Review: Very moving story with complex but likeable characters
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 24, 2013
I loved Spencer and Rory as a couple, but if there was one character I cared for the most, it was Jack. In the beginning we only see him as a jerk because we only see him through Spencer's eyes. Jack doesn't know love, and his father is a real piece of work. More often than not, my heart broke for him and what he had to deal with to appease his father.Spencer was a sweetheart! I felt his utter devotion towards Rory and their relationship. There was no doubt those two were deeply in love and nothing would tear them apart. But Out of the three characters, Spencer was the one who struggled with his cravings the most. Since the idea of bringing in a third person was so new, I guess he felt like it might hurt Rory in some way if he made room in his heart for another person.Rory was selfless. Even though she encouraged Spencer and Jack to explore their feelings, she would have little battles with her insecurities and begin to feel self-conscious. But both men always made Rory feel cherished, loved, even worshiped. When Rory and Spencer opened up to him, the emotions swirling between the three of them was a heady thing.The sex scenes were scorching hot and plentiful. While the sex did move the story forward and served to make them discover their true selves, what really kept me engaged in the story were their individual struggles and how they each tried to come to terms with what they were feeling or doing. This story wasn't all about the sexual gratification though; it had a very heart-warming plot beneath the surface. If there was a message in this, I suppose it would be how to be honest, open-minded and true to one's feelings.I don't think I have ever read such a well written erotic romance menage with characters who were so complex, vulnerable and likeable. Polished was my first adventure into Alyssa Turner's world, and I don't think I can ever go back. She has a strong voice, a clever voice and the emotional responses she could illicit with her words were quite diverse. The story is well paced leaving the characters enough time to grow into themselves and grow on each other. As I write this, my praise for her story telling abilities definitely extend to her other menage story, By Surprise. I read it immediately after this one, and I loved it even more.Warning: Contains M/M/F ménage, M/M, M/F, light BDSMDisclaimer: I received a review copy from the author for the purpose of an honest review.