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Rippling Waters
Beneath the surface, tension is building in Scott and Garrett Pedrick’s marriage. Once thrilling and passionate sex has become infrequent and stale. Long days at his private practice keeps Scott away from their new home, leaving Garrett resentful of the mounting list of household chores and new responsibilities on his shoulders, including hiring someone to take care of the pool.
Logan Rippling, the new pool boy, meets Scott and Garrett and immediately sees in them everything he wants: friends, money and domestic bliss. Week after week, he cleans their pool, growing envious of their lifestyle from afar, until the seemingly perfect couple invites him to their summer bash, and then into their bed.
Like water, obsession distorts reality, and no one is who they appear to be.
One of these men is manipulative.
One is hiding a naughty secret.
And one is downright deadly.
Warning: contains sexual situations, sexual sabotage, shenanigans in an Uber car and just downright dirty manipulation
Logan Rippling, the new pool boy, meets Scott and Garrett and immediately sees in them everything he wants: friends, money and domestic bliss. Week after week, he cleans their pool, growing envious of their lifestyle from afar, until the seemingly perfect couple invites him to their summer bash, and then into their bed.
Like water, obsession distorts reality, and no one is who they appear to be.
One of these men is manipulative.
One is hiding a naughty secret.
And one is downright deadly.
Warning: contains sexual situations, sexual sabotage, shenanigans in an Uber car and just downright dirty manipulation
- GenresM M RomanceLGBT
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 19, 2025
3.5
Objectively this wasn't that good of a book, but I live for chaos and drama and it delivered.
I definitely suspected that Logan had ulterior motives, but Garrett and Logan totally surprised me!
The sex talk was super cringe, and there wasn't any real substance, but I could totally see this being a Desperate Housewives storyline.
The final big reveal was both a surprise, yet also kind of predictable?
A fun read definitely.
*
*
*
HRCYED2: Become The Avatar
Objectively this wasn't that good of a book, but I live for chaos and drama and it delivered.
I definitely suspected that Logan had ulterior motives, but Garrett and Logan totally surprised me!
The sex talk was super cringe, and there wasn't any real substance, but I could totally see this being a Desperate Housewives storyline.
The final big reveal was both a surprise, yet also kind of predictable?
A fun read definitely.
*
*
*
HRCYED2: Become The Avatar
May 24, 2021
Scott Pendrick and his husband, Garrett, are trying to make their marriage works. It's not that they lack chemistry, but they're unhappy and fight often. A new home is meant to bring them closer together, a fresh start in a home that has all they could ever want, one that hopefully Scott can start coming home to sooner now that his new cardiology practice seems to be going well. Then comes the pool boy, a man Garrett schedules to be around 4 days a week, a man with an incredible body, a beautiful face, the kind of man both Scott and Garrett dream of. Things seem to be improving, especially when the three finally come together, but beneath the surface of the pool lurks something sinister.
Rippling Waters is told in two parts from two perspectives, Scott's and pool boy Logan's. Like the cover suggests, the sun is shining and everything is fun until you break the surface. What reads initially like a romance turns a bit dark as the three men fight for attention and devotion. There is clearly something amiss, but is it Scott, Garrett, or Logan? B.J. Irons writes a gay suburban drama with heat, flash, and a dark sinister turn I did not see coming.
ARC provided
Rippling Waters is told in two parts from two perspectives, Scott's and pool boy Logan's. Like the cover suggests, the sun is shining and everything is fun until you break the surface. What reads initially like a romance turns a bit dark as the three men fight for attention and devotion. There is clearly something amiss, but is it Scott, Garrett, or Logan? B.J. Irons writes a gay suburban drama with heat, flash, and a dark sinister turn I did not see coming.
ARC provided
June 4, 2021
Scott is working too much and he can’t understand why his husband is irritated by this. Scott thinks he isn’t pretentious but ha! he so is.
Garrett has his mouth and emotions on his sleeve, he’s fighting Scott about neglecting him.
There are huge cracks in their relationship. The moment I met them I had so many doubts about if their marriage would survive.
I was annoyed by Scott and that’s just wonderful. I love it when a character has to work for it.
Then, one day, the pool boy Logan arrives, and oh my goodness, the guy looks like he belonged at a catwalk, on the cover of vogue, he was stunning.
Yes! he ends up in bed with them, in the middle, and all three are extremely hot for each other.
There are some delicious scorching scenes to drool over. Dang, they were hot! They were having the best of what a triad could give.
I was wondering how long this would hold, because jeez Garrett and Scott acted like they were the perfect happy couple, no way they could keeping up appearance for long.
Could Logan be the glue?
Smirkingly wringing my hands, I couldn’t wait for what was coming.
I was right about keeping up appearance, but oh boy, I could never imagine what happened next. I didn’t see it coming! Applause for the author!
I was more than thrilled by the events, more than thrilled.
The whole story was awesomely written, highly entertaining, I couldn’t put it down, I only stopped to eat.
The story was smashing intriguing and deliciously sexy, had a solid, unpredictable plot, and a great mix of characters.
Like the blurb says:
One of these men is manipulative.
One is hiding a naughty secret.
And one is downright deadly.
No shit!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes LGBTQ bookreviews
Garrett has his mouth and emotions on his sleeve, he’s fighting Scott about neglecting him.
There are huge cracks in their relationship. The moment I met them I had so many doubts about if their marriage would survive.
I was annoyed by Scott and that’s just wonderful. I love it when a character has to work for it.
Then, one day, the pool boy Logan arrives, and oh my goodness, the guy looks like he belonged at a catwalk, on the cover of vogue, he was stunning.
Yes! he ends up in bed with them, in the middle, and all three are extremely hot for each other.
There are some delicious scorching scenes to drool over. Dang, they were hot! They were having the best of what a triad could give.
I was wondering how long this would hold, because jeez Garrett and Scott acted like they were the perfect happy couple, no way they could keeping up appearance for long.
Could Logan be the glue?
Smirkingly wringing my hands, I couldn’t wait for what was coming.
I was right about keeping up appearance, but oh boy, I could never imagine what happened next. I didn’t see it coming! Applause for the author!
I was more than thrilled by the events, more than thrilled.
The whole story was awesomely written, highly entertaining, I couldn’t put it down, I only stopped to eat.
The story was smashing intriguing and deliciously sexy, had a solid, unpredictable plot, and a great mix of characters.
Like the blurb says:
One of these men is manipulative.
One is hiding a naughty secret.
And one is downright deadly.
No shit!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes LGBTQ bookreviews
June 22, 2021
Dark, obsessive
While I don't want to say much so I don't spoil it, this isn't a typical romance. It's dark with all involved being liars and cheats, but oddly I liked that about them. Told in dual pov it switches at a key point. I think the pacing was a little off for me at the start which is why it's a 4 rather than 5 star rating
While I don't want to say much so I don't spoil it, this isn't a typical romance. It's dark with all involved being liars and cheats, but oddly I liked that about them. Told in dual pov it switches at a key point. I think the pacing was a little off for me at the start which is why it's a 4 rather than 5 star rating
June 2, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
3 stars
So Rippling Waters is one of those books that I can’t say much about for fear of spoiling, because there are some major twists here that require going in without knowing much about what is happening. So bear with me through this review as I try to convey my thoughts without giving anything away.
Where this book succeeded for me is in the plot and the clever twists. The set up intrigued me from the blurb, and Irons does mostly deliver on that promise. I would say there are three major reveals that happen here. One of them, I guessed from early on in the story, but the other two caught me totally off guard, in a good way. I liked that even as I thought I knew generally what was happening, more and more gets revealed. It is cleverly done and the overall storyline works nicely. Be aware this is not a traditional romance by any means, but there are romantic elements, as well as a lot of sexual interaction here.
Unfortunately, I really struggled with this book as the writing just didn’t work for me at all.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3 stars
So Rippling Waters is one of those books that I can’t say much about for fear of spoiling, because there are some major twists here that require going in without knowing much about what is happening. So bear with me through this review as I try to convey my thoughts without giving anything away.
Where this book succeeded for me is in the plot and the clever twists. The set up intrigued me from the blurb, and Irons does mostly deliver on that promise. I would say there are three major reveals that happen here. One of them, I guessed from early on in the story, but the other two caught me totally off guard, in a good way. I liked that even as I thought I knew generally what was happening, more and more gets revealed. It is cleverly done and the overall storyline works nicely. Be aware this is not a traditional romance by any means, but there are romantic elements, as well as a lot of sexual interaction here.
Unfortunately, I really struggled with this book as the writing just didn’t work for me at all.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
June 29, 2021
Thank you so much to B. J. Irons for my copy of Ripping Waters. This dark and obsessive novel was fun to read and includes two interesting points of view. Scott and Garrett are a couple who fight all the time. Things haven’t been going well in their marriage and Garrett complains that Scott’s job as a Cardiologist keeps him too busy. Enter, Logan, the pool boy Garrett hires that breaks the tension in the home. But what is lying under the water? Something deeper and darker than you may know.
Thoughts: I loved the drama in this book. It was a dark LGBTQ+ romantic drama that utilized two perspectives to tell an intriguing story. There were a lot more “romance” aspects than I am used to but I do love a good plot twist! There was a lot of drama packed into a short book which made it a quick and entertaining read. There were lots of themes like greed, manipulation, and obsession explored in this book.
I didn’t love Garrett as a character but it was fun to hate him. When a character makes you feel any type of emotion you know it is a well-written book. Some parts were so predictable and others were really surprising. I loved all the scheming and lying and the dramatic details that made this a fun read. There could be a little work done to the editing and flow of this book, but in the end it was 3.5-stars!
Thoughts: I loved the drama in this book. It was a dark LGBTQ+ romantic drama that utilized two perspectives to tell an intriguing story. There were a lot more “romance” aspects than I am used to but I do love a good plot twist! There was a lot of drama packed into a short book which made it a quick and entertaining read. There were lots of themes like greed, manipulation, and obsession explored in this book.
I didn’t love Garrett as a character but it was fun to hate him. When a character makes you feel any type of emotion you know it is a well-written book. Some parts were so predictable and others were really surprising. I loved all the scheming and lying and the dramatic details that made this a fun read. There could be a little work done to the editing and flow of this book, but in the end it was 3.5-stars!
May 14, 2021
BJ Iron’s, Rippling Waters, is a gripping story about a couple who struggled to bring the sparks back into their lives and their marriage. Then came alongLogan, sexy pool boy that would change everything, in more ways than they have ever imagined.
This book has suspense, drama, sex and deception, leading to a lethal ending.
A page turner of a book, Rippling Waters is packed with twists and turns that will keep you wanting more!
This sexy thriller is a solid five star read!
This book has suspense, drama, sex and deception, leading to a lethal ending.
A page turner of a book, Rippling Waters is packed with twists and turns that will keep you wanting more!
This sexy thriller is a solid five star read!
June 9, 2021
Grabbed this as an Amazon download yesterday that the author was offering, and I enjoyed it! I only wish it wasn’t so short, only 165 pages but I read it quickly in two sittings! It was fun and fast paced, I really liked the characters, and it was very steamy 😅
May 28, 2021
3,5 stars.
This was an entertaining read with a lot of twists and turns. This is not a romance. It's a psychological play of wanting, needing, obsession, greed and manipulation. But who is the one manipulating and who is the one obsessed?
It all starts out with the unhappy marriage between Garrett and Scott. They've been married for a few years now and to give their marriage the much needed new impulse, they bought a new house. But Garrett is having problems with Scott being the one who earns the big money. He feels looked down upon and because of his insecurities, he picks a fight over everything.
When they meet Logan, an extremely, modelworthy handsome guy, they both fall hard for him and adding him as a third to their relationship might be exactly what they need to save themselves.
The first part of the story is told from Scott's pov, the second part we get Logan's. The sex is really, panties wetting hot!!! This story contains some of the most hot and steamy scenes I have read! Though...having said that: I couldn't help but wonder where the condoms were or why there never was any talk about tests and safety. Just didn't happen. And sure, I know, this is a book. It's a fantasy and in a fantasy everything is possible. It doesn't have to reflect real life. It was just something that went through my mind and maybe it doesn't bother other readers at all.
This was my first read by this author and it was a pleasant experience. If you are looking for a well written story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, one you can hardly put away, because it draws you in, and if you like to be surprised by the unexpected twists and turns, then this is definitely a book you'd want to read. I enjoyed it!
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntary, honest review
This was an entertaining read with a lot of twists and turns. This is not a romance. It's a psychological play of wanting, needing, obsession, greed and manipulation. But who is the one manipulating and who is the one obsessed?
It all starts out with the unhappy marriage between Garrett and Scott. They've been married for a few years now and to give their marriage the much needed new impulse, they bought a new house. But Garrett is having problems with Scott being the one who earns the big money. He feels looked down upon and because of his insecurities, he picks a fight over everything.
When they meet Logan, an extremely, modelworthy handsome guy, they both fall hard for him and adding him as a third to their relationship might be exactly what they need to save themselves.
The first part of the story is told from Scott's pov, the second part we get Logan's. The sex is really, panties wetting hot!!! This story contains some of the most hot and steamy scenes I have read! Though...having said that: I couldn't help but wonder where the condoms were or why there never was any talk about tests and safety. Just didn't happen. And sure, I know, this is a book. It's a fantasy and in a fantasy everything is possible. It doesn't have to reflect real life. It was just something that went through my mind and maybe it doesn't bother other readers at all.
This was my first read by this author and it was a pleasant experience. If you are looking for a well written story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, one you can hardly put away, because it draws you in, and if you like to be surprised by the unexpected twists and turns, then this is definitely a book you'd want to read. I enjoyed it!
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntary, honest review
June 6, 2021
Title - Rippling Waters
Author - BJ Irons
Genre - MMM Romance
Published - May 2021
Pages - 165 Pages
Summary - Scott and Garrets relationship is on the rocks, they fight and their sex life is practically nonexistent. When they hire Logan as their pool boy, both men find themselves attracted to him and it's not long before there inviting him into their bed and then into their lives. But all is not as it seems, these three men are not what they appear to be, One of these men is manipulative.
One is hiding a naughty secret, and one is downright deadly. This combination can only lead to trouble.
What I thought about this book - Well what can I say this book did not go in the direction I expected it to. I have read many Polyamorous books and they have all been they all live happily ever after and let's face it, humans are jealous and cruel beings so we know this is not always the case so it was nice to read a book where everything didn't end perfectly. This book was a refreshing change from the usual MMM romance books out there. I found Garret to be a really annoying and whiny character, I thought Logan was a real dodgy type of character (And well I was right there lol) I thought Scott was right up himself. These characters and the story was fantastically written and overall was a brilliant book. My only reason for giving 4* instead of 5* is I'm not a huge fan of books going back and redoing scenes when the POV changes. That is just a personal preference.
Would I Recommend - Yes
Would I Read Again - Yes
Rating - Yes
Reviewed by LucyLui
Author - BJ Irons
Genre - MMM Romance
Published - May 2021
Pages - 165 Pages
Summary - Scott and Garrets relationship is on the rocks, they fight and their sex life is practically nonexistent. When they hire Logan as their pool boy, both men find themselves attracted to him and it's not long before there inviting him into their bed and then into their lives. But all is not as it seems, these three men are not what they appear to be, One of these men is manipulative.
One is hiding a naughty secret, and one is downright deadly. This combination can only lead to trouble.
What I thought about this book - Well what can I say this book did not go in the direction I expected it to. I have read many Polyamorous books and they have all been they all live happily ever after and let's face it, humans are jealous and cruel beings so we know this is not always the case so it was nice to read a book where everything didn't end perfectly. This book was a refreshing change from the usual MMM romance books out there. I found Garret to be a really annoying and whiny character, I thought Logan was a real dodgy type of character (And well I was right there lol) I thought Scott was right up himself. These characters and the story was fantastically written and overall was a brilliant book. My only reason for giving 4* instead of 5* is I'm not a huge fan of books going back and redoing scenes when the POV changes. That is just a personal preference.
Would I Recommend - Yes
Would I Read Again - Yes
Rating - Yes
Reviewed by LucyLui
June 2, 2021
good with drama and intrique.. kept me curious what was next.. some parts i wanted to smack everyone involved but overall i really liked it. it was well written and good
May 14, 2021
4+Stars A good start as Scott and his hubby Garrett discuss hiring a pool boy. Besides their arguments they make hot sexy scenes. We'll see what happens when a hot pool boy is added to the home.
Yah scenes play out and you know whats going to happen and things get a hell of a lot hotter.
This beautifully written book includes feelings, angst, and something amiss despite freinds warnings, and more.
This includes a death of a MC and POV's per sectioned parts told. The ending of this included a twist that I didnt see coming.
Yah scenes play out and you know whats going to happen and things get a hell of a lot hotter.
This beautifully written book includes feelings, angst, and something amiss despite freinds warnings, and more.
This includes a death of a MC and POV's per sectioned parts told. The ending of this included a twist that I didnt see coming.
October 31, 2021
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Whoa! This book was a complete and total mind f**k! I was so shocked at the turns it took! This book was so captivating and left me on the edge of my seat the whole time!
I’m just in total shock! I don’t want to say anything else to give anything away but whoa! Seriously if you haven’t read this book read it!!!
POV: Multi first person
Standalone or series: Standalone
Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
Would I read it again: definitely!
Whoa! This book was a complete and total mind f**k! I was so shocked at the turns it took! This book was so captivating and left me on the edge of my seat the whole time!
I’m just in total shock! I don’t want to say anything else to give anything away but whoa! Seriously if you haven’t read this book read it!!!
POV: Multi first person
Standalone or series: Standalone
Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
Would I read it again: definitely!
June 23, 2021
A twisted love story that leaves an unanswered question.
4 stars
**Contains spoilers!**
A well written story about three men competing for each others love.
The MCs: Scott. A cardiologist with a new and thriving solo practice. A tolerant man who deals with a lot in his life, including a crumbling home life.
Garrett. Works in insurance and has an insatiable love life. He has been cheating on Scott for years with random hookups. Extremely bipolar and has a health condition known as A-fib, an irregular heart rhythm.
Logan. A conniving schemer whose only goal in life to to land himself a sugar daddy and secure a safe, happy life for his future.
After Garrett meets Logan, the two men continue to get together, mainly for sex. Unbeknownst to him, Logan delves into Garrett's background and discovers he's married to a hot doctor who clearly supports the couple. Instantly smitten with Scott, he conceives a plan to make Scott his and his alone. Logan manages to convince Garrett to hire him as the couple's pool boy so he can insinuate himself into their lives.
Scott agrees to this arrangement, mainly due to his lust at first sight for Logan. Quickly, Logan is practically living in Scott and Garrett's home after enacting his plan for them to become a "throple," or threesome. The sex is heated and often, with Scott falling for Logan and Garrett becoming increasingly jealous of their closeness.
One day, after Garrett shows his true hostile feelings toward Scott, he leaves the house to pick up another man to have sex with. This gives Scott and Logan alone for the first time in months. They quickly break the unwritten rule that no member of the throple would have relations without all three men being present and make love. As they finish their rule breaking, Garrett comes home and catches them naked together in bed. Furious, he states, after much cursing and degrading comments, he is sleeping in the guest room for the night.
The next morning, tensions are thick in the home. Scott is making coffee when Garrett enters the kitchen dressed for exercise. Scott is concerned about his husband overdoing it and warns him about his heart condition. Garrett nastily blows off this warning and leaves to go jogging.
A few minutes later, the police arrive at Scott's door and inform him that Garrett is on the way to the hospital with an apparent stroke or heart attack. Both Scott and Logan rush to the hospital, with Logan particularly concerned.
Upon arriving, a doctor informs the two lovers that Garrett has passed. Scott is devastated while Logan is secretly overjoyed. Now Scott can be all his!
At the viewing for Garrett, Scott suggests to Logan they take a vacation together. A few weeks later, they are in Cancun. Scott has only made love to Logan once since the funeral, but now releases his feelings and the two men have blissful sex. Scott informs Logan that he has a surprise for him that evening at dinner. Having arranged for a private dinner on the beach, Scott proposes to Logan, who happily and greedily accepts, knowing his future is now secure and his plan has worked!
However, Logan already knew about the proposal, having searched Scott's luggage and discovering the ring. But before leaving for this bliss-filled vacation, Logan discovered a shocking secret about Scott. A secret he was prepared to take to his grave.
What did Logan unearth about Scott? And was Garrett's death an actual accident? Was Logan so desperate to have Scott all to himself that he murdered Garrett? The answers to these titillating questions lay inside the book, which I highly recommend. The writing was precise, the characters well developed and the plot was tight and suspenseful.
There where a few editing errors, but the plot and scheming allowed me to overlook these items. This definitely is a story with a shocking twist that I never saw coming. And the ending begs the question...is the killing over?
4 stars
**Contains spoilers!**
A well written story about three men competing for each others love.
The MCs: Scott. A cardiologist with a new and thriving solo practice. A tolerant man who deals with a lot in his life, including a crumbling home life.
Garrett. Works in insurance and has an insatiable love life. He has been cheating on Scott for years with random hookups. Extremely bipolar and has a health condition known as A-fib, an irregular heart rhythm.
Logan. A conniving schemer whose only goal in life to to land himself a sugar daddy and secure a safe, happy life for his future.
After Garrett meets Logan, the two men continue to get together, mainly for sex. Unbeknownst to him, Logan delves into Garrett's background and discovers he's married to a hot doctor who clearly supports the couple. Instantly smitten with Scott, he conceives a plan to make Scott his and his alone. Logan manages to convince Garrett to hire him as the couple's pool boy so he can insinuate himself into their lives.
Scott agrees to this arrangement, mainly due to his lust at first sight for Logan. Quickly, Logan is practically living in Scott and Garrett's home after enacting his plan for them to become a "throple," or threesome. The sex is heated and often, with Scott falling for Logan and Garrett becoming increasingly jealous of their closeness.
One day, after Garrett shows his true hostile feelings toward Scott, he leaves the house to pick up another man to have sex with. This gives Scott and Logan alone for the first time in months. They quickly break the unwritten rule that no member of the throple would have relations without all three men being present and make love. As they finish their rule breaking, Garrett comes home and catches them naked together in bed. Furious, he states, after much cursing and degrading comments, he is sleeping in the guest room for the night.
The next morning, tensions are thick in the home. Scott is making coffee when Garrett enters the kitchen dressed for exercise. Scott is concerned about his husband overdoing it and warns him about his heart condition. Garrett nastily blows off this warning and leaves to go jogging.
A few minutes later, the police arrive at Scott's door and inform him that Garrett is on the way to the hospital with an apparent stroke or heart attack. Both Scott and Logan rush to the hospital, with Logan particularly concerned.
Upon arriving, a doctor informs the two lovers that Garrett has passed. Scott is devastated while Logan is secretly overjoyed. Now Scott can be all his!
At the viewing for Garrett, Scott suggests to Logan they take a vacation together. A few weeks later, they are in Cancun. Scott has only made love to Logan once since the funeral, but now releases his feelings and the two men have blissful sex. Scott informs Logan that he has a surprise for him that evening at dinner. Having arranged for a private dinner on the beach, Scott proposes to Logan, who happily and greedily accepts, knowing his future is now secure and his plan has worked!
However, Logan already knew about the proposal, having searched Scott's luggage and discovering the ring. But before leaving for this bliss-filled vacation, Logan discovered a shocking secret about Scott. A secret he was prepared to take to his grave.
What did Logan unearth about Scott? And was Garrett's death an actual accident? Was Logan so desperate to have Scott all to himself that he murdered Garrett? The answers to these titillating questions lay inside the book, which I highly recommend. The writing was precise, the characters well developed and the plot was tight and suspenseful.
There where a few editing errors, but the plot and scheming allowed me to overlook these items. This definitely is a story with a shocking twist that I never saw coming. And the ending begs the question...is the killing over?
May 31, 2021
I didn't know what to expect when I picked this book up. The description absolutely intrigued me, because it was very much unlike other books that I'd stumbled upon in this genre. It seemed a little darker and a lot angstier - and it definitely delivered on that.
Rippling Waters is the story of Scott and Garrett, a married couple, who starts to fall for their pool boy: Logan. Scott and Garrett are having trouble long before they begin hooking up with Logan. They are bickering all the time. Garrett feels underappreciated. Scott is annoyed by almost everything his husband does. They rarely have sex. They are in marriage counseling, trying to fix everything. They even bought a new house, hoping that would fix the relationship.
When they decide to hire a pool boy, they are both immediately attracted to the man. It isn't long before they hook up with him and a few months after that, they've pulled him into their relationship. Their problems seem to fade away at first, but soon, they're back with additional problems. Including jealousy as Garrett feels Scott and Logan are growing closer and leaving him in the lurch.
What I found very interesting about this book was the fact that halfway through the book, we get a POV switch and watch the story unfold through Logan's eyes. It is through Logan's eyes that we learn a lot more truth than we saw originally. We see how despicable all three of these men really are. We see the lengths that they'll each go through for their alleged love - a love that is more obsession than love itself.
I finished the book in only a few hours, because the story is absolutely gripping. The characters? While they are not great people, they are written really well. However, if you're hoping for characters or even a relationship that you want to root for? I do not recommend you go to this one. If you want a dark and twisty story that makes you loathe the idea of putting it down, then look no further.
Trigger warnings: cheating, mentions of drug usage, manipulation, murder.
That's right, there's murder in this book.
Enjoy.
** arc provided by gay romance reviews and this is my honest feedback **
Rippling Waters is the story of Scott and Garrett, a married couple, who starts to fall for their pool boy: Logan. Scott and Garrett are having trouble long before they begin hooking up with Logan. They are bickering all the time. Garrett feels underappreciated. Scott is annoyed by almost everything his husband does. They rarely have sex. They are in marriage counseling, trying to fix everything. They even bought a new house, hoping that would fix the relationship.
When they decide to hire a pool boy, they are both immediately attracted to the man. It isn't long before they hook up with him and a few months after that, they've pulled him into their relationship. Their problems seem to fade away at first, but soon, they're back with additional problems. Including jealousy as Garrett feels Scott and Logan are growing closer and leaving him in the lurch.
What I found very interesting about this book was the fact that halfway through the book, we get a POV switch and watch the story unfold through Logan's eyes. It is through Logan's eyes that we learn a lot more truth than we saw originally. We see how despicable all three of these men really are. We see the lengths that they'll each go through for their alleged love - a love that is more obsession than love itself.
I finished the book in only a few hours, because the story is absolutely gripping. The characters? While they are not great people, they are written really well. However, if you're hoping for characters or even a relationship that you want to root for? I do not recommend you go to this one. If you want a dark and twisty story that makes you loathe the idea of putting it down, then look no further.
Trigger warnings: cheating, mentions of drug usage, manipulation, murder.
That's right, there's murder in this book.
Enjoy.
** arc provided by gay romance reviews and this is my honest feedback **
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2021
So...that was a short but hugely alarming novel, and I couldn't put it down. This suspenseful story revolves around three men: Garrett and Scott are married, and Logan is the pool boy. I can't say too much about the dynamic of the three without giving stuff away. However, suffice it to say that there is a mix of lust, jealousy, and obsession that makes the relationship between the three as poisonous as it is romantic.
This isn't a romance, even though there are romantic elements. (Certainly, some of the characters would like to say that this is a romance.) Instead, this novel is much more about desire-- desire for sex, desire for admiration, and desire for wealth and social status. The main characters always want more, even when they already have everything. From the beginning of the book, I felt a palpable sense of dread. I didn't like any of the characters, but I enjoyed reading about them. In fact, it was good that I wasn't a particular fan of any one character, because then I might have been too invested in the outcome of the novel to really relax and enjoy the ride. There were many twists and turns, and stuff that surprised me right up into the very last pages!
My criticism of this book is that, even though the overall narrative is good, the writing on a basic level isn't great. Word to word, sentence to sentence, it could be constructed better. However, I'm inclined to be forgiving because the book was told in first person, so whenever I came across a particularly clumsy phrase I imagined it was just the character talking.
Overall, I recommend this one if you want something dark, surprising, and very hot (yes, there’s lots of steam), but don't expect too much from it.
**I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review**
This isn't a romance, even though there are romantic elements. (Certainly, some of the characters would like to say that this is a romance.) Instead, this novel is much more about desire-- desire for sex, desire for admiration, and desire for wealth and social status. The main characters always want more, even when they already have everything. From the beginning of the book, I felt a palpable sense of dread. I didn't like any of the characters, but I enjoyed reading about them. In fact, it was good that I wasn't a particular fan of any one character, because then I might have been too invested in the outcome of the novel to really relax and enjoy the ride. There were many twists and turns, and stuff that surprised me right up into the very last pages!
My criticism of this book is that, even though the overall narrative is good, the writing on a basic level isn't great. Word to word, sentence to sentence, it could be constructed better. However, I'm inclined to be forgiving because the book was told in first person, so whenever I came across a particularly clumsy phrase I imagined it was just the character talking.
Overall, I recommend this one if you want something dark, surprising, and very hot (yes, there’s lots of steam), but don't expect too much from it.
**I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review**
May 31, 2021
4.25 Stars
Wow - I really enjoyed this one. Its going to be hard to explain without giving away any of the plot.
For the first at least half the book it was like watching a horror movie with everyone gaily going about their lives and you just know it's going to go pear shaped and quickly. This was like that, but I never anticipated just how that would go down.
The first section of the book is told from Scott's point of view as we get a front row seat to his and his husband Garrett's marital problems. To be honest Garrett was selfish and far too moody and high maintenance for my liking. Enter the new hot pool boy and things got very interesting very quickly.
I love a menage storyline and this one was hot, the three of them scorched together. Garrett and Scott's relationship improved but you could also see this was just a bandaid. As they all get closer the relationship deepens, insecurities surface and then things went haywire.
One of the twists came and the point of view changed. We went back in time and were shown that things were not as they seemed. I actually felt sorry for the character that I felt was being treated like a schmuck. The other two played him well and truely.
The final twist came at the very end and left me with a "wow" to finish the book. Not the how but the why and the reasoning behind it was just so well done.
The second half of this book really made it for me
Highly recommended
***ARC provided by GRR. This is my honest and voluntary review***
Wow - I really enjoyed this one. Its going to be hard to explain without giving away any of the plot.
For the first at least half the book it was like watching a horror movie with everyone gaily going about their lives and you just know it's going to go pear shaped and quickly. This was like that, but I never anticipated just how that would go down.
The first section of the book is told from Scott's point of view as we get a front row seat to his and his husband Garrett's marital problems. To be honest Garrett was selfish and far too moody and high maintenance for my liking. Enter the new hot pool boy and things got very interesting very quickly.
I love a menage storyline and this one was hot, the three of them scorched together. Garrett and Scott's relationship improved but you could also see this was just a bandaid. As they all get closer the relationship deepens, insecurities surface and then things went haywire.
One of the twists came and the point of view changed. We went back in time and were shown that things were not as they seemed. I actually felt sorry for the character that I felt was being treated like a schmuck. The other two played him well and truely.
The final twist came at the very end and left me with a "wow" to finish the book. Not the how but the why and the reasoning behind it was just so well done.
The second half of this book really made it for me
Highly recommended
***ARC provided by GRR. This is my honest and voluntary review***
October 15, 2023
I Was Definitely Inclined To Pick This Up Initially From The Cover. I Found It Both Simplistic & Intriguing, This Mainly Stemmed From The Water (I Know You Were Thinking The Hot Man 😝). I Was Trying To Figure Out The Tone Of This Story From The Red In The Water. Red Wine Could Symbolise Class Paired With The Gorgeous View & Expensive Looking Pool. Alternatively Could It Be Blood And This Was Going To Be A More Sinister Story. I Didn’t Wanna Read The Blurb So Went In Blind With Just These Initial Feelings From The Cover 👀
I Absolutely Loved The Structure Of This Story. The Reason Why It Is Told Essential Three Parts If Including The Epilogue. The First Part Is Told From One Side Of The Married Couple, Scott Who Is A Sexy Doctor Whose Marriage Is Definitely Experiencing Friction. The Second Part Took Me By Surprise And Goes Back To The Beginning But From Logan Aka The Sexy Pool Boy And How He Becomes Involved In The Married Couples Life. Then The Final Part Was From Scott In The Epilogue. Holy Moly This Choice Resulted In My Mind Being Blown 🤯
This Is The Kind Of Story Where You Think You Know The Direction And Then BAM Think Again. Such An Effective Execution Of How A Change Of POV Can Add Dimension, Perception And Tension To A Plot. It Really Heightened My Own Engagement As A Reader 😍
This Book Had Twists, Turns, Steam, Angst And So Much More. I Couldn’t Have Devoured This Book Any Faster! 🥵
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I Absolutely Loved The Structure Of This Story. The Reason Why It Is Told Essential Three Parts If Including The Epilogue. The First Part Is Told From One Side Of The Married Couple, Scott Who Is A Sexy Doctor Whose Marriage Is Definitely Experiencing Friction. The Second Part Took Me By Surprise And Goes Back To The Beginning But From Logan Aka The Sexy Pool Boy And How He Becomes Involved In The Married Couples Life. Then The Final Part Was From Scott In The Epilogue. Holy Moly This Choice Resulted In My Mind Being Blown 🤯
This Is The Kind Of Story Where You Think You Know The Direction And Then BAM Think Again. Such An Effective Execution Of How A Change Of POV Can Add Dimension, Perception And Tension To A Plot. It Really Heightened My Own Engagement As A Reader 😍
This Book Had Twists, Turns, Steam, Angst And So Much More. I Couldn’t Have Devoured This Book Any Faster! 🥵
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
September 13, 2022
I slammed back two of this author’s books and have to say this is a fascinating niche they have carved out in mm romance, which is cheating. Along with lies, hidden identity, ulterior motives, and murder. I began with the book ‘Second Guess’ because a review I saw mentioned hot sex between a committed couple, a trope I love. Yeah, they weren’t so committed, and one of them needed to BE committed, lol.
I was intrigued enough to want to read more about this rarified world of suburban opulence among gay men. Three gay men in this book, a ménage. The author is generous with the descriptions of the characters, thank you, and I could visualize each handsome face, tight ab, muscled arm, distinct pec, and swinging dick. The writer describes their upscale world among other gay friends. This group had nice parties. These are men who still have to work and the book is about a married couple, a surgeon and an insurance broker. They invite a pool boy into their bed and life. The pool boy is an Adonis who makes both men lose their minds with lust. Or, does he?
Both of the books I read have intricate plots with surprising twists and oodles of sex, a lot of it of the cheating variety. What it didn’t have is heartfelt ‘I love you’s’ and loyalty. I have to have that, so I won’t be back, but this writer has a real talent for a well written twisted story, and I enjoyed these. Kudos!
I was intrigued enough to want to read more about this rarified world of suburban opulence among gay men. Three gay men in this book, a ménage. The author is generous with the descriptions of the characters, thank you, and I could visualize each handsome face, tight ab, muscled arm, distinct pec, and swinging dick. The writer describes their upscale world among other gay friends. This group had nice parties. These are men who still have to work and the book is about a married couple, a surgeon and an insurance broker. They invite a pool boy into their bed and life. The pool boy is an Adonis who makes both men lose their minds with lust. Or, does he?
Both of the books I read have intricate plots with surprising twists and oodles of sex, a lot of it of the cheating variety. What it didn’t have is heartfelt ‘I love you’s’ and loyalty. I have to have that, so I won’t be back, but this writer has a real talent for a well written twisted story, and I enjoyed these. Kudos!
June 5, 2021
This book follows the story of Scott and Garrett as they navigate their failing marriage and their growing obsession with the new pool boy Logan Rippling, who appears to be just as obsessed with them and their lifestyle.
Garrett and Scott are struggling before Logan is on the scene and seem to commit so many relationship fails that a therapist would either weep in frustration, or joy at the impending money flow. However the initial insight into their relationship was certainly realistic. Quickly after employing Logan, each relationship dynamic changes and we see emotions run high with jealousy playing a big role in different forms.
This is not your fluffy kind of fiction and the characters definitely show their dark sides. It isn't run of the mill and the reveal of each character's intentions made for a good tale. Whilst the romance aspects were written with an intensity, they were still entwined with tender moments. The author explores obsession, manipulation and possession, leading to a plot which was dark and so much fun (in a thriller/mystery way). There were twists and turns and the character evolution by the end was enjoyably surprising.
I received an ARC of this book and have chosen to leave a review.
Garrett and Scott are struggling before Logan is on the scene and seem to commit so many relationship fails that a therapist would either weep in frustration, or joy at the impending money flow. However the initial insight into their relationship was certainly realistic. Quickly after employing Logan, each relationship dynamic changes and we see emotions run high with jealousy playing a big role in different forms.
This is not your fluffy kind of fiction and the characters definitely show their dark sides. It isn't run of the mill and the reveal of each character's intentions made for a good tale. Whilst the romance aspects were written with an intensity, they were still entwined with tender moments. The author explores obsession, manipulation and possession, leading to a plot which was dark and so much fun (in a thriller/mystery way). There were twists and turns and the character evolution by the end was enjoyably surprising.
I received an ARC of this book and have chosen to leave a review.
August 2, 2021
Rippling Waters is the story of a gay couple, Scott and Garrett, who decide to hire a pool boy for the summer. Logan Rippling, the sexy pool boy they end up hiring, becomes much more than just the household help and so ensues a pacy, sexy, domestic thriller you won't want to put down.
Admittedly, Rippling Waters is not what I would usually read but I decided to give it a go and step outside of my comfort zone. I'm really glad I did! This book was so much fun to read and I finished it in just a couple of sittings. There were some super steamy scenes in here so be aware you may get a bit hot under the collar reading it. Maybe not one to read on your lunch break at work! But I thought the sex scenes were really well done, they were graphic but not gratuitously so and really allowed you as a reader to understand the strength of the sexual connection between the characters.
Listen, this book isn't going to win any literary awards any time soon. The lyrical prose and character development I usually seek out in books wasn't really here. However, I don't think that was the author's intention. Instead, I think they wanted to provide the reader with a bit of escapism, something to entertain and distract from the worries of the world for a few hours and Rippling Waters did just that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Admittedly, Rippling Waters is not what I would usually read but I decided to give it a go and step outside of my comfort zone. I'm really glad I did! This book was so much fun to read and I finished it in just a couple of sittings. There were some super steamy scenes in here so be aware you may get a bit hot under the collar reading it. Maybe not one to read on your lunch break at work! But I thought the sex scenes were really well done, they were graphic but not gratuitously so and really allowed you as a reader to understand the strength of the sexual connection between the characters.
Listen, this book isn't going to win any literary awards any time soon. The lyrical prose and character development I usually seek out in books wasn't really here. However, I don't think that was the author's intention. Instead, I think they wanted to provide the reader with a bit of escapism, something to entertain and distract from the worries of the world for a few hours and Rippling Waters did just that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 30, 2021
This one was definitely an interesting read. It is a combination of dark romance and some mystery and drama. And I have to say I really liked it.
Scott and Garrett are married and have some marital problems. Scotts is working a lot and Garrett does not like that. They just moved into a new house with a pool. Garrett proposes to hire a pool boy and suggests Logan. Soon, they three develop a relationship and Logan moves in. But then someone dies…
This book is told from two perspectives: Scott's and Logan's. With both perspectives, you gained a lot of knowledge and were told some twists, that I did not expect at all.
I don't want to write any more at this point, as you have to read it yourself without spoilers to have a full reading experience. And you will not regret reading it!
*I received this book as an ARC. I chose to leave an honest review.*
Scott and Garrett are married and have some marital problems. Scotts is working a lot and Garrett does not like that. They just moved into a new house with a pool. Garrett proposes to hire a pool boy and suggests Logan. Soon, they three develop a relationship and Logan moves in. But then someone dies…
This book is told from two perspectives: Scott's and Logan's. With both perspectives, you gained a lot of knowledge and were told some twists, that I did not expect at all.
I don't want to write any more at this point, as you have to read it yourself without spoilers to have a full reading experience. And you will not regret reading it!
*I received this book as an ARC. I chose to leave an honest review.*
June 4, 2021
What a blurb! Enticing tease…expect the unexpected in this steamy M/M romance
Oh. My. Word! The moment I realized what really happened, I couldn’t stop reading to see if I was correct. Telling the story by Scott and then Logan’s POV was a clever way to bring out items we wouldn’t have known otherwise. Secrets abound and along the way we experience a very steamy M/M relationship which becomes more. Some shocking secrets are revealed which make the ending…Sorry, can’t say because it would give too much away. Suffice it to say that this is an intriguing story, which I couldn’t put down with an HEA of unexpected proportions.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and I highly recommend it for readers of M/M romance who like a thrilling mystery.
Oh. My. Word! The moment I realized what really happened, I couldn’t stop reading to see if I was correct. Telling the story by Scott and then Logan’s POV was a clever way to bring out items we wouldn’t have known otherwise. Secrets abound and along the way we experience a very steamy M/M relationship which becomes more. Some shocking secrets are revealed which make the ending…Sorry, can’t say because it would give too much away. Suffice it to say that this is an intriguing story, which I couldn’t put down with an HEA of unexpected proportions.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and I highly recommend it for readers of M/M romance who like a thrilling mystery.
June 7, 2021
This was such glorious, steamy fun! The previous m/m/m stories I've read with this kind of set-up, had the couple finding a third person and everyone integrates happily ever after with perhaps just a bump in the road to add some drama. I've enjoyed those, but this one takes those and adds some jet fuel. Here, there are secrets and some dark, dangerous manipulation going on that we get to see from different perspectives. I would kind of get an inkling of what I thought the resolution would be and then the story would twist on me again. I can't help but smile thinking about it. Cul-de-Sac was a great read, but this one is even better. Can't wait to see what is up this author's sleeve next.
July 21, 2023
556. That’s the number of times the author used an exclamation mark. This book is 205 pages long! And though this may not seem that big a deal to some, I could not take the dialogue or inner monologues seriously because of the exclamation marks.
Allow me to show you!
Here we go again! The Garrett Pedrick tirade rears its ugly head!
Okay, that’s fine! Not that bad! Another example.
“Fuck, Scott! You’re gonna make me shoot, babe!”
Hmm… okay. Last one!!!
“Fuck yes!!! Scott was a savage! A fucking sexual beast!”
I assure you there are far cringier lines. I’m just concerned that quoting more explicit ones will potentially terminate my account.
Regardless, the bottom line is that the exclamation marks made me want to either burst out laughing or cringe and throw my phone across the room. My head was screaming with red, blaring lights the word WATTPAD during those hilarious back-and-forth exchanges when the characters were doing the thing. Or when they were thinking about each other too.
But besides my issue with the overuse of the exclamation mark that makes the characters sound like kids, I enjoyed this book! I love how the author chose to tell the story from two POVs: Scott’s then Logan’s. Reading from the two perspectives was honestly so enjoyable because I saw how specific events affected them differently. The fast pace also made it a quick read!
Final rating: 3 stars.
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily!!
Allow me to show you!
Here we go again! The Garrett Pedrick tirade rears its ugly head!
Okay, that’s fine! Not that bad! Another example.
“Fuck, Scott! You’re gonna make me shoot, babe!”
Hmm… okay. Last one!!!
“Fuck yes!!! Scott was a savage! A fucking sexual beast!”
I assure you there are far cringier lines. I’m just concerned that quoting more explicit ones will potentially terminate my account.
Regardless, the bottom line is that the exclamation marks made me want to either burst out laughing or cringe and throw my phone across the room. My head was screaming with red, blaring lights the word WATTPAD during those hilarious back-and-forth exchanges when the characters were doing the thing. Or when they were thinking about each other too.
But besides my issue with the overuse of the exclamation mark that makes the characters sound like kids, I enjoyed this book! I love how the author chose to tell the story from two POVs: Scott’s then Logan’s. Reading from the two perspectives was honestly so enjoyable because I saw how specific events affected them differently. The fast pace also made it a quick read!
Final rating: 3 stars.
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily!!
May 29, 2021
This is a steamy and fascinating story. With his husband Scott working long hours, Garrett is frustrated having to do everything at home. Until it comes to hiring a pool boy. Garrett and Scott agree that the sexy young man they interview is the perfect person for the job, so they hire Logan. Not long after, Logan ends up in Scott and Garrett's bedroom with them. Both Scott and Garrett are hot for Logan, which helps calm some of their marital problems. Then the shocking twist to the story, and things will never be the same. This story will slowly suck you in until you can't wait to see what happens next. I was totally engrossed in the story from the first page.
June 4, 2021
It didn't work for me 😕
This may not be a popular opinion for most because I know some absolutely love this book.... and believe me I wanted that too, but sadly it didn't work for me. I strongly disliked at least 2 of the 3 characters and that's where the disconnect came from. I loved nothing about them... what's there to love about a skeevy cheater and a master manipulator liar? It pains me to give this book a low review, I love me some B J Irons usually but this one did nothing for me, not even the super hot scenes weren't enough.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review*
This may not be a popular opinion for most because I know some absolutely love this book.... and believe me I wanted that too, but sadly it didn't work for me. I strongly disliked at least 2 of the 3 characters and that's where the disconnect came from. I loved nothing about them... what's there to love about a skeevy cheater and a master manipulator liar? It pains me to give this book a low review, I love me some B J Irons usually but this one did nothing for me, not even the super hot scenes weren't enough.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review*
June 23, 2021
I love the idea of a thruple or a threesome that isn't just for one night, but a long term commitment. B J Irons really tricked me into thinking it was that plus a true love story between three men who fall deeply in love. There are twists and turns that are revealed in the second half of the book that I found shocking.... details that reveal this is actually a calculated scam by one that, then two, involving murder.
Although I didn't get my traditional HEA, the characters get what they deserve or what I hope they do which is kind of a cliffhanger. The author wove a good story that kept me reading till the end , going from a smile to a shocked look on my face. Enjoy!
I received an ARC of Rippling Waters and am leaving an honest review.
Although I didn't get my traditional HEA, the characters get what they deserve or what I hope they do which is kind of a cliffhanger. The author wove a good story that kept me reading till the end , going from a smile to a shocked look on my face. Enjoy!
I received an ARC of Rippling Waters and am leaving an honest review.
May 22, 2021
Fascinating with a twist of evil schemes
Okay first I need to clarify this is not a romance... what Rippling Waters is— a unique, fascinating, enthralling, plenty hot, well written pseudo-psychological look at a relationship with a lot more going on behind the scenes. I didn’t see what was coming...great twists.
No spoilers only to say...I read this in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down! It goes to show you don’t have to love the characters to enjoy the ride. This could be a movie.
Okay first I need to clarify this is not a romance... what Rippling Waters is— a unique, fascinating, enthralling, plenty hot, well written pseudo-psychological look at a relationship with a lot more going on behind the scenes. I didn’t see what was coming...great twists.
No spoilers only to say...I read this in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down! It goes to show you don’t have to love the characters to enjoy the ride. This could be a movie.
May 30, 2021
I was hooked right from the beginning. I was never sure who was really likable or who did what but it sure turned out much different than I expected. I will watch this author from now on. I love when I read a book and I think I know what is happening and I’m surprised. The whole way through the story I was surprised by the “relationships”. The twists and turns and who was really the good guy I’m still wondering. I appreciate when there is romance and mystery and both work and they do here.
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