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Surprise: Love & Rugby series
Greer Fox is a teacher, an actor, and a hopeless romantic. He has a life he adores, but longs to find a love like his friends have with their partners. Despite getting bruised, he keeps his heart open. Catching feelings for Owen Kim, his secret hookup buddy from his rugby club surprises Greer, but he’s open to exploring whatever might come from a relationship with Owen.
Physical therapist Owen Kim’s life has revolved around building and expanding his practice. In his black and white world, Greer provides the color. What started out as fun and casual has now opened his eyes to what he’s been missing, and Greer is the catalyst to exploring what he hasn’t let himself have in years.
A new year’s eve spent dancing and kissing with their mutual crush, meteorologist Storm Breen, gives the trio a taste of what can happen when desires are explored and the knowledge that they want more of what they can bring to each other.
Fitting each other into their lives is almost seamless and the trio clicks together like nothing else they’ve ever experienced. Neither Greer nor Storm have been in a relationship with more than one person before, and Owen fears the reason his last triad ended could repeat itself. Their deepening bond brings vulnerabilities to light, and sharing secrets, needs, and feelings isn’t easy for three men who have very good reasons for keeping their defenses in place, even though those walls have the power to tear them apart.
Physical therapist Owen Kim’s life has revolved around building and expanding his practice. In his black and white world, Greer provides the color. What started out as fun and casual has now opened his eyes to what he’s been missing, and Greer is the catalyst to exploring what he hasn’t let himself have in years.
A new year’s eve spent dancing and kissing with their mutual crush, meteorologist Storm Breen, gives the trio a taste of what can happen when desires are explored and the knowledge that they want more of what they can bring to each other.
Fitting each other into their lives is almost seamless and the trio clicks together like nothing else they’ve ever experienced. Neither Greer nor Storm have been in a relationship with more than one person before, and Owen fears the reason his last triad ended could repeat itself. Their deepening bond brings vulnerabilities to light, and sharing secrets, needs, and feelings isn’t easy for three men who have very good reasons for keeping their defenses in place, even though those walls have the power to tear them apart.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2022
About the author
Susan Scott Shelley
65 books170 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Susan Scott Shelley writes romance with heat and heart that celebrates love without limits. A city girl who likes being out in nature as often as possible, she has yet to meet a plant she hasn’t wanted to take home and she really wants a pet crow.
Learn more at https://www.susanscottshelley.com
Learn more at https://www.susanscottshelley.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 27, 2022
I love MMM romances and was excited to check out this offering from Shelley and Mer. Unfortunately, I found much of the book to be clunky.
While the element of Found family is well done and the support the groups of men have for each other is fantastic, I struggled with the relationship between Owen, Greer and Storm.
I get that they are all expected to be flawed characters and that their relationship makes each of them better. But it just seemed that 95% of their relationship was reassuring the others and it got kind of old.
Some elements were artfully written (going to meet Owen’s family), some appeared to be written to appear more dramatic than called for (no spoilers). The rugby team dynamics were interesting and well-explored. However, readers were taken head-spinningly from Owen and Greer being friends-with-benefits to them needing to be in a triad with Storm like they need air to breathe. I didn’t find it super believable.
3 stars for the components that were well done.
While the element of Found family is well done and the support the groups of men have for each other is fantastic, I struggled with the relationship between Owen, Greer and Storm.
I get that they are all expected to be flawed characters and that their relationship makes each of them better. But it just seemed that 95% of their relationship was reassuring the others and it got kind of old.
Some elements were artfully written (going to meet Owen’s family), some appeared to be written to appear more dramatic than called for (no spoilers). The rugby team dynamics were interesting and well-explored. However, readers were taken head-spinningly from Owen and Greer being friends-with-benefits to them needing to be in a triad with Storm like they need air to breathe. I didn’t find it super believable.
3 stars for the components that were well done.
December 15, 2022
OMG !! Almost DNFed it !!! To me, it felt like reading 2 stories. Owen and Greer'story before meeting Storm and, after meeting Storm, the triad story. And of course, there's no connection between the two ! Let me explain !
The story starts with Greer and Owen being friends with benefits. It's clear they're having strong feelings for one another. Greer, in particular, has been looking for true love for a long time. He's falling hard for Owen. Never, was it hinted that he wished to be in a triad. Owen is more reserved but is still slowly falling for Greer. It was not hinted he had been in a triad in a previous relationship.
Then, before they explore those feelings, they meet Storm in a bar. Bam !! Big schism !!
Greer and Owen never discussed the need for a third person in their relationship. They never acknowledged they had a relationship !
They meet Storm and, suddenly, they need a triad !!! It made no sense at all !! From that moment, the three of them want to be together all the time as if it was meant to be ! Greer never questions the fact he's getting involved in a triad, something he never wanted before Storm. And it feels like Owen is finally getting what he always wanted !! But we never heard anything on that up until he meets Storm !
Not believable at all !
I gave 2 stars for the hot sex ! That's it !
The story starts with Greer and Owen being friends with benefits. It's clear they're having strong feelings for one another. Greer, in particular, has been looking for true love for a long time. He's falling hard for Owen. Never, was it hinted that he wished to be in a triad. Owen is more reserved but is still slowly falling for Greer. It was not hinted he had been in a triad in a previous relationship.
Then, before they explore those feelings, they meet Storm in a bar. Bam !! Big schism !!
Greer and Owen never discussed the need for a third person in their relationship. They never acknowledged they had a relationship !
They meet Storm and, suddenly, they need a triad !!! It made no sense at all !! From that moment, the three of them want to be together all the time as if it was meant to be ! Greer never questions the fact he's getting involved in a triad, something he never wanted before Storm. And it feels like Owen is finally getting what he always wanted !! But we never heard anything on that up until he meets Storm !
Not believable at all !
I gave 2 stars for the hot sex ! That's it !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2023
** I was given a free copy of this book to read and review for Gay Romance Reviews. **
3.5 STARS
SURPRISE is the fourth installment in the Love & Rugby series. It can be read as a stand alone without issue but I feel it should be read in order so you experience the characters from others perspectives.
Owen is the rugby teams resident physical therapist and Greer is the teams little bit of sunshine he brings when he's around. Greer and Owen have been secretly hooking up without anyone knowing but Greer is feeling some sort of way that he wants more but he's afraid to tell Owen. Just when you think they are going to profess their need for more to each other they instead decide to bring in a third, Storm the local weather forecaster. Each man brought their own baggage some bigger than others which is typical for a relationship but this one there was a lot of reassuring each other it would work. I felt at times Greer was left out and Storm and Owen spent more time together doing couple things.
I did find the middle to be a slow read for me. I pushed through and did enjoy the rest of the book but it didn't flow as well as the first three in the series. I am looking forward to what's next and just hope that the sluggishness I felt with this one is because of the triad relationship aspect.
3.5 STARS
SURPRISE is the fourth installment in the Love & Rugby series. It can be read as a stand alone without issue but I feel it should be read in order so you experience the characters from others perspectives.
Owen is the rugby teams resident physical therapist and Greer is the teams little bit of sunshine he brings when he's around. Greer and Owen have been secretly hooking up without anyone knowing but Greer is feeling some sort of way that he wants more but he's afraid to tell Owen. Just when you think they are going to profess their need for more to each other they instead decide to bring in a third, Storm the local weather forecaster. Each man brought their own baggage some bigger than others which is typical for a relationship but this one there was a lot of reassuring each other it would work. I felt at times Greer was left out and Storm and Owen spent more time together doing couple things.
I did find the middle to be a slow read for me. I pushed through and did enjoy the rest of the book but it didn't flow as well as the first three in the series. I am looking forward to what's next and just hope that the sluggishness I felt with this one is because of the triad relationship aspect.
February 22, 2023
Surprise was a perfectly apt title for the fourth book of this series. It’s been awhile since I read the blurb, so when Storm was reintroduced and the triad was brought up, it was like BAM! Surprise! It’s MMM. Which I love. It was abrupt, I thought I was reading Greer and Owen’s story that’s been building then it all took a hard right. When I was finally able to sit down and focus on reading this, I was hooked. It was so hard to put down! Greer, Owen and Storm’s chemistry is magnetic. They are drawn to one another, they know how to read each other well. Their communication started out pretty good. I was really hoping there wasn’t going to be a split up in this book like the others in the series. Unfortunately, all the men in these friend groups all have a serious stubborn streak. I didn’t feel that it was totally in Greer’s character to completely breakdown and cut the other’s out. He’s such a caretaker and, even though still hurting and affected by his parents’ death, he’s so strong. And fiercely loyal. I could more see him going overboard caring for Storm and Owen after the accident. Just thank goodness they got their happy ending. This was my second favorite book/relationship of the series. So far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2023
Greer+Owen+Storm = ❤️
4 Stars ⭐️
For those that have followed this series, Greer has been unlucky in love and a hopeless romantic sitting on the sidelines as his friends pair up and find love. Not only does he unexpectedly find himself catching feeling for his occasional hook up from the Rugby Club, Owen. These men don't know what hit them when Storm comes rolling into their lives like the perfect puzzle piece that was missing ❤️ I adored these men together, all three of them just fit like...Peanut Butter, Jelly and Fresh baked bread. Throughout the book the relationship struggles became evident as much as the love between these 3 was present. It wasn't easy and it did take work, all three have pasts that haunt them and hold them back. The dynamic between the three was on point, Owen so steady, bossy in the bedroom 🔥 and strong, Storm calm and caring...and Greer the perfect blend of everything. I would 100% recommend this book, especially for series fan.... the epilogue was so cute and satisfying.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4 Stars ⭐️
For those that have followed this series, Greer has been unlucky in love and a hopeless romantic sitting on the sidelines as his friends pair up and find love. Not only does he unexpectedly find himself catching feeling for his occasional hook up from the Rugby Club, Owen. These men don't know what hit them when Storm comes rolling into their lives like the perfect puzzle piece that was missing ❤️ I adored these men together, all three of them just fit like...Peanut Butter, Jelly and Fresh baked bread. Throughout the book the relationship struggles became evident as much as the love between these 3 was present. It wasn't easy and it did take work, all three have pasts that haunt them and hold them back. The dynamic between the three was on point, Owen so steady, bossy in the bedroom 🔥 and strong, Storm calm and caring...and Greer the perfect blend of everything. I would 100% recommend this book, especially for series fan.... the epilogue was so cute and satisfying.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
January 24, 2023
This is the fourth book in the Love and Rugby series and I recommend reading them in order as we meet some of the characters in earlier books. Owen is the Rugby team’s physical therapist and has been secretly hooking up with Greer, a player on the team. Greer is wanting more but not knowing how to broach the subject. They end up inviting a third, Storm, who is the local meteorologist. They all have some sort of baggage that they must get over individually as well as work through growing feelings among the three of them. A relationship blooms and they get their HFN.
I really liked this book. It was hot and steamy at times, romantic at others. There were some stumbling blocks and a bit of an imbalance in their growing relationship, but all in all, the MC’s had a pretty good connection and they all had great chemistry. I liked that the other players on the team were supportive and how much like a family they were to each other. I recommend this book and series.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really liked this book. It was hot and steamy at times, romantic at others. There were some stumbling blocks and a bit of an imbalance in their growing relationship, but all in all, the MC’s had a pretty good connection and they all had great chemistry. I liked that the other players on the team were supportive and how much like a family they were to each other. I recommend this book and series.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2023
This is the fourth book in a series, and while the romance can function as a standalone, it definitely helps for context on the characters and the world they inhabit to read what’s come before. Here, readers get to see Owen, Greer, and Storm come together, and I honestly liked all three of them as characters– their personalities are distinctive and interesting, and they each bring their own strengths, weaknesses, and baggage to the table. It did feel, at times, that there are two different narrative arcs here: there’s Owen and Greer and their developing feelings (plus lack of clear communication) and then there’s Owen and Greer and Storm, with the focus on the shaping of the triad. It’s not that these two arcs can’t flow together, but more that the ride can feel, at times, a bit unbalanced and bumpy. Overall, however, I was engaged with the story from start to finish, and happy to see things work out for the three.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
January 18, 2023
At the beginning of the story Greer is sitting among all his coupled up friends feeling like he was the only one left out. He was hooking up with Owen and clearly felt and wanted more than casual and secret. Then to complicate matters they include Storm in their relationship which amplifies the issues that have to work through and navigates to see where things can go. It was interesting seeing how the inclusion of the third created dynamics in pairs and as a trio that had to get into some kind of sync for them to realize that they were better all together. They are well supported by the other guys on the rugby teams and this chosen family takes time to play and get together. So sweet.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2023
Excellent read, great guys! Greer, is living his dream but he wants more. He wants what his friends have, a person to share his Blessings with. He's surprised when he realizes he has more than casual feelings for Owen from his rugby club. Owen, dedicates his life to building his physical therapy practice. He's surprised that he feels a little more for Greer than he expected. During a party, Greer and Owen welcome Storm into the mix. Owen has previous experience with a threesome, but forming new relationships always provides challenges. Can our guys navigate the process? Will they try through the difficulties? Can they see how they fit? Great story. Nicely balanced and navigated. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2022
I hadn't read the blurb prior to reading this book so was pleasantly surprised it was a M/M/M story. It starts off with two MC's who both start to feel more for each other but something is holding them back. Bring a third to the mix and you have fantastic sex scenes. The threesomes were amazingly well written, very hot and believable. I loved the different characters they all had. The 'blip' in the relationship was actually needed to give the story more narrative so it wasn't just one sappy love story. Great to hear how their friends are getting on. I'm absolutely loving this series, fun and sexy and can't wait for the next rugby player to get their story.
January 17, 2023
Greer has been so fun in the earlier books from the series so I am very delighted for him to have his own book. And, like the other books in this series I think where this book really shines is in the characters. These authors have created such a full and colorful world with some super charming and endearing characters. Triads can be hit or miss for me, this one was wonderful and steamy but did not always feel balanced between Storm, Greer, and Owen. Great characters, excellent series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
January 20, 2023
This is the story of Greer, Owen and Storm. It is the 4th book in the Love and Rugby series. I love this series. This is a wonderfully written story with beautiful characters. The chemistry between them is sizzling hot. I am a Big fan of rugby and being a born South African who won the lWorld Cup, this made the series for me absolutely amazing😜. I love all the characters in this series and they brought something special in this book. Definitely recommended.
I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.
I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.
January 14, 2023
Having loves the previous 3 books I was unsure about this due to it being MMM, this isn’t something I ge really enjoy but this is so lovely, so sweet, yet hot, so just right! Owen and Greer have been hooking up, both wanting more but both feeling something is missing, then Storm enters and everything changes, there are a few issues, all 3 have hang ups, but it’s all worked through, no jealously, no-one being left out, just lush!
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January 15, 2023I love this series! This is Geer's story! We learn more about Owen and Storm! Most of the book was about Geer and Owen and it was sweet, complex, steamy and romantic! I enjoyed reading Geer, Owen and Storm's story! It was great seeing all of the couples and characters from the previous stories too! This is a solid series and I recommend it! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!
January 28, 2023
3.5 stars is all I could manage for this one. Owen Kim, Greer Fox, and Storm Breen are all nice enough, but I just don't feel them as much as I thought I would. Each man has enough to endear him to a reader, but together, they just aren't enough. The issues they each bring to the relationship feel a bit overplayed, and there's a whole lot of physical connection but not enough of the heart connection I craved. I didn't completely believe their love in the end.
February 5, 2023
I was so excited to read Greer and Owen's love story! They have been eyeing each other during the series and I couldn't wait. But not only was I not expecting a triad, I was not expecting to be supportive of Storm! Thankfully his cheating past is behind him and he has been suitably repentant. All of the men are supportive of each other and stepped up to help each other when needed. Even better, all three had issues that they had to confront to make the relationship a success.
December 19, 2022
If two is good, well, three is definitely better in this story and three may be a crowd, again, not for these men. A nice finish for this series, I’m assuming it’s a finish as all the heroes have found their happiness. A very enjoyable story as we see familiar faces and revisit past love stories. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
January 13, 2023
3.5 stars. This has been a pretty decent series so far and I like that it adds an mmm, although if it hadn't been in the blurb it would be a surprise as Greer had never contemplated that and there was absolutely nothing in the first part to suggest that Owen had experience there and would have a preference for a triad relationship. Owen's family are wonderful characters. This was enjoyable.
January 19, 2023
A really well done story where all three characters have their differing needs met in the relationship and things feel nicely balanced in the storytelling. I've enjoyed previous books in this series, but I think this story of the teacher, the physical therapist and the meteorologist is my favorite. I like the choice of careers for these three and enjoyed seeing how they fit together.
January 3, 2023
I was so surprised how amazing this was and how much I enjoyed it. It was a little disjointed for me, otherwise it would have been a total 5 star. I loved the characters, which we have seen throughout the series, and the storyline of these three guys.
January 17, 2023
Surprise is a nice addition to the Love & Ruby series.
Owen, Storm and Greer's story was a wonderful addition!
These three MCs, each with plenty of baggage, found their other parts in each other.
I enjoyed seeing them get their HEA together.
Owen, Storm and Greer's story was a wonderful addition!
These three MCs, each with plenty of baggage, found their other parts in each other.
I enjoyed seeing them get their HEA together.
January 18, 2023
I loved Greer and Owen’s story. Greer seemed to be a player, always on the lookout for a guy but he is the sweetest one. They had hookup start off, but they are made for each other. And it shows as they relationship evolves. Lovely couple!
January 19, 2023
He has been burnt by love but he still wants to find love like all his friends. He has notices a man he would love to be a part of his life. Can this happen? How will it all go? Can he finally the love he deserves and desires? Follow him to find out
January 4, 2023
I love MMM stories. This one has a few good elements but is somewhat disjointed and clunky. However, still worth the read and a good addition to the series.
January 17, 2023
This is Geer's story and it is aptly named. What a surprise this was. The one who has been unlucky in love turns out to have found love at last in the most unlikely of people. Great story.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews