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Polar Reaction
A passion hot enough to melt a glacier. A love that shakes them to the core…
The savage Antarctic winter is closing in, and three research scientists are scheduled for the last flight out—until an unexpected blizzard traps all three of them in the compound. There’s Tuck, who only joined the project to be close to sexy-but-straight Brendan, the man of his dreams. And Jamie, who has always admired the other two from afar.
Thrown into a dangerous situation, the three of them turn to each other for survival, solace…and more. As Brendan overcomes his confusion over his impulses, the trio begin a sexual exploration that explodes into passion and unbridled lust.
Yet once the rescue helicopter airlifts them to safety, Brendan comes to his senses, returning home to his carefully constructed, closeted life. But there’s a Brendan-shaped hole left behind in Tuck’s and Jamie’s hearts. There’s only one way to fill it—by breaking through Brendan’s reserve to reclaim the man they both love.
220 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2009
21 people are currently reading
642 people want to read
About the author
Claire Thompson
195 books1,162 followersClaire has been writing for nearly two decades, and has published over 85 novels. She writes BDSM romance and abduction tales, spanning both m/f and m/m genres. She has received numerous awards for her bestselling work, including the NLA-Int’l Pauline Réage Award and the Golden Flogger Award for best BDSM fiction.. Her darker works press the envelope of what is erotic and what can be a sometimes dangerous slide into the world of sadomasochism. Ultimately her work deals with the human condition, and our constant search for love and intensity of experience.
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https://clairethompson.net
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https://clairethompson.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
August 18, 2017
I can finish this one. I will comeback to it when I need something that is mostly sex and no plot. I did make it to half way but I couldn't continue anymore for now
June 7, 2017
3.5 Stars
Well, I really like to give it 5-stars, but unfortunately the story didn't proceed as I expected. The first part of the book was amazing. It had everything you want in a romance or a good erotica, such as drama, adventure, passion, and so on. But suddenly in the middle of the book, the story changed its pace and became a mediocre menage a trois erotica.
About the Mcs, well, I really liked Jamie. He was the youngest of all but his wisdom and kindness surpassed the others. It really pissed me off when I saw he made so many sacrifices, but in return, Brendan and Tuck didn't return the favor. Although they appreciated Jamie's sacrifices by saying sweet things, their actions showed that they only cared for each other and Jamie didn't have a proper place in their relationship.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and recommend it, especially the first part of the story, to anyone who loves to read a hot menage story.
Now it's time to say something to Jamie:
Sweet Jamie, will you leave them alone and marry me? :)))
Well, I really like to give it 5-stars, but unfortunately the story didn't proceed as I expected. The first part of the book was amazing. It had everything you want in a romance or a good erotica, such as drama, adventure, passion, and so on. But suddenly in the middle of the book, the story changed its pace and became a mediocre menage a trois erotica.
About the Mcs, well, I really liked Jamie. He was the youngest of all but his wisdom and kindness surpassed the others. It really pissed me off when I saw he made so many sacrifices, but in return, Brendan and Tuck didn't return the favor. Although they appreciated Jamie's sacrifices by saying sweet things, their actions showed that they only cared for each other and Jamie didn't have a proper place in their relationship.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and recommend it, especially the first part of the story, to anyone who loves to read a hot menage story.
Now it's time to say something to Jamie:
Sweet Jamie, will you leave them alone and marry me? :)))
March 31, 2013
2.5
While I enjoy reading menage stories, they either work or they don't and with this one, I am having a hard time rating this book, on one hand I liked the concept of the three guys getting stranded without any form of communication with the outside world and confronting each other and their feelings, however on the other hand throughout the whole book I was sad for Jamie because he always seemed on the outside and just an after thought.
While I enjoy reading menage stories, they either work or they don't and with this one, I am having a hard time rating this book, on one hand I liked the concept of the three guys getting stranded without any form of communication with the outside world and confronting each other and their feelings, however on the other hand throughout the whole book I was sad for Jamie because he always seemed on the outside and just an after thought.
March 27, 2013
3.5*
I am a huge fan of ménage stories, and this one had a few really great things going for it.
I liked the location and the setting, three guys stuck at a remote outpost, not knowing when or of they were going to be rescued.
Two of them had been eyeing each other and thinking but not acting on the attraction for over a year, a new and fresh guy thrown into the mix.
All of those things appealed to me, Tuck had been crushing on Brendan, for a while, but Brendan insist at least to himself that he's straight and Jamie has been looking at Tuck for a fling.
So they play a bit of musical...dicks. Tuck with Brendan, Tuck with Jamie, Jamie with Brendan..then all three together..
Until real life takes Brendan back to his 'straightness' and Tuck and Jamie are left alone but together.
Now, the author really tried towards the end to make Jamie a central and equal part of this poly grouping, but I never got over the beginning where I felt he was a bit on the outside.
Tuck's mooning and prolonged crush on Brendan got annoying for me, I thought he didn't appreciate Jamie and let him know he appreciated him.
Jamie was a saint to put up with it, and all this love they had for Brendan? where on earth did it come from? The two days he opened up to them before he said he wanted nothing to do with them?
That part just didn't work well for me, but of I ignore that I didn't buy the love, I enjoyed it and am always glad for another ménage story.
Oh and a small warning there is light D/s in this one.
I am a huge fan of ménage stories, and this one had a few really great things going for it.
I liked the location and the setting, three guys stuck at a remote outpost, not knowing when or of they were going to be rescued.
Two of them had been eyeing each other and thinking but not acting on the attraction for over a year, a new and fresh guy thrown into the mix.
All of those things appealed to me, Tuck had been crushing on Brendan, for a while, but Brendan insist at least to himself that he's straight and Jamie has been looking at Tuck for a fling.
So they play a bit of musical...dicks. Tuck with Brendan, Tuck with Jamie, Jamie with Brendan..then all three together..
Until real life takes Brendan back to his 'straightness' and Tuck and Jamie are left alone but together.
Now, the author really tried towards the end to make Jamie a central and equal part of this poly grouping, but I never got over the beginning where I felt he was a bit on the outside.
Tuck's mooning and prolonged crush on Brendan got annoying for me, I thought he didn't appreciate Jamie and let him know he appreciated him.
Jamie was a saint to put up with it, and all this love they had for Brendan? where on earth did it come from? The two days he opened up to them before he said he wanted nothing to do with them?
That part just didn't work well for me, but of I ignore that I didn't buy the love, I enjoyed it and am always glad for another ménage story.
Oh and a small warning there is light D/s in this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2014
Not a bad novel, but not one of the best in my opinion. I kept feeling that Jamie wasn't a important part of the menage. Yes they love him, but it is the small action that seem to suggest that they will never love him like they do each other.
All Brendan's first was experienced by Tucker, yes I know they knew each other first but I still felt it left Jamie excluded. This wasn't helped by Tuck continuing to pine away while Jamie was still there. Maybe not important but when Brendan heard about his job he called Tuck first, actions speak louder than words. I don't doubt they love him, but they would have perhaps work better as a duo.
All Brendan's first was experienced by Tucker, yes I know they knew each other first but I still felt it left Jamie excluded. This wasn't helped by Tuck continuing to pine away while Jamie was still there. Maybe not important but when Brendan heard about his job he called Tuck first, actions speak louder than words. I don't doubt they love him, but they would have perhaps work better as a duo.
April 1, 2016
Here is my honest review of Claire Thompson's book, Polar Reaction. I hope I do it justice as I loved this book.
She draws you into the story from the very beginning. As the three scientists, are waiting for rescue they are drawn to each other for comfort and support during their stressful circumstance.
My heart felt like it was in a vise as Brendan wrestled with his sexuality and tried to come to grips with his attraction to the two other men. His whole life he always identified himself as being straight, even though he was initially attracted to Tuck on a previous assignment the year before. So to be attracted to his two fellow scientists was a real struggle for him while they were stranded. The emotional turmoil Brendan puts Tuck and Jamie through as he tries to figure himself out is heartbreaking.
As far as the sex scenes go, these men are hot together. Very exciting and will get your heart pumping.
I love these three men and their journey to their happy ending. I totally recommend this book. It has a HEA, first-time experience, ménage relationship, as well as the drama of being stranded in sub-zero temperatures waiting for rescue and getting everything figured out after they are back to their regular lives. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
She draws you into the story from the very beginning. As the three scientists, are waiting for rescue they are drawn to each other for comfort and support during their stressful circumstance.
My heart felt like it was in a vise as Brendan wrestled with his sexuality and tried to come to grips with his attraction to the two other men. His whole life he always identified himself as being straight, even though he was initially attracted to Tuck on a previous assignment the year before. So to be attracted to his two fellow scientists was a real struggle for him while they were stranded. The emotional turmoil Brendan puts Tuck and Jamie through as he tries to figure himself out is heartbreaking.
As far as the sex scenes go, these men are hot together. Very exciting and will get your heart pumping.
I love these three men and their journey to their happy ending. I totally recommend this book. It has a HEA, first-time experience, ménage relationship, as well as the drama of being stranded in sub-zero temperatures waiting for rescue and getting everything figured out after they are back to their regular lives. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
January 5, 2018
I am not typically a fan of m/m/m because I like my HEA. Often I find the stories to be a bit unbelievable. This story was very steamy at times and the characters did seem to fit together; the back story was nice for them. I did feel that there could've been a little bit more depth to the characters and their story of their relationship. There is a "straight" but obviously questioning guy but it didn't give me a true feeling of his thought process. Overall, though, I did enjoy the book but mainly for the hot scenes.
UPDATE: So over time, I have found that I keep coming back to this book and I absolutely love it. I've re-read it once (although I don't remember the date) and also bought it and listened in audiobook where it is fabulous. I have since very much become a fan of m/m/m books. :-)
UPDATE: So over time, I have found that I keep coming back to this book and I absolutely love it. I've re-read it once (although I don't remember the date) and also bought it and listened in audiobook where it is fabulous. I have since very much become a fan of m/m/m books. :-)
November 1, 2016
3.6 Stars
The sex was hot, and I really liked the way a typically cheesy "snowed-in" trope was handled here. Very detailed and well-thought out.
Unfortunately, no matter the scenario, it almost always felt like Jamie was the odd man out - even when it was just him and Tucker during their own relationship away from Brandon, even when Jamie was "man-in-the-middle." I think that year long UST buildup between B&T (which started their budding emotional connection) gave them a link that was just too difficult for J to join.
This is, unfortunately, what happens with a lot of triad/menage stories...and honestly, I liked Jamie's character best so it hurt to see that once more. Sure, I think the author tried to make it equilateral, but it never quite worked out that way.
The sex was hot, and I really liked the way a typically cheesy "snowed-in" trope was handled here. Very detailed and well-thought out.
Unfortunately, no matter the scenario, it almost always felt like Jamie was the odd man out - even when it was just him and Tucker during their own relationship away from Brandon, even when Jamie was "man-in-the-middle." I think that year long UST buildup between B&T (which started their budding emotional connection) gave them a link that was just too difficult for J to join.
This is, unfortunately, what happens with a lot of triad/menage stories...and honestly, I liked Jamie's character best so it hurt to see that once more. Sure, I think the author tried to make it equilateral, but it never quite worked out that way.
March 13, 2015
Okay so the high point of this book?? It was a fairly quick read and counted for 5 challenges... The low point? I just never connected with the characters. I got to the end and really could care less if they got their HEA or not. I didn't know enough about them and I never connected with them as a trio.
July 24, 2012
Hot story about three scientists: Tuck is the one with the crush, Brendan is the one repressed, and Jamie is the young guy caught in the middle. Really liked this story. Though the weather was cold, the mood was hot, hot, hot. Recommend!
September 6, 2010
Hmmmm, Nothing away from the author, but I just didn't feel this book. It felt kind of shallow and really not that believable. The plot was great, just...something was missing for me.
September 23, 2021
This is the story of what happened between Tuck, Jamie and Brendan when they were stranded during a snow storm. And how it changed their lives.
These three are scientists (of different fields, I think?) and they are part of a team. So they were unlucky to be stranded on a snow storm.
This one was a quick read for me. This is my first read where 3 people are involved in a loving relationship. Each of the guys have an established characteristics. Jamie, the youngest and the most playful? Tuck, the rational and adventurous one. And Brendan, the logical, follow the rules type of guy.
Tuck and Brendan had a past. So all through out, I feel like Jamie was the plus one, the extra on the relationship. As much as it is stated that he's not, that's how I see it.
There isn't much on the plot, it just revolves on the three main characters. The middle part, after they were rescued, is quite slow for me. And the problems seems to have been magically solved at the end which made it a bit unrealistic for me.
Tw for nsfw scenes. It was a bit too detailed for my faint heart.😅
These three are scientists (of different fields, I think?) and they are part of a team. So they were unlucky to be stranded on a snow storm.
This one was a quick read for me. This is my first read where 3 people are involved in a loving relationship. Each of the guys have an established characteristics. Jamie, the youngest and the most playful? Tuck, the rational and adventurous one. And Brendan, the logical, follow the rules type of guy.
Tuck and Brendan had a past. So all through out, I feel like Jamie was the plus one, the extra on the relationship. As much as it is stated that he's not, that's how I see it.
There isn't much on the plot, it just revolves on the three main characters. The middle part, after they were rescued, is quite slow for me. And the problems seems to have been magically solved at the end which made it a bit unrealistic for me.
Tw for nsfw scenes. It was a bit too detailed for my faint heart.😅
February 4, 2022
On the verge of greatness
Four stars for the stranded premise. Three stars for the actual story. Like others mentioned, the balance between the three guys was a bit off. In a way this added to the story by adding an element of realism.
Four stars for the stranded premise. Three stars for the actual story. Like others mentioned, the balance between the three guys was a bit off. In a way this added to the story by adding an element of realism.
added-it
September 10, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/10/2021)! 🎁
January 7, 2016
The blurb does a great job of summarizing this book in a few paragraphs, so I won't beat the dead horse.
I enjoyed the story - how the guys each built a relationship with each other while stranded in Antarctica. Jamie with Tuck and then with Brendan. And Tuck expanding his relationship with Brendan since they had met previously on a prior job; then building a relationship with Jamie. Then building a foundation for a permanent relationship once they were returned to civilization.
I felt their pain as Jamie & Tuck built their own life in California always missing Brendan. And I worried for Brendan since he was so lonely, unable to accept how his life had changed; unable to accept he was in love with not just one man, but two. And that he pushed them both away with stupid excuses because he was afraid of his feelings.
I enjoyed the story - how the guys each built a relationship with each other while stranded in Antarctica. Jamie with Tuck and then with Brendan. And Tuck expanding his relationship with Brendan since they had met previously on a prior job; then building a relationship with Jamie. Then building a foundation for a permanent relationship once they were returned to civilization.
I felt their pain as Jamie & Tuck built their own life in California always missing Brendan. And I worried for Brendan since he was so lonely, unable to accept how his life had changed; unable to accept he was in love with not just one man, but two. And that he pushed them both away with stupid excuses because he was afraid of his feelings.
August 5, 2016
This was not what I was expecting, Thompson is my go-to author for darker erotica and this was anything but that. I was delighted to find that she writes sweet and romantic just as well as she writes edgy and dark. Quick premise, three scientists stuck in Antarctica work through the feelings they have for each other. First I really loved this book! MM is a new favorite of mine and I was already a fan of ménage so putting the two together was a double treat for me. Second, favorite character… definitely Jamie! Loved, loved, loved him! Third, I think the author did a great job with the handling the dynamics of a ménage/poly relationship. She has a knack for exposing her characters vulnerabilities and making them relatable. There were a few times where I wanted to b*tch slap Brendan but after I finished the story I realized that how he re-acted to everything, once they were back in the “real world”, is probably how a lot of men would have and I warmed up to his character. If you love MM and ménage I highly recommend this book.
June 14, 2016
★★★☆☆½ ~ 3.5 Stars
Brendan and Tuck had a moment a year previous, however, Brendan ran from his feelings. A year later, he, Tuck and Jamie are trapped together during a blizzard. Brendan is still not accepting his feelings but between lots of booze and Jamie, things get a lot more physical and hot smexing ensues.
Brendan still can't accept where his thoughts and desires are going and after they're rescued, he walks away yet again. Will he ever accept that desires both Jamie and Tuck as they do him?
I want to give this triad romance a chance and it's good that Jamie was able to building something separately with Brendan and Tuck. But will that be enough and he won't be the odd man out?
Brendan and Tuck had a moment a year previous, however, Brendan ran from his feelings. A year later, he, Tuck and Jamie are trapped together during a blizzard. Brendan is still not accepting his feelings but between lots of booze and Jamie, things get a lot more physical and hot smexing ensues.
Brendan still can't accept where his thoughts and desires are going and after they're rescued, he walks away yet again. Will he ever accept that desires both Jamie and Tuck as they do him?
I want to give this triad romance a chance and it's good that Jamie was able to building something separately with Brendan and Tuck. But will that be enough and he won't be the odd man out?
January 17, 2010
*Sigh* I should have known this book was not my cup of tea when I zoned out on the first page. Nothing about the book seems authentic. The characters lack substance, the plot is somewhat inconceivable, and the writing is sub par.
What can I say about Polar Reaction. I waited a long time to read this book and when I finished it, I could not have been more disappointed. I think I may have amped my expectations because I was so eager to read this m/m/m romance with a great synopsis. I struggled to finish this book and it is definitely a title I will not read again.
What can I say about Polar Reaction. I waited a long time to read this book and when I finished it, I could not have been more disappointed. I think I may have amped my expectations because I was so eager to read this m/m/m romance with a great synopsis. I struggled to finish this book and it is definitely a title I will not read again.
June 4, 2010
Three men,all scientists,are trapped in a lab with the full Antartic winter approching. All three men hve their internal conflicts. Brendan refuses to believe that he can be attracted to men. Tuck carries a torch for Brendan who rejected him the year before. Jamie is open but struggles to find where he may fit in with the other two. Stuck in the middle of a blizzard, the booze flows freely and what starts as an attempt at solace becomes a full blown,and hot,menage a trois. The story isin two parts- what happens before the men are rescued and what happens afterward.
December 26, 2012
Nice and sweet. For once, a threesome where jealousy is actually addressed on-page and where the formerly straight/ in-denial guy doesn't miraculously lose all of his inhibitions. The three men made sense together even if I found the ending rather a strong HFN instead of a HEA. I liked that; thought it realistic.
March 7, 2013
3.5 stars
Thoughtful, emotive and sexy.
Is it sexual interest peaked by crisis or real love blooming. Liked the premise of 3 scientists working through getting one to acknowledge his desires and how to manage polyamory. Seemed a bit easy in the end and a moment or two that I wasn't convinced explains the rating.
Thoughtful, emotive and sexy.
Is it sexual interest peaked by crisis or real love blooming. Liked the premise of 3 scientists working through getting one to acknowledge his desires and how to manage polyamory. Seemed a bit easy in the end and a moment or two that I wasn't convinced explains the rating.
November 10, 2009
Somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars. I can't make up my mind about this one. The threesome does work for me, yet I think maybe I'm having trouble with one of the heroes being straight before they all hook up. There was so much going on that perhaps it was too much...
October 27, 2012
Oh, this is bad.
I can't believe this was written by the same author of Handyman which was brilliant.
I can't believe this was written by the same author of Handyman which was brilliant.
December 2, 2010
I'm undecided on how exactly to rate this. It was a cute love story, but not much plot action. It wasn't all just sex either...had some relationship elements to it. I'd probably go with 3.5 stars
August 15, 2009
Three men are stranded in the Antarctic when an unexpected snowstorm prevents them from leaving at the end of a science expedition. With the help of generous alcoholic libations and a near brush with death, the men are able to let go of their inhibitions and act on the sizzling chemistry brewing between each of them. Unfortunately life in the “real world” isn’t always as easy as it is when you’re stranded on the edges of civilization. The men must figure out a way to keep their newfound relationship and emotions alive when faced with the practical problems of their everyday lives.
Ménages are an intricate dance to write and often one that is poorly presented. While I don’t believe all the partners involved have to be equal, they must all bring something unique that make the multiple relationship work. Similar to the cliché of puzzle pieces, each member has to bring something that is important and necessary. Unfortunately in this particular offering the characters would have worked very well in one on one relationships rather than a threesome. Tuck and Brandon would have made a lovely, sweet story and Tuck and Jamie would have given a spicy and charming tale. The three of them simply don’t work as Brandon and Jamie fall very flat together and furthermore Jamie stands as a real roadblock to Brandon and Tuck in the later half of the book.
Brandon and Tuck develop an immediate and strong connection, both physically and mentally, from their first meeting. That connection is nurtured silently between the two men over the course of a year, yet neither one has the strength to act upon their feelings. It takes the brash and horny actions of a young Jamie to make their longing a reality. Sadly Brandon and Tuck’s connection, so strong and vividly established in the beginning is virtually lost in the repeated reassurance that Jamie and Brandon, then Tuck and Jamie have strong connections. While it’s important to establish that the third of the relationship has a spot, in this case it was done so at the expense of the initial two’s connection.
Additionally, the prose was often clunky and opted for a thesaurus of terms rather than a fluid, lyrical storytelling. The characters would make statements that weren’t evident in their actions or situations revealed in the book. For example, both Tuck and Brandon mentally praise Jamie repeatedly for his sensitivity and courage, yet this was completely absent from his actions with the exception of one brief monologue showing a glimpse of actual emotion from Jamie. Other than that solitary commentary from Jamie, he came off as an immature, horny, sarcastic and selfish brat. His actions were always rationalized and both men seemed to appreciate Jamie’s overwhelming selfishness, which was surprising and leant an aura of disbelief to the threesome. It was unfortunate the author offered nothing to support the claims even in the way of brief glimpses of positive and supportive behavior.
Jamie’s action of going behind Tuck’s back to see Brandon, regardless of his justification, was for his own selfish reasons to “connect” with Brandon and ensure he had a place with Brandon. Their sexual connection was re-affirmed and accepted yet when Brandon returns to speak to Tuck the overwhelming tension is from the complete wrong that it would be if Brandon and Tuck were to reunite sexually on their own. Supposedly their emotional connection is enough that they can never leave Jamie out for fear he’ll be upset. I had the very vivid image that if Jamie was to go off alone with either men this would be accepted and even encouraged, yet if Brandon and Tuck were to be alone, Jamie would have a huge problem with this and likely cause issues.
Due to this, the threesome felt forced and awkward. There was clearly a connection between Tuck and Jamie and also Brandon and Tuck, yet the latter was certainly hindered by Jamie’s constant manipulation, which left the entire relationship wooden for me. I wish the author had focused on either one of these couples and given a solid, enjoyable story. And while I enjoy sex for the sake of sex as much as the next person, repeated scenes taking up more length than necessary ended up dragging out the story without adding a significant progression to the characters or their relationship.
Brandon is a true definition of a “gay for you” stereotype. Even though he’s only previously involved with women, Brandon falls in love with Tuck regardless of his gender and is considered bi because Tuck happens to be a guy. Brandon is complex with a strong personality with regards to his work and thinking, yet oddly passive and confused when presented with a situation outside of his standard idea of normal. Brandon’s confusion and awkward attempts at normality were understandable and sympathetic, allowing his passivity to dictate his actions against reasonable fear and confusion. When the entire escapade was initiated through copious amounts of alcohol and the dubious rationalization that their lives could end tomorrow, it’s not shocking the up til now straight guy would have some emotional problems with jumping into an openly gay ménage relationship or that he would pass off the sexual encounter as an aberration.
Yet Tuck longs for him from afar without giving any understanding to Brandon’s situation and Jamie is angry that Brandon didn’t fall into bed with him the way Tuck did. Jamie’s insistence on having Brandon in bed with them felt more and more due to Jamie’s desire for variety and the attention of two very attractive men on him than a real loving relationship that was based on deep and lasting emotions between each man. Tuck clearly had deep and lasting feelings for Brandon yet interestingly, they rarely were the ones to actually have sex. The majority of the sex scenes all revolved around Jamie and his needs.
Even with all these problems I had with the book, I recognize that most likely this book will be received extremely well and praised highly. It has likeable characters, a somewhat reasonable and engaging plot line, the story moves quickly and there is plenty of hot and kinky sex. And like I said, if this had featured the individual relationship of the men, it probably would have worked better - for me anyway. As it was, it fell flat from excelling as a successful ménage. Due to that, it was awkward and ultimately uncomfortable to read. But I fully expect to be the minority reviewer with this opinion.
Ménages are an intricate dance to write and often one that is poorly presented. While I don’t believe all the partners involved have to be equal, they must all bring something unique that make the multiple relationship work. Similar to the cliché of puzzle pieces, each member has to bring something that is important and necessary. Unfortunately in this particular offering the characters would have worked very well in one on one relationships rather than a threesome. Tuck and Brandon would have made a lovely, sweet story and Tuck and Jamie would have given a spicy and charming tale. The three of them simply don’t work as Brandon and Jamie fall very flat together and furthermore Jamie stands as a real roadblock to Brandon and Tuck in the later half of the book.
Brandon and Tuck develop an immediate and strong connection, both physically and mentally, from their first meeting. That connection is nurtured silently between the two men over the course of a year, yet neither one has the strength to act upon their feelings. It takes the brash and horny actions of a young Jamie to make their longing a reality. Sadly Brandon and Tuck’s connection, so strong and vividly established in the beginning is virtually lost in the repeated reassurance that Jamie and Brandon, then Tuck and Jamie have strong connections. While it’s important to establish that the third of the relationship has a spot, in this case it was done so at the expense of the initial two’s connection.
Additionally, the prose was often clunky and opted for a thesaurus of terms rather than a fluid, lyrical storytelling. The characters would make statements that weren’t evident in their actions or situations revealed in the book. For example, both Tuck and Brandon mentally praise Jamie repeatedly for his sensitivity and courage, yet this was completely absent from his actions with the exception of one brief monologue showing a glimpse of actual emotion from Jamie. Other than that solitary commentary from Jamie, he came off as an immature, horny, sarcastic and selfish brat. His actions were always rationalized and both men seemed to appreciate Jamie’s overwhelming selfishness, which was surprising and leant an aura of disbelief to the threesome. It was unfortunate the author offered nothing to support the claims even in the way of brief glimpses of positive and supportive behavior.
Jamie’s action of going behind Tuck’s back to see Brandon, regardless of his justification, was for his own selfish reasons to “connect” with Brandon and ensure he had a place with Brandon. Their sexual connection was re-affirmed and accepted yet when Brandon returns to speak to Tuck the overwhelming tension is from the complete wrong that it would be if Brandon and Tuck were to reunite sexually on their own. Supposedly their emotional connection is enough that they can never leave Jamie out for fear he’ll be upset. I had the very vivid image that if Jamie was to go off alone with either men this would be accepted and even encouraged, yet if Brandon and Tuck were to be alone, Jamie would have a huge problem with this and likely cause issues.
Due to this, the threesome felt forced and awkward. There was clearly a connection between Tuck and Jamie and also Brandon and Tuck, yet the latter was certainly hindered by Jamie’s constant manipulation, which left the entire relationship wooden for me. I wish the author had focused on either one of these couples and given a solid, enjoyable story. And while I enjoy sex for the sake of sex as much as the next person, repeated scenes taking up more length than necessary ended up dragging out the story without adding a significant progression to the characters or their relationship.
Brandon is a true definition of a “gay for you” stereotype. Even though he’s only previously involved with women, Brandon falls in love with Tuck regardless of his gender and is considered bi because Tuck happens to be a guy. Brandon is complex with a strong personality with regards to his work and thinking, yet oddly passive and confused when presented with a situation outside of his standard idea of normal. Brandon’s confusion and awkward attempts at normality were understandable and sympathetic, allowing his passivity to dictate his actions against reasonable fear and confusion. When the entire escapade was initiated through copious amounts of alcohol and the dubious rationalization that their lives could end tomorrow, it’s not shocking the up til now straight guy would have some emotional problems with jumping into an openly gay ménage relationship or that he would pass off the sexual encounter as an aberration.
Yet Tuck longs for him from afar without giving any understanding to Brandon’s situation and Jamie is angry that Brandon didn’t fall into bed with him the way Tuck did. Jamie’s insistence on having Brandon in bed with them felt more and more due to Jamie’s desire for variety and the attention of two very attractive men on him than a real loving relationship that was based on deep and lasting emotions between each man. Tuck clearly had deep and lasting feelings for Brandon yet interestingly, they rarely were the ones to actually have sex. The majority of the sex scenes all revolved around Jamie and his needs.
Even with all these problems I had with the book, I recognize that most likely this book will be received extremely well and praised highly. It has likeable characters, a somewhat reasonable and engaging plot line, the story moves quickly and there is plenty of hot and kinky sex. And like I said, if this had featured the individual relationship of the men, it probably would have worked better - for me anyway. As it was, it fell flat from excelling as a successful ménage. Due to that, it was awkward and ultimately uncomfortable to read. But I fully expect to be the minority reviewer with this opinion.
September 18, 2017
Being as this is Kink Month and I’m VERY Vanilla – I (chickened out) chose ménage. ;)
I’ve owned this audiobook forever and – for whatever reason – never listened to it. So, I decided now’s a great time to see why – or what I was missing.
Well…. On the one hand it has a lot going for it. It has geeks forced into a tight space with the air of “this might be our last kiss” about them. It has two – closeted – gay men and one bi-curious/in denial gay man who are thrown together and in a situation where passion finally ignites.
I thought that there was a lot of great sexual tension that bled into a lot of great sex. Beyond that, the relationship building was practically non-existent.
The triad barely worked – one part of the dynamic – Jamie and Tuck – clearly feels more than Brendan – and though – by the end – they’ve worked this out – it never felt solid or like a true, balanced triad.
As for the narrator, he didn’t really work for me. His voice is a bit too old and he didn’t do enough to differentiate the MCs so it was hard to know who was doing what or when and I had to keep reversing to see what was up. (It’s hard enough with 3 MCs – all male – but the narration didn’t help to keep them separate.)
All in all I wouldn’t recommend the audiobook – it wasn’t that enjoyable – and the story was good if you enjoy ménage sex – but it wasn’t great if you’re looking for a great romance.
3 of 5 stars
I’ve owned this audiobook forever and – for whatever reason – never listened to it. So, I decided now’s a great time to see why – or what I was missing.
Well…. On the one hand it has a lot going for it. It has geeks forced into a tight space with the air of “this might be our last kiss” about them. It has two – closeted – gay men and one bi-curious/in denial gay man who are thrown together and in a situation where passion finally ignites.
I thought that there was a lot of great sexual tension that bled into a lot of great sex. Beyond that, the relationship building was practically non-existent.
The triad barely worked – one part of the dynamic – Jamie and Tuck – clearly feels more than Brendan – and though – by the end – they’ve worked this out – it never felt solid or like a true, balanced triad.
As for the narrator, he didn’t really work for me. His voice is a bit too old and he didn’t do enough to differentiate the MCs so it was hard to know who was doing what or when and I had to keep reversing to see what was up. (It’s hard enough with 3 MCs – all male – but the narration didn’t help to keep them separate.)
All in all I wouldn’t recommend the audiobook – it wasn’t that enjoyable – and the story was good if you enjoy ménage sex – but it wasn’t great if you’re looking for a great romance.
3 of 5 stars
November 24, 2018
I thought this book was pretty good. The writing was good and the author developed the characters fairly well. I enjoyed the characters Jamie and Tuck but was put off a little by Brandon. I was getting frustrated with his struggles with what he was feeling. I've never had to deal with the struggles of wanting to be with the same sex so maybe the writing was spot on.
I saw that this book was rated high and it was a mmm menage so I was intrigued. I started to read the reviews and was starting to feel that this book might be a let down because of what the other reviewers were saying. Well, I am glad that I read the book. I feel different that the other reviewers.
1) A reviewer says that it was mostly sex and no plot. I could count the kink scenes on one hand. I wanted more. The last kink scene was the hottest and most intense. It was so intense because of the plot. The whole story was about the struggles of the three men coming together.
2) Another reviewer says how much Jamie sacrifices but the other two don't. That Jamie is an after thought. Because of this review I almost didn't read the book. The whole time I was anticipating the part when Jamie was cast aside and used as an after thought. I never came across that part.
I could go into this more but I don't want to give any of the book away. I say read the book and develop your own opinion. It was a good read.
I saw that this book was rated high and it was a mmm menage so I was intrigued. I started to read the reviews and was starting to feel that this book might be a let down because of what the other reviewers were saying. Well, I am glad that I read the book. I feel different that the other reviewers.
1) A reviewer says that it was mostly sex and no plot. I could count the kink scenes on one hand. I wanted more. The last kink scene was the hottest and most intense. It was so intense because of the plot. The whole story was about the struggles of the three men coming together.
2) Another reviewer says how much Jamie sacrifices but the other two don't. That Jamie is an after thought. Because of this review I almost didn't read the book. The whole time I was anticipating the part when Jamie was cast aside and used as an after thought. I never came across that part.
I could go into this more but I don't want to give any of the book away. I say read the book and develop your own opinion. It was a good read.
June 7, 2018
I guess this author and me, we just don't get along.
I didn't really expect much of the book, I just wanted something easy and light. Lots of sex, some silly drama. And that's pretty much what I got, but I just didn't like the style.
I felt most of the dialog, even the internal monologuing felt stiff and awkward. Sometimes it sounded like the characters had to explain their actions in detail, so people would know that they made sense. At other times emotional moments just kinda went by in passing. And the characters where quite flat and uninteresting too.
The first half of the book was pretty much just a collection of sex scenes, but I often felt she was a bit overwhelmed when there where three people involved, because one of them was usually not much involved.
The other half is a lot of moaning and angsting until the kinda forced happy end.
The whole menage didn't really work for me. So Tuck and Brendan had a crush on each other for a year, and Jamie is around too. The whole triad was really forced, because the emotional connection was mostly so one (or rather two) sided and in the end Jamie was kinda shoehorned in but it didn't feel natural. Nothing about the book felt natural, really.
I didn't really expect much of the book, I just wanted something easy and light. Lots of sex, some silly drama. And that's pretty much what I got, but I just didn't like the style.
I felt most of the dialog, even the internal monologuing felt stiff and awkward. Sometimes it sounded like the characters had to explain their actions in detail, so people would know that they made sense. At other times emotional moments just kinda went by in passing. And the characters where quite flat and uninteresting too.
The first half of the book was pretty much just a collection of sex scenes, but I often felt she was a bit overwhelmed when there where three people involved, because one of them was usually not much involved.
The other half is a lot of moaning and angsting until the kinda forced happy end.
The whole menage didn't really work for me. So Tuck and Brendan had a crush on each other for a year, and Jamie is around too. The whole triad was really forced, because the emotional connection was mostly so one (or rather two) sided and in the end Jamie was kinda shoehorned in but it didn't feel natural. Nothing about the book felt natural, really.
October 11, 2021
Polar scientists, David (Tuck) Tucker, Brendan Aaronson, and Jamie Hunter are stranded on their Antarctic base until the storms let up and they can be evacuated before the long winter sets in. All three men develop feelings for each other; however, Brendan distances himself from the other two when help arrives. Can Tuck and Jamie win him back? I loved the descriptions of their precarious life on the base, it was compelling and uncertain and I would have happily kept the characters there the whole book. I felt the ménage à trois plot worked pretty well, I especially liked the subplots exploring Jamie’s third-wheel feelings and Brendan’s cold feet / second chances. Audio narrator Josh Walker had an older, conservative voice which suited Tuck and Brendan, less so the much younger Jamie, but I still enjoyed Josh’s performance a lot.
December 28, 2021
Good, but...
I was looking for Antarctica reads when someone recommend this book to me. Though the story starts at the Antarctica research base, it's nothing more than a backdrop with very little to do with their purpose for being there. Basically, the time in Antarctica was treated as a snowed in extended weekend hookup until they were able to leave. About 100 pages into the story the location changes to sunny California and the challenges of making a go outside of their research trip. While there's a lot of necessary person growth I felt the story needed a bit more depth.
I was looking for Antarctica reads when someone recommend this book to me. Though the story starts at the Antarctica research base, it's nothing more than a backdrop with very little to do with their purpose for being there. Basically, the time in Antarctica was treated as a snowed in extended weekend hookup until they were able to leave. About 100 pages into the story the location changes to sunny California and the challenges of making a go outside of their research trip. While there's a lot of necessary person growth I felt the story needed a bit more depth.
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