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Ana Ashley delivers an interesting and fun ménage romance

Posted on July 17, 2021 by Mirrigold

58034931._SY475_ The Resort by Ana Ashley

This was an interesting and fun ménage romance set on an island resort.

Although the narrative felt a bit jerky at times, overall the storyline itself felt like it progressed at a great pace and with accurate reflections of the feelings of each of the three men involved.

I liked the dynamics between Mal and Griff as a pair, and then the way they expanded their behaviour to bring Jake in also worked well. I never felt a sense of third wheel or just a bit on the side from them.

There’s also great communication throughout the book, thankfully no silly dramady from misunderstandings or lack of conversation, I also appreciated that the major plot points were more related to outside effects or pressures and weren’t just relationship mess-ups.

It’s ridiculously steamy too, at times perhaps a bit too much, but there are also some great conversations and just couple/throuple time where they’re connecting in other ways outside of sex.

The surrounding cast of characters are really well drawn out, as is the setting, it felt like a solid, real place that you could sense the family feeling of those involved in the business and I adored Jake’s Uncle Frank and his cousin Gabe.

Speaking of, he’s the subject of the next installment, although I believe that may be a newsletter serial rather than a book (would need to confirm that) and I’m looking forward to seeing how Ana makes that potential threesome different to this one.

#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review

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Reviews: LGBTQ+

Superbly paced and beautifully written holiday island romance

Posted on August 15, 2020 by Mirrigold

Honeymoon Refrain by Harley Grace

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was an absolute delight. Perfectly paced, the narrative essentially rolled through three acts as Cord and Andrew met, started their relationship and then set off into their happy ever after.

The sense of place is incredibly well done, Bliss Island is a visceral impression in the book, the heat of the sun, the sound of the waves and the excitement of the tourists visiting a gay friendly resort is central to the book.

I really loved that there was not a jot of unnecessary drama in this, there’s no miscommunication, no lack of communication, no annoying angsting just to set obstacles in the path.

Even Cord’s ex, and fellow musician, Jase wasn’t as big an arse as he first might have appeared. Andrew’s ex, Thom on the other hand, yeah he was definitely an utter knob.

There isn’t really anything ground-breaking in this book, it’s just a good romance well told, it was an enjoyable read where I just felt chilled through, no fear that there’d be something drop out of nowhere at the 70% mark just to kick things up.

I adored all the secondary characters here, especially resort owner Adrien and Trace, Cord’s neighbour and the island’s resident pilot. The brief glimpse we get of Chef Eli and the introduction of cleaner Finley right at the end all bode well for future books!