Making a Mark

Triskelion #2

by Jodi Payne, B.A. Tortuga

When Troy and Saul became lovers, they worried about a lot of things. There was their age gap, their younger Dom-older sub relationship, and Troy’s health, which was made worse by job stress. They managed all that and more with a deep commitment, and with a lot of help from Troy’s longtime best friends, fellow Dom and sub couple Carter and Geoff.

In fact, Saul seems to be what all three of the other men need to see what’s been there all along, and to provide the balance they need to deepen their relationship in a very meaningful way. They’ve already made their marks on each other’s hearts. Now it’s time to start living the life they’ve all been dreaming of.

Nothing is ever perfect or easy, though, and they all have to shift their perceptions. Geoff has to come to terms with his need for submission and desire to dominate Troy, and Carter must redefine the two most important relationships in his life. Troy struggles to understand why Geoff and Carter want this with him now, after years of watching from the outside. And Saul has to create a whole new definition of family. Can they all break the rules again and become something more special than they can even imagine?

Genres: BDSM, M M M, M M Romance, Romance, Threesome, Friends To Lovers, Menage

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2021

About the author

JODI spent too many years in New York and San Francisco stage managing classical plays, edgy fringe work, and the occasional musical. She, therefore, is overdramatic, takes herself way too seriously, and has been known to randomly break out in song. Her men are imperfect but genuine, stubborn but likable, often kinky, and frequently their own worst enemies. They are characters you can’t help but fall in love with while they stumble along the path to their happily ever after.

For those looking to get on her good side, Jodi’s addictions include nonfat lattes, Malbec and tequila however you pour it. She’s also obsessed with Shakespeare and Broadway musicals. She can be found wearing sock monkey gloves while typing when it’s cold, and on the beach enjoying the sun and the ocean when it’s hot. When she’s not writing and/or vacuuming sand out of her laptop, Jodi mentors queer youth and will drop everything for live music. Jodi lives near New York City with her beautiful wife, and together they are mothers of dragons (cleverly disguised as children) and slaves to an enormous polydactyl cat.

Reviews

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saul y Troy, Carter y Geoff, ahora los cuatro han descubierto que su relacion puede ser mucho mas que amistad y apoyo. Y con el permisos de sus Doms, Troy y Geoff pueden explorar esa atraccion que sienten entre ellos, ademas de Geoff puede explorar un poco de su Dom interior. Pero los cambios no son faciles, las relacion multiples no son faciles, y menos cuando cada pareja tiene una dinamica tan distinta, y aunque Saul sigue siendo el mas joven de los 4, es el que trae al grupo una mejor imagen de lo que puede ser su nueva relacion. Ahora solo deben entender como funcionarian tanto juntos como separados.

Este libro es basicamente erotico, el romance es casi nulo, el crecimiento de los personajes imperceptible. Hay muchisimos capitulos que aparecen de la nada, y muchos otros que quedan cortados. Muchas conversaciones que debemos asumir que existieron y otras que no afectan en absoluto a la trama. Luche con el rating, porque creo que deberian ser 2.5 estrellas, ademas de que creo que si hubieran editado la mitad el libro, hubiera sido muchisimo mas facil de leer.
En fin, la serie esta resultando mas aburrida de lo que pensaba, muy monotona para lo que he leido antes de estos autores, y eso me entristece. Sin embargo voy a terminar de leerla, esperando que el ultimo libro teenga un final que valga la pena.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book, Breaking The Rules, was the platform for forming the beautiful relationship between Troy and Saul. In this one, Making A Mark, Troy and Saul’s journey takes a bit of an unexpected, but unsurprising, turn as they open themselves to a polygamous relationship with Troy’s best friends, Carter and his husband Geoff who is the artist behind Troy's Triskelion tats, and Carter is Troy's boss at the diner. The dynamic between these four is intricate and complex, particularly Troy’s struggle with Carter’s rejection for so many years, of refusing to be Troy’s Dom, and choosing Geoff instead. Now that Carter and Geoff want him, Troy can’t help but wonder, why. Why now? Why not before? Troy’s commitment to, and his need for Saul, solidly remains unchanged. Saul continues to provide Troy with the unwavering acceptance, dedication, and love he’s shown Troy from the first day they met. Saul chose Troy and there has never been any looking back. Saul is unquestionably what draws these men together...what makes the difference. The reader will empathize with Troy...be irritated with Carter and Geoff...and keep fingers crossed for Saul. In the end you can see how these men all end up where they belong with what they deserve. The relationship these four guys share is what makes Making a Mark so fascinating. Jodi Payne and B.A. Tortuga have delivered a story of making "four out of two" while keeping the "two's" firmly devoted to each other. We also learn a bit more about the meaning and import of the triskelia that covers Troys body that Geoff inks for him. Although building on the story as a continuation from Breaking the Rules, book 1. Making a Mark is different from book one...but it remains just as absorbing, impactful, and most importantly, enjoyable. These books really do need to be read in order. There is only 3 of them...but I do SO wish there were more.

[Denise H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colorado. Two M/M couples into BDSM, D/s, are working into their quad-foursome relationship.

* Saul, 25, a young Dom, manages a Bike Shop, his sub is Troy, 45, a cook, full on tattoos and piercings.
* Clark, older Dom, owns a diner while his sub, younger Geoff, runs his Tattoo Shop.
This continues from this first in the series, as we see these four men meld into a quad grouping.



We watch more from Saul and Troy's relationship as it grows, with trust and deep love in their daily lives. The expansion into polyamory is safe, sane and consensual BDSM. The Doms and subs are getting satisfaction and the relief they each need.



The descriptions are explicit, erotic, and passion filled, hard core sexy times. The Doms have talks, as do the subs, and of course each couple discuss expectations, as they make plans, and get verifications.



The subs plan a surprise for their Doms, and we see the understanding, satisfaction, and contentment this quad receives, and it's awesome.



They are accepted by friends, and their lives a fully on course. Changes take place at work, a visit with family for Saul and Troy is exciting, and we also hear about Geoff's Christmas sadness, and Troy's issues from childhood and a bad relationship.

The men are likable, and sweet to each other, honest and thoughtful. We are waiting for the next book.....

Well written and deeply passion filled, with a lovely yet intense relationship for our men.
ENJOY !

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[Relly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

This is the second book of there series and picks up right after book 1 finished. I have a great fascination for poly relationships and seeing how they work so this was right up my alley.

I loved watching the guys make their own family and how they all interacted, the interactions were seamless and there wasn't any real missteps amongst them. I liked how they kind of stayed as their duo's and slowly added on the other pair into the relationship. The Dom's really controlled what each sub would and wouldn't do, but also kept in mind what each one was comfortable with.

Geoff's desire to top Troy was good to read, it really came across how desperate he was to show Troy how much he loved him, and the two best friends were wonderful together as they branched out and each got comfortable in the interactions

I liked that Saul regardless of what was going still had a lead on his boy and knew when he was getting overwhelmed or confused by the changes in the relationships. It was wonderful to see him get angry and question why things hadn't happened before now, as it made Carter really evaluate his previous actions.

Carter still is a bit of an enigma to me as I don't feel like we know a lot about him and what makes him tick. I'd love to know more from him.

This one is shorter than the first book, but there is still a lot of talking happening. I'm in two minds as to how I feel about it. On one hand I'm happy that things were discussed with each progression showing the great consideration both Dom's had for their subs and I think this type of relationship doesn't work without a lot of honest communication, but on the other hand, I found my mind starting to wander during these times and wished they would just get on with.

Enjoyed the series, but I'd also like to know a little about the secondary characters as I feel like I may have missed a cross over somewhere.

Happy I read it, and would definitely read more to see where the realtionship leads

***ARC Provided by GRR. This is my honest and voluntary review***

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was already in love with Troy and Saul from book one. This book was just as beautiful. What started as two couples has now become a quad. Do they have their mistakes to work out and differences to learn? Yes but that doesn’t stop them from being a strong committed set. I loved how this book was all about getting on the same page and exploring their relationship further. These guys are already all in; they just have to figure out how to make it work. An absolutely gorgeous book with all the heat, love, and feels I have come to expect from this author duo. These two won’t let me down! The way these four men come together is beautiful. Troy has been on the outside looking in at Geoff and Carter for twenty years. All it took was finding the perfect younger Dom who could understand him and make him whole again to bring all of them together as one unit. I can’t wait to see where this one goes as their relationship deepens. It should be magical!

[Lesetiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making a Mark is the sequel to the Triskelion series. I recommend reading Breaking the Rules first for a better understanding.
Saul and Troy, who met in the first book, are now a couple.
Authors Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga have written a fast-paced and interesting, yet emotional second installment. Saul and Troy get closer to Carter and Geoff and the authors have described it very well and portrayed it authentically that the men want to have a relationship. This is an interesting constellation and also difficulties of a relationship with two Doms, a Sub and a Switch.
There are hot scenes and I found this volume to be almost hotter than the first volume.
I was captivated by the book and am already very curious about the next volume

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing sequel

This book is a sequel to Breaking the Rules and although you could understand this book on its own you really should read this story after that because you will get so much more out of this story that way. The first book is more about Saul establishing a D/s relationship with Troy and the problems they encounter.
In this book they are a committed couple and gradually are getting closer to their friends Carter and Geoff. Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga do just as an amazing job with this novel as they did with the first one. They have balanced everything extremely well, not only making it believable that all four of these men would want to have a relationship especially with two of them being Doms but also they have written a well paced book that brings together all the different parts of the the men’s lives.
It’s even hotter than the other book and those scenes are treated in a way that I could just imagine what was going on. It’s hard enough to write good intimate scenes but when you are juggling four people it’s even more difficult especially as to keeping everyone straight. (Sorry I couldn’t resist the pun) I enjoyed all of the various scenes like that and never had any trouble keeping up with things. That takes skill.
The other main problem that I have had with other poly books is the issue of jealousy. There is no way that can’t be part of a relationship with more people in it but many books either don’t address it or do a bad job of it. Part of why these authors are successful with this issue is the length of the two books which gives them a longer build up to develop the relationship but also they have been working out problems for the men from the beginning of the first book. The very dynamic that they start with makes it clear in retrospect that they had this planned out from the beginning.
I think this is about the longest review that I have written and I usually don’t like them long so I will just say that if I had a special button that I could push to give them more stars then these two books would have gotten a ten. Terrific storytelling ladies.

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Making a Mark is the second book in the Triskelion series and should be read in order as it's a continuation and development in the relationship between Saul, Troy, Carter and Geoff. Two couples in the D/s life but they become so much more than that.
Reading this book was a little like reading a slow burn romance as they all learn and get used to interacting in different pairs as well as as a quartet. It makes for interesting, and hot, reading, coming to understand along with the four men how they work so well together and what they each bring to the dynamic. Emotions come through clearly as all of the men experience excitement at this new connection but also fear that they're either not enough or will do something wrong but it's a lesson for all of them that, as humans, we all make mistakes but they are there for each other, building stronger bonds and deeper love across the story. I think this is especially telling when it comes to Christmas and how much Troy and Geoff especially, need each other and can specifically share in their pasts together, finding comfort together.
A recommended read from Jodi and BA with another good story exploring relationships and connections between four men.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Beate Dorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

That’s the stuff I love: BDSM mixed with polyamory and a lot of trouble, emotions, finding the different ways in the quad.

Making a mark is the second book in the Triskelion series and you definitely have to read the first book before of this. I already loved part one of the series, where Troy is found by Saul. Additional already the side characters Geoff and Carter were cute.

This book is so emotional and shows also the difficulties of getting a sub, a switch an two doms together. Also for a not native English speaker it was easy Toto read, I only took it away as I had to sleep.

Hopefully we‘ll get more to see from Troy, Saul, Geoff, Carter and all the other side characters. I really need the scene of the first get together of Saul and Carter.

I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these guys!!!

This first book was good but this was wayyyy better. Seeing them all learning to really get each other was so beautiful. Even though Geoff and Carter known and loved Troy for years there was still some learning they needed to do. Saul had to start from scratch with Troy and by doing so got an insight into Geoff and Carter in the last book. This one gives the strong sense of family and love that I so wanted to see. Please tell me we will see more of these guys.
Since the third book is coming out I had to read these again. Let me tell you it was just as powerful now as it was the first time I read it. Saul may have been the missing piece but Try is the heart. Carter is what keeps them stable and Geoff is the light. I can’t wait to read the next one.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Troy and Saul are in a relationship that is different in that there is a 20 year age gap and the dominant is the younger guy. In their initial story as Troy and Saul were coming together the relationship Troy had to his found family/community was deepening. He had stayed on the edges but as his relationship with Saul developed so did his relationship with others. In this installment Troy and Saul become involved with Geoff and Carter. Things evolve to include all of the men in a polyamorous relationship. As their connection deepens each of them works to find his personal balance. I liked all of the characters and the ways that they all worked to be both couples and a collective in a way that made sense to them.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great continuation of Saul and Troy's story, as they begin to form a quad with Carter and Geoff. I like seeing things from all the different points of view. I find this evolving dynamic true to life, as we see doubts and confusion from different characters as things progress. Saul is younger than the other three men, but none of this would be possible without his involvement. It's wonderful to see how much happier the men become as the bond between them all grows. I look forward to seeing where the final installment takes them, and I hope to learn more about Carter. I feel like I know the other characters pretty well by now, but Carter still needs to open up more. I think his partners, Saul in particular, can help make that happen. Bring it on!

[smatchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book better than the first one. There were still some slow parts but overall the pace was much improved. I’m not sure that I thought that a foursome was the next step I would have expected for these two couples but it was hot as hell so I can’t say that it was a bad thing! I liked that there was still the commitment to each other inside the couples first. I’m very glad I took the chance to read this book, I almost didn’t based on the first one. I still feel like it was a bit too long and that some parts were too slow, but if you made it through the first one, I think you will like this one a lot.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a care and a steadiness to the way these two couples intertwine their lives to become one unit, and I really liked how readers got to see the dynamics develop as a series of shifts, some subtle, some not, that bring each individual character into the larger whole. It’s super hot, of course, but it’s also an emotionally complex process and I like that it’s clear how everyone has a place and what they each bring to each other and their relationship. I would love to see more of these characters— I hope their story gets another book!

*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LJ Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly recommend reading the first book in this series, Breaking The Rules, because it features both couples in this book and gives you their back story. Both stories feature Troy, Saul, Carter and Geoff. MMMM relations in every way. Some BDSM but not too rough, two caring Doms and 2 very sweet subs. I was so impressed by their devotion to each person and the understanding they had for each other. This is a low angst book and is very well written. I really enjoyed Making A Mark and look forward to the the next book, even though it isn't supposed to be out till 2023. : (

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

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this 2nd book of The Triskelion series the reader delves into Troy & Saul's relationship further and how these two men become intertwined with Geoff & Carter who also appeared in the 1st book Breaking The Rules. The four's connection only immerses itself more intensely as each discovers their personal balance in this M/M/M/M bond. Each requires making adjustments to their individual Dom/Sub agenda and thus generating an established interpretation of a unique family life. This my voluntary opinion & review of the ARC I received.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this story that starts with two couples and ends in a successful poly relationship. The authors have done an amazing job of showing all the stages of the relationship from its existence as just a fleeting thought through all the discussions, negotiations, and self explorations. Each person in the relationship maintains their identity and each has distinct relationships with the others. They all aren't trying to be everything to everyone or trying to have exactly the same type of relationship or interaction with every member of the group.

[Sarah Mitcham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming More.

MM, D/s, Poly, Romance. The second book in the series and it definitely needs to be read in series order as the story follows on throughout the series. An easy to read page-turner with great characters and a steamy BDSM theme. Lots of information given throughout this extremely well written story, I cannot fault anything as I absolutely loved everything about this story.

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making A Mark, The Triskelion series book two by Jodi Payne & B. A. Tortuga. Absolutely loved this m/m/m/m love story. The characters are wonderful! Definitely a must read! Loved this times four! This book took me awhile but, I couldn’t stop reading!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their relationship is growing and another couple may be joining them in their relationship. This tale follows them all and their ups and downs during this story. Where will it take them? Will it work between them all? See just where they all fo

[Cynthia Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

These men are so beautiful together. Saul has made all four a family. Troy is the glue for all and Carter with Geoff makes them so amazing. They have some growing pains but they all are so much stronger together.


I recommend you read in order.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the scare that Troy and Saul had they keep defining their relationship. And the hotness scale jumps when Carter and Geoff get in the mix. They develop a rhythm together that not many couples can accomplish. I love their connection. This book was another great read.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars - This is the second book in this series, and once again I loved the story but was not a fan of the writing style. It's written in third person and there were so many times I had to go back and reread sections because I thought we were talking about one character and it was really about another. I normally do not have an issue following what character the story is currently talking about, so this became very frustrating.

This was a unique take on a poly relationship, as we have 2 established couples coming together to form a quad. It's something I haven't encountered before and I enjoyed seeing all the dynamics play out. The D/s element added even more drama, especially with Saul and Carter. I love that the characters all make mistakes and learn from each other. It makes the story so much more realistic compared to relationships where everything works out perfectly.

With 4 MCs, there's a lot going on. The overall arch of the story was complex but not difficult to follow. I'm still in love with the characters, especially Troy, and we keep learning more about them. It's wonderful that the characters aren't stagnant.

Overall, a wonderful addition to the series. Even though I'm not a fan of the writing style, I'm so invested in the story at this point I don't care and will finish the series!

I received and ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Troy and Saul become closer in their D/s relationship. They also become closer to Carter and Geoff, Troy’s friends from before he met Saul. It seems the four men are even better together. Geoff enjoy dominating Troy while Doms Saul and Carter explore their relationship. Along the way, family is redefined and expanded. Troy struggles with health issues and is not sure how Geoff and Carter would want to include him now. Once again communication is the key. If a few rules are broken, who would care if it fits their needs?

The growing and changing relationships of these four men make for some amazing reading. Each couple knows they belong together but now they have a new depth of feeling when they become a quad. They do communicate and stress to each other that it is the key if this is to work. It makes everything beautiful and loving.

[R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saul and Troy are in a committed Dom/sub relationship. Troy is older and really unsure of himself. Carter and Geoff are also a Dom and sub. Crushing on each other, Troy and Geoff are happy (with reservations) to finally get the chance to be together.

The dynamics of the story were confusing at times. I had a bit of trouble sorting out who belonged with who. The Dom/sub aspect was defined fairly well I thought. The give and take of the main relationships seemed well defined, it was when they became a quad that it got a bit muddied.

The authors did their usual magic and created an interesting story. Full of love and need. Geoff and Troy were really hot together and all the characters seemed sympathetic and caring. I’d recommend reading the first book before tackling this one.

I received an arc of this book.

[Anne Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly let me say I’ve got this book of gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review
Wow this is the second book in the series (please make sure to read the first book in the series to get the best of this story). and it just keeps getting better and better. I think it’s safe to say I fell for Saul and Troy in the first book. But watching them grow in a polyamorous relationship with Troys best friends Carter and Geoff has blown my mind. What makes it special is that communication. the passion is off the charts there is something mind blowing about them together. It’s like meeting new people the way that they act but Troys got a lot to get his head round. For 20 years he’s been looking in on Carter andGeoffs relationship. They have to be honest with each other For them to grow stronger. Blown my mind cannot wait for Book three.

[Lexicdark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a continuation of Book 1, so you do need to have read that book to understand this one.

Here is where Saul and Troy start to make a quad-relationship with Geoff and Carter, the other main couple from book 1 who got Troy started with his life in Boulder. This book gets a little more interesting because you have a lot of new dynamics to work out. You also get 2 new POVs in this story as well. So you learn more about Carter & Geoff's back story and get to see inside their heads a little. Again, really low angst/tension, so it was hard for me to get into it. But well written and the story flows. I just wanted a little more edge to the story. With poly relationships the holidays can be hard, and since it was a new thing, it was interesting how the holidays were split up and celebrated.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saul and Troy are solid, but they aren't complete. Not without Carter and Geoff- Troy's boss, best friends and family. Can two doms and two subs make it work together? Being a quad isn't easy, but the four know their family is only complete with all of them. With 20 years of friendship between Troy, Carter and Goeff, there is a lot of history, a lot of relearning and a lot of love. With Saul pulling them all together, will Troy finally get the family he's always wanted?

Oh this book was sweet and sexy without glossing over all the bumps that come along with merging families and growing as people. I simply adore Troy and his wonderful men. Watching them all navigate their new dynamic was tender and touching.

[Louise Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmmmmm

I dont usually get into this kind of book but on the whole I enjoyed most of the characters and finished it with a better understanding of the Dom/submissive relationship. My one problem was, I didnt like Geoff. I was left wondering if many non doms were immature and selfish, expecting to get their own way through manipulation and lack of empathy for other groups involved in people's lives. Geoff's attitude toward Saul and Troy going to meet family and spend time with people who were important to Saul annoyed me. I think he needed to grow up and realise they had a place too. I'm not sure if I'll read the next book. Maybe some of the subject matter got a bit overwhelming.

[June · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me, this book had lots of potential to be better than it was. It was confusing to know who was talking because the POV jumped around a lot, and each character didn’t really have their own distinct voice. The authors also could have added things like, said Troy. Or, said Carter. I had to go back and re-read a lot because I had to figure out who was talking or touching or whatever. Also, quite a few scenes were FTB. When you thought something was gonna go down, the next page had jumped to a few days later. And then the way it ended? I didn’t even realize it was the end except for the word END at the bottom of the page.

Too bad.