Daring Proposal

The Dare Ménage #2

by Jeanne St. James

This is the second book in The Dare Ménage series ... [This book can also be read as standalone].

Never in her life has she been so bold to propose something so daring...

Since losing her husband years ago in a tragic accident, Eve Sanders hasn't dated. Her husband's death proved life is short, so why waste time denying her unfulfilled desires. Eve desires two men, but not just any two. Both happen to be former Super Bowl champions and best friends.

When both men participate in a Celebrity Date Night charity event, Eve's determined to not only be the winning bidder for the retired NFL quarterback Lawrence "Long Arm" Landis, but also Cole Dixon, his former Boston Bulldog's teammate. However, Ren not only has a problem with another man dating the same woman, but he definitely isn't planning on sharing her in the same bed. Even if it's with his best friend.

Openly bi-sexual, Cole is sexually attracted to Ren and has secretly wanted him for years. He's never acted upon it, assuming Ren wouldn't want to be with another man. Eve's daring proposal gives Cole hope his dream with Ren will come true.

Being with two men is one of Eve's fantasies, but never in her life has she been so bold. Not only is she nervous about proposing something so daring to the two men, but will both be willing?

Note: This book includes an HEA ending, and is intended for audiences over 18 years of age, since it includes MMF scenes between all three characters.
The Dare Ménage series:
Book 1: Double Dare
Book 2: Daring Proposal
Book 3: Dare to be Three
Book 4: A Daring Desire
Book 5: Dare to Surrender
Book 6: A Daring Journey

Genres: M M F, Romance, Menage, Erotica, Polyamory, Contemporary, M M Romance

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 2, 2017

About the author

JEANNE ST. JAMES is a USA Today and international bestselling romance author who loves an alpha male (or two). She writes steamy contemporary M/F and M/M romance, as well as M/M/F ménages, and has published over 60 books (so far). She also writes M/M paranormal romance under the name: J.J. Masters. Some of her books have been translated into French, German, Italian and Portuguese.

Want to read a sample of her work? Download a sampler book here: BookHip.com/MTQQKK

To keep up with her busy release schedule check her website at www.jeannestjames.com or sign up for her newsletter: http://www.jeannestjames.com/newslett...

Reviews

[Laz the Sailor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was definitely a step back from the previous book, partly because of the similarities - the h wanted a menage relationship just like the one in the first book. Thus the story is somewhat forced. She's driving for something that the guys don't know they are a part of. However, what guy turns down a menage?

The sexual build up was inconsistent. The early scenes were detailed and warmly sensual. There were many fade-to-black events in the middle. At the end the menage scenes were energetic, but lacked the emotional connection I hoped for.

I like the set-up for these stories, so I intend to read the next one.

[Pam Nelson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed book 1 a lot so I thought I would give book 2 a chance. I didn’t like it as much. It felt like Eve was pushing something that wasn’t there.

I might have liked the idea of the three of them more if we had seen Ren and Cole be somewhat interested in the other. I just didn’t believe it.

It was an ok story, but I guess I was just expecting more because book 1 was pretty great.

The narration was ok as well I don’t really have anything else to say on that.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 deliciously erotic MMF ménage stars for DARING PROPOSAL!

At the ripe old age of 32, Lawrence "Long-Arm" Landis is a retired Boston Bulldogs quarterback still enjoying the benefit of the spotlight along with his former running back Cole Dixon. Cole has never made his bisexuality a secret to his teammates, choosing to embrace it and have as much fun as he can while he can...something that Ren envies. When Ren and Cole are both won by Eve Sanders at a charity auction, neither expected their one date to turn into a love triangle...but Eve did. She saw what her friend had with her two men and wanted that too, and was willing to put herself out there to make it happen. Despite the men's reluctance to date the same woman, neither can stay away from Eve. And when she suggests they all try to get together? Well, things couldn't get any hotter!

DARING PROPOSAL is book 2 in the Dare Ménage series by Ms. St. James, and just like book 1, I'm drooling over the delectable MMF ménage! There's not too many character "types" better than football players, and add in there the benefit of some guy-on-guy action and Ms. St. James has made my day. I have to say that DARING PROPOSAL is the first erotic romance book in awhile to make me squirm...it's THAT sexy.

I really dug Eve, she was a "life is short" personality who went all in for what she wanted, which was a ménage relationship with Cole and Ren. Cole was sweet and playful, while Ren was darker, more broody and reserved, but they complemented each other so well. And when the threesome sexytime starts? Hold the hell on ladies, because it's SAAAMOOOKIN'! I'm breathlessly waiting for the next book in this sinfully erotic series by the talented Ms. St. James!

Bottom Line: No OM/OW; sharing (MMF, MM, MF); condom use; no BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; no violence/murder. - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...

- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...

[Rellim · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 50%. What I appreciate about MMF over MFM is that the connection between all seems more complete when the Ms have a solid relationship with each other as well. The first book was a little shaky on some foundation points but I enjoyed it overall and could definitely feel the connection between all of them.

Basically, “Daring Proposal” has way too many WTFs for me to keep going. Eve’s husband died and she’s decided to “go wild”. But, she has very specific & detailed things she wants and apparently doesn’t care about anyone else’s feelings, needs, desires, etc. She not only wants a manage, she wants a full on MMF *relationship*.

Solution ~ “buy” two men she has never met before at a celebrity auction, one who is bi (Cole), one het (Ren) and then *hope* she can throw them all together and have a recipe for MMF. What?!?!?

So she starts dating them separately and then tricks them both into showing up for what they think is a weekend alone with her. Ren (rightfully) explodes while happy-go-lucky Cole seems amused. Eve internally wonders if she should have prepared a speech or planned this better. Ya think?

At this point I’m out. There’s no foundation at all for a relationship between any of these characters in pairs or as a triad. We haven’t even seen any kind of friendship between Cole & Ren outside of teammates ~ much less anything remotely resembling attraction. Even from the bisexual. If they aren’t interested why would I be?

[Dawn West · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book.**

When one lover isn't enough... get two!



Eve has a secret fantasy and she's ready to go to great lengths to make her wish come true. She wants, not only one, but two men in her life and her sights are set on a pair of sexy football players. When a charity auction gives her the opportunity to meet both men, she jumps on the chance and shells out a pretty penny in order to have some alone time with her potential beaus.

Cole isn't picky when it comes to finding a bedmate. He doesn't prefer one gender over the other, nor does he give much thought as to the color of their skin. If someone wets his whistle, he's game. And Cole has been harboring a crush on his best friend, Ren, for years.

But when Eve's plan begins to take delicious shape, Ren finds himself conflicted. Despite his reservations, he can't deny his attraction to Cole and desire for Eve. The only way he can have both is if he can face his internal demons and admit that he wants what Eve and Cole are offering, a relationship for the three of them.

This was a really naughty book and pleasure to read. There was immediate chemistry between Ren and Cole because they have a pretty solid friendship already. I liked Eve well enough but did wish that we had gotten more time with her before the fun began. Even though we're in her head more often, I think we got to know the other two characters better.

As for the romance, I was impressed with both the emotional and physical elements of the budding relationship between our threesome. Each coupling had their own time to build a trust and desire for each other. And when the three came together there were definite sparks lighting up the bedroom. I never once considered skimming the love scenes. Even though there were many of them, each one was unique and satisfying.

I do think there were key plot threads that could have been better explained, however. For example, we see Eve bid on two men at the auction but it seems as if she does this on a whim. We later learn that it was probably her plan all along and that was confusing for me because we didn't get very much internal dialogue from Eve at the beginning. I would have liked to understand her reasons for wanting to push this relationship a bit better. It was a hefty risk to take with two essential strangers.

In closing...
After getting a glimpse of the characters of the first book of this series, I definitely want to read it, too. For this one, four suns!

Full review on blog: http://uptildawnbookblog.blogspot.com/2017/04/review-daring-proposal-by-jeanne-st.html

[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio review

I love a woman who knows what or who she wants and goes for it. Eve Sander tragically lost her husband in a freak accident years ago. When she attends a functions she sees best friends quarterback Lawrence “Long Arm” Landis and his former team mate Cole Dixon and is immediately attracted to them.

When the opportunity to bid on both of them comes her way at a charity auction she does and is successful in winning a date with both Ren and Cole. This is when the fun begins. After their initial dates, it is obvious that Eve is attracted to both men and begins dating them separately, however Ren is far from happy; the men have no clue that what Eve wants is a menage relationship with them both.

When she finally tells Ren and Cole her feelings and wants, she is surprised by the reactions. Cole is openly bisexual and has been attracted to Ren for years but has never acted on his feelings so he is very interested in pursing this, Ren is not so sure.

There was certainly some intense chemistry between all three of the characters and the narration by  Ava Lucas, Tor Thom, and JF Harding really added to my listening enjoyment.

I did feel that the story ended rather suddenly once they finally got together but then perhaps there are plans for an additional book?

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars!

[Joy Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what this book would be like after the steamy read of Double Dare. It was different in the way it was more of a love story which really suited this book. It showed off Jeanne's talent in a different way, it was very steamy in parts but it was more people finding out who they were.
I couldn't put it down, I needed to know who if anyone would get hurt or could it be worked out. I loved the way Quinn, Logan and TY were brought into this book as well and you got to see how they had grown together. I really like a series where you get to see characters from a previous book, so many these days say it's a series when really they are all stand alone books never mentioning characters from previous books but all being of the same type.
Eve had a plan but she had to yet work out how she was going to make it work or if she was brave enough to even try. Ren and Cole were both in her sights both being up in the charity auction, had she struck gold or would it all stay as a fantasy.
Jeanne yet again shows her talent as a writer and what an imagination she has..wow I'd love to have a quarter of what she has, every book I've read by her so far has been brilliant and yet so different in the way she approaches them.
One thing they all have in common is they pull you in making you want more, needing to know what happens, all have twists and turns along the way and are so erotic and hot. The detail she puts into them is amazing making you feel part of them, as if you were there watching, you really feel connected to it all.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone that loves a beautiful erotic love story. It can be read as a stand alone because of the detail Jeanne goes into you get the background of Double Dare, but personally I'd read Double Dare first even though it's more erotic in parts its a great book well worth the read.
I'd say you'd have to be over 18 to read it because of the man on man and menage. You'll love it!

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second book in he series and you meet Lawrence Ren "Long-Arm" Landis in the first story, he is a fellow retired team mate of Ty of the Boston Bulldogs. He is benefiting from guest appearances and sponsorship deals - but is not taking kindly to spotlight events, such as being put up for auction for a "date with". His BFF and former team mate Cole Dixon is also up for auction and Eve Sanders has her eye on both of them and what she hopes will become the realisation of a secret fantasy.

The positives - again, I liked that there was uncertainty amongst the three of them, establishing "their" place within the relationship, how they all fit together and building trust to go forward. Again, very light on the plot once the thruple is underway. Again, smexy time on overload.

The negatives - again, the depth of character is so needed, Eve was essentially pushing her whims onto two men, who up to that point have shown no interest to each other. Ren is specifically vocal about his likes and the idea of the three of them may have been more believable if we had some background to Cole and Ren. When Ren "realises" his attraction for Cole, it reads as a throw-away comment - I just found this relationship hard to believe.

I liked the catch up with Logan, Ty and Quinn and their expanding family, there were a number of other characters introduced, so I assume this will be for future books?

Again, the story ended abruptly once the thruple declared their hearts and love-yous, I don't like feeling unfinished, it really needed an epilogue. Overall, it was an easy read, but I didn't enjoy it as much at the first book.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gryf is the best defense attorney. A no nonsense alpha male who makes sure he no longer makes mistakes. He finds himself attracted to Rayne the newest associate. But he lives by the motto don't dip your pen in the company ink. He is finding it harder and harder to deny the connection and Rayne is not making it any easier.
When his brother asked him to defend one of the athletes in walks Trey. Trey is a gorgeous football player who is not ashamed of who he is and what he likes - both men and women. He is immediately attracted to Rayne and maybe even Gryf.
Rayne and Trey make no apologies for their attraction and once Gryf and Ryan get together she is all he can think about day and night. When the three of them are in a room the tension and attraction is measurable. Gryf cannot believe he may be attracted to another male. He never felt this way before and he is having a hard time reckoning his feelings for Trey with he heterosexuality.
The three characters are well developed. You understand where Gryf is coming from and the many doubts he has. Trey had a rough childhood and while he is cocky on the exterior he still gets hurt when he believes that Gryf may not want him to be part of a relationship involving Rayne.
Will this menage be able to survive the baby steps it need to take to become a full fledge relationship? What about Gryf's family what will they say?
Well written.
I received this book in return for an honest voluntary review.

[Estella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since losing her husband years ago in a tragic accident, Eve Sanders hasn’t dated. Her husband’s death proved life is short, so why waste time denying her unfulfilled desires. Eve desires two men, but not just any two. Both happen to be former Super Bowl champions and best friends.

When both men participate in a Celebrity Date Night charity event, Eve’s determined to not only be the winning bidder for the retired NFL quarterback Lawrence “Long Arm” Landis, but also Cole Dixon, his former Boston Bulldog’s teammate. However, Ren not only has a problem with another man dating the same woman, but he definitely isn’t planning on sharing her in the same bed. Even if it’s with his best friend.

Openly bi-sexual, Cole is sexually attracted to Ren and has secretly wanted him for years. He’s never acted upon it, assuming Ren wouldn’t want to be with another man. Eve’s daring proposal gives Cole hope his dream with Ren will come true.

Being with two men is one of Eve’s fantasies, but never in her life has she been so bold. Not only is she nervous about proposing something so daring to the two men, but will both be willing?

Okay so this book is so smoking. I really enjoyed this one and I think that Ava Lucas, Tor Thom and JF Harding did a great job of bringing this HOT story to life. I now need to go back and read the first book in this series.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each time I listen to a Jeanne St. James book, I am met with a smart and sexy storyline. Eve is a widow, and while she was happily married, she realizes there is a part of her that was not satisfied. Now she is going to seek out that part. Ren and Cole are best friends and she has set her sights on them. This story is full of all kinds of feelings and realizations. While Cole is outwardly bisexual, a threesome may not be in the cards for this trio. Ren is the holdout. But will the feelings they all have for each other come out? Will a relationship with three be able to work? Will Eve's plan come to fruition? I love how St James is able to cultivate the characters so we can see how their thought process works. It's not just about the sex, but we get to see and feel how much easier it is for Cole and Eve while Ren battles his demons to face his feelings. We are right there with the trio with as their relationship evolves. It's hot, passionate and a true love story.

As always, St James picks the ultimate narrators for this story. Her ability to pick the perfect voice for each is incredible. With Tor Thom, Ava Lucas and JF Harding, we are transported into their story and able to experience each part of their journey to their happily ever after.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this book as book one, Double Dare, was a fantastic listen. Daring Proposal did not disappoint. This book had all the things that I have come to appreciate from Jeanne St. James; Well developed characters, smart sexy writing, and at the base, a love story. Eve Sanders, is a widow due to tragic circumstances. If her husbands death taught her anything, it was to live each moment to the fullest. She decides to do just that when she bids on dates with two retired pro football players, Lawrence "Ren" Landis and Cole Dixon at a charity auction. Ren and Cole are not only former Super Bowl champs, but also best friends. Eve decides to see if both men are willing to take her up on a tantalizing proposal. WIll they be willing to share themselves and their bed with Eve? What would that mean for their friendship? Jeanne writes MMF like no other. The sex between Eve, Cole and Ren is not only sensual and loving, but just plain HOT. Additionally, this narration trio is pure fire. Tor Thom, Ava Lucas and J.F. Harding bring live, vibrancy and straight up heat to these 3 characters. Another 5 star book from this talented author!

[Toula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio review
What more can I say about this hot steamy audio listen. It will make you hot and dripping with excitement. Jeanne once again delivers a fantastic listen. What more does a listener want .

The narrators are great When you get the 3 of them together it’s a definitely a winner all round

What happy when there is a charity auction for bachelors to be bid on . What happens when the heroine Eva can’t decide who to win so she tries and wins two men . Not only that but the two men are team mates . She wins Lawrence and Cole . Eve wants to try what her friends have . A hot love night. Cole doesn’t mind because he is both attracted to men and women but Lawrence is iffy about it , he’s always been straight.
Both men have a problem with sharing Eva but they can’t stay away .

Does Eva’s fantasy come true and is it only for one night .
I’ve listen to Ava narrate stories and Tor Thom is great. First time I heard JF.
The voices were smooth, clear and strong. They turned this hot story into a hot listen

[Heather Himmelspach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed listening to Daring Proposal. The narration was wonderful & full of emotion. Eve goes to a charity auction with her friend & wants to bid on two men. Her friend doesn't know this & thinks Eve is there for only one man. The two men that Eve chooses are best friends, Cole & Ren. Cole is known to like both women & men. Ren likes only women. Eve ends up on her date with Ren first but Cole is there. When she has her date with Cole, it ends up lasting a little longer than planned & Ren shows up at Cole's house & finds them. Eve doesn't know how to ask both him to be with her as a whole...together. There are so many emotions through out this book. Cole has always had feeling for Ren too but never acted on them because he valued their friendship too much. Ren never thought he liked men or Cole even like that. Eve is in a whole new territory since she was only ever with her husband until he was gone. I liked how everyone had to work through their feelings & decide what really mattered. Love is worth fighting for. Good story & good narration.

[Kimberlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good story, but it had some points in it that I thought were kind of odd. Like, the heroine had a plan to be in a 3way relationship (not just a night, but a full relationship) with these guys before she even met them. That seemed strange to me. And what guy, straight or not, would turn down a 3way night, even with his best friend? He could have said ok but no MM. It was a lot of drama to convince him, and then his bf springs the "I've always wanted this." I thought there were several weak points that could have been cleaned up, but overall it was a good story.

The audio version is narrated by Ava Lucas and (very briefly) JF Harding, who always do great. Tor Thom joins in for this story. He's not one of my favorites, but he did a good job.

This story is an MMF, gay-for-you, inter-racial (BM, WF, BiRM) with no kink and an HEA.

I was provided audio review copies of the entire Dare Menage series (YES!) by the author in exchange for honest reviews. Thank you Jeanne St. James!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eve certainly surprised me by winning not one, but two men at the auction. And that is when the story heats up. If her friend did not encourage her to stop bidding, I wonder if there would have been a third! Eve seems to be longing for a change. When she attends a union of a threesome celebration, she gets an idea and puts it into action. I am shocked at what happens next.

This is one sexy story of two friends who fall in love with the same girl. The plot kept me interested and the scenes were definitely hot and surprising. The ending came all to suddenly.

Ava Lucas, Tor Thom and JF Harding enhanced the experience of the story with their narration. Having the 3 narrators made it very easy to know who's POV was talking. I felt that the book completed flowed naturally as the three narrators brought each of their characters to life. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Ola Adamska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smokin hot read with attraction all over The place! Eve has a desire for two men. She had never tried that, but Her desire is coming to The surface. So she buys A date, two dates to be frank. Two former NFL players and best friends.
Cole was a laid back character yet he Has his serious moments. Openly interested in Both men and women. I liked him for being himself.
Ren is A Man that is not used to sharing, anything. So this idea alone is so foreign to him. His way of getting to things wad really Good - nothing happened at once. There was anger, dominance and slowly getting to understand yourself.
Eve can seem childish with during to get to those two, but I think that she had to be strong and brave to even suggest it!

[SBee Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for Daring Proposal and voluntarily reviewed this book. I loved this book! This is my first from this author. This story is so well written and just flowed from cover to cover with Steamy Hot scenes! At a charity auction, Eve throws all caution to the wind and purchases not one, but two gorgeous guys to date. She becomes very attracted to both and proposes a ménage to both men. Cole has never hid his sexual preferences, but Ren is unsure of starting down this road with his best friend. He goes through the whole gamut of emotions until he finally realizes that it is really ok just to be honest with himself, letting it happen, and taking the chance on them.

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of a woman who decided after the death of her husband to take a chance on a different kind of love. She went out on limb and grabbed what she wanted, not sure of the consequences or if it would even work, she only knew that she had to try.
I didn’t think that Jeanne St. James could out do her last story Double Dare, but I was wrong she did. Plus having Ava Lucas, Tor Thom, and JF Harding narrate added to making this story even better. Thank you for gifting me this audible book.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and I found it an easy exciting fun read, saying that I demolished this book... well read it in one sitting, the characters are so easy to read about and fall in love with their emotions were so on point.

This book is well written and engaging. I couldn't put it down. the only thing I was disappointed in was the ending I wanted more it seemed to end abruptly and had no epilogue which was a downer.

Overall a great read.

[Krisz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
It was my first experience with this author and it was relly great. Steamy M/M/F menage. Very well written from start to finish. I couldn't put it down. I read it in one sitting. This book is the second in a series but it could be read as a standalone.
All the characters were great and easy to like. It was really hard to see the end of the story. An epilogue would have been really great just to read a bit more about them.

[Norma Banzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Schablonenhaft konstruierte Geschichte, die im Ablauf Buch 1 der Serie sehr ähnelt, inklusive einer Szene, in dem eine der Figuren während der sexuellen Interaktion hinterhältig in eine Handlung hineingetrickst wird, die sie eigentlich nicht wollte.

Andererseits vermag die Autorin mich mit ihren humorvollen, sexy Charas zu fesseln. Ich wollte natürlich auch wissen, die "dubious consent" Sache in Teil 1 ein Ausrutscher war. Das hatte ich jedenfalls gehofft. Nee, hier macht sie es wieder.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than the previous one in this series. There seemed to be more development of the characters and their relationship. It was very believable the way that Ren came to be comfortable with himself and the situation he found himself in. Just over all found that I liked the story, each character, and their relationship. What more can one ask for? Hot sex! One can ask for hot sex! And boy was it was handed out here!

[Kimberly Morehouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of the 6 book series. I enjoyed it much like the first one. A single woman who is a widow and looking for 2 men to fill her life. She sets her eyes on 2 ex-pro football players at a celebrity auction for charity. She wins dates with each of them, but her plan it to have them as one single unit... together. One of the men is bisexual so that is fine, the other isn't, but seems curious enough. Through a lot of dates, playing and drama... they finally work it all out and have their HEA.

[Mert Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daring Proposal ( Date Menace Book 2)

This was also a great sexy read with light humor running through it. Eve wanting something she needed and wanted, she bravely reached out and grabbed it.
The sex so very hot all through the book, yummy 😋, awesome to think just how hot a threesome would be. I am surprised I never tried that before the love of my life appeared and swept me off my feet.
A great read you all should read and enjoy.

[Susan Nall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic! The story brings you into the main characters emotions when they are trying to resolve conflicts brought on by the proposal of a three way relationship. Yes this book was super sexy hot but it had a great storyline too. Congrats to the author for publishing such a great book.

[Ferris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eve is a headstrong, brace woman who knows what she wants. She wants Cole and Ren in the same type of relationship she sees Ty, Logan, and, Quinn in. She comes up with a plan and puts it into action at the charity auction. The men are in for a surprise. Will Eve get her wishes or will the men say no? This is a must read.
I voluntarily received an arc.

[H.J. Bellus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won't lie. I was a bit nervous going into this one. It was fast-paced and so very intriguing. St. James mixes the right amount of lust, angst, and heat into Daring Proposal. This type of book may not be for everyone and like I said I was a little nervous. The thing is St. James sucks you right into the storyline. I was so intrigued and found myself rooting for all three main characters!
HJB