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Triad Blood #0.5
Three
During the full moon the vampires gather to renew their bonds. It takes three, and those in groups have total power over those who are alone. Luc, alone since he was created, takes the full moon as a rare freedom. Hunting for blood that will satiate him for the month ahead, Luc finds instead a rival. Anders, a demon just as alone, with the same plan.
They choose the same prey: a handsome young man resistant to their supernatural charms. Neither a vampire’s glamour nor demon’s passion working, it becomes clear their only chance of success lies in the unthinkable: working together.
As Luc tastes blood and Anders devours soul, they gain a chance at something neither expected.
Freedom.
Originally appearing in Bold Strokes Books’s anthology Blood Sacraments, “Three” introduces the characters from ’Nathan Burgoine’s novel Triad Blood.
They choose the same prey: a handsome young man resistant to their supernatural charms. Neither a vampire’s glamour nor demon’s passion working, it becomes clear their only chance of success lies in the unthinkable: working together.
As Luc tastes blood and Anders devours soul, they gain a chance at something neither expected.
Freedom.
Originally appearing in Bold Strokes Books’s anthology Blood Sacraments, “Three” introduces the characters from ’Nathan Burgoine’s novel Triad Blood.
33 pages, ebook
First published May 1, 2016
About the author
'Nathan Burgoine
55 books404 followers'Nathan Burgoine grew up a reader and studied literature in university while making a living as a bookseller. His first published short story was "Heart" in the collection Fool for Love: New Gay Fiction. Since then, he has had dozens of short stories published, including in This is How You Die (the second Machine of Death anthology), and has released his first collection, Of Echoes Born (Bold Strokes Books).
His first novel, Light, was a finalist for both the Lambda Literary Award for LGBT SF/Fantasy/Horror, and the BOTYA 2013 Gay & Lesbian (Adult Fiction) ForeWord award. His second and third novels, Triad Blood and Triad Soul, are also available from from Bold Strokes Books.
He also writes novellas. "In Memoriam," was included in the collection On the Run, by Wilde City Press, and available as a solo e-novella; "Handmade Holidays" is his chosen-family queer holiday romance; "Saving the Date" (co-authored with Angela S. Stone) is available from Decadent Publishing; and “Faux Ho Ho” (his holiday fauxmance) is available from Bold Strokes Books.
'Nathan's first YA novel, Exit Plans for Teenage Freaks, released December 2018 from Bold Strokes Books, and is a finalist for the Prix Aurora Award. A new YA novella, "Hope Echoes," will be included in February 2022's Three Left Turns to Nowhere from Bold Strokes Books.
A cat lover, 'Nathan managed to fall in love and marry Daniel, who is a confirmed dog person. Their ongoing "cat or dog?" détente ended with the adoption of Coach, a six-year old husky. They live in Ottawa, Canada, where socialized health care and gay marriage have yet to cause the sky to cave in.
You can find 'Nathan on the web at nathanburgoine.com.
His first novel, Light, was a finalist for both the Lambda Literary Award for LGBT SF/Fantasy/Horror, and the BOTYA 2013 Gay & Lesbian (Adult Fiction) ForeWord award. His second and third novels, Triad Blood and Triad Soul, are also available from from Bold Strokes Books.
He also writes novellas. "In Memoriam," was included in the collection On the Run, by Wilde City Press, and available as a solo e-novella; "Handmade Holidays" is his chosen-family queer holiday romance; "Saving the Date" (co-authored with Angela S. Stone) is available from Decadent Publishing; and “Faux Ho Ho” (his holiday fauxmance) is available from Bold Strokes Books.
'Nathan's first YA novel, Exit Plans for Teenage Freaks, released December 2018 from Bold Strokes Books, and is a finalist for the Prix Aurora Award. A new YA novella, "Hope Echoes," will be included in February 2022's Three Left Turns to Nowhere from Bold Strokes Books.
A cat lover, 'Nathan managed to fall in love and marry Daniel, who is a confirmed dog person. Their ongoing "cat or dog?" détente ended with the adoption of Coach, a six-year old husky. They live in Ottawa, Canada, where socialized health care and gay marriage have yet to cause the sky to cave in.
You can find 'Nathan on the web at nathanburgoine.com.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 8, 2016
A very short novella which gives the start of Curtis, Anders and Luc's relationship as a triad.
The story is a very sexy bit of erotica more than anything else, and I'll admit I was hoping it would offer a bit more background on the world building in Triad Blood. Though it does offer a little more information, it is mainly a sexy little short. Which...look, you're not going to find me complaining about reading some hot sex.
For fans of Triad Blood who are looking for a glimpse into the very sexy start of Curtis, Anders and Luc's relationship this is a quick read to pick up.
WEBSTORE BONUS: Get THREE bundled with any ebook purchase for the entire month of May, 2016 on the Bold Strokes Books website. So you can pick it up for free when you grab Triad Blood!
Advanced Review Galley copy of Three provided by Bold Strokes Books in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
The story is a very sexy bit of erotica more than anything else, and I'll admit I was hoping it would offer a bit more background on the world building in Triad Blood. Though it does offer a little more information, it is mainly a sexy little short. Which...look, you're not going to find me complaining about reading some hot sex.
For fans of Triad Blood who are looking for a glimpse into the very sexy start of Curtis, Anders and Luc's relationship this is a quick read to pick up.
WEBSTORE BONUS: Get THREE bundled with any ebook purchase for the entire month of May, 2016 on the Bold Strokes Books website. So you can pick it up for free when you grab Triad Blood!
Advanced Review Galley copy of Three provided by Bold Strokes Books in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
May 31, 2017
A incubus and a vampire walk into a bar...
No seriously that's how this one starts and the bar is in Ottawa!!!! and the wizard...well, he's already waiting in the bar, lol!!! I'mma goin' back...back to Ottawa...Canada's capital.
'Three' is Nathan Burgoine's short story that takes us back to the beginning of how Luc, Ander and Curtis came to be a triad. There's not a complex plot here or any kind of convoluted story, it is however an enjoyable and fun read.
I quite enjoyed this short read and introduction to the paranormal world in my nation's capital. I became a huge fan of this series when I read 'Traid Blood' so much so that I went on an internet hunt for this story and was literally bouncing in my chair when I finally found it and with the release of 'Triad Soul' this was for me the perfect warm up for the next book in this series.
If you liked 'Triad Blood' or you're considering this series 'Three' is a good place to start because after the incubus and the vampire walk into the bar things get interesting...and hot!
No seriously that's how this one starts and the bar is in Ottawa!!!! and the wizard...well, he's already waiting in the bar, lol!!! I'mma goin' back...back to Ottawa...Canada's capital.
'Three' is Nathan Burgoine's short story that takes us back to the beginning of how Luc, Ander and Curtis came to be a triad. There's not a complex plot here or any kind of convoluted story, it is however an enjoyable and fun read.
I quite enjoyed this short read and introduction to the paranormal world in my nation's capital. I became a huge fan of this series when I read 'Traid Blood' so much so that I went on an internet hunt for this story and was literally bouncing in my chair when I finally found it and with the release of 'Triad Soul' this was for me the perfect warm up for the next book in this series.
If you liked 'Triad Blood' or you're considering this series 'Three' is a good place to start because after the incubus and the vampire walk into the bar things get interesting...and hot!
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May 26, 2021Edit, May 26th, 2021: Flash Sale at Bold Strokes Books e-store on some e-books right now! Three.
Hello, again! It's me, the author, being all authory.
"Three" being solo released is sort of a dream-come-true. I've never released a single short before, and was always nervous about doing so. But, the timing for this couldn't be better. See, this erotic short story was the first place that Luc, Anders, and Curtis appeared. Luc, my vampire, narrates this story, which originally appeared in Blood Sacraments.
In May, when Triad Blood releases, this short story will be available from Bold Strokes Books as a freebie for any e-purchase made during May.
Triad Blood takes place a while after "Three" (and there are actually three other short stories featuring the guys from the Triad, too, found in Wings: Subversive Gay Angel Erotica, Erotica Exotica: Tales of Sex, Magic, and the Supernatural, and Raising Hell: Demonic Gay Erotica respectively). But if you want a teaser of the characters (and a rather smutty teaser at that), "Three" will give you a taste.
Or a bite, as it were.
Hello, again! It's me, the author, being all authory.
"Three" being solo released is sort of a dream-come-true. I've never released a single short before, and was always nervous about doing so. But, the timing for this couldn't be better. See, this erotic short story was the first place that Luc, Anders, and Curtis appeared. Luc, my vampire, narrates this story, which originally appeared in Blood Sacraments.
In May, when Triad Blood releases, this short story will be available from Bold Strokes Books as a freebie for any e-purchase made during May.
Triad Blood takes place a while after "Three" (and there are actually three other short stories featuring the guys from the Triad, too, found in Wings: Subversive Gay Angel Erotica, Erotica Exotica: Tales of Sex, Magic, and the Supernatural, and Raising Hell: Demonic Gay Erotica respectively). But if you want a teaser of the characters (and a rather smutty teaser at that), "Three" will give you a taste.
Or a bite, as it were.
October 8, 2021
4 Stars
Full Review:
*I received a free ecopy of this short story from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
I never read short stories unless they’re part of a series, and even then I usually read them after reading the books. See, the thing about me is, I don’t connect to characters quickly. It often takes me literally an entire book or two.
But this story had me, within pages, laughing out loud, feeling for the characters, and already falling in love with them. Seriously, by the time I finished, I was so excited that I would get to read a whole full-length book about them because I was already sure I was going to love it—and I did, but that’s a different review ;-)
Anyway, this isn’t necessary to understand the book, but if you’re considering reading Triad Blood, this is a perfect little taste of the characters and writing, and if you’ve already read the book, this is a fun, sexy short about the characters you surely already love!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes m/m/m erotica, vampires, incubi, and wizards!
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Full Review:
*I received a free ecopy of this short story from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
I never read short stories unless they’re part of a series, and even then I usually read them after reading the books. See, the thing about me is, I don’t connect to characters quickly. It often takes me literally an entire book or two.
But this story had me, within pages, laughing out loud, feeling for the characters, and already falling in love with them. Seriously, by the time I finished, I was so excited that I would get to read a whole full-length book about them because I was already sure I was going to love it—and I did, but that’s a different review ;-)
Anyway, this isn’t necessary to understand the book, but if you’re considering reading Triad Blood, this is a perfect little taste of the characters and writing, and if you’ve already read the book, this is a fun, sexy short about the characters you surely already love!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes m/m/m erotica, vampires, incubi, and wizards!
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
January 4, 2023
I hesitated, the moment stretching. He had not seen me; I could still leave. I stood motionless, considering. I did not want to give up the night, not so early.
Anders sensed me, and turned enough to make eye contact. He offered me a mocking wave. I raise my own hand, and insincere smile on my face.
So... every now and then, I have a few hours of impaired judgement when I have an urgent need to read... something. Well, usually it's smut. That's what happened with this short-story - I saw it (thank you, Emily!) and I had to read it... and I liked it quite a bit!
I always love it when there is some world-building connected to relationships and this story/series delivers on that front. So, this definitely makes me excited for the next installment of the series!
What brought the rating down is the fact that I don't feel like I got to know those characters, there are some lines forming and I like what I saw so far, but... I want more! Which I'm sure the book delivers, so it's fine... (this is one of the cases where I'm wondering if different reading order would made me to enjoy this story more, but it doesn't really matter...)
Also a shoutout to the very pretty prose!
January 1, 2023
Actually read this awhile ago, as a companion to 'Triad Blood' - once I realized there was a short story that had introduced the titular trio of characters.
Full disclosure: I probably wouldn't have read either if I'd seen this cover first, since "bored-looking photo-shopped hot dude" covers generally don't bode well in terms of matching my reading taste. Especially when there should obviously be THREE bored hot dudes to even vaguely reflect what the story is about. But, happily, this was a case where "don't judge a book by its lazy cover art" does indeed apply!
It was really fun to see how Luc, Anders, and Curtis actually met, and yes - it involves the kind of threesome scene that 'Triad Blood' indicates is part of their regular dynamic but doesn't actually contain. It contains a twist that I vaguely suspected (given that I read the book first) but which I loved all the same, particularly because Curtis is my favorite and I like to see him using his cleverness.
More than worth the $1 PDF.
Full disclosure: I probably wouldn't have read either if I'd seen this cover first, since "bored-looking photo-shopped hot dude" covers generally don't bode well in terms of matching my reading taste. Especially when there should obviously be THREE bored hot dudes to even vaguely reflect what the story is about. But, happily, this was a case where "don't judge a book by its lazy cover art" does indeed apply!
It was really fun to see how Luc, Anders, and Curtis actually met, and yes - it involves the kind of threesome scene that 'Triad Blood' indicates is part of their regular dynamic but doesn't actually contain. It contains a twist that I vaguely suspected (given that I read the book first) but which I loved all the same, particularly because Curtis is my favorite and I like to see him using his cleverness.
More than worth the $1 PDF.
March 29, 2016
So clever. Exactly what I've been missing...
I so can't wait to read Triad Blood!
I so can't wait to read Triad Blood!
July 11, 2016
Really small novella for the Triad Blood which gives us the synopsis of the world that our 3 MCs live in. I am excited to read about their story and this was pretty interesting.
July 10, 2017
A great piece of erotica with a good plot, and a great prequel to Triad Blood!
February 4, 2018
What a wonderful introduction to these loners of the paranormal world. A sexy romp, a perfect joining, a sneaky pact made.
June 24, 2021
Intriguing world and characters - will definitely check out the first book
May 28, 2016
I’m still not sure which one I liked best because they’re all so sexy in their own ways and the fact that they are three different creatures made the story totally explosive!
March 5, 2022
According to a note from ‘Nathan Burgoine in the acknowledgments at the beginning of this book, though the events in Three take place before those in Triad Blood, it is not necessary to read Three first. That said, I got to 45% in Triad Blood and found myself unable to stop wondering about the details of the genesis of Curtis, Luc and Anders’ triad bond. While technically, I do agree with Burgoine that it’s not necessary, I’m glad I backed up and read Three before continuing with Triad Blood. The additional context allows me to quiet my wondering, wandering thoughts and return to Triad Blood without that distraction.
I enjoyed this short erotic story. That said, it is very short and as erotica goes, it’s light erotica. That worked for me since I really wasn’t there for the erotic aspect so much as for the background for Curtis, Luc and Anders’ relationship and triad union. It’s an enlightening, gently sexy introduction to the series.
Wavering between 4 and 5 stars simply based on the fact that it’s so short there wasn’t time for the relationship and story development that would push it decisively to 5 stars. It was definitely my cuppa though!
I enjoyed this short erotic story. That said, it is very short and as erotica goes, it’s light erotica. That worked for me since I really wasn’t there for the erotic aspect so much as for the background for Curtis, Luc and Anders’ relationship and triad union. It’s an enlightening, gently sexy introduction to the series.
Wavering between 4 and 5 stars simply based on the fact that it’s so short there wasn’t time for the relationship and story development that would push it decisively to 5 stars. It was definitely my cuppa though!
November 30, 2017
This one was a nice and hot introduction to a new series. Luc, Ander and Curtis met, had sex and formed a triad in this book. I'll probably read the first book in the series to see what they're up to.
September 5, 2016
I'll read the novel next year, but I needed something to read while on the bike at the gym and this presented itself well.
The setup for the reveal was very apparent, but cute. I'll be happy to see the story that evolves from this short character study.
The setup for the reveal was very apparent, but cute. I'll be happy to see the story that evolves from this short character study.
August 8, 2016
Great short story primer for 'Nathan's Triad Blood novel. Anders, Luc, and Curtis meet and more than sparks fly. Love these three together. Hip paranormal M/M/M story.
June 4, 2016
Review to follow after Triad
May 15, 2017
Really good short story and a great lead-in to Triad Blood. Recommended.
February 10, 2023
Started reading Triad Blood and decided I really, really needed the background of the guys meeting and forming the triad. I could've done with more on the page count side of things (honestly who doesn't want to read more considering how the triad is actually formed), but I still enjoyed this and feel way more grounded in the word and their dynamics having read this. Personally I'd call it required reading before Triad Blood, though I don't think the author does and, well. He'd probably know, eh?
July 3, 2017
This was a short, short story. I have read ones shorter that I loved. This one just lacked details. There was very little world building. The characters just come together. I was hoping for a little romance but it really isn't that kind of book. It ends up like a one night stand that remain friends. I may read the next book to see if the world building and the characterizations get better.
June 12, 2017
Delightful short. Loved how the three different species came together benefiting each of them.
June 27, 2017
I had to pause reading "Triad Nlood" because I didn't understand some things so I paused and read this and found it helpful.
March 10, 2018
Oh, yeah, I'm liking this triad :P
December 28, 2018
Good enough to get me to want to try the full book. Not a romance. Also, the demon character is a little rapey which I’m not thrilled about.
June 2, 2020
A short but good introduction to the Triad series, looking forward to reading more.
June 29, 2020
Love this series
December 4, 2021
It’s basically just a prequel, and for that it’s fine.
May 26, 2019
I've read it in Anthology I can't remember for a life of me but this short blew my mind. I love paranormal stories and romance, which this short is NOT, but the premise of making a triad for the power-play to be independent from other triads and paranormal groups' territory struggles is fantastic.
There is something so unique in making a working triad from the paranormal beings that don't work well together but learn to cope with each other to boost off their powers has hit a nerve with me. There is a singe sex scene which was needed to create a Triad (one of the beings is a sex demon) which was HOT.
But the story-telling, the premise and plot were unique and memorable. This short has started my obsession with Triad Blood series and prompted to look at the author's back-list.
'Nathan has one of the most unique voices among LGBTQ+ authors and worth a broader recognition among readers than he's got so far.
There is something so unique in making a working triad from the paranormal beings that don't work well together but learn to cope with each other to boost off their powers has hit a nerve with me. There is a singe sex scene which was needed to create a Triad (one of the beings is a sex demon) which was HOT.
But the story-telling, the premise and plot were unique and memorable. This short has started my obsession with Triad Blood series and prompted to look at the author's back-list.
'Nathan has one of the most unique voices among LGBTQ+ authors and worth a broader recognition among readers than he's got so far.
April 18, 2016
I adore Luc, Anders, and Curtis. This short story was enough to introduce the characters and show how they created their group, and now I can't wait to read Triad Blood.
June 4, 2016
Hard to rate this one. I read it directly before Triad Blood so it fit well and set up that story nicely. On its own it might not have rated so highly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews