People are complex.

Love a double-edged sword.

And when it comes to a broken heart, there are no rules, only time…

For the past eight years, Julien Thornton has been living with a secret. One that only a handful of people know about.

To the outside world, he has it all.

A thriving career. A loving husband. And a face that the American public fell for by the millions, on a reality show that inadvertently saved his life.

But behind the shine of celebrity, behind the easygoing nature, a crippling truth fills Julien with pain and self-loathing. It’s a truth that he fights to overcome daily with the help of his husband, Joel Priestley, and now their boyfriend, Robbie Bianchi.

But unlike Priest, Robbie doesn’t know what he’s helping Julien to fight. He doesn’t know what Julien did all those years ago. And with the anniversary of his sister’s death fast approaching, the time for explanations is running out.

And thus the question: will the princess be able to forgive the prick as the priest once did?

Only time will tell.

Wow! These guys all have my heart. I love seeing their triad continue to grow and develop. How they all bring something important and needed to the relationships. Robbie Bianchi is the new boyfriend of the established married couple, Julien Thornton and Joel Priestly. Julien and Joel have a strong marriage, true love and affection for each other, but also could recognize that they needed more.

Julien is a well known French chef and can put up a good facade that hides his tortured soul. He is a nurturer and quiet protector. But he has terrible demons and regrets that cause him pain and self loathing. For a period of time he was lost and out of control. But Priest brought him back to life. But there is a time every year that the darkness comes for him and he needs support.

Priest is the strong, stoic, defender. He takes charge, takes care, and makes them feel safe. He thrives on control. But he also has his own painful past that haunts him.

Robbie is the light, hope, sweetness, and sometimes comic relief. He is a combination of bold and sassy, but can also be submissive. He is intuitive, understanding, and intelligent.  He likes being needed and wanted. But he is also trying to see how he fits in with this already established couple. But in reality he is a bridge between them and completing them in a perfect way.

I love how the three of them are willing to be there for the others. Both Julien and Priest have secrets about their pasts that Robbie does not yet know. The story is told in all three points of view and in flashbacks. So little pieces are gradually provided to him and the readers as the story goes on. It adds tension, suspense, drama, and emotion. My heart was breaking for the damaged and broken Julien , even when I only knew a part of the story. And I am equally intrigued by what Priest has been through.

This is the story of three and how they continue to grow, learn, love, support, and protect each other. There are hints of happiness, hope, and forgiveness, but are tinged with pain, sadness, and regret. It might have started with their minds and bodies, but their hearts are getting more and more involved. But they also have personal struggles, demons, and doubts that they are having to face. This one focuses on Julien's past, but there are also hints dropped about Priest's issues. My heart and mind was completely invested in their story. And OH MY, this one had some smoking hot scenes too. These complex and flawed characters have taken on a life of their own and actually feel real. Their connections are continuing to evolve and we are getting to see more and more of their vulnerability as well as their strengths. 

But as the secrets are revealed, will there be consequences?

I am completely hooked on this series.  I cannot wait for Priest's book to reveal even more about this complicated man, and the relationships with his two partners. I honestly do not think one of the characters is any more important than the others. They are all unique and compelling, and each form an important piece of the whole. 

I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Ella Frank