Third

DC After Dark #1

by Robin Covington

Dr. Carla Androghetti is not interested in compromise.

With a thriving psychiatry practice in Washington, D.C. and a fulfilling position as a sexual third in a threesome with couples at Club D, she's living just the way she wants. When the murder of a famous former bedmate brings a sexy, tempting cop into her life, she indulges in an affair as sizzling as it is dangerous. Finding a man who can love her and accept her kink is a dream she’d given up a long time ago.

Homicide Detective Aiden Cross takes no prisoners.

Usually nothing can distract him from a case, but a sexy shrink with an unusual kink has him losing his laser-focus on the job. He’s been burned before by a cheating ex-wife and he doesn’t share, so why does he keep finding himself in the bed of a woman who breaks all his rules?

Passion will force them to take a risk.

When forbidden desire takes them to the edge of their personal limits, their walls will need to crumble if they have any chance together.

** This book features a heroine with a sexy kink. She's not broken, or damaged, or waiting for the right guy to "fix" her. She's fine the way she is but if the guy who can love ALL of her comes along . . . she's ready.**

Genres: Menage, Novella, Romance, Police, Erotica, Polyamory

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 19, 2016

About the author

A USAToday and Wall Street Journal bestseller, Robin Covington loves to explore the theme of fooling around and falling in love in her books. Her stories burn up the sheets…one page at a time. A biracial author of Native American descent, Robin proudly writes diverse romances where everyone gets their happily ever after.

A 2016 RITA® Award finalist, Robin’s books have won the National Reader’s Choice and Golden Leaf Awards and finaled in the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice, the Holt Medallion Awards, and the Book Seller’s Best.

She is an unapologetic Indiginerd and comic book geek. She hoards red nail polish and stalks Chris Evans. She is thoroughly obsessed with her Corgis, Dixie Joan Wilder & Delilah Skye O’Malley

Drop her a line at [robin@robincovingtonromance.com](mailto:robin@robincovingtonromance.com) - she always writes back.

Reviews

[Robin Covington]

Reader Friends - I was sitting in the lobby of the Marriott Hotel with Stephanie Dray and I told her than I had an idea for a book about a woman whose kink was to serve as a third to couples who want another person in their bed. I wanted her to be unapologetic, unembarrassed, fully embracing of her sexuality and her lifestyle. I wanted her to own it.

I didn't want to write a book about a woman who needed to be "fixed" or needed a man (or a woman) to save her and cure her of the kink with love. This woman wanted to be loved, to be in a relationship with someone who accepted all of her - including her kink.

Carla Androghetti is that woman.

This is not your typical romance. Yes, my hero and heroine get their happily ever after but it's not typical and I've had some readers tell me that this is not a romance. I couldn't disagree more.

It is absolutely a romance. It is romance between an openly bisexual man and bisexual woman with a kin and their romance is completely their own.

If you read it - I hope you love it!

Stay sexy and read lots of books!
xxxRobin

[Joyfully Reviewed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Timitra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated 3.5 Stars

Third is a quick, a little bit suspenseful and a whole lot of dirty read I enjoyed it and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more in the series

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this one is hot. Robin Covington turned up the heat on this one. Dr Carla Androghetti has a kink that and she doesn't hide it. Aiden Cross crosses paths with her because her and there is sparks between the two of them but can they work through the kink factor and their jobs. These two have great chemistry and are great together plus you get to see some characters from past books. Robin again did a great job.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm constantly on the hunt for what I deem unconventional romance. So when one of your favorite authors breaks one out, it definitely gives reason to celebrate. This book was hot, but I will say that you'd have to have an open mind and love of all things kinky going into this.

Set in Washington DC the first book in this series follows detective Aiden Cross and his investigation of a high profile murder. While uncovering details surrounding a senators death he crosses paths with Dr. Carla Androghetti. The attraction is mutual and instant. Aiden is a little more than hesitant about pursuing Carla for multiple reasons. Carla has never had an issue when it comes to what and who she wants, Aiden included.

This book is a super quick read, bordering on novella length. So the characters wasted no time getting right to it. As I mentioned before this book has got a good amount of kink in it, or rather the heroine enjoys and completely owns her kink. There was also a voyeuristic element in this book that I really enjoyed. But it was Aiden's dilemma about his feelings towards Carla that totally sold me on the story. He had a lot of soul searching to do when it came to how he felt about Carla.

The conflict in a story is always a make or break for me and I thought it was done really well here. The underlying suspense in the story was interesting and Robins writing is always fantastic. There are some aforementioned characters from a previous book that piqued my interest so I'll definitely be looking into their book.

If you like different and you love sexy I'd absolutely recommend this as a next read. I'm really excited for the upcoming books in the series.

[kgagnon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first book in the DC After Dark series was thrilling and erotic. When Dr. Carla Androghetti becomes a potential suspect in a high profile murder, she never expected to fall for lead Detective Aiden Cross. Aiden straddles the line to solve a case and he wants nothing more than to straddle Carla. When Carla is cleared of suspicion, Aiden and Carla spend time together and find they have so much in common. But Aiden has left behind a cheating wife and doesn't share. Carla loves her threesomes with couples at Club D, and is unapologetic about her kink. Will Aiden be able to reconcile his feelings so they can explore the intense sparks that fly between them? Or will the real murder take that chance from them? This hot and sexy romance is intriguing, and suspenseful, making it impossible to stop turning the pages. This is a great start to this series and I am excited for more!

[Xan]

I do not recommend this book. I may review later. I highly recommend looking at the content warnings.

Content Warning Murder. Ableism built into murder subplot (mentally ill villain trope), ableist slurs used, including by the psychiatrist MC. MC in grave peril. Altercation involving a gun and a knife. Bi antagonism built into the bi hero's backstory (he is cheated on and betrayed by his wife so he just sleeps with men...til he meets the heroine). Cissexism. Controlling, possessive, very jealous hero who does things that look a lot like stalking. Conflict is over whether polyamory (with full knowledge of partners and their consent) is the same as cheating and whether threesomes are wrong; basically its a polyamory and threesomes acceptance narrative. Anti-polyamory bigotry is built into the story, and also expressed by many characters, including the hero. Misogynist, sex negative, slut shaming and anti-sex work slurs and insults are used to target the polyamorous bi heroine (and also the hero because he's with her). Sexual harassment by the police during interrogation. Sex scene involving dubious consent and abuse of police power. Sex on the page, including public sex, semi-public sex, pegging, threesomes, oral sex, anal sex, PIV, rough sex. Sexualized D/s.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gobbled this book right up. I will say if you don't like your books with spice this is probably not a book for you. A murder case brings Aiden and Carla together, but their attraction keeps bringing them back. I really liked both characters. What I liked about Robin's writing is she tastefully writes Carla's kink. She gives utmost respect to Carla and if other characters in the book can't see it may just be their loss. Aiden struggles with Carla's kink and there is a good reason, but can he love Carla just the way she is? I liked that Aiden and Carla are baseball fans. Can I say I'm completely jealous of Aiden having an apartment right above the Nationals' stadium. I would kill to have a view of any baseball stadium from my balcony. This book gave me heat, suspense, and heart. It's a great mix that sucks you right in.

[Tina Hobbs Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

"He was everything I wanted and nothing that would be good for me." Dr. Carla Androghetti knows who she is and what she wants/needs. Homicide Detective Aiden Cross is no stranger to the darker side of life. But when he encounters Dr. Androghetti during a homicide investigation, she tests everything he thought he wanted, and what limits he is willing to live with.

The chemistry is instant with these two. I wanted them to work, even if their relationship would be unconventional. The honesty shown by both of them, the heat that sizzles the page, and twists in the story are all catnip for me! Revisiting Rush & Livvy was a definite bonus!

Hot story, hot sex and hot characters!! <3

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of THIRD is so striking, I had meant to read only a couple of pages, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to stop until I had read a good chunk. A US senator has been murdered, Detective Aiden Cross is investigating, and the only murder suspect is a beautiful psychiatrist, Dr. Carla Androghetti. Since his divorce, Aiden has been so bitter, he has had sex only with men, but Aiden is mesmerised by Dr. Androghetti in a way that has never happened to him, until Aiden learns that Carla has a habit in participating in threesomes, regardless of the sex. Aiden might be bisexual, but he does not approve of Carla’s alternative lifestyle.

THIRD is told in alternate points of view, and Ms. Covington does such an outstanding job, that you could pull out sentences at random, and it would be obvious whose voice it is, Aiden’s or Carla’s. I also loved the atmosphere of the book: it felt like a 1950s film noir, very intriguing and entirely fitting to the context, with a cynical, hard-boiled detective and a mysterious sex siren. THIRD is, of course, a very sexy read, and although, like Aiden, I could not understand Carla’s kink, it was not a problem for me. On the other hand, I had a bit of an issue with the timeline for the murder case, and I cannot say more because it would constitute a spoiler. While the sexual chemistry was off the charts between Aiden and Carla, I did not felt involved in their relationship, and maybe it was because of my perception of film noir; there was a remoteness, as far as I’m concerned, which I cannot explain. I also was surprised at the direction Aiden’s and Carla’s relationship took, it was not what I expected, but what amazingly complex characters they were!

Robin Covington relentlessly pushes the boundaries with the subjects she chooses, and the characters that inhabit her fiction, their diversity; she’s daring, fearless, and always striving to broaden her craft.


I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third by Robin Covington is the story of Carla, a psychologist whose kink is being a sexual third to committed couples, and Aiden a Washington, DC homicide detective. They meet when Carla’s business card is found in the jacket pocket of a murdered politician.

I enjoyed the story and the characters. Carla is a strong woman, unapologetic and secure about her lifestyle and hoping to one day find a long term partner who can accept her for who she is. There is strong sexual chemistry between her and Aiden and I found myself pulling for them to be able to make it as a couple without Carla having to compromise something that she needs to fulfill her life.
The murder investigation was an interesting premise and one I’ve not encountered too often in the romance genre where one of the lead characters is an actual suspect. The “who done it” aspect was very quickly resolved and I would have liked to have seen a little more of the murder investigation fleshed out. I think Ms. Covington would make a good fiction crime writer if she should ever decide to go in that direction. Her attention to detail at the crime scene was very visceral and intricate.

This would have been a four star read for me, but there were some typos and continuity issues that were a bit distracting, but still a good story.

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Carla Androghetti has a very successful psychiatric practice in Washington, DC. She also has a very successful sex life playing "third" to several couples from the club she belongs to.....Club D. Until the day Homicide Detective Aiden Cross comes her way. She begins her relationship with him as a possible homicide suspect. Aiden can't seem to move past what he sees as an infatuation with Carla. She has searched all of her adult life for a lasting relationship with someone who can accept all of her, kink and all. Aiden knows all about her kink from day one since she played Third to the murder victim. Now he needs to decide if he's able to separate the feelings she has for him versus the need she has to be a third for certain couples from her club. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and how hot things were between the two of them. This book made me question how I would feel in a similar situation, and I think that's a sign of a really well written book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

H.O.T.!

If you like fun, fast, hot romance, this book is for you! Robin Covington did NOT disappoint in this story. This is my new favorite by this fantastic author! When Aiden, the D.C. detective, and Carla, psychiatrist by day and 'third' by night meet up, the explosions follow, literally! She fights the urge, as does he since he can't understand the 'sharing' of his woman. Can they make this work?

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covington never disappoints in the Hot and Steamy category. And she's fantastic for getting you to think outside the box. Aiden and Carla had sexual tension from the get-go. And watching them work out their differences and accept each other for what they were was the way I wish all relationships were.

[Carla Krissinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too sexy for some readers! Bring it on! A self confident woman who knows exactly what she wants. FINALLY!

I really can't tell you much else but that this book is hot. H.O.T. If you can't handle alternative lifestyle choices, you may be offended. But, if you are an open minded 21st century human looking for a sexy Saturday read, it won't disappoint!

[Leigh Kramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a confusing read. At a certain point, I had to approach it as fantasy so all the implausibilities and the ethical violations wouldn’t get to me as much. But then the plot would take another turn and it got to be too much. Cara and Aiden meet when she becomes a person of interest in a murder investigation. Cara freely tells Aiden and his partner that the murdered man was not a client of hers but as far as I understand, that’s something that should require a subpoena. You can’t disclose whether or not someone was a client without breaking confidentiality and that doesn’t change once they’re dead. Cara and Aiden are immediately attracted to one another but again, she’s a person of interest in a murder investigation so nothing should be happening between them. He comes to her home to question her, handcuffs her, and that somehow turned into them having sex and I still don’t understand why, for either of them. At that point, he’d already kink shamed her. Plus, it’s a gigantic power imbalance, not to mention there’s a good case for him abusing his power as an officer and why on earth did they have sex when he needed to verify what she told him before ruling her out as a suspect?! From there, things got much too over the top for my taste. But on a positive note, Cara is polyamorous at the start and she’s still poly at the end, even though Aiden initially has major issues with that. I’m glad she didn’t have to change who she was for him.

Character notes: Cara is a psychiatrist and identifies as queer and polyamorous. Aiden is 38, a homicide detective, and bisexual. They are both white. This is set in DC.

CW: attempted murder, kink-shaming, sex worker-shaming, hero’s ex-wife cheated

[Arynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book and the story but it was too short! I wanted to read more about this relationship and where it was going. I liked the switch of point-of-view and I enjoyed Carla’s story and perspective. At first I thought, oh it’s just going to be porn-like but there was an interesting antagonist and you kind of forget about her until she’s back in play. I had to think about it for a bit and then I remembered who she was… I do think she should have gone to jail though but that’s not really a major part of the story. I gave this 4 stars because as much as I enjoyed it there were quite a few errors that could have been edited better- word tense or missing a word or typo. To me these little things really distract the reader, well, maybe just me, and the only thing that prevents me from marking it up is that I don’t like writing in my books.

I’m interested if this story will continue cause I think the characters and this lifestyle can be further explored. I’m kinda intrigued even though I don’t think I’d be able to be like Carla. There is some great potential for a sequel or even a mini series but at the same time this is a great stand alone book. If you like different perspective, lots of action in bed and using your imagination, you will totally love this book!

[Nerdy Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who knows me, knows I like a good kinky tale that explores unbiased, unapologetic sexuality in the most natural form. Our heroine, Dr. Carla Androghetti is a psychiatrist by day and enjoys helping couples spice up their sex lives by being a third, yes I said third, as in third person in a bed with two other people…hubba, hubba! An event propels her to meet homicide detective Aiden Cross, who has been scorned by a cheating ex-wife but finds himself very intrigued by the good doctor. This book was everything I needed and wanted. Great characterization, fun plot points and sexy, and I mean very palm sweaty sexy interactions that made me blush. Later on in the year, I’ll be working on an ultimate list of kinky romance books and this one is bound to make it.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this author, but felt this story didn’t live up to her previous books. First of all, there were some editing problems. Missing words or letters. Not too much to distract, but enough to notice. While I get Carla and her need to be true to herself, at times I felt she was selfish. I liked Aiden, but he was conflicted in several ways. Both characters are good people, but had to find their balance. I enjoyed their journey.

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

on the edge of my seat and would love to read more by Robin. keep writing robin love your stories

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third is a quick read. Decent chemistry between Aiden and Carla but I had a hard time really getting into the story. I also found the number of typos in the last few chapters to be distracting.

[Mary Mooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those stories that you know is going to be good after you have read the synopsis and it was good. It kept me reading because I had to know what happened between Carla and Aiden.
Dr. Carla Androghetti is a psychiatrist in Washington D.C. and she is also a Third. Which is her kink and she loves it. She is a third with couples to help spice up their love life and she isn't about to give it up. With her kink, the kids at the center and per practice, her life is almost perfect, it would be perfect if she could find a man who understood her and her way of life.
Homicide Detective Aiden Cross is all about the job, he is like a bulldog with a bone until the case is solved. When a senator is murdered, the sexy psychiatrist with the unusual kink has him a little distracted. He just needs to get her out of his system and move on, so he can do his job. But that will not work, because Aiden and Carla have way too many sparks between them and someone may get burned.
Can Aiden accept her kink and try to make a relationship work with Carla? Will Carla give up her kink to be with Aiden? Will Aiden and his partner find out who killed the senator?
This is a great story and I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to more in this series if there is any.
**Copy provided by the author and this is my honest review**

Merged review:

This is one of those stories that you know is going to be good after you have read the synopsis and it was good. It kept me reading because I had to know what happened between Carla and Aiden.
Dr. Carla Androghetti is a psychiatrist in Washington D.C. and she is also a Third. Which is her kink and she loves it. She is a third with couples to help spice up their love life and she isn't about to give it up. With her kink, the kids at the center and per practice, her life is almost perfect, it would be perfect if she could find a man who understood her and her way of life.
Homicide Detective Aiden Cross is all about the job, he is like a bulldog with a bone until the case is solved. When a senator is murdered, the sexy psychiatrist with the unusual kink has him a little distracted. He just needs to get her out of his system and move on, so he can do his job. But that will not work, because Aiden and Carla have way too many sparks between them and someone may get burned.
Can Aiden accept her kink and try to make a relationship work with Carla? Will Carla give up her kink to be with Aiden? Will Aiden and his partner find out who killed the senator?
This is a great story and I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to more in this series if there is any.
**Copy provided by the author and this is my honest review**

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The always amazing Robin Covington is back with the first full length book in the DC After Dark series and she turns the heat up to scorching in this book as we delve into the world of psychiatrist Dr Carla Androghettii and cop Aiden Cross, one that is a decadent trip of sensual delights you won’t want to miss.

When I say this book is hot I mean it’s HOT!!!! Holy smokes, it’s a scorcher. This story is not for the timid at all. Let’s say that this should come with a one handed read guarantee and leave the rest to your imagination huh?

I loved this book, so much so that I accidentally inhaled it. It’s safe to say it captivated me from the first page and keep me hooked till the last where upon reaching it, I grabbed a cold glass of water to help with the burn.

What do you expect when the main character in Carla has a kink that most don’t understand? And you don’t often read. See Carla is a third in certain trusted relationships. It takes a lot to understand and deal with her unusual desires and the one man who might be the one who finally does, shouldn’t be.

I was totally fascinated by Carla for the simple reason she totally owns her sexuality. She doesn’t flaunt it or tease with it, just owns and understands it. For me that was her true sexiness and the reason poor Aiden didn’t stand a chance.

As for Aiden, man he is hot. Plus any guy who can use his mouth like he does, you want to keep around. Wait is it getting hot in here? Back to Aiden…… what was I saying? Oh yeah, he’s totally not what you expect and so very worth it.

Put these two together and you have enough heat to start a meltdown and more chemistry than a science lab. Aiden and Carla are combustible together.
There is no better way to describe them. But can Aiden be the guy Carla has been looking for, the one who will love her kink and all?

Throw in one office manager/friend who I have already laid dibs on in Ryker, familiar faces (I’m calling them Easter eggs for those who religiously read Robin’s books), a whole lot of uninhibited banging, a little danger and a did I mention the super nova hot sex, cause there’s lots and it’s ooooohhh so good and you get another unputdownable read from one of my favourite authors and people in Robin Covington.

I can’t wait for more in this series, I have a feeling it’s only going to get hotter. Burn baby, burn.

[Ashley N. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book did not work for me. Not because of the subject material, which I found interesting but ultimately under-explored, but more so for the basics: character development, story flow, and editing. Spelling and grammar errors were plentiful. Many misuses of apostrophes - creating incorrect possessives as well as improper contractions. More commas (before "and" & "but") would have significantly helped with the readability of the sentence structure. Sorry to be the grammar police, and I can overlook a few mistakes, but errors were so frequent that it constantly pulled me out of the story. I felt like I was being told what was happening, rather than being shown. Scant character backstory made if hard for me to understand or care about Aiden or Carla. I didn't understand their motivations, intents, or insta-lust, and therefore I couldn't emotionally connect to their relationship. I do give the author credit for experimenting with an alternative slant to a typical romance.
I have read and loved many other books by this author, and will continue to read more from her. This one was a miss for me.

[Amanda Gard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Missing something...

So when I read this the first time, I gave it 4 stars. I just reread it and had to lower my rating to 3 stars. What niggled me during the first read became a glaring issue the 2nd time around.
Carla likes to say she's sex-positive, but she doesn't give Aiden the same courtesy she demands for herself. Apparently her kink is to be a third with couples and she expects her man to accept that without complaint. She says she "needs" it, but can't be bothered to actually forge a relationship with a man before forcing him to accept her proclivities or leave. What kind of crap is that?? Weeks, a few months? Anything? She expects Aiden to bend over backwards to be okay with her lifestyle, but doesn't give him the same consideration. It's ridiculous to force a guy not in the lifestyle to be okay with it without any assurances. Just saying "I need it" without establishing boundaries is ridiculous and reckless.
Overall this glaring and massive issue took much of the enjoyment out of this book for me.

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Third (book 2 in DC After Dark Series, Rush is actually Book 1) by Robin Covington
4.5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Robin and will not be the last. It is well written, fast paced and grabs your attention from the beginning with no slow down.
The Third is a romantic suspense that explores the impact a unique kink on a traditional romantic relationship. Aiden Cross is divorced, DC homicide cop that is bisexual. Dr Carla Androghotti is psychiatrist, who participates as a third in established relationships, looking for someone that will love her as she is and not try to change her. For as short as this story is, Robin does a wonderful job of exploring the pitfalls and issues that face the main characters as they struggle to become a couple without giving up their own identities.

[Wendi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin Covington’s, Third, was on intriguing slice of an alternative way of thinking about what is considered taboo. And it did make me think. If I were in Aiden’s shoes, would I do the same thing? But what is taboo these days? Love is love, right! I really liked the portrayal of Carla. Her unabashed strength of knowing who she is and what she wants out of life and sexual relationships had me cheering her on as she met her hero Aiden. As the story moves forward and the relationship between Carla and Aiden heats up, so does the suspense, sexually and throughout the adjacent storyline. This was a win! I’d love to read more.

[MARQUETTA · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the premise and that it's set in DC. Could have done without the crazy senator wife. Felt it was odd that Aiden's bisexuality was never fully addressed I'm relation to Carla's kink. It was all about Carla being a Third. She never brought up being okay or not okay being a Third with Aiden and another guy. Just thought that would be a topic of conversation.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very confusing

The whole book was only 2 chapters repeated over and over again. 30+ chapters that was really only 2 chapters continually repeated. Weirdest thing I have ever seen. What a waste of money.

[Beth Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This book was amazing. The characters were great and the storyline was wonderful. I would definitely recommend this book. Well worth the read.