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Beards & Bondage #3
Harbor
Betrayed and set adrift…
Months before she’s set to walk down the aisle, assistant district attorney Brooklyn Lewis suffers an unthinkable loss. It’s bad enough her fiancé is violently taken from her, but along with her grief she must also process the fact that the man of her dreams was unfaithful. Friends and family want to see her heal, but Brooklyn doesn’t know how to move on from trauma and deception until she discovers she’s not the only one broken by this tragedy.
A light in the storm…
Attorney Vaughn Coleman and his partner Chris Shaw have also lost the love of their lives, who was found lifeless in the same bed as Brooklyn’s fiancé, taken from them by the same killer.
Unmoored by grief, Brooklyn, Chris, and Vaughn fall into a relationship that both fulfills them and threatens to pull them under the waves of guilt, but they soon realize it may take the love of three people to bring their battered ships back to shore.
*This romance features a polyamorous relationship between two men and a woman, with BDSM overtones*
Months before she’s set to walk down the aisle, assistant district attorney Brooklyn Lewis suffers an unthinkable loss. It’s bad enough her fiancé is violently taken from her, but along with her grief she must also process the fact that the man of her dreams was unfaithful. Friends and family want to see her heal, but Brooklyn doesn’t know how to move on from trauma and deception until she discovers she’s not the only one broken by this tragedy.
A light in the storm…
Attorney Vaughn Coleman and his partner Chris Shaw have also lost the love of their lives, who was found lifeless in the same bed as Brooklyn’s fiancé, taken from them by the same killer.
Unmoored by grief, Brooklyn, Chris, and Vaughn fall into a relationship that both fulfills them and threatens to pull them under the waves of guilt, but they soon realize it may take the love of three people to bring their battered ships back to shore.
*This romance features a polyamorous relationship between two men and a woman, with BDSM overtones*
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2020
90 people are currently reading
1788 people want to read
About the author
Rebekah Weatherspoon
33 books2,975 followersAfter years of meddling in her friends’ love lives, Rebekah Weatherspoon turned to writing romance to get her fix. Raised in Southern New Hampshire, Rebekah Weatherspoon now lives in Southern California where she will remain forever because she hates moving.
Her BDSM romance At Her Feet won the Golden Crown Literary Award for erotic lesbian fiction. Her novella FIT (#1 in the FIT Trilogy) won the Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Erotica Novella, SATED (#3 in the FIT Trilogy) was nominated for the the Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Digital Erotic Romance and most recently SOUL TO KEEP VSS#3 won the 2017 Lambda Literary Award for Best LGBTQ Erotica.
Her 2018 romantic comedy RAFE: A Buff Male Nanny received praise from both Entertainment Weekly and the New York Times. You can look for her most recent romantic comedy XENI : A Marriage of Inconvenience now, and a retelling of Sleeping Beauty, A COWBOY TO REMEMBER, late February 2020 from Kensington Books. In the meant time, you can find Rebekah and her books on twitter at @rdotspoon and her website www.rebekahweatherspoon.com,
Her BDSM romance At Her Feet won the Golden Crown Literary Award for erotic lesbian fiction. Her novella FIT (#1 in the FIT Trilogy) won the Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Erotica Novella, SATED (#3 in the FIT Trilogy) was nominated for the the Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Digital Erotic Romance and most recently SOUL TO KEEP VSS#3 won the 2017 Lambda Literary Award for Best LGBTQ Erotica.
Her 2018 romantic comedy RAFE: A Buff Male Nanny received praise from both Entertainment Weekly and the New York Times. You can look for her most recent romantic comedy XENI : A Marriage of Inconvenience now, and a retelling of Sleeping Beauty, A COWBOY TO REMEMBER, late February 2020 from Kensington Books. In the meant time, you can find Rebekah and her books on twitter at @rdotspoon and her website www.rebekahweatherspoon.com,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
August 5, 2020
This book invented open communication in romance
cw: death of a partner, cheating (not within main relationship)
cw: death of a partner, cheating (not within main relationship)
June 25, 2020
"Two works. Two works great, but there's something about three."
Baby polyam newbie has finally read her first polyam romance. That's me! I think this book was a perfect introduction for me, because reading a Rebekah Weatherspoon book is like coming back to your favorite place in the world. As soon as I met Brooklyn, Vaughn and Shaw, I already loved them a little bit, without even knowing anything about them. But Rebekah's writing makes you feel like you're part of something bigger and it connects you perfectly with the story that she's trying to tell.
This is a pretty intense book. The circumstances of these three meeting isn't ideal but it happened. So we have Brook and she was going to get married to this guy. But her fiancé dies. The thing is he was found dead in bed with the woman he was cheating Brook with. This other woman was the other partner of Vaughn and Shaw's relationship. Their significant others cheated on them (and died) and this is how they eventually meet (our protagonists).
I like that they took their time to getting to know each other, but also living with the death of someone they thought loved them, with no chance of ever talking to them and asking why they did it. Each of them have their own way of dealing with their grief and you see that. But also they are so into each other since they get together for the first time, but know that they are so many layers before they get to that place where they can connect. Rebekah does it wonderfully, the story gives you something in every chapter and I flew through this!!
Shaw, the tattooed Dom with the mean words. Vaughn, the sweetest person you can ever meet with the heart of gold. And Brook, the one who just wants to be loved completely. Harbor is a perfect summer read with sand-covered days, a cute dog, a fun Never Have I Ever game and a relationship that can change each of them completely.
Thank you to the author for providing me an early copy in exchange for an honest review. The quote is from the ARC so it can change for the finished copy.
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August 5, 2020CW: mention of murder and suicide at the beginning, grief, trauma, abandonment, on page sex and BDSM
thIS WAS SO GOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!
I really cannot get over how much I loved everything about this book. The Black love? The polyamory? The communication? The healing? The flavor? IT'S ALL THERE!!!!!
But seriously, I can't be coherent about my love for this book so here are some bullet points:
- Every. single. character. is good and fleshed out and flawed and amazing and ugh. I just want to be their fourth tbh.
- THE COMMUNICATION!!!! No but seriously I think this might be the best polyamorous romance I've read so far that manages to put what polyamory is so beautifully and concisely. And not only that but the way they approach the BDSM aspects of their sex life is so...healthy? There are lines drawn, boundaries set, checklists made and they put so much emphasis on aftercare and checking in with each other and ugh. They just got me in my feels.
- Vaughn! Singlehandedly saved mankind. The way this man feels his feelings and expresses his feelings is unparalleled, unmatched, exceptional, iconic, out of this world!!!!!!!!! It's just saw raw and intense and BIG but also so soft and tender?? Truly love that for him. But also for Shaw and Brook.
- This book breaks the romance genre layout and it was so refreshing, the way it didn't follow the classic third act composition, the way there were multiple conflicts and the "big fallout" wasn't due to miscommunication...*chef's kiss* I love it here.
Anyway please read this book for intense emotional moments, top tier sexy times and clear skin.
thIS WAS SO GOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!
I really cannot get over how much I loved everything about this book. The Black love? The polyamory? The communication? The healing? The flavor? IT'S ALL THERE!!!!!
But seriously, I can't be coherent about my love for this book so here are some bullet points:
- Every. single. character. is good and fleshed out and flawed and amazing and ugh. I just want to be their fourth tbh.
- THE COMMUNICATION!!!! No but seriously I think this might be the best polyamorous romance I've read so far that manages to put what polyamory is so beautifully and concisely. And not only that but the way they approach the BDSM aspects of their sex life is so...healthy? There are lines drawn, boundaries set, checklists made and they put so much emphasis on aftercare and checking in with each other and ugh. They just got me in my feels.
- Vaughn! Singlehandedly saved mankind. The way this man feels his feelings and expresses his feelings is unparalleled, unmatched, exceptional, iconic, out of this world!!!!!!!!! It's just saw raw and intense and BIG but also so soft and tender?? Truly love that for him. But also for Shaw and Brook.
- This book breaks the romance genre layout and it was so refreshing, the way it didn't follow the classic third act composition, the way there were multiple conflicts and the "big fallout" wasn't due to miscommunication...*chef's kiss* I love it here.
Anyway please read this book for intense emotional moments, top tier sexy times and clear skin.
January 12, 2021
Romance Erotica/BDSM : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
CW : BDSM, Death of a partner, Cheating (not within our MCs relationship)
First off. The honest and open communication is goals.
Positive polyamory representation is something we love to see AND an actual sex positive throughout plus size woman getting the lovin she deserves! Yes ma'am.
Our main characters Brooklyn, Vaughn, and Shaw at the start of our read have recently and tragically lost their significant others (not a spoiler!) and they come together to figure out the why of it all.
After some grieving time they come together again and find that they are exactly what eachother need. Our characters are nicely fleshed out and all have their own unique personalities that lead to really open and romantic read that starts with all the drama and ends with an amazing HEA.
CW : BDSM, Death of a partner, Cheating (not within our MCs relationship)
First off. The honest and open communication is goals.
Positive polyamory representation is something we love to see AND an actual sex positive throughout plus size woman getting the lovin she deserves! Yes ma'am.
Our main characters Brooklyn, Vaughn, and Shaw at the start of our read have recently and tragically lost their significant others (not a spoiler!) and they come together to figure out the why of it all.
After some grieving time they come together again and find that they are exactly what eachother need. Our characters are nicely fleshed out and all have their own unique personalities that lead to really open and romantic read that starts with all the drama and ends with an amazing HEA.
April 22, 2021
SERIES: Beards & Bondage #3 - it can be read as standalone
GENRE: erotica
TROPES/THEMES: menage, MMF, polyamorous relationship, bdsm
CLIFFHANGER: no
TRIGGER WARNINGS: death of a partner
HOTTIE METER: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
RATING: 4,5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
SONG: kiss it better
Vaughn, Shaw, and Brooklyn connect through the loss of their partners who get murdered while cheating on them. Now they are all dealing with the aftermath of betrayal and loss. Even though their relationship starts with an unconventional meeting, the development and connection they form are beautiful to witness. Sure this book is saucy, steamy, and sexy!! But damn this open communication got me equally hot!!
Many readers complain about the length of the books in this series. But I disagree, to me, they are just perfect! They think they are too short, btw.
Kudos to the author for packaging the storyline, character development, racy scenes, dealing with some emotional issues in a magnificent book/series. Excellent use of time in a realistic and natural way. There is nothing insta happening but we are not dragged through some unnecessary mundane events.
✔positive polyamourus representation
✔ plus size heroine
✔ steam for days
✔ BDSM
✔fleshed out characters
✔ sweet ending
GENRE: erotica
TROPES/THEMES: menage, MMF, polyamorous relationship, bdsm
CLIFFHANGER: no
TRIGGER WARNINGS: death of a partner
HOTTIE METER: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
RATING: 4,5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
SONG: kiss it better
Vaughn, Shaw, and Brooklyn connect through the loss of their partners who get murdered while cheating on them. Now they are all dealing with the aftermath of betrayal and loss. Even though their relationship starts with an unconventional meeting, the development and connection they form are beautiful to witness. Sure this book is saucy, steamy, and sexy!! But damn this open communication got me equally hot!!
Many readers complain about the length of the books in this series. But I disagree, to me, they are just perfect! They think they are too short, btw.
Kudos to the author for packaging the storyline, character development, racy scenes, dealing with some emotional issues in a magnificent book/series. Excellent use of time in a realistic and natural way. There is nothing insta happening but we are not dragged through some unnecessary mundane events.
✔positive polyamourus representation
✔ plus size heroine
✔ steam for days
✔ BDSM
✔fleshed out characters
✔ sweet ending
November 8, 2021
Just like book two, this book is about characters who experience a trauma and find themselves bonding with others and trying to overcome that trauma together. Shaw and Vaughn were in a relationship with a girl who ended up cheating on them with Brooklyn's fiancé. And they found out when their girlfriend and her fiancé are murdered while in a hotel together. Vaughn, Shaw, and Brooklyn are all devastated and find it hard to heal from what happened. Not only did they lose loved ones, they were also betrayed and have no way of finding closure from that betrayal. Months pass and Brooklyn, Vaughn, and Shaw reconnect and find themselves wanting to spend more time with each other. I really enjoyed the intricacies of the relationship and the dynamics between our three characters. They were all so different in how they were overcoming their individual traumas and what they were willing to give to one another. I loved how open their communication was and how Brooklyn would hold her ground with the guys and not let them get away with hurting her or closing her out. This was such a good poly romance! I definitely recommend checking out this series!
October 14, 2020
Gosh, this series was amazing. The diversity, the sexiness, the emotions.. I loved it.
The only downside, really to the series as a whole, is that there is never enough of anything. Especially in this one, where we have 3 perspectives. We get to see like 3 play scenes, and a little of their conversations and then, BOOM! HEA.
I just like a bit more of the figuring it all out part. But it was so good.
4.5/5 (rounded up to 5)
The only downside, really to the series as a whole, is that there is never enough of anything. Especially in this one, where we have 3 perspectives. We get to see like 3 play scenes, and a little of their conversations and then, BOOM! HEA.
I just like a bit more of the figuring it all out part. But it was so good.
4.5/5 (rounded up to 5)
March 9, 2021
2.5 stars
I think this would be more successful from an MF reader's perspective, just because the weak link is one of the guys. I never understood Shaw, and there's a big gap in The Feels department on his end because of that.
It affects his pairing with Brooklyn just as much (actually probably even more so) as his pairing with Vaughn, but the result is that Vaughn and Brooklyn *seem* like the stronger pairing at the end, even though I don't think they're supposed to? Based on the high ratings for this one, I'm guessing that's a bigger issue for me as an MM reader.
I liked the steam between the three of them -- and I was really worried, because I've never read anything BDSM with a female MC in the sub dynamic, and I already struggle with the subtext of that dynamic in MF romances *without* BDSM... -- but the bottom line is we never get answers about Shaw.
And it's a definite flaw in the writing. I'm sure it's much harder to fit three POVs in vs. two, but I've read lots and lots of polyamorous romances that manage it just fine. It was very clear with this one that the author had a much better handle on two of her three characters.
If you take out the prologue and the epilogue, it's a pretty condensed timeline, too.
It really needs a couple of chapters between the guys first meeting Brook and their reconnection with her that focus on Vaughn and Shaw's troubles after losing their first partner and let us understand where exactly Shaw's issues with letting people in come from and how Vaughn has come to a place of acceptance with them. Without that, there was just too big of a gap with Shaw to ever fully enjoy this.
I think this would be more successful from an MF reader's perspective, just because the weak link is one of the guys. I never understood Shaw, and there's a big gap in The Feels department on his end because of that.
It affects his pairing with Brooklyn just as much (actually probably even more so) as his pairing with Vaughn, but the result is that Vaughn and Brooklyn *seem* like the stronger pairing at the end, even though I don't think they're supposed to? Based on the high ratings for this one, I'm guessing that's a bigger issue for me as an MM reader.
I liked the steam between the three of them -- and I was really worried, because I've never read anything BDSM with a female MC in the sub dynamic, and I already struggle with the subtext of that dynamic in MF romances *without* BDSM... -- but the bottom line is we never get answers about Shaw.
And it's a definite flaw in the writing. I'm sure it's much harder to fit three POVs in vs. two, but I've read lots and lots of polyamorous romances that manage it just fine. It was very clear with this one that the author had a much better handle on two of her three characters.
If you take out the prologue and the epilogue, it's a pretty condensed timeline, too.
It really needs a couple of chapters between the guys first meeting Brook and their reconnection with her that focus on Vaughn and Shaw's troubles after losing their first partner and let us understand where exactly Shaw's issues with letting people in come from and how Vaughn has come to a place of acceptance with them. Without that, there was just too big of a gap with Shaw to ever fully enjoy this.
August 28, 2020
Read this over the weekend and liked it a lot. The third and final book in Weatherspoon’s excellent Beards & Bondage series, Harbor has a pretty intense romantic suspense setup and deals with a lot of heavy subject matter in terms of mental health. Despite all that, author Rebekah Weatherspoon still manages to bring the laughs and levity in a very humane way that really makes the whole thing work.
One of the things I loved the most was the rapport between Shaw and Vaughn, long term lovers contemplating adding a permanent third to the mix. I loved the way they spoke to each other. Cracked me up more than once.
For example when Shaw steps out of line, Vaughn knows just what to say to reel him in:
“Can I ask you something?” Vaughn says. “Sure.” “Negro. Are you high?”
These two cracked me up. They were funny, steamy and tender and soft at the same time.
I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are candid and my own.
One of the things I loved the most was the rapport between Shaw and Vaughn, long term lovers contemplating adding a permanent third to the mix. I loved the way they spoke to each other. Cracked me up more than once.
For example when Shaw steps out of line, Vaughn knows just what to say to reel him in:
“Can I ask you something?” Vaughn says. “Sure.” “Negro. Are you high?”
These two cracked me up. They were funny, steamy and tender and soft at the same time.
I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are candid and my own.
March 14, 2021
This was my favorite in this series for sure. I thought that the poly relationship was handled really well, focusing on the communication and feelings of all 3 partners involved.
I found their dynamic to work for me. Though this is not the kind of relationship I would seek in my personal life, I can understand how and why it works for these characters
The sexy factor was high, just like the previous 2 books in the series. I just found the amount of honesty and communication to really work for me.
I can't recommend this series enough.
I found their dynamic to work for me. Though this is not the kind of relationship I would seek in my personal life, I can understand how and why it works for these characters
The sexy factor was high, just like the previous 2 books in the series. I just found the amount of honesty and communication to really work for me.
I can't recommend this series enough.
August 16, 2021
3 1/2 Stars!
December 9, 2024
This book was really incredible— IMHO Rebekah Weatherspoon’s best to date!!
This story was so strong- the premise was just so wild and fascinating! Totally escapist and I loved it. I also really appreciated the way Rebekah wrote the dynamics of the triad- I feel like romance doesn’t often have open discussions about how to navigate emotions jealousy or comparison when it comes to poly relationships, and Rebekah did that in a way that felt really authentic and it made the HEA more believable. The sex was 🔥🥵 SO HOT, the emotional arc of all three characters was endlessly satisfying, and overall it was just a really wonderful and engaging read— 10/10!!
Some things I loved about the protagonists:
Vaughn
💜 Bespectacled & bearded tallboi with authoritative energy
💜 lowkey a cinnamon roll & full of switchy goodness
💜is comfortable & in touch with his emotions! Vaughn has *allllll* the feels and wants to talk about ‘em
💜A lawyer- we love an intellectual!!!!
💜His nickname is VAUGHNY😍
Brooklyn
❤️Self-described as “Brooklyn Lewis, the Baddest Bitch from the Boogie Down Bronx”👏🏼
❤️Assistant DA- girl is booked & busy
❤️ funny AS HELL!!!! Cracks dirty jokes at the best times and it’s incredible
❤️has *literal* Sex on the Beach and is smart enough to avoid sand in uncomfy places😎
❤️when people cross boundaries with her she makes them GROVEL and it’s real delicious
Shaw
💙strong & silent broody Dom
💙 is a custom carpenter that makes *bank* & lives in a heritage house on Cape Cod!!!
💙said heritage house has a sex dungeon in the basement😈
💙has “a perfectly manicured beard & mustache”— this man puts EFFORT into his look!!
💙acknowledges when he’s wrong & apologizes #kingshit
This story was so strong- the premise was just so wild and fascinating! Totally escapist and I loved it. I also really appreciated the way Rebekah wrote the dynamics of the triad- I feel like romance doesn’t often have open discussions about how to navigate emotions jealousy or comparison when it comes to poly relationships, and Rebekah did that in a way that felt really authentic and it made the HEA more believable. The sex was 🔥🥵 SO HOT, the emotional arc of all three characters was endlessly satisfying, and overall it was just a really wonderful and engaging read— 10/10!!
Some things I loved about the protagonists:
Vaughn
💜 Bespectacled & bearded tallboi with authoritative energy
💜 lowkey a cinnamon roll & full of switchy goodness
💜is comfortable & in touch with his emotions! Vaughn has *allllll* the feels and wants to talk about ‘em
💜A lawyer- we love an intellectual!!!!
💜His nickname is VAUGHNY😍
Brooklyn
❤️Self-described as “Brooklyn Lewis, the Baddest Bitch from the Boogie Down Bronx”👏🏼
❤️Assistant DA- girl is booked & busy
❤️ funny AS HELL!!!! Cracks dirty jokes at the best times and it’s incredible
❤️has *literal* Sex on the Beach and is smart enough to avoid sand in uncomfy places😎
❤️when people cross boundaries with her she makes them GROVEL and it’s real delicious
Shaw
💙strong & silent broody Dom
💙 is a custom carpenter that makes *bank* & lives in a heritage house on Cape Cod!!!
💙said heritage house has a sex dungeon in the basement😈
💙has “a perfectly manicured beard & mustache”— this man puts EFFORT into his look!!
💙acknowledges when he’s wrong & apologizes #kingshit
July 2, 2020
Yesterday a magazine posted an article about how we should read romances during this pandemic because they are dumb and will give our brains a break. I had just finished reading Rebekah Weatherspoon’s Harbor (Beards and Bondage) and wanted to cry in frustration. There is nothing dumb about this book, and even if it were pure porny fluff, if it accomplishes the goal of helping the reader cope – it is not dumb. There are so many amazing, smart writers in romance today. Rebekah Weatherspoon is among the best of them. In Harbor, she explores complicated grief and heavy subjects with a deft hand, weaving in humor and lust, and friendships and family.
Brook, Vaughn and Shaw share the experience of losing a significant other and at the same time finding out that they were unfaithful. Each of the three has to confront grief, anger and trauma in their own way. Because of the circumstances they are drawn to each other, but are also aware that while shared trauma can create an intense bond, it is not a good basis for a long relationship. Knowing this, the trio come together and retreat a few times before getting to the Happily Ever After. While Vaughn is all heart-eyes and hard penis around Brook, she has to set terms of engagement with Shaw who can hurt her with his prickly version of honesty.
Weatherspoon addresses the stereotype of the strong Black woman with Brook. She is a strong woman. She knows herself, she’s smart, she is capable of taking care of herself. At the same time, she is vulnerable. Losing her fiance the way she did makes her question her own judgement. On top of that, she has to struggle with her friends’ desire for her to be okay when she wants to be allowed to feel sad, angry and lost. Brook directly addresses the pressure she feels to be strong and the way it hurts her. She is unwilling to have a relationship with a man who will not accept her full range of being.
The sex in the book is steamy, explicit, and has light BDSM. I’ve read many menage romances, but this is one of the few that feels realistically polyamerous (I say this as a person who has never been in a polyamerous relationship, so take that for what it’s worth). Vaughn and Shaw have a romantic and sexual relationship independent of their relationships with Brook. It was damaged by the murder of their partner and they are working on it – independent of their relationships with Brook. It feels lived in. Unlike a lot of standard menage romances, the focus is not on the two men having sex with the woman, but on each of them getting their needs met – physically and emotionally.
Harbor is beautiful, sexy, thoughtful, and surprisingly funny for a book that deals so much with trauma. For all the things I bring up in the review there are many more I didn’t know how to talk about without giving everything away and then even more that I probably didn’t even see.
I received this as an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Months before she’s set to walk down the aisle, assistant district attorney Brooklyn Lewis suffers an unthinkable loss. It’s bad enough her fiancé is violently taken from her, but along with her grief she must also process the fact that the man of her dreams was unfaithful. Friends and family want to see her heal, but Brooklyn doesn’t know how to move on from trauma and deception until she discovers she’s not the only one broken by this tragedy.
Attorney Vaughn Coleman and his partner Chris Shaw have also lost the love of their lives, who was found lifeless in the same bed as Brooklyn’s fiancé, taken from them by the same killer.
Brook, Vaughn and Shaw share the experience of losing a significant other and at the same time finding out that they were unfaithful. Each of the three has to confront grief, anger and trauma in their own way. Because of the circumstances they are drawn to each other, but are also aware that while shared trauma can create an intense bond, it is not a good basis for a long relationship. Knowing this, the trio come together and retreat a few times before getting to the Happily Ever After. While Vaughn is all heart-eyes and hard penis around Brook, she has to set terms of engagement with Shaw who can hurt her with his prickly version of honesty.
Weatherspoon addresses the stereotype of the strong Black woman with Brook. She is a strong woman. She knows herself, she’s smart, she is capable of taking care of herself. At the same time, she is vulnerable. Losing her fiance the way she did makes her question her own judgement. On top of that, she has to struggle with her friends’ desire for her to be okay when she wants to be allowed to feel sad, angry and lost. Brook directly addresses the pressure she feels to be strong and the way it hurts her. She is unwilling to have a relationship with a man who will not accept her full range of being.
The sex in the book is steamy, explicit, and has light BDSM. I’ve read many menage romances, but this is one of the few that feels realistically polyamerous (I say this as a person who has never been in a polyamerous relationship, so take that for what it’s worth). Vaughn and Shaw have a romantic and sexual relationship independent of their relationships with Brook. It was damaged by the murder of their partner and they are working on it – independent of their relationships with Brook. It feels lived in. Unlike a lot of standard menage romances, the focus is not on the two men having sex with the woman, but on each of them getting their needs met – physically and emotionally.
Harbor is beautiful, sexy, thoughtful, and surprisingly funny for a book that deals so much with trauma. For all the things I bring up in the review there are many more I didn’t know how to talk about without giving everything away and then even more that I probably didn’t even see.
I received this as an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2023
If Im being honest, 2.5.
I struggled through the first half of this book and barely finished it. The story was just okay. Brooklyn, Shaw and Vaughn come together by way of trauma. Their partners were cheating… with each other and then murdered because Vaughn’s and Shaw’s partner had a stalker. They are murdered while together in a hotel. After meeting and talking, Brooklyn, Vaughn and Shaw start a poly relationship.
I was excited to start a book with a poly relationship as its been minute since I’ve read one. Harbor just didn’t do it for me. The story-line grew boring at about 25 % and the bondage was…. meh. Which shocks me because I’ve read this author before where she wrote on the subject and well… I don’t know what happened here. Totally sad being that this was a poly story with Black folk too.
The only saving grace imo was my like of this trouple. Separately, all of them were very likable.
Anyolways, good writing as usual with RWS but this book was mehish at best. I won’t be continuing with the series. I’m not going to torture myself unnecessarily lols.
I struggled through the first half of this book and barely finished it. The story was just okay. Brooklyn, Shaw and Vaughn come together by way of trauma. Their partners were cheating… with each other and then murdered because Vaughn’s and Shaw’s partner had a stalker. They are murdered while together in a hotel. After meeting and talking, Brooklyn, Vaughn and Shaw start a poly relationship.
I was excited to start a book with a poly relationship as its been minute since I’ve read one. Harbor just didn’t do it for me. The story-line grew boring at about 25 % and the bondage was…. meh. Which shocks me because I’ve read this author before where she wrote on the subject and well… I don’t know what happened here. Totally sad being that this was a poly story with Black folk too.
The only saving grace imo was my like of this trouple. Separately, all of them were very likable.
Anyolways, good writing as usual with RWS but this book was mehish at best. I won’t be continuing with the series. I’m not going to torture myself unnecessarily lols.
June 28, 2020
E-arc provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
More like 4.5 stars!
This one made me SWEAT. Rebekah Weatherspoon never disappoints and this is, so far, my favorite series by her. I’ve been excited to read this one for ages and it did NOT disappoint at all. There’s just so much love what with all that good polyam romance going on.
(I’m pointing out some trigger warnings for any of y’all who need them; there are mentions of cheating (past relationships), death of romantic partners before the start of the story, convos with the police and discussions of death.)
Harbor follows Brooklyn’s story with two men, Vaughn and Shaw, who have all bonded over a traumatic event. It explores the edges of grief and how they don’t always come together neatly. The triad meets under extenuating circumstances, but the question always is if that’s enough to justify denying themselves the chance for happiness?
We have Vaughn, tall-slim, Black and switch with so much love in his heart you can feel it radiating through the page. Brooklyn, Black and plus-sized and loving it, soft and vulnerable and heartbreakingly honest. And finally, we have Shaw; an irresistibly sexy, Black Dominant whose just a bit jaded and a bit of an asshole but not enough of one to avoid wanting to jump his freaking bones.
Falling in love with these characters is inevitable. They’re charming, funny, real as fuck and work so damn well with each other that you end up rooting for them immediately. Together they build this healthy BDSM lifestyle that gives them all the chance to explore and feel safe after all that’s happened to them.
I loved how we get to see their relationship grow so organically and how they become so comfortable with each other, they can figure out each other’s tells. The sex scenes burned my eyebrows straight off my face. If you’re not into really graphic depictions of sex and BDSM, especially polyamorous BDSM play, then this one is not for you!
It absolutely was IT for me lol
There’s a lot unconventionality and breaking of the status quo in the name of love and family and it really was what I needed right about now.
More like 4.5 stars!
This one made me SWEAT. Rebekah Weatherspoon never disappoints and this is, so far, my favorite series by her. I’ve been excited to read this one for ages and it did NOT disappoint at all. There’s just so much love what with all that good polyam romance going on.
(I’m pointing out some trigger warnings for any of y’all who need them; there are mentions of cheating (past relationships), death of romantic partners before the start of the story, convos with the police and discussions of death.)
Harbor follows Brooklyn’s story with two men, Vaughn and Shaw, who have all bonded over a traumatic event. It explores the edges of grief and how they don’t always come together neatly. The triad meets under extenuating circumstances, but the question always is if that’s enough to justify denying themselves the chance for happiness?
We have Vaughn, tall-slim, Black and switch with so much love in his heart you can feel it radiating through the page. Brooklyn, Black and plus-sized and loving it, soft and vulnerable and heartbreakingly honest. And finally, we have Shaw; an irresistibly sexy, Black Dominant whose just a bit jaded and a bit of an asshole but not enough of one to avoid wanting to jump his freaking bones.
Falling in love with these characters is inevitable. They’re charming, funny, real as fuck and work so damn well with each other that you end up rooting for them immediately. Together they build this healthy BDSM lifestyle that gives them all the chance to explore and feel safe after all that’s happened to them.
I loved how we get to see their relationship grow so organically and how they become so comfortable with each other, they can figure out each other’s tells. The sex scenes burned my eyebrows straight off my face. If you’re not into really graphic depictions of sex and BDSM, especially polyamorous BDSM play, then this one is not for you!
It absolutely was IT for me lol
There’s a lot unconventionality and breaking of the status quo in the name of love and family and it really was what I needed right about now.
March 16, 2022
This is the 3rd & final book in the Beards & Bondage series. While this could stand on its own – I’d definitely recommend listening to them all and in order.
Whew! This is an emotionally rocky road as Brook, Shaw, & Vaughn try to recover from the ultimate betrayal and vicious loss revealed in a single incident.
I love, love really well written MMF. Where there’s compelling story, plot, world building, and a true relationship between the main characters. Not just sex. But oh my god is the sex in this amazing! Chapters are told from all three characters perspectives and I feel like I really got to know them. I feel like not only do they work as a unit, I appreciated that each character had an individual relationship with the others.
I was also thrilled with the little updates of Claudia & Shep from Haven and Liz & Silas from Sanctuary. Weatherspoon is the Master… errr Mistress 😉 of kinky sex AND people working out their issues. It’s shrewd writing and a truly inspired story. The entire series is phenomenal.
Narration:
I loved Rolando Brown & Lacy Laurel’s performances. They both gave Brook, Shaw, & Vaughn unique voices and kept them consistent throughout the book. Brilliant job with all the emotions. Such an easy book to listen to and I know I’ll be revisiting this series often.
Whew! This is an emotionally rocky road as Brook, Shaw, & Vaughn try to recover from the ultimate betrayal and vicious loss revealed in a single incident.
I love, love really well written MMF. Where there’s compelling story, plot, world building, and a true relationship between the main characters. Not just sex. But oh my god is the sex in this amazing! Chapters are told from all three characters perspectives and I feel like I really got to know them. I feel like not only do they work as a unit, I appreciated that each character had an individual relationship with the others.
I was also thrilled with the little updates of Claudia & Shep from Haven and Liz & Silas from Sanctuary. Weatherspoon is the Master… errr Mistress 😉 of kinky sex AND people working out their issues. It’s shrewd writing and a truly inspired story. The entire series is phenomenal.
Narration:
I loved Rolando Brown & Lacy Laurel’s performances. They both gave Brook, Shaw, & Vaughn unique voices and kept them consistent throughout the book. Brilliant job with all the emotions. Such an easy book to listen to and I know I’ll be revisiting this series often.
September 22, 2020
Wow, Rebekah Weatherspoon really took us on a true #JOURNEY with this series. And honestly, while I usually complain about a lot of books in general needing to be 50-150 pages shorter, I could've easily read another 100 pages of each of the Beard & Bondage books and been perfectly content.
I feel like every Rebekah Weatherspoon book is the poster child for what sex is supposed to be like, filled with emotional intelligence, maturity, and discussion; her characters' lives themselves may be messy, but they're always all about communicative sex. Harbor is no different, and it's so refreshing to see 30-something adults treat it with dignity and respect.
I still feel like a lot of the overarching plots could've used a little more time to marinate though. (We're not going to talk about the whole double homicide-suicide thing?!?! I need more resolution!!! Also why didn't we get any other run-ins with Corinne's family?!?!) But that's just a me thing.
Content warning: Homicide, suicide, infidelity, BDSM, death of a loved one
I feel like every Rebekah Weatherspoon book is the poster child for what sex is supposed to be like, filled with emotional intelligence, maturity, and discussion; her characters' lives themselves may be messy, but they're always all about communicative sex. Harbor is no different, and it's so refreshing to see 30-something adults treat it with dignity and respect.
I still feel like a lot of the overarching plots could've used a little more time to marinate though. (We're not going to talk about the whole double homicide-suicide thing?!?! I need more resolution!!! Also why didn't we get any other run-ins with Corinne's family?!?!) But that's just a me thing.
Content warning: Homicide, suicide, infidelity, BDSM, death of a loved one
July 25, 2023
This was really good!! I loved these 3 so flipping much. Shaw is so surly and sarcastic. Vaughn is a walking bleeding heart. And Brooklyn is sassy with a secret soft soul. Plus the sex scenes?! 😳🔥🔥 my only wish is that we got a little bit of time seeing them as a throple. Instead of jumping straight to the (disgustingly adorable) epilogue. 💙💙
February 17, 2025
4.5 Stars. This book took me on a journey! From the start, Brooklyn stood out as raw, real, and unapologetically complicated, and i loved seeeing her navigate grief, desire, and the messy emotions that came with stepping into something new. Her character really resonated with me.
The poly dynamic was handled with such care, and the steamy scenes were HOT.
If there is one thing missing, it was a full circle connection between Shaw and Vaughn. I loved them both so much, but their relationship felt secondary to Brooklyn's story. I wanted to feel as deeply for them as a unit as i did for Brooklyn with each of them.
That said, the dialogue was sharp, the pacing strong, and the emotional beats hit HARD! This author, who is new to me, was so good at balancing reality with romance. They had grown-up, uncomfortable conversations.
In the end, i was left with awe, and utterly fulfilled with this read. It wasn't perfect, but it was thoughtful, deeply engaging and relatable romance that I think will stick with me.
As a side note and as a POC reading, i want to say a big THANK YOU to Rebekah Weatherspoon for each black girl hair related scenes, and having a plus sized MC.
The poly dynamic was handled with such care, and the steamy scenes were HOT.
If there is one thing missing, it was a full circle connection between Shaw and Vaughn. I loved them both so much, but their relationship felt secondary to Brooklyn's story. I wanted to feel as deeply for them as a unit as i did for Brooklyn with each of them.
That said, the dialogue was sharp, the pacing strong, and the emotional beats hit HARD! This author, who is new to me, was so good at balancing reality with romance. They had grown-up, uncomfortable conversations.
In the end, i was left with awe, and utterly fulfilled with this read. It wasn't perfect, but it was thoughtful, deeply engaging and relatable romance that I think will stick with me.
As a side note and as a POC reading, i want to say a big THANK YOU to Rebekah Weatherspoon for each black girl hair related scenes, and having a plus sized MC.
July 1, 2020
YES!
+Polyamory! Black Romance! BDSM!
+Drama and complications! Vaughn, Shaw, and Brook come together after their significant others are murdered while cheating. The murderer had been stalking Vaughn and Shaw's girlfriend, and the whole thing is a mess and I was there for it.
+Everyone is upfront about what they want and don't want from this relationship, even though it took 16 months(!!!) to get them there.
+Sexxxx! DP! It's my favorite.
+Brooklyn shares my thoughts on Thor! Thank you very much! That dude is hot as hell and eff Ironman!
NO!
-The inevitable fight happens before they're even together! Everybody calm down! At least get to know each other first! Dang.
-Detective Jansen's suspicions could have been uber interesting, but it was over in two pages. Their relationship does look suspicious! Are they scorned lovers?! We don't know! Well, actually we do know, but it would have been interesting drama.
+Polyamory! Black Romance! BDSM!
+Drama and complications! Vaughn, Shaw, and Brook come together after their significant others are murdered while cheating. The murderer had been stalking Vaughn and Shaw's girlfriend, and the whole thing is a mess and I was there for it.
+Everyone is upfront about what they want and don't want from this relationship, even though it took 16 months(!!!) to get them there.
+Sexxxx! DP! It's my favorite.
+Brooklyn shares my thoughts on Thor! Thank you very much! That dude is hot as hell and eff Ironman!
NO!
-The inevitable fight happens before they're even together! Everybody calm down! At least get to know each other first! Dang.
-Detective Jansen's suspicions could have been uber interesting, but it was over in two pages. Their relationship does look suspicious! Are they scorned lovers?! We don't know! Well, actually we do know, but it would have been interesting drama.
December 17, 2020
I had been looking forward to this polyamorous rep book in this series ALL YEAR. And it did not disappoint. At all.
Of the things I've read previously, this was probably most similar to Three Part Harmony and Outside the Lines, although with a different configuration of people in this triad - two established men and a woman coming into this relationship.
My complaint with previous polyamorous books has tended to be when it's difficult to see much of a difference between the characters, but that was not the case here! Vaughn is immediately shown to be the soft boy of the bunch, a real heart on his sleeve type, while Shaw is the more harsh one of the two of them, holding onto a bunch of his fears to do with commitment and abandonment.
When we begin this book, these two have just found out that their girlfriend, Corinne, has been cheating on them for the past 7 months. In addition to that, she was also murdered along with the man that she'd been cheating with.
The way that Brooklyn comes into this is that she is the fiance of the man Corinne was cheating with. Readers of this series may recognise Brooklyn as Liz's younger sister from Sanctuary. And yet, this book has more in common with the first book of the series, Haven, in that there is a kind of trauma bonding that occurs between Brooklyn, Shaw and Vaughn in amongst the very real feelings they all have.
While there was a bit more erotica in this novel than I would usually be happy to read, the vibes between these three main characters were so strong that one couldn't help but be pulled along for the ride. The cameos from previously mentioned characters (as well as mentions of characters from both Rafe and Xeni) were fantastic for long time fans of this author.
Of the things I've read previously, this was probably most similar to Three Part Harmony and Outside the Lines, although with a different configuration of people in this triad - two established men and a woman coming into this relationship.
My complaint with previous polyamorous books has tended to be when it's difficult to see much of a difference between the characters, but that was not the case here! Vaughn is immediately shown to be the soft boy of the bunch, a real heart on his sleeve type, while Shaw is the more harsh one of the two of them, holding onto a bunch of his fears to do with commitment and abandonment.
When we begin this book, these two have just found out that their girlfriend, Corinne, has been cheating on them for the past 7 months. In addition to that, she was also murdered along with the man that she'd been cheating with.
The way that Brooklyn comes into this is that she is the fiance of the man Corinne was cheating with. Readers of this series may recognise Brooklyn as Liz's younger sister from Sanctuary. And yet, this book has more in common with the first book of the series, Haven, in that there is a kind of trauma bonding that occurs between Brooklyn, Shaw and Vaughn in amongst the very real feelings they all have.
While there was a bit more erotica in this novel than I would usually be happy to read, the vibes between these three main characters were so strong that one couldn't help but be pulled along for the ride. The cameos from previously mentioned characters (as well as mentions of characters from both Rafe and Xeni) were fantastic for long time fans of this author.
September 16, 2022
4.75 stars rounded up to 5 stars because yes yes yes and YES. As with the other books in the series, please check for trigger warnings. But yes, these three GAVE.
April 2, 2024
The way these three bonded through it all after unspeakable tragedy & betrayal was great to read. The spicy scenes were awesome. The communication amongst the trio was so clear it was truly wonderful to behold. I was like honesty bia language both verbal & body is a trope that I approve of. This is my favorite book out of the three.
September 4, 2022
It's a s3x book hahahahaahha loved it
December 20, 2020
"Two works. Two works great, but there's something about three."
The communication ✨immaculate ✨. Really enjoyed the poly relationship and the characters, which all had a very distinct voice. Rebekah Weatherspoon really knows how to write great sex scenes. In terms of the plot there's not much going on, and I think I would have enjoyed a little more of that.
December 22, 2020
Sex scenes definitely 5 stars !
I loved the characters, the openness, the communication, the struggles and realization of those struggles but what was the point of the stalker?
I didn’t get the suspenseful vibes after the first few pages, i forgot it was even supposed to be a suspense novel.
So set that part aside, it’s a good romance novel that stresses the importance of communication and acceptance.
I loved the characters, the openness, the communication, the struggles and realization of those struggles but what was the point of the stalker?
I didn’t get the suspenseful vibes after the first few pages, i forgot it was even supposed to be a suspense novel.
So set that part aside, it’s a good romance novel that stresses the importance of communication and acceptance.
October 12, 2020
This book ruined all other books for me. I’m not taking any criticisms at this time. Thanks
February 12, 2021
Harbor by Rebekah Weatherspoon is a delightful Black erotic BDSM romance, featuring not one, not two, but three gorgeous and confident and successful Black professionals in a wild and kinky and tender and dirty and sweet and romantic polyamorous arrangement. This book is body positive and sex positive in every conceivable way, full of open, honest communication and negotiation and boundaries and safe words and aftercare and healthy and supportive extended family and friendship relationships. There's a lot of grief to unpack, as the three main characters meet because of mutual loss of a beloved partner to violent death. It is perhaps strange to call a book so incredibly, explicity smutty wholesome, but the emotional content and personal growth and level of honest communication really is refreshingly wholesome. There's just a lot of sex too. A LOT OF SEX.
Which is fine. This is a smoking hot book about smoking hot characters, including Brooklyn, a confident plus-sized Black woman who is very proud of, among other things, her remarkably large "titties". She is proud of her body, and wears clothes that show it off. It was refreshing to read about a character who wasn't angsting over her size, or worried that people wouldn't find her attractive. All this, despite the fact, as Vaughn says at one point, "she's a plus-size Black woman. How many times a day do you think she's getting some messaging that she's undesirable. Fifty? A hundred? She can be confident, but she's [effing] human." She's also unapologetic about her sexual appetites. So much positive representation going on.
There were also the two love interests, the prickly but irresistible Christopher Shaw, and the sweet, very emotional Vaughn. They were also both unapologetically gorgeous and successful Black men, and the conversations amongst the three of them felt real in a way that Black characters in romance novels aren't always allowed to be, whether they were simply calling out each other's questionable tastes in entertainment, or dealing with the very real and palpable tension of encounters with (usually hostile) white police officers. They were also Black men in a gay relationship, which isn't something I have seen represented a lot in romances.
As mentioned previously, there's a wide array of supporting characters, from the white liberals who had been about to become Brooklyn's family, before her fiancé was murdered, to her sister Liz's mixed race hot farmer husband (from a previous book in the series), to Brooklyn's tight group of Black female friends. Most of these characters are in straight relationships, aside from the two male love interests, and everyone seems to be able-bodied, but the level of representation is still remarkable and richly rewarding to read.
This is indeed the third book in the series, but I hadn't read the other two books in several years, and I still had no trouble tracking what was going on. There are still a number of single friends in Brooklyn, Liz, and Claudia's circle, and I was hoping the extended series would go on, but Weatherspoon says in the afterword that this is the end of the series and extended series (including Rafe and Xeni) for now. While I'm a little disappointed, I feel like this author never lets me down, and I look forward to whatever she publishes next, for diversity, Black and body positive pride, smoking hot erotic content, deep, emotional relationships, and an overall positive, enjoyable experience that leaves me with a smile. I do recommend this (for anyone who can stomach the level of explicit kinky content). Black joy and Black love are important too.
Which is fine. This is a smoking hot book about smoking hot characters, including Brooklyn, a confident plus-sized Black woman who is very proud of, among other things, her remarkably large "titties". She is proud of her body, and wears clothes that show it off. It was refreshing to read about a character who wasn't angsting over her size, or worried that people wouldn't find her attractive. All this, despite the fact, as Vaughn says at one point, "she's a plus-size Black woman. How many times a day do you think she's getting some messaging that she's undesirable. Fifty? A hundred? She can be confident, but she's [effing] human." She's also unapologetic about her sexual appetites. So much positive representation going on.
There were also the two love interests, the prickly but irresistible Christopher Shaw, and the sweet, very emotional Vaughn. They were also both unapologetically gorgeous and successful Black men, and the conversations amongst the three of them felt real in a way that Black characters in romance novels aren't always allowed to be, whether they were simply calling out each other's questionable tastes in entertainment, or dealing with the very real and palpable tension of encounters with (usually hostile) white police officers. They were also Black men in a gay relationship, which isn't something I have seen represented a lot in romances.
As mentioned previously, there's a wide array of supporting characters, from the white liberals who had been about to become Brooklyn's family, before her fiancé was murdered, to her sister Liz's mixed race hot farmer husband (from a previous book in the series), to Brooklyn's tight group of Black female friends. Most of these characters are in straight relationships, aside from the two male love interests, and everyone seems to be able-bodied, but the level of representation is still remarkable and richly rewarding to read.
This is indeed the third book in the series, but I hadn't read the other two books in several years, and I still had no trouble tracking what was going on. There are still a number of single friends in Brooklyn, Liz, and Claudia's circle, and I was hoping the extended series would go on, but Weatherspoon says in the afterword that this is the end of the series and extended series (including Rafe and Xeni) for now. While I'm a little disappointed, I feel like this author never lets me down, and I look forward to whatever she publishes next, for diversity, Black and body positive pride, smoking hot erotic content, deep, emotional relationships, and an overall positive, enjoyable experience that leaves me with a smile. I do recommend this (for anyone who can stomach the level of explicit kinky content). Black joy and Black love are important too.
January 28, 2021
This is my absolute favorite of the series! I've read a few polyamorous romance books but this is the first where there is a clear explanation of polyamorous feelings, and I could easily understand why these characters wanted/needed that dynamic and how it made their relationship successful.
Shaw, Vaughn and Brooklyn have the best chemistry, and her interactions with each of them show facets of her personality because they bring out and connect with different emotions in her.
Brooklyn is about to marry her fiancé when he and his mistress are murdered. The mistress just happens to also be Vaughn and Shaw's long-term girlfriend. Vaughn's curiosity about the man his girlfriend was cheating with leads him to the funeral and a spontaneous meeting with Brooklyn who is trying to keep a happy face in front of her fiancé's family, instead of being at home grieving privately. There definitely is instant-attraction/appreciation between Brooklyn and Vaughn and a month later all three of them meet to acknowledge the new bond they have and process what happened together. The dynamic and banter is apparent from the beginning, and although it's too soon for any of them to pursue something, the interest is there. Sixteen-months later they start pursuing each other, and of course, there's miscommunications and adjustments, plus a lot of learning on Brooklyn's part about how she would fit with Shaw and Vaughn and what she ultimately wants out of a romantic relationship.
There's a lot of grief in this book, and I liked that it was a little bit of a slow burn before there's a love scene with all of them. There are two time jumps and they both are necessary because the characters are dealing with the death of their loved ones, and trying to move on but also accept they'll never get answers to the why of their partners' deception.
The other atypical aspect of this story is the addition of family reactions to a polyamorous relationship. Yes, there are parents present that don't accept it, but Vaughn and Brooklyn have so much support; I liked seeing how their family and friends stood by them. In other poly books I've read, that parent acceptance part is glazed over, but here we get Vaughn's mom who is an active and vocal character that is supportive of him and Shaw.
It's just a great book all around, and once again proves Rebekah Weatherspoon's writing talent.
Shaw, Vaughn and Brooklyn have the best chemistry, and her interactions with each of them show facets of her personality because they bring out and connect with different emotions in her.
Brooklyn is about to marry her fiancé when he and his mistress are murdered. The mistress just happens to also be Vaughn and Shaw's long-term girlfriend. Vaughn's curiosity about the man his girlfriend was cheating with leads him to the funeral and a spontaneous meeting with Brooklyn who is trying to keep a happy face in front of her fiancé's family, instead of being at home grieving privately. There definitely is instant-attraction/appreciation between Brooklyn and Vaughn and a month later all three of them meet to acknowledge the new bond they have and process what happened together. The dynamic and banter is apparent from the beginning, and although it's too soon for any of them to pursue something, the interest is there. Sixteen-months later they start pursuing each other, and of course, there's miscommunications and adjustments, plus a lot of learning on Brooklyn's part about how she would fit with Shaw and Vaughn and what she ultimately wants out of a romantic relationship.
There's a lot of grief in this book, and I liked that it was a little bit of a slow burn before there's a love scene with all of them. There are two time jumps and they both are necessary because the characters are dealing with the death of their loved ones, and trying to move on but also accept they'll never get answers to the why of their partners' deception.
The other atypical aspect of this story is the addition of family reactions to a polyamorous relationship. Yes, there are parents present that don't accept it, but Vaughn and Brooklyn have so much support; I liked seeing how their family and friends stood by them. In other poly books I've read, that parent acceptance part is glazed over, but here we get Vaughn's mom who is an active and vocal character that is supportive of him and Shaw.
It's just a great book all around, and once again proves Rebekah Weatherspoon's writing talent.
February 8, 2021
This was my favorite of the Beards and Bondage series and not just because it is contains a menage. Each character was well developed, the sex was super hot and while the plot was a bit far fetched, I was here for it.
Vaughn and Shaw are in a poly relationship with Corrine, but Corrine is cheating on them with Josh, Josh is engaged to Brooklyn. Got it? Well Corrine and Josh are brutally murdered exposing their affair and leaving three people wondering if their relationships were real or lies.
I loved all three main characters, together and individually. Vaughn, the intellectual lawyer wearing his heart on his sleeve wanting to love and be loved. Shaw, the grumpy Dom with walls to keep people out but grovels when he needs to. Brooklyn, a bada$$ A.D.A that has to find herself after the life she envisioned implodes. Together they just made sense, Vaughn allowed Shaw to be the controlling jerk, Shaw gave Vaughn the release he needed and they both allowed Brooklyn to mourn, but with intense orgasms!My favorite was of course Shaw. Who couldn’t love Shaw as a woodworker, with a dog and house on Cape Cod that has a BDSM room?
While Harbor could have gone fluffy and steamy it tackled real issues of loss and betrayal. Rebekah Weatherspoon didn’t just have the murders happen then opps now were are in a poly relationship, they each had to mourn. Here is my favorite quote on that from Brooklyn. “But for now, there’s just pain. There’s hurting, and self blame and this bone-deep desire for someone to actually love me. To be in love with me.”
CW: murder at the beginning.
Vaughn and Shaw are in a poly relationship with Corrine, but Corrine is cheating on them with Josh, Josh is engaged to Brooklyn. Got it? Well Corrine and Josh are brutally murdered exposing their affair and leaving three people wondering if their relationships were real or lies.
I loved all three main characters, together and individually. Vaughn, the intellectual lawyer wearing his heart on his sleeve wanting to love and be loved. Shaw, the grumpy Dom with walls to keep people out but grovels when he needs to. Brooklyn, a bada$$ A.D.A that has to find herself after the life she envisioned implodes. Together they just made sense, Vaughn allowed Shaw to be the controlling jerk, Shaw gave Vaughn the release he needed and they both allowed Brooklyn to mourn, but with intense orgasms!My favorite was of course Shaw. Who couldn’t love Shaw as a woodworker, with a dog and house on Cape Cod that has a BDSM room?
While Harbor could have gone fluffy and steamy it tackled real issues of loss and betrayal. Rebekah Weatherspoon didn’t just have the murders happen then opps now were are in a poly relationship, they each had to mourn. Here is my favorite quote on that from Brooklyn. “But for now, there’s just pain. There’s hurting, and self blame and this bone-deep desire for someone to actually love me. To be in love with me.”
CW: murder at the beginning.
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