Jardin's Gamble

Haven, Texas #9

by Laylah Roberts

Jardin had once had it all. A submissive to love, cherish and dominate. His best friend to share her with.
Until he lost it all.
Then he hires a sassy, take-no-prisoners assistant with a surprisingly sweet, submissive side.
Could she be his second shot at happiness?

Bitter and angry, Carrick bailed on his previous life, with no intention of ever looking back. He didn't want or need anyone.
Until the day he stopped to help a spitfire change her tire. And his world shifted on its axis.

Can two men put behind the pain of the past in order to find a future with the woman they both love?

Please note this book is mmf and contains spanking and sexy times. Please do not purchase if this offends.

Genres: BDSM, Romance, Menage, M M F, Contemporary Romance, Why Choose, Contemporary

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2020

About the author

Laylah loves reading, but she particularly loves a good romance with some seriously alpha men. Protective, possessive men with large hearts. Writing has become her passion and she hopes her readers enjoy her stories as much as she does writing them.

Reviews

[Cécile Smits · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was só happy when i found the ARC of Jardin’s Gamble in my inbox!
I’ve been wondering about him for a long time,and now i get to know his story.
All i need to do is write an honest review,how hard can that be?

Welcome back to Haven! The town where ménage is normal.
Where the men will do anything to keep their women safe and happy.
Only this Malone doesn’t really live in Haven....but he dóes have family there.
He lives and works in New Orleans,keeping himself to himself after his relationship with his best friend,Carrick and their girl,Sara ended in disaster.
His P.A. Thea dóes tempt him,though.....sweet and hardworking,with a body he’d love to tie to his bed.

Carrick keeps himself to himself after the disaster his love life turned out to be.
Finding Thea stranded on her way to work,he helps her out.
He likes what he sees,and how she behaves towards him,so he gets her to agree to a dinner date once he’s fixed her car.

Thea does everything she can to keep her two little brothers fed,safe and in school.
Her father is an alcoholic with a gambling problem,and has loose hands...
So far,she’s managed to keep Ace and Keir safe,but for how much longer?
When het father’s troubles catch up with him,she seems to be the one to pay the price.
The only solution is running,because she can’t involve her boss,or Carrick....right?
Who knows what would happen to them.....
Luckily,on one of his visits to his office,Jardin’s cousin,Maddox told her about the town he lives in.
How safe the women are there.
So,she packs up whatever she can take,and runs with Ace and Keir.

But Jardin and Carrick,who finally worked out their problems,aren’t about to let the girl of their dreams disappear,no Sir!
Finding her is one thing,fixing her problems is another.
Can they convince her she’s theirs once they find her?
Can they take away the threat to her and her brothers?

This was a story of trust,of reconciliation.
A story of finding beauty and cherishing the ones you love.
A story i really enjoyed,not in the least because i saw the Malone family again.
A story that makes me wonder about Jardin’s brothers and sister.
If they will get their own story......

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 9th book in the series but it can be read as a stand-alone. Jardin had it all and lots it, then he meets Thea and sparks fly. Carrick is bitter and angry, not waiting to need anyone but he meets Thea and sparks fly. Will these 3 find a way to make a relationship work between them? Fast-paced read with lots of emotion and amazing chemistry. Great characters with lots of depth and an entertaining story. I liked it.

[Cat H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-Read: 12/16/21
4.5 stars.
So good.
I wish we got more time with all of them together as a unit, but the time we did get was sexy and sweet.

Reading this again was a real treat for me.
I really enjoyed seeing Carrick and Jardin reunited, and when they claim Thea, it’s just perfect.
Wish we’d gotten more time with them though. I want to know everything.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story in the world of Haven, Texas. This may be a short read but the emotions packed inside it will make any fan of this series happy. Jardin had it all several years ago but threw it away after a series of misunderstandings. He lost his submissive and his best friend, Carrick. When they both see Thea, they take an interest in her but Jardin is fighting the urges. The connection between these 3 characters was intense at times but first Jardin and Carrick need to figure out their own relationship! There is danger, mystery and yes........sexy times!!! Once they get things figured out, they both go after Thea, but she's in danger and hasn't told anyone. I loved her younger brothers and it would be interesting to see a story for them after they grow up. This was sweet, hot, sexy and just plain awesome!!!! I wonder who is going to be next? LOL

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The struggles are real. There is so much going on in Thea, Carrick and Jardin’s lives. Carrick and Jardin have a complicated pats, one that ended terribly. Thea, unknowingly, brings them together. Thea has many of her own struggles to deal with. This is a bit of a slow burn. I can’t wait for Regent’s story!

[JD (on semi-hiatus) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I know it's unfair to rate a book I DNF and I try hard not to do that, but this was the most misogynistic book I've read in a long time. I was particularly disappointed because I often like Ms. Roberts' work, but not here. Every single woman (three by the time I stopped) except for the heroine is depicted as a man-hungry, money-grabbing, classist, condescending, shallow 'ho. One of my pet peeves is narratives that pit women against each other since it's one of the most sexist tropes there is. I couldn't get past it. If this doesn't bother you, I suggest you read all the four- and five-star reviews it's already gotten.

1 star. If you enjoy the "Woman as Catty Bitch" trope, this book is for you. For me, I don't want to read a narrative that implicitly hates my gender.

Filed Under "What I Thought Would Be Obvious, But I Guess Not:" If you have sex with men, you are in fact gay and you are in fact “into men.”

[Liz [reads books] · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the suspense aspect of this story and the introduction (to me anyway) of some new side characters! The relationship part of the story kind of fell short with me. I didn't really see any chemistry between any of the 3 main characters. Carrick and Thea were cute together during their first date though. 3½ stars

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that starts slowly but packs a double whammy. Thea has way too much responsibility but she never complains, when disaster strikes she is rescues by a white knight. Disaster strikes again and she has no one or so she thinks, but her soon to be two white knights are not only determined to save Thea from danger, but also herself and in so doing heal the wounds from their past and fall in love. A visit to Haven cements the relationship(s) and there is a very happy ending

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I've been waiting for Jardin's story and it didn't disappoint. Thea is a strong character who works hard to get out of the situation she is in, just to fall back in again. She is rescued by Jardin and Carrick, with a little help from Jardin's older brothers. I look forward to more stories about the Malone men.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great MMf story

This is a great BDSM story set in Haven, there are two male main characters and one female character. There is more sex than spanking, but there is some spanking. The sex includes, some anal and DP. I liked this story just as I liked the other Haven stories.

[Anne Young-Cronister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thea is a P.A. for Jardin Malone, yes, he’s related to those Malone’s! Just a different branch of the same tree. She gets into trouble without even a blink of an eye. Then she meets Carrick, and she has very overwhelming feelings not only for her boss but this man too! Laylah Roberts definitely knows how to write an action packed, dangerous bad guy with a whole lot of steam and love with the good guys! Haven Texas is always the place to be! Come along for Thea’s journey, it’s really exciting and Hot!!

I reviewed a complementary copy of this book.

[Ritu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thea is juggling a lot of responsibilities. She's raising her brothers, working full time, and dealing with other family issues. Jardin and Carrick are very helpful and loving. Great story about loving and protecting your family.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

The couple: Jardin, Carrick, and Thea

Romance genre: bdsm, menage
Series: Haven, Texas
Length: 237 pages

Plot: Thea is Jardin's personal assistant, and dealing with him is not easy. He's aloof, critical, and exacting. She's been making it work until the day she's late to work because of car trouble. She's lucky that someone stopped to help her - his name is Carrick and he asks her out on a date as well - but Jardin fires her. Then he promptly unfires her. The truth is he's incredibly attracted to her and doesn't exactly know how to deal with it. Thea goes on the date with Carrick and it goes well, but she is abducted by a mob boss that her dad owes money to; he has decided that Thea can pay him back by marrying him. He's very threatening so Thea decides to ghost Carrick to keep him safe. She's out to lunch with Jardin one day when Carrick sees them and flips. It turns out that Carrick and Jardin used to be in a menage with someone else and it ended badly. Part of the problem was that Carrick was in love with Jardin and Jardin had feelings for Carrick but never admitted or acted upon them. This time around, they both have feelings for Thea, but the concern is whether or not they'll be able to have an equal relationship amongst the three of them (and this is not including the fact that a menage was never mentioned to Thea!). But there's also the problem of the mob boss and Thea's little brothers that she takes care of.

Commentary: This was not my favorite of the series. I didn't care for it because once Carrick and Jardin talked, they went straight into a serious relationship (no testing the waters there! although, to be fair, they did already know each other very well), and in doing so they didn't forget about Thea but did exclude her from the conversation while they reconnected. In the meantime, she really needed them (or someone - she was a character in desperate need of a rescue). I realize it was only that night (and morning) while they were professing their love, etc., but I felt like Thea became second fiddle, and I never felt like she left that position. Obviously, they loved her, but I felt like the primary relationship was between the two men, and I was team Thea.

Next book in the series: Twice the Malone

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are times when the obstacles you face seem insurmountable. For Thea, her father's drinking, the responsibility for her two young brothers, her poverty, her crappy car, and her unrequited love for an unemotional man just circle around and around becoming more bleak. And having her car start to smoke just makes the horrible more unbearable. Can she trust when not one, but two white knights appear in her time of need? Will Carrick see that second chances only come if you are open to the possibility? Will Jardin see that Thea could be his second shot at happiness? And will they see that making amends for the worst mistake experienced could help them find a future with the woman they both love?

[E Oygard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disliked the relationship between the main characters.

I quite like reading about MMF where the relationship is concentrated on the man-woman intimacy, but not any gay action, so this plot line made me uncomfortable. No longer did I have a picture of gorgeous dominant males but submissive ones and it demeaned them in my eyes. What can I say...I'm heterosexual. I could no longer picture the males as gorgeous and hunky.
I also did not get any vibes about love between them except words. It was all control and sex. To me it could have been any 3 people meeting up to do the act without any personal feelings for each other.

[Katie]

Not Laylah's best work by far.

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

JARDIN’S GAMBLE is the ninth book in the Haven, TX series. Each story will stand on its own, but I highly recommend the series, so why not read them all and in the order of release. There are references to previous couples at times as well.

Wait – we’re half way through the book and we’re still in New Orleans, though Thea has met Maddox from Haven, TX! Thea has met Carrick and she is torn between fantasies of him and her boss, Jardin. Her father should be her safety net, but instead is the cause her greatest fears for herself and her two little brothers. Thea deserves a white knight…. She gets two.

This complicated, emotional story is about reconciliation, protection, and cherishing the girl of their dreams together for Carrick and Jardin.

This story also makes me wonder about Jardin’s brothers and his sister. I hope we learn more about them and that they will each get their own stories. Lottie really needs someone to truly understand and treasure her like her brothers do.

Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.

Title: JARDIN’S GAMBLE
Series: Haven, TX #9
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance, BDSM
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Laylah Roberts

[Ellen YS · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good Ménage read

A technically well written book with likeable characters that I were invested in. And if this sounds like a very bland way to start a review, it is because that is the feeling I am left with after reading Jardin's Gamble. I suspect this comes from the fact that one of the most emotionally charged scenes in the book never had the reader present at the time of combustion - only at the time of resolution. I would strongly suggest a prologue for this book so that the reader may be drawn into what and who shaped our main male characters. I realise that perhaps it was not done so that more tension can be created at the start of the book, but my personal opinion is that the emotional connection the reader have with the characters would benefit from knowing beforehand what happened in the past.

Enough about that. I do like the dynamic between our male characters and Thea - and that she got to know them separately. The suspense element was well done. I loved the scenes between the characters although I know MMF is not appreciated by all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol orr · Rating 5 out of 5]

BDSM MMF romance

No plot spoilers
No real potential triggers
There are a couple of editorial/grammatical errors but not enough to kill the book.
The characterisation, as ever from Laylah Roberts, is absolutely perfect with each character displaying individual personalities. No one character stands out above the others which makes for a nice even read.
It's not heavy handed BDSM, nothing dark or forced.
It is, essentially, a love story for three, and the emotionally content is superbly crafted.
There are some light and funny moments to balance the more stressful and trying moments.
The plotline is really engaging, well constructed and the balance between show and tell is perfect.
I did feel that a little more detail surrounding Silvers would have been beneficial, my curious brain wanted to know exactly what Regent and Victor were up to!
I also thought the last few chapters felt a bit rushed, as if there was a sudden race to the finishing line, but I was still very satisfied with the book.
I really want Regent and his brothers stories, oh, and Lottie's!
If you enjoy romance, if you enjoy the BDSM genre, if you enjoy menage - then you would probably enjoy this book.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. Welcome back to Haven, Texas with this ninth book in the series. There was a story of two best friends who had everything they ever wanted. Then it was thrown away for fate to bring them back around again. Thea, Carrick and Jardin have a relationship like none of the others. Jardin and Carrick have a bitter history but Thea is an unexpected bridge between them. The men must figure it all out if they plan to keep Thea. She has a past also that is going to rear its head. All three will have to work thru the secrets, drama, danger and emotions. If they cannot do it together, they will not get their happy ending they deserve. I have not read a book written by Laylah that has disappointed me. I thought all three characters were given a complicated story that worked well together. I am really looking forward to what books come next from her. I am hooked on a couple of her series

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Donna L
4.0 out of 5 stars A Winner!!!
Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2020
This is a short read full of emotional turmoil.The connection between
the characters was intense and riddled with misunderstandings.My
heart ached for Thea as she struggled to protect her brother’s from
their abusive father and his enemies.Then Thea also has to deal with
her boss, who had a tendency to fire her at every turn, and then he
would ask her were she was going.He had me spinning in circles at
times .Jardin needed to deal with his past to have any chance of
future happiness. Throw in Carrick ,who used to be in a ménage with
Jardin and you have a recipe for disaster.

This is an excellent addition to this entertaining series by Laylah Roberts.
I loved how protective the men were of Thea.She deserved happiness
and love.

I received a free copy of this book and this review was left voluntarily.

[Bam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thea did not realize how lucky she was when her car broke down until a mountain of a man named Carrick came to her rescue. Carrick cannot believe his good fortune of the little firecracker he has stumbled upon and can’t wait to get to know her better. But Carrick is not the only man in her life as Thea has secretly been crushing on her boss, Jardin, but Jardin has never looked at her like that or so she thinks. Sparks fly when the two men in her life come together and they can’t keep their hands off each other. When Jardin & Carrick find out Thea has been keeping dangerous secrets to herself, she will soon learn just how far her men will go to protect her along with her brothers. When Thea goes breaks the rules, her two doms will show her just how pleasurable her punishment can be as they work to keep her safe and sated.

I received an ARC of this book via Book Sprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful addition to this wonderful series of books
Jardin had once been in what he had believed was the relationship he had been searching for the perfect D/s and then it had all simply exploded and left him bitter and hurting and had completely lost interest until she had come into his life.
The assistant that he had hired Thea that was so full of sass and attitude had shown her submissive side and he had seen a possibility but was he brave enough to take that chance and would she be prepared to answer to two men.
Only time and this story will tell and as I don’t want to give too much away, I guarantee that once you start reading you will not be able to put this book down, its simply addictive….
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to this book, and lets just say it waa NOT a disapointment. In fact it was awesome. But then im a sure fan of Laylah Roberts, she in my opinion really is a good author no matter what she writes.
In this wonderful story i have to admire Thea she really was just trying to look after herslf and the two boys as best she could. But when she met Carrick her car had broken down, instant attraction, but she dosnt really have the time she has work. Her newboss is Jardin Marlone and so far he has fired a few secretaries she just hopes she wont be one of them. However when she mets Jardin she is attracted to him as well. But things soon heat up and two former friends soon find out they want the same women.
Without any more spoilers i really encourage you to read this wonderful MM/f book
5 stars

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story. Jardin and Carrick had been in a polyamorous relationship before but they lost everything with the submissive they were sharing. Jardin hires a sassy, spitfire assistant with a take no prisoners but she has a sweet submissive side also. Jardin is thinking that maybe she might be his second shot at happiness. Carrick was bitter and angry about how his other life was and had no intention of ever going down that road again. They he helps a mouthy woman change her tire. His world tips. They take the relationship slowly since Thea had been through an abusive relationship before. It was sexy and spankings involved. Will these two men be able to put the past behind and make a new life with Thea the woman they both love? I received an ARC copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sassy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story! I love this series and I couldn't wait to read this story. I didn't want the story to end. I loved the interactions between Jardin, Thea and Carrick. They are all troubled souls who have past hurts. Thea works for Jardin as a personal assistant. She was having a bad day when her car broke down but that lead to Carrick coming into her life. Carrick offers to help her out even though she knows that she doesn't have the money to pay. Jardin goes through assistants faster than anyone in his firm until he hires Thea. He wants her but knows that she is off limits. Thea is not use to having anything given to her. They soon start seeing each other. Will they be able to make a lasting relationship?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story. It grabbed my attention at the beginning and held it until the very end. It was well written, entertaining and full of romance and danger. After Jardin and Carrick reconcile and admit they both have feelings for each other, now they have to convince Thea that she belongs with the two of them. Thea, Jardin’s PA, has been threatened and fears for her and her two young brother’s safety. Jardin and Carrick both want Thea, but with danger lurking, she takes the two boys and runs to Haven to escape the mess her father has gotten her into. This is an excellent story with two men protecting the woman they want to share together. It is an excellent read and I would highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Jardin’s Gamble’ is an entertaining MMF story in the Haven, Texas series from Laylah Roberts. Jardin is a growly alpha from the Malone family. He wants everything done his way and is very difficult to please. Carrick, his former best friend, is dominant with everybody but Jardin. Thea, the woman who separately enters each of their lives, is used to self-sacrifice as she struggles to raise her young brothers and protect all of them from their wastrel father. The way the 3 main characters end up together is really a triple love story. Add in a mobster and some suspense, and this is a story with more depth than you might expect.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Athena Diven · Rating 5 out of 5]

She finally lands a job that might help support her and her brothers, but a series of disasters has her stranded and agreeing to go out on a date with Carrick all the while having feelings for her boss. Jardin Malone, may not live in Haven, Texas, like his cousins, but he believes that women should be cherished, but not by him. His dark secret keeps him apart no matter how much he wants to get close to her. Thea's keeping secrets herself and it';s going to get someone hurt. Great characters, all of them. Loved the action, the chemistry and the romance. Bravo.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fated romance that can not be denied!
Wow, Laylah pulls you in to a happenstance, steamy romance that just keeps getting better and better! Thea has the worst or best luck when her car dies and Carrick stops on the side of the road to help her in exchange for a date. But Jardin, Thea’s overbearing and sexy boss is a whole other matter when she gets in to work late. A chance luncheon bring the three together, but Thea’s complicated home life that threatens her very existence, and history between the two males, she can’t get out of her mind; will leave you wondering how it will all end? I was turning the pages trying to figure out how Jardin, Carrick and Thea could work!