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Dirty Secret
An Anniversary Present that Can’t Be Topped
Declan—hockey star for the New Gothenburg Blizzards—and tattoo artist, Jake, have been happily married for four years. As their anniversary approaches, Declan decides to give Jake a present he won’t forget—his favorite ASMR voice actor in their room during the romantic occasion. He offers the actor, Logan Indry, a deal he can’t refuse.
Running for His Life
Logan needs as much money as he can get. Recently fired and thrown out of his home by his abusive girlfriend, he has no job and no place to go. Declan’s message comes at exactly the right time, and Logan decides things can’t get any worse, so he leaves his small hometown for New Gothenburg. Once he meets Declan and Jake, it’s hard to deny how beautiful they are together, and while Logan has always known he’s bisexual, he’s kept it buried deep inside. He longs to find what they have with each other—happiness and love.
Painful Secrets Come to Light
When Declan and Jake realize they want the same thing—to invite Logan into their life—a new experience begins. Between Logan’s insecurities and his ex-girlfriend trying to have him arrested for a crime he didn’t commit, all three men must work together to make their relationship fall into place. Can Declan and Jake keep Logan safe, or will it all crash and burn?
Declan—hockey star for the New Gothenburg Blizzards—and tattoo artist, Jake, have been happily married for four years. As their anniversary approaches, Declan decides to give Jake a present he won’t forget—his favorite ASMR voice actor in their room during the romantic occasion. He offers the actor, Logan Indry, a deal he can’t refuse.
Running for His Life
Logan needs as much money as he can get. Recently fired and thrown out of his home by his abusive girlfriend, he has no job and no place to go. Declan’s message comes at exactly the right time, and Logan decides things can’t get any worse, so he leaves his small hometown for New Gothenburg. Once he meets Declan and Jake, it’s hard to deny how beautiful they are together, and while Logan has always known he’s bisexual, he’s kept it buried deep inside. He longs to find what they have with each other—happiness and love.
Painful Secrets Come to Light
When Declan and Jake realize they want the same thing—to invite Logan into their life—a new experience begins. Between Logan’s insecurities and his ex-girlfriend trying to have him arrested for a crime he didn’t commit, all three men must work together to make their relationship fall into place. Can Declan and Jake keep Logan safe, or will it all crash and burn?
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2021
136 people are currently reading
832 people want to read
About the author
Ki Brightly
91 books720 followersI spend most of my days writing, editing, and perfecting the craft of storytelling.
A note to readers: I don't hang out on Goodreads or social media, so if you have any questions about my books, please check out my website, which I host with M.D. Gregory.
A note to readers: I don't hang out on Goodreads or social media, so if you have any questions about my books, please check out my website, which I host with M.D. Gregory.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
dnf
July 27, 2021Audio - 5 stars
Story - dnf 58%
Story - dnf 58%
February 7, 2026
If I forgot this was said just two days after they met, this book was sweet, hoooot, and had such a good vibe I honestly can’t even deal. 😮🔥✨
“Nothing’s off-limits. You and Jake are free to do whatever. When it comes to you and Jake together, I won’t be jealous.”
“You won’t?” he asked carefully, peeking at me out of the corner of his eye.
“No.” I stopped the car on the side of the street and leaned over to kiss him on the lips. He moaned, angling into me as I licked at his mouth. “We’re in this together. You’re not a phase. Trust me, we could have added a lot of men into our relationship over the years, but we never wanted to take the leap. You… you’re gorgeous and smart, and I have the same feeling about you that I got with Jake. You belong with us.”
April 20, 2022
3.5**** dreamy eyed stars
If I would’ve been in a bitchy mood while reading this I’d thought it to be a bit too cheesy. But since I was not I was enjoying the sweetness of the story very much.
I really like poly love stories. And I enjoyed so much that there was no jealousy involved even though it seems like an almost natural instinct in our society to get jealous even when only reading about sharing your loved one.
And since I also love books about couples that are already in a committed relationship - regardless if it a happy one like here with Declan and Jake or a troubled one - this book checked a lot of boxes for me. And I like the environment of a tattoo parlor. And tattooed guys in general ♥︎
The sad and "painful“ parts of the story (Logan’s abusive relationship with his ex-girlfriend) weren’t developed all that well and there was no real focus on it. So it was more of a fluffy feel good read with a lot of love and care between a couple in a happy marriage and a guy looking for love who they invited into their relationship to care for him as well as for each other.
It all happens reeeeaaaaal fast, really fast! We’re talking days here! But when you’re in the mood for an OTT sweet and endless love and sex fest, go pick it up ♡
*****************
I’d like to add, that this storyline had the potential to be a 5-star read for me - it was the perfect receipe. But since the authors insisted on keeping the story shallow and not going in too deep with neither character nor story development, there was unfortunately no chance for that.
If I would’ve been in a bitchy mood while reading this I’d thought it to be a bit too cheesy. But since I was not I was enjoying the sweetness of the story very much.
I really like poly love stories. And I enjoyed so much that there was no jealousy involved even though it seems like an almost natural instinct in our society to get jealous even when only reading about sharing your loved one.
And since I also love books about couples that are already in a committed relationship - regardless if it a happy one like here with Declan and Jake or a troubled one - this book checked a lot of boxes for me. And I like the environment of a tattoo parlor. And tattooed guys in general ♥︎
The sad and "painful“ parts of the story (Logan’s abusive relationship with his ex-girlfriend) weren’t developed all that well and there was no real focus on it. So it was more of a fluffy feel good read with a lot of love and care between a couple in a happy marriage and a guy looking for love who they invited into their relationship to care for him as well as for each other.
It all happens reeeeaaaaal fast, really fast! We’re talking days here! But when you’re in the mood for an OTT sweet and endless love and sex fest, go pick it up ♡
*****************
I’d like to add, that this storyline had the potential to be a 5-star read for me - it was the perfect receipe. But since the authors insisted on keeping the story shallow and not going in too deep with neither character nor story development, there was unfortunately no chance for that.
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May 18, 2021Hi, everyone!
Once again, I would like to thank you for reading stories from New Gothenburg. So, thanks! M.D. and I figured it was about time we wrote a throuple book in our universe because there are so many wonderful ways to display true love, and then we had the idea for Logan’s story.
(Although, this isn’t just Logan’s story, it’s Jake and Declan’s, too.
Logan’s story is one of abuse and recovery, and if you’re particularly sensitive to abuse scenarios, this might not be the book for you, though we kept the on-page interactions with the person causing him harm to a minimum.
From our authors’ note:
Violence against men, including domestic abuse, is a social issue that is consistently ignored due to toxic masculinity and the stereotype that men can’t be abused. One in nine men are victims of physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking that can result in physical or mental injury from an intimate partner. In New York state alone, twenty-nine percent of men experience violence from an intimate partner.
This story involves a character who is physically and mentally abused by his girlfriend, and we’d like to shed light on this serious issue; although, Dirty Secret is only a snapshot of one set of circumstances, not representative of all types of abuse.
I hope you enjoy the way that Declan and Jake bring Logan back into a loving situation, and thank you for taking the journey with them.
Happy reading!
~Ki
Once again, I would like to thank you for reading stories from New Gothenburg. So, thanks! M.D. and I figured it was about time we wrote a throuple book in our universe because there are so many wonderful ways to display true love, and then we had the idea for Logan’s story.
(Although, this isn’t just Logan’s story, it’s Jake and Declan’s, too.
Logan’s story is one of abuse and recovery, and if you’re particularly sensitive to abuse scenarios, this might not be the book for you, though we kept the on-page interactions with the person causing him harm to a minimum.
From our authors’ note:
Violence against men, including domestic abuse, is a social issue that is consistently ignored due to toxic masculinity and the stereotype that men can’t be abused. One in nine men are victims of physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking that can result in physical or mental injury from an intimate partner. In New York state alone, twenty-nine percent of men experience violence from an intimate partner.
This story involves a character who is physically and mentally abused by his girlfriend, and we’d like to shed light on this serious issue; although, Dirty Secret is only a snapshot of one set of circumstances, not representative of all types of abuse.
I hope you enjoy the way that Declan and Jake bring Logan back into a loving situation, and thank you for taking the journey with them.
Happy reading!
~Ki
May 12, 2025
Safety info, content warnings and tropes down below.
It’s been a while since I was this disappointed by a book. The first 50% were amazing and it was shaping up to be my favorite throuple book, 5 stars, everything. Then it just fell apart. It felt like the authors completely lost interest in finishing the story properly, choosing to skip and downplay everything that had to do with the police and the abusive ex girlfriend, instead writing as many sex scenes as they could, including another one in the epilogue. Don’t get me started on the MC’s dirtbag family who were magically forgiven in .2 seconds.
I mean — spoiler alert — if you skip a main character being interrogated by the police because of accusations of fraud made by an abusive ex, instead focusing on the MCs taking a goddamn bath together (not their first one, mind you), then I’m gonna be a hater forever and ever.
I also genuinely thought the authors had to be fucking with me when I read these two quotes:
The referee slid his way between the two centers and threw the puck in the air.
We won by two points, the game ending up three to one for the Blizzards.
Could they not be bothered to watch a single hockey game before writing a book with a professional hockey player? Because if they did, they would know that a puck is dropped onto the ice, not fucking thrown in the air???, and games are won by goals, not points. There are a lot of inaccuracies in hockey books in the romance genre, but this is almost impressive and another level entirely of lazy writing.
2.5 stars because I’m mad. The first half was a solid 5 and I’m so sad about it.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Established couple adds third
Married couple
MMM
Tattoo artist MC
Exhibitionism
Hockey player MC
Size difference
Nipple piercings
Threesomes
Voice kink
Hurt/comfort
Fast feelings
Spitroasted
DAP
Hands-free orgasms
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Domestic abuse - MC physically and verbally abused by girlfriend on page
MC manipulated and gaslighted by girlfriend (past and present, on page)
On-page death of pet fish
Explicit sexual content
Exhibitionism — public sex
Toxic masculinity
MC cheated on by girlfriend (off page, past)
Alcohol consumption
Internalized fatphobia (thoughts of needing to run to work off food)
Brief mention of child abandonment (past)
Mention of death of parent (cancer, past)
Breath play (mild choking and throat-fucking)
Grandma commenting on MC being skinny (not negatively)
Biphobia and homophobia (SC)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, multi
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 24, 29 and 31
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 302
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
It’s been a while since I was this disappointed by a book. The first 50% were amazing and it was shaping up to be my favorite throuple book, 5 stars, everything. Then it just fell apart. It felt like the authors completely lost interest in finishing the story properly, choosing to skip and downplay everything that had to do with the police and the abusive ex girlfriend, instead writing as many sex scenes as they could, including another one in the epilogue. Don’t get me started on the MC’s dirtbag family who were magically forgiven in .2 seconds.
I mean — spoiler alert — if you skip a main character being interrogated by the police because of accusations of fraud made by an abusive ex, instead focusing on the MCs taking a goddamn bath together (not their first one, mind you), then I’m gonna be a hater forever and ever.
I also genuinely thought the authors had to be fucking with me when I read these two quotes:
The referee slid his way between the two centers and threw the puck in the air.
We won by two points, the game ending up three to one for the Blizzards.
Could they not be bothered to watch a single hockey game before writing a book with a professional hockey player? Because if they did, they would know that a puck is dropped onto the ice, not fucking thrown in the air???, and games are won by goals, not points. There are a lot of inaccuracies in hockey books in the romance genre, but this is almost impressive and another level entirely of lazy writing.
2.5 stars because I’m mad. The first half was a solid 5 and I’m so sad about it.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Established couple adds third
Married couple
MMM
Tattoo artist MC
Exhibitionism
Hockey player MC
Size difference
Nipple piercings
Threesomes
Voice kink
Hurt/comfort
Fast feelings
Spitroasted
DAP
Hands-free orgasms
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Domestic abuse - MC physically and verbally abused by girlfriend on page
MC manipulated and gaslighted by girlfriend (past and present, on page)
On-page death of pet fish
Explicit sexual content
Exhibitionism — public sex
Toxic masculinity
MC cheated on by girlfriend (off page, past)
Alcohol consumption
Internalized fatphobia (thoughts of needing to run to work off food)
Brief mention of child abandonment (past)
Mention of death of parent (cancer, past)
Breath play (mild choking and throat-fucking)
Grandma commenting on MC being skinny (not negatively)
Biphobia and homophobia (SC)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, multi
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 24, 29 and 31
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 302
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
July 30, 2021
2.5 stars
I’d never picked up a book before that had a couple pay for an ASMR vocalist to talk dirty to them, in the room, while they had sex. So that’s a plus. But while I liked the basic plot, I think the execution lacked something.
What I didn’t like…
The relationship happened to quickly. I didn’t get time to see it develop from strangers, to friends, to more.
There was too much sex.
Not enough relationship building, especially when the married couple are so clearly defined and this book spans such a short amount of time. Logan felt like a third wheel most of the time.
The domestic abuse was brushed under the carpet until it was needed in the end to clear up some plot points. I wish these three had spent more time out of the bedroom helping Logan through his issues.
Logan’s family were forgiven way too easily. Especially when Logan’s abuser was clearly unhinged and acting batshit crazy in front of people.
There were too many not-so-subtle plot bunnies getting a lot of page time for, what I’m assuming, will be other books. Honestly, this just takes me out of the story I’m trying to connect to. I love a
spin-off but I have to be invested in the one I’m reading first.
What I loved, however, was how unapologetic Declan was. As an out and proud professional hockey player he never shirked away from living his life, with both men.
All in all this was too unbalanced for me. I liked the message but just didn’t connect enough with the relationship.
I’ve read a lot of this authors books. They always seem to be something that I’m gonna be blown away by but never quite get me there.
I’d never picked up a book before that had a couple pay for an ASMR vocalist to talk dirty to them, in the room, while they had sex. So that’s a plus. But while I liked the basic plot, I think the execution lacked something.
What I didn’t like…
The relationship happened to quickly. I didn’t get time to see it develop from strangers, to friends, to more.
There was too much sex.
Not enough relationship building, especially when the married couple are so clearly defined and this book spans such a short amount of time. Logan felt like a third wheel most of the time.
The domestic abuse was brushed under the carpet until it was needed in the end to clear up some plot points. I wish these three had spent more time out of the bedroom helping Logan through his issues.
Logan’s family were forgiven way too easily. Especially when Logan’s abuser was clearly unhinged and acting batshit crazy in front of people.
There were too many not-so-subtle plot bunnies getting a lot of page time for, what I’m assuming, will be other books. Honestly, this just takes me out of the story I’m trying to connect to. I love a
spin-off but I have to be invested in the one I’m reading first.
What I loved, however, was how unapologetic Declan was. As an out and proud professional hockey player he never shirked away from living his life, with both men.
All in all this was too unbalanced for me. I liked the message but just didn’t connect enough with the relationship.
I’ve read a lot of this authors books. They always seem to be something that I’m gonna be blown away by but never quite get me there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2021
Delightfully dirty, and soooo kinky. But of course, it's Ki Brightly and M.D.Gregory, and I’d be disappointed with anything less!
At its heart, Dirty Secret is Logan’s story. A wonderfully complex character, Logan is a longtime victim of psychological and physical abuse. His reactions to his ex-girlfriend's cruelty in the first chapter shows us Logan’s inability to advocate for himself, and when we meet his family, there’s no doubt Logan has spent his life surrounded by people who belittle him and dismiss his worth.
Practically broke, homeless, and suddenly single, Logan is at a point in his life where everything must feel completely hopeless. The opportunity to make a little extra money with his voice acting, by adding his seductive narration to Jake and Declan’s love making. comes at just the right time. Plus it’s a total turn-on for all three men! When the opportunity to join the couple for some hot, no-strings sex is presented, Logan accepts. Feeling wanted, and finally in a safe place, I don’t blame Logan for jumping in with both feet!
I’m impressed with the skilful way Ki Brightly and M.D. Gregory reveal Logan’s backstory. This poor man is starved for positive attention, affection, and love, and his interactions with Jake and Declan are quite powerful. I enjoyed Logan’s revelations about gay sex throughout the story, and his awakening as he narrates during their nights of passionate, erotic sex, are insightful and emotional, and wonderfully erotic.
The audio version of Dirty Secret is performed by David Piper, who’s a new narrator for me. I absolutely adored his voice for Logan, and when he’s doing the seductive voice of ‘your boyfriend’..., well, it's simply gorgeous! Mr. Piper also does an outstanding job with the wide range of supporting characters, and I was especially impressed with the varied cast of female voices he created for this story.
thank you to the author for the complimentary audiobook copy of Dirty Secrets, all opinions are my own
At its heart, Dirty Secret is Logan’s story. A wonderfully complex character, Logan is a longtime victim of psychological and physical abuse. His reactions to his ex-girlfriend's cruelty in the first chapter shows us Logan’s inability to advocate for himself, and when we meet his family, there’s no doubt Logan has spent his life surrounded by people who belittle him and dismiss his worth.
Practically broke, homeless, and suddenly single, Logan is at a point in his life where everything must feel completely hopeless. The opportunity to make a little extra money with his voice acting, by adding his seductive narration to Jake and Declan’s love making. comes at just the right time. Plus it’s a total turn-on for all three men! When the opportunity to join the couple for some hot, no-strings sex is presented, Logan accepts. Feeling wanted, and finally in a safe place, I don’t blame Logan for jumping in with both feet!
I’m impressed with the skilful way Ki Brightly and M.D. Gregory reveal Logan’s backstory. This poor man is starved for positive attention, affection, and love, and his interactions with Jake and Declan are quite powerful. I enjoyed Logan’s revelations about gay sex throughout the story, and his awakening as he narrates during their nights of passionate, erotic sex, are insightful and emotional, and wonderfully erotic.
The audio version of Dirty Secret is performed by David Piper, who’s a new narrator for me. I absolutely adored his voice for Logan, and when he’s doing the seductive voice of ‘your boyfriend’..., well, it's simply gorgeous! Mr. Piper also does an outstanding job with the wide range of supporting characters, and I was especially impressed with the varied cast of female voices he created for this story.
thank you to the author for the complimentary audiobook copy of Dirty Secrets, all opinions are my own
August 23, 2021
Logan was just getting out of an abusive relationship with the devil herself, also known as Miranda. Speaking of which, she deserved the deepest pits of hell. Logan's family was not much better. So so selfish.
I experienced this book in audio and I thought the voice performance was pretty good. He managed to have give us three distinct voices which I appreciated but I thought Declanwas Midwestern and his voice sounded a bit Southern but that might just be me.
Moving on, I liked and enjoyed the story. I will admit that the proposition was pretty out there but at its heart, It was about three men finding their way towards a HEA together. I did find the transition from the purely physical side to the emotional side a bit rushed and borderline "instalovey". I would've loved to have had more of the transition although I will say they were truly the sweetest regardless.
Also, I must state that this book had copious, COPIOUS amounts of sex so be advised before you touch this and do NOT listen to it without earphones. You’ve been warned. Lol
All in all, aside my issues around the relationship development, I enjoyed this book.
*Review Copy Provided in Exchange for An Honest and Unbiased Review *
I experienced this book in audio and I thought the voice performance was pretty good. He managed to have give us three distinct voices which I appreciated but I thought Declanwas Midwestern and his voice sounded a bit Southern but that might just be me.
Moving on, I liked and enjoyed the story. I will admit that the proposition was pretty out there but at its heart, It was about three men finding their way towards a HEA together. I did find the transition from the purely physical side to the emotional side a bit rushed and borderline "instalovey". I would've loved to have had more of the transition although I will say they were truly the sweetest regardless.
Also, I must state that this book had copious, COPIOUS amounts of sex so be advised before you touch this and do NOT listen to it without earphones. You’ve been warned. Lol
All in all, aside my issues around the relationship development, I enjoyed this book.
*Review Copy Provided in Exchange for An Honest and Unbiased Review *
July 31, 2021
**Audible ARC Review**
Ki and Meg has done it again. I'm loving these stories that is centered around the New Gothenburg. This one didn't disappoint. I will say at the beginning of this, I had so many feels for Logan. A very sensitive guy who just need some care and comfort. Thank goodness he found his forever with Jake and Declan. Those two right there...whoa...so protective and caring and willing to share their lives with Logan...really special. It took me a bit to get on board with throuples but I give all the credit to the authors. I can't say enough about this narrator. He did a wonderful job with the voices and he really brought the story...the guys romance to life. Loved this and I highly recommend giving it a listen.
Ki and Meg has done it again. I'm loving these stories that is centered around the New Gothenburg. This one didn't disappoint. I will say at the beginning of this, I had so many feels for Logan. A very sensitive guy who just need some care and comfort. Thank goodness he found his forever with Jake and Declan. Those two right there...whoa...so protective and caring and willing to share their lives with Logan...really special. It took me a bit to get on board with throuples but I give all the credit to the authors. I can't say enough about this narrator. He did a wonderful job with the voices and he really brought the story...the guys romance to life. Loved this and I highly recommend giving it a listen.
July 16, 2023
2.5 🌟
March 14, 2024
Ehhh.... no. DNF 85%. This very much felt like a pity-throuple. It didnt make sense why they would so easily accept logan other than pity and Logan made himself the victim everytime. It just was not believable enough for me... idk
April 30, 2022
3.25 ⭐️
HOT AF!
Declan and Jake’ relationship were amazing! They’re so obsessed with each other I’m jealous! They made me swoon a lot. I didn’t doubt their love at all. There are not much to say about them without reading it, but their introductions in the book were so hot 🥵
So Declan and Jake made an immediate move when the story about Logan unfolds. Honestly, I get it, they care about Logan. Declan and Jake had always noticed how disturbed and sad Logan was feeling just by his behaviour. The couple just gets each other and knew what they wanted to do with Logan. They also did discussed about having a third years ago. So, their love and care for Logan comes easy. However, the reasoning behind it wasn’t told in depth :( Just constant of Miranda being noisy and annoying towards Logan. No real developed past story or anything that can justify how lonely Logan felt. I feel like that depth was needed because I wasn’t feeling it—Logan’s loneliness the couple were talking about. That was a little disappointing.
When they got together, there were several lines where the author mentioned how Logan feel being wanted and cared, but like I said, no depth, no feelings. Not even after they got together. It was just constant of them being fluffy, but there wasn’t any plot for their love story. It was something that bothered me despite their easy-going love development.
It was also pretty funny when Logan started to be a little pushy with their first sex scene. I didn’t think it would be that easy for Logan, because his personality says otherwise (he has a really low self esteem), but I still enjoy it though. It was just weirdly funny.
The situation with Logan’s mom and brother was happening wayy to fast. I was hating on his mom like krazy, but suddenly everything turns out okay and his mom changed. That was just…awkward.
Don’t get me wrong, this was still enjoyable despite the details I mentioned. For someone like Logan who had different personality, background, I think his story should be told more in detailed (as I say before). This had a lot of potential tbh, because the MCs and side characters were amazing, the trope with Logan’s ASMR audios, the hotness of the blurb, but yeah, there’s that. So, this was not really my cuppa, but I enjoyed the sexiness so much!
If you’re looking for pure fluffy-hotness, I’d recommend this :)
HOT AF!
Declan and Jake’ relationship were amazing! They’re so obsessed with each other I’m jealous! They made me swoon a lot. I didn’t doubt their love at all. There are not much to say about them without reading it, but their introductions in the book were so hot 🥵
I never knew how Jake had chosen me. He could have have so much better, but he’d wanted me. (…) I had him in every way—body, mind, and soul—and I couldn’t ask for anything else. He’d already given me the greatest gift a man could want.
So Declan and Jake made an immediate move when the story about Logan unfolds. Honestly, I get it, they care about Logan. Declan and Jake had always noticed how disturbed and sad Logan was feeling just by his behaviour. The couple just gets each other and knew what they wanted to do with Logan. They also did discussed about having a third years ago. So, their love and care for Logan comes easy. However, the reasoning behind it wasn’t told in depth :( Just constant of Miranda being noisy and annoying towards Logan. No real developed past story or anything that can justify how lonely Logan felt. I feel like that depth was needed because I wasn’t feeling it—Logan’s loneliness the couple were talking about. That was a little disappointing.
When they got together, there were several lines where the author mentioned how Logan feel being wanted and cared, but like I said, no depth, no feelings. Not even after they got together. It was just constant of them being fluffy, but there wasn’t any plot for their love story. It was something that bothered me despite their easy-going love development.
It was also pretty funny when Logan started to be a little pushy with their first sex scene. I didn’t think it would be that easy for Logan, because his personality says otherwise (he has a really low self esteem), but I still enjoy it though. It was just weirdly funny.
The situation with Logan’s mom and brother was happening wayy to fast. I was hating on his mom like krazy, but suddenly everything turns out okay and his mom changed. That was just…awkward.
Don’t get me wrong, this was still enjoyable despite the details I mentioned. For someone like Logan who had different personality, background, I think his story should be told more in detailed (as I say before). This had a lot of potential tbh, because the MCs and side characters were amazing, the trope with Logan’s ASMR audios, the hotness of the blurb, but yeah, there’s that. So, this was not really my cuppa, but I enjoyed the sexiness so much!
If you’re looking for pure fluffy-hotness, I’d recommend this :)
May 19, 2023
DIRTY SECRET was a very spicy read with lots of care taking and hurt/comfort moments. This is apparently a connected novel to the New Gothenburg series but you can still read it as a standalone. There are lots of side characters from the larger series but Dec, Jake, and Logan's story doesn't require any background knowledge. I enjoyed watching these three fall for each other and I especially loved how open and communicative they were.
Declan is a professional hockey player and it was really refreshing to have an athlete MC who is already out and proud and his sexuality and his career are never in conflict with each other. Declan has been married to tattoo artist Jake for several years and their relationship was so sweet and loving. Their devotion to each other was *chef's kiss* and I loved how they constantly kissed, held hands, and showered affection on each other.
Introducing Logan into the relationship was done in such a fun way: Logan has an ASMR channel that Jake loves to listen to when they're getting frisky so for their anniversary Declan hires Logan for some in-person voice acting in the bedroom. After losing his job and getting kicked out by his abusive ex-girlfriend, Logan has nothing to lose. Logan's story was so heartbreaking but I also appreciated that Brightly and Gregory took the time to show the often overlooked type of domestic abuse where the man is the victim. Making things even worse for Logan, his mom and brother both believe his girlfriend when she tells them lies about Logan so he truly has no support on his side. This aspect of the story was definitely hard to read and the first chapter in particular features some on page abuse so be mindful of that if that's triggering for you.
Once Declan and Jake bring Logan under their wing, Logan begins to realize how bad his relationship was and he finds care and compassion with Declan and Jake. Even though Declan and Jake were already an established couple, I never felt like Logan was a third wheel and the way they made sure to include him was so sweet. They became not just his lovers but his family and their support was never in question. My only complaint is that Logan probably needs therapy after everything he went through and this is never mentioned once as a possibility or even a gentle suggestion.
The very end got away from itself a little bit and some of the side character's behavior felt almost silly even though the circumstances were really serious but overall this was a really enjoyable and off the charts sexy romance.
Content Warning: on page domestic abuse and gaslighting(Logan's ex), and death of a pet fish
Declan is a professional hockey player and it was really refreshing to have an athlete MC who is already out and proud and his sexuality and his career are never in conflict with each other. Declan has been married to tattoo artist Jake for several years and their relationship was so sweet and loving. Their devotion to each other was *chef's kiss* and I loved how they constantly kissed, held hands, and showered affection on each other.
Introducing Logan into the relationship was done in such a fun way: Logan has an ASMR channel that Jake loves to listen to when they're getting frisky so for their anniversary Declan hires Logan for some in-person voice acting in the bedroom. After losing his job and getting kicked out by his abusive ex-girlfriend, Logan has nothing to lose. Logan's story was so heartbreaking but I also appreciated that Brightly and Gregory took the time to show the often overlooked type of domestic abuse where the man is the victim. Making things even worse for Logan, his mom and brother both believe his girlfriend when she tells them lies about Logan so he truly has no support on his side. This aspect of the story was definitely hard to read and the first chapter in particular features some on page abuse so be mindful of that if that's triggering for you.
Once Declan and Jake bring Logan under their wing, Logan begins to realize how bad his relationship was and he finds care and compassion with Declan and Jake. Even though Declan and Jake were already an established couple, I never felt like Logan was a third wheel and the way they made sure to include him was so sweet. They became not just his lovers but his family and their support was never in question. My only complaint is that Logan probably needs therapy after everything he went through and this is never mentioned once as a possibility or even a gentle suggestion.
The very end got away from itself a little bit and some of the side character's behavior felt almost silly even though the circumstances were really serious but overall this was a really enjoyable and off the charts sexy romance.
Content Warning: on page domestic abuse and gaslighting(Logan's ex), and death of a pet fish
August 16, 2023
**3.75 stars rounded up to 4 stars**
The idea behind the plot was funnily enough quite brilliant. I did not expect to like it that much, especially because ASMR is something I never really got.
Even so, I enjoyed that aspect of the book quite a bit.
Now, to get into the book a little more and my thoughts about it, I must start with a fair warning: The first few chapters were a hot mess. The writing was weird, the plot didn’t really make sense, the characters seemed chaotic and not carefully thought through and the story in general was rocky. In short, the beginning of this book felt staged and unauthentic. But if you get passed that, the book and it’s characters improve quite a bit.
The relationship between Logan, Declan and Jake developed rather fast. There were big feelings immediately, which felt a bit too soon but on the other hand there are so many insta-love stories out there and this one didn’t particularly feel too unrealistic in comparison to the other ones. The sex was hot, the feelings felt believable, so who am I to complain?
Speaking of the sex, there was a lot of it. Really rather much considering the plot (and by plot I mean Logan’s ex and that whole disaster).
On the other hand, the sex overload made kinda sense because of the whole ASMR thing. I don’t know. I still thought it was a bit too much.
Now, the whole thing with Logan’s ex was not necessarily easy to read about. Especially if you think about the fact that when a man is abused by a woman, only few actually believe him. Which was the case here too.
And that brings me to something I wished was different from this whole situation. I wanted Logan to be more angry about it all, especially in the end of the book. Maybe it wouldn’t have suited his personality, but I still wished for his anger towards the whole situation to be more extreme. He was very forgiving. But that’s just my personal opinion.
And lastly, the ending of this book was a bit sudden. I kinda expected more of some kind of closure to Logan’s ex as well as his new life and the relationship between him and Declan and Jake.
But really, I enjoyed this book and the storyline a lot. It was a good read.
The idea behind the plot was funnily enough quite brilliant. I did not expect to like it that much, especially because ASMR is something I never really got.
Even so, I enjoyed that aspect of the book quite a bit.
Now, to get into the book a little more and my thoughts about it, I must start with a fair warning: The first few chapters were a hot mess. The writing was weird, the plot didn’t really make sense, the characters seemed chaotic and not carefully thought through and the story in general was rocky. In short, the beginning of this book felt staged and unauthentic. But if you get passed that, the book and it’s characters improve quite a bit.
The relationship between Logan, Declan and Jake developed rather fast. There were big feelings immediately, which felt a bit too soon but on the other hand there are so many insta-love stories out there and this one didn’t particularly feel too unrealistic in comparison to the other ones. The sex was hot, the feelings felt believable, so who am I to complain?
Speaking of the sex, there was a lot of it. Really rather much considering the plot (and by plot I mean Logan’s ex and that whole disaster).
On the other hand, the sex overload made kinda sense because of the whole ASMR thing. I don’t know. I still thought it was a bit too much.
Now, the whole thing with Logan’s ex was not necessarily easy to read about. Especially if you think about the fact that when a man is abused by a woman, only few actually believe him. Which was the case here too.
And that brings me to something I wished was different from this whole situation. I wanted Logan to be more angry about it all, especially in the end of the book. Maybe it wouldn’t have suited his personality, but I still wished for his anger towards the whole situation to be more extreme. He was very forgiving. But that’s just my personal opinion.
And lastly, the ending of this book was a bit sudden. I kinda expected more of some kind of closure to Logan’s ex as well as his new life and the relationship between him and Declan and Jake.
But really, I enjoyed this book and the storyline a lot. It was a good read.
January 5, 2024
I’m sorry in advance but this will be harsh. I listened to the Audiobook which was the first issue, one Narrator voicing multiple men absolutely didn’t work. This needed multiple or at least 2 narrators. Logan was an absolutely painful character! At first I was like wow what a nice change to read about a vulnerable guy but it turned from cute to absolutely exhausting to listen to really quick. I did like Jake & Declan but Logan, I just couldn’t with him being so unsure & awkward even as time progressed. Also this was so extremely corny! Like they literally used the word “stiffy” along with other awful lines & listening to Logan voice acting in the bedroom was so uncomfortable! It was mechanical, not sexy & totally at odds with what was transpiring. Also I need to add that Logan’s mom & brother were absolutely awful! How did you never take into account that she could have been lying? Then when it turns out she was, they both give a lackluster excuse on why they supported her & he forgave them! I think the f**k not!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2021
This book was completely unexpected!
It’s not everyday you read about a relationship where a woman is verbally AND physically abusive to a man. And it made me think about what Logan himself experienced: no one believes him even when he finds the courage to confess it, he’s laughed at, with people asking how much a tiny woman could really hurt him, and the abusive witch also distorted reality to make it seem as if she’s the one being hurt!
Also, I never heard about ASMR, the kind of recording Logan does, so it was super interesting!
The chemistry and connection between the married couple, Jake and Declan, was already sizzling-hot and from the first moment the addition of Logan into their lives is seamless and he fits in like the perfect puzzle piece!
The audio is absolutely amazing: I never listened to anything read by David Piper, but I cannot imagine anyone other narrating this story, especially for Logan’s voice as he records the “your boyfriend” ASMR gigs.
It’s not everyday you read about a relationship where a woman is verbally AND physically abusive to a man. And it made me think about what Logan himself experienced: no one believes him even when he finds the courage to confess it, he’s laughed at, with people asking how much a tiny woman could really hurt him, and the abusive witch also distorted reality to make it seem as if she’s the one being hurt!
Also, I never heard about ASMR, the kind of recording Logan does, so it was super interesting!
The chemistry and connection between the married couple, Jake and Declan, was already sizzling-hot and from the first moment the addition of Logan into their lives is seamless and he fits in like the perfect puzzle piece!
The audio is absolutely amazing: I never listened to anything read by David Piper, but I cannot imagine anyone other narrating this story, especially for Logan’s voice as he records the “your boyfriend” ASMR gigs.
October 23, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, the characters were great and how they came together in a poly relationship felt rushed but also just well-needed for Logan. To see the love that Dec and Jake provided him was great and the three just made sense.
Now the plot of the ex-girlfriend was written rather oddly. It was all drama, then quiet then drama again then heavy drama, and then boom we were just done it got all figured out without more details. I just thought was weird and to be completely honest the behavior of Logan's family just did not make any sense to me. How they completely took her side and just had no thoughts about Logan was just very confusing for me. While I do think this was a good representation of abuse towards a male from a woman and nobody believed him but I think it needed to be way from flushed out.
There was so much sex and kissing. So much. It felt like it was every other chapter.
Now the plot of the ex-girlfriend was written rather oddly. It was all drama, then quiet then drama again then heavy drama, and then boom we were just done it got all figured out without more details. I just thought was weird and to be completely honest the behavior of Logan's family just did not make any sense to me. How they completely took her side and just had no thoughts about Logan was just very confusing for me. While I do think this was a good representation of abuse towards a male from a woman and nobody believed him but I think it needed to be way from flushed out.
There was so much sex and kissing. So much. It felt like it was every other chapter.
October 11, 2024
I had a hard time getting further then the 1st chapter due to the abuse. and I missed many conversations between the trouble. I loved how into eachother Jake and declan are. and I get that they see and understand the vukberable postition and head space Logan was in.. and his financial troubles.. I get the instant lust and even the growing bond but to be at ease just have sombody declare your ours and thats the end of it after bieng controlled for a year seems counter productive. I liked it enough but it was kinda chaos and unbelievable but super sweet en enjoyable. I was worried he would feel like just a added kink..cus I would feel that way.. if there were no conversations..only true bonding was the sled ride in iner tubes of a snowcovered hill with a Picknick..and that was before any kisses where exchanged... so 3 stars for me but I did enjoy it enough recommend it.
August 18, 2025
3⭐️
I really liked the premise of this one...it had so much potential, and the first half pulled me in. But it leaned too hard into insta-love for my taste. The connection between the characters felt sweet, but I wanted more build-up and tension before they jumped straight into deep feelings. By the halfway point, I was invested, but the pacing shifted. Everything started to feel rushed instead of more deeply developed, and I found myself skimming toward the end. Overall, a decent read with a fun setup, but it didn’t fully land for me.
I really liked the premise of this one...it had so much potential, and the first half pulled me in. But it leaned too hard into insta-love for my taste. The connection between the characters felt sweet, but I wanted more build-up and tension before they jumped straight into deep feelings. By the halfway point, I was invested, but the pacing shifted. Everything started to feel rushed instead of more deeply developed, and I found myself skimming toward the end. Overall, a decent read with a fun setup, but it didn’t fully land for me.
August 2, 2021
I really enjoyed listening to this book, the story and the characters were unique and the narrator did a great job with the voices. Especially with the ASMR! WOW.
The starting scene and the whole idea was interesting, one established couple and one anniversary surprise (having an ASMR guy talking to you while you're having sex). It was hot and I enjoyed the story. Loved the added hurt/comfort too, it was so sweet.
It's not an everyday story where you can see that not only women can be in toxic and abusing relationship, but men too. Women can be cruel and dirty too, and it was well portrayed.
Great book and great audio too.
The starting scene and the whole idea was interesting, one established couple and one anniversary surprise (having an ASMR guy talking to you while you're having sex). It was hot and I enjoyed the story. Loved the added hurt/comfort too, it was so sweet.
It's not an everyday story where you can see that not only women can be in toxic and abusing relationship, but men too. Women can be cruel and dirty too, and it was well portrayed.
Great book and great audio too.
August 18, 2021
This was a really interesting premise for MMM. Jake and Declan have been married a while and have recently started listening to a YouTube podcast of ‘Your Boyfriend’ for his seductive voice alone. The couple gets in touch with Logan as an anniversary gift to themselves and the night turns into more. It’s deep, revealing, sweet, and very hot. You don’t want to pass this one up!
June 14, 2023
What can I say about this book? It’s super hot 🥵 but more than that, the love the 3 of these men share is unlike any other. The story line was great as well as the romantic aspects involved. Definitely a great read!
November 1, 2021
4.6 stars
June 21, 2021
Okay, this might sound weird, but I really love reading books with MCs who are recovering from past abusive relationships. When the books are well-written, there is something so touching to me, so emotionally satisfying, in cheering them on as they find their footing again and learn to trust. I got to do exactly that with Logan.
I love how the authors tackled the misconception that a man can't be abused by a female partner. Miranda was AWFUL on so many levels, and the scenes with her were brutal in so many ways. She truly poisoned EVERYONE against Logan, even his own family.
Watching Logan work through all that -- and most importantly acknowledging that what she did to him was abuse -- was everything I love about these aforementioned abuse-recovery romance plotlines.
Now. With that said, there were a couple things that didn't quite line up to me.
(Like with most, if not all, of my reviews, all the complaints are about either consistent characterization or pacing.)
Declan reaching out to Logan for his anniversary with Jake was, honestly, pretty sketchy. Like, it worked, obviously, and we wouldn't have this entire book without it, but outside of the romance plotline, I just felt that it was a bit weird. And on the one hand, yes, Logan needed the money to escape Miranda so it could make sense he accepted it. But on the other hand, he just walked out of a horrible, abusive relationship in which his abuser constantly berated him about his bisexuality? I don't know... I just can't decide if he would have realistically been open to Declan's offer or not.
Also (and this is one of my usual critiques of books), it bothered me how quickly Logan fell into bed with Declan and Jake. More specifically, it bothered me that MOMENTS after a stressful, arguably traumatizing, interaction with Miranda that he was not expecting and did not want to have, he was kissing Jake and Declan in the backseat of their car. That felt too fast to me. I would have appreciated it more if Jake and Dec had comforted him nonsexually, taken him home, given him the support to get back on his feet, and then Logan fell for them during that process because he saw that he could trust him and trust that they would look out for him/protect him/care about him. That would have packed more of an emotional punch, to me, than what really happened: him jumping into bed with them and all of them committing to making this a permanent, poly relationship so quickly. Nothing against poly, or permanent -- it just would have meant more to me if they had all taken things just a bit slower.
The final showdown with Miranda was nice, but also...not. It was too short to me. We opened the book with her, she made her reappearance when she threatened to burn Logan's birth certificate, then we heard crickets from her until the money theft. The reveal about her other identities and her arrest by FBI agents was satisfying, yes, but also felt like everything was crammed into the last chapter just to tie up loose ends so we could move onto the epilogue. I would have appreciated a little more time spent on this as a whole, whether that was the cops addressing what would happen next for Logan, or Logan's brother and mother having a longer conversation with him...
On that vein actually, I am COMPLETELY in Jake's boat: I am annoyed that Logan forgave his parents so easily (not as a plot point, per se, just in general). Miranda was convincing, sure. But what mother so easily, so READILY, believes that her son is abusive??? That makes no sense to me at all, and I, for one, would not be able to hug my mother and forgive her that quickly.
So again, just a little more time spent addressing something to do with Miranda would have been nice.
And lastly, I know the book wasn't about Dec's hockey career specifically, but I kept waiting for some fallout about Logan being added to their marriage. I thought at first that this was just a great universe where homosexuality wasn't a thing but then remembered a line about how Jake and Dec made out anywhere, everywhere, fuck anyone who was uncomfortable about two guys kissing. So, practicality here: none of them were subtle about Logan. And I'm not saying they HAD to be. I'm just saying that, between losing Logan in the airport, Jake and Logan going to the game, and all three of them going out to dinner, some journalist somewhere would have noticed and started digging. It didn't even need to be a big plot point, but realistically Declan would have had to address it long before the end of the book, in my opinion.
Okay, that got long. This sounds negative because I spent more time on my annoyances than the rest, but I truly enjoyed reading this book. (And also, the sex scenes? Hot af!) I haven't read anything else on this world that the authors have created, but I think I might check out their other books soon!
I love how the authors tackled the misconception that a man can't be abused by a female partner. Miranda was AWFUL on so many levels, and the scenes with her were brutal in so many ways. She truly poisoned EVERYONE against Logan, even his own family.
Watching Logan work through all that -- and most importantly acknowledging that what she did to him was abuse -- was everything I love about these aforementioned abuse-recovery romance plotlines.
Now. With that said, there were a couple things that didn't quite line up to me.
(Like with most, if not all, of my reviews, all the complaints are about either consistent characterization or pacing.)
Declan reaching out to Logan for his anniversary with Jake was, honestly, pretty sketchy. Like, it worked, obviously, and we wouldn't have this entire book without it, but outside of the romance plotline, I just felt that it was a bit weird. And on the one hand, yes, Logan needed the money to escape Miranda so it could make sense he accepted it. But on the other hand, he just walked out of a horrible, abusive relationship in which his abuser constantly berated him about his bisexuality? I don't know... I just can't decide if he would have realistically been open to Declan's offer or not.
Also (and this is one of my usual critiques of books), it bothered me how quickly Logan fell into bed with Declan and Jake. More specifically, it bothered me that MOMENTS after a stressful, arguably traumatizing, interaction with Miranda that he was not expecting and did not want to have, he was kissing Jake and Declan in the backseat of their car. That felt too fast to me. I would have appreciated it more if Jake and Dec had comforted him nonsexually, taken him home, given him the support to get back on his feet, and then Logan fell for them during that process because he saw that he could trust him and trust that they would look out for him/protect him/care about him. That would have packed more of an emotional punch, to me, than what really happened: him jumping into bed with them and all of them committing to making this a permanent, poly relationship so quickly. Nothing against poly, or permanent -- it just would have meant more to me if they had all taken things just a bit slower.
The final showdown with Miranda was nice, but also...not. It was too short to me. We opened the book with her, she made her reappearance when she threatened to burn Logan's birth certificate, then we heard crickets from her until the money theft. The reveal about her other identities and her arrest by FBI agents was satisfying, yes, but also felt like everything was crammed into the last chapter just to tie up loose ends so we could move onto the epilogue. I would have appreciated a little more time spent on this as a whole, whether that was the cops addressing what would happen next for Logan, or Logan's brother and mother having a longer conversation with him...
On that vein actually, I am COMPLETELY in Jake's boat: I am annoyed that Logan forgave his parents so easily (not as a plot point, per se, just in general). Miranda was convincing, sure. But what mother so easily, so READILY, believes that her son is abusive??? That makes no sense to me at all, and I, for one, would not be able to hug my mother and forgive her that quickly.
So again, just a little more time spent addressing something to do with Miranda would have been nice.
And lastly, I know the book wasn't about Dec's hockey career specifically, but I kept waiting for some fallout about Logan being added to their marriage. I thought at first that this was just a great universe where homosexuality wasn't a thing but then remembered a line about how Jake and Dec made out anywhere, everywhere, fuck anyone who was uncomfortable about two guys kissing. So, practicality here: none of them were subtle about Logan. And I'm not saying they HAD to be. I'm just saying that, between losing Logan in the airport, Jake and Logan going to the game, and all three of them going out to dinner, some journalist somewhere would have noticed and started digging. It didn't even need to be a big plot point, but realistically Declan would have had to address it long before the end of the book, in my opinion.
Okay, that got long. This sounds negative because I spent more time on my annoyances than the rest, but I truly enjoyed reading this book. (And also, the sex scenes? Hot af!) I haven't read anything else on this world that the authors have created, but I think I might check out their other books soon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2021
Okay, maybe I was too tough giving this one a 1 but let me explain: the book started okay. Miranda -Logan's girlfriend- was downright mean but the language and attitude were like watching a mean girl trying to be mean without success. Her words were petty in the sense that Logan knew she was wrong yet he stayed. I just did not understand Logan's mentality when he was aware of how wrong the whole relationship was, how toxic it was for him, and his overall health.
I tried liking Jake and Declan, I actually thought they were okay characters but nothing jumped for me. Declan was too accepting of everything, same with Nick - there was never a small doubt of insecurity about sharing their marriage with a stranger and I just didn't find this realistic or possible. I'm not assuming understanding a relationship between three people but here we have a couple who has been married for years, know each other for more, and yet they open their arms to Logan a virtual stranger who is paid to work for them and watch them having sex. I was mindblown about everything.
I hated Titus and Logan's mother, I didn't agree with Logan's mother's speech about how she needed to support Miranda as a woman - this woman was saying her son was an abusive and a thief, even if you want to support another woman don't do it over your son who loves you and who you took care of since he was inside of you. I just did not accept it, especially because you could tell Miranda was toxic all over. Titus was also an asshole believe an ex over his own brother - hated how they just did not believe him. The police were assholes and I just wanted to shake Logan hard because he just didn't have any self-preservation.
I tried liking Jake and Declan, I actually thought they were okay characters but nothing jumped for me. Declan was too accepting of everything, same with Nick - there was never a small doubt of insecurity about sharing their marriage with a stranger and I just didn't find this realistic or possible. I'm not assuming understanding a relationship between three people but here we have a couple who has been married for years, know each other for more, and yet they open their arms to Logan a virtual stranger who is paid to work for them and watch them having sex. I was mindblown about everything.
I hated Titus and Logan's mother, I didn't agree with Logan's mother's speech about how she needed to support Miranda as a woman - this woman was saying her son was an abusive and a thief, even if you want to support another woman don't do it over your son who loves you and who you took care of since he was inside of you. I just did not accept it, especially because you could tell Miranda was toxic all over. Titus was also an asshole believe an ex over his own brother - hated how they just did not believe him. The police were assholes and I just wanted to shake Logan hard because he just didn't have any self-preservation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2021
This book is amazing! Heartbreak, sizzling heat, and tender affection all in one with wonderful and well developed characters.
Logan was having an awful day- he was fired from his job which was approved by his supervisor Miranda- who is also his physically and emotionally abusive girlfriend. Fired for being a few minutes late- while doing a favor she asked him to do. After a bad fight of her yelling and attacking him, she kicks him out and he packs his things and leaves. When his own brother and parents refuse to help him, instead believing her lies, he has nowhere to go. He suddenly gets a message notification on his Youtube account where he uploads ASMR videos offering him a job...
Declan and Jake are about to celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary. Jake is in love with a certain voice actor's ASMR videos and Declan decides to surprise him for their anniversary by hiring him to be there and speak to them during their romantic night. He send the actor an offer. Logan, needing the money and nothing to lose, agrees.
I absolutely love the three main characters in this book. Declan and Jake are still completely in love even after seven years together. They trust each other completely, have great communication and chemistry, and are completely comfortable in their identities and aren't shy that everyone knows. They are kind and caring and easy to fall in love with. Logan and what he's been through absolutely broke my heart! I couldn't understand how his own family would turn him away, and not even listen to his side of what's happened. They all treated him like the stranger and his abusive ex like the family member. Logan finding Jake and Declan was the best thing that could've ever happened to him. After being emotionally and mentally abused, he had low self esteem and self worth, and didn't feel wanted or loved by anyone. He, Declan, and Jake become quick friends and a stronger bond forms between them very fast that leads to romance. It felt natural and was beautiful to see. Declan and Jake were not missing anything from their lives, and yet still found someone to make them even more complete. There was no jealousy or drama or misunderstandings. They just offered so much love and support- and more importantly respect. It was such a joy to read.
Loved this book and I definitely recommend giving it a read! 5 stars.
Logan was having an awful day- he was fired from his job which was approved by his supervisor Miranda- who is also his physically and emotionally abusive girlfriend. Fired for being a few minutes late- while doing a favor she asked him to do. After a bad fight of her yelling and attacking him, she kicks him out and he packs his things and leaves. When his own brother and parents refuse to help him, instead believing her lies, he has nowhere to go. He suddenly gets a message notification on his Youtube account where he uploads ASMR videos offering him a job...
Declan and Jake are about to celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary. Jake is in love with a certain voice actor's ASMR videos and Declan decides to surprise him for their anniversary by hiring him to be there and speak to them during their romantic night. He send the actor an offer. Logan, needing the money and nothing to lose, agrees.
I absolutely love the three main characters in this book. Declan and Jake are still completely in love even after seven years together. They trust each other completely, have great communication and chemistry, and are completely comfortable in their identities and aren't shy that everyone knows. They are kind and caring and easy to fall in love with. Logan and what he's been through absolutely broke my heart! I couldn't understand how his own family would turn him away, and not even listen to his side of what's happened. They all treated him like the stranger and his abusive ex like the family member. Logan finding Jake and Declan was the best thing that could've ever happened to him. After being emotionally and mentally abused, he had low self esteem and self worth, and didn't feel wanted or loved by anyone. He, Declan, and Jake become quick friends and a stronger bond forms between them very fast that leads to romance. It felt natural and was beautiful to see. Declan and Jake were not missing anything from their lives, and yet still found someone to make them even more complete. There was no jealousy or drama or misunderstandings. They just offered so much love and support- and more importantly respect. It was such a joy to read.
Loved this book and I definitely recommend giving it a read! 5 stars.
May 11, 2023
Honestly, I won't lie--I enjoyed the read for the most part. If I ignore the glaring issues I found with it. It was ott, yet, overall a sweet, sexy, fluff ball of a read. But, ultimately, it was the lack of substance that is lowering the rating for me.
What I liked:
- No third act break up. It's a rare mercy when I read a romance book and there's not some unnecessary conflict that causes a break up at the very end. I can't stand it lol.
- Pretty much every character was likable. Except, of course, that bitch, Miranda. And I hated Logan's brother and mom. I don't even care that Logan forgave them--I do not feel like they deserve that forgiveness. At least, not as quick as Logan gave it to them.
- Declan and Jake made sure Logan knew they were serious about him and he was not a secret.
- I enjoyed the fact that Jake and Declan were already well established in their relationship when the book started. I don't mind reading poly books where none of the mc's know each other, or aren't together, at the start, but it's a different vibe when there's already an established couple in the arrangement. I don't really know how to explain it well but it's a vibe that I like.
- The snow tubing scene was adorable. Loved it. Probably my favorite part of the book because I felt like we actually got to know the characters better and their personalities came out more. It was one of the very few scenes that actually showcased the relationship building.
What I didn't like:
- Look, I'm a fan of smut as much as the next smutoholic, but this book contained entirely too much of it. And, yes, there is such a thing as too much smut. Unless, maybe, if the whole point of the book is that smut. It felt like the actual story took the back burner and it was all sexsexsex 97% of the time. I wanted more actual storyline and to get to know the characters more--outside of the bedroom. If I'd got that ironed out storyline and those well built-up characters, I wouldn't have minded this as much.
- Because of how sex-focussed the story was, I feel like we missed out on crucial relationship building. Not only that, but there was absolutely no tension. I feel like tension can easily make or break a book, and the fact that this book virtually had none was a let down.
- The way it unfolded was very unrealistic and too fast-paced for my liking. Declan just, out of the blue, messages Logan like "Hey, man, I want me and my husband to fuck with you in the room while you talk dirty to us." and there's no hesitation, no nothing. Like, idk, I just feel like it could've been done in a more realistic way and didn't have to happen all at once. Logan was barely skeptical about it. Sure, he was in a tough spot with being thrown out and without a job or money, but I still feel like he didn't put enough thought about going to these strange men's house without anyone even knowing where he was. Could've been chopped up and used as meat in their soup and no one would ever know lol. Or, on the other hand, Logan could've been a killer or something and Declan just invites him over while they are at their most vulnerable. Then, on top of that, they all immediately start hooking up once they meet--and it's constant. We barely learn anything about the characters except they love sex, one tattoos, one plays hockey, and the third does asmr recordings. We get a little bit of info about some of their family and friends but not nearly enough for me to really come to care for the characters.
- More on the tension, but with the stuff going on with Miranda: that whole deal was super anti-climatic. I expected more issues to arise, and a lot quicker than they did, due to the blurb talking about how Miranda was trying to get Logan arrested. She doesn't even try to get him arrested until the last 15-ish percent. And, up until that point, I'm pretty sure there was only one time she really tried to stir things up and it was just to call and harass him about some dumb furniture thing. The longer the book went on, the more I felt like the author(s) forgot about the whole thing with Miranda until they randomly remembered and made up this elaborate story about Miranda blaming Logan for stealing money and all that. None of it really made sense to me because why would she even call attention to the "missing" money when she was the one taking it and, also, a person of interest to the FBI? It was super illogical and I found it hard to believe she'd be that stupid. That whole plotline seemed barely stitched together in the first place.
- I was interested about the dynamic of the book being centered around Logan being mentally and physically abused and overcoming that relationship with his girlfriend(I've never read a book where the mmc is the one who has been the victim of domestic abuse and I agreed with the note at the start that it isn't talked about enough), but, like I just mentioned, that whole plotline was half-assed at best. Logan makes a few random comments revealing he is worried he is going to ruin Declan and Jake's life with all his baggage, and there's barely any scenes actually showing us Logan's reality with Miranda and the effects of that abuse. Other than slight insecurities, it seemed like the abuse/after effects caused from that abuse was way too downplayed. Nothing to actually show us a natural process of him learning none of it was his fault and coming to terms with being in a healthy relationship. The book starts with him still in the abusive relationship and she is actively trying to destroy his life, but it seemingly made such a small impact on Logan and the rest of the book that it disappointed me how it was gone about.
- Logan jumps right into another relationship and, furthermore, Declan and Jake bring Logan into their marriage without even really talking about it. They're just like "We've talked about it in the past." and that's it. It's a huge thing to bring a third into their marriage, plus with Logan needing to heal and be shown how a healthy partnership is, and there's no build-up to that. We don't see them getting to really know each other until they are already basically together. And it's bare minimum info. Just way too fast-paced imo.
- And don't even get me started on the fact that, like I mentioned before, Logan forgave his mom and brother in a split second. They completely belittled him, didn't take him serious, and left him stranded and borderline homeless when he was at his lowest. Never even gave him the benefit of the doubt. And no groveling. At least, not to my standards. He tells them it's all okay when it's not.
All in all, I feel like this book could've been a 5-star for me if the amount of effort the author(s) put into the constant sex scenes was, instead, put into ironing out the story outside of the bedroom. The characters unfortunately did not have an impressionable impact on me that will last, and that's disappointing because I could definitely see the potential in the book.
What I liked:
- No third act break up. It's a rare mercy when I read a romance book and there's not some unnecessary conflict that causes a break up at the very end. I can't stand it lol.
- Pretty much every character was likable. Except, of course, that bitch, Miranda. And I hated Logan's brother and mom. I don't even care that Logan forgave them--I do not feel like they deserve that forgiveness. At least, not as quick as Logan gave it to them.
- Declan and Jake made sure Logan knew they were serious about him and he was not a secret.
- I enjoyed the fact that Jake and Declan were already well established in their relationship when the book started. I don't mind reading poly books where none of the mc's know each other, or aren't together, at the start, but it's a different vibe when there's already an established couple in the arrangement. I don't really know how to explain it well but it's a vibe that I like.
- The snow tubing scene was adorable. Loved it. Probably my favorite part of the book because I felt like we actually got to know the characters better and their personalities came out more. It was one of the very few scenes that actually showcased the relationship building.
What I didn't like:
- Look, I'm a fan of smut as much as the next smutoholic, but this book contained entirely too much of it. And, yes, there is such a thing as too much smut. Unless, maybe, if the whole point of the book is that smut. It felt like the actual story took the back burner and it was all sexsexsex 97% of the time. I wanted more actual storyline and to get to know the characters more--outside of the bedroom. If I'd got that ironed out storyline and those well built-up characters, I wouldn't have minded this as much.
- Because of how sex-focussed the story was, I feel like we missed out on crucial relationship building. Not only that, but there was absolutely no tension. I feel like tension can easily make or break a book, and the fact that this book virtually had none was a let down.
- The way it unfolded was very unrealistic and too fast-paced for my liking. Declan just, out of the blue, messages Logan like "Hey, man, I want me and my husband to fuck with you in the room while you talk dirty to us." and there's no hesitation, no nothing. Like, idk, I just feel like it could've been done in a more realistic way and didn't have to happen all at once. Logan was barely skeptical about it. Sure, he was in a tough spot with being thrown out and without a job or money, but I still feel like he didn't put enough thought about going to these strange men's house without anyone even knowing where he was. Could've been chopped up and used as meat in their soup and no one would ever know lol. Or, on the other hand, Logan could've been a killer or something and Declan just invites him over while they are at their most vulnerable. Then, on top of that, they all immediately start hooking up once they meet--and it's constant. We barely learn anything about the characters except they love sex, one tattoos, one plays hockey, and the third does asmr recordings. We get a little bit of info about some of their family and friends but not nearly enough for me to really come to care for the characters.
- More on the tension, but with the stuff going on with Miranda: that whole deal was super anti-climatic. I expected more issues to arise, and a lot quicker than they did, due to the blurb talking about how Miranda was trying to get Logan arrested. She doesn't even try to get him arrested until the last 15-ish percent. And, up until that point, I'm pretty sure there was only one time she really tried to stir things up and it was just to call and harass him about some dumb furniture thing. The longer the book went on, the more I felt like the author(s) forgot about the whole thing with Miranda until they randomly remembered and made up this elaborate story about Miranda blaming Logan for stealing money and all that. None of it really made sense to me because why would she even call attention to the "missing" money when she was the one taking it and, also, a person of interest to the FBI? It was super illogical and I found it hard to believe she'd be that stupid. That whole plotline seemed barely stitched together in the first place.
- I was interested about the dynamic of the book being centered around Logan being mentally and physically abused and overcoming that relationship with his girlfriend(I've never read a book where the mmc is the one who has been the victim of domestic abuse and I agreed with the note at the start that it isn't talked about enough), but, like I just mentioned, that whole plotline was half-assed at best. Logan makes a few random comments revealing he is worried he is going to ruin Declan and Jake's life with all his baggage, and there's barely any scenes actually showing us Logan's reality with Miranda and the effects of that abuse. Other than slight insecurities, it seemed like the abuse/after effects caused from that abuse was way too downplayed. Nothing to actually show us a natural process of him learning none of it was his fault and coming to terms with being in a healthy relationship. The book starts with him still in the abusive relationship and she is actively trying to destroy his life, but it seemingly made such a small impact on Logan and the rest of the book that it disappointed me how it was gone about.
- Logan jumps right into another relationship and, furthermore, Declan and Jake bring Logan into their marriage without even really talking about it. They're just like "We've talked about it in the past." and that's it. It's a huge thing to bring a third into their marriage, plus with Logan needing to heal and be shown how a healthy partnership is, and there's no build-up to that. We don't see them getting to really know each other until they are already basically together. And it's bare minimum info. Just way too fast-paced imo.
- And don't even get me started on the fact that, like I mentioned before, Logan forgave his mom and brother in a split second. They completely belittled him, didn't take him serious, and left him stranded and borderline homeless when he was at his lowest. Never even gave him the benefit of the doubt. And no groveling. At least, not to my standards. He tells them it's all okay when it's not.
All in all, I feel like this book could've been a 5-star for me if the amount of effort the author(s) put into the constant sex scenes was, instead, put into ironing out the story outside of the bedroom. The characters unfortunately did not have an impressionable impact on me that will last, and that's disappointing because I could definitely see the potential in the book.
dnf
May 20, 2021I don’t necessarily dislike the book, but it’s just not my thing? The first chapter is ROUGH.
This story is told from a first-person POV for three different characters and the book starts off from Logan’s perspective. He’s 24. Here, we see his relationship with his girlfriend who is physically and emotionally abusive and gaslights him a LOT. We then learn that she also has HIS entire family not believing him or showing him any sympathy. It’s rough. She also winds up killing his pet fish to hurt him and fires him from his job. She was his supervisor.
The story with Jake (31), a tattoo artist, and Declan (29), a hockey player, is easier to read. They’ve been together for seven years and have been married for four. What’s refreshing to read is that Declan is not in the closet and Jake and Declan are very much in love, even after so many years together.
There is some overlap with characters in the Kings of MC series but not a lot. The stories take place in the same town, but I don’t think you need to read that series before starting this one.
Personally, the story is a little too much for me concerning the abuse scenes even. I did like the main characters and Jake’s tattoo coworkers. I glanced ahead and don’t like how everything gets resolved with Logan’s family. THEY should be groveling and making a lot of apologies. The sex scenes are also a lot. And there’s not much hockey either.
Ultimately, I’m just going to put this book down as a DNF @ 34%.
Trigger warnings for what I’ve read so far includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, gaslighting, pet death, and blackmail.
This story is told from a first-person POV for three different characters and the book starts off from Logan’s perspective. He’s 24. Here, we see his relationship with his girlfriend who is physically and emotionally abusive and gaslights him a LOT. We then learn that she also has HIS entire family not believing him or showing him any sympathy. It’s rough. She also winds up killing his pet fish to hurt him and fires him from his job. She was his supervisor.
The story with Jake (31), a tattoo artist, and Declan (29), a hockey player, is easier to read. They’ve been together for seven years and have been married for four. What’s refreshing to read is that Declan is not in the closet and Jake and Declan are very much in love, even after so many years together.
There is some overlap with characters in the Kings of MC series but not a lot. The stories take place in the same town, but I don’t think you need to read that series before starting this one.
Personally, the story is a little too much for me concerning the abuse scenes even. I did like the main characters and Jake’s tattoo coworkers. I glanced ahead and don’t like how everything gets resolved with Logan’s family. THEY should be groveling and making a lot of apologies. The sex scenes are also a lot. And there’s not much hockey either.
Ultimately, I’m just going to put this book down as a DNF @ 34%.
Trigger warnings for what I’ve read so far includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, gaslighting, pet death, and blackmail.
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