seemed to be focused on the physical/technical aspect (group text! who would have thought) and not on the characters getting to know each other and growing closer emotionally. Despite their declarations, it seemed like what brought them together was mainly physical attraction and amazing sex. This may have worked in an erotica book, but this book is a romance book, not erotica.
May 25, 2019
A warm hearted story of three guys and ... read the boom you'll find out what they do. It a good read and you'll enjoy it. I did. Now don't pout you know I don't spoil boom. Read it and enjoy it.
June 12, 2019
A book can be good and you still may not enjoy it that much.
Like here.
I usually consider myself a relatively fair judge - I try to separate my feelings from the quality of the book and try to comment on both. In an ideal case, this is pointless. In cases like this, it's the polite, right thing to do.
I think (and found out after so many books and reviews) that a reader's opinion and enjoyment of a book is a complicated matter, that goes, more or less, along two lines: the book and the reader. A book can be "objectively" well written or simply just good. Or a reader, simply based on preferences, can enjoy a book that is not so "good" because we all have different likes and enjoy different things.
Or, in this case, I may consider this a suitable plot with decent characters and still... I was a little... bored. My brain told me the story is nice (I don't have that many complaints that I usually do) but for some reason (me or the book) I simply could not connect to the characters. There was no one I felt I "identify" with. You know how the MC is supposed to become your centre, you feel with their pain and adopt their dreams and hopes for the short period of time.
Maybe it really was the shifting POV. Maybe it was lack of "real" action and too much of the mundane. What I know is that I was not that interested. My emotions just didn't agree with my assessment that felt pretty good, when I did not immediately find problems with the book, as I do with "bad" books.
So I am not sure how much I can recommend this book, though I guess if you want something... stable, you know =D, like, that guy whose best quality is that he is nice to the point of being boring, because it means he is not terrible like all those other guys that are irresponsible or immature or arrogant. You probably won't find many faults with this book but you might also not find many points to write home about.
What I minded was how the girls (four of them? not even one boy?) called him Oz. The guy is raising them, he is practically living FOR them and loves them to the bits. To add insult to the injury, one of them has no problem instantly saying they do have a new dad. So Oz is not their dad but the guy who they know for a month is already qualified for the name?
What I liked was the reaction of the people. It was too easy and probably unrealistic but sometimes I very much prefer this (it fits in a book, in a piece of literature, where our fantasies are supposed to come true) when no one has any problem with it, even his mother-in-law! Because sometimes literature is about reflecting reality and the other way is to show how things are supposed to be and that can be just as great.
Like here.
I usually consider myself a relatively fair judge - I try to separate my feelings from the quality of the book and try to comment on both. In an ideal case, this is pointless. In cases like this, it's the polite, right thing to do.
I think (and found out after so many books and reviews) that a reader's opinion and enjoyment of a book is a complicated matter, that goes, more or less, along two lines: the book and the reader. A book can be "objectively" well written or simply just good. Or a reader, simply based on preferences, can enjoy a book that is not so "good" because we all have different likes and enjoy different things.
Or, in this case, I may consider this a suitable plot with decent characters and still... I was a little... bored. My brain told me the story is nice (I don't have that many complaints that I usually do) but for some reason (me or the book) I simply could not connect to the characters. There was no one I felt I "identify" with. You know how the MC is supposed to become your centre, you feel with their pain and adopt their dreams and hopes for the short period of time.
Maybe it really was the shifting POV. Maybe it was lack of "real" action and too much of the mundane. What I know is that I was not that interested. My emotions just didn't agree with my assessment that felt pretty good, when I did not immediately find problems with the book, as I do with "bad" books.
So I am not sure how much I can recommend this book, though I guess if you want something... stable, you know =D, like, that guy whose best quality is that he is nice to the point of being boring, because it means he is not terrible like all those other guys that are irresponsible or immature or arrogant. You probably won't find many faults with this book but you might also not find many points to write home about.
What I minded was how the girls (four of them? not even one boy?) called him Oz. The guy is raising them, he is practically living FOR them and loves them to the bits. To add insult to the injury, one of them has no problem instantly saying they do have a new dad. So Oz is not their dad but the guy who they know for a month is already qualified for the name?
What I liked was the reaction of the people. It was too easy and probably unrealistic but sometimes I very much prefer this (it fits in a book, in a piece of literature, where our fantasies are supposed to come true) when no one has any problem with it, even his mother-in-law! Because sometimes literature is about reflecting reality and the other way is to show how things are supposed to be and that can be just as great.
Read
June 26, 2019review to follow
October 6, 2019
Decent
I’m not normally one for triad stories but this one was interesting enough to hold my attention. The characters were endearing as well.
I’m not normally one for triad stories but this one was interesting enough to hold my attention. The characters were endearing as well.
May 8, 2019
This was such an awesome read. This is a heartbreaking read about three men that find one another during the midst of trying to figure out how to deal with the things going on in their lives. One man is still getting over the loss of his husband and father while raising four daughters and taking care of his mother in law. Another man is worried about his job since the farm he works for is about to go on the market m. And last but not least, the last man is dealing with wanting two men at the same time after not having really ever having a relationship before along with throwing in everything and everyone else into the mix. So though it is a tough time for these three men, if they can figure everything out, they may have a chance of making something of what is going on between them.
Oscar is a father to four girls. He is still grieving the loss of his father and before that his husband. He also has his mother in law living with him to help with the girls. But now that things are starting to settle down some, he is finally about to put his fathers farm on the market. It has not been easy for him to put the farm up for sale because he would love to be able to live there once again but hat is not possible unless he wants to uproot the girls.
So Oscar calls the realtor that was referred to him. The man’s name is Jeffery. Jeffery is good at his job and has been looking for Oscar to get in touch with him over the farm he was told about. So when he finally gets in contact, Jeff immediately sets up to meet the next day to get the run down on the farm.
When Oscar decided it was time to put the horse farm on the market he had to call Russ and prepare him for his and Jeff’s arrival the next day. Russ has been running the farm for Oscar and Russ knows hat once it sales he will have to have a back up plan since he will most likely be out of a job. This has been Russ’ home for two years now and he is upset about the farm having to be sold. But he also understand why Oscar needs to sale it. Russ has known that Oscar has a lot on his plate for a while now and if it was possible he would love to help Oscar out on that but Oscar has never led Russ to believe he was interested in Russ in anything other then an employee.
Once the first meeting gets underway to put the farm on the market, Oscar finds himself in a hard place because he is finding that he is attracted to not one but both men. This is confusing to Oscar since he has not felt that way since he lost his husband. So Oscar thinks that he is just ready to start datin again.
What Oscar did not know is Jeff and Russ already know one another and have hooked up in the past and also he does not realize that both men want each other as well as wanting him.
How can anything between these three men possibly work out? They are all three so very different with different responsibilities. Not to mention Oscar has a family to consider as well. Can the three of them figure things out between them and help one another out when an emergency situation involving Oscar daughter occurs or will this be what ends up making them step back?
This was a really good read of an unconventional relationship with lots of love involved. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more books by Jodi Payne in the future.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Oscar is a father to four girls. He is still grieving the loss of his father and before that his husband. He also has his mother in law living with him to help with the girls. But now that things are starting to settle down some, he is finally about to put his fathers farm on the market. It has not been easy for him to put the farm up for sale because he would love to be able to live there once again but hat is not possible unless he wants to uproot the girls.
So Oscar calls the realtor that was referred to him. The man’s name is Jeffery. Jeffery is good at his job and has been looking for Oscar to get in touch with him over the farm he was told about. So when he finally gets in contact, Jeff immediately sets up to meet the next day to get the run down on the farm.
When Oscar decided it was time to put the horse farm on the market he had to call Russ and prepare him for his and Jeff’s arrival the next day. Russ has been running the farm for Oscar and Russ knows hat once it sales he will have to have a back up plan since he will most likely be out of a job. This has been Russ’ home for two years now and he is upset about the farm having to be sold. But he also understand why Oscar needs to sale it. Russ has known that Oscar has a lot on his plate for a while now and if it was possible he would love to help Oscar out on that but Oscar has never led Russ to believe he was interested in Russ in anything other then an employee.
Once the first meeting gets underway to put the farm on the market, Oscar finds himself in a hard place because he is finding that he is attracted to not one but both men. This is confusing to Oscar since he has not felt that way since he lost his husband. So Oscar thinks that he is just ready to start datin again.
What Oscar did not know is Jeff and Russ already know one another and have hooked up in the past and also he does not realize that both men want each other as well as wanting him.
How can anything between these three men possibly work out? They are all three so very different with different responsibilities. Not to mention Oscar has a family to consider as well. Can the three of them figure things out between them and help one another out when an emergency situation involving Oscar daughter occurs or will this be what ends up making them step back?
This was a really good read of an unconventional relationship with lots of love involved. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more books by Jodi Payne in the future.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
May 15, 2019
Oscar has lost his husband a couple of years ago to cancer. He is raising his husband's four daughters with the help of his mother in law. Now his father has passed about six months ago and Oscar has to deal with the decision of selling the family farm. He is conflicted, since it has so many memories but so does the house he lives in that is his daughters'and mother in laws and he doesn't want to sell it and move the girls away from their friends and schools, so he chooses the farm so he can put the girls through college. A friend of his father gave him the number of a good realtor that helped sell his and to another farmer. That is Oscars one wish is to keep it a working farm.
Jeffrey is a single Realtor and likes his hookups and freedom. he doesn't do recurring hookups, except one twink he meets every now and again in a bar and they get down and jiggy in the back of the man's truck.
Russ is the barn manager on Stable Hil. He has had a thing for Oscar since he met him but knows Oscar is grieving. He was close to Oscar's dad and Stable Hill is more than a job it is his home.
So you can see how the three meet... basically through the selling of the farm. This story has so many feels. There is the grief of Oscar, his love of the girls, The love of the Mother-in-law, then the budding relationship between the three men and how they get there. A relationship is not easy and three men in one are even harder. Jodi Payne did an amazing job with making this relationship work. I liked that it was not an established couple taking in a third, I liked none of them were really close so they came in on even footing. I absolutely loved the age differences and how it kind of blended them all together... Russ's youth being the glue.
I loved this Mother-in-law. everyone needs a Rose in their life, and I adore books with children and loved that these girls all had some bigger part of the story, not just arm candy most kids are.
I found the story gripping and intriguing and hard to put down.
I love cowboys, friends to lovers (Russ and Oscar kind of) Boss/client (Oscar and Jeffrey) age gap. all three of them staged out Oscar being the oldest, kids, angst, horses, second chance at life... so this ticked off lots of boxes for me.
I will say that at times I felt like I was missing a story like maybe this was a sequel and somewhere was Oscar and Emmett's story. If not there should be...I'd be the first to snatch it up.
Jeffrey is a single Realtor and likes his hookups and freedom. he doesn't do recurring hookups, except one twink he meets every now and again in a bar and they get down and jiggy in the back of the man's truck.
Russ is the barn manager on Stable Hil. He has had a thing for Oscar since he met him but knows Oscar is grieving. He was close to Oscar's dad and Stable Hill is more than a job it is his home.
So you can see how the three meet... basically through the selling of the farm. This story has so many feels. There is the grief of Oscar, his love of the girls, The love of the Mother-in-law, then the budding relationship between the three men and how they get there. A relationship is not easy and three men in one are even harder. Jodi Payne did an amazing job with making this relationship work. I liked that it was not an established couple taking in a third, I liked none of them were really close so they came in on even footing. I absolutely loved the age differences and how it kind of blended them all together... Russ's youth being the glue.
I loved this Mother-in-law. everyone needs a Rose in their life, and I adore books with children and loved that these girls all had some bigger part of the story, not just arm candy most kids are.
I found the story gripping and intriguing and hard to put down.
I love cowboys, friends to lovers (Russ and Oscar kind of) Boss/client (Oscar and Jeffrey) age gap. all three of them staged out Oscar being the oldest, kids, angst, horses, second chance at life... so this ticked off lots of boxes for me.
I will say that at times I felt like I was missing a story like maybe this was a sequel and somewhere was Oscar and Emmett's story. If not there should be...I'd be the first to snatch it up.
May 21, 2019
It's not my habit to repeat the blurb, especially not in this case, because it sums what you can expect from the book quite well. First let me say that I loved this book for several reasons, it was a page turner for me. I love to read about unconventional relationships and I've read more MMM (or even more M's) books that I can remember. This one stands out for very important reason. It really shows how hard you have to work and adapt to make this kind of relationship work, especially when there are kids, different life styles, career choices, experiences and age difference in the mix. There are no magical solutions just a lot of learning by trial and error and making changes and sacrifice if you want to make it work. The attraction between this trio is undeniable, they are burning up the sheets, but here I come to the part where this book fell a little short for me. They just don't spend enough time with each other (as a trio) outside the bedroom, getting to know each other, to make such a life changing decisions they are making believable. It is implied, but not described. I see many missed opportunities to write that. If this book was about 100 pages longer I'm sure it would make it to the list of my all time favorites. The side characters are very well fleshed out and additional bonus to this story.
July 1, 2019
Jodi Payne's Stable Hill is a feel-good menage romance.
There are some wonderful aspects to this romance. I was immediately intrigued by Oscar and his home life. I love the kids he's raising and his relationship with them. He's still grieving the loss of his husband, but doesn't have much time to even think about it.
When he arranges to sell his family farm, Stable Hill, he's reunited with Russ, the sexy farm manager. But it isn't until he also meets the realtor, Jeffrey, that everything develops. What follows is a sweet and tender menage between these three men.
I enjoy the way the three men all offer something different to the relationship. This part isn't written in extreme depth the way some menages are, but it's still there. The kids also bring a lot to this story. Their problems are real, and their contribution to the story are important.
Overall, Stable Hill is a beautiful tale of letting go of the past, healing, and moving on towards a happy future. Jodi Payne does a great job portraying the difficulty in the process of letting go of the past. I definitely enjoy this romance, as well as each of the men, and I definitely plan on re-reading it.
August 20, 2019
Stable Hill by Jodi Payne is a really nice read. I liked the pace of this book it is not too fast or slow. It is not overly dramatic, is a well thought out love story with three men who really need each other to be complete.
Oscar, he has lost his husband to cancer. He has four adorable girls. A mother in law who is really a dream. A good job and a house. And just has inherited a ranch. He doesn’t know what to do with it, so he is going to sell it.
He is a sweet guy, a lot on his plate. He is always thinking of others first.
Jeffery is a little bit of a player. He is a real estate agent. He has a great work ethic. He is a solid person. He will look out for a client over getting more money. I liked that he is a good person at heart.
Russell is the manager at Stable Hill. He really has his whole life invested in the ranch. He has had a huge crush on Oscar for a long time. He is a strong silent type of person. Someone you really would want as your best friend.
I liked this story; I really think in the end everyone got exactly what they needed. I love the dynamics and really looking forward to more. I hope there is a sequel.
Oscar, he has lost his husband to cancer. He has four adorable girls. A mother in law who is really a dream. A good job and a house. And just has inherited a ranch. He doesn’t know what to do with it, so he is going to sell it.
He is a sweet guy, a lot on his plate. He is always thinking of others first.
Jeffery is a little bit of a player. He is a real estate agent. He has a great work ethic. He is a solid person. He will look out for a client over getting more money. I liked that he is a good person at heart.
Russell is the manager at Stable Hill. He really has his whole life invested in the ranch. He has had a huge crush on Oscar for a long time. He is a strong silent type of person. Someone you really would want as your best friend.
I liked this story; I really think in the end everyone got exactly what they needed. I love the dynamics and really looking forward to more. I hope there is a sequel.
May 25, 2019
Oscar, Russ, and Jeffrey were each very different but likeable characters. I enjoyed watching them become a supportive, loving triad.
Oscar was a good father to the four daughters his late husband left behind, and I never doubted that he always wanted to do the best he could for the girls. His mother-in-law Rose was a wonderful woman who was always understanding and thoughtful. HIs daughters, especially Emily and Sophie, were great characters.
Jeffrey was used to casual hookups, but he easily put that life aside to commit to his two new lovers. Even though Jeffrey was previously involved in a triad, I felt like I knew less about him than Oscar or Russ.
Russ was kind and lonely. He needed these men in his life to make him feel wanted. He was often my favorite person in this book. When he hurt, I felt his pain.
I wanted these people to be a family together. I sometimes felt frustrated with one or more of the men, but I knew that they just needed to stick together and fight for their love. I enjoyed this story so much, and I am happy to recommend it as a terrific, satisfying read.
Oscar was a good father to the four daughters his late husband left behind, and I never doubted that he always wanted to do the best he could for the girls. His mother-in-law Rose was a wonderful woman who was always understanding and thoughtful. HIs daughters, especially Emily and Sophie, were great characters.
Jeffrey was used to casual hookups, but he easily put that life aside to commit to his two new lovers. Even though Jeffrey was previously involved in a triad, I felt like I knew less about him than Oscar or Russ.
Russ was kind and lonely. He needed these men in his life to make him feel wanted. He was often my favorite person in this book. When he hurt, I felt his pain.
I wanted these people to be a family together. I sometimes felt frustrated with one or more of the men, but I knew that they just needed to stick together and fight for their love. I enjoyed this story so much, and I am happy to recommend it as a terrific, satisfying read.
May 18, 2022
This thoroughly enjoyable book details a triad that finds love through communication and commitment. Oscar is a widower who is raising his four stepdaughters with the help of his mother-in-law. To make ends meet, he decides to hire a realtor, Jeffrey, to help him sell his deceased dad's horse farm. Russ is the farm manager, who will be homeless and jobless when the farm sells. Jeffrey and Russ didn't know each other well, but they had hooked up a few times at a nearby bar. Russ had always had strong feelings toward Oscar, but the timing was never right to pursue things. Oscar has only recently come out of the strongest grief for the loss of his husband and he finds himself surprisingly attracted to both men, but unsure if he should pursue either one since he feels he should focus on his family. The three men can't fight their attraction and eventually begin a triad relationship. They are challenged to figure out how to make things work with Oscar's family issues and the impending sale of the farm. Their journey to true, lasting love is beautiful to read.
August 8, 2019
Jodi Payne is a new to me author. I have to say as picky as I am with MMM reads, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the author’s writing. One thing I loved about it was when it began, I couldn’t figure out how she was going to take me there because quite often I can figure it out before we get there, if you know what I mean. An organic, May/December story that is so hot and at the same time, so sweet. These guys are opposites in every way imaginable and each come with their own sets of issues/concerns. The story telling is so real with some angst and sadness, laughter and secondary characters that are so well written. There are kids, and the most wonderful grandmother, horses and beautifully written sex scenes. Did I mention it was HOT?? LOL If you are a fan of MMM reads, I highly recommend this one!!
September 22, 2019
This is an good story with wonky bits included.
An MMM story with the characters who have a "fast" attraction for each other. Oscar is widowed and busy with his 4 stepdaughters to think about love.
Russell has wanted Oscar for awhile but he was still grieving. And Jeffrey had a connection to Russ in the past.. hot sexy scenes, secrets, Holly smokes Oscar's life was about to be hotter than ever but they have to work out the communications part first. This focused mainly on Oscar's story. I liked some parts of this and other parts not so. An okay ending.
Oscar 45 yrs had procrastinated about his father's farm after his death with a decision he had make. Looking after his own kids and his own place also added to stress.
Jeffrey 31 yrs was a realtor and was happy to pickup a new client.
Russ 28 yrs was the manager of Stable Hill Farm.
An MMM story with the characters who have a "fast" attraction for each other. Oscar is widowed and busy with his 4 stepdaughters to think about love.
Russell has wanted Oscar for awhile but he was still grieving. And Jeffrey had a connection to Russ in the past.. hot sexy scenes, secrets, Holly smokes Oscar's life was about to be hotter than ever but they have to work out the communications part first. This focused mainly on Oscar's story. I liked some parts of this and other parts not so. An okay ending.
Oscar 45 yrs had procrastinated about his father's farm after his death with a decision he had make. Looking after his own kids and his own place also added to stress.
Jeffrey 31 yrs was a realtor and was happy to pickup a new client.
Russ 28 yrs was the manager of Stable Hill Farm.
May 26, 2019
This was a somewhat different MMM story, but it worked quite well. Oscar, Jeff, and Russ have quite different characters and life-paths and you would think that they cannot fit together but the author dedicated to each two-way relationship enough description and details to give the reader a better understanding of why their menage makes sense and may indeed work out. And Oscar's girls and mother-in-law are great side characters who help to create this wonderful patchwork family. At the end of the book, I would have loved to spend a weekend at Stable Hill with all of them, enjoying the sense of belonging, the memories embodied in the house and the warmth of the connection and love among all the members of this clan.
May 13, 2019
Jodi Payne's Stable Hill tells the story of an unconventional relationship between three men - Jeff, Russ and Oscar. These three men are very different but together they find something very special - love. I enjoyed watching them interact, falling love and find their rhythm together. I love the ease that Russ and Jeff found their places in Oscar's family dynamic. And the heat! Whew! The supporting characters were also intriguing and entertaining. The story was great and definitely kept my attention. Worth the read for sure.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
January 5, 2022
This story is about Oscar, Jeffrey and Russ. Oscar is a widowed father, working full time, but still managing to take on his four stepdaughters. His love for his deceased husband shone so bright when it came to Oscar’s sense of family. Jeffrey was used to casual hookups, but he easily put that life aside to commit to his two new lovers. Russ was kind and lonely. He needed these men in his life to make him feel wanted. I thought these characters were written really well. I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
May 23, 2019
Stable Hill by Jodi Payne. This is Oscar Kennedy, Jeffrey Stokes, and Russell White’s story.
A story about three wonderful but very different men. Despite the differences and baggage of each man the chemistry between them was hot. I enjoyed this emotional and heartwarming read. The addition of Oscar’s girls added to the story.
FYI, contains mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
A story about three wonderful but very different men. Despite the differences and baggage of each man the chemistry between them was hot. I enjoyed this emotional and heartwarming read. The addition of Oscar’s girls added to the story.
FYI, contains mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 21, 2021
This was an emotional read for me and I loved it. Oscar lost his husband and was taking care of their 4 girls. After his dad passes he must sell the ranch as he is unable to keep it and during visits to the ranch he has an attraction to Russ the Ranch foreman and then enters Jeffrey the real estate agent and he is attracted to him as well but as it turns out Russ, Jeffrey and Oscar are all attracted to each other.
I loved this MMM.
I loved this MMM.
March 23, 2020
Three is a beautiful number:
I loved the plot and especially the characters. Jodi has the ability and talent to develop each person you meet so they have distinct characteristics and personalities. It's like watching a play or a movie. There are so many nuances in this book that I hated when it ended.
HEA times 3. Or more, if Emily's life continues on it's current track.
I loved the plot and especially the characters. Jodi has the ability and talent to develop each person you meet so they have distinct characteristics and personalities. It's like watching a play or a movie. There are so many nuances in this book that I hated when it ended.
HEA times 3. Or more, if Emily's life continues on it's current track.
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