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Lonely Hearts #3
Love Comes After
Chris
Feelings are not for me. Not now and not ever again. Not after losing my fiancé in a car accident that ruined my life. I'll never put my heart on the line again because the grief of loss is too much for me to handle a second time. It's best to keep things simple and casual from here on out. So, one night, when a copper-haired bartender asks me to bed him and his boyfriend, it's an easy decision. Yes.
Aiden
There's no one in the world who means more to me than Bennet. I love him more than life, more than air, but we're not compatible where it counts. Things between us have reached a breaking point when the idea strikes. There's only one place we need help, so maybe we can find another person to step in. When I meet Chris, he looks like the kind of man who could fill those shoes… and our bed.
Bennet
I've known for years I can't give Aiden the things he needs, but it doesn't take long for me to realize Chris can. I should be jealous, but I'm not. I like watching the two of them together, and the feeling is definitely mutual. Chris is supposed to be a short-term solution, but his body isn't the only thing he brings into our bed. He leaves his heart there too, and that wasn't supposed to happen. We weren't supposed to fall in love, not with him, but one kiss changes everything. I hope that just because love didn't come first for us doesn't mean it can't come after.
Feelings are not for me. Not now and not ever again. Not after losing my fiancé in a car accident that ruined my life. I'll never put my heart on the line again because the grief of loss is too much for me to handle a second time. It's best to keep things simple and casual from here on out. So, one night, when a copper-haired bartender asks me to bed him and his boyfriend, it's an easy decision. Yes.
Aiden
There's no one in the world who means more to me than Bennet. I love him more than life, more than air, but we're not compatible where it counts. Things between us have reached a breaking point when the idea strikes. There's only one place we need help, so maybe we can find another person to step in. When I meet Chris, he looks like the kind of man who could fill those shoes… and our bed.
Bennet
I've known for years I can't give Aiden the things he needs, but it doesn't take long for me to realize Chris can. I should be jealous, but I'm not. I like watching the two of them together, and the feeling is definitely mutual. Chris is supposed to be a short-term solution, but his body isn't the only thing he brings into our bed. He leaves his heart there too, and that wasn't supposed to happen. We weren't supposed to fall in love, not with him, but one kiss changes everything. I hope that just because love didn't come first for us doesn't mean it can't come after.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2018
115 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hawthorne
93 books938 followersWith over two dozen published romances to her name, Kate Hawthorne has built a recognizable brand around telling emotional stories that pack a figurative (and sometimes literal) punch.
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
could-not-finish
May 25, 201865% DNF
Calling it quits. I just can’t anymore. Damn shame. It’s a well written book and an interesting story “idea”(…and hello that COVER…YUM!!). Unfortunately, too much fucking sex! Each time the story starts heading towards an emotional moment BAM …more sex. Ugh! DONE!
Calling it quits. I just can’t anymore. Damn shame. It’s a well written book and an interesting story “idea”(…and hello that COVER…YUM!!). Unfortunately, too much fucking sex! Each time the story starts heading towards an emotional moment BAM …more sex. Ugh! DONE!
May 13, 2018
I really wanted to like this book, but I can't.
This is a kinky BDSM without a warning note from the author. I don't think it's acceptable. Not to mention the juvenile dialogue. I think all of them are over 25 years of age (?), but sounded like teenager, especially Bennet.
Even the MMM 'arrangement' is weird. The chemistry among them was zero, except for the sex.
It was interesting in the beginning two or three chapters, and then it went downhill and more exhausting. I usually love sex scene, and I came to the point I gave up of the sex , this is too much sex. I was tired reading almost more than 60 percent of sex, I wonder aren't they tired too doing it? LOL.I skimming through the sex scenes lots of it, because I didn't care who fucks who.
You love kinky, Daddy issues, and lots and lots of sex, you'll probably wanna try this one.
Giving an ARC a low rating always pained me, but I can't give this one more than 1,5 stars. Sorry.
July 7, 2024
Of the 3 books in the series, I believe I liked this one slightly more than the other two, or I was just in a more generous mood:) There was a little different kink added to this story...some BDSM and some "daddy" time. The story is based on the question of, can two friends who had been together since childhood, find the thing that is missing in their life together?
They can and do when they find Chris...or rather when Chris finds them. Chris turns out to be just want they have been missing and they turn out to be just what Chris needs too. There was a bit of "hold your breath, hope everything turns out okay" moments but all's well that ends well. I love Kate Hawthorne as an author and I own a lot of her books, but this series was at times, a bit too much before life got better for the characters. Still, well worth the read.
They can and do when they find Chris...or rather when Chris finds them. Chris turns out to be just want they have been missing and they turn out to be just what Chris needs too. There was a bit of "hold your breath, hope everything turns out okay" moments but all's well that ends well. I love Kate Hawthorne as an author and I own a lot of her books, but this series was at times, a bit too much before life got better for the characters. Still, well worth the read.
June 4, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Kate Hawthorne took a really interesting premise here and absolutely made it work. The way the characters and the storyline came together could have been a difficult thing to pull off, but Hawthorne played all three characters against each other and with each other while ultimately giving them their forever together.
Aiden and Bennet love each other, there is no question about that. But their sexual needs do not match up at all and they are starting to resent each other. Aiden wants pain while Bennet isn’t at all comfortable hurting Aiden and Bennet has needs he has never put into words because he’s been so busy trying to satisfy Aiden. The author does a great job of catching us up with how the men became sexually active together for the first time in their teens and then as they evolved, they never got around to having an adult conversation about their needs and they are left in a not so great place.
I could see this storyline not being for everyone as the men decide to bring a third into their bedroom. They don’t want someone to be a true partner in their relationship and Chris seems to fit that just fine. You have to go with the initial set up when the men meet and Aiden and Bennet tell Chris about their most intimate moments and needs in a parking lot during their first meeting.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Kate Hawthorne took a really interesting premise here and absolutely made it work. The way the characters and the storyline came together could have been a difficult thing to pull off, but Hawthorne played all three characters against each other and with each other while ultimately giving them their forever together.
Aiden and Bennet love each other, there is no question about that. But their sexual needs do not match up at all and they are starting to resent each other. Aiden wants pain while Bennet isn’t at all comfortable hurting Aiden and Bennet has needs he has never put into words because he’s been so busy trying to satisfy Aiden. The author does a great job of catching us up with how the men became sexually active together for the first time in their teens and then as they evolved, they never got around to having an adult conversation about their needs and they are left in a not so great place.
I could see this storyline not being for everyone as the men decide to bring a third into their bedroom. They don’t want someone to be a true partner in their relationship and Chris seems to fit that just fine. You have to go with the initial set up when the men meet and Aiden and Bennet tell Chris about their most intimate moments and needs in a parking lot during their first meeting.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
June 3, 2018
Oh dear.
Basically from start to end - sex, sex, sex, sex, sex and more sex.
Anyone who wants to read based on that, you're all welcome to it. Personally, I just got bored. Too much is too much and the whole thing was based on it.
Ungh.
This I've the least liked by the author and this is the newest. It's a matter of taste - others seem to rave about it and I just couldn't stand it. I'm sorry because I know the author can write. I just don't like what they chose to do now.
Basically from start to end - sex, sex, sex, sex, sex and more sex.
Anyone who wants to read based on that, you're all welcome to it. Personally, I just got bored. Too much is too much and the whole thing was based on it.
Ungh.
This I've the least liked by the author and this is the newest. It's a matter of taste - others seem to rave about it and I just couldn't stand it. I'm sorry because I know the author can write. I just don't like what they chose to do now.
May 12, 2018
Aiden and Bennet have been together since they were teenagers, discovering everything together. They have never been quite right though. Aiden needs more than Bennet can give. He wants pain, to be controlled, told what to do. Bennet wants mostly the same as Aiden, he just doesn't recognize it. Unable to make the relationship between them work, they break up, but are soon back together, with nothing changed. Still looking for that elusive something that will complete them.
Things finally come to a head when Aiden meets Chris. Desperate to not loose Bennet he make a proposition to his not quite boyfriend and Chris, a stranger. Chris is very intrigued. Seeing endless possibilities, something in the two men calling to him.
Chris has his own demons, having lost the love of his life several years before, he isn't interested in pursuing a relationship. A strictly friends only, way to get off together, an absolutely no strings arrangement is agreed on. Failing from the start, soon they are all entwined with each other. Chris calls Aiden his shiny penny and Bennet calls Chris daddy. Three men. One not getting enough, another giving to much and hurting because it just isn't what he needs. The third, wanting to give and take in equal measure but not willing to open himself to heartache again.
Beautiful damaged men, with the power to complete or destroy each other. This book is another captivating story of exploration, discovery, and love reborn. Very well done.
I received an ARC of this book from the author for review.
Things finally come to a head when Aiden meets Chris. Desperate to not loose Bennet he make a proposition to his not quite boyfriend and Chris, a stranger. Chris is very intrigued. Seeing endless possibilities, something in the two men calling to him.
Chris has his own demons, having lost the love of his life several years before, he isn't interested in pursuing a relationship. A strictly friends only, way to get off together, an absolutely no strings arrangement is agreed on. Failing from the start, soon they are all entwined with each other. Chris calls Aiden his shiny penny and Bennet calls Chris daddy. Three men. One not getting enough, another giving to much and hurting because it just isn't what he needs. The third, wanting to give and take in equal measure but not willing to open himself to heartache again.
Beautiful damaged men, with the power to complete or destroy each other. This book is another captivating story of exploration, discovery, and love reborn. Very well done.
I received an ARC of this book from the author for review.
May 23, 2018
*´¨✫)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´✶ (¸.•`❤️Living A Lie.❤️
"Aiden likes it rough, and what's your kink?" Chris asked Bennet.
"He wants a Daddy," Aiden interjected.
Imagine the love of your life not being enough. Imagine the one thing in the whole wide world not meeting your requirements. Now, imagine that one thing being gone.
Sheer emptiness. Sheer panic. Sheer...nothing.
It's complicated...
Aiden and Bennett were each other's...EVERYTHING. Until they weren't. It took a break up to bring them back new and whole with a whole other set of complications. Inviting Chris into their life and their bed should have been easy, but feelings are not something you could shove into the back of a closet no matter how hard one tries.
"I'm going to go home, alone, and think about all the ways I can defile the both of you when you're ready for it."
Chris called them The shiny penny and his precious lover, but they were more. The two of them were, on paper, everything Chris had been searching for over the past five years. There was not one part of this book that I thought, no, that could never happen. The sheer magnitude of what was going through each of these men's lives individually and collectively made this story work. Through the good and the bad, happy and sad, there were moments where the outcome looked like nothing would ever be right. There was such growth and development, and even though Aiden and Chris met and were attracted to each other, it was Chris and Bennet who set the precedence of how their relationship would turn out.
I absolutely loved this book and give it two thumbs up recommendation.
**Be warned, BDSM is heavily dosed in this tale.**
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author through LesCourt.
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´✶ (¸.•`❤️Living A Lie.❤️
"Aiden likes it rough, and what's your kink?" Chris asked Bennet.
"He wants a Daddy," Aiden interjected.
Imagine the love of your life not being enough. Imagine the one thing in the whole wide world not meeting your requirements. Now, imagine that one thing being gone.
Sheer emptiness. Sheer panic. Sheer...nothing.
It's complicated...
Aiden and Bennett were each other's...EVERYTHING. Until they weren't. It took a break up to bring them back new and whole with a whole other set of complications. Inviting Chris into their life and their bed should have been easy, but feelings are not something you could shove into the back of a closet no matter how hard one tries.
"I'm going to go home, alone, and think about all the ways I can defile the both of you when you're ready for it."
Chris called them The shiny penny and his precious lover, but they were more. The two of them were, on paper, everything Chris had been searching for over the past five years. There was not one part of this book that I thought, no, that could never happen. The sheer magnitude of what was going through each of these men's lives individually and collectively made this story work. Through the good and the bad, happy and sad, there were moments where the outcome looked like nothing would ever be right. There was such growth and development, and even though Aiden and Chris met and were attracted to each other, it was Chris and Bennet who set the precedence of how their relationship would turn out.
I absolutely loved this book and give it two thumbs up recommendation.
**Be warned, BDSM is heavily dosed in this tale.**
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author through LesCourt.
October 29, 2018
Chris Saves the Day for A & B!
A creative sexy way to keep the ‘Love of your life’ and a extra bit more describes the Triad of Bennet, Aiden & Chris. I enjoyed the banter and relationship between Bennet & Aiden. I wasn’t sold of the Chris addition. I also thought there were more sex scenes than relationship scenes between the MCs. I thought the relationship between the three was forced. The real relationship was between Chris and Bennet.
An aside: Maybe I’ve read too many of these ebooks but the sexy scenes were boring and bit too dirty. No wonder the boys were thin...they dined on cum constantly. (Sorry, I went too far😯)
A creative sexy way to keep the ‘Love of your life’ and a extra bit more describes the Triad of Bennet, Aiden & Chris. I enjoyed the banter and relationship between Bennet & Aiden. I wasn’t sold of the Chris addition. I also thought there were more sex scenes than relationship scenes between the MCs. I thought the relationship between the three was forced. The real relationship was between Chris and Bennet.
An aside: Maybe I’ve read too many of these ebooks but the sexy scenes were boring and bit too dirty. No wonder the boys were thin...they dined on cum constantly. (Sorry, I went too far😯)
May 16, 2018
A beautiful second chance romance with a hot as hell menage and the sweetest character ever written. I loved this book. I loved the dynamic these three developed and how a relationship of two turned into something that was truly fulfilling for all three people in the end. <3 A definite must read if you like a bit of sweet, and a bit of heat. I loved the dichotomy of the rough sex and the sweetness that was also present. Hawthorne did a great job.
December 12, 2019
Oh how I love Kate’s books...This one I think is my favourite of this series…..Bennet sweet sweet Bennet and Aiden...Aiden who loves to be hurt…..The way they bring Chris into the relationship was done amazingly well…...Aiden wanted Bennet to hurt him during sex...Bennet couldn’t so they brought in Chris to hurt Aiden and give Bennet what he needed too..It was all consensual but there was obvious problems along the way…..Chris, damn his back story broke my heart…..Really he went through a lot of pain…..Aiden and Bennet were good together just not perfect…...This was done really well and I love it...A few tense moments but nothing over the top…..Plus…..We get a book for Rich….I can’t wait for his story...I’m loving this author more and more x
May 23, 2018
Be still my heart. It is still pounding in my throat, and my head is spinning. What a fabulous book. I loved it so much. It is not a cookie-cutter romance. It is so much more. It is everything. My heart broke into a million pieces, and then the author mended it again wonderfully. To crush it again, turn it upside down, and bring it back together. Tears were flowing freely to be replaced by smile from immense joy.
Aiden and Bennet are best friends and lovers for more than eight years, but something is not quite right. They are on the same emotional and spiritual level, but sadly, their sex preferences don’t mesh. At all. Aiden loves to be hurt, and Bennet hates to be the one hurting him. They can’t live without one another, and they can’t live with one another. As a last resort, they turn to Chris, the guy who hit on Aiden when he was bartending.
It is a daring move that started as just a means to an end to get what they both want, and that could have easily gone into the complete opposite direction. But it turns into something more. Something so beautiful, it goes beyond everything they thought possible. There is a lot of sex in this book. Hot, smoking, kinky sex. So be warned, but it is stunning. As bizarre as it may sound, it felt absolutely right and natural and beautiful. Chris knows exactly what Aiden and Bennet want and need. Hard, soft, ordered, praised. Everything. And Chris gets everything he needs too. He finally feels needed again, and he can let go of the past and heal.
There is also a lot of love. The love is oozing from the pages. Aiden and Bennet are soulmates in every sense of the word. They are completely in tune. But with Chris’s presence, they are falling in love all over again and even deeper. Not only with each other, but with Chris as well. The dynamics between these guys is intriguing and unique, fluid and changing regularly depending on the needs of the others.
The lines of their relationship have been redrawn into a larger, even more beautiful picture. A picture of not two, but three men on equal footing. Three men with completely different characters, with their own flaws and quirks, who find their missing pieces and make the puzzle complete.
In the end, it is as easy as A, B, C. As easy as Aiden, Bennet, and Chris.
Aiden and Bennet are best friends and lovers for more than eight years, but something is not quite right. They are on the same emotional and spiritual level, but sadly, their sex preferences don’t mesh. At all. Aiden loves to be hurt, and Bennet hates to be the one hurting him. They can’t live without one another, and they can’t live with one another. As a last resort, they turn to Chris, the guy who hit on Aiden when he was bartending.
It is a daring move that started as just a means to an end to get what they both want, and that could have easily gone into the complete opposite direction. But it turns into something more. Something so beautiful, it goes beyond everything they thought possible. There is a lot of sex in this book. Hot, smoking, kinky sex. So be warned, but it is stunning. As bizarre as it may sound, it felt absolutely right and natural and beautiful. Chris knows exactly what Aiden and Bennet want and need. Hard, soft, ordered, praised. Everything. And Chris gets everything he needs too. He finally feels needed again, and he can let go of the past and heal.
There is also a lot of love. The love is oozing from the pages. Aiden and Bennet are soulmates in every sense of the word. They are completely in tune. But with Chris’s presence, they are falling in love all over again and even deeper. Not only with each other, but with Chris as well. The dynamics between these guys is intriguing and unique, fluid and changing regularly depending on the needs of the others.
The lines of their relationship have been redrawn into a larger, even more beautiful picture. A picture of not two, but three men on equal footing. Three men with completely different characters, with their own flaws and quirks, who find their missing pieces and make the puzzle complete.
In the end, it is as easy as A, B, C. As easy as Aiden, Bennet, and Chris.
May 24, 2018
3.5 / 5 Stars
It was a good read but sadly, I didn't enjoy it as much as the previous 2 and I'm a little mad with myself because I love a good menage from a favorite author.
I found Bennet and Aiden's extremely complicated without reason. I like them, they are the same side of the coin and their desires collide too much but they make it work. Their love for the other shines like a star. But again, issues and miscommunication became annoying at one point. It was like they just couldn't sit down and talk (strange though as they could decide to be in a 3-way-non-relationship without problem *rolling eyes*). Chris is very caring but he's not better than the other two in the communication department. However, since he doesn't want attachments, at least it makes more sense.
This is a very angsty read with highlight moments that were shadowed sometimes with the sex scenes. Hot as they were, sometimes less is better. And this also lead to situations that could have been avoided in the first place.
Overall, I liked it. I really love this series. But this book didn't work for me as I expected, I think it was more about my mood when I read it and 'this is not you, it's me' thing. Nevertheless, I can't wait for more from this author.
It was a good read but sadly, I didn't enjoy it as much as the previous 2 and I'm a little mad with myself because I love a good menage from a favorite author.
I found Bennet and Aiden's extremely complicated without reason. I like them, they are the same side of the coin and their desires collide too much but they make it work. Their love for the other shines like a star. But again, issues and miscommunication became annoying at one point. It was like they just couldn't sit down and talk (strange though as they could decide to be in a 3-way-non-relationship without problem *rolling eyes*). Chris is very caring but he's not better than the other two in the communication department. However, since he doesn't want attachments, at least it makes more sense.
This is a very angsty read with highlight moments that were shadowed sometimes with the sex scenes. Hot as they were, sometimes less is better. And this also lead to situations that could have been avoided in the first place.
Overall, I liked it. I really love this series. But this book didn't work for me as I expected, I think it was more about my mood when I read it and 'this is not you, it's me' thing. Nevertheless, I can't wait for more from this author.
July 9, 2018
Another solid read by Kate Hawthorne! If you're into really sexy, kinky books, this one is a scorcher. I love reading about unconventional relationships, and there was something sweet about the way all the pieces lined up to fit for the three main characters in this book. I felt real sympathy for all involved as they worked through their individual (and collective) issues. Definitely reading more books by Kate.
May 14, 2018
Love Comes After broke me. I loved these men, and I loved them hard but my heart broke over and over again. I'm coming to appreciate the way Kate apparently loves to torture us with her stories. Because she does. You will love her character's, you will love the story, but you will be left a mess because of ALL THE FEELS in this one!
May 10, 2021
LOVE this book
Hurts so good
One of my fav goto rereads
Hurts so good
One of my fav goto rereads
August 6, 2022
A steamy MMM romance. It started off extremely strong, but after the halfway point the tension fell off and I struggled to stay engaged with the story.
May 23, 2018
4.5 stars. Review on release day!!!
Jeżeli lubisz sex w książkach , które czytasz, ta książka jest dla Ciebie. Jeżeli lubisz daddy kink, ta książka jest dla Ciebie. Jeżeli dwoje zakochanych w sobie chłopcach nie znajduje przyjemność w seksie, znajduje trzeciego, który spełnia ich wszystkie marzenia. Tylko czy w tym wszystkim jest miejsce na miłość. Kate udowodniła , że jest.
Jeżeli lubisz sex w książkach , które czytasz, ta książka jest dla Ciebie. Jeżeli lubisz daddy kink, ta książka jest dla Ciebie. Jeżeli dwoje zakochanych w sobie chłopcach nie znajduje przyjemność w seksie, znajduje trzeciego, który spełnia ich wszystkie marzenia. Tylko czy w tym wszystkim jest miejsce na miłość. Kate udowodniła , że jest.
May 28, 2018
Siento disentir con los comentarios generalizados pero a mi no me gusto mucho, vamos, como que casi nada. Pienso que la gente en general, en cuanto hay un trauma por el medio de la historia tiende ya de entrada a valorar la obra más alto .... mira qué somos morbosos, nos encantan las desgracias ajenas!
Cuando la empecé ya sabía que era de tema erótico, pero aparte de eso, es insulsa. No sabes nada de los MC, es más. creo que el la mitad del libro aún no tienes información suficiente para que te caigan bien... o mal... y lo que sabes no te atrae mucho, y en las escenas sexuales, yo, personalmente, me perdía en los comentarios y hasta en las posiciones de cada uno.
La acabé porque es ágil y no está mal escrito, pero no aporta nada.
Cuando la empecé ya sabía que era de tema erótico, pero aparte de eso, es insulsa. No sabes nada de los MC, es más. creo que el la mitad del libro aún no tienes información suficiente para que te caigan bien... o mal... y lo que sabes no te atrae mucho, y en las escenas sexuales, yo, personalmente, me perdía en los comentarios y hasta en las posiciones de cada uno.
La acabé porque es ágil y no está mal escrito, pero no aporta nada.
July 24, 2018
Damn, this book was good. I loved the premise of the story, which is not something I've read a lot. But I especially loved how sweet the love burned once these three really got together. I have a fondness for broken characters, and the author had some good ones in this story. It made their redemption and happy end all the sweeter. Well-written, epic sex scenes, wonderful dynamics.
May 19, 2018
Kate Hawthorne must have some insight into what will make water leak from my eyes because this is the second book in a row that’s done it. Though they were very different tears.
I’m a very emotional reader. I get attached to the characters. I cry when they do, when they get their heart broken mine breaks along with them. When something huge happens—good or bad—I cry. However, very few books have me cry from beginning to end. It takes a special story, a special set of characters to get a steady stream of tears to leak from me. That’s not to say that Love Comes After is a particularly sad book, or hard or anything. Quite the opposite in fact.
The beginning of the book is rough. For all the characters, but especially Aiden and Bennet. These two boys have loved each other since they were kids, for them there is no other way of being. But that’s the problem. They need each other so much, love each other so much they’ll do anything to keep each other. As great as that sounds, it hurts them in the end. Neither of them gets what they need. It broke my heart.
Bennet loved Aiden so much he gave him everything. Even things he didn’t want to. The dysfunctionality of their relationship comes to a head when Bennet decides they can’t keep going like they have been. Cue all the heartbreak.
Aiden, sweet Aiden doesn’t understand just how much he’s hurting the both of them. Yes, he knows that the way they’ve been dealing with things isn’t good for either of them, but he doesn’t understand the whole of it.
And then Chris enters the picture. Easy solution, isn’t it? Aiden and Bennet need someone to give them both what they need. Chris isn’t looking for anything resembling a relationship. Shouldn’t casual sex with two hot young men be easy? If only.
These three boys are perfect. That’s all there is to say. They are flawed, broken, and need each other so much it’s hard to explain unless you read it.
There’s a depth to these characters that I just can’t put to words. Yes, it starts out as sex, there’s a lot of hot sex in this book. But that’s not all. There’s love. There’s hope for all of them. Hope for Aiden and Bennet that they can be together and have all their needs met. Hope for Chris that he found two people who can give him what he wants sexually...until casual sex becomes less than casual.
That’s how it often goes, isn’t it? Hearts get involved when they shouldn’t and life gets messier than usual.
Love Comes After isn’t all heartbreak, tears, and feelings of lost love. After one of them comes to a realization after one encounter changes the rules they change the way they look at each other. Which spurs something real between the three of them. Something that brings out the witty banter that had me laughing in between the tears.
Kate Hawthorne has a way with words. She managed to write a book about what not one, not two, but what three people need and make it work. Writing a book with two very different characters is hard enough, but three? It takes skill. It take an almost magical touch. That’s what Kate has. She’s an evil word magician. Not only did she make me cry for the whole book, but she made me laugh, and then she really made me cry.
I found Love Comes After to be a story about true love. It’s messy, flawed, and these characters hurt so much, but it’s love. In the end they find what they want, what they need, and what they didn’t even realize they were missing.
I’m a very emotional reader. I get attached to the characters. I cry when they do, when they get their heart broken mine breaks along with them. When something huge happens—good or bad—I cry. However, very few books have me cry from beginning to end. It takes a special story, a special set of characters to get a steady stream of tears to leak from me. That’s not to say that Love Comes After is a particularly sad book, or hard or anything. Quite the opposite in fact.
The beginning of the book is rough. For all the characters, but especially Aiden and Bennet. These two boys have loved each other since they were kids, for them there is no other way of being. But that’s the problem. They need each other so much, love each other so much they’ll do anything to keep each other. As great as that sounds, it hurts them in the end. Neither of them gets what they need. It broke my heart.
Bennet loved Aiden so much he gave him everything. Even things he didn’t want to. The dysfunctionality of their relationship comes to a head when Bennet decides they can’t keep going like they have been. Cue all the heartbreak.
Aiden, sweet Aiden doesn’t understand just how much he’s hurting the both of them. Yes, he knows that the way they’ve been dealing with things isn’t good for either of them, but he doesn’t understand the whole of it.
And then Chris enters the picture. Easy solution, isn’t it? Aiden and Bennet need someone to give them both what they need. Chris isn’t looking for anything resembling a relationship. Shouldn’t casual sex with two hot young men be easy? If only.
These three boys are perfect. That’s all there is to say. They are flawed, broken, and need each other so much it’s hard to explain unless you read it.
There’s a depth to these characters that I just can’t put to words. Yes, it starts out as sex, there’s a lot of hot sex in this book. But that’s not all. There’s love. There’s hope for all of them. Hope for Aiden and Bennet that they can be together and have all their needs met. Hope for Chris that he found two people who can give him what he wants sexually...until casual sex becomes less than casual.
That’s how it often goes, isn’t it? Hearts get involved when they shouldn’t and life gets messier than usual.
Love Comes After isn’t all heartbreak, tears, and feelings of lost love. After one of them comes to a realization after one encounter changes the rules they change the way they look at each other. Which spurs something real between the three of them. Something that brings out the witty banter that had me laughing in between the tears.
Kate Hawthorne has a way with words. She managed to write a book about what not one, not two, but what three people need and make it work. Writing a book with two very different characters is hard enough, but three? It takes skill. It take an almost magical touch. That’s what Kate has. She’s an evil word magician. Not only did she make me cry for the whole book, but she made me laugh, and then she really made me cry.
I found Love Comes After to be a story about true love. It’s messy, flawed, and these characters hurt so much, but it’s love. In the end they find what they want, what they need, and what they didn’t even realize they were missing.
May 23, 2018
Wow. What a gripping story. It definitely gave me all the feels.
Bennet and Aidan have been together since they were young. They truly love each other. But, after all these years, they come to the agreement that their relationship just isn't working anymore. They cannot give each other what the other needs sexually. They decide to part ways. Aidan is devastated but figures out a potential solution to their problem.
Enter Chris. Aidan wants Chris to be with him and Bennet, sexually only. He knows that Chris can give both men what they sexually need. It would be a way for Aidan and Bennet to still be together, while remaining sexual with Chris's help. Chris agrees to help them, as he likes sex but doesn't want to be in a relationship.
When they start to explore their sexual desires with Chris, they find that Chris can in fact give both men what they need. But things start to get complicated and the lines start to blur for Chris.
I loved all three men. The initial couple of Bennet and Aidan are just so loving. The depth of their love was so beautiful! When I discovered the depth of Bennet's sacrifices over the years, it was just unbearable. It was tough to witness Aidan's reaction when he learns of everything Bennet has sacrificed for him. He is hurt. He is pained. And Bennet is devastated that Aidan still can't make sacrifices for him. They had spent years living with neglect and closeted unhappiness.
And Chris. Wow. Just so surprising to learn the depth of his pain. Losing his former lover left him crippled emotionally. He always felt that moving on was like cheating. Seeing how much he could change, grow, and rediscover himself through helping Bennet and Aidan was just incredible. His personal change and growth was just fascinating.
The three of them together was truly beautiful. Each of them at one point struggles with their arrangement and calls it off. And each of them fights for their relationship at one point. That in itself, was wonderful. They each knew the depth of their love for the others and set out to show the others.
The whole journey of these three men was an extremely emotional and equally enjoyable journey. I highly recommend this book.
Bennet and Aidan have been together since they were young. They truly love each other. But, after all these years, they come to the agreement that their relationship just isn't working anymore. They cannot give each other what the other needs sexually. They decide to part ways. Aidan is devastated but figures out a potential solution to their problem.
Enter Chris. Aidan wants Chris to be with him and Bennet, sexually only. He knows that Chris can give both men what they sexually need. It would be a way for Aidan and Bennet to still be together, while remaining sexual with Chris's help. Chris agrees to help them, as he likes sex but doesn't want to be in a relationship.
When they start to explore their sexual desires with Chris, they find that Chris can in fact give both men what they need. But things start to get complicated and the lines start to blur for Chris.
I loved all three men. The initial couple of Bennet and Aidan are just so loving. The depth of their love was so beautiful! When I discovered the depth of Bennet's sacrifices over the years, it was just unbearable. It was tough to witness Aidan's reaction when he learns of everything Bennet has sacrificed for him. He is hurt. He is pained. And Bennet is devastated that Aidan still can't make sacrifices for him. They had spent years living with neglect and closeted unhappiness.
And Chris. Wow. Just so surprising to learn the depth of his pain. Losing his former lover left him crippled emotionally. He always felt that moving on was like cheating. Seeing how much he could change, grow, and rediscover himself through helping Bennet and Aidan was just incredible. His personal change and growth was just fascinating.
The three of them together was truly beautiful. Each of them at one point struggles with their arrangement and calls it off. And each of them fights for their relationship at one point. That in itself, was wonderful. They each knew the depth of their love for the others and set out to show the others.
The whole journey of these three men was an extremely emotional and equally enjoyable journey. I highly recommend this book.
June 7, 2018
4.5 von 5 Sternen
Bennet James und Aiden Hennessy sind beste Freunde und Lover - seit einer halben Ewigkeit. Doch ihre Beziehung erreicht einen Punkt, wo sie sich ihre unterschiedlichen Wünsche, Sehnsüchte und Erwartungen eingestehen müssen. Und je länger sie zusammen sind, desto unzufriedener werden sie in ihrem Sexualleben, das sich immer mehr und mehr als inkompatibel herausstellt. Denn während Bennet eine Art Daddykink entwickelt hat, braucht Aiden Dominanz und auch eine Portion Schmerz.
Als ihre Beziehung in Trümmer liegt und sie auf die Ebene von besten Freunden zurückkehren, wird das Zusammenleben nicht leichter. Denn gefühlsmäßig hängen sie weiter aneinander, brauchen einander. Doch ihre Beziehung ist fragil, voller Fragen und Ängste.
Da tritt Chris Wheeler in ihr Leben. Chris hat kein Interesse an Beziehungen, mag aber Sex. Und er könnte ihre Bedürfnisse erfüllen. Doch eine dritte Person in ihr Leben und ihre Beziehung zu integrieren ist nicht einfach. Zumindest haben sie es sich einfacher vorgestellt und nicht damit gerechnet, dass irgend wann doch von allen Seiten Gefühle ins Spiel kommen.
Chris ist eine sehr komplexe Persönlichkeit. So wie auch Aiden und Bennet, jeder für sich mit Dämonen und Ängsten zu kämpfen haben. Die Geschichte ist wirklich schön geschrieben und lässt tief blicken. Drama gibt es viel, mit heißen Szenen spart die Autorin nicht. Jedes wird es niemals vulgär und abgedroschen. Ich fand es auch sehr spannend zu lesen, wie diese Beziehung in sich zusammenfällt und dann doch wieder langsam aufgebaut werden kann.
Jedoch ändern sich die Prioritäten und jeder dieser drei Helden muss sich und auch anderen eingestehen, dass er Fehler gemacht hat und dass er daraus auch gelernt hat. Es kommt auch eine gute Portion Selbstzweifel und Trauer mit in diese Geschichte, die wirklich überzeugen konnte. Auch die Helden konnten mich überzeugen, da sie zwar zweifeln und unsicher, aber eben auch lernfähig und am Ende kompromissbereit sind.
Bennet James und Aiden Hennessy sind beste Freunde und Lover - seit einer halben Ewigkeit. Doch ihre Beziehung erreicht einen Punkt, wo sie sich ihre unterschiedlichen Wünsche, Sehnsüchte und Erwartungen eingestehen müssen. Und je länger sie zusammen sind, desto unzufriedener werden sie in ihrem Sexualleben, das sich immer mehr und mehr als inkompatibel herausstellt. Denn während Bennet eine Art Daddykink entwickelt hat, braucht Aiden Dominanz und auch eine Portion Schmerz.
Als ihre Beziehung in Trümmer liegt und sie auf die Ebene von besten Freunden zurückkehren, wird das Zusammenleben nicht leichter. Denn gefühlsmäßig hängen sie weiter aneinander, brauchen einander. Doch ihre Beziehung ist fragil, voller Fragen und Ängste.
Da tritt Chris Wheeler in ihr Leben. Chris hat kein Interesse an Beziehungen, mag aber Sex. Und er könnte ihre Bedürfnisse erfüllen. Doch eine dritte Person in ihr Leben und ihre Beziehung zu integrieren ist nicht einfach. Zumindest haben sie es sich einfacher vorgestellt und nicht damit gerechnet, dass irgend wann doch von allen Seiten Gefühle ins Spiel kommen.
Chris ist eine sehr komplexe Persönlichkeit. So wie auch Aiden und Bennet, jeder für sich mit Dämonen und Ängsten zu kämpfen haben. Die Geschichte ist wirklich schön geschrieben und lässt tief blicken. Drama gibt es viel, mit heißen Szenen spart die Autorin nicht. Jedes wird es niemals vulgär und abgedroschen. Ich fand es auch sehr spannend zu lesen, wie diese Beziehung in sich zusammenfällt und dann doch wieder langsam aufgebaut werden kann.
Jedoch ändern sich die Prioritäten und jeder dieser drei Helden muss sich und auch anderen eingestehen, dass er Fehler gemacht hat und dass er daraus auch gelernt hat. Es kommt auch eine gute Portion Selbstzweifel und Trauer mit in diese Geschichte, die wirklich überzeugen konnte. Auch die Helden konnten mich überzeugen, da sie zwar zweifeln und unsicher, aber eben auch lernfähig und am Ende kompromissbereit sind.
May 22, 2018
1+1+1=HOT!
Aiden and Bennet have known each other since childhood. They were each other's first kiss- first everything. And their love is true and everlasting. But as they grew older and discovered their sexual appetites and needs, issues started to appear. Aiden needs things Bennet can not deliver.
They break up romantically but they still love each other. When Aiden stumbles upon Bennet's solitary exploration of a new kink, a thought occurs to him - can a third added to our relationship, save us? At first Bennet resists the idea but for a chance to be with the love of his life again, he will try anything.
Enter Chris. He likes to take control of his "pets". He meets Aiden and then Bennet. He agrees to their proposition, his hard limit is No Kissing him allowed. He doesn't want to settle down and fall in love... He just wants to play.... it's just sex.
Chris lost his lover years ago in a tragic accident. And he hasn't kissed anyone since. But will Aiden and Bennet be the ones to show Chris how to love again? Or will it remain just sex? And will adding a third save Aiden and Bennet? Or destroy them even further?
Well written book with an emotional grab... scenes that range from sweet to sad, hot and sexy to tear invoking. The characters are intriguing and make you want to wrap them in your arms or sometimes smack them and ask them what they are thinking. Definitely a recommended book.
Received this book as an advanced reader's copy and voluntarily am leaving honest review
Aiden and Bennet have known each other since childhood. They were each other's first kiss- first everything. And their love is true and everlasting. But as they grew older and discovered their sexual appetites and needs, issues started to appear. Aiden needs things Bennet can not deliver.
They break up romantically but they still love each other. When Aiden stumbles upon Bennet's solitary exploration of a new kink, a thought occurs to him - can a third added to our relationship, save us? At first Bennet resists the idea but for a chance to be with the love of his life again, he will try anything.
Enter Chris. He likes to take control of his "pets". He meets Aiden and then Bennet. He agrees to their proposition, his hard limit is No Kissing him allowed. He doesn't want to settle down and fall in love... He just wants to play.... it's just sex.
Chris lost his lover years ago in a tragic accident. And he hasn't kissed anyone since. But will Aiden and Bennet be the ones to show Chris how to love again? Or will it remain just sex? And will adding a third save Aiden and Bennet? Or destroy them even further?
Well written book with an emotional grab... scenes that range from sweet to sad, hot and sexy to tear invoking. The characters are intriguing and make you want to wrap them in your arms or sometimes smack them and ask them what they are thinking. Definitely a recommended book.
Received this book as an advanced reader's copy and voluntarily am leaving honest review
May 24, 2018
3.5 stars
The blurb for this books tells you what you need to know about the plot, so I don't want to rehash that. If you like menage books, you'll probably want to add this one to your list ... especially if you like a little D/s. Because Aiden and Bennet both need a (different) type of dominance during sexy times, and that's the original reason Chris gets involved with them. And there are lots of sexy times, which included a little breath play, pain and Daddy play.
Aiden and Bennet were kind of heartbreaking at times. Not in a bad way, it's just the reality of a situation where you can't be what someone else needs, no matter how much you might want to be. It took me a little bit to come around on Chris, but once he started being more honest it was very easy to like him. The actual menage came together well (eventually), and I didn't feel like anyone was being left out nor was jealousy really an issue, which was great.
I have to say, the reason I didn't give this more stars was because of an event that happens that felt ... emotionally manipulative? To me, anyway. It's outside the relationship, but involves the three MCs, and when it happened I just wanted to put the book down. This could be specific to me, I would understand if other readers had no problem with it. But it put a damper on my experience reading it and I can't not note that.
Overall though, this is about a menage that the characters work hard to make work, with great results.
(Honest review of an advanced copy of this book.)
The blurb for this books tells you what you need to know about the plot, so I don't want to rehash that. If you like menage books, you'll probably want to add this one to your list ... especially if you like a little D/s. Because Aiden and Bennet both need a (different) type of dominance during sexy times, and that's the original reason Chris gets involved with them. And there are lots of sexy times, which included a little breath play, pain and Daddy play.
Aiden and Bennet were kind of heartbreaking at times. Not in a bad way, it's just the reality of a situation where you can't be what someone else needs, no matter how much you might want to be. It took me a little bit to come around on Chris, but once he started being more honest it was very easy to like him. The actual menage came together well (eventually), and I didn't feel like anyone was being left out nor was jealousy really an issue, which was great.
I have to say, the reason I didn't give this more stars was because of an event that happens that felt ... emotionally manipulative? To me, anyway. It's outside the relationship, but involves the three MCs, and when it happened I just wanted to put the book down. This could be specific to me, I would understand if other readers had no problem with it. But it put a damper on my experience reading it and I can't not note that.
Overall though, this is about a menage that the characters work hard to make work, with great results.
(Honest review of an advanced copy of this book.)
July 7, 2024
Chris is not into feelings after losing his fiancé in a car accident that ruined his life. So he decides to keep his life simple and casual. One night, when a copper-haired bartender asks him to bed him and his boyfriend, it's an easy decision. Yes. Aiden loves Bennet more than life but they are not sexually compatible so things between them have reached a breaking point. Thinking that they need a third person to fix everything when he sees Chris he knows he could be that person. Bennet has known for years he can't give Aiden the things he needs, but it doesn't take long for him to realise that Chris can. Chris was supposed to be a short-term solution, but his body isn't the only thing he brings into their bed. He leaves his heart there too, and that wasn't supposed to happen. We weren't supposed to fall in love, not with him, but one kiss changed everything. Bennet hopes that just because love didn't come first for us doesn't mean it can't come after.
I loved this story with the second chance at love for Chris and the chance to stay together and expand the love for Aiden and Bennet. The three worked together perfectly and it was great to see Chris handle them both separately and yet also connect them to match their sexual preferences. I loved how they handled an accident and how Chris discovered that he had enough love for them both. A lot of emotions and feelings in this story are examined in a suitable level of detail. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MMM story with mature content and BDSM-like D/S and DDLB dynamics.
I loved this story with the second chance at love for Chris and the chance to stay together and expand the love for Aiden and Bennet. The three worked together perfectly and it was great to see Chris handle them both separately and yet also connect them to match their sexual preferences. I loved how they handled an accident and how Chris discovered that he had enough love for them both. A lot of emotions and feelings in this story are examined in a suitable level of detail. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MMM story with mature content and BDSM-like D/S and DDLB dynamics.
May 15, 2018
I received an ARC from LesCourt Author Services. This is my honest review and opinion.
It has to hurt knowing that you aren't able to give the love of your life the things that they need to be fulfilled and happy. Poor Bennet and Aiden have shared their first kiss and everything following and now they are at their first breakup. How do you break your heart to let the love of your life go? Chris could tell them how it rips you up and how you will never be the same. Aiden has a crazy plan that might fix everything.
Bennet doesn't figure out what he needs in bed until after he and Aiden breakup. Aiden needs something that Bennet just can't handle giving to him. Chris wants no emotions and no connections. How can they make this work when they all need more than they say the want?
This story is done so well. Everything is thought out and written wonderfully. The characters are compelling and complex. They want to make things work and to do that they have to face some harsh truths about themselves. The situations that arise could easily tear them apart, but they work for what they want and do the best they can to express themselves without throwing fits and being immature. I really appreciated that they didn't act like children and didn't throw blame.
I really want to read the other books in this series so I'll have to get started on that. Read this book, I'm sure you will enjoy it.
It has to hurt knowing that you aren't able to give the love of your life the things that they need to be fulfilled and happy. Poor Bennet and Aiden have shared their first kiss and everything following and now they are at their first breakup. How do you break your heart to let the love of your life go? Chris could tell them how it rips you up and how you will never be the same. Aiden has a crazy plan that might fix everything.
Bennet doesn't figure out what he needs in bed until after he and Aiden breakup. Aiden needs something that Bennet just can't handle giving to him. Chris wants no emotions and no connections. How can they make this work when they all need more than they say the want?
This story is done so well. Everything is thought out and written wonderfully. The characters are compelling and complex. They want to make things work and to do that they have to face some harsh truths about themselves. The situations that arise could easily tear them apart, but they work for what they want and do the best they can to express themselves without throwing fits and being immature. I really appreciated that they didn't act like children and didn't throw blame.
I really want to read the other books in this series so I'll have to get started on that. Read this book, I'm sure you will enjoy it.
July 6, 2018
When A + B + C could = Love.
4.5 stars.🌟 A first time read for this author. Beautifully written. This story is gorgeous, the characters the scenes and the storyline make a great book. I connected to Aiden and Bennet on the first chapter there love is strong but unfortunately they both needed more from the relationship. The aghast for their partnership since they were teenagers to breaking up was inevitable to come. Bringing Chris into their bedroom causes other things to happen now ones expecting to happen. Christopher was fantastic in this but he also comes with his own baggage. This has really hot sexy scenes for them all and also includes breath play, and dark scenes which are written well.
Bennet and Aiden were in a relationship but it was definitely rocky. Aiden needed more from there sexual moments that Bennet had trouble with. Being together since childhood but they needed to separate. 3 long months they agree to bring in a third man.
Aiden just may have found their third when Christopher chats him up when hes working behind the bar.
Chris knows its about to get complicated.
4.5 stars.🌟 A first time read for this author. Beautifully written. This story is gorgeous, the characters the scenes and the storyline make a great book. I connected to Aiden and Bennet on the first chapter there love is strong but unfortunately they both needed more from the relationship. The aghast for their partnership since they were teenagers to breaking up was inevitable to come. Bringing Chris into their bedroom causes other things to happen now ones expecting to happen. Christopher was fantastic in this but he also comes with his own baggage. This has really hot sexy scenes for them all and also includes breath play, and dark scenes which are written well.
Bennet and Aiden were in a relationship but it was definitely rocky. Aiden needed more from there sexual moments that Bennet had trouble with. Being together since childhood but they needed to separate. 3 long months they agree to bring in a third man.
Aiden just may have found their third when Christopher chats him up when hes working behind the bar.
Chris knows its about to get complicated.
May 17, 2018
I loved everything about this book :) Hawthorne's relationships are so multi-layered and complex. You have to peel it away as you read the book and fall in love with the characters. That is certainly the case here. Writing good menage is tricky- it's hard to find that perfect balance- Hawthorne does just that and with an already established couple. She breaks our heart while healing there's. Yes there is a lot of fantastic kinky sex. Yes it is hot- but it also is a pivotal part of the plot- people finding what they truly need and how to make it all work. There are so many emotions and Hawthorne's writing style makes us feel them all. She makes the angst realistic, she makes us feel. Each character has depth and a piece that needs to find the others to be whole. The communication between them is rich and they really nake the effort to navigate the relationship. THere's a secondary character, Richard, that will intrigue you. You will want his story. It will definitely be a reread for me.
May 23, 2018
This book wrecked me at several points but man was it totally worth it. I love stories that find an unconventional way to make relationships work. And these men were certainly that. Aiden and Bennet have so much love for each other but each other's limitation are tearing them apart and I felt it each time their frustrations came to the surface. I just wanted to hug and smack them in turn at times. Then in walks Chris and honestly sets the pages on fire. That control and that sweetness that he has buried so deep inside just gave me chills. This book truly was a roller coaster ride for my emotions, I could tell there were falls coming and couldn't put it down and then cried each time the story took a turn but every-time Kate brought it back. The emotions in this book really did a number on me and the physical connection and super sexy times were off the chart and gave me tingles. I am not one to blush but yeah I did so a few times reading this. This total story was a thrill to read and I can't wait to see what Kate comes up with next.
January 11, 2020
I liked this book. Each Character is very interesting and together they are amazing. I liked how their lives were like a big puzzle with missing pieces. Aiden and Bennet were very in love with each other but they both needed something so differently sexually that it was tearing them apart. Aiden came up with a solution as he couldn’t bear being without Bennett. Find a third to do the things to him Bennett just couldn’t then he found out Bennett had needs as well so the third would be able to be the middleman and fill each other’s needs. Then Chris hits on Aiden and he was a man that wanted no strings sex only without emotion and liked to get rough… Just what they needed. But Chris is hiding a secret behind his locked up emotions.
I liked the book, though the Narration really added to it, giving the characters life and the story life as well. I did think it was a little long and stretched out.
If you like role playing, breath play, and rough consensual sex you will like this book.
I liked the book, though the Narration really added to it, giving the characters life and the story life as well. I did think it was a little long and stretched out.
If you like role playing, breath play, and rough consensual sex you will like this book.
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