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A Sweet Way to Love
Graham Rogers’s home life has never been the greatest, but the older he gets, the worse the situation becomes. When the people who were supposed to love you don't, how can you believe in any sort of happily ever after?
Eric Wallace has spent years building the life and love he wants, in spite of everyone who ever doubted him. When he meets Graham, the younger man’s sad eyes and broken soul call to him in ways he never expected.
Graham knows there are many reasons why they shouldn’t be together, prominent is that Eric has been in relationships with two other men for twelve years. But it’s because of the life Eric has with his partners, that he understands his capacity for love has yet to be reached, and Graham is the next piece of his puzzle.
Despite Graham’s insecurities and cautious resistance, Eric has patience in abundance and isn’t afraid to reassure him at every turn. In the end, Eric shows Graham not only the love he deserves, but the family he’s always longed for, and that may be the sweetest gift of them all.
A Sweet Way to Love is the prequel to Abrianna Denae’s A Gentle Way to Love. It contains open polyamory, a barista who needs love, a patient business owner who knows what he wants, and a unique found family.
Eric Wallace has spent years building the life and love he wants, in spite of everyone who ever doubted him. When he meets Graham, the younger man’s sad eyes and broken soul call to him in ways he never expected.
Graham knows there are many reasons why they shouldn’t be together, prominent is that Eric has been in relationships with two other men for twelve years. But it’s because of the life Eric has with his partners, that he understands his capacity for love has yet to be reached, and Graham is the next piece of his puzzle.
Despite Graham’s insecurities and cautious resistance, Eric has patience in abundance and isn’t afraid to reassure him at every turn. In the end, Eric shows Graham not only the love he deserves, but the family he’s always longed for, and that may be the sweetest gift of them all.
A Sweet Way to Love is the prequel to Abrianna Denae’s A Gentle Way to Love. It contains open polyamory, a barista who needs love, a patient business owner who knows what he wants, and a unique found family.
102 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2025
9 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Abrianna Denae
42 books265 followersAbrianna Denae is a queer author living in Northern California. An English major, they have always had a passion for writing.
Deciding to sit down and write one of the many stories that had plagued their mind for years was the easy part—finding the time to do it was a different story.
Caffeine is their best friend, and sleep is their worst enemy.
A lover of books that make the reader feel something, Abrianna tries to incorporate as much of their real-world views and feelings into their stories as they can.
Deciding to sit down and write one of the many stories that had plagued their mind for years was the easy part—finding the time to do it was a different story.
Caffeine is their best friend, and sleep is their worst enemy.
A lover of books that make the reader feel something, Abrianna tries to incorporate as much of their real-world views and feelings into their stories as they can.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 22, 2025
A beautiful start
A Sweet Way to Love is a prequel to A Gentle Way to Love and gives you more backstory to two of the loveable characters.
Eric and Graham couldn't be more different. Eric is a wealthy businessman who's newest acquisition introduces him to Graham, a 19-year-old barista who doesn't have a good home life. Eric is confident, smart, and has relationships with two other people, all things the wary Graham doesn't know if he can handle. But the more they get together, the more you can see and feel the love between them.
If you're new to open poly, this is the perfect novella for you. Not too much, but introduces how love is love and how people can love differently.
A Sweet Way to Love is a prequel to A Gentle Way to Love and gives you more backstory to two of the loveable characters.
Eric and Graham couldn't be more different. Eric is a wealthy businessman who's newest acquisition introduces him to Graham, a 19-year-old barista who doesn't have a good home life. Eric is confident, smart, and has relationships with two other people, all things the wary Graham doesn't know if he can handle. But the more they get together, the more you can see and feel the love between them.
If you're new to open poly, this is the perfect novella for you. Not too much, but introduces how love is love and how people can love differently.
February 19, 2025
I have to admit there was one thing in particular that drew me to this story and that was that one man was Polyamorous and the younger man was asexual. Now I knew what these lifestyles were but I'd never come across both in one relationship and I was curious to read it. This is a touching, sometimes sad tale but boosted with a growing romance. The age of the young man may bother some, for me it didn't, he came across as sensible and grounded, just suffering homophobic abuse from his family. It's a lovely gentle read.
January 23, 2025
A sweet love story all around and a great descriptor of what it means to be poly.
January 22, 2025
If you’ve read A Gentle Way to Love (which I highly recommend you do lol) then you already know these guys. This is Eric & Graham’s story. 🖤🔥💙🔥🖤
January 17, 2025
A Sweet Way to Love is sweet, heartwarming novella that is a prequel to A Gentle Way to Love by the same author. Touching on themes of love, healing, belonging and found family, the story introduces readers to Graham Rogers, a young man with a less than ideal family life, and Eric Wallace, the man who just bought the coffee shop where Graham works.
Graham's struggles are depicted with care - showing the angst but not in a way that feels too cruel. Eric's easy, unwavering support for him is comforting, if not a little overwhelming for how fast he assumes the role. The open, poly relationship that Eric has with his partners is a dynamic I wish had been explored in more detail, but overall I enjoyed the story.
As much as I enjoyed this novella, it left me wishing for more. The brevity of the story sometimes made Graham and Eric's emotional journey feel rushed, especially given how complex the themes being explored are. A longer format would allow for deeper, richer character development, and allowed us to really see their connection develop. I hope Abrianna Denae expands this in the future!
For all of this, though, this is a tender, uplifting read, and it is a lovely introduction to polyamory.
Graham's struggles are depicted with care - showing the angst but not in a way that feels too cruel. Eric's easy, unwavering support for him is comforting, if not a little overwhelming for how fast he assumes the role. The open, poly relationship that Eric has with his partners is a dynamic I wish had been explored in more detail, but overall I enjoyed the story.
As much as I enjoyed this novella, it left me wishing for more. The brevity of the story sometimes made Graham and Eric's emotional journey feel rushed, especially given how complex the themes being explored are. A longer format would allow for deeper, richer character development, and allowed us to really see their connection develop. I hope Abrianna Denae expands this in the future!
For all of this, though, this is a tender, uplifting read, and it is a lovely introduction to polyamory.
January 7, 2025
This short story was previously published as part of an anthology, but has now been released on its own.
Graham and Eric's story is full of love, support, and acceptance. The ease Eric has with simply being there for Graham and accepting and embracing him as is was just beautiful to read about. I liked how Eric was very open about his poly relationship, as well as making sure to communicate to his other partners about what was going on between him and Graham. Before you even start this story there is a bunch of information on the various terms of poly relationships, and the different types of poly relationships there can be. I really liked getting that information because it helped me better understand the relationship I was about to be reading, in addition to teaching me new terms I hadn't heard of previously.
My only critique is that I wish this was a longer book, that way Graham and Eric would have had more time to get to know one another without it feeling rushed. If you're wondering if this is a slow-burn or insta-love.. it is an insta-love story, which isn't necessarily bad, I just wish these two characters could've had more time together. Something else I loved was the Asexual representation, especially because Graham's character showcases a different form of Asexuality which I really appreciated seeing.
All in all a good short story.
Graham and Eric's story is full of love, support, and acceptance. The ease Eric has with simply being there for Graham and accepting and embracing him as is was just beautiful to read about. I liked how Eric was very open about his poly relationship, as well as making sure to communicate to his other partners about what was going on between him and Graham. Before you even start this story there is a bunch of information on the various terms of poly relationships, and the different types of poly relationships there can be. I really liked getting that information because it helped me better understand the relationship I was about to be reading, in addition to teaching me new terms I hadn't heard of previously.
My only critique is that I wish this was a longer book, that way Graham and Eric would have had more time to get to know one another without it feeling rushed. If you're wondering if this is a slow-burn or insta-love.. it is an insta-love story, which isn't necessarily bad, I just wish these two characters could've had more time together. Something else I loved was the Asexual representation, especially because Graham's character showcases a different form of Asexuality which I really appreciated seeing.
All in all a good short story.
January 18, 2025
I absolutely loved this novella! This was my first open polyamory read so I was grateful for the glossary of polyamorous terms before the story.
The way Eric's open polyamory relationship is written is so beautiful, they truly have built an open and honest family who support each other regardless of who is in love with whom, when you have so much love to give why should the world expect you to only share that love with one person if the people you're loving understand how your relationship works.
From the moment Eric meets Graham it's clear they have a spark and when the reader learns about Graham's home love and how his own family treats him because he's gay you really just want him to find his people and feel loved by people who love him for who he is. Eric is very open and honest with Graham from the start, he doesn't hide anything, including how he feels about Graham and I think the way he talks to Graham makes him feel safe and allows him to trust Eric.
This was such a beautiful story and reading about the other characters I wanted to read their stories too and see how this family all fits together because even the 9 year old daughter of one of the couples just gets it and that definitely shows how the world could be if we all had a bit more understanding in our hearts.
The way Eric's open polyamory relationship is written is so beautiful, they truly have built an open and honest family who support each other regardless of who is in love with whom, when you have so much love to give why should the world expect you to only share that love with one person if the people you're loving understand how your relationship works.
From the moment Eric meets Graham it's clear they have a spark and when the reader learns about Graham's home love and how his own family treats him because he's gay you really just want him to find his people and feel loved by people who love him for who he is. Eric is very open and honest with Graham from the start, he doesn't hide anything, including how he feels about Graham and I think the way he talks to Graham makes him feel safe and allows him to trust Eric.
This was such a beautiful story and reading about the other characters I wanted to read their stories too and see how this family all fits together because even the 9 year old daughter of one of the couples just gets it and that definitely shows how the world could be if we all had a bit more understanding in our hearts.
February 14, 2026
Graham grows up without love or support, leaving him convinced he’ll never get a real happily‑ever‑after. Eric, already in a long‑term polyamorous relationship, has built a life full of love — and when he meets Graham, he realises his heart has room for one more. Despite Graham’s fears and insecurities, Eric’s patience and steady reassurance help him see he deserves care, affection, and a family of his own. A Sweet Way to Love is a gentle prequel about healing, open polyamory, and finding a unique, welcoming found family.
I loved that Graham’s story is heartbreaking in how clearly it shows the absence of love, respect, and safety in his life. He’s a young man who’s never been valued, so it’s no surprise he struggles to believe he deserves anything good. That contrast makes Eric’s world — full of stability, affection, and a deeply rooted polyamorous family — feel all the more powerful. Eric’s life isn’t just loving; it has room to expand, and Graham becomes the piece he didn’t know he was missing. I also loved how gently Eric offers Graham what he’s never had: patience, reassurance, and a place where he’s wanted without conditions. The warmth of Eric’s family and the way they open their hearts to Graham makes this a tender, hopeful read about healing and finding the love you were always meant to have. This was an MM story with mature content.
I loved that Graham’s story is heartbreaking in how clearly it shows the absence of love, respect, and safety in his life. He’s a young man who’s never been valued, so it’s no surprise he struggles to believe he deserves anything good. That contrast makes Eric’s world — full of stability, affection, and a deeply rooted polyamorous family — feel all the more powerful. Eric’s life isn’t just loving; it has room to expand, and Graham becomes the piece he didn’t know he was missing. I also loved how gently Eric offers Graham what he’s never had: patience, reassurance, and a place where he’s wanted without conditions. The warmth of Eric’s family and the way they open their hearts to Graham makes this a tender, hopeful read about healing and finding the love you were always meant to have. This was an MM story with mature content.
January 19, 2025
I enjoyed this novella. I thought it was cute, full of love, and gave Graham a safe person to confide in. I like how Eric was able to get past Graham’s walls and help him to open up.
Eric is in an open polyamorous relationship and I loved that they were all so accepting of Graham. They welcomed Graham into their family with arms wide open.
I think my only critique is that I wish the story would have been a little longer or that the relationship between Eric and Graham started sooner. I feel the relationship and coming together part dragged on until about halfway through the book and then everything happened full speed the past 1/4 of the book.
Overall the book was a cute novella and I would recommend it!
Eric is in an open polyamorous relationship and I loved that they were all so accepting of Graham. They welcomed Graham into their family with arms wide open.
I think my only critique is that I wish the story would have been a little longer or that the relationship between Eric and Graham started sooner. I feel the relationship and coming together part dragged on until about halfway through the book and then everything happened full speed the past 1/4 of the book.
Overall the book was a cute novella and I would recommend it!
January 23, 2025
Sweet, age gap, hurt/comfort
Graham doesn't have the best home.
His mother doesn't approve of him and he's basically used.
He doesn't feel loved or seen.
When he meets Eric, the new owner and boss of coffee shop he works at, there's instant chemistry between them.
Eric is part of a polycule and the way these men have formed a family is beautiful.
They all care for each other, some romantically and some platonically but they're all a family.
Eric truly makes Graham feel valued and cared for.
When Graham has trouble at home, Eric immediately jumps in and offers a hand.
Graham is initially hesitant but eventually comes to the realization that he has a place in this family.
Graham doesn't have the best home.
His mother doesn't approve of him and he's basically used.
He doesn't feel loved or seen.
When he meets Eric, the new owner and boss of coffee shop he works at, there's instant chemistry between them.
Eric is part of a polycule and the way these men have formed a family is beautiful.
They all care for each other, some romantically and some platonically but they're all a family.
Eric truly makes Graham feel valued and cared for.
When Graham has trouble at home, Eric immediately jumps in and offers a hand.
Graham is initially hesitant but eventually comes to the realization that he has a place in this family.
July 26, 2025
This was a short quick read that I liked. Graham Rogers’s life has not been easy his mother and sister treat him like a babysitter. Eric Wallace is the new owner of the coffee shop that he works at. I reading a good poly Eric has two partners and they also have husband's and other partners. Graham is asexual so he fit right in. In this book we didn't get a lot of backstory on either of these characters. Graham finds it hard to believe that Eric wants him. This was my first time reading this author. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading about the other guys
January 14, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: M/M Poly Romance
Format: E-Book
Series: Beginning Way to Love # 1
This was a prequel to "A Gentle Way to Love". In "A Gentle Way to Love" we were introduced to Blaise and Sawyer with glimpses of Graham and Eric. I was super excited to dive into Graham's story. He was sweet and sassy in "A Gentle Way to Love" and I just knew I would fall in love with him even more in his own story.
This was about self discovery. and finding your worth. I loved every minute of Eric and Graham's story
Genre: M/M Poly Romance
Format: E-Book
Series: Beginning Way to Love # 1
This was a prequel to "A Gentle Way to Love". In "A Gentle Way to Love" we were introduced to Blaise and Sawyer with glimpses of Graham and Eric. I was super excited to dive into Graham's story. He was sweet and sassy in "A Gentle Way to Love" and I just knew I would fall in love with him even more in his own story.
This was about self discovery. and finding your worth. I loved every minute of Eric and Graham's story
January 21, 2025
3.5⭐️
This was a fun and fast read, the two’s main characters were both wonderfully likable. I enjoyed the complicated, big, extended found family Eric has built for himself and how accepting everyone was of Graham. I also appreciated just how much love and kindness the group has for each other. I will say it was a bit fuzzy and confusing around the edges. I would have loved a bit more time to understand the group and their unique dynamics. But, super sweet read overall!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
This was a fun and fast read, the two’s main characters were both wonderfully likable. I enjoyed the complicated, big, extended found family Eric has built for himself and how accepting everyone was of Graham. I also appreciated just how much love and kindness the group has for each other. I will say it was a bit fuzzy and confusing around the edges. I would have loved a bit more time to understand the group and their unique dynamics. But, super sweet read overall!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
January 25, 2025
You are in a chocolate factory, surrounded by endless delicious possibilities....but you are allowed only one bite! So unfair, right? That's Sweet way to love - just one perfect bite that is Graham and Eric's story and how they met. I loved it and it was over faster than a blink of an eye. It showed a glimpse of Graham's struggles and Eric who offers a safe harbour for him, place to call home and be a part of one very big and special found family. The way Abrianna describes polyamory in her books is always chef's kiss and the diversity of the characters and relationships is unparalleled.
January 21, 2025
I had never read a book by this author before. To be honest, I was a bit shocked by the detailed explanation, but understood that it might be useful to be able to follow the roles and characters. And I must say I was not disappointed. The characters and story were beautifully described. The story also gave me a good feeling and I really sympathized with Eric and Graham. And honestly, this really leaves you wanting more. Highly recommended.
January 7, 2025
This prequel was very heartwarming. I liked that Eric was our older man who felt the strong pull to the younger sad Graham. Graham finds total acceptance with Eric. I really liked Eric, he was so patient and kind. Exactly what Eric needed.
January 21, 2025
Sweet Way to Love is the prequel of the Gentle Kind of Love. Gabriel hasn't had the best luck in life Eric trying keep positive that things will change. They support each other through the struggles of hard times
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2025
A Sweet Way to Love is a very sweet story but also involves a difficult subject: Graham’s homophobic family. Graham meets Eric when Eric buys the coffee shop where Graham works. They have an instant connection but there are a few obstacles they have to overcome. Eric is in a poly relationship but he’s never wanted someone quite the way he wants Graham. Despite the large gap in their ages the two of them make a wonderful life together.
I loved reading how these two get their HEA and I moved right on to the first full-length novel in the Ways to Love series.
I loved reading how these two get their HEA and I moved right on to the first full-length novel in the Ways to Love series.
January 21, 2025
A LOVELY SHORT READ WITH A STORY I FOUND ENJOYABLE!
This is a well paced read that is a page-turner for me. The characters and story are well written.
This is a well paced read that is a page-turner for me. The characters and story are well written.
January 22, 2025
A Sweet Way to Love is a prequal in the Beginning Way to Love series by Abrianna Denae. This was such a good, sweet, age gap novella about Eric and Gabriel.
January 24, 2025
Very quick enjoyable read. Now i need more. So I am definitely going to read book 1. I look forward to reading more about everyone.
February 3, 2025
Super sweet short story
February 9, 2025
A short read. It was well written but I don’t think polygamy is my sort of reading genre.
March 31, 2025
Eric and Graham’s story is a prequel that explores the relationship between and poly man and an ACE one. I love the themes of this story. This book definitely delivers.
April 4, 2025
The title says it all 😉 It's sweet, sappy at times, but sometimes you need a little sappiness in your life 😄
May 15, 2025
3.5 stars
January 19, 2025
This is one of the first books I’ve read by this author and I absolutely loved it. It’s also the first book I’ve read with Open Polyamory. And though the concept is new for me. The love the MCs showed for each other was undeniable. This is also a beautiful story of found family which just exudes love. From the first moment we meet Graham you want to scoop him up and hug him. And as Eric starts to be drawn in his interest is so sweet and kind that you can’t help but hope he wins Grahams heart. It was such a nice intro into this world that Abrianna Denae created and I’m excited to read book 1 in the series, A Gentle Way to Love ,next. This story is the perfect example of the saying Love is Love.
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