Rene was my first everything. Best friend, first kiss, first love, first heartbreak.Seven years after walking out of my life, they tear open old wounds with a single photo of a smiling little boy and the message they’re coming home.Mo has my smile and Rene’s eyes. It kills me that I didn’t know about him sooner. As furious as the news Rene kept such a major secret makes me, I want a relationship with my son more than I want to rehash old arguments. Besides, Rene has more baggage than the 747 they flew in on, and I swore off love the first time they left me heartbroken.When I learn Rene and Mo need a place to stay while they settle into life in Vancouver, it sounds like a perfect opportunity. I’ve got a spare room. What better way to figure out co-parenting than living together? It’s not like I’m going to fall for the ex who hurt me deeper than anyone else could. That would be ridiculous. Saving Throw is the third M/NB romance in the Table Topped series. It features Errol, demisexual panromantic production coordinator who likes to be in control and his first love, Rene, a non-binary trans masc ex-hockey player turned Past mentions of a physically abusive alcoholic parent and portrayals of trauma/PTSD related to that, secret teenage pregnancy and related gender dysphoria/difficulty with accessing medical care. Side characters struggle with infertility.
This story was absolutely beautiful. The characters of Erroll and Renee were so well written. Renee has difficulty forgiving himself for what he has done to their relationship and to Erroll by denying him the right to know his son even existed. He certainly doesn’t believe he deserves any love and agonizes over where he stands and over every decision. Erroll would be within his rights to never speak to him again, but he sets aside everything and wants to be a father to the amazing little boy Mo. It speaks a lot to the depth of character there when Erroll will freely admit that he is furious over Renee’s deception and still a little broken over how he was treated, but he makes the conscious decision to just let it all go. These two never got over each other and they have a lot of work to do in order to be a family again but it works so well. I cried a little over some parts of this book, just feeling their pain and then their joy and hope as they work through everything to try and be together. This book is a little deeper than the first two in the series but it is easily my favorite. I also love the way the Erroll’s friends accept Renee and Mo into their circle and quickly care for them as much as they do Erroll. This is really a story of hope and forgiveness. I can’t wait to see Max’s story and see where it leads. This author definitely has a gift at writing these complex characters and I have learned quite a bit about trans issues and complications just from reading his stories.
such a sweet story.. interesting and adorable.. made me smile and laugh.. made me sad and angry.. so many emotions and personalities.. it was a lot of fun to read and i enjoyed it
*4.5* I am totally in love with this series and the LGBTQIA2+ characters that Alex has created. Saving Throw focuses on Errol and the re-emergence of his ex, Rene who comes baring the gift of a six year old boy called Mo. There is a lot of history between them and a bad break up that will now be seen under a new light when Rene's reasonings come to light for why they left. I'm adore Mo especially and my heart went out to Rene with all of the lows, physically and emotionally, that they've gone through and Errol, bless his heart, whilst understandably angry still wants what is best for the person who was his first love. It's a hard road for them all but it's also wonderful with how easy it is for them to fall into the relationship that they always wanted to have. We still get time with the rest of the gang from the Table Topped series and get to know some of them even better. They are such a great, supportive group that they all know they can rely on at all times. I cannot recommend this series enough. The storyline and characters are strong and easy to fall into. I'm really hoping to have Max's story soon! I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
I am really enjoying this series and am learning so much about the trans community and their struggles. I love how steady Errol is and it's just what Rene needs in their life. Their son is adorable and Errol steps right up when Rene calls. I loved Rene's journey and how they were able to grow after years of only relying on themself.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
I read this in one day. Not all that exciting when you consider I usually average a book a day, but exciting when I have been in a reading slump since December. It has been a chore to read, even when I really like what I am reading. So finally being able to read a book and enjoy it without forcing myself to continue is magical.
This follows the character I had the least amount of interest in of the group. Somehow this is also the book I liked the most in the series. There were SO MANY EMOTIONS. The characters were complex and had a long history that made me ship them so hard. I didn’t need any prodding from Silver to immediately demand that they be together forever. Momo did that enough for everyone and I would have stolen that kid, because he is ADOREABLE. It is clear that Silver has had experiences with children. The kid is not just there when it is convenient. He is a real character on his own right and pretty darn insistent that he is getting a puppy for his birthday. I love the element of kids in a relationship, but only when the kids actually exist as kids and not just as plot props. Silver managed to do that perfectly.
The sex was varied. The first scene is not the standard penetration scene. I did have an issue with the lack of condom/barrier for the oral sex scenes. I was happy to see that condoms were acquired for later. The characters had complex feelings towards their bodies and each others bodies. It was handled so well. The dysphoria around gender and the intense emotions around being ace were conveyed so well. It was nice to see an ace character get to experience sexuality and not just be a joke. It was nice that the character was not “eww sex” and belittled for it. Instead sex existed, but it wasn’t a driving force. There was a compromise of consent and respect, instead of force. This is what a healthy cis/ace relationship looks like. This is also how my ace feelings manifest to some degree. I am not demi like Errol, so the sexual attraction part is just not there for me. I like how Errol’s was really just for one person. It felt like even with that sexual attraction he was still ace and still complex which is so important in ace rep. Just because a demi person experiences sexual attraction sometimes does not mean that they are not ace and it does not mean they are instantly allo when they do feel it.
Silver has yet again allowed for a complete trans person. Rene is nonbinary and has had a medical transition. Do you know how badass it is to see a nonbinary person being taken seriously? It warmed my heart so much. They did have some plots that were basic trans (transition and dysphoria), but they had some that were more complex (pregnancy). Silver is my gold standard for trans rep at this point. I never worry that a trans character will just be trans or face only trans plots. Their transness exists and is part of them, but it is not all of them.
Before I ramble all day about how amazing this book is, you could just download it. It is available through kindle unlimited and for purchase too. You could be a chapter deep by now instead of reading this review. Add Silver to your “must read” and “auto-buy” lists. You won’t regret it.
Saving Throw, the third book in the Table Topped series by Alex Silver is a wonderful, feel good read.
This is a second chance romance between Errol and Renee, who were childhood best friends and high school sweethearts. When Renee re-appears in Errol's life, it's with a surprise; their six year old son.
There's a lot going on in this story. At first, it's mostly the story of two people becoming friends again, blending their lives for the good of their son, and slowing falling back into being a couple. But later, things get heavier and more complicated.
First, I'm in awe of Errol's acceptance of the situation. He's truly a remarkable man. Most stories like this deal with the surprised parent's anger and feelings of betrayal. Instead, that is mentioned, but Errol never lets his feelings get in their way. He's fully able to look beyond his pain and spends time getting to know his son.
Then there's Renee, who I love. A non-binary character, former hockey player, who raised their son by themselves for six years. Renee was raised by an alcoholic and abusive father. Renee's father never cared to discuss Renee's gender with them, and it took Renee a long time to understand they had gender dysphoria. Their family issues are plentiful, having left them with some emotional baggage.
In addition, adding more layers to their relationship, is Errol's sexuality. Back in the day, he didn't have a name for what he is. But now he knows he's demisexual and panromantic. The only person that has ever turned him on is Renee. No matter what Renee's body looks like, Renee's the only one Errol wants to be physical with in any way, and I applaud Renee's acceptance of Errol's preferences. Awww, I love that cuddling is just as important to Errol as anything else.
The author handles all of these things in a fantastic manner. Renee's non-binary identity is a large part of who they are, and the author handles this with care. As well, the author explores Errol's sexuality in an amazing manner, writing it with knowledge and tact.
This is a story of finding out you're a dad to a six year old, a second chance with your ex, and a whole lot of impressive forgiveness. It's a story of learning to move forward with one's new found situation. It's truly beautiful. There are some obstacles later on of course, as there should be given the situation, but I love how they're handled. They're important issues to be discussed and although it's heavy-ish, their love and relationship is never in doubt.
Best of all, I enjoy the author's character diversity in this series, as they include a variety of sexual and gender identities. It's truly refreshing to find series like this, as there aren't a whole lot of them.
As far as the gaming scenes, I continue to not relate to those. There aren't many in this one, but it's easy to skim through them quickly.
Saving Throw is the perfect read when you're in the mood for a mostly low angst, tender read. This Alex Silver read is a impressive in it's depth, while also being a wonderfu
Rene was Errol's first everything. Best friend, first kiss, first love, first heartbreak. Seven years after walking out of his life, they tear open old wounds with a single photo of a smiling little boy and the message they’re coming home. Mo has Errol's smile and Rene’s eyes. It kills him that he didn’t know about him sooner. As furious as the news Rene kept such a major secret makes him, he wants a relationship with his son more than wanting to rehash old arguments. When he learns that Rene and Mo need a place to stay while they settle into life in Vancouver, it sounds like a perfect opportunity. What better way to figure out co-parenting than living together? It’s not like he's going to fall for the ex who hurt him deeper than anyone else could. That would be ridiculous.
This was a sweet story with their son Mo being central to the story with his need for knowledge, attention or just time with his "new" Daddy who adored him. I liked the exploration into why counselling was not bad with the right person. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an M/NB story with a demisexual panromantic production coordinator who likes to be in control and his first love, Rene, a non-binary trans masc ex-hockey player turned coach with mature content.
Rene was complicated and I truly yearned for them. They had such a difficult time and I was so very glad that even though Errol was surprised, hurt, and reserved he didn't go out of his way to pass the hurt onto Rene. He loved Mo from the start and did his level best to make sure that Mo and Rene had a place to call home while they sorted everything out. The road was difficult and the pacing was very slow, but even though I wasn't riveted by the story, I felt things and was convinced of their happy ending.
Watching Rene work through their guilt and adjustment to having a partner in parenting, a new home and job, a possible group of friends that could have either accepted or shunned them, and learning to accept themselves and the possibilities their new life afforded them...it was a rough road and they had so much to accept and overcome. I enjoyed where they ended up and thought it really worked for them and their family unit. The group of friends helped with all the acceptance and the empathy necessary for each and every one of them to find the healing and freedom they needed to move forward into a very real happiness.
Another great installment to the series!! This ‘second chance/friends to lovers’ story is absolutely lovely. While it could absolutely be an angst ridden book, A. Silver writes it in a way that you know the angst, sorrow, guilt, fury {etc} is there, you don’t necessarily experience it.
Ꭵ ᒪᎥKᗴ TᕼᗩT!!
Errol is a simply lovely human, and is so extremely fortunate to belong to a wonderful diverse chosen family {many of whom have lovely biological families as well}. I love that he was completely honest and told Rene that yes, he was absolutely furious with them, but refused to allow to color the way he treated them.
Rene was a lot to take in. At first, I really didn’t like them. But shortly after actually ’meeting’ them, you realize how much they have to unpack, emotionally. Rene was a wonderful, imperfect character.
What an amazing reunion for past lovers with one secret child in the mix. Rene did the best they could in a bad situation and made mistakes but they more than make up for it with Erroll. Mo was an absolute star and very well mannered boy with all the changes he went through, a little fuss was to be expected, what I loved is that both parents handled it like champs together. A strong connection starts beating again but will they make the right call this time? I loved the family bonds with everyone and how they welcomed newcomers, I very much enjoyed how rene and Mo integrated themselves into the group.
I really enjoyed seeing this second chance between Rene and Errol. Their story was so sweet. I loved that Rene was able to be themself around Errol. I loved loved loved Monet, he is such a cute kid. I really loved the way that the author treats Rene's dysphoria and Errol's demisexuality. The few scenes that there are are great. The whole gang is in this book and that made me really happy. I enjoyed seeing that their campaign that was started in the last book was still going and I am excited to see where the game story goes in the next book. I am really enjoying this series and am really excited to read Max's story. I absolutely recommend this book.
Unique characters and take on a second chance romance! I loved the depth of these two and the communication! While they split and communication was lacking I really enjoyed that they each communicated throughout their reconciliation! It made the story so much more realistic. I also love Errol. He's so sweet, caring, compassionate. The perfect guy and complements Rene so well, add in cute Mo and this family will melt your heart. P.S. the table top game from Theo's book sort of continues in this one but only little drops and bits here and there which I felt was better as I didn't really understand the game or dice or rolls when I started the series 🫣
How amazing, and completely inclusive is this series. Rene and Errol's story is such a great story of second chances and a "re-ignition" of past love and passion. Monet, their son is so entertaining and old before his time. I really loved how all the characters in this book help me to more understand how so many relationship challenges are in our world but I am so glad we are much better at acknowledging the right to love who you love and love how you are for yourself. I highly recommend this story, the whole story. “I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.”
This is such a fun unique series. The characters are beautiful inside and out. What makes these stories so much more than just fun reads is how deep and real they feel. My heart broke for young Rene and Errol. Fear can be very overwhelming. Add in all that Rene was going through you can understand why they did what they did. I thought they were very brave and strong and an amazing Papa. I can’t wait for Max’s story. I wonder what he’s been hiding.
The depth of characterization in these stories continues to amaze me. I was drawn in immediately by the hard choices these two had made when they were younger and the realistic pain they experience as they try to learn how to be together and co-parent their son now. The author sensitively handles PTSD, gender dysphoria and makes them integral to the plot, not just an add on for angst value. A difficult read at times, but very much worthwhile.
Errol was shocked to get an email out of the blue from his teenage best friend/lover telling him that they had a six year old son and that they were moving back to the area. Rene had always been his person and he'd never dated anybody else. This best friends/lovers second chance story covers some difficult subjects, teen pregnancy, body dysmorphia, past abuse by alcoholic father, trauma/PTSD. Great story, page turner.
This is a M/NB second chance romance. I am going to be real here: I spent half this story eye leaking. When I started book 1, I had pretty low expectations; I am pleasantly surprised how much I’ve come to love this series. The writing is so vulnerable; these stories are so needed in our society. Take a chance on this series, read another person’s POV!
This was such an emotional ride for me. The characters were well written and full of complexities. With that being said I feel in love with the characters! This author continues to surprise and teach me!! I absolutely loved this story!! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
A enjoyable and interesting read, probably my favorite (so far, as I'm hoping for Pia's story) in this series. Beautifully developed story, great character representation a really good read. I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my review.
What a fantastic, grab-you-by-the-feels, poignant, bittersweet, emotionally charged, tug-at-your-heartstrings, lovely, engaging, gripping, simmering, and totally awesome addition to this amazing series. It pulled me in from the very first page, and I would recommend getting this gem for yourself.
I enjoyed so much this book! The author managed an interesting topic with a romantic twist. I loved how the author mixed different types of sexualities (not spoilers, promise) ensuring a happy ending following the premise "love is love" and the importance of family. In between Rene and Errol's love story, Mo's sweetness and hopefulness were simple the cherry on top. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
This was a very sweet book. The main characters were well-drawn and the minors were lovable individually. This is part of a series, and though I haven't yet read the others, I plan to!