Review: Powerful, emotional and heartwarming story
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 20, 2013
HONEY RED is the best ménage story I have ever read.  Ms. Crowe crafted a powerful, emotional and heartwarming story of three people who struggle to accept the nature of their feelings for each other. All three of these characters are really well developed; each coming with their own wounds that are laid out for the reader with a beautifully detailed backstory.Nicholas Traynor is a Marine who has returned home wounded. I will not share all the details of his injury as I think it is more powerful if the reader uncovers them for themselves. I will say Ms Crowe's vivid and realistic portrayal of Nick's PTSD broke my heart and then with amazing storytelling rebuilt it again.Ian Donovan is a single Dad, whose journey to the man he is when Nick meets him is engaging.  Many of you know firsthand that having a child changes you. Ms. Crowe really illustrated that with Ian and his son.  The interactions with Jamie, Ian's son, were wonderful. There is a scene with macaroni and cheese that will make you chuckle out loud!Jamie's interactions with Nick and Hannah truly build in the story. They are funny, touching and they were so true to the observations of 4 year old little boy (oh the things kids say).Hannah Williams is a woman who worked hard to earn her MBA. She put her head down and made her way through school.  No men, no partying - just working hard to make something of herself.  Upon graduation she finds herself unable to find a "real" job so she accepts a Head of Marketing role with a local brewery company.  Her interview will have you laughing out loud. Hannah's evolution as she opens up to Ian and then Nick is endearing, lustful and so truly enjoyable to read.The secondary characters in the book truly added layers - Alyssa's concern for her brother, Nick; Gavin's interactions and banter with his twin brother, Ian; the "characters" involved with Nick's war wounds all added to the story.All of this helped create a world you will feel drawn into, one that will make you not want to put your book down.In true Liz fashion the sex scenes are beyond steamy, you can feel the chemistry between each of the characters. The scenes range from the portrayal of pure lust to tender lovemaking to needing to connect deeply with your lover.Ms Crowe keeps each scene unique and will make you want to turn the page. Please note the men in this book do touch each other - and yes it is hot.Keep your eyes out for the dog tags in the book cover; that scene one of the most powerful I have read in some time. It will make your heart pound. You may cry, then smile and in the end it will make you feel; which I think is the sign of a really well written book.In fitting with her mantra "Romance for Real Life", I truly enjoyed how this story kept it real, who's watching the kid, what will people think, how will this work, etc. She makes the characters address these things.I will NOT disclose anything about the catalysts and conflicts in this story. I will simply say that it is masterful.  Ms Crowe uses both the past and hopes for the present and it makes for truly engaging read.  I could not put this book down!The range of emotions when reading this book will astound you. You will laugh, you may even shed a tear but in the end it will leave you feeling happy that you took the time to curl up with this story and these characters.The Epilogue to this book was outstanding.  It will warm your heart and make you smile from ear to ear.Congratulations to Ms Crowe, this book should be a benchmark to which all ménage reads are judged.Reviewed by Denisefor The Romance Reviews