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Homeruns #3
Triple Play
Drew Jackson seemed to have it all. He has a family who loves and supports him, a tight circle of friends, and is a rising star with the Milwaukee Mavericks. Then, it all begins to unravel. Cam, the only man he’s ever loved, falls head over heels for Drew’s teammate. He makes a critical mistake in the playoffs that he’s not sure he’ll be able to recover from. And then, his world really crashes around him…
Eric Sapp may no longer play for the Mavericks, but he’s still one of the guys. No one could have imagined how much his life would change when he agreed to help his former teammates mourn the end of their run for the pennant. After stopping a brutal attack, Eric is forced to face the feelings that’ve been growing for his roommate, Drew. That’d be much easier if Drew wasn’t hell-bent on pushing everyone away as he recovers.
Neither of them were counting on Bryce Shaw. He and Drew enjoyed the one night they spent together, but knew it was unlikely they’d be anything more since they lived in different parts of the country. After Bryce is relocated to help a failing LGBT homeless outreach, he wants to explore something more with the Mavericks’ short stop.
As much as Eric wishes he could be the one to help his friend, he knows Bryce holds the key to Drew’s recovery. Will pushing the two back together be the biggest mistake of his life or will they all learn there is strength in numbers?
Eric Sapp may no longer play for the Mavericks, but he’s still one of the guys. No one could have imagined how much his life would change when he agreed to help his former teammates mourn the end of their run for the pennant. After stopping a brutal attack, Eric is forced to face the feelings that’ve been growing for his roommate, Drew. That’d be much easier if Drew wasn’t hell-bent on pushing everyone away as he recovers.
Neither of them were counting on Bryce Shaw. He and Drew enjoyed the one night they spent together, but knew it was unlikely they’d be anything more since they lived in different parts of the country. After Bryce is relocated to help a failing LGBT homeless outreach, he wants to explore something more with the Mavericks’ short stop.
As much as Eric wishes he could be the one to help his friend, he knows Bryce holds the key to Drew’s recovery. Will pushing the two back together be the biggest mistake of his life or will they all learn there is strength in numbers?
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2015
136 people are currently reading
708 people want to read
About the author
Sloan Johnson
26 books836 followersSloan Johnson is a big city girl trapped in a country girl’s body. While she longs for the hustle and bustle of New York City or Las Vegas, she hasn’t yet figured out how to sit on the deck with her morning coffee, watching the deer and wild turkeys in the fields while surrounded by concrete and glass.
When she was three, her parents received their first call from the principal asking them to pick her up from school. Apparently, if you aren’t enrolled, you can’t attend classes, even in Kindergarten. The next week, she was in preschool and started plotting her first story soon after.
Later in life, her parents needed to do something to help their socially awkward, uncoordinated child come out of her shell and figured there was no better place than a bar on Wednesday nights. It’s a good thing they did because this is where she found her love of reading and writing. Who needs socialization when you can sit alone in your bedroom with a good book?
Now, Sloan is a tattooed, purple haired mom of two kids, one of which was a thank you present to her husband for letting her get a Staffordshire Terrier with more anxiety issues than Sloan has, which is saying something. She’s been kicked out of the PTA in two school districts and is no longer asked to help with fundraisers because she’s been known to lose herself in a good book and forget that she has somewhere to be.
When she was three, her parents received their first call from the principal asking them to pick her up from school. Apparently, if you aren’t enrolled, you can’t attend classes, even in Kindergarten. The next week, she was in preschool and started plotting her first story soon after.
Later in life, her parents needed to do something to help their socially awkward, uncoordinated child come out of her shell and figured there was no better place than a bar on Wednesday nights. It’s a good thing they did because this is where she found her love of reading and writing. Who needs socialization when you can sit alone in your bedroom with a good book?
Now, Sloan is a tattooed, purple haired mom of two kids, one of which was a thank you present to her husband for letting her get a Staffordshire Terrier with more anxiety issues than Sloan has, which is saying something. She’s been kicked out of the PTA in two school districts and is no longer asked to help with fundraisers because she’s been known to lose herself in a good book and forget that she has somewhere to be.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
January 25, 2016
This was going to be more of a 2.5 until the final two chapters or so, because I really loved how Eric handled a certain situation that arose.
I bought this after seeing it on a FB thread as an m/m/m rec, and it sounded good. I'd never read the author before, and I didn't realize it was the third book in a series, so I was pretty thrown for a few chapters. This one opened assuming I'd read the previous two, so it was hard to get into for a while, because there were so many characters thrown at me at once.
The said-isms overwhelmed me at times. Said is perfect. Said disappears. Watching characters constantly deadpan, scold, suggest and scoff their dialogue got eye-rollingly annoying. And the book was a lot of telling. I was told how they felt, how they were reacting to things (particularly Drew), but I didn't see it. Perhaps this is the author's writing style, and it must work for her fans, but I found it difficult to really connect with the three main protagonists. Even in first person, all three men sounded exactly the same. Nothing made them unique to me.
And having worked with a woman who cracked a few ribs, I found it difficult to believe that Drew was up for sex only a month after his beating, never mind the full-on, muscle-contracting sex he had. Cracked ribs affect everything, from breathing to how you stand. That being said, the sex was pretty hot. The three protags shined on those scenes.
This book really had things I'd normally have loved. I adore a good hurt/comfort story, and I saw bits of it sprinkled throughout. What is that quote? Not everyone reads the same book.
I bought this after seeing it on a FB thread as an m/m/m rec, and it sounded good. I'd never read the author before, and I didn't realize it was the third book in a series, so I was pretty thrown for a few chapters. This one opened assuming I'd read the previous two, so it was hard to get into for a while, because there were so many characters thrown at me at once.
The said-isms overwhelmed me at times. Said is perfect. Said disappears. Watching characters constantly deadpan, scold, suggest and scoff their dialogue got eye-rollingly annoying. And the book was a lot of telling. I was told how they felt, how they were reacting to things (particularly Drew), but I didn't see it. Perhaps this is the author's writing style, and it must work for her fans, but I found it difficult to really connect with the three main protagonists. Even in first person, all three men sounded exactly the same. Nothing made them unique to me.
And having worked with a woman who cracked a few ribs, I found it difficult to believe that Drew was up for sex only a month after his beating, never mind the full-on, muscle-contracting sex he had. Cracked ribs affect everything, from breathing to how you stand. That being said, the sex was pretty hot. The three protags shined on those scenes.
This book really had things I'd normally have loved. I adore a good hurt/comfort story, and I saw bits of it sprinkled throughout. What is that quote? Not everyone reads the same book.
September 15, 2017
Pues seguí con la serie, mira...
Este es de un trío (duh)
No me gustan los trios, tiene alguna escena bastante sexy, pero los prefiero de dos en dos :)
Este es de un trío (duh)
No me gustan los trios, tiene alguna escena bastante sexy, pero los prefiero de dos en dos :)
February 23, 2017
ARC received for an honest review
It is no secret, my love for the m/m romance genre. I will read it till the cows come home.
But Ms Johnson has upped the ante with Triple Play - with a m/m/m romance.
I have died and gone to m/m romance heaven!
My heart broke for Drew in Curve Ball as we saw his best friend and guy he has loved forever fall in love with another man. Eric had been in the same place before he was traded to another team. Bryce previously met Drew and a connection was made, but no more was expected.
When events throw this trio together, you just know that things are going to get exciting.
Man do they heat up! You could feel the sexual tension bouncing off the walls!
You can feel Drew's confusion over his feelings for two men.
You can feel the frustration of all three men as they try to work out their "relationship".
But most of all, you can feel the love between all three men.
There are some super hot sexy times - oh to be in Ms Johnson's head as she puts these scenes together! Can I bring the vodka and popcorn and watch?
Ms Johnson also delved deeper into the LGBT world than she has done in the previous books.
I loved that we got more of the boys from the first two books - Sean and Mason, happily married and raising Mason's boy Asher. Like a peeping tom spying through the curtains, I loved getting a glimpse into their married life.
And we also get more of Jason and Cam's story -they are quite big players in Drew's life, so it was great to find out what happened after the end of Curve Ball - particularly with Cam.
Ms Johnson has quickly become one of my must reads in the m/m genre,and I can't wait to see what she brings us next.
It is no secret, my love for the m/m romance genre. I will read it till the cows come home.
But Ms Johnson has upped the ante with Triple Play - with a m/m/m romance.
I have died and gone to m/m romance heaven!
My heart broke for Drew in Curve Ball as we saw his best friend and guy he has loved forever fall in love with another man. Eric had been in the same place before he was traded to another team. Bryce previously met Drew and a connection was made, but no more was expected.
When events throw this trio together, you just know that things are going to get exciting.
Man do they heat up! You could feel the sexual tension bouncing off the walls!
You can feel Drew's confusion over his feelings for two men.
You can feel the frustration of all three men as they try to work out their "relationship".
But most of all, you can feel the love between all three men.
There are some super hot sexy times - oh to be in Ms Johnson's head as she puts these scenes together! Can I bring the vodka and popcorn and watch?
Ms Johnson also delved deeper into the LGBT world than she has done in the previous books.
I loved that we got more of the boys from the first two books - Sean and Mason, happily married and raising Mason's boy Asher. Like a peeping tom spying through the curtains, I loved getting a glimpse into their married life.
And we also get more of Jason and Cam's story -they are quite big players in Drew's life, so it was great to find out what happened after the end of Curve Ball - particularly with Cam.
Ms Johnson has quickly become one of my must reads in the m/m genre,and I can't wait to see what she brings us next.
September 28, 2015
OMG I loved this book so much!!
I will admit I was so nervous about reading this because I am the pickiest person when it comes to ménages. But this book was perfect! My biggest problem with them is sometimes I do not feel like everything is equal between all three men, like someone is always being left out. Well in this book that does not happen at all. Everyone discusses everything together and the whole relationship is equal between Drew, Eric and Bryce which I loved!
I will also say I have not read the first two books in this series and I did not feel lost at all.
Now there were some hard parts in this with what happened to Drew but you also get the sweet and the steamy. Which Damn this book was so Hot!!!!!!
I really do not want to give anymore of this book away because this is definitely one you should read for yourself.
I will leave this review with I 100% loved this book!
I would definitely recommend this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
I will admit I was so nervous about reading this because I am the pickiest person when it comes to ménages. But this book was perfect! My biggest problem with them is sometimes I do not feel like everything is equal between all three men, like someone is always being left out. Well in this book that does not happen at all. Everyone discusses everything together and the whole relationship is equal between Drew, Eric and Bryce which I loved!
I will also say I have not read the first two books in this series and I did not feel lost at all.
Now there were some hard parts in this with what happened to Drew but you also get the sweet and the steamy. Which Damn this book was so Hot!!!!!!
I really do not want to give anymore of this book away because this is definitely one you should read for yourself.
I will leave this review with I 100% loved this book!
I would definitely recommend this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
January 18, 2019
Nicely handled
I love this series. I came for the baseball but stayed for the family feels! I wasn't 100% sure about this one at points. I would have loved to have seen more intimate moments of the trios relationship rather then more sex but overall I found it enjoyable. A couple of questions were left unanswered but I'm hoping they'll be cleared up in the rest of the series.
I love this series. I came for the baseball but stayed for the family feels! I wasn't 100% sure about this one at points. I would have loved to have seen more intimate moments of the trios relationship rather then more sex but overall I found it enjoyable. A couple of questions were left unanswered but I'm hoping they'll be cleared up in the rest of the series.
March 25, 2021
Okay favorite one so far 🔥
January 10, 2016
I love menage stories... and this one is actually pretty awesome.
I liked how the book actually featured an issue regarding homeless kids. We get to see glimps of these people struggle.
I liked their story out of the three books. It was more memorable for me because of the theme it chose to tackle. It really was a good read for me. When I was reading the second book, I got the impression that Bryce was somewhat a timid guy. But holy shit, this book really threw me in a fucking loop because of the scenes of them three.
One thing I usually look for in story is the back story for the characters. For me, I wold have loved to learn more about Eric. I loved Eric too, I mean, a hot guy who isn't afraid to ask for a fucking. Uhm, their scenes really got me all hof and bothered.
What happened to Drew was horrible, I was actually sad for him during the second book because of his situation with Cam and because of what happened. But the author gave Drew a happy ending which was okay for me.
The ending gave me the impression that there will be a fourth book. Hoping it's Nick and Cody, that would be awesome.
I liked how the book actually featured an issue regarding homeless kids. We get to see glimps of these people struggle.
I liked their story out of the three books. It was more memorable for me because of the theme it chose to tackle. It really was a good read for me. When I was reading the second book, I got the impression that Bryce was somewhat a timid guy. But holy shit, this book really threw me in a fucking loop because of the scenes of them three.
One thing I usually look for in story is the back story for the characters. For me, I wold have loved to learn more about Eric. I loved Eric too, I mean, a hot guy who isn't afraid to ask for a fucking. Uhm, their scenes really got me all hof and bothered.
What happened to Drew was horrible, I was actually sad for him during the second book because of his situation with Cam and because of what happened. But the author gave Drew a happy ending which was okay for me.
The ending gave me the impression that there will be a fourth book. Hoping it's Nick and Cody, that would be awesome.
December 13, 2020
Reread December 2020
Didn’t enjoy this as much as I did the first time I read it. I suppose nowadays I need more relationship development on-page. Was skimming by the end.
Original Review
So...Bryce turned out to be a freaking hot alpha in the bedroom and these guys had hot sex and fell in love.
I liked this story but there were also a couple of things left unresolved - maybe for the next book??
Definitely worth the read cos when they get together you feel the tension and need and eventually the love.
Didn’t enjoy this as much as I did the first time I read it. I suppose nowadays I need more relationship development on-page. Was skimming by the end.
Original Review
So...Bryce turned out to be a freaking hot alpha in the bedroom and these guys had hot sex and fell in love.
I liked this story but there were also a couple of things left unresolved - maybe for the next book??
Definitely worth the read cos when they get together you feel the tension and need and eventually the love.
January 8, 2024
Ok this book is probably my favourite in the series. I am a sucker for a throuple and even more so when it’s mmm. I love their relationship and how they bring such different parts into the relationship and how important each of them are to the relationship. I’m obsessed
🌶🌶🌶🌶
🌶🌶🌶🌶
December 26, 2018
What a great installment in this series! First of all, this is the hottest, most realistic m/m/m romance I've ever read, and I enjoyed every moment these three shared. I loved the openness, honesty and evolution of their relationship. They really did belong together, all three of them, and it works so well. These three guys have their strengths and weaknesses, but the most important thing the author shows us is the compassion and empathy they have for others, which they pour into their dream of helping homeless kids. Such an excellent plot, romance, and overall story including the other couples from the previous two books. This one big family is easy to love, and I can't wait to read the other books! Well done, Sloan Johnson; much recommended.
November 29, 2018
Bryce, Eric, and Drew stole my heart. My heart broke when Drew was hurt, but I really liked that Eric stepped up to help. These three guys together was so good, once you got past the initial getting together part. There were a couple times in the beginning before they actually got together where I was frustrated with the situation. I loved Bryce's take charge attitude that led up to the three of them getting together. Their interactions with each other and how they make the relationship work was very well done. They way they stood by each other, and stood up for each other was beautiful.
September 23, 2018
Hot but for Bryce. Drew & Eric, YOWZA!
October 23, 2015
In baseball, triple plays are a rarity; it takes extreme precision and teamwork in order to execute a play with multiple players involved. But it’s also more than that…everything has to be moving in tandem because one slip up can destroy a carefully constructed unit.
I’m not usual one to discuss life using a baseball analogy but it only seems fitting for Drew’s story because it’s titled Triple Play and that is exactly how many people are involved; although, it’s not on the baseball field…
In reading the previous two books, I had a good amount of background knowledge on Eric and Drew, but Bryce was still an unknown character. But from the start of the text, I knew, in a way, that Bryce was going to be the one that solidified everything between the three of them because he had the emotional strength to do so. He took charge and pushed when he needed to in order to make both Eric and Drew see that society’s view on things didn’t matter because what they felt for each other and what they gave to each other worked for them in a way that made sense and felt right so to hell with anyone who disagreed or looked down on them for their choices.
But having three people exist in one relationship can get messy and stressful; there are a lot of different emotions to take into account and handle with care, and for an author to explore three varying perspectives, it's sometimes difficult to present a full insider's view of the main characters' thoughts and feelings when there are three people involved and equal exploration needs to be provided in order to truly see how their polyamorous relationship works. At times, I found it difficult to truly understand how Drew, Bryce, and Eric made everything work despite their dominating personalities and tense reactions to situations because I didn't feel privy to all three perspectives at the various intense moments. I wanted to experience more of the development of their feelings and truly witness how it went from just fooling around and having fun to deep rooted feelings between all three, and while at times, I did feel like I got a pretty good look at some aspects of their commitment to each other, there were other times that I wished for more.
That being said, I truly enjoyed Drew, Bryce, and Eric's story because of the lessons taught through Drew's ordeal as well as Bryce's commitment to help LGBT teens who have nowhere to turn or live. It filled me with a sense of pride to see three strong gay men work to help those who needed their support and do more than throw money at the issues. The latter part of the book truly illustrated how the three men had grown and transformed through one another’s guidance, pushing, and commitment, which is all anyone wants to experience in a relationship.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
I’m not usual one to discuss life using a baseball analogy but it only seems fitting for Drew’s story because it’s titled Triple Play and that is exactly how many people are involved; although, it’s not on the baseball field…
In reading the previous two books, I had a good amount of background knowledge on Eric and Drew, but Bryce was still an unknown character. But from the start of the text, I knew, in a way, that Bryce was going to be the one that solidified everything between the three of them because he had the emotional strength to do so. He took charge and pushed when he needed to in order to make both Eric and Drew see that society’s view on things didn’t matter because what they felt for each other and what they gave to each other worked for them in a way that made sense and felt right so to hell with anyone who disagreed or looked down on them for their choices.
But having three people exist in one relationship can get messy and stressful; there are a lot of different emotions to take into account and handle with care, and for an author to explore three varying perspectives, it's sometimes difficult to present a full insider's view of the main characters' thoughts and feelings when there are three people involved and equal exploration needs to be provided in order to truly see how their polyamorous relationship works. At times, I found it difficult to truly understand how Drew, Bryce, and Eric made everything work despite their dominating personalities and tense reactions to situations because I didn't feel privy to all three perspectives at the various intense moments. I wanted to experience more of the development of their feelings and truly witness how it went from just fooling around and having fun to deep rooted feelings between all three, and while at times, I did feel like I got a pretty good look at some aspects of their commitment to each other, there were other times that I wished for more.
That being said, I truly enjoyed Drew, Bryce, and Eric's story because of the lessons taught through Drew's ordeal as well as Bryce's commitment to help LGBT teens who have nowhere to turn or live. It filled me with a sense of pride to see three strong gay men work to help those who needed their support and do more than throw money at the issues. The latter part of the book truly illustrated how the three men had grown and transformed through one another’s guidance, pushing, and commitment, which is all anyone wants to experience in a relationship.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
October 27, 2015
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
This is the third book in the Homeruns series, and this is Drew’s story which surprised me as I was not expecting a ménage storyline.
Drew is eventually getting over his lost love he had for his best friend, Cam, who is now totally loved up with Drew’s teammate. Trying to move on with his life it is all brought to an abrupt crash when he is violently attacked. If not for his roommate, Eric, coming to his rescue, who knows how worse it could have been.
Eric has been trying to push back the feelings he has for Drew but seeing him lost and struggling after the attack, just makes it all the more difficult to stay back. However when Bryce turns up on the scene everything just takes an entirely different route than they thought it would be.
Bryce got to know Drew a few months back but nothing came of it except for text messages due to the long distance between them. When Bryce is brought back to town to oversee a LGBT outreach for homeless teens, he takes his chance on taking things further with Drew but when he sees Drew and Eric together he is left feeling out in the cold. But then Drew announces what he wants things turn all together more interesting.
I am really picky when it comes to ménages, as I always feel that one of the throuple will be left out of the loop more than the other two, however it was nicely done and feelings of mistrust were quickly disregarded and boundaries set in place with an easy understanding between the three lovers. I’ve always liked Eric and Drew so to have Bryce involved had me a little hesitant at first to want to like him. We had briefly met him in a previous book (yep I didn’t remember either) but he was a lovely character to fall for. In fact the relationship between the three was great. Sexy, passionate and fun! Just like I love my male romances to be.
I did think the ending was a little rushed and the incident with the attack not fully understood, or maybe I missed something? Anyhow it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book and I love this series. It was great to catch up with the other guys and I loved how Mason became the one to go to for guidance. Who knew?!
Overall a good addition to the series and I loved it was different by adding in a ménage. Sexy men times three? Oh yeah for tripod sex! Four stars.
This is the third book in the Homeruns series, and this is Drew’s story which surprised me as I was not expecting a ménage storyline.
Drew is eventually getting over his lost love he had for his best friend, Cam, who is now totally loved up with Drew’s teammate. Trying to move on with his life it is all brought to an abrupt crash when he is violently attacked. If not for his roommate, Eric, coming to his rescue, who knows how worse it could have been.
Eric has been trying to push back the feelings he has for Drew but seeing him lost and struggling after the attack, just makes it all the more difficult to stay back. However when Bryce turns up on the scene everything just takes an entirely different route than they thought it would be.
Bryce got to know Drew a few months back but nothing came of it except for text messages due to the long distance between them. When Bryce is brought back to town to oversee a LGBT outreach for homeless teens, he takes his chance on taking things further with Drew but when he sees Drew and Eric together he is left feeling out in the cold. But then Drew announces what he wants things turn all together more interesting.
I am really picky when it comes to ménages, as I always feel that one of the throuple will be left out of the loop more than the other two, however it was nicely done and feelings of mistrust were quickly disregarded and boundaries set in place with an easy understanding between the three lovers. I’ve always liked Eric and Drew so to have Bryce involved had me a little hesitant at first to want to like him. We had briefly met him in a previous book (yep I didn’t remember either) but he was a lovely character to fall for. In fact the relationship between the three was great. Sexy, passionate and fun! Just like I love my male romances to be.
I did think the ending was a little rushed and the incident with the attack not fully understood, or maybe I missed something? Anyhow it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book and I love this series. It was great to catch up with the other guys and I loved how Mason became the one to go to for guidance. Who knew?!
Overall a good addition to the series and I loved it was different by adding in a ménage. Sexy men times three? Oh yeah for tripod sex! Four stars.
October 4, 2015
3.5 stars
I have been loving this series, but I have to admit that this wasn’t my favourite of the stories. I really enjoyed Eric and Drew in the earlier books, but neither man became distinct enough for me to really love in this story. I don’t remember Bryce from the first two books and I didn’t feel like I came to know him properly in this one either.
The action starts with Drew being seriously harmed in a seemingly random gay bashing. I’m not sure I fully believed this. Surely a professional athlete wouldn’t be a lone attacker’s first choice victim - and surely Drew would have had the strength to fight back?
Both Blake and Eric rush to Drew’s assistance and the three men end up falling for each other. Queue happy families as they take on the care of a homeless youth and completely drama-free revelations to friends and family. This is not an angsty story. The men move from attraction to sex to happily-ever-after very easily. They enjoy some creative and very hot sex along the way.
Watching the group of gay baseball-playing friends grow and mature was enjoyable. I loved seeing Mason and Sean as parents and Cam’s turn on his Masterchef-style show was worth reading. I’m not sure that the persistent homophobia in the locker room isn’t getting a little tired and dated, considering all of the current openly gay professional sportsmen. Drew’s family was lovely (once again) but this series seems to either have wicked parents or perfect parents. I’d love to see a more realistic family added to the mix.
I struggled a little with the rotating POV. I kept trying to figure out who was narrating for the first few chapters. And then I caught a couple of typos where the author had mixed up the POV. When a story has two narrators, I find it manageable, especially if the narrators are quite distinct characters. Three quite similar characters was difficult.
If, like me, you’re a fan of the series already, you’ll want to read this book. If you aren’t, I’d suggest starting with one of the two earlier books. I enjoyed this, but it isn’t my favourite in the series.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reviews.
I have been loving this series, but I have to admit that this wasn’t my favourite of the stories. I really enjoyed Eric and Drew in the earlier books, but neither man became distinct enough for me to really love in this story. I don’t remember Bryce from the first two books and I didn’t feel like I came to know him properly in this one either.
The action starts with Drew being seriously harmed in a seemingly random gay bashing. I’m not sure I fully believed this. Surely a professional athlete wouldn’t be a lone attacker’s first choice victim - and surely Drew would have had the strength to fight back?
Both Blake and Eric rush to Drew’s assistance and the three men end up falling for each other. Queue happy families as they take on the care of a homeless youth and completely drama-free revelations to friends and family. This is not an angsty story. The men move from attraction to sex to happily-ever-after very easily. They enjoy some creative and very hot sex along the way.
Watching the group of gay baseball-playing friends grow and mature was enjoyable. I loved seeing Mason and Sean as parents and Cam’s turn on his Masterchef-style show was worth reading. I’m not sure that the persistent homophobia in the locker room isn’t getting a little tired and dated, considering all of the current openly gay professional sportsmen. Drew’s family was lovely (once again) but this series seems to either have wicked parents or perfect parents. I’d love to see a more realistic family added to the mix.
I struggled a little with the rotating POV. I kept trying to figure out who was narrating for the first few chapters. And then I caught a couple of typos where the author had mixed up the POV. When a story has two narrators, I find it manageable, especially if the narrators are quite distinct characters. Three quite similar characters was difficult.
If, like me, you’re a fan of the series already, you’ll want to read this book. If you aren’t, I’d suggest starting with one of the two earlier books. I enjoyed this, but it isn’t my favourite in the series.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reviews.
October 9, 2015
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
Triple Play is book three in the Homeruns Series. I highly recommend the first two books in the series to get the full effect of book three. I imagine it can be read as a stand alone, but honestly take it from me you want that back story.
As I've gone through this series I made my peace that my favorite character was, Jason. He was protective, and strong, he's the all around sexy baseball player, but man was I wrong. What I assumed would have me all about Drew, didn't. I absolutely loved Eric. He, for me, was the one I was worried about. I didn't want him cast aside. He had to get the guy.
Drew has one of his worst games on the field. What he thinks was his error cost the team the big game. On his way to meet the rest of the guys, he's attacked. Eric unknowingly comes to his rescue, most likely saving his life. Eric and Drew's relationship has always been platonic, roommates, friends at best. But after facing something so life changing things you didn't notice before are more noticeable.
Bryce and Drew have kept a very low key, friendly, long distance relationship. Planning to get together the next time they were in the same city. After Drew's attack, Bryce knows since he's in town for work, he needs to see Drew. Drew's happy to see Bryce but he's put in an awkward position between the two men. Who will he chose? Does he have to chose?
I loved the dynamic between the characters. The chemistry was chart topping, the emotional roller coaster had me dying to finish but not wanting it to end. Ms. Johnson has put together a great series with Triple Play standing in the spotlight. Nothing is better than a baseball read, unless it's a baseball m/m/m read. That my friends is a huge win. I can't wait to see where she goes next.
Triple Play is book three in the Homeruns Series. I highly recommend the first two books in the series to get the full effect of book three. I imagine it can be read as a stand alone, but honestly take it from me you want that back story.
As I've gone through this series I made my peace that my favorite character was, Jason. He was protective, and strong, he's the all around sexy baseball player, but man was I wrong. What I assumed would have me all about Drew, didn't. I absolutely loved Eric. He, for me, was the one I was worried about. I didn't want him cast aside. He had to get the guy.
Drew has one of his worst games on the field. What he thinks was his error cost the team the big game. On his way to meet the rest of the guys, he's attacked. Eric unknowingly comes to his rescue, most likely saving his life. Eric and Drew's relationship has always been platonic, roommates, friends at best. But after facing something so life changing things you didn't notice before are more noticeable.
Bryce and Drew have kept a very low key, friendly, long distance relationship. Planning to get together the next time they were in the same city. After Drew's attack, Bryce knows since he's in town for work, he needs to see Drew. Drew's happy to see Bryce but he's put in an awkward position between the two men. Who will he chose? Does he have to chose?
I loved the dynamic between the characters. The chemistry was chart topping, the emotional roller coaster had me dying to finish but not wanting it to end. Ms. Johnson has put together a great series with Triple Play standing in the spotlight. Nothing is better than a baseball read, unless it's a baseball m/m/m read. That my friends is a huge win. I can't wait to see where she goes next.
October 9, 2015
4.25 Stars!!
Every time I read a Sloan Johnson book, I am in awe of the multitude of facets she intertwines in her stories. Triple play is full of layers with some serious content, but is not weighed down. Like it's predecessors, it has a wonderful balance of emotion, humour and full blown sexiness. It's an inspirational story with unconventional love... Three men navigating their way through life, relationships and possibly love. Who is to judge what is normal?! Sloan has proven that love is love and made a believer out of me! It is written with three POVs, which is unconventional in itself. I loved getting into the head of each character. It made the story feel even more real.
I was so pleased with the way all three books in the Homerun series were braided together into this one. After a horrific event, Drew, Eric and Bryce are brought together. The story focused on their relationship, but we got more then a glimpse of all the other guys. The series has such a wonderful array of characters.... Each one bringing something special to the series. All the guys are more like a family then just friends. A major support system for one another. Besides the camaraderie and the avant-garde love story, Triple Play delves into the still present plight of the gay man. Society has come far, but not far enough in our acceptance. I was thrilled that Sloan blended this into the book. On the lighter side, it was fun, flirty and dirty. The three boys will have you wrapped around their fingers. I couldn't figure out who I loved more... Each of them transformed and became a better person as the story progressed.
Sloan always delivers great sex scenes, but she took Triple Play to a whole new level. She totally had my blood pumping. I only wished she had put in more! Hee hee... Some would call the scenes TABOO, I say they were HOT, but also amorous.
As always Sloan Johnson rocks!! She continues to put out books we adore.
Every time I read a Sloan Johnson book, I am in awe of the multitude of facets she intertwines in her stories. Triple play is full of layers with some serious content, but is not weighed down. Like it's predecessors, it has a wonderful balance of emotion, humour and full blown sexiness. It's an inspirational story with unconventional love... Three men navigating their way through life, relationships and possibly love. Who is to judge what is normal?! Sloan has proven that love is love and made a believer out of me! It is written with three POVs, which is unconventional in itself. I loved getting into the head of each character. It made the story feel even more real.
I was so pleased with the way all three books in the Homerun series were braided together into this one. After a horrific event, Drew, Eric and Bryce are brought together. The story focused on their relationship, but we got more then a glimpse of all the other guys. The series has such a wonderful array of characters.... Each one bringing something special to the series. All the guys are more like a family then just friends. A major support system for one another. Besides the camaraderie and the avant-garde love story, Triple Play delves into the still present plight of the gay man. Society has come far, but not far enough in our acceptance. I was thrilled that Sloan blended this into the book. On the lighter side, it was fun, flirty and dirty. The three boys will have you wrapped around their fingers. I couldn't figure out who I loved more... Each of them transformed and became a better person as the story progressed.
Sloan always delivers great sex scenes, but she took Triple Play to a whole new level. She totally had my blood pumping. I only wished she had put in more! Hee hee... Some would call the scenes TABOO, I say they were HOT, but also amorous.
As always Sloan Johnson rocks!! She continues to put out books we adore.
October 21, 2015
I absolutely love this incredible series by Sloan Johnson. I fell for Drew right away and am so happy he finally gets his happily ever after. Drew's story is a little different - just a warning, this is a menage story line, but when you read it, you know that Drew couldn't have had it any other way.
Drew is still getting over Cam. His best friend not only fell in love with his teammate Jason but now he is off fulfilling his life long dreams, far away, when he seems to need him the most. After a devastatingly hard ending to the season - which he feels he's to blame for, the last thing he wants to do is go out and drink with the guys after the game. While walking from his car to the bar, Drew is attacked. Luckily his roommate is walking by on his way to meet up with Drew and sees him being attacked in the alley, getting there just in time.
Eric since coming back home from Seattle after the end of the season, as been growing close to Drew. There is an attraction there that he's not sure if it's reciprocated by the much younger Drew. And then there's Bryce. Bryce and Drew are friends, but he can see the spark behind both of their eyes whenever they are together.
As Drew is recovering, his feelings for Eric and Bryce starts to grow. How can he choose between the two men that have started to mean everything to him. One is his rock, the one who calms him. The other is the Alpha that puts him in his place. Can he choose who will take over his heart? Or is there room in there for both?
Loved their story of finding their place in each others lives. Amazingly hot and emotional. Fans of the series will love Triple Play.
Drew is still getting over Cam. His best friend not only fell in love with his teammate Jason but now he is off fulfilling his life long dreams, far away, when he seems to need him the most. After a devastatingly hard ending to the season - which he feels he's to blame for, the last thing he wants to do is go out and drink with the guys after the game. While walking from his car to the bar, Drew is attacked. Luckily his roommate is walking by on his way to meet up with Drew and sees him being attacked in the alley, getting there just in time.
Eric since coming back home from Seattle after the end of the season, as been growing close to Drew. There is an attraction there that he's not sure if it's reciprocated by the much younger Drew. And then there's Bryce. Bryce and Drew are friends, but he can see the spark behind both of their eyes whenever they are together.
As Drew is recovering, his feelings for Eric and Bryce starts to grow. How can he choose between the two men that have started to mean everything to him. One is his rock, the one who calms him. The other is the Alpha that puts him in his place. Can he choose who will take over his heart? Or is there room in there for both?
Loved their story of finding their place in each others lives. Amazingly hot and emotional. Fans of the series will love Triple Play.
October 9, 2015
~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads Review Team~
3.5 stars
I love this series but I will admit this one wasn’t my favorite. At times I felt connected to the characters and at other times that connection was lost. Bryce really became my favorite because he was the one that seemed to have the most emotion in this book and the one I really connected with. I really wanted to feel more for Eric and Drew but I just wasn’t feeling them. This book deals with a sensitive subject and I was shocked that it wasn’t resolved in this book, I am not sure if they plan to address it in a later book or not but since the author rushed the ending of the book to try and pull everything together I thought that would have been thrown in there too.
Characters: well written and easy to relate to
Sex: yes
Religious: no
Would I recommend to others: yes
More than one book in the series: yes
Genre: M/M Romance
Would I read more by this author: yes
~Wicked Reads Review Team~
3.5 stars
I love this series but I will admit this one wasn’t my favorite. At times I felt connected to the characters and at other times that connection was lost. Bryce really became my favorite because he was the one that seemed to have the most emotion in this book and the one I really connected with. I really wanted to feel more for Eric and Drew but I just wasn’t feeling them. This book deals with a sensitive subject and I was shocked that it wasn’t resolved in this book, I am not sure if they plan to address it in a later book or not but since the author rushed the ending of the book to try and pull everything together I thought that would have been thrown in there too.
Characters: well written and easy to relate to
Sex: yes
Religious: no
Would I recommend to others: yes
More than one book in the series: yes
Genre: M/M Romance
Would I read more by this author: yes
~Wicked Reads Review Team~
September 29, 2015
Drew, Eric, and Bryce! What a trio these three are and I loved seeing this one play out. Drew and Eric are both guys whose stories I've been excited to see for awhile, but add in Bryce and things became even better!
After an attack on Drew where Eric saves his life the two become closer, but there's another guy Drew had been getting close to before all this had started and now he doesn't know what to do. When another option is presented will it be everything he's ever dreamed of or will it all blow up in his face?
Eric is a relationship kinda guy, but finding the right guy for him is difficult between his job and the one guy he thought would be perfect for him found someone else.
Bryce is the Alpha of the three and while they are all equal he is the one who comes up with the best ideas whether in bed or out.
The three have a few issue to work out but overall we see how much it truly works for them to be together. I loved the story and seeing them overcome their issues. My only problem with the story was the Bryce didn't seem to get as much of a background story as the other two and the ending felt a bit rushed. Overall though this was another great read.
After an attack on Drew where Eric saves his life the two become closer, but there's another guy Drew had been getting close to before all this had started and now he doesn't know what to do. When another option is presented will it be everything he's ever dreamed of or will it all blow up in his face?
Eric is a relationship kinda guy, but finding the right guy for him is difficult between his job and the one guy he thought would be perfect for him found someone else.
Bryce is the Alpha of the three and while they are all equal he is the one who comes up with the best ideas whether in bed or out.
The three have a few issue to work out but overall we see how much it truly works for them to be together. I loved the story and seeing them overcome their issues. My only problem with the story was the Bryce didn't seem to get as much of a background story as the other two and the ending felt a bit rushed. Overall though this was another great read.
September 29, 2015
Triple Play (Homeruns #3) By Sloan Johnson
5 stars
M/M/M Romance
Triggers: Gay Bashing
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
This story was not all about baseball, which I kind of liked. It was more about the human condition and what people can do to help those who may need someone to lean on.
Watching this trio, it was somewhat harsh the way that this all began. Drew made me incredibly angry. He has these two awesome men, vying for his attention and he's just being a big baby. While I can understand that going through trauma can make one edgy, he was just plain rude and unpleasant.
But, Eric and Bryce were both great in their own way. Trying to give Drew what he needed to keep going, I thought that the introduction of Cody was brilliant.
Then of course, you have OFF THE CHART chemistry between the three of these men and can I just say, WOW. Not only was there some alpha scenes, but there was also just sweetness among the three of them. And, while it wasn't always fair - meaning that Drew seemed to get most of the attention, it didn't bother me all that much.
I really enjoyed this addition to the series and hope there are more to come!
5 stars
M/M/M Romance
Triggers: Gay Bashing
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
This story was not all about baseball, which I kind of liked. It was more about the human condition and what people can do to help those who may need someone to lean on.
Watching this trio, it was somewhat harsh the way that this all began. Drew made me incredibly angry. He has these two awesome men, vying for his attention and he's just being a big baby. While I can understand that going through trauma can make one edgy, he was just plain rude and unpleasant.
But, Eric and Bryce were both great in their own way. Trying to give Drew what he needed to keep going, I thought that the introduction of Cody was brilliant.
Then of course, you have OFF THE CHART chemistry between the three of these men and can I just say, WOW. Not only was there some alpha scenes, but there was also just sweetness among the three of them. And, while it wasn't always fair - meaning that Drew seemed to get most of the attention, it didn't bother me all that much.
I really enjoyed this addition to the series and hope there are more to come!
October 21, 2015
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
After the previous two stories, I was ready for Drew to get his chance after Cam was no longer an option - and Ms Johnson provided a wonderful alternative for him (or should I say two wonderful alternatives!)
This is definitely a hot sexy read, but it is also a lovely, romantic and poignant story - which is not always the case with a sports romance, and certainly not when it involves three guys. From the very beginning we get a dramatic, interesting and well rounded story. The telling from all three POVs is refreshing and very entertaining. They are not as bad as some at communicating with each other, but having the inside line is great.
I really can't wait for the next book - and if I have the time I will be reading these first three again beforehand, as they all fit beautifully together. Many thanks Ms Johnson!
After the previous two stories, I was ready for Drew to get his chance after Cam was no longer an option - and Ms Johnson provided a wonderful alternative for him (or should I say two wonderful alternatives!)
This is definitely a hot sexy read, but it is also a lovely, romantic and poignant story - which is not always the case with a sports romance, and certainly not when it involves three guys. From the very beginning we get a dramatic, interesting and well rounded story. The telling from all three POVs is refreshing and very entertaining. They are not as bad as some at communicating with each other, but having the inside line is great.
I really can't wait for the next book - and if I have the time I will be reading these first three again beforehand, as they all fit beautifully together. Many thanks Ms Johnson!
October 19, 2015
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is the story of Drew, Eric and Bryce and each chapter gives up the point of view of a different character. Drew and Eric are both baseball players but the story is set in the off season so there is almost not actual baseball.
After Drew is attacked and left injured, he starts to see Eric as more than a friend. The problem is he is also interested in Bryce who has moved to town. All three struggle with what to do about Drew's uncertainty as to which man he wants. This provided enough angst to keep me reading without being over the top.
I loved the dynamic between the three men and seeing their relationship unfold. There are some hot scenes but not so many that they overtake the story. Triple play is lovely, easy romantic read.
This is the story of Drew, Eric and Bryce and each chapter gives up the point of view of a different character. Drew and Eric are both baseball players but the story is set in the off season so there is almost not actual baseball.
After Drew is attacked and left injured, he starts to see Eric as more than a friend. The problem is he is also interested in Bryce who has moved to town. All three struggle with what to do about Drew's uncertainty as to which man he wants. This provided enough angst to keep me reading without being over the top.
I loved the dynamic between the three men and seeing their relationship unfold. There are some hot scenes but not so many that they overtake the story. Triple play is lovely, easy romantic read.
July 2, 2019
I have been looking forward to reading Drew's story for a while now, and when I read he would be involved with both Eric and Bryce I was intrigued, and although I don't usually like those type of stories, I decided to read it anyway and I'm glad I did.
Although I did feel the relationship aspect of this story was a little forgotten, and became more about Drew's attack, Bryce's non profit work and Eric's possible retirement from baseball. Which wasn't a bad thing, I was just expecting something more!!
However that said I did enjoy this book, and it was great to catch up with Sean, Mason, Jason and Cam and I would recommend this story to others. :-)
Although I did feel the relationship aspect of this story was a little forgotten, and became more about Drew's attack, Bryce's non profit work and Eric's possible retirement from baseball. Which wasn't a bad thing, I was just expecting something more!!
However that said I did enjoy this book, and it was great to catch up with Sean, Mason, Jason and Cam and I would recommend this story to others. :-)
October 15, 2015
Well this book sure did take me by surprise... their was more co!k flying round than I could keep track of... but I couldn't help but love Drew, Bryce and Eric....
These three guys took the conventional relationship stereotype and changed to fit them... and made it work....
This book is not only jam packed with raw, hot, passionate sex but also covered very raw, real issues young guy men still face.... it was truly a touching, heart warming story ....
I loved the 3 POV's and was surprised I didn't confused with who was who but it was so good to see what each person was thinking and feeling....
I can't wait to continue on with this series and hoping Cody gets a book....
These three guys took the conventional relationship stereotype and changed to fit them... and made it work....
This book is not only jam packed with raw, hot, passionate sex but also covered very raw, real issues young guy men still face.... it was truly a touching, heart warming story ....
I loved the 3 POV's and was surprised I didn't confused with who was who but it was so good to see what each person was thinking and feeling....
I can't wait to continue on with this series and hoping Cody gets a book....
October 12, 2015
I was really looking forward to this book and as soon as I received it I jumped straight in. From the beginning two books of the series I have been anticipating finding out more about Eric and Drew, Bryce was a welcomed addition. During the beginning stages of the relationship i was frustrated with Drew back and forth attitude but as soon as Bryce and Eric stepped up I was hooked.I really enjoyed the story however I would of liked to find out more about the accident which led drew finding his HEA.
October 14, 2015
We loved these boys!!
5 Triple Play Stars!!
5 Triple Play Stars!!
October 23, 2015
Book – Triple Play (Homerun #3)
Author – Sloan Johnson
Star rating – ★★★☆☆
Ease of reading – Easy to read
Cover – Nice
Suitable Title – Yes
Would I read it again – Not sure
~
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
~
WARNING: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS AHEAD!
I’m really not sure what to make of this one. Yes, it was good, but again there were problems that kept it from becoming great. I’m giving it a 3, mostly because of potential for what it has and could have been. Unfortunately, that isn’t enough to drag it up to a 4, because there’s a lot missing from this plot. That might be because there are 3 MC’s that need their POV, but I’m not sure. It read as a longer book than the others, but that might just be because I didn’t enjoy it as much.
Cons
1 – There was no seduction. Not Drew, Eric or Bryce had to TRY to seduce or even flirt with each other. Drew and Bryce had their set up in book 2, but even then there was no hint of seduction. It just happened. They sort of fell into each other and that’s not my thing. I much prefer when they have to work at it.
2 – Again, once they started having sex, the story really dipped in plot and excitement, for around 20 or 30%. This seems to be a common theme in this series.
3 – Not much baseball. The others had games or even training to mention, but this one didn’t. I understand why, but it was missed.
4 – They jumped into a poly relationship without really talking about it, thinking about it or considering what it might mean. They just considered it a natural and obvious solution, when the suggestion was presented. Before that, things were actually going great.
5 – Eric. It can pretty much be summed up in that one word. He was great through the other two books and I was excited about him getting his own story, but it fell flat for me. He didn’t have any romance, just a physical attraction that was sudden and out of the blue.
6 – There are still a lot of unanswered questions, for me. Like, whether Mark was Drew’s attacker, as I think he might have been. Whether Cam is still working in the kitchen of the sports centre or if he’s actually got his own kitchen, because his life was basically ignored in this story, outside of the cooking show. I assume – and hope – those questions will be answered in the next book.
7 – There was a mention, at the beginning of the story, about how hard Bryce had found it to get over what happened to Adam. But, sadly, this wasn’t followed through on. I thought his mental demons would be similar to Jason’s and that Drew and Eric would have to help him through that, but there was literally only one mention of it and then it never reappeared. From that moment on, Bryce was the easy-going, in charge member of their trio, acting like he hadn’t a problem in the world other than the teen centre, Pot of Gold.
8 – I wasn’t thrilled to find out that these were the events hinted at in the Epilogue of book 2. Quite honestly, looking back, I don’t think an epilogue was needed for book 2, if it was going to give this massive spoiler away about book 3’s plot. I would have been more concerned about Drew, the attack and his survival and the injuries and recovery, if I hadn’t already known that he was sitting watching the first cooking episode with the boys, with a cast and a bunch of bruises. I think that epilogue spoiled the surprise of the attack on Drew quite a lot.
Pros
I loved the detail and authenticity of Drew’s injuries, attack and his recovery. As someone who spent a considerable amount of time in hospital, the whole aspect of not wanting company, being grumpy all the time and over-reacting is real. That part was handled really, really well.
Drew and Bryce had some really awesome chemistry in the first 50% of the story. Then, Bryce and Eric had some good chemistry around the 70%-80% mark. Unfortunately, that didn’t follow through into Drew, Bryce and Eric having chemistry between all three and it never amounted to Eric and Drew having chemistry together.
I really liked that all the characters from previous stories were back again. Cam and Mason were just as great as before, Jason was just as brilliantly snarky but adorable and I even loved the addition of Cody, who will be an interesting character.
I liked the way Drew’s parents accepted the poly relationship, with a little tripdation but enough trust to know that it was Drew’s choice.
I also really loved the mental confusion and chaos going through Drew’s head, at the start of the story, before he knew he could have Eric and Bryce at the same time.
I thought the inclusion of Pot of Gold was a great idea and it did get a lot of the plot, or at least as much as it deserved. I also loved the way that it progressed the relationship of the trio, and how it shaped what’s to come next.
Overall
There were a few editing issues, as with most unedited Arc’s, which made it slightly more disjointed to read than the others. I trust they’ll be addressed, so I haven’t taken that into account, when rating it.
Overall, I found Eric to be the odd man out. I could feel Drew’s connection to Bryce, but never to Eric and I found it odd that he was the one Drew turned to, during his nightmares. Eric’s part in all this felt more reaction than attraction, as both he and Drew admitted – in their POV’s, but not in conversation – that they’d never had feelings for each other, until they had their first shower together. To me, that’s not romance and it’s not chemistry, considering how long they’d been room mates before that. I would have liked a hint of something, maybe in the previous book but definitely before that shower, to hint at a romance.
I already see that Cody and this new guy, Nick, will be the pairing for the next book. That could be interesting, because Cody is a good character and Nick seems interesting.
Again, however, there are still unanswered questions that leave me with no doubt that this is NOT the last book in the series. Sadly, as each book varies in how much I enjoy it, I can’t tell if it’s going to be a hit or a miss. I’ll have to read it to find out.
I came away with mixed feelings about this one, so I’m including my run down of the series so far, in this review, for that reason. On one hand, I’m glad that it drifted from the almost identical plot of books 1 and 2 – two guys get together, have doubts, one walks away then comes back, and they have an HFN – but it felt disjointed to me. The plot fell flat in places, felt rushed in others. I think that although the attack on Drew was the catalyst for most of what followed, the recovery time and some of the stuff between him and Eric drifted away from the real plot and complicated the flow of the story.
Good, but not as good as the other two.
Series
There are real common themes within this series:
power bottoms, who have generally never/rarely bottomed before
the bottoms want it to hurt, want sex all the time
once the sex enters the story, it falters for anywhere from 20-40% of the story
the romance/chemistry isn’t constant
characters have a tendency to overreact and walk away in nearly every book
sex solves everything
no sense of time – between chapters, sometimes months or years have passed, but we’re not told this clearly with a timeline, but have to wait for it to slip into the story/conversation. There are mentions of months or holidays, but it’s not always clear how long that it, from where we’d been before.
For me, the strongest book in the series was book 2 “Curveball” because it had the chemistry and emotional connection that the other two were lacking. This book “Triple Play” is the weakest, in my opinion. Though the plot had potential, it just didn’t follow through. The chemistry was weak and flat, while the characters only gelled together when they were in a hot and heavy situation.
Author – Sloan Johnson
Star rating – ★★★☆☆
Ease of reading – Easy to read
Cover – Nice
Suitable Title – Yes
Would I read it again – Not sure
~
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
~
WARNING: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS AHEAD!
I’m really not sure what to make of this one. Yes, it was good, but again there were problems that kept it from becoming great. I’m giving it a 3, mostly because of potential for what it has and could have been. Unfortunately, that isn’t enough to drag it up to a 4, because there’s a lot missing from this plot. That might be because there are 3 MC’s that need their POV, but I’m not sure. It read as a longer book than the others, but that might just be because I didn’t enjoy it as much.
Cons
1 – There was no seduction. Not Drew, Eric or Bryce had to TRY to seduce or even flirt with each other. Drew and Bryce had their set up in book 2, but even then there was no hint of seduction. It just happened. They sort of fell into each other and that’s not my thing. I much prefer when they have to work at it.
2 – Again, once they started having sex, the story really dipped in plot and excitement, for around 20 or 30%. This seems to be a common theme in this series.
3 – Not much baseball. The others had games or even training to mention, but this one didn’t. I understand why, but it was missed.
4 – They jumped into a poly relationship without really talking about it, thinking about it or considering what it might mean. They just considered it a natural and obvious solution, when the suggestion was presented. Before that, things were actually going great.
5 – Eric. It can pretty much be summed up in that one word. He was great through the other two books and I was excited about him getting his own story, but it fell flat for me. He didn’t have any romance, just a physical attraction that was sudden and out of the blue.
6 – There are still a lot of unanswered questions, for me. Like, whether Mark was Drew’s attacker, as I think he might have been. Whether Cam is still working in the kitchen of the sports centre or if he’s actually got his own kitchen, because his life was basically ignored in this story, outside of the cooking show. I assume – and hope – those questions will be answered in the next book.
7 – There was a mention, at the beginning of the story, about how hard Bryce had found it to get over what happened to Adam. But, sadly, this wasn’t followed through on. I thought his mental demons would be similar to Jason’s and that Drew and Eric would have to help him through that, but there was literally only one mention of it and then it never reappeared. From that moment on, Bryce was the easy-going, in charge member of their trio, acting like he hadn’t a problem in the world other than the teen centre, Pot of Gold.
8 – I wasn’t thrilled to find out that these were the events hinted at in the Epilogue of book 2. Quite honestly, looking back, I don’t think an epilogue was needed for book 2, if it was going to give this massive spoiler away about book 3’s plot. I would have been more concerned about Drew, the attack and his survival and the injuries and recovery, if I hadn’t already known that he was sitting watching the first cooking episode with the boys, with a cast and a bunch of bruises. I think that epilogue spoiled the surprise of the attack on Drew quite a lot.
Pros
I loved the detail and authenticity of Drew’s injuries, attack and his recovery. As someone who spent a considerable amount of time in hospital, the whole aspect of not wanting company, being grumpy all the time and over-reacting is real. That part was handled really, really well.
Drew and Bryce had some really awesome chemistry in the first 50% of the story. Then, Bryce and Eric had some good chemistry around the 70%-80% mark. Unfortunately, that didn’t follow through into Drew, Bryce and Eric having chemistry between all three and it never amounted to Eric and Drew having chemistry together.
I really liked that all the characters from previous stories were back again. Cam and Mason were just as great as before, Jason was just as brilliantly snarky but adorable and I even loved the addition of Cody, who will be an interesting character.
I liked the way Drew’s parents accepted the poly relationship, with a little tripdation but enough trust to know that it was Drew’s choice.
I also really loved the mental confusion and chaos going through Drew’s head, at the start of the story, before he knew he could have Eric and Bryce at the same time.
I thought the inclusion of Pot of Gold was a great idea and it did get a lot of the plot, or at least as much as it deserved. I also loved the way that it progressed the relationship of the trio, and how it shaped what’s to come next.
Overall
There were a few editing issues, as with most unedited Arc’s, which made it slightly more disjointed to read than the others. I trust they’ll be addressed, so I haven’t taken that into account, when rating it.
Overall, I found Eric to be the odd man out. I could feel Drew’s connection to Bryce, but never to Eric and I found it odd that he was the one Drew turned to, during his nightmares. Eric’s part in all this felt more reaction than attraction, as both he and Drew admitted – in their POV’s, but not in conversation – that they’d never had feelings for each other, until they had their first shower together. To me, that’s not romance and it’s not chemistry, considering how long they’d been room mates before that. I would have liked a hint of something, maybe in the previous book but definitely before that shower, to hint at a romance.
I already see that Cody and this new guy, Nick, will be the pairing for the next book. That could be interesting, because Cody is a good character and Nick seems interesting.
Again, however, there are still unanswered questions that leave me with no doubt that this is NOT the last book in the series. Sadly, as each book varies in how much I enjoy it, I can’t tell if it’s going to be a hit or a miss. I’ll have to read it to find out.
I came away with mixed feelings about this one, so I’m including my run down of the series so far, in this review, for that reason. On one hand, I’m glad that it drifted from the almost identical plot of books 1 and 2 – two guys get together, have doubts, one walks away then comes back, and they have an HFN – but it felt disjointed to me. The plot fell flat in places, felt rushed in others. I think that although the attack on Drew was the catalyst for most of what followed, the recovery time and some of the stuff between him and Eric drifted away from the real plot and complicated the flow of the story.
Good, but not as good as the other two.
Series
There are real common themes within this series:
power bottoms, who have generally never/rarely bottomed before
the bottoms want it to hurt, want sex all the time
once the sex enters the story, it falters for anywhere from 20-40% of the story
the romance/chemistry isn’t constant
characters have a tendency to overreact and walk away in nearly every book
sex solves everything
no sense of time – between chapters, sometimes months or years have passed, but we’re not told this clearly with a timeline, but have to wait for it to slip into the story/conversation. There are mentions of months or holidays, but it’s not always clear how long that it, from where we’d been before.
For me, the strongest book in the series was book 2 “Curveball” because it had the chemistry and emotional connection that the other two were lacking. This book “Triple Play” is the weakest, in my opinion. Though the plot had potential, it just didn’t follow through. The chemistry was weak and flat, while the characters only gelled together when they were in a hot and heavy situation.
July 6, 2021
The best M/M/M I've read
This is a beautiful story about a couple of athletes and their lover saving a group of gay teens and young adults who have been beaten or simply kicked out of their home for being gay. While this to me as a mother is simply incomprehensible, I am aware that kids go through too much at a young age and to be ostracized by their own blood for something that should never be questioned is heartbreaking.
So, to read such a well written and beautifully penned book not only highlighting this, but showing hope is truly a wonderful thing.
As for the threeway love affair, this has been the best one I've read to date. I'm not usually a massive fan simply because I tend to feel that - certainly at the beginning of the relationship - one partner is not so much left out, but is more sidelined than the other.
However, although Drew is initially confused because he entertains fantasies of Eric and Bryce kissing and then including him, he is also confused about which one he wants to be with - believing as most of us do, that a partnership invovles to people.
Eric and Bryce also want to be with Drew, but at the same time almost feel they should step back to allow the other a chance, whilst being unable to deny the younger man.
All this changes when Bryce suggests to Eric that they can both have Drew at the same time, and when Drew is asked he says he's fine as long as Eric and Bryce also want to be together.
There is no initial jealousy and all three quickly decide upon this relationship, initially as just sex, but that grows and blooms into something more.
The three of them all compliment and complete each other whilst also bringing Drew out of his slump and giving Eric new hope. For what you'll have to read to find out.
The whole book is very well written and had me laughing and crying at times.
Although this is a standalone, I highly recommend you begin with the first book as this will allow you to get to know the characters and watch them grow even when they are merely supporting characters.
The first book is "Wild Pitch" and is about two of my favourite guys Sean and Mason.
Thanks to Quinn Ward for such a beautiful book.
This is a beautiful story about a couple of athletes and their lover saving a group of gay teens and young adults who have been beaten or simply kicked out of their home for being gay. While this to me as a mother is simply incomprehensible, I am aware that kids go through too much at a young age and to be ostracized by their own blood for something that should never be questioned is heartbreaking.
So, to read such a well written and beautifully penned book not only highlighting this, but showing hope is truly a wonderful thing.
As for the threeway love affair, this has been the best one I've read to date. I'm not usually a massive fan simply because I tend to feel that - certainly at the beginning of the relationship - one partner is not so much left out, but is more sidelined than the other.
However, although Drew is initially confused because he entertains fantasies of Eric and Bryce kissing and then including him, he is also confused about which one he wants to be with - believing as most of us do, that a partnership invovles to people.
Eric and Bryce also want to be with Drew, but at the same time almost feel they should step back to allow the other a chance, whilst being unable to deny the younger man.
All this changes when Bryce suggests to Eric that they can both have Drew at the same time, and when Drew is asked he says he's fine as long as Eric and Bryce also want to be together.
There is no initial jealousy and all three quickly decide upon this relationship, initially as just sex, but that grows and blooms into something more.
The three of them all compliment and complete each other whilst also bringing Drew out of his slump and giving Eric new hope. For what you'll have to read to find out.
The whole book is very well written and had me laughing and crying at times.
Although this is a standalone, I highly recommend you begin with the first book as this will allow you to get to know the characters and watch them grow even when they are merely supporting characters.
The first book is "Wild Pitch" and is about two of my favourite guys Sean and Mason.
Thanks to Quinn Ward for such a beautiful book.
February 2, 2022
**********Contains Spoilers**********
I enjoyed this book but it just fell a bit flat and I’m not sure really sure why that actually is. I thought the chemistry between Drew, Bryce and Eric was off the charts but even when Bryce and Eric were together they revolved around Drew so I really would’ve loved seeing them spend time together just them as in Poly relationships they have to cultivate each part that makes up their relationship meaning Drew and Bryce, Drew and Eric and Bryce and Eric as well as all three of them together. Bryce is correct that communication is key for them to work but they also need to work each of their relationships. I also found this book to be a bit smooth sailing. Yes, there was originally some jealousy between Eric and Bryce where Drew was concerned but as soon as Bryce mentioned to Eric that Drew didn’t have to choose that all went away.
Wow, it was hard to read about Drew’s attack, Eric saving some guy was the attack and realising that it was Drew and the pain and suffering both Drew and Eric had to deal with and find a way to work through was eye opening. All I can say is Drew is not very good at being injured, he’s a bit of an a*se but I suppose everyone deals with being viewed as “weak” or having to get help differently. I loved the connection between Drew and Cody who he mentored at Rainbow place. I loved that Eric found an awesome thing to do after he retired. I’m looking forward to reading Cody’s story next. I still find Quinn endings always left so much left unsaid that are usually resolved in the next book since they usually mention the characters for the next book. I really want to know whether Drew’s attacker ever got caught, how he knew Drew was gay considering I don’t think it was common knowledge that he was out. I’d recommend this book, series and author to everyone.
I enjoyed this book but it just fell a bit flat and I’m not sure really sure why that actually is. I thought the chemistry between Drew, Bryce and Eric was off the charts but even when Bryce and Eric were together they revolved around Drew so I really would’ve loved seeing them spend time together just them as in Poly relationships they have to cultivate each part that makes up their relationship meaning Drew and Bryce, Drew and Eric and Bryce and Eric as well as all three of them together. Bryce is correct that communication is key for them to work but they also need to work each of their relationships. I also found this book to be a bit smooth sailing. Yes, there was originally some jealousy between Eric and Bryce where Drew was concerned but as soon as Bryce mentioned to Eric that Drew didn’t have to choose that all went away.
Wow, it was hard to read about Drew’s attack, Eric saving some guy was the attack and realising that it was Drew and the pain and suffering both Drew and Eric had to deal with and find a way to work through was eye opening. All I can say is Drew is not very good at being injured, he’s a bit of an a*se but I suppose everyone deals with being viewed as “weak” or having to get help differently. I loved the connection between Drew and Cody who he mentored at Rainbow place. I loved that Eric found an awesome thing to do after he retired. I’m looking forward to reading Cody’s story next. I still find Quinn endings always left so much left unsaid that are usually resolved in the next book since they usually mention the characters for the next book. I really want to know whether Drew’s attacker ever got caught, how he knew Drew was gay considering I don’t think it was common knowledge that he was out. I’d recommend this book, series and author to everyone.
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