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What He Left Behind by L.A. Witt Published by Samhain Publishing on August 18, 2015
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Erotica, M/M Erotica, M/M Romance, Ménage
Pages: 238
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Can you ever have a second first time?
Josh Carver thinks it’s just another lunch with his best friend, Michael—until Michael confesses he just turned down a date with his hot veterinarian crush. It seems Michael’s abusive ex left him more scarred than Josh realized.
Josh and his husband, Ian, have done their best to help Michael leave his horrific past behind, but even Josh is stunned when Ian suggests that Josh help Michael with his fear of physical intimacy. After all, it isn’t like it would be the first time—Josh and Michael were once each other’s firsts.
A hesitant first kiss, and Josh and Michael’s natural attraction eases the way. But with Michael still balking at the prospect of sex with someone new, Ian steps into the breach.
Everything is fine and dandy until emotions become so entangled, their friendship—and a marriage—could be at risk.
Warning: Contains three guys who will do anything for each other, a hot tub that’s always the right temperature, and a cat with an attitude problem.
Erin: When I read the blurb for L.A. Witt’s newest book, What He Left Behind, I put it on my Need To Read Now list immediately. Ménage … check. Hurt, healing and comfort … double check. An established, happily married couple reaching out to help a friend … triple check. The premise of this book intrigued me so much and I couldn’t wait to dive into it.
Ian and Josh are happily married and have been for over six years. Josh and Michael have been best friends even longer, and are ex-boyfriends as well. The dynamic of this was definitely what drew me in and it’s the heart of What He Left Behind. Michael is struggling to get over an abusive ex and for the most part he’s been able to put the horrific experience behind him … except when it comes to having sex. He’s been out on dates with men but anytime the mention or hint of sex comes up, he just can’t go any further. Enter Josh, who would do anything for Michael, and then Ian who would do anything for Josh.
I found the way the whole experiment of Josh and Michael entering into a sexual relationship fascinating and while your first instinct might be ‘no way in hell will that EVER work’ the way it unfolds is totally believable. Ian is completely on board, in fact it’s his encouragement that finally allows Michael and Josh to move forward. The story is told entirely from Josh’s POV. I wish we would have heard from both Michael and Ian though—especially Ian—because there was way too much telling with just Josh’s voice.
As you would expect in a ménage story, there was also an abundance of sex. In this case, it was more like an avalanche and while hot, I found that it took away quite a bit from my enjoyment of the book and from really getting to know the characters. I would have loved more from Ian and Josh’s marriage, as well as more background on Michael. There are a few deep conversations sprinkled throughout the book, but not enough to really satisfy.
When the drama unfolds as you’d probably expect, when feelings become involved and all the guys realize there is way more than just sex at stake, it’s handled beautifully. These are all grown men and there was no over the top drama or contrived angst just for the sake of angst. I appreciated that. I just wish I would have gotten more story with the sex. All in all though, What He Left Behind was an enjoyable read and for those of you who love ménage stories, this one will satisfy.
She's a Texan, though she drinks her tea plain and NOT sweet. She loves cheesecake, strawberry limeade's from Sonic and her favorite color is purple. In her books, she loves an HEA, but she never minds if the road is rough to get there, as long as the reward is worth the struggle.
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| Overall: | 3.5 |
