Three's a Crowd

by Kate Gavin

Zoe Tyler’s life is just…okay. She’s got her first real job, a pile of student loan debt, and a boyfriend named Jake who used to be home a whole lot more than he has been lately.

When Paige Newbanks shows up unannounced at her half-brother’s apartment, she’s not only desperate for a place to stay, but desperate to get to know the brother she hasn’t seen since she was five years old.

With Jake so busy at work these days, Zoe and Paige end up spending more time with each other than they do with Jake. Soon the pair are drawn together in a way that surprises them both.

But as much as Zoe and Paige want to be together, the last thing they want to do is hurt the man who brought them together. Do they dare jeopardize their relationships with Jake in order to make themselves happy?

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, LGBT, Bisexual, New Adult, Queer, Adult

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 18, 2022

About the author

Kate Gavin is a native Midwesterner, currently living in Ohio. When not staring at a computer screen for her day job or this writing gig, she spends her time retrieving items from her thieving dog, chasing after her kiddo, and bingeing TV shows with her wife.

Reviews

[Della B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paige has been separated from her half brother since she was five years old. With her life in a stalled position, Paige moves in with her brother Jake and his girlfriend Zoe to try to restart their sibling relationship. Zoe hasn’t been happy lately with all the extra hours Jake is devoting to his new boss and job. It leaves very little time for Jake to spend with Zoe.

Gavin chooses a tricky premise for this novel. She treads lightly with any hint of physical infidelity and acknowledges emotional connection can be viewed as cheating. Yet she walks the fine line with the characters in a convincing manner.

Jake plays a pivotal role in the story however we barely know him past the constant reminder that he is a good guy. This is unfortunate as it takes away any emotional connection to the twist he adds to the end of the story.

The novel held my interest but not my heart which is okay. Not every books needs to make me bleed for the characters. I would recommend Three’s a Crowd as a cozy romance.

I received an advance review copy from Bella Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[MZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. If books have an equivalent in food this book has to be labeled comfort food. It’s the second book I read by Gavin and find that I’m liking the writing style. Gavin’s books are not flashy, but they are ideal for a relaxed Sunday afternoon on the couch.

As the title implies the main characters of this book find themselves in quite a complicated situation. Paige is new in town and has one goal; to reconnect with her brother. But when she loses her place to stay she has to ask said brother to stay with him and his girlfriend. But what to do when you start falling for your brother’s girlfriend?

The exact ages of Zoe and Paige are not given but the description indicates somewhere in their early twenties, so this would classify as a NA book. I generally struggle with those as I often find the mains in NA too immature and egotistical, but that was absolutely not the case with this book. Both mains were likeable and act very mature especially when the situation they find themselves in could easily be handled differently. In fact, I would have also believed it if these were people were in their thirties.

I’m glad that Gavin stayed away from a cheating situation although there are feelings involved when still in a relationship. It’s obviously no ideal situation they find themselves in, especially since Jake is not a bad guy. He has his priorities all wrong and is always absent because of that, but he has good qualities, which is important as he’ll still be family in the end so I was happy with that choice. The way Paige and Zoe start feeling about each other and how they struggle with these feelings felt natural and I could easily imagine this happening.

This book could have resulted in complex and high drama situations, but several potentially dramatic situations are avoided and as I mentioned this is mainly a comfortable and easy read that I can recommend for one of those rainy afternoons.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 Stars

“Three’s a Crowd” by Kate Gavin is a new adult romance featuring newly-found siblings and roommates.

Zoe and Jake are in a long-term relationship (three years) and have settled into a comfortable life after graduating college. Out of the blue Jake’s half-sister Paige, who he hasn’t seen in 18 years, shows up needing a place to stay. Jake is having to put in a lot of extra time to get noticed and that leaves little time for his relationship with Zoe. Every time he has to cancel plans, he suggests Paige step in and it leads to Zoe and Paige to spending a lot of time together and feelings begin to develop.

I thought this was an okay read. I wasn’t blown away by anything but I didn’t necessarily dislike it either. I was really hoping for more from this, honestly. With the way it’s set up, I thought there would be more angst but sadly there wasn’t a lot of it.

Zoe and Paige are nice enough but I didn’t feel like we really get to know them either. They’re both questioning their futures and that wasn’t explored. The only thing we really know about them is that they’re conflicted about their feelings in the beginning and try hard to ignore them. Jake also isn’t a bad guy. He comes across as wanting to get ahead with his job and takes his relationship with Zoe for granted.

There’s not much else there. I did like that there’s no actual physical cheating, although I’d classify this as emotional cheating as they do develop and acknowledge feelings, even if it’s only to themselves.

I received an ARC from Bella Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[AnnMaree Of Oz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't think there was a lot of depth here. I guess I just wanted some more insight into the family dynamics, the past, the future, the people and who they are, what makes them tick.

Despite reading the whole thing, I still feel like I have very little grasp on who the main characters are and what they wanted in life. I have some basics ideas, but it's very thin and shallow overall. I wanted more.

[Ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paige has run out of options and is forced to ask her estranged brother to let her stay with him. When she meets his girlfriend Zoe and they start spending time together they realize the situation is far from ideal as they start falling for each other.
This was the first book I've read by Kate Gavin and I enjoyed it enough to try some of her other books in the future. I liked both MCs and enjoyed the slow build up of their relationship. I do wish there was more interaction from Jake's family, as they are mentioned a lot but not really part of the story and it felt like the family drama part of the plot was lacking. I did really like Mia and Tom and their support of their respective friends. Ian was terrible though and I found it hard to believe in Jake's continued relationship with him after his last interaction with Zoe. Overall fun read with a forbidden family romance and I'd definitely keep this author in my TBR pile.

[Jo reece · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hesitant on requesting an arc copy of this book, The blurb, even tho doesn't fully state that there is infidelity involved, I automatically assumed there would be. And I'm so relieved that I did read it because there is no cheating involved. The story tells us of 3 people, Two of those are a couple, a couple who tho love one another, and haven't yet realised, have grown apart. The story tells us of broken relationships, new loves, and realising our identity while trying to keep each other happy instead of choosing their own feelings.

I've given Threes a Crowd a 4 out of 5

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Kate Gavin’s writing because it has the comfortable feel, this book is no different, even with a subject/ trope I don’t particularly enjoy. Oh, and main characters who are on the young side for my liking (early twenties), but they do have their lives figured out and seem a bit older.

Zoe is in a relationship with Jake. Jake is a bit of an absent boyfriend. He isn’t unlikable, he isn’t really there to form an opinion about. And he cancels on plans, which is awful. When Jake’s long lost half sister shows up unannounced Zoe is a bit baffled. She didn’t know Paige even existed. The thing in this book that is weird for me is how easily Paige is accepted into their lives, it’s been eighteen or so years since they last had contact as kids and now she’s living with them. When Jake keeps cancelling on plans with Zoe, Paige is there to step in, fill a bit of a void. Feelings develop, fortunately they don’t act on it while anyone is in a relationship. Although some would already consider this emotional cheating.
Anyway, this “cheating” storyline is a hard one, it’s not only about the love relationship, but also the family bond. But on the other hand, how much of a bond is there when you haven’t seen each other in eighteen years?

So there are many things that are confusing to me, and don’t make the most sense. However the writing remains comfortable and I just enjoy it.

*ARC received from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

[currentlyreadingbynat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy when authors push the boundaries of lesfic and this is one that won't be for everyone. Zoe is dating Jake when Paige, his long lost half-sister comes to stay with them. What starts as friendship soon morphs into romance, with both ladies fighting their attraction to one another. Although I thought the way Kate Gavin deals with this complicated forbidden romance was really good, there wasn't a lot driving me to enjoy this novel as I didn't connect with either main. It felt like we were only partially provided glimpses to who they were as individuals and I would've liked to have more depth to the characters.

It's an interesting read, and hats off to Kate Gavin for writing something different.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zoe Taylor is living with Jake, her boyfriend of three years. They are both in their first jobs out of college. She followed him to a city for his work and is okay with the job she found. Jake's job is more demanding requiring lots of extra hours paying his dues. She is getting tired of not being a priority and being left on her own. One night Paige shows up looking for Jake. She is Jake's half sister who Zoe has never heard of and is about their same age. She needs a place to stay and they take her in as a flat mate. Zoe and Paige both have crushes on the other and the question becomes will they act on those feelings.

There really isn’t a lot more to the story than the blurb. I thought it might explore Jake’s family experience more. I was perplexed that their father who lives within hours never shows up as he has to know the new living arrangement. I also thought it might explore what either Zoe or Paige wanted to do career wise. Paige likes her job but expresses interest in a different field and then it is dropped. Paige’s work I thought was just a filler while she decides on graduate school or a job in her field of study. But that gets dropped as well.

I loved the authors Table for Two last year because it was rich in conversations and emotions. This in comparison is romance lite. It is a nice escape for a few hours. The MC''s are younger being new adults. The characters are barely out of college and couch surfing is fully acceptable. That isn’t a bad thing it is just where they are in their life story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kip · Rating 4 out of 5]

In general, I think this is an enjoyable read, I read it all in once sitting, off of my Kindle & phone and perhaps aggravated a bit of a wrist/forearm chronic pain from 'sitting in front of the computer all day for work' + reading off of electronic devices non-stop with any free time I have.
I want to say it was...worth it?

Before this, I have never read any Kate Gavin books before, but after this, perhaps I will be on the look out and add her to the 'automatic TBR' pile.

The substance in this book was relatively solid, I read for the pleasure of being entertained and not to sit around, poke holes and ruin it for myself.
The pace of development was... perhaps, a bit slower than my liking but I guess it might've been necessary to provide enough background/setup for the story to develop.

The MCs were good, I felt like I care about what is happening to them and wonder how it will all turn out. (Although totally assumed it'd be a happy ending, because that's the norm now?)

Three's a Crowd was a satisfying read, for sure.
And of course, thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advance digital copy to read. It was time well spend.

BUT.... I feel like I should toss out a disclaimer, and should say SPOILER ALERT, before I really get into it...



IRL, obviously it's no fun to be in the middle of a 'your partner left you for someone you consider a close friend/relatives'. Been there, done that. Not recommended.
(Real life lesbian drama is ridiculous, but sometimes can't be avoid.)

BUT, I do love to read about this kind of 'already sort of attached, but something better came along' type of fiction. Probably from the angsty angle, I like it when my reading makes me 'feel' things.

However, is it me or is it annoying to 'see' that the main character continue to give the boyfriend a pass for being completely unavailable, and seems like had been for awhile even before the start of the novel? Are they together to share rent? And that's it? Or maybe together for the build in disappointment of someone that keeps saying 'I just need to go all in and we will for sure be in a better place once I get into a better position at work'.
I find it time and time again, whenever he shows up with his excuses or 'call in to say sorry (for missing a birthday dinner!!!!!!!)', my brain screams DTMF!
I would have loved to see the two get together earlier, I think that's my one other complain.

Otherwise, pretty decent read. I might re-read it sometime soon.

[Bee Sherrard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paige Newbanks knows she’s the result of her father’s adulterous affair with her mother. For a few years he tried to make Paige a part of his other family but his wife objection just became too much for her to bear. The only one Paige has fond memories of is her brother, Jake. But she hasn’t seen him since she was five years old. Now grown up she goes on a quest to meet up with him again and possibly the chance to know him again.
She hasn’t planned that well because her friend can only provide her a place to stay for so long. Then it’s time to go. This is the reason Paige arrives at his apartment with no place to live or enough money to rent one for herself.
Zoe Tyler has always been a giver, as in gives in to everyone else's desire. This is why she went to the university her parents wanted her to. It’s also the reason she moves with her boyfriend. And sure she has a pretty good job but her relationship with Jake is becoming more than what she envisioned. He’s always at work and the only reason he seems to come home now is to see his sister Paige.
Problems arise when Paige’s crush on Zoe, her brother’s GF, continues to grow. What Ms Gavin has given us with this book is a nice little story. Zoe was hard to like, she comes across as a bit of a whiner while Paige finds herself coming across as likable. Nice little read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bella Books

[Sam]

DNF @ 14%

Thank you, NetGalley, for giving me the opportunity to try this one out. I wish it was my thing, but it's definitely not. I hope others like it!

[queer_aussie_reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three’s A Crowd is an audiobook that I added to my TBR after a recommendation, and I’m glad I finally got to listen to it. Not only did I get introduced to a new author, Kate Gavin, but I was a new narrator as well. Piper Goodeve did a brilliant job of bringing these characters to life.

Zoe is going through the motions. Her job is okay, and her best friend is awesome, but her boyfriend Jake is never home, and she is beginning to question her feelings for him. When Paige, his long-lost sister, moves in, the entire dynamic of Zoe’s life is sent off-kilter.

Jake’s distance becomes more evident, and Zoe and Paige grow closer, firstly as friends, but then both are unable to deny that there is an attraction building between them. Both women attempt to step away all too aware of the pain and damage that their feelings may evoke in the people around them, but even distance doesn’t seem to be enough.

Three’s a Crowd may walk the edge, but ultimately avoids cheating, which will no doubt be a draw card. It still has enough angst and longing to be a page-turner, and the two MCs are women you want to go all the way to the happy ending with.

[Jessica Rush · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🎮⛳🏀🏳️‍🌈


REP: Bisexual FMC, Lesbian FMC, Bisexual MSC, Gay SC, Lesbian SC x 2.

So this book is great! Zoe is three years into a relationship with Jake, who is starting to become more distant because of his job. She is starting to feel like he's putting his career before her. Paige is Jake's half-sister and turns up at Zoe and Jake's door when she finds herself kicked out of her house. They let Paige stay in their spare room, because Paige wants to get to know her brother again, but also because she had nowhere else to go.

Over the course of the book, Zoe and Paige get closer and gain feelings for each other, at the same time, Jake becomes more absent.

The one thing about this book is that there was no physical cheating. Emotional yes, but as the book goes on, you can understand how it happens, and you actually start to want Zoe and Paige to be together. Yes, you feel for Jake, but he has a story of his own.

The book is filled with LGBT characters, who support each other, and it warms your heart.

This is my first book of Kate's, but I'm definitely going to be adding her other books to my ever-growing TBR list.

Thanks to Bella Books and Netgalley for a copy of this ebook in exchange for a honest review.

[Vita L. Licari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!,I love the family dynamic between Jake and Paige. Even though it's been 18 years since they've seen one another, Jake opens his heart and home to his 1/2 sister. Though, he never told Zoe, his girlfriend of 3 years that he had a 1/2 sister. But, he really hasn't been paying much attention to Zoe because of his job. When he keeps canceling on her, Paige is there to take Jake's place. This is a lovely story about love. 5 stars!

[Jasmine Shouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Self-control is the name of the game. I didn't love the characters, but I didn't hate them either. There was a lot of repetition. I liked the way it all turned out, though. I feel like everyone got the ending they deserved.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

[Becks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a ton going on here, just a light and sweet LGBTQI+ romance. Had a lovely time reading it but I don't necessarily think it will stick with me. Nevertheless, perfect type of book for a read in one sitting on a Sunday afternoon.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

No.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three's a Crowd poses the question...what happens when you fall in love with your boyfriend's sister?

Overall this book was fine, but I wasn't blown away by it. Everything from the characters to the plot felt undeveloped and rushed. The ending was also a little too neat. I would have liked to have seen more drama.

I was given this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you to Bella Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley and Bella Books for an ARC copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Before I began this book I looked up how many stars the book was getting from other reviewers. That's as far as I'll go. I don't want to read those reviews and be influenced anymore than seeing how many stars it got. Well I saw more than a couple of 3 star reviews and to me that would mean that the book isn't bad but it isn't great. So I thought I might be reading just an OK novel. Well I don't know what those reviewers were thinking because I loved the book and I know that I will reread it again at some future time. It was wonderful. So we know from the description that there is Zoe Tyler in a relationship with Jake Newbanks who is half brother to Paige Newbanks.
Zoe and Paige of course are our main characters. After Jake abandons Zoe, Paige is there to fill in for him on many outings that were supposed to be Zoe and Jake. I have to say that I liked that the author didn't demonize Jake. He is basically a good guy but not a good boyfriend. We do not know if that is because he is too focused on his career, whether Zoe just isn't the right person for him or if it's just bad timing for the two. So in steps Paige. The attraction and feelings that developed between Zoe and Paige felt well timed and authentic. There was angst but it was reasonable angst. It was smart angst. It was believable angst. It drives me crazy when an author creates stupid nonsensical angst that could be resolved usually by the two main characters having a conversation. That didn't happen here the two women were in a very complicated situation and it made sense. I loved both characters and I loved them together. Also, there is some very hot love making scenes in one of the last chapters that just adds more to an already great read. I definitely recommend and give it a 5 star rating.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three’s a Crowd by Kate Gavin is a well-written New Adult contemporary romance. While I am out of the range for this target audience by a few decades, I still enjoyed reading this story of young love.

Paige Newbanks has moved to town specifically to try and reconnect with her half-brother Jake whom she hasn’t seen since she was a child. When she finally gets to his apartment, she not only finds Jake, but his girlfriend of three years, Zoe Tyler. Paige ends up staying with the two until she can find a place of her own, but that creates a whole new set of problems. It seems Jake spends most of his time at work leaving Paige and Zoe alone…a lot. Soon there is a growing attraction between the two women, but neither one wants to hurt Jake.

This is a love triangle story with three likeable characters thrown into an almost impossible situation. These three characters are developed to fit their roles in the book. Paige and Zoe seem to be a little more mature than Jake, but that fits the story line as well. The tale also has a fair amount of angst throughout the book for all three people.

This is a really nice character-driven romance with a love triangle as the main conflict. It is a great read for those of you in the New Adult target audience.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.

[Jennabeebs79 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am pleasantly surprised by how much I truly enjoyed this book. I read it in less than a day because I needed to know how everything was going to play out.
Falling in love with your estranged brother’s girlfriend was not in the cards for Paige when she moved in with Jake and Zoe. And for Zoe, falling in love with her boyfriend’s long-lost sister was definitely not in her plans.
A narrator tells this story from both ladies’ points of view which worked so well because readers were able to feel both Paige and Zoe’s emotions throughout the entire plot development. Being a part of their developing feelings for each other was truly special.
The chemistry between Zoe and Paige was palpable and it was clear that they are the other’s missing piece. The story flowed effortlessly, the dialogue was engaging, and I was rooting for these two from the start.
What I love most about this book is that such care was taken by the author to have these main characters act with integrity and empathy. Zoe could easily have cheated on Jake with Paige and Paige could have thrown away her fledgling relationship with her brother in order to be with Zoe, but both women were honest with him which made this book that much more likable.
What a delightful read!

[Bookista · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise for this was interesting. Paige wants to reconnect with her brother Jake but finds herself attracted to his girlfriend Zoe. Jake and Zoe have been together for three years but their relationship is hitting some rough spots.

So this subject can get a little uncomfortable for some with scepter of infidelity hanging over the romance arc and Gavin does an admirable job walking that line where there is simmering attraction between the two MCs, but at the same time are struggling to restrain themselves, from starting anything.

Most of the story revolves around how they interact and learn about each other and what Zoe is missing in her current relationship while she is still in that relationship. In fact so much time is spent on that, I felt the actual romance arc got very little air time. As a result the “I love you’s” felt a little rushed and there was very little time spent on them while they are in a relationship with each other.

This is a well written story and while it didn’t quite work for me, for those who prefer a low angst story with a taboo story arc, will definitely appreciate it more.

Thank you NetGalley and Bella Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not normally a YA reader but there’s a couple of authors out there that are converting me and Kate Gavin is one of them. I like Kate’s writing style, it brings me that heartwarming feeling. Now on to the subject, Zoe is dating Jake. He’s not a bad guy but his flakiness is not helping his relashionship. He’s more focused on his job than his personal life. And then his long lost half sister Paige shows up and the dynamic of Zoe and Jake’s relashionship shifts. While Jake is constantly unavailable Paige is there for Zoe. Of course they fight their growing feelings but how long can avoidance work and what is going to hapen with the Zoe-Jake and Paige-Jake relashionships if they can’t get over their feelings? Read the book and find out.

Free ARC via NetGalley.

[Maliha · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow.
wow.

this was an impulse read for me, the whole brothers’ girlfriend is a tricky trope, but oh my goodness, I think the author has done it so well.

I loved Zoe and Paige, and Jake.

I loved the descriptions in the book, very well written, the characters were so mature and respectful towards each other.

Paige was so soft for Zoe, and Zoe was so in love, might I say it was the perfect she fell first but she fell harder?

the Slow Burn burnt so well, gotta go read everything bu Kate Gavin now!

[Xiaoqing · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about a young woman falling for the girlfriend of her long lost half brother. I like the way the author telling the story, natural and realistic, and I like all three main characters: The workaholic but kind boyfriend/half brother, the friendly and fun girlfriend, the responsible and grateful half sister. They are all nice people and they don't want to hurt each other, there is no real affair going on, and in the end I am happy for all three. A nice and comfortable read.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid average romance. I am always wary of these love triangle books because they are so easy to get wrong. In this book at least the author keeps their characters on the moral high ground.

That being said it was also a little boring. Most of their relationship develops in their apartment and though they do things outside of it, it doesn’t feel like they ever leave.

ARC generously provided by NetGalley and publisher in exchange for fair and honest review.

[Joseline · Rating 1 out of 5]

Overall seems to be lacking any actual depth to it, the two main characters fall in love after a couple weeks!? Only spending a couple “ date nights” together and they’re suddenly in love to the point of ending a 3 year relationship… it all seemed extremely rushed and even though I’m the biggest sap for anything romantic there was really nothing in this book that made my heart skip a beat or get all giddy.

[Patty Low · Rating 2 out of 5]

Her ex boyfriend would be a "butthead" if he didn't let his sister date his ex girlfriend... That is all I have to say.

[Shelby · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded down to 3 stars.
I read another review that said this book held their interest, but not their heart. I think that's a good way to put it. It was okay it not amazing.