Okay – this one surprised me. I loved Chris Owen’s Deviation series. But, I didn’t like “Bareback”. So, when I saw this title, I was uncertain. I don’t usually prefer threesome romances because I never quite feel like the romance is equal for all three men. However, I was looking for another title for my iPod kindle app, and some strong reviews finally convinced me to buy it. Some of the first M/M romances I read were Sean Michael’s Jarheads series. Rig and Rock were a great couple, who invited Dick to join them for a lust-filled night. The next chapter, he moved in. There was no build-up, I never felt like the relationship was built on anything other than sex. Thankfully, this story built a true romance.

Scott is a doctor, and Drew is a firefighter. Drew invites Scott to be his roommate when he learns Scott is in need of a place closer to the hospital and Drew needs extra help with the cost of having a home. The two are obviously attracted, but don’t immediately become a couple. I liked that. Scott has some issues from a former relationship, and Drew isn’t sure it’s a good idea since they are already comfortable as roommates. Naturally, they do get together, and the author gives a hint of their threesome to come by having the topic come up after Drew sees a threesome, with 2 women and a man, who are happy (despite their home having caught fire). The two of them actually discuss the idea; could it work? Should it happen? How would they feel if it ever came up? However, it doesn’t happen right away. About half the book is the development of Drew and Scott’s relationship. How they handle their heavy, shift-driven schedules, the introduction of their parents to each other, insecurities in a new relationship, poker nights. It’s all here, and very real. Oh, and lots of really hot explicit sex. This is definitely erotic romance, but the romance isn’t overshadowed by the erotic.

Enter Eric, who is an EMT. He’s become a regular at poker night. He needs to find a new place to live after his roommate gets married. He’s already attracted to Scott and Drew, but isn’t sure if either is available (or even gay). They see a friend in need and invite him to move in, when he learns that they are indeed a couple. He’s not sure he wants to stay since he knows they are happy together, and he doesn’t want to intrude. Meanwhile, Drew and Scott are both attracted to Eric as well. Scott becomes troubled by this because he isn’t certain that Drew would really welcome a third, and would he be upset that Scott would? And, how will their families react? The angst for all three men is very believable as they work through it all.

I think what really worked for me here, that I haven’t seen before, is that Drew and Scott become good friends with Eric first. Though they are all attracted to each other, they don’t jump into bed immediately with another guy just out of lust or “to play.” They build Eric into their life slowly; they learn about each other as time passes. I wasn’t thrown a curve ball since I could see the love developing. Owen also took the time to show how the men relate to each other when they aren’t all three together: Drew and Eric, Scott and Drew, Scott and Eric. This is an important point because it illustrates the equality I never found in threesomes until now. Overall, I enjoyed this romance very much and highly recommend it. ( )

4 1/2*, well-done