Book Review: Loving Maddie from A to Z by Kelly Jamieson

Title: Loving Maddie from A to Z
Author: Kelly Jamieson
Genre: Erotic Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: review copy provided by author
Published: April 7, 2015 (self-published)

Home is where the hearts are…
Award-winning photojournalist Zack Donovan is happy to be alive after being held captive by a band of rebels in Syria. He’s not so happy to be on his way back to Chicago to recuperate with his college friends Maddie and Aidan, who are now a couple. The fear while being held prisoner was nothing compared to how he feels about facing the two people who unknowingly broke his heart seven years ago.

Maddie and Aidan are deeply in love, but lately they feel something is missing for them. They’d do anything to make the other happy, but are struggling to figure out what that is. Those problems are set aside, however, when their best friend from college is taken hostage in Syria. After graduation, Maddie and Aidan were hurt by Zack’s refusal to ever come home to visit, but he’s still their friend and he has no family, so when he’s finally free they insist he come stay with them to recover.

Zack’s a different man now. He’s seen terrible things. He’s come to terms with his sexuality and embraced his need to dominate. Maddie and Aidan would be shocked to know the kinds of things he likes to do. A guy like him will never have a relationship like theirs. But when Zack realizes he might be able to show Maddie and Aidan what they’re missing, he faces a dilemma. Do something? Do nothing? Pretend everything’s fine? Help them if he can? But will showing them what they’re missing help save their relationship…or destroy it?

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Reviewed by: Babs

Why I Read This Book: Kelly Jamieson is an author I've sought out before when I wanted a sexy read or MMF. I jumped on this one when I saw the review request. MMF is a fave of mine.

In a Nutshell: This story was a nice read for me. I like the author's storytelling style.

What I Liked: I liked the history between the three characters. They were close in college even though nothing happened between them then. I liked they didn't just try to pick up their friendship from college. They acknowledged things were different. And eventually face the hurt feelings and misunderstanding from the past. In addition to dealing with more recent trauma for Zack.

Zack had a lot of growing to do. I like it wasn't just like a switch turned on or something--he really struggled to understand and accept they loved him. Just because they all had sex didn't miraculously cure him of his feeling of unworthiness. Same with Aidan--he had to own up to his needs and admit to Maddie and Zack what he wanted. It wasn't the easy path or a quick fix.

What I Also Liked: Sexy times were very hot. There was some flogging and bondage, MM action, and backdoor action. Be aware if that's not something you like to read.

Also, I like there was an effort to acknowledge there's more to their relationship beyond just the three of them. They have to face the fact not everyone in their life will approve or understand their relationship.

I liked the switch up where not just the woman is submissive--one of the guys is too. I liked the emotional connection between the main characters. It was MMF with boys loving each other--one of my favorite types of reads!

What I didn't Like: I can’t point to anything in particular I didn’t like. I was happy with the story but it’s not a favorite or one I love and would re-read. There wasn’t anything new to me or that stuck with me after I finished reading.

Overall Impression: This was a pleasant read and what I expect with a Kelly Jamieson story. I was satisfied with the ending—everything was wrapped up neatly. I recommend her books if you like erotic romance.

I know I've recommended Lauren Dane before but I'm going to again--she writes awesome ménage in Laid Bare and the Metamorphosis novella. If you want to read more, definitely check her out. And Kit Rocha's Beyond Jealousy if you want a little post apocalyptic with your ménage.

Bab’s Rating: