Three Strikes

by Anya Richards

Two lonely men. One secret affair. Irresistible passion that will push them both to the breaking point, and beyond.

A knife attack left ex-Jamaican Posse member Vincent Williams scarred and also made him re-evaluate his life. He’s out of the gang and also the closet but lonely, yet to meet a man who’s interested in more than a one-and-done, a brief sexual encounter.

Because of his career as a police officer, Sergeant Kyle Pictou is afraid of coming out. Normally he doesn’t get involved with anyone close to home, but something about Vincent compels him to take a chance. It’s just sex, after all. Yet, as desire evolves into friendship and seemingly boundless passion, it’s Kyle who’s left wanting more—though he knows he can’t have it.

Genres: M M Romance

ebook

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

After living a checkered past, and despite an avowed disinterest in domesticity, multi-published author Anya Richards settled in Ontario, Canada, with husband, kids and two cats who plot world domination, one food bowl at a time. Having trained the humans around her to recognize the ‘Do Not Disturb’ vibes she gives off when writing, she’s still trying to get the cats to honor her need for space. The suspicion is that they perfectly understand, but choose those moments when she’s most engrossed to once more prove who wears the pants in the house.

Reviews

[Wendy❤Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews - 3 1/2 hearts

Told through alternating points of view, “Three Strikes” is a story about two very different men who connect first on a physical level, and then try to navigate the unknown path of being friends or something more. They have different nationalities, they’ve lived on different sides of the law, one took the painful steps to come out of the closet and the other can’t imagine ever doing so. While the alternating points of view give the reader a clear picture of what’s going on with each character, they aren’t so good about communicating with each other – they speak better with actions vs. words and sometimes even those send mixed messages.

This story deals very well in the here and now and heat of the moment; however, the two areas where I was really wishing for more was about the past and the future. Vincent and Kyle have history beyond the context of this story. We get a general impression of what that history entailed, but not a lot of detail. Similarly, I found myself really wishing for an epilogue to round out the story. These guys spent a lot of time together, but hid from others. They wouldn’t admit to being in a relationship themselves, so it felt like things wrapped up too quickly and left a dangling thread.

I enjoyed getting a broader cultural experience through this story – a little Jamaican and a little Canadian. I liked the imperfect characters and each having to deal with their own insecurities. I also thought it was important that each man had to find his own personal deal breaker – the thing that would either end their time together or the obstacle that had to be overcome to move forward. All in, this was a new to me author and I enjoyed her story. It appears that most of her writing has involved traditional m/f pairings, but I’m interested in checking out any potential m/m romance releases she may have in the future.

[Inked Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

FourStars
This book is manly. I’ve been searching for a word to describe it. Masculine men living adult lives, full of thoughtfulness, rich histories, and complicated situations. And hard muscles. The sex, plentiful but not overwhelming in this erotic novel, reflects this well.

This book is multicultural. Appropriately so, for once. Black Jamacian Vincent Williams and First Nations Canadian Kyle Pictou are fully realized characters, rooted in their sometimes clashing cultures, as well as deeply Canadian. This book should serve as a model for how to write diversity. It’s neither pandering nor stereotypical.

This book is an excellent length. I only bring it up because I harp on other books for being too long, and for not showing an editor’s touch. This book is stylish and enjoyable to read. Anya Richards, with her 22 books, and my second review, knows what she’s doing. Here’s hoping she’ll keep writing men for us.

I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.

C.E. Case

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Strikes by Anya Richards has the premise of a great story. Two lonely men who come from very different worlds having a relationship. They don’t expect it to go anywhere but it soon does. The characters are both strong and very male which I loved. Kyle is a tough as nails cop, who loves with all his heart. Vincent has turned his life around and finally is on the right track he thinks he isn’t ready for love but he needs it more than even he knows.
The one drawback I had in reading this book, was the style of writing. I liked books that have each character’s point of view and told in their POV, I just didn’t like the way it felt like past tense when they were doing it. That drew me out of the moment. I think if the author had made me feel I was in the moment with the characters verse seeing it from afar I would have been more connected.
Over all this is a pretty good story, I would definitely pick up this author again.



Four Twinkling Stars

[The Color of Ink · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about two men who have reached a point in their lives where they seek something more than a romp in the hay. The past, their backgrounds, and their current situations are more than enough to stack against them.

The story and characters are definitely worth reading about. You are pulled in by their imperfections and each man’s growth in the relationship. There were a few times I felt a little disconnect, but nothing that would make the story less of what it was. Enjoyable.

Is the passion and wanting more enough? Open your mind because you couldn't get more diverse than an ex-Jamaican gang member and a Canadian police officer. Jump in and watch Vincent and Kyle’s story come to life.

The Color of Ink was given a copy for an honest review.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the alternating point of views. It gives you a look into what both men are feeling, especially since they don't communicate well with each other, except physically. Although they knew each other for years, they don't act on their attraction until they bump into each other by chance. Their relationship is not easy, partly because Kyle is not out, but eventually they work out their issues.

Free copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

[N. Kuhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vincent and Kyle were so different. One hiding who they were and the other not. But seeing them together, growing as individuals made for a strong relationship. I liked watching them become more comfortable with themself. And, if you don't like dogs before this book, you will after! It's a great MM romance.

[ShoSho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of

It's M/M story with real and believable story conflicts . It was a bit longer than the other ones I read. Its only problem was that it was told in present tense , not a fan of those I'm still going to give it 5 stars

[Avril · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read of 2015. No complaints. No sah.

[Shirley (Secret Squirrel) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.