Sandpipers' Secrets

Sandpipers #1

by Jade Archer

Three men, so many secrets. Can Brody, Lark and Zak find their way to love, or will someone put a stop to their chance at happiness forever?

Brody is starting again. He’s moved halfway across the country to a new city, a new life. But it’s hard to stay hopeful when you’re one meal away from starvation and two weeks away from eviction. He needs a job. Fast. And not in his old line of work either or he risks everything. Fortunately, Sandpipers’ restaurant is in need of a kitchen hand and Brody’s desperate enough to do almost anything. But once the pressures off, Brody finds a whole new focus for his attention. Well, two actually! He’s just not sure he can afford to indulge.

Lark and Zak have been partners for years, both in business and in pleasure. They know everything about each other. They know what they have is right. They know…that there’s something missing. Could Brody be the answer? Will the secrets each of the men keep drive them apart? And will they live long enough to enjoy their love once someone decides it’s perverted?

Publisher's Note: This book has been revised and re-edited for release with Totally Bound Publishing.

Genres: M M Romance, Menage, M M M, Romance, Contemporary, Family, Polyamory

137 pages, ebook

First published January 24, 2011

About the author

Jade was born in 2010 after a prolonged pregnancy and labour of over thirty-four years!

Yes, she is a pseudonym. A work of my fevered imagination, which never seems to grow tired of inventing new characters. And this one's a whopper. One that seems to have taken over my life to the point I'm no longer sure where she ends and I begin! Still, it seems to be working for us.

I’ve decided she’s about twenty-four. Enjoys long walks in the country, because she doesn’t have five kids and a husband to care for. Eats as much chocolate as she wants, because she never has to worry about putting on weight (must be all those long walks!). And can often be found planning her next whirl wind world tour or endlessly typing away (without any interruptions) on another hot and steamy erotic romance. It might be space pirates; it might be shifters or a lonely vampire with a thing for the girl next door, one thing’s for sure, she loves variety and can’t wait to meet the next characters destined to fall in love.

Reviews

[Bubbles Hunty Honest & Direct Opinions · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these guys, Lurk, Zak, and Brody all of them were so cute and Loveable. And then Wolf was just so great and funny. A little sad in parts but overall cute and happy. This is for sure a love story, and I loved reading it.



They are not blood brothers

[Shell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my very first Jade Archer book. *gasp* I know, I know, but I didn't know what I was missing, so you can't really blame me for not reading one before now!

Brody McAllister is a twenty-two year old young man with a rather harrowing past, who moved himself and his young brother, Wolf, from Illinois to California in attempt to make a new start for the two of them. Lark and Zak are in their twenties and have been in a serious monogamous relationship for the past six years, they're also the owners of Sandpipers restaurant.

With Brody new to the area and with his brother to take care of, he's desperate for a job. When he walks into Sandpipers he doesn't actually except to be hired, but after a quick look at his resume, Lark throws it away and welcomes Brody on board. What none of them expects is the longing and love that starts to develop between Brody and the two lovers, Lark and Zak. They also don't expect the malicious gossip and threats that begin to be directed their way by someone close to them.

This book had so many twists and turns I was never really sure what exactly was going on or how things were going to play out until the very end, which kept me glued to my ereader greedily devouring the pages until it's conclusion.

It was a sweet, surprising, and highly enjoyable read. I loved it.

[Nikyta · Rating 5 out of 5]

*sigh* This was a really, really good start to a new series. It was cute and sweet and you just want to grab all three characters and give them a great big hug!

Brody's had a hard life. He's been taking care of his baby brother and needs a job asap. He gets lucky when he gets a job at Sandpipers. A restaurant owned by lovers Lark and Zak. It's instant attraction between the three but Brody and Zak are reluctant to pursue anything. It takes some persuading from Lark and an arrogant, gossiping co-worker to finally bring the three together. When Brody's apartment gets burned down and someone starts threatening them things start getting a little more stressful.

I loved Lark, Zak and Brody. In the beginning, all you want to do is hold Brody. He's been through a lot and I instantly fell in love with him. Lark is funny and cute and makes it his mission to make the three of them work out. Zak is just a big, strong, gentle guy. He intimidates almost everyone but he's definitely a gentle giant. And, Wolf? Aww, how could I forget Wolf? He was my favorite character. So cute and young, it was adorable.

I loved the storyline. It was interesting and held me captive throughout the book. Wondering whether Lark and Zak were blood brothers made me keep reading just so I could figure out if it was true or not! It was kinda surprising to see who the person threatening Lark was. Well, at least I was shocked.

Overall, a great book. Jade's books are definitely getting better and better as she writes them. I can't wait for the next in the series! I wonder who it will be about? Mark and Raven, maybe? Oh, I hope so!Absolutely recommended. [image error]

[Lilli *slowest reader ever* · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 or 2.5 stars

Well, to me this felt like a whole lot of sex. Maybe that was because the plot was nothing to get excited about, really, and generally rather predictable. Maybe it's just me. *shrug*

Anyway. There was a whole lot of thinking of sex, anticipating sex, imagining sex and they've had sex, too. Of course. Then the insta-love tied with the insta-lust. And not a werewolf in sight. Bummer. I was confused.

In the end the little kid kinda saved the day. Wolf was cute and Brody with Wolf was cute and even Lark and Zak with Wolf were cute. And Ryan was cute, too. Which made me interested in reading the next book about his father. (He seems to be cute, too.)

I'm a bit freaked about how the kids in the story got to me, though. Maybe the next installment will help remedy this.

Btw, Wolf is not a shifter. Really.

[Mandy*reads obsessively* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brody has had a tough life and its not getting any easier...taking care of his brother and trying to earn a living.
He is hired in a restaurant and falls relatively quickly into a relationship with Lark and Zak ( the owners and an established couple).
There is drama, too much for my taste ok the horrible childhood, juvie, taking care of a 4 year old, the old lady who burned the house down, on a side note..what ever happened to her...?, the pseudo incest , the death threats, the vandalism, the gun wielding crazy, although I thought it was an interesting touch that he was also gay, so it was not homophobia but the 'incest' that was the trigger.
There is a very fast love declaration, but I guess Brody especially would be so happy and relieved and grateful that I'm not suprised he fell in love quickly, his life only got better. The author does give an explanation as to why the couple might be open to 'more' , but I just wasn't as convinced as to why they both fell for Brody and so quickly!
You have to suspend disbelief that there will be no serious problems with the three of them with the 'issue' that hangs over Zak and Lark raising a child together with Brody, but hey, it's make believe.

[Heather C · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, this is my first contemporary m/m/m novel and my first time reading Jade's work. So I must admit that I was very nervous about starting this. I was all freaked out about having to deal with jealously issues and problems with equality. Not the case at all!! Zak and Lark were feeling that they needed more in their relationship and found everything they needed with Brody! I loved the different personalities and the dynamics between these 3 guys. They complimented each other perfectly. It was great and I didn't even have to have my hand held.

Lark was my favorite of the three guys. He was such a mother hen and trying to fix everything. So sweet.

I loved Wolf. Such a cutie! I need to find the short story asap.

I can't wait to discover more of Jade's work and really looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Meep · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kindle-Sort-ReRead

There's the desperate hardup guy, whose employed by the super horny hyper little guy whose dating the big guy. Then they're a threesome.
Possibly with some plot stuff happening.

[Jade Archer]

Reviews you might be interested in :

Literary Nymphs said : 4.5 out of 5! The plot is well written, in addition to being absorbing with a touch of mystery. The intimacy is especially sensual. The characters are appealing...Jade Archer has created a fascinating saga that I enjoyed. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series. Read the full review at

http://literarynymphsreviewsonly.blog...

Dark Divas Reviews said : 4.5 out of 5!...a beautiful story about starting over and finding love...Jade Archer created three wonderful characters...Sandpipers' Secrets will leave you with a smile and encouraged to see love overcome hate and misunderstanding.

http://www.darkdivasreviews.com/?p=4023

I'm really, really excited about releasing Sandpipers' Secrets. First of all it's my first contemporary piece. Normally I dwell in the land of fantasy and science fiction...and I tend to write fansty/sci-fi as well. LOL. Seriously, these guys invaded my world and just wouldn't leave me alone until I agreed to tell their story. And I'm so glad I did, because I loved writing it. It didn't exactly write itself. There were plenty of late nights and frustrating re-writes involved in the process. But I'm very pleased with how the tale turned out in the end and so thrilled that I could publish it. And it also introduced me to another first. While I have long enjoyed reading stories featuring menage, Sandpipers' Secrets represents the first I've ever written. Brody, Lark and Zak just insisted that's how it was going to be. Who was I to argue.

There are a lot of people who helped me finally realise this story. From Charles, who agreed to beta read this one for me, to the Pie In The Sky Critique group who helped whip my writing into shape, to my fabulous, brave editor who offered so much support and help along the way, and finally to Lyn Taylor who produced the amazing cover art - my heartfelt thanks (though it hardly seems enough).

If you would like to read an excerpt from Sandpipers' Secrets please feel free to follow the link below to my website:

http://www.jadearcher.com/Excerpt~San...

If you do happen to read Sandpipers' Secrets and enjoy it you might like to check out the free reads page on my website. 'Another Little Secret' is a little something I wrote to show my appreciation ;)

http://www.jadearcher.com/Free_Reads_...

[Nancy L · Rating 4 out of 5]

No ice cream for bad guys. Wish life was that simple!! Seems these three balance each other out such as when Lark and Zak are fighting and Brody can't stand it they stop. It's a good flowing story with a touch of mystery to it. The sex is hot too. Overall, it's a sweet romantic story.

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book!

At the beginning of the book Brody is desperate to find a job to support himself and his brother Wolf. It's really his last hope. You can feel his worries and desperation and he immediately becomes dear to you.

Lark and Zak are the owners of a restaurant and they are very much in love with each other. Lark is all energy and experimentation and enthusiasm. Zak is dark, tall and handsome, more reflective and less experimental. They are happy, but it's like there's something missing in their lives, something they can't figure out.

When Brody is employed by Lark and Zak, the three men are a bit confused by the attraction they feel for each other. Brody likes both Lark and Zak, he admires the different traits of their personality, but he also knows he can't lose his job and he doesn't want to mess with the two men and cause problems. He envies their love, because since when he began to take care of his brother, he neglected his personal life. He has never really been loved and that's everything he wants, to be loved and cherished.

Lark and Zak have each other, but they can't deny they want Brody. Their desire for the younger man doesn't feel like a betrayal to the other, it's like the two of them have love to give freely away. Brody is very reserved and they would do anything to make him happy, because they can see something is bothering him. But Lark and Zak have their own problems and they are threatening their lives.

The three men complete each other, because it seems Brody is the missing link between the two. He is probably the character about whom the reader worries the most, because he's had an ugly past and he's struggling to make his life better. Lark and Zak's love is a balm to his wounds. I loved that he didn't want to involve the others in his problems, but he tried to take care of himself and his bother with as much dignity as he could retain, even knowing that the others would be glad to help him. Lark is the one who sets everything in motion, always reaching out either to Brody or to Zak to make them speak, to soothe them and bring them together. I think Brody's personal situation and Lark's energy overshadowed Zak. He is the rock in the relationship, the big guy with a golden heart.

Wolf, Brody's little brother, is a sun that shines bright and makes us smile. He melted me.

The story is very sweet and the three men are great together. I loved that Lark and Zak made room for Brody in their life and in their bed and I never felt Brody was a stranger between them. The story has just a little amount of angst and drama, but I think the tension for me came from Brody's reluctant behavior, because he wasn't a very forthcoming narrator. It's a book I highly recommend, even to those who are afraid of menage, because it's a very engaging story. And sweet, I don't know how many times I told this.

[Bookwatcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

The reasons to give it 5 stars:
*very hot story
*lovely kid
*I like the writing

The reasons I didn't gave 5 stars :(
*the story is very hot, I enjoy it, but sometimes I wish there were less sex and more plot
* the lovely kid is cute, but don't sounds like a kid at all. The way Wolf speak and behave is weird. Mentioning the small kid (3 or 4 years old) is so young is not enough, I have to see some behave (or speech) that confirm it. Wolf talk as an adult, and it's weird. I don't want to sound presumptuous but I think the writer could even don't add him at all. It's pity he is in such few scenes. Why he is not more active, more dialogs with the MCs? Why he is in the story, if he is not neither a secondary character? He is there.. but you will forget about him completely, and when he is there, he is a ghost, there but as if he isn't.

The menage of the story is very interesting and I almost freak out with the possibility of Lark and Zak were brothers :D but I keep believing there weren't and LUCKILY they weren't, YAY! I was scared because I don't like brothercest's stories :D

I liked it but... hummm... no, too much sex, too little plot, don't think I will read more of this series.

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7 Stars

I liked this more than I thought I would given the cryptic beginning, which in a non mystery usually annoys me...Of course later we got one of those anyway. The romance was sweet AND sexy, and I am a sucker for instant families. The only thing that threw me was the continual use of British terms and spelling - I thought it was set on the west coast.

[♥Lynn ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jade Archer's writing gets better and better with each book. When I first saw this book was a menage, I cringed. It is hard to get into a menage relationship and actually believe in the relationship for me. However, this book was simply wonderful!! I had no problem believing the men were in love and each brought something to the relationship. The relationship was not based on sex but of need. With that being said, the sex scenes were great! I hope to see more of this couple. I want to know what happens next! I really want to know more about Wolf.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best m/m/m menages I have read in ages !!!

At times it was sweet, then hot, then dramatic, then mysterious, back to sweet and hawt...

I really do not have one negative thing to say about this book!!!!

Major brownie points have been allotted to Ms Archer for producing such a sterling book :)

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy reading story. Loveable characters, some external conflict drama, some sexy 3-ways and honestly not enough internal conflicts or conflicts between the three MCs. Two people don't get along this well, let alone three, but if you want a non-jarring read then this will suit.

[Tana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story very much, I hope there is more to come, a sequel with Mark and Raven and maybe one of the police officers.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Pretty good read, not my overall favorite M/M/M book, but the story was pretty good and the characters were likeable. I will be reading the next in the series.

[CAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Jade Archer book and sure as hell it is not going to be my last. It's one of the most captivating, well written M/M/M romances I've read in quite some time. I knew within the first few paragraphs it was going to be a straight through read. Jade's writing flows smoothly and is full of warmth and humor. I was a bit on the fence with the mysterious threat implied in the blurb. But no worries, it added a nice touch of suspense and never overpowered the heart of the story. The chemistry between these three gorgeous men is instant and intense. Being aware of each man's thoughts and feelings added depth and clarity to the men and their relationship. Each one has a distinctly different personality. Those differences are what made this an exceptional story on every level for me. Given half a chance I'd walk to the ends of the earth in any one of these men's shoes.

Zak and Lark together are, in a word, intoxicating. Although Zak is the more reserved of the two, he's got one hell of a wicked sense of humor. He's rock solid dependable, a thinker and a planner. A perfect foil for the irrepressible Lark, AKA "Trouble". Lark is all about keeping life interesting. Jump now, deal later. There's nothing he enjoys more than keeping Zak on his toes... in and out of the bedroom. In his own words, "There's something missing. Not 'missing' as in not enough. 'Missing', as in there's more!" More as in one quiet, unassuming, self sacrificing young man by the name of Brody. When they invite Brody into their lives they know where he goes, his brother Wolf goes. More takes on a whole new meaning when the last of Brody's secrets is revealed.

If you enjoy M/M/M stories this one's a keeper and not to be missed. That being said, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys M/M and hasn't yet given the extra M a try. Pick this one up and discover what you've been missing. In Lark's words, "Missing, as in there's more!"

NOTE: This book has been provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online.

[Stacey Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! It was very well written. It had a nice little mystery that kept you guessing at who was threatening Zac and Lark. It kept you guessing. And you can really tell how much Zac and Lark loved each other. Then when they brought Brody into their relationship it really brought up the heat factor ;0) These guys are seriously HOT together. Great smexin here! If you like m/m/m, this is an excellent story for you then. Not just for the great sex, but these guys really do love each other. And Wolf added a very sweet dynamic to the story and to their relationship. There is some excitement at the end when everything comes to a head. All-in-all a fantastic read. I'm putting it on my favorites shelf cause I'll definitely want yo read it again. And looks to me like it's been set up for a possible sequel wit Raven and Mark so I am hopeful as I'd love to hear more about Lark, Zac, and Brody, even if it's thru someone else's story.

[Bea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably closer to 2.5. I really liked the characters and the story. I had no problem with the writing. But the ménage felt more like "wheeeee hot kinky sex," and less meaningful relationship. It could be because of the rushed beginning, not sure why.

I loved the interactions when they were not having sex, there were emotions and sincerity there. But the sex scenes felt rushed and rote, certainly not romantic. Toward the end I just skipped it.


Might try some other books by this author, but not overwhelmed here.

[Rayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Threesomes can be tricky when it's a couple bringing in a third. Usually it's one partner that is attracted first. But this one amazed me. Although Lark and Zak have been together for years, I could see the mutual attraction immediately. They both knew they were meant to be three with Brody. And Brody's attraction to the couple was also equal right away. I never really felt like Brody was an outsider. Right from the beginning, it was three. This has definitely become one of my favorite menage stories.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit, i'm normally not a fan of books where a couple is adding a third into an already established relationship because I always feel like I am missing something. And I felt the same way through the beginning of Sandpiper's Secrets - but about halfway through the story picked up and I really enjoyed it. Will definately interested in reading another in the series - maybe with Raven (the guy at the end), hopefully he will find his HEA ;)

[Line · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh... Not a bad book, but not a fantastic book either.
Brody was a nice character. Lark was a nice (exuberant) character and Zak was a nice character. But the plot are Z & L brothers?, the 'stalker', and Wolf just seemed too much?? Since these plot-points were on top of the menage relationship, it became a lot when they were also trying to figure out how to do the whole: being-3-together-thing...

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good m/m/m romance about a guy who desperately needs a job to keep he and his brother off the streets and so is happy to get a kitchen job at Sandpipers, despite the attraction he feels to the couple who own the restaurant.

[Nic]

Light m/m romance involving a committed couple (with a complex relationship) inviting another man to join them. A bit of mystery, some tension and some sex. OK read but not rushing to buy the second book in the series.

[Cotilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has my favourite themes gay romance: m/m/m and caring for little kids. If it were longer it would have been even better.

[Simsala · Rating 4 out of 5]

A kid was involved,so the solutions to Sandpiper`s Secrets were satisfying.
But sometime soon I want to read about the "real" thing...in a contemporary romance,please.;-)

[Sakuko · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not a great book, but an easy read.
The characters are very flat though, the secondary ones basically just cut-outs and there is a lot of overdone drama that's pretty weird and not very well explained. But all of the plot is kinda weak and not well thought out. e.x. How was Brody planing to earn money anyway, since he had his kid-brother to take care of and no money for a pre-school/baby sitter. He just stumbled on the nice neighbour willing to constantly take care of Wolf entirely by accident

The author does this thing where he feels the need to over-explain all the characters motives and actions in their own head, which I find annoying and exasperating.

The relationship is insta-lust and pretty much insta-love too. There is no taking about it, essentially, not among the established couple nor with all three of them. They just kinda fall together, barely any words needed. And any talk that they do start gets immediately interrupted by gratuitous sex scenes. But that's what the book stands on, so...

[Meri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story, all 3 of our MCs are such interesting character’s and little Wolf just steals the show! I could empathise with Brody and his fear of shouting, of police, of the world that had been so rough for him growing up. Would’ve liked to see more of the story in the restaurant, only really see them at the restaurant in first half of book. I would’ve liked to have seen how Brody coped with his job now that he was going out with his bosses. What was the atmosphere in the kitchen like. That sort of thing. But brilliant story regardless. Easy 5 stars

[MN Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super Cute Quick Read. Brody has had a hard life and now he's taking care of his 4 year old brother. Lark and Zak own and operate a restaurant and Brody applies for a job. After a while, they get their acts together and start a relationship, all three.

Bad luck continues to happen, Zak and Lark are accused of things, graffiti on the wall, threatening letters, a fire in Brody's apartment, it goes on, but through it all they find love.

To me...way more sexy times than plot, but it was good.