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The Other Side of Here
The Other Side of Here
“I’m a man of regrets, my love. I can always think of a thousand ways I could have done things better. But I don’t regret him.”
Married for nearly two decades, Luca and Sebastion know what they want from life and from love, but they certainly don’t expect the shake-up that is Alexander Thomas. Their marriage has been open since the start, but it’s not until Luca sends a wrong text that they realize there might be room for something new. Something a little bit more permanent. The only problem is, Xan’s already taken, and the man he’s with is dangerous.
Xan’s life has been off the rails since his parents died, and with his current relationship turning toxic, he’s not sure he wants to inflict his chaos on the lives of two men who don’t deserve it. Luca and Sebastion are worthy of so much more, and Xan isn’t sure he’ll ever deserve the chance at their unconditional love. After all, he’s been engaged to a man who can’t stand him for two years, and he still can’t find the courage to leave. But when things go from bad to worse, Xan knows something has to give, and he realizes then the only difficult step to take is the first one.
Some relationships are meant for moments, and some are meant for forever, but none of these men know how their story will end until they’re standing together, on the other side of here.
The Other Side of Here is a MMM stand-alone romance with a happily ever after. Please see forward for content warnings.
Married for nearly two decades, Luca and Sebastion know what they want from life and from love, but they certainly don’t expect the shake-up that is Alexander Thomas. Their marriage has been open since the start, but it’s not until Luca sends a wrong text that they realize there might be room for something new. Something a little bit more permanent. The only problem is, Xan’s already taken, and the man he’s with is dangerous.
Xan’s life has been off the rails since his parents died, and with his current relationship turning toxic, he’s not sure he wants to inflict his chaos on the lives of two men who don’t deserve it. Luca and Sebastion are worthy of so much more, and Xan isn’t sure he’ll ever deserve the chance at their unconditional love. After all, he’s been engaged to a man who can’t stand him for two years, and he still can’t find the courage to leave. But when things go from bad to worse, Xan knows something has to give, and he realizes then the only difficult step to take is the first one.
Some relationships are meant for moments, and some are meant for forever, but none of these men know how their story will end until they’re standing together, on the other side of here.
The Other Side of Here is a MMM stand-alone romance with a happily ever after. Please see forward for content warnings.
Audible Audio
First published March 30, 2021
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About the author
E.M. Lindsey
143 books1,375 followersE.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
April 2, 2021
I started this book loving it and ended it feeling meh. So it’s getting an overall rating of three stars which for this one means liked but didn’t love. Because I can be a negative Nancy when I have issues with books, I’ll start with the things I liked. (I make no promises to change my ways permanently on this. 😂)
The good:
✅ I’ve read quite a few books by this author and, writing wise, this is the strongest one I’ve read. It was lovely. I liked the use of journal entries and the whole thing, despite the heavy content in places, had a dreamy flow to it that I really enjoyed.
✅ Well done hurt/comfort. (Trigger warnings for domestic abuse, both verbal and physical.) I appreciated how Xan wasn’t magically fixed by love after leaving Max.
✅ Not too many steamy bits but what was there was 🔥.
The meh:
🚫 My biggest gripe is that because this is a mmm book, I expected lots of time with the three of them eventually. And this did not happen. They didn’t get together until around 90% or so which left hardly any time at all. I don’t just mean the steamy times either. I wanted relationship building and time to connect with them as a trio. One could argue that they were building that relationship throughout the book with friendship first. But I would still have appreciated longer with them all together.
🚫 Because they didn’t get together till the end, everything felt fast and rushed and too insta-love for me. Again, one could argue that it wasn’t fast because they had been developing this the whole book. But for me, the pacing was off.
So there are my thoughts. Zero regrets about reading it. Good in many ways. But lost me at the end.
The good:
✅ I’ve read quite a few books by this author and, writing wise, this is the strongest one I’ve read. It was lovely. I liked the use of journal entries and the whole thing, despite the heavy content in places, had a dreamy flow to it that I really enjoyed.
✅ Well done hurt/comfort. (Trigger warnings for domestic abuse, both verbal and physical.) I appreciated how Xan wasn’t magically fixed by love after leaving Max.
✅ Not too many steamy bits but what was there was 🔥.
The meh:
🚫 My biggest gripe is that because this is a mmm book, I expected lots of time with the three of them eventually. And this did not happen. They didn’t get together until around 90% or so which left hardly any time at all. I don’t just mean the steamy times either. I wanted relationship building and time to connect with them as a trio. One could argue that they were building that relationship throughout the book with friendship first. But I would still have appreciated longer with them all together.
🚫 Because they didn’t get together till the end, everything felt fast and rushed and too insta-love for me. Again, one could argue that it wasn’t fast because they had been developing this the whole book. But for me, the pacing was off.
So there are my thoughts. Zero regrets about reading it. Good in many ways. But lost me at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2025
4.5***** stars
This was beautiful. And heartbreaking.
*********
I recommend reading the prologue first. It’s not part of the book, but you can get Love Always, Alexander as a freebie here.
*********
I love poly stories. It is a foreign concept for me as for many others too. Hard to grasp how to share the love of a loved one or to share your own. Even though I have kids and it’s basically the same imo. I don’t love any of them more or less than the other. My love for each of them is strong, infinite and independent. I imagine polyamory feels kind of the same.
*********
As for this book. The love Sebastian and Luca shared was simply beautiful, established in a marriage for two decades. But they had room for another person to love. And this other person was Alexander. His story broke my heart. But he had them. Even though it took him a long time to take what they were offering him - their love and care.
*********
I loved this (audio)book. It was angsty and deep but not to an extend that you're hurting all over while reading it. I’ve never heard of J.R. Warlow before but he did an outstanding job narrating this beautiful story.
*please read TW first
Enjoy! ♡
„Dear future husband…“
This was beautiful. And heartbreaking.
*********
I recommend reading the prologue first. It’s not part of the book, but you can get Love Always, Alexander as a freebie here.
*********
I love poly stories. It is a foreign concept for me as for many others too. Hard to grasp how to share the love of a loved one or to share your own. Even though I have kids and it’s basically the same imo. I don’t love any of them more or less than the other. My love for each of them is strong, infinite and independent. I imagine polyamory feels kind of the same.
*********
As for this book. The love Sebastian and Luca shared was simply beautiful, established in a marriage for two decades. But they had room for another person to love. And this other person was Alexander. His story broke my heart. But he had them. Even though it took him a long time to take what they were offering him - their love and care.
“He’s not a fool,” Sebastion said. “And I don’t think he’s the kind of person who would beg us to come all this way for nothing. He’s waiting on us, Luca.” He spun the man in his arms and held him by his wrists. “He offered his heart to us, and he’s waiting to see if we’ll take it.”
*********
I loved this (audio)book. It was angsty and deep but not to an extend that you're hurting all over while reading it. I’ve never heard of J.R. Warlow before but he did an outstanding job narrating this beautiful story.
*please read TW first
Enjoy! ♡
October 25, 2022
I started this book with REALLY high hopes. I love the MMM genre, but it has to be done well. This had SO MUCH potential, which is why I’m straight up MAD.
We have an older established couple in an “open” relationship. Which is fine ya know? I’m about as open minded as they come. But in this it felt completely unnecessary.
We have a young man who is totally broken by a long abusive relationship. I was really looking forward to the healing and how his new relationship with these two men picked up the broken pieces.
Unfortunately what I got was endless internal dialogue, very little relationship development between all three (they seemed to develop it in their heads), a poorly timed time skip, and a rushed ending.
There could have been half of the first 60% taken out (ie:the internal dialogue) and in its place a proper development of the bond between these three men.
Not to mention Sebastian and Luca literally rescuing and putting their lives and jobs on the line to help Xan and he vanished without a word for months. I don’t care that he was was broken by what Max did to him. That’s messed up and made me kinda hate him a little.
This isn’t a MMM book until the last 10%. It’s a love story about two men, and it’s a story about Xan. Very little is devoted to all three together.
I don’t rage often about a book, but these characters and the plot set up was done well enough that I was thoroughly invested by 50%. But then we hit 60% and I spent the rest of the book just... mad.
We have an older established couple in an “open” relationship. Which is fine ya know? I’m about as open minded as they come. But in this it felt completely unnecessary.
We have a young man who is totally broken by a long abusive relationship. I was really looking forward to the healing and how his new relationship with these two men picked up the broken pieces.
Unfortunately what I got was endless internal dialogue, very little relationship development between all three (they seemed to develop it in their heads), a poorly timed time skip, and a rushed ending.
There could have been half of the first 60% taken out (ie:the internal dialogue) and in its place a proper development of the bond between these three men.
Not to mention Sebastian and Luca literally rescuing and putting their lives and jobs on the line to help Xan and he vanished without a word for months. I don’t care that he was was broken by what Max did to him. That’s messed up and made me kinda hate him a little.
This isn’t a MMM book until the last 10%. It’s a love story about two men, and it’s a story about Xan. Very little is devoted to all three together.
I don’t rage often about a book, but these characters and the plot set up was done well enough that I was thoroughly invested by 50%. But then we hit 60% and I spent the rest of the book just... mad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2021
3.5 stars
March 19, 2024
Xan is a grad student. His parents were killed when he was still in high school, and he was still working on healing when he met Max when he was a sophomore in college. He’s now living with him as his fiancé, but Xan is miserable. Max has systematically cut him off from any other relationships, friendships, and even tries to interfere with one of his only remaining family members, his cousin Allie. While Max hasn’t hit him, he’s made him feel like he’s nothing and that no one would ever want him and that he couldn’t survive without him. He won’t allow him to go with him when he goes out with his friends. They really don't share anything, and Max continues to run Xan down. When Luca meets him on campus, he quickly realizes that something is very wrong, and they offer to help. After they meet, he realizes there might be more there than just being his friend. Luca has shared all this with Sebastion, his husband, and they are both on board to make Xan a part of their relationship, since they've always had an open marriage. Sebastian recognizes a lot of what is going on with Xan since he had had an abusive ex in the past and he didn’t have any support. Luca and Sebastian want to help but Xan may not be ready to accept what they are offering. Xan decides that he needs to help himself...so even though it breaks all their hearts, Xan leaves for Europe. Will he return? Sebastian and Luca can only go on with their lives and hope. This was beautifully written and read...and parts of it will break your heart. While I became a bit anxious for something to happen between the three guys...I began to see that this was the right step for them to take. I wondered about the title, but it's explained well as the guys work to make their relationship work. "You will never get to the other side of here if you don't take the first step"
May 8, 2021
Luca & Sebastian have a love that we all dream about but when Alexander comes into their lives unexpectedly everything they thought about their future was changed in an instant.
Alexander (Xan) has been on the brink of falling apart since his parents died. When he met Max, he thought that he was finally going to have that someone special in his life like his parents had with each other. As Max and Xan's future unfolds, he realizes that the man he fell in love with is no longer the man that he is engaged to. Max has gotten cruel, hurling insults like they are fireballs at Xan, and he doesn't know how much longer he can keep dealing with this. His only saving grace comes in the form of a wrong text where he meets Luca and Sebastian. They have the kind of love that you read about but Xan can't let his feelings get in the way of their marriage or the fact that he will never have what he really wants which is Luca and Sebastian.
Luca and Sebastian have been married for nearly two decades and they have done it all. They've had the open relationship, and they have even shared but they promised one another that if they ever brought anyone into their relationship on a permanent basis that they would both be careful. Alexander was the force that they never saw coming he had the youthfulness that they both still tried to preserve with one another. They initially wanted to help Xan get out of a bad relationship but as their feelings for him grew and they were terrified that they would run him off with their feelings for him before he had processed what he had been through.
You'll never reach the other side of here if you don't take the first step.
As Luca, Sebastian and Alexander try to navigate this new life that none of them saw coming hearts are broken and lives are changed forever. How can you love someone so much you just met? How are you supposed to let someone go even when you know it is for the best?
This was my first E.M. Lindsey novel, and it will not be my last!! Keep in mind this book did not have as many intimate moments as other stories like this have but when they did happen, they were powerful and beautiful to the moment. My heart fell for all three of these guys, especially Sebastian. He understood what Xan was going through because of his past and somehow, he knew what needed to be done before either Luca or Xan. The Other Side of Here gave me a whole new perspective when it comes to what you think love should be. Sometimes it is ugly and painful but that doesn't mean it isn't worth it because eventually you will come out the other side and it is 100% worth it.
Alexander (Xan) has been on the brink of falling apart since his parents died. When he met Max, he thought that he was finally going to have that someone special in his life like his parents had with each other. As Max and Xan's future unfolds, he realizes that the man he fell in love with is no longer the man that he is engaged to. Max has gotten cruel, hurling insults like they are fireballs at Xan, and he doesn't know how much longer he can keep dealing with this. His only saving grace comes in the form of a wrong text where he meets Luca and Sebastian. They have the kind of love that you read about but Xan can't let his feelings get in the way of their marriage or the fact that he will never have what he really wants which is Luca and Sebastian.
Luca and Sebastian have been married for nearly two decades and they have done it all. They've had the open relationship, and they have even shared but they promised one another that if they ever brought anyone into their relationship on a permanent basis that they would both be careful. Alexander was the force that they never saw coming he had the youthfulness that they both still tried to preserve with one another. They initially wanted to help Xan get out of a bad relationship but as their feelings for him grew and they were terrified that they would run him off with their feelings for him before he had processed what he had been through.
You'll never reach the other side of here if you don't take the first step.
As Luca, Sebastian and Alexander try to navigate this new life that none of them saw coming hearts are broken and lives are changed forever. How can you love someone so much you just met? How are you supposed to let someone go even when you know it is for the best?
This was my first E.M. Lindsey novel, and it will not be my last!! Keep in mind this book did not have as many intimate moments as other stories like this have but when they did happen, they were powerful and beautiful to the moment. My heart fell for all three of these guys, especially Sebastian. He understood what Xan was going through because of his past and somehow, he knew what needed to be done before either Luca or Xan. The Other Side of Here gave me a whole new perspective when it comes to what you think love should be. Sometimes it is ugly and painful but that doesn't mean it isn't worth it because eventually you will come out the other side and it is 100% worth it.
May 13, 2021
M/m/m books are one of my favourite genres. Unfortunately, most books are either too slow burn and boring, or crazy sex fests (which - of course - I also read haha).
Lindsey's novel belongs to the first category. Don't get me wrong, I really liked the fact that Luca and Sebastion wanted to give Alexander space and time to heal.
However, this hurting and healing took up most of the book. Only in the last 30 pages or so, there is 'romance' between the three of them. I'm using quotation marks because I didn't find it romantic at all. I'm talking about taking a trip to another continent for their first date - maybe this is just a rich people thing, who knows - and that weird bathroom scene (especially this!).
Most importantly, I couldn't connect with the characters and I certainly didn't read/feel them falling in love.
On to the next one!
Lindsey's novel belongs to the first category. Don't get me wrong, I really liked the fact that Luca and Sebastion wanted to give Alexander space and time to heal.
However, this hurting and healing took up most of the book. Only in the last 30 pages or so, there is 'romance' between the three of them. I'm using quotation marks because I didn't find it romantic at all. I'm talking about taking a trip to another continent for their first date - maybe this is just a rich people thing, who knows - and that weird bathroom scene (especially this!).
Most importantly, I couldn't connect with the characters and I certainly didn't read/feel them falling in love.
On to the next one!
July 18, 2021
Lo único que puedo decir de este libro es que es sumamente aburrido.
La premisa es buena y la mitad del libro es llevadero, pero a medida que pasan los capítulos cada vez es más tedioso y acabas muerta de aburrimiento antes de que pase nada.
Al final acabé saltándome estrofas enteras y puedo decir que no sé muy bien como llegaron al HEA, y eso que acabo de terminarlo, prueba de lo poco que me atraía la historia.
La premisa es buena y la mitad del libro es llevadero, pero a medida que pasan los capítulos cada vez es más tedioso y acabas muerta de aburrimiento antes de que pase nada.
Al final acabé saltándome estrofas enteras y puedo decir que no sé muy bien como llegaron al HEA, y eso que acabo de terminarlo, prueba de lo poco que me atraía la historia.
June 20, 2021
Beautifully written
I liked it, mostly nearer to the end. Not sure how I felt about the majority of it although I can see the authors intentions. Just didn’t always work for me.
I liked it, mostly nearer to the end. Not sure how I felt about the majority of it although I can see the authors intentions. Just didn’t always work for me.
March 30, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
The Other Side of Here is such an intense, incredibly beautiful story and I found myself totally engrossed from the first moments. This is a quiet book with a slowly developing relationship among the three men, and it is to Lindsey’s credit that they are able to make this story so very engaging, even without a lot of action. The set up here is so interesting, told in a modified epistolary style. After losing his parents, Xan began to journal and so he starts many chapters writing letters to his future husband where he shares his fears and his dreams. We also get letters from Sebastion and Luca, mostly notes to one another, but occasionally to Xan as well. These letters and notes set the stage for the story and reveal those emotions or feelings that the men aren’t always able to share with each other directly.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
The Other Side of Here is such an intense, incredibly beautiful story and I found myself totally engrossed from the first moments. This is a quiet book with a slowly developing relationship among the three men, and it is to Lindsey’s credit that they are able to make this story so very engaging, even without a lot of action. The set up here is so interesting, told in a modified epistolary style. After losing his parents, Xan began to journal and so he starts many chapters writing letters to his future husband where he shares his fears and his dreams. We also get letters from Sebastion and Luca, mostly notes to one another, but occasionally to Xan as well. These letters and notes set the stage for the story and reveal those emotions or feelings that the men aren’t always able to share with each other directly.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
April 10, 2021
I am a huge fan of Lindsey's work and this was no exception. I loved Luca and Sabastian's relationship the most, and honestly would have loved to read about their story as I think it would have helped me like this one better. I was unsure why they felt the need to share especially with Sabastian's past and I think that would have helped me in that aspect. Xan was the perfect balance for them and I felt so much for him and was happy he got his HEA finally. He truly deserved it so much. So this story is about love and loss and about finding yourself after you have been truly torn down by the one that is supposed to love you the most. Xan was able to put himself back together be able to have a truly happy life with Luca and Bas. It was beautiful to read this. I felt bad for Bas at times just because he was hurt so deeply prior to Luca and that hurt still lingered. Luca was the big protector and knew how to show his men how truly special and loved they were. I would definitely recommend this read if you are looking for age-gap, hurt/comfort with an established couple finding their perfect third.
ARC received and this is my honest review.
ARC received and this is my honest review.
April 11, 2021
I did the skimming a lot. It was actually a nice MMM story, but the execution was annoying.
I followed a couple in real life trapped in a toxic relationship and it's not pretty.
As for Xan, he reminds me of Rourke when he was with that a**hole ZilvinASS (if you don't know them, do your own research).
The annoying thing was they needed to be together a lot faster than two chapters in the ending.
Imo, the too much telling than showing didn't match my taste of the enjoyable story.
It was served in my face in a silver platter while I needed a little bit of thinking.
Yeah I agreed with some readers that this book was too long. Because nothing really happened except for Alexander trusting two strangers the never met to take care of his life.
Sure it's for a good reason, but what if Lucas and Sebastion were creepy two married men who were just needed a third?
Alexander, in my opinion, was too trusting, maybe because he's desperate for someone or two someone to safe him from his 'never talked about marriage' fiancé?
Sebastion and Lucas were in an open relationship marriage (I still don't understand why bother getting married in a first place if it's 'open' LOL).
They're of course got the happy ending, and the guys made Xan happy, finally.
maybe shortened it will make me adore this story more?
ARC was given for an honest review.
I followed a couple in real life trapped in a toxic relationship and it's not pretty.
As for Xan, he reminds me of Rourke when he was with that a**hole ZilvinASS (if you don't know them, do your own research).
The annoying thing was they needed to be together a lot faster than two chapters in the ending.
Imo, the too much telling than showing didn't match my taste of the enjoyable story.
It was served in my face in a silver platter while I needed a little bit of thinking.
Yeah I agreed with some readers that this book was too long. Because nothing really happened except for Alexander trusting two strangers the never met to take care of his life.
Sure it's for a good reason, but what if Lucas and Sebastion were creepy two married men who were just needed a third?
Alexander, in my opinion, was too trusting, maybe because he's desperate for someone or two someone to safe him from his 'never talked about marriage' fiancé?
Sebastion and Lucas were in an open relationship marriage (I still don't understand why bother getting married in a first place if it's 'open' LOL).
They're of course got the happy ending, and the guys made Xan happy, finally.
maybe shortened it will make me adore this story more?
ARC was given for an honest review.
April 7, 2021
This story was special in its own way. Mostly dealing with abuse, and the way forward.
I’ve read some books where the abuse is pretty strong, pretty graphic and pretty shocking. The abuse in this book isn’t as “strong” as many others, but.. this one felt more real. The abuse you find in this story I think is much more relatable to a much wider range of people. The abuse may be “less strong” than a lot of other books but it is still extremely harmful.
Watching Xan (Alexander) on his path forward wasn’t always easy, but I never stopped cheering him on, and I was so very happy for him by the end.
Our other two main characters were also a delight to read. They were older than Xan but it wasn’t ever really an issue. You could tell they were older, but it added to the story in a positive way for me. They are both very loving men who I also slightly fell in love with along the journey.
I’ve read some books where the abuse is pretty strong, pretty graphic and pretty shocking. The abuse in this book isn’t as “strong” as many others, but.. this one felt more real. The abuse you find in this story I think is much more relatable to a much wider range of people. The abuse may be “less strong” than a lot of other books but it is still extremely harmful.
Watching Xan (Alexander) on his path forward wasn’t always easy, but I never stopped cheering him on, and I was so very happy for him by the end.
Our other two main characters were also a delight to read. They were older than Xan but it wasn’t ever really an issue. You could tell they were older, but it added to the story in a positive way for me. They are both very loving men who I also slightly fell in love with along the journey.
March 4, 2021
MMM Em lindsey
I adored this book and normally I have a hard time with MM+ especially with an established couple but EM made it all good for me. Lol.
I loved Luca and Sebastian and how fiercely they loved each other. They are great communicators so when Alexander came along you know what each was thinking and how they worked out their approach and feelings for him and their future wants.
Alexander. Man my heart ached for him from the abusive relationship he’s in to the death of his parents. He is just a lost man looking to find himself and home.
These three men had quite the connection and how they worked together to make all three of theirs lives blend together with addressing feelings, relationship, and their future.
I loved them and would love to see more of them in the future.
I adored this book and normally I have a hard time with MM+ especially with an established couple but EM made it all good for me. Lol.
I loved Luca and Sebastian and how fiercely they loved each other. They are great communicators so when Alexander came along you know what each was thinking and how they worked out their approach and feelings for him and their future wants.
Alexander. Man my heart ached for him from the abusive relationship he’s in to the death of his parents. He is just a lost man looking to find himself and home.
These three men had quite the connection and how they worked together to make all three of theirs lives blend together with addressing feelings, relationship, and their future.
I loved them and would love to see more of them in the future.
March 27, 2021
I loved this MMM romance! Polyamory is NOT my thing, but this was special. This was written in the stars and meant to be. I loved the age gap, the longing, and the inevitably of it all. It was gorgeous!
October 27, 2022
Had I realized this story would focus so heavily on the MCs' *journey* to becoming a threesome and so little on them actually *being* a threesome, I would’ve given this a pass. It took until almost the end of the story before they finally came together, before they had any sort of physical interaction as a threesome. It was a major bummer after so much time spent figuring out their shit, and listening to all that flippin' internal dialogue, to have so little on-page time for their relationship or to see them together in a meaningful way. What’s worse, I didn’t think the three of them worked well together at all. They just felt like a very lopsided triad. The relationship betw Xander and Sebastian was esp awkward and never seemed to find its footing.
Also, just a couple of random observations that I couldn’t get beyond: I found it very suspicious and odd that Xander didn’t recognize Luca--the guy he supposedly had this visceral connection w after making heated eye contact at a bar several years ago--when he first saw him again, but he did recognize the random friend from that night? That made no sense at all and stank of manufactured plot point. And then there was that . Yikes. Idk maybe that’s a thing but it squicked me out.
Also, just a couple of random observations that I couldn’t get beyond: I found it very suspicious and odd that Xander didn’t recognize Luca--the guy he supposedly had this visceral connection w after making heated eye contact at a bar several years ago--when he first saw him again, but he did recognize the random friend from that night? That made no sense at all and stank of manufactured plot point. And then there was that . Yikes. Idk maybe that’s a thing but it squicked me out.
April 2, 2021
This book is a bit too angsty
While angst is not usually my cup of tea, I was able to enjoy the story overall. There is very little m/m/m sex until the end but there is love.
While angst is not usually my cup of tea, I was able to enjoy the story overall. There is very little m/m/m sex until the end but there is love.
April 25, 2021
4.5 stars!
This review and much more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews
Xan is a grad student. His parents were killed when he was still in high school and he was still working on healing when he met Max when he was a sophomore in college. He’s now living with his fiance, but he’s miserable. Max has his own life, his job, work friends and Xan is finally able to admit, probably even more that that. He’s systematically cut Xan off from any other relationships, friendships, and even tries to interfere with one of his only remaining family members in his cousin Allie. While Max hasn’t hit him, he’s made him feel like he’s nothing and that no one would ever want him and that he couldn’t survive with out him. He won’t allow him to come out with Max’s work friends, or really anything else. Xan has tried to leave before, but he just hasn’t been able to make it stick.
Luca sends a text to a potential dog walker – but he gets Xan by accident. He realizes something is wrong pretty quickly. He offers to help and after they meet, he realizes there might be more there that just being his friend. He has shared all this with Sebastion. They’ve always had an open marriage, but that was for something hot and fleeting, not necessarily something more permanent. But he thinks this might be different. Then things go from bad to worse with Max and Luca feels like he needs to help Xan. He recognizes a lot of what he’s seeing because Sebastion had an abusive ex in the past – and he didn’t have any support. Luca wants to be sure that Xan doesn’t try to take everything on by himself. But he may not be ready to accept what they are offering.
Xan does need Sebastion and Luca to help him extricate himself from his relationship. But he also realizes that it’s time that he takes steps to heal himself so that he can be ready for a real relationship. And he’s definitely not in that place. He’s got a lot of work to do on himself, but he never forgets how the two men that he met because of a wrong number text made him feel. He knew he was seen and understood. But he has to be in a place where he’s not just taking, but also has the ability to give.
This was really beautifully written. My heart broke over and over for Xan. He’s been through so much in his young life. He was just ripe for grooming by his abusive fiance Max. I was so happy when he made friends with Luca first and then with Luca and Sebastion. I knew that they would be able to help him. Then my heart broke again – for all of them. Sebastion and Luca’s relationship is lovely to see also – their level of honesty and understanding was beyond admirable. They have built a very solid foundation, but Luca’s heart really is so big and he has so much love to give. It takes a little bit of time for Sebastion and Luca to get to the same place, but they both realize that Xan could just make them more.
While some might object to how long it takes before the three of these men are in the same room, to me, it felt like the natural and frankly only believable pace at which this relationship could actually work. I loved the way the author conveyed their history, feelings and motivations without some big info dump. Their pasts are revealed in a way that is organic to the story. The sharing of their histories made me believe that the three of them could make this work and that no one would get lost in the shuffle. That isn’t to say that there weren’t challenges and obstacles to overcome and certainly nobody is perfect. But they met them with honesty and communication and I think that’s the key to any successful relationship between any number of adults 🙂 I really just love a good story where all of the principals share what they want and need and there isn’t any judgement and they all care for each other. In this case, their love just evolves in a way that works for them. That is what is so well done with this book. Highly recommended – especially for fans of believable, tender and triumphant polyamory stories.
This review and much more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews
Xan is a grad student. His parents were killed when he was still in high school and he was still working on healing when he met Max when he was a sophomore in college. He’s now living with his fiance, but he’s miserable. Max has his own life, his job, work friends and Xan is finally able to admit, probably even more that that. He’s systematically cut Xan off from any other relationships, friendships, and even tries to interfere with one of his only remaining family members in his cousin Allie. While Max hasn’t hit him, he’s made him feel like he’s nothing and that no one would ever want him and that he couldn’t survive with out him. He won’t allow him to come out with Max’s work friends, or really anything else. Xan has tried to leave before, but he just hasn’t been able to make it stick.
Luca sends a text to a potential dog walker – but he gets Xan by accident. He realizes something is wrong pretty quickly. He offers to help and after they meet, he realizes there might be more there that just being his friend. He has shared all this with Sebastion. They’ve always had an open marriage, but that was for something hot and fleeting, not necessarily something more permanent. But he thinks this might be different. Then things go from bad to worse with Max and Luca feels like he needs to help Xan. He recognizes a lot of what he’s seeing because Sebastion had an abusive ex in the past – and he didn’t have any support. Luca wants to be sure that Xan doesn’t try to take everything on by himself. But he may not be ready to accept what they are offering.
Xan does need Sebastion and Luca to help him extricate himself from his relationship. But he also realizes that it’s time that he takes steps to heal himself so that he can be ready for a real relationship. And he’s definitely not in that place. He’s got a lot of work to do on himself, but he never forgets how the two men that he met because of a wrong number text made him feel. He knew he was seen and understood. But he has to be in a place where he’s not just taking, but also has the ability to give.
This was really beautifully written. My heart broke over and over for Xan. He’s been through so much in his young life. He was just ripe for grooming by his abusive fiance Max. I was so happy when he made friends with Luca first and then with Luca and Sebastion. I knew that they would be able to help him. Then my heart broke again – for all of them. Sebastion and Luca’s relationship is lovely to see also – their level of honesty and understanding was beyond admirable. They have built a very solid foundation, but Luca’s heart really is so big and he has so much love to give. It takes a little bit of time for Sebastion and Luca to get to the same place, but they both realize that Xan could just make them more.
While some might object to how long it takes before the three of these men are in the same room, to me, it felt like the natural and frankly only believable pace at which this relationship could actually work. I loved the way the author conveyed their history, feelings and motivations without some big info dump. Their pasts are revealed in a way that is organic to the story. The sharing of their histories made me believe that the three of them could make this work and that no one would get lost in the shuffle. That isn’t to say that there weren’t challenges and obstacles to overcome and certainly nobody is perfect. But they met them with honesty and communication and I think that’s the key to any successful relationship between any number of adults 🙂 I really just love a good story where all of the principals share what they want and need and there isn’t any judgement and they all care for each other. In this case, their love just evolves in a way that works for them. That is what is so well done with this book. Highly recommended – especially for fans of believable, tender and triumphant polyamory stories.
April 6, 2021
I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
3.5 Stars
For me, there were two stories being told on the pages of The Other Side of Here. Xan's story, featuring a young man gathering the courage to leave an abusive relationship. Then there is the story told between Sebastion and Luca, a mature relationship evolving as the pages flew by.
An accidental friendship of sorts sparks between the couple and their Alexander the Great, mostly platonic at the start, a slow-burn romance angsty vibe. All between the sheets action until the ending is between the established couple, allowing the reader to learn how the couple functions. The heat and the passion is between Luca and Sebastion, as they pine away for Xan.
Xan's story was difficult to read for highly personal reasons. Because of this, I found myself both wishing to hug and throttle the young man for making me frustrated by his choices and inner monologue. I will say, obviously hindsight always gives red flags that were missed, and that is where the guilt and shame mostly stem from.
However, in Xan's case (as written by the author), from the get-go, during the first dates stage, every interaction was a red flag, which frustrated me, as it didn't go with the love-bombing vibe that supposedly hooked Xan at the start. Rolling up late or covered in hickeys does NOT fall into the love-bombing category used to hook Xan into a relationship. The emotional warfare later on in the relationship felt honest and real, yanking out very raw emotions within me. But I don't see why Xan even began dating a cheating guy who showed him no respect from the first date onward, when in the earlier portions made it sound as if Max was love-bombing him with awesomeness.
To be honest, I felt as if Xan was an unreliable narrator, and that might have been my problem with him. Other than feeling as if he was one-note, I honestly feel as if he was showing the reader an altered perspective. Either he was lying to himself or the author was drawing out the storyline, and this took some of the realism away.
I will say, the emotions didn't quite surface. Meaning, it felt as it Xan's story was "told" not "shown" Sebastion explaining how he felt in his past relationship, putting words to the feelings. This had me connecting to Sebastion, making him feel lifelike. However, I never felt as if Xan was showing these emotions. I can't quite explain this properly, other than how all the right moves and the correct words were written on the pages, but I didn't feel as if the characters were actually emoting them.
Luca, Sebastion, and Xan were perfect. Not only perfectly balanced as a polyamorous relationship, but good souls, with all the right words spoken. Highly supportive. Understanding, sympathetic, and empathetic. Caring and comforting. There will be readers who cannot get enough of the hurt-comfort vibe.
However, this particular reader felt the characters were too perfectly understanding, with zero flaws, to be messy enough to be realistic.
While I enjoyed the novel, read it in a single sitting, found the romance and storyline lovely, even with subject matter that I share in common, I never quite connected to any of the characters. Sebastion more than Luca and Xan. They were too perfect to feel real, the emotions never truly felt. The bond they felt to Xan too quick without any interactions. It made more sense for Sebastion to connect so deeply to Xan, having gone through something similar in the past, versus Luca instantly needing/wanting/craving Xan, and not necessarily in a sexual manner. There were no building blocks to this "love" as the characters hardly ever shared any page-time together. Not just in the bedroom, but in general, they spent hardly any time together for this reader to buy into their epic romance.
Perfectly sweet and comforting, I'm positive most readers will read this cover to cover, entertained while feeling a plethora of emotions. There was just something I can't quite explain as to why it wasn't a hit with me.
3.5 Stars
For me, there were two stories being told on the pages of The Other Side of Here. Xan's story, featuring a young man gathering the courage to leave an abusive relationship. Then there is the story told between Sebastion and Luca, a mature relationship evolving as the pages flew by.
An accidental friendship of sorts sparks between the couple and their Alexander the Great, mostly platonic at the start, a slow-burn romance angsty vibe. All between the sheets action until the ending is between the established couple, allowing the reader to learn how the couple functions. The heat and the passion is between Luca and Sebastion, as they pine away for Xan.
Xan's story was difficult to read for highly personal reasons. Because of this, I found myself both wishing to hug and throttle the young man for making me frustrated by his choices and inner monologue. I will say, obviously hindsight always gives red flags that were missed, and that is where the guilt and shame mostly stem from.
However, in Xan's case (as written by the author), from the get-go, during the first dates stage, every interaction was a red flag, which frustrated me, as it didn't go with the love-bombing vibe that supposedly hooked Xan at the start. Rolling up late or covered in hickeys does NOT fall into the love-bombing category used to hook Xan into a relationship. The emotional warfare later on in the relationship felt honest and real, yanking out very raw emotions within me. But I don't see why Xan even began dating a cheating guy who showed him no respect from the first date onward, when in the earlier portions made it sound as if Max was love-bombing him with awesomeness.
To be honest, I felt as if Xan was an unreliable narrator, and that might have been my problem with him. Other than feeling as if he was one-note, I honestly feel as if he was showing the reader an altered perspective. Either he was lying to himself or the author was drawing out the storyline, and this took some of the realism away.
I will say, the emotions didn't quite surface. Meaning, it felt as it Xan's story was "told" not "shown" Sebastion explaining how he felt in his past relationship, putting words to the feelings. This had me connecting to Sebastion, making him feel lifelike. However, I never felt as if Xan was showing these emotions. I can't quite explain this properly, other than how all the right moves and the correct words were written on the pages, but I didn't feel as if the characters were actually emoting them.
Luca, Sebastion, and Xan were perfect. Not only perfectly balanced as a polyamorous relationship, but good souls, with all the right words spoken. Highly supportive. Understanding, sympathetic, and empathetic. Caring and comforting. There will be readers who cannot get enough of the hurt-comfort vibe.
However, this particular reader felt the characters were too perfectly understanding, with zero flaws, to be messy enough to be realistic.
While I enjoyed the novel, read it in a single sitting, found the romance and storyline lovely, even with subject matter that I share in common, I never quite connected to any of the characters. Sebastion more than Luca and Xan. They were too perfect to feel real, the emotions never truly felt. The bond they felt to Xan too quick without any interactions. It made more sense for Sebastion to connect so deeply to Xan, having gone through something similar in the past, versus Luca instantly needing/wanting/craving Xan, and not necessarily in a sexual manner. There were no building blocks to this "love" as the characters hardly ever shared any page-time together. Not just in the bedroom, but in general, they spent hardly any time together for this reader to buy into their epic romance.
Perfectly sweet and comforting, I'm positive most readers will read this cover to cover, entertained while feeling a plethora of emotions. There was just something I can't quite explain as to why it wasn't a hit with me.
March 30, 2021
The Other Side of Here is an exceptional story by EM Lindsey. Everything about it is amazing.
This is a tale of two men in an established relationship and another man who connects with both of them.
This is a slow read. Things develop slowly over a long time. It takes a while to read it, as it's long and so damn involved. But it's well worth it.
Nothing about this story is easy or conventional. There's an abusive relationship, and falling in love with two men knowing they can't return his love.
The decisions that Luca and Sebastian make are amazing. Luca and Sebastian are relationship goals. No, not necessarily the open relationship thing, but the strength of their bond. Not only do their decisions surprise me, but they impress me. Dear god, they really love Xan and make decisions to keep him healthy.
Alexander is a lovable character who's so damn broken when we meet him. His journey from being Max's punching bag, to healing and finding himself again, is one hell of a long one.
I love every moment of this story. The connection between all three men is wonderful and their relationship is ultimately a beautiful thing.
As for the heat, hot damn! There's plenty of heat, including one hell of an awesome rimming scene.
As for the lesson the author teaches her readers, it's absolutely wonderful.
The Other Side of Here is a stellar menage hurt/comfort romance. Everything about this EM Lindsey story works for me. I am thrilled to have found this amazing and heart fought tale.
This is a tale of two men in an established relationship and another man who connects with both of them.
This is a slow read. Things develop slowly over a long time. It takes a while to read it, as it's long and so damn involved. But it's well worth it.
Nothing about this story is easy or conventional. There's an abusive relationship, and falling in love with two men knowing they can't return his love.
The decisions that Luca and Sebastian make are amazing. Luca and Sebastian are relationship goals. No, not necessarily the open relationship thing, but the strength of their bond. Not only do their decisions surprise me, but they impress me. Dear god, they really love Xan and make decisions to keep him healthy.
Alexander is a lovable character who's so damn broken when we meet him. His journey from being Max's punching bag, to healing and finding himself again, is one hell of a long one.
I love every moment of this story. The connection between all three men is wonderful and their relationship is ultimately a beautiful thing.
As for the heat, hot damn! There's plenty of heat, including one hell of an awesome rimming scene.
As for the lesson the author teaches her readers, it's absolutely wonderful.
The Other Side of Here is a stellar menage hurt/comfort romance. Everything about this EM Lindsey story works for me. I am thrilled to have found this amazing and heart fought tale.
March 31, 2021
This book has EM Lindsey's beautiful signature writing, amazing, loveable characters, and a storyline that will tug at all your heartstrings.
I love M/M/M books. Open relationships, throuples, and the like are my favorite type of books to read so I was really looking forward to this one.
Sebastion and Luca have been together for close to twenty years, they have a bit of an unconventional relationship, one that doesn't always make sense to their friends. Through it all, they have each other. You can see that in the notes that they write to each other at the beginning of each chapter. The love between these two bleeds off the pages. It's that love that helps them fall for Xan. It might not make sense, but after reading the book, it's clear that if Luca and Sebastion didn't have the love and respect for each other that they do, they wouldn't have been able to open their hearts to Xan.
Poor Xan, my heart absolutely broke for him. He needed so much love and care. I hated seeing what he was going through. I'm not going to lie, reading books with this subject matter is hard for me. Until you live it you don't actually know how hard it is to do what Xan ultimately does. He not only removes himself from a very difficult situation, but he opens his heart once again.
This book hurt. A lot. Not only Xan's situation but the love these three have for each other. It's beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. Because sometimes love isn't enough. Sometimes love isn't forever. Sometimes it's not the right time for love. I really love how EM Lindsey handled all the turbulent emotions in this book. They could have easily made everything better by the power of love and the magic of sex, but they didn't. It's one thing I appreciate the most in their books. The emotions are real and they're not just brushed over.
I loved every single second of this book. Luca, Sebastion, and Xan don't have a perfect relationship, they've all been hurt and haphazardly put back together, but that's what makes them all great together. The Other Side of Here is a beautiful book about love and life and finding yourself at the right time in the right place.
I love M/M/M books. Open relationships, throuples, and the like are my favorite type of books to read so I was really looking forward to this one.
Sebastion and Luca have been together for close to twenty years, they have a bit of an unconventional relationship, one that doesn't always make sense to their friends. Through it all, they have each other. You can see that in the notes that they write to each other at the beginning of each chapter. The love between these two bleeds off the pages. It's that love that helps them fall for Xan. It might not make sense, but after reading the book, it's clear that if Luca and Sebastion didn't have the love and respect for each other that they do, they wouldn't have been able to open their hearts to Xan.
Poor Xan, my heart absolutely broke for him. He needed so much love and care. I hated seeing what he was going through. I'm not going to lie, reading books with this subject matter is hard for me. Until you live it you don't actually know how hard it is to do what Xan ultimately does. He not only removes himself from a very difficult situation, but he opens his heart once again.
This book hurt. A lot. Not only Xan's situation but the love these three have for each other. It's beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. Because sometimes love isn't enough. Sometimes love isn't forever. Sometimes it's not the right time for love. I really love how EM Lindsey handled all the turbulent emotions in this book. They could have easily made everything better by the power of love and the magic of sex, but they didn't. It's one thing I appreciate the most in their books. The emotions are real and they're not just brushed over.
I loved every single second of this book. Luca, Sebastion, and Xan don't have a perfect relationship, they've all been hurt and haphazardly put back together, but that's what makes them all great together. The Other Side of Here is a beautiful book about love and life and finding yourself at the right time in the right place.
April 10, 2021
I enjoyed reading “The Other Side of Here” and finished it in one setting, I enjoyed it that much. I loved seeing Xan get the strength he needed to leave Max after receiving a missent text from Luca and gaining friendship not only from Luca but from Sebastion as well. The readers are able to see Xan become the Xan he wants to be with some nudges from them, and he in turn lets them see that maybe there is room for one more in their hearts and lives. I loved the journal entries interwoven at the beginning of each chapter and how Xan (and Sebastion) were not all magically cured by love, it is a pet peeve of mine when everyone is magically cured by love and/or sex. “The Other Side of Here” is a slow burn, that some may not like but I thought was perfect for the story being told. I highly recommend this hurt/comfort story.
I give this story 4.5 stars.
This review is based on an advanced copy received from the author.
I give this story 4.5 stars.
This review is based on an advanced copy received from the author.
March 26, 2021
Luca and Sebastian have been completely in love for twenty years. A few bumps before they found the perfectness of each other. By accident they met a man who filled all the holes they didn’t know were there.
Xan seems so young, trapped in a relationship that will probably end very badly for him. The two men offer him something he doesn’t think he deserves.
This was a heartbreakingly beautiful story about wanting and finding love in unexpected places. The use of a journal and letters pushed the story forward and I enjoyed the depth that was created between the three men by that use.
I liked that each man had their own separate voice. Sometimes in a menage storyline one of the characters seems to lose that something that makes them special. This book was nicely balanced.
I really enjoyed the book. Great story.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Xan seems so young, trapped in a relationship that will probably end very badly for him. The two men offer him something he doesn’t think he deserves.
This was a heartbreakingly beautiful story about wanting and finding love in unexpected places. The use of a journal and letters pushed the story forward and I enjoyed the depth that was created between the three men by that use.
I liked that each man had their own separate voice. Sometimes in a menage storyline one of the characters seems to lose that something that makes them special. This book was nicely balanced.
I really enjoyed the book. Great story.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
March 30, 2021
When Xan got together with Max he was a vulnerable lonely young man still grieving the loss of his parents, unsure and extremely shy. This made it easy for Max to take advantage of the situation and worm his way into Xan's life. But after almost 4 years of being together Xan is starting to realize he is not in a good place with Max and maybe it's time to get out before something horrible happens. Because of the situation he meets Luca and Sebastion through an app, they support him as he moves forward to escape his life with Max, but there is just something between them that could be so important, but if they have to be very careful or they will miss out on something special and a possible future together.
November 14, 2025
3.5 rounded up!
I loved the premise, and the safety that Luca and Sebastion provided for Xan. I liked the development of those relationships and how it felt natural like Xan's hesitancies were totally valid given the kind of relationship he just got out of. I liked the sort of missed opportunity but finding each other again with Luca and Xan and recognizing the tattoo.
My main beef with this was I just felt like I couldn't keep the timeline straight? I wasn't really sure how much time had passed between everything going on so at times it all felt super quick. Idk I don't always love long books but I feel like this needed an extra 100 pages for me to really believe in the intensity of the feelings at the end.
I loved the premise, and the safety that Luca and Sebastion provided for Xan. I liked the development of those relationships and how it felt natural like Xan's hesitancies were totally valid given the kind of relationship he just got out of. I liked the sort of missed opportunity but finding each other again with Luca and Xan and recognizing the tattoo.
My main beef with this was I just felt like I couldn't keep the timeline straight? I wasn't really sure how much time had passed between everything going on so at times it all felt super quick. Idk I don't always love long books but I feel like this needed an extra 100 pages for me to really believe in the intensity of the feelings at the end.
March 30, 2021
This was lovely. It can be tricky when an established couple finds a third (or more) and still tries to make it work. This was very well done.
There was a lot of communication here which was one of the best parts of the book. The other best part we and that once Sebastian and Luca found Xan...the story wasn’t over. There was no magic “we found each other and all our problems were solved.” Instead, we had much of the book where they were working on themselves, especially Xan, and trying to live their lives.
There was a lot of communication here which was one of the best parts of the book. The other best part we and that once Sebastian and Luca found Xan...the story wasn’t over. There was no magic “we found each other and all our problems were solved.” Instead, we had much of the book where they were working on themselves, especially Xan, and trying to live their lives.
April 10, 2021
I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
I was excited to read this book. I've been on a roll reading lots of M/M/M lately. This one missed the mark for me. I really didn't care for Xan. There were so many things he put up with and so many red flags that I just wanted to reach in the book and slap some sense into him. Luca and Sebastion just seemed too perfect. I think if the book was just about them I might have enjoyed it more. Don't get me wrong the three of them together was good, it just didn't work for me.
I was excited to read this book. I've been on a roll reading lots of M/M/M lately. This one missed the mark for me. I really didn't care for Xan. There were so many things he put up with and so many red flags that I just wanted to reach in the book and slap some sense into him. Luca and Sebastion just seemed too perfect. I think if the book was just about them I might have enjoyed it more. Don't get me wrong the three of them together was good, it just didn't work for me.
March 29, 2021
3,75/5
A la base, j'ai été attirée par ce roman grâce à sa couverture que je trouve très belle ! J'ai vu après qu'il s'agissait d'un MMM, et j'ai eu envie de tenter le coup quand même !
Il est difficile de parler de l'histoire sans trop en dire. On va dire que c'est l'histoire du rapprochement entre Alexander et d'un couple marié formé par Luca et Sebastion.
Ce que j'ai aimé dans ce roman, c'est que l'auteur prend le temps de poser les bases, de faire connaissance avec les trois personnages, mais surtout elle prend le temps au trouple de se former, d'ailleurs il ne se forme que très tardivement dans le sens strict du terme ! Cela renforce la crédibilité de la chose, même si les circonstances de la rencontre entre Xan et des deux hommes est un peu surréaliste dans le sens rapide, enfin surtout ce qui vient après. Quoique, parfois, l'alchimie marche tellement bien qu'on a l'impression que la confiance entre les personnages est acquise.
J'ai aimé aussi les introductions à chaque chapitre avec les lettres, c'est original je trouve ! Le sujet abordé grâce au personnage de Xan était bien fait aussi, surtout le pouvoir qu'un individu peut avoir sur un autre. La maltraitance n'est pas forcément que physique.
C'est un roman que j'ai pris plaisir à lire, je l'ai d'ailleurs dévoré très rapidement. Les personnages sont attachants, tous de manière bien différente. Le couple formé par Luca et Sebastion est absolument adorable, l'amour qui les lie se ressentait entre les lignes, sans parler de leur désir commun d'épauler et de soutenir Xan, toujours dans la délicatesse. Eux étaient conscients des sentiments ressentis envers le jeune homme, mais ils faisaient tout pour ne pas le brusquer, d'autant plus que ce dernier n'avait aucune idée de tout ça.
Pour moi, ce fut une chouette romance MMM, même si du coup, il se finit un peu trop brusquement...
Je conseille très fortement de lire la très courte nouvelle « Love Always, Alexander » qui permet vraiment d'avoir une introduction sur le personnage d'Alexander mais surtout d'être témoin de sa rencontre avec Luca !
A la base, j'ai été attirée par ce roman grâce à sa couverture que je trouve très belle ! J'ai vu après qu'il s'agissait d'un MMM, et j'ai eu envie de tenter le coup quand même !
Il est difficile de parler de l'histoire sans trop en dire. On va dire que c'est l'histoire du rapprochement entre Alexander et d'un couple marié formé par Luca et Sebastion.
Ce que j'ai aimé dans ce roman, c'est que l'auteur prend le temps de poser les bases, de faire connaissance avec les trois personnages, mais surtout elle prend le temps au trouple de se former, d'ailleurs il ne se forme que très tardivement dans le sens strict du terme ! Cela renforce la crédibilité de la chose, même si les circonstances de la rencontre entre Xan et des deux hommes est un peu surréaliste dans le sens rapide, enfin surtout ce qui vient après. Quoique, parfois, l'alchimie marche tellement bien qu'on a l'impression que la confiance entre les personnages est acquise.
J'ai aimé aussi les introductions à chaque chapitre avec les lettres, c'est original je trouve ! Le sujet abordé grâce au personnage de Xan était bien fait aussi, surtout le pouvoir qu'un individu peut avoir sur un autre. La maltraitance n'est pas forcément que physique.
C'est un roman que j'ai pris plaisir à lire, je l'ai d'ailleurs dévoré très rapidement. Les personnages sont attachants, tous de manière bien différente. Le couple formé par Luca et Sebastion est absolument adorable, l'amour qui les lie se ressentait entre les lignes, sans parler de leur désir commun d'épauler et de soutenir Xan, toujours dans la délicatesse. Eux étaient conscients des sentiments ressentis envers le jeune homme, mais ils faisaient tout pour ne pas le brusquer, d'autant plus que ce dernier n'avait aucune idée de tout ça.
Pour moi, ce fut une chouette romance MMM, même si du coup, il se finit un peu trop brusquement...
Je conseille très fortement de lire la très courte nouvelle « Love Always, Alexander » qui permet vraiment d'avoir une introduction sur le personnage d'Alexander mais surtout d'être témoin de sa rencontre avec Luca !
March 30, 2021
I'm a huge fan of EM Lindsey's work, and here they wrote another masterpiece. This is the kind of book that will break your heart in tiny little pieces, and when your least expect, it starts to put them back on, in the best way possible. Prepare to cry, to feel the characters pain and to cheer for them right from the beginning.
April 21, 2021
This was beautiful and sexy...fun and interesting and these 3 made me so happy. They were real and raw.. had issues and love...conflict and making up. It was wonderfully written and I love this author lol
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