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Hiatus
Three’s a disaster when things come unraveled.
Rock star Nate Keller is on top of the world, but his headlining tour has one drawback. It keeps him away from his boyfriends Theo and Cameron for weeks at a time. They make every effort to come see him as often as possible, though, and after four and a half years as a trio, things are still going strong.
But then Cam comes alone, bringing news that stops Nate’s world on a dime—after seventeen years together, he and Theo are separating. It’s a trial separation, but nevertheless, Nate is devastated. He tries to pull them back together, but there’s only so much he can do from the road.
At home, Cam tries to carry on, but feels like his whole life is spiraling out of control. Theo struggles to cope with the split and his worsening depression. They’re both quickly losing hope for a reconciliation… and keeping the man they both still love.
When Nate makes a desperate last ditch attempt to pull their trio back together, it’s make or break time. Is their trial separation just a temporary hiatus? Or is this the end?
This 84,000 word novel was previously published.
Rock star Nate Keller is on top of the world, but his headlining tour has one drawback. It keeps him away from his boyfriends Theo and Cameron for weeks at a time. They make every effort to come see him as often as possible, though, and after four and a half years as a trio, things are still going strong.
But then Cam comes alone, bringing news that stops Nate’s world on a dime—after seventeen years together, he and Theo are separating. It’s a trial separation, but nevertheless, Nate is devastated. He tries to pull them back together, but there’s only so much he can do from the road.
At home, Cam tries to carry on, but feels like his whole life is spiraling out of control. Theo struggles to cope with the split and his worsening depression. They’re both quickly losing hope for a reconciliation… and keeping the man they both still love.
When Nate makes a desperate last ditch attempt to pull their trio back together, it’s make or break time. Is their trial separation just a temporary hiatus? Or is this the end?
This 84,000 word novel was previously published.
ebook
First published July 19, 2016
57 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Witt
218 books2,723 followersL.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
April 13, 2016
I love ménage stories and I love rock star stories, so even though Hiatus sounded like it would be rather high on the drama scale, I thought I would chance it. I generally like this author's stories, and I've only had a couple misses, previously, however, Hiatus was just exhausting to read. From the very beginning, on through about 85%, it just wore me out!
One thing about 'established couple/triad' stories that I find trickiest is there is a tendency to feel like you've arrived at the theater in the middle of the movie. And that was definitely the case here, and it was a bit jarring. The book begins with Cam telling Nate that he and Theo have separated.
Cam and Theo have been together for 17 years and they are married. 4 1/2 years ago, they brought Nate fully into the relationship. Except, as far as I can tell, they didn't, really. He certainly didn't seem to be an equal partner at the beginning of this book, nor through most of it. Nate is on tour with his band, so he hasn't been around to watch Cam and Theo implode. And they kept their problems from him (and didn't deal with them at all) until said problems were so insurmountable that they broke. That didn't sit right with me, at all.
Communication is key in any relationship and if you have more than 2 people it is really fucking important. And keeping everything from one of the partners is more than selfish and it smacks of them treating him like a child. In fact, their treatment of Nate reminded me of a custody battle. And, hell, there were several references to that very thing in the story.
They both assured Nate that they loved him and didn't want their (individual) relationships with him to end, but how's that supposed to work, really? I'd like to think that people can be adults, but in situations like this, I don't often see it. And I didn't see it in Hiatus, either. Watching these guys not only disintegrate, but outright refuse to do anything else was exhausting. They didn't even try. They wouldn't even consider counseling for most of the book, and not only did they need couples counselling, they needed individual, too. Theo and Cam just went in circle after circle completely in denial about their individual issues, all the while trying to blame the other. That's not productive, folks.
Through the entire cast of characters, there were three that I found to be reasonable. And two of them weren't MC's. Nate, at least tried to get the guys to talk to each other, tried to get them to go to counseling and he tried to be supportive, until he just couldn't take anymore. Theo's sister-in-law, Taylor, always had a kind word and is the one who finally gets through to Theo (and why she is married to his asshole of a brother, I'll never understand). And Jill, Nate's band-mate, who finally convinces him that he needs to take care of Nate.But everyone else, I kind of wanted to shake.
I think what really turned me off most was that Theo and Cam went in circles for 85% of the book. There was zero progress and tons of denial. And Theo and Cam hiding their issues from each other and from Nate was only hindering any kind of reconciliation.
So even though there is a happy ending for our trio, I did not find the payoff worth the hellish journey getting there. At all. It was simply too little, too late.
----------------------------------
ARC of Hiatus was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
One thing about 'established couple/triad' stories that I find trickiest is there is a tendency to feel like you've arrived at the theater in the middle of the movie. And that was definitely the case here, and it was a bit jarring. The book begins with Cam telling Nate that he and Theo have separated.
Cam and Theo have been together for 17 years and they are married. 4 1/2 years ago, they brought Nate fully into the relationship. Except, as far as I can tell, they didn't, really. He certainly didn't seem to be an equal partner at the beginning of this book, nor through most of it. Nate is on tour with his band, so he hasn't been around to watch Cam and Theo implode. And they kept their problems from him (and didn't deal with them at all) until said problems were so insurmountable that they broke. That didn't sit right with me, at all.
Communication is key in any relationship and if you have more than 2 people it is really fucking important. And keeping everything from one of the partners is more than selfish and it smacks of them treating him like a child. In fact, their treatment of Nate reminded me of a custody battle. And, hell, there were several references to that very thing in the story.
They both assured Nate that they loved him and didn't want their (individual) relationships with him to end, but how's that supposed to work, really? I'd like to think that people can be adults, but in situations like this, I don't often see it. And I didn't see it in Hiatus, either. Watching these guys not only disintegrate, but outright refuse to do anything else was exhausting. They didn't even try. They wouldn't even consider counseling for most of the book, and not only did they need couples counselling, they needed individual, too. Theo and Cam just went in circle after circle completely in denial about their individual issues, all the while trying to blame the other. That's not productive, folks.
Through the entire cast of characters, there were three that I found to be reasonable. And two of them weren't MC's. Nate, at least tried to get the guys to talk to each other, tried to get them to go to counseling and he tried to be supportive, until he just couldn't take anymore. Theo's sister-in-law, Taylor, always had a kind word and is the one who finally gets through to Theo (and why she is married to his asshole of a brother, I'll never understand). And Jill, Nate's band-mate, who finally convinces him that he needs to take care of Nate.But everyone else, I kind of wanted to shake.
I think what really turned me off most was that Theo and Cam went in circles for 85% of the book. There was zero progress and tons of denial. And Theo and Cam hiding their issues from each other and from Nate was only hindering any kind of reconciliation.
So even though there is a happy ending for our trio, I did not find the payoff worth the hellish journey getting there. At all. It was simply too little, too late.
----------------------------------
ARC of Hiatus was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Read
March 15, 2017What happens when one side of a triangle breaks?
Find out July 2016.
Find out July 2016.
July 20, 2016
Release day review originally posted at Sinfully.
3.5 stars
With Nate spending a lot of time on the road with his band, he is blindsided when the expected visit from his boyfriends turns into just Cam showing up and telling him that he and Theo have separated after 17 years and Theo has moved in with his brother. That they don’t want to put him in the middle or lose him. That it’s only a trial and they still love him. While all of this is true, there is so much more that is going on that they don’t even see happening. As Nate struggles with being on the road and having alternating visits from them, he grows ever more concerned that they aren’t even trying to fix things. Risking the wrath of his fans and management, Nate takes a week off to fly home and try to help Theo and Cam, but by the time he gets there, it appears that they have already given up. Nate now has to decide if he wants to continue to be in the middle or if, for his own health, he should just give up as well.
There are a few flashbacks to happier times and while none of them have fallen out of love, Cam and Theo realize that for the past few years they have been doing a lot of pretending. Cam has been hiding the panic attacks that generally occur when he is alone, away from the calming buffer of Nate or Theo. For an even longer period of time, Theo has been keeping quiet about how difficult he finds it just getting out of bed most days. This results in fighting. Theo is always making them late and Cam explodes when things aren’t done right around the house. These incidents snowballed and now the two can barely have a conversation to save their marriage. Their default is to get physical since the sex is still amazing, but that doesn’t help them discuss how to fix things, so while the drama is unrelenting, there is still plenty of sex as that seems to be the only thing that makes any of them feel momentarily better.
In the middle of all of this is Nate. When the story starts off, Nate has been with the men for almost five years, but spends significant amounts of time on the road with his band. Coming home, he attempts to steer the men in the right direction. He has broached the subject of Theo’s depression and has witnessed one of Cam’s panic attacks. He pushes them to seek counseling, but as the two men continue to refuse to help themselves Nate has to finally do what’s best for him and has him wondering whether or not he will be able to stay with them even if they do get their acts together. Whether the only reason they brought him into their marriage was to keep it from falling apart.
This book is a hard read. While I can’t use the word “enjoy” I did appreciate this story. There’s not a lot of happy in seeing Theo and Cam’s marriage falling apart and the resulting breakdown of their relationship with Nate. While it was clear to me early on that both men are suffering from undiagnosed disorders, neither Cam nor Theo see or will admit to it. They just see their partner turning into someone they can’t stand to be around. As interesting as that is, it is painful to read.
This story is completely focused on the struggles of Nate, Cam and Theo, without much outside interference. Nate’s bandmate and best friend Jill is a comfort to him and is able to give him solid advice. Theo’s brother is a horrible person that is somehow married to a lovely woman who is finally able to get through to Theo and push him to seek the help he desperately needs. I always enjoy L.A. Witt’s writing and again here she managed to really get across the despair, heartache and pain. If you’re grabbing this story just because you see “rock star” or “ménage”, I would think twice. The issues raised with respect to the conditions Cam and Theo are suffering with are serious and they’re not just pushed under the rug. The story is a long road to rock bottom and while there is a happy ending, there is not a lot of happiness along the way. If angst and drama are your thing though, you might just eat this one up.
3.5 stars
With Nate spending a lot of time on the road with his band, he is blindsided when the expected visit from his boyfriends turns into just Cam showing up and telling him that he and Theo have separated after 17 years and Theo has moved in with his brother. That they don’t want to put him in the middle or lose him. That it’s only a trial and they still love him. While all of this is true, there is so much more that is going on that they don’t even see happening. As Nate struggles with being on the road and having alternating visits from them, he grows ever more concerned that they aren’t even trying to fix things. Risking the wrath of his fans and management, Nate takes a week off to fly home and try to help Theo and Cam, but by the time he gets there, it appears that they have already given up. Nate now has to decide if he wants to continue to be in the middle or if, for his own health, he should just give up as well.
There are a few flashbacks to happier times and while none of them have fallen out of love, Cam and Theo realize that for the past few years they have been doing a lot of pretending. Cam has been hiding the panic attacks that generally occur when he is alone, away from the calming buffer of Nate or Theo. For an even longer period of time, Theo has been keeping quiet about how difficult he finds it just getting out of bed most days. This results in fighting. Theo is always making them late and Cam explodes when things aren’t done right around the house. These incidents snowballed and now the two can barely have a conversation to save their marriage. Their default is to get physical since the sex is still amazing, but that doesn’t help them discuss how to fix things, so while the drama is unrelenting, there is still plenty of sex as that seems to be the only thing that makes any of them feel momentarily better.
In the middle of all of this is Nate. When the story starts off, Nate has been with the men for almost five years, but spends significant amounts of time on the road with his band. Coming home, he attempts to steer the men in the right direction. He has broached the subject of Theo’s depression and has witnessed one of Cam’s panic attacks. He pushes them to seek counseling, but as the two men continue to refuse to help themselves Nate has to finally do what’s best for him and has him wondering whether or not he will be able to stay with them even if they do get their acts together. Whether the only reason they brought him into their marriage was to keep it from falling apart.
This book is a hard read. While I can’t use the word “enjoy” I did appreciate this story. There’s not a lot of happy in seeing Theo and Cam’s marriage falling apart and the resulting breakdown of their relationship with Nate. While it was clear to me early on that both men are suffering from undiagnosed disorders, neither Cam nor Theo see or will admit to it. They just see their partner turning into someone they can’t stand to be around. As interesting as that is, it is painful to read.
This story is completely focused on the struggles of Nate, Cam and Theo, without much outside interference. Nate’s bandmate and best friend Jill is a comfort to him and is able to give him solid advice. Theo’s brother is a horrible person that is somehow married to a lovely woman who is finally able to get through to Theo and push him to seek the help he desperately needs. I always enjoy L.A. Witt’s writing and again here she managed to really get across the despair, heartache and pain. If you’re grabbing this story just because you see “rock star” or “ménage”, I would think twice. The issues raised with respect to the conditions Cam and Theo are suffering with are serious and they’re not just pushed under the rug. The story is a long road to rock bottom and while there is a happy ending, there is not a lot of happiness along the way. If angst and drama are your thing though, you might just eat this one up.
July 22, 2016
The vast majority of this book frustrated me and made me angry. I do not enjoy those emotions, and therefore did not enjoy most of the book. I persevered, and I liked the end. So ultimately, three stars.
But still.
There were two main problems with this book.
1. The writing/editing (lack thereof.)
If this book was edited AT ALL, by anyone, I will eat my hat.
This was not self-pubbed, it was put out by a (admittedly troubled) professional publishing company, and therefore, must, at some point, have been assigned to an editor. But either the editor it was assigned to has no right to that title, or this snuck through while Samhain wasn't paying for editing services.
So much of this book was repetitive, boring internal monologue. Like, entire chapters of Nate on a bus just thinking about stuff. The same stuff, over and over again. Using mostly the same words. "You just said that a paragraph ago, asshole! Which was the fifth time you said it because you waxed on about it in chapter 3!" (for example.)
This bothers me a lot more now than it would have a year ago, because I'm currently working on a novel of my own. And I know how hard I work on making it as good as it can possibly be. I write, and re-write, re-write again, and I edit, and then I get feedback from my critique partners, and then I edit some more. I was almost halfway through my book when I realized that it just wasn't working as it was, and I went back and scrapped entire sections, wrote several brand new chapters, and basically transformed the entire thing. It was exhausting, and it took a lot of extra time, but I am so much happier with the result. That is what someone who cares about the quality of their work does. I guarantee you that L.A. Witt does not do that. And while I respect her like crazy, I have to disagree with that approach. Knowing how hard I work to make my writing as good as it can be, and then reading books (especially ones put out by professional publishing companies) that are obviously, at best, a second draft, frustrates me.
(Oh, and it wasn't just the rambly, repetitious internal monologue. There were also dozens of little typos, which also drives me crazy because I was actually turned down for a job as a line editor at Samhain because I didn't catch enough mistakes in the sample file. So reading a book published by Samhain and finding tons of little things like that makes my blood boil on a totally different level. Maybe they weren't/aren't paying for line editing anymore either.)
2. As another reviewer put it, this is the kind of book that could have been over in 10 pages if the characters had just freaking talked to each other. SMH.
It is obvious from the very beginning of the book that Cam and Theo's problems stem from some easily treatable mental/emotional health issues that both of them are experiencing. But they won't tell each other. Cam refuses to tell Theo , and Theo refuses to tell Cam about his , and both of them refuse to As someone who lives every day trying to manage my own depression, that kind of shit makes me stabby.
They keep saying they want to work things out, so they'll meet up to "talk" supposedly, but then they don't want to have an argument so they don't ever actually talk about anything and then they both just leave more frustrated and sure it's over.
They won't go to counseling because they think the counselor will tell them to get rid of Nate. But like... you're in freaking LA, you guys!!! You can find a damn counselor who's worked with poly relationships before.
Even Nate was a culprit in all this. He No one ever said working through your problems was going to be easy. It's going to be painful. You do it anyway. You can't just not talk because it leads to an argument.
And waaaaay too much sex. Like every chapter was sex. They just have sex instead of talking to each other. I skimmed a lot of that.
After all that frustration and anger, I was so ready for the book to be over so when they finally figured their shit out, I was so relieved I actually really enjoyed the end of the book. The epilogue was good. I liked how it And I loved how
A generous three stars.
But still.
There were two main problems with this book.
1. The writing/editing (lack thereof.)
If this book was edited AT ALL, by anyone, I will eat my hat.
This was not self-pubbed, it was put out by a (admittedly troubled) professional publishing company, and therefore, must, at some point, have been assigned to an editor. But either the editor it was assigned to has no right to that title, or this snuck through while Samhain wasn't paying for editing services.
So much of this book was repetitive, boring internal monologue. Like, entire chapters of Nate on a bus just thinking about stuff. The same stuff, over and over again. Using mostly the same words. "You just said that a paragraph ago, asshole! Which was the fifth time you said it because you waxed on about it in chapter 3!" (for example.)
This bothers me a lot more now than it would have a year ago, because I'm currently working on a novel of my own. And I know how hard I work on making it as good as it can possibly be. I write, and re-write, re-write again, and I edit, and then I get feedback from my critique partners, and then I edit some more. I was almost halfway through my book when I realized that it just wasn't working as it was, and I went back and scrapped entire sections, wrote several brand new chapters, and basically transformed the entire thing. It was exhausting, and it took a lot of extra time, but I am so much happier with the result. That is what someone who cares about the quality of their work does. I guarantee you that L.A. Witt does not do that. And while I respect her like crazy, I have to disagree with that approach. Knowing how hard I work to make my writing as good as it can be, and then reading books (especially ones put out by professional publishing companies) that are obviously, at best, a second draft, frustrates me.
(Oh, and it wasn't just the rambly, repetitious internal monologue. There were also dozens of little typos, which also drives me crazy because I was actually turned down for a job as a line editor at Samhain because I didn't catch enough mistakes in the sample file. So reading a book published by Samhain and finding tons of little things like that makes my blood boil on a totally different level. Maybe they weren't/aren't paying for line editing anymore either.)
2. As another reviewer put it, this is the kind of book that could have been over in 10 pages if the characters had just freaking talked to each other. SMH.
It is obvious from the very beginning of the book that Cam and Theo's problems stem from some easily treatable mental/emotional health issues that both of them are experiencing. But they won't tell each other. Cam refuses to tell Theo , and Theo refuses to tell Cam about his , and both of them refuse to As someone who lives every day trying to manage my own depression, that kind of shit makes me stabby.
They keep saying they want to work things out, so they'll meet up to "talk" supposedly, but then they don't want to have an argument so they don't ever actually talk about anything and then they both just leave more frustrated and sure it's over.
They won't go to counseling because they think the counselor will tell them to get rid of Nate. But like... you're in freaking LA, you guys!!! You can find a damn counselor who's worked with poly relationships before.
Even Nate was a culprit in all this. He No one ever said working through your problems was going to be easy. It's going to be painful. You do it anyway. You can't just not talk because it leads to an argument.
And waaaaay too much sex. Like every chapter was sex. They just have sex instead of talking to each other. I skimmed a lot of that.
After all that frustration and anger, I was so ready for the book to be over so when they finally figured their shit out, I was so relieved I actually really enjoyed the end of the book. The epilogue was good. I liked how it And I loved how
A generous three stars.
August 21, 2017
dnf at 55%
a rinse and repeat cycle of pining, sorrowful thinking and sex
a rinse and repeat cycle of pining, sorrowful thinking and sex
August 10, 2022
Possible Triggers: Severe anxiety & depression, serious relationship issues
I really like this author's work. I've read all of her series and loved how she interacted her characters...so when I saw that this was an M/M/M romance, which I haven't read many of, I thought I'd give it a try. It has a little bit of humor, but it also has a boat load of angst. Be aware that the story deals with severe anxiety and depression as well as the ups and downs that come with serious relationships. If you read or have ever read this genre then you know that the MC's always go through some type of trauma before things usually level out...but be prepared... with this book, you’re going to read about a 15-year relationship that resulted in a marriage that has literally fallen apart...and the impact that it has on their third. While there are some flashbacks to happier times, they are overshadowed by the depression on the third guy who loves them both. The story does have a "happy ever after" ending but you will have to read a lot of very sad things that are unfortunately also very realistic, before you get to it. L.A. Witt's books always get 5-star ratings from me, but 4 stars for this one. I momentarily thought about 3, but she did pull it out in the end... but I had already spent a lot of time literally aching for the third guy.
I really like this author's work. I've read all of her series and loved how she interacted her characters...so when I saw that this was an M/M/M romance, which I haven't read many of, I thought I'd give it a try. It has a little bit of humor, but it also has a boat load of angst. Be aware that the story deals with severe anxiety and depression as well as the ups and downs that come with serious relationships. If you read or have ever read this genre then you know that the MC's always go through some type of trauma before things usually level out...but be prepared... with this book, you’re going to read about a 15-year relationship that resulted in a marriage that has literally fallen apart...and the impact that it has on their third. While there are some flashbacks to happier times, they are overshadowed by the depression on the third guy who loves them both. The story does have a "happy ever after" ending but you will have to read a lot of very sad things that are unfortunately also very realistic, before you get to it. L.A. Witt's books always get 5-star ratings from me, but 4 stars for this one. I momentarily thought about 3, but she did pull it out in the end... but I had already spent a lot of time literally aching for the third guy.
June 26, 2016
We all read romance as an escape, and I was sad to find that I had to really push myself to keep reading this book. I typically love everything I read from this author, so this came as a complete surprise to me. It was straight up exhausting to read. That's the only way I can describe it. The book felt, at least to me, to be pushing an agenda about mental health and how it can affect a relationship in the worst possible way when left untreated. I get it, and typically I'd be okay with that, but I really didn't like it because of the execution. It was an intense book where the characters are broken up until the last 10% of the book...no joke. That's not romance to me. Yes there is sex and we are told the characters love one another, but their inability to communicate on even the most basic of levels made it extremely difficult to read. When I reached the end, I've never been so relieved for a story to be over and I was proud I made it all the way through. I kept telling myself it would get better and things would fall together, but even when they did it was too little too late. I guess you can't love them all and I don't know what I expected going into this one, but this was not it.
*I received a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest review.*
*I received a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest review.*
July 28, 2016
An ARC was provided through NetGally in exchange for an honest review.
This book is my least favorite kind of book. The kind that would last ten pages if the characters bothered to be honest. And despite it I'm still awesome. There I told all y'all. See how easy that was?
But here we spend hundreds of pages and millions of conversations, none of which go anywhere because everyone is hiding something. Then they whine about how hard they're trying. NO you're NOT trying AT ALL!
I really liked Nate, but the other two got on my very lastest nerve. I finished the book simply because I believe it's my duty to do so if I get a book for free in order to review. And so I stuck until the very end waiting for it to get better. And while they finally did the rational thing, the fact that they dragged me through so much crap, made me really dislike this book. I feel bad because I normally enjoy L.A. Witt, but this was terrible. I'm sorry...
This book is my least favorite kind of book. The kind that would last ten pages if the characters bothered to be honest. And despite it I'm still awesome. There I told all y'all. See how easy that was?
But here we spend hundreds of pages and millions of conversations, none of which go anywhere because everyone is hiding something. Then they whine about how hard they're trying. NO you're NOT trying AT ALL!
I really liked Nate, but the other two got on my very lastest nerve. I finished the book simply because I believe it's my duty to do so if I get a book for free in order to review. And so I stuck until the very end waiting for it to get better. And while they finally did the rational thing, the fact that they dragged me through so much crap, made me really dislike this book. I feel bad because I normally enjoy L.A. Witt, but this was terrible. I'm sorry...
April 10, 2016
4.5 Stars
I've always been fascinated by stories where one of the main characters has a mental condition, be it depression, anxiety, OCD or any other condition that invisible to us but a struggle for them on a daily basis. I was wary of requesting this book despite the fact that I really like L.A.Witt, I don't like threesomes. Sure, I've read some threesome books that worked for me really well, but generally they're hard to connect with and not very believable as a real life situation. But this.... this was really good! I loved many things about it and I have very little that didn't work for me. It was surely a success.
I'm not going to bother to re-tell the blurb, so I'll just start by talking about what I really liked. I loved how Cam and Nate's mental conditions were approached because it was easy for me to believe how easily they missed seeing important things about each other; Cam has been suffering from anxiety for many years but he never really acknowledged his condition. I know how easy it is to dismiss your symptoms and reactions as daily stress and I also know how much easier it is to keep them to yourself and not bother your partner with something like that.
Over the years, Cam's anxiety got a lot worse and financial troubles and lack of control over said problems resulted in a pretty severe form of OCD. What started off as mild anxiety turned into severe panic attacks, over the top OCD (which caused many intense fights and arguments with his husband Theo) and constant anxiety. The fights between Cam and Theo turned more and more aggressive and escalated to the point where they could no longer live with each other. Despite their efforts to present a united front to Nate in order to save him from stress and help him focus on his tour, Cam and Theo are falling apart. Theo has been battling depression for years, but he's not aware of it and therefore he's not getting the much needed medication. I realize that it's probably hard for the person battling depression to figure out they need help, especially when the depression isn't obvious and the symptoms are easily blamed on other life problems.
I wanted Cam and Theo to SEE that something is wrong and help each other out, but I know that's easier said than done, especially since they were both too distracted by their own personal battles to be able to focus on the other. That's where Nate comes in; Nate has been on tour for months and has only gotten to see Theo and Cam once a month if lucky. When he finds out that Cam and Theo are not as strong as they seem and that the relationship Nate thought as indestructible is falling apart, Nate is heartbroken. Now Nate finds himself in the middle of the storm so to say, much like a child in the middle of a bitter divorce; he doesn't want to choose between Theo and Cam because he loves them both more than anything and he's trusting them to talk about their issues and try to get back together. After realizing that Cam and Theo are not putting any effort into saving their marriage and neither of them is ready to admit that depression and severe anxiety is tearing them apart, Nate has to decide what's best for himself, he needs to be selfish in order to repair his broken heart.
This book is full of emotions, both good and bad, and I couldn't put it down until I got to the end. I needed to know how this was going to play out like I needed my next breath. I love when a book draws me in and makes me forget there's a real world apart from the one in the book. Despite the feeling at times that the book was lagging a bit, if any of these serious issues would've been brushed over like they're not important enough I would've been mad. So I welcomed that feeling!
There was also an insane amount of sex in this book, hot, intense and filthy at times; as much as I like sex in my books, I wanted them to spend less time fucking and more time discussing the elephant in the room. I loved that Nate felt like an authentic part of the relationship but I couldn't help but feel like Cam and Theo wanted to sexualize every moment they got to spend with him; I know it was for obvious reasons, so that they didn't have to discuss the lack of progress they were making towards fixing their marriage, but I needed Nate to put his foot down and his dick in his pants until he got the information he needed.
In the end, after a lot of hard work and some much needed dose of reality, they got their happy ending..yes, all three of them! The HEA was beautiful and exactly what I was hoping for! So despite minor reproaches, I have so much love for this book!
I've always been fascinated by stories where one of the main characters has a mental condition, be it depression, anxiety, OCD or any other condition that invisible to us but a struggle for them on a daily basis. I was wary of requesting this book despite the fact that I really like L.A.Witt, I don't like threesomes. Sure, I've read some threesome books that worked for me really well, but generally they're hard to connect with and not very believable as a real life situation. But this.... this was really good! I loved many things about it and I have very little that didn't work for me. It was surely a success.
I'm not going to bother to re-tell the blurb, so I'll just start by talking about what I really liked. I loved how Cam and Nate's mental conditions were approached because it was easy for me to believe how easily they missed seeing important things about each other; Cam has been suffering from anxiety for many years but he never really acknowledged his condition. I know how easy it is to dismiss your symptoms and reactions as daily stress and I also know how much easier it is to keep them to yourself and not bother your partner with something like that.
Over the years, Cam's anxiety got a lot worse and financial troubles and lack of control over said problems resulted in a pretty severe form of OCD. What started off as mild anxiety turned into severe panic attacks, over the top OCD (which caused many intense fights and arguments with his husband Theo) and constant anxiety. The fights between Cam and Theo turned more and more aggressive and escalated to the point where they could no longer live with each other. Despite their efforts to present a united front to Nate in order to save him from stress and help him focus on his tour, Cam and Theo are falling apart. Theo has been battling depression for years, but he's not aware of it and therefore he's not getting the much needed medication. I realize that it's probably hard for the person battling depression to figure out they need help, especially when the depression isn't obvious and the symptoms are easily blamed on other life problems.
I wanted Cam and Theo to SEE that something is wrong and help each other out, but I know that's easier said than done, especially since they were both too distracted by their own personal battles to be able to focus on the other. That's where Nate comes in; Nate has been on tour for months and has only gotten to see Theo and Cam once a month if lucky. When he finds out that Cam and Theo are not as strong as they seem and that the relationship Nate thought as indestructible is falling apart, Nate is heartbroken. Now Nate finds himself in the middle of the storm so to say, much like a child in the middle of a bitter divorce; he doesn't want to choose between Theo and Cam because he loves them both more than anything and he's trusting them to talk about their issues and try to get back together. After realizing that Cam and Theo are not putting any effort into saving their marriage and neither of them is ready to admit that depression and severe anxiety is tearing them apart, Nate has to decide what's best for himself, he needs to be selfish in order to repair his broken heart.
This book is full of emotions, both good and bad, and I couldn't put it down until I got to the end. I needed to know how this was going to play out like I needed my next breath. I love when a book draws me in and makes me forget there's a real world apart from the one in the book. Despite the feeling at times that the book was lagging a bit, if any of these serious issues would've been brushed over like they're not important enough I would've been mad. So I welcomed that feeling!
There was also an insane amount of sex in this book, hot, intense and filthy at times; as much as I like sex in my books, I wanted them to spend less time fucking and more time discussing the elephant in the room. I loved that Nate felt like an authentic part of the relationship but I couldn't help but feel like Cam and Theo wanted to sexualize every moment they got to spend with him; I know it was for obvious reasons, so that they didn't have to discuss the lack of progress they were making towards fixing their marriage, but I needed Nate to put his foot down and his dick in his pants until he got the information he needed.
In the end, after a lot of hard work and some much needed dose of reality, they got their happy ending..yes, all three of them! The HEA was beautiful and exactly what I was hoping for! So despite minor reproaches, I have so much love for this book!
July 23, 2016
2.5 stars
I was super excited about this book the moment I read the blurb back in the spring. It's such an intriguing idea: what happens to a triad when one side breaks? How do the two remaining couples deal with it? \o/
Oy.
/o\ Of all of my complaints about the book, I think my biggest is about all of the inappropriately timed sex. So much inappropriately timed sex. These three guys had major stuff to talk about through the entire book, but they'd either talk for two minutes (about nothing) and then have sex, or have sex and then talk for two minutes (about nothing), or just have sex with no talking. I think the worst was when —in addition to obviously being included just so there was more on-page sex, it really killed a lot of dramatic tension. Like...all of it. How serious could the problems be if . I know that's not an entirely fair question, but it happens SO early in the book that the reader doesn't have time to buy into how bad their issues might be. I think that's where the book really started going downhill for me; that incident killed a ton of the story's credibility.
The next biggest problem is that the whole story had virtually no depth. They were all "We've done everything we could but it's still not working!" except, no, they hadn't tried everything they could. They barely tried anything. Nate, in particular, was completely full of crap while he was angsting about it all being sooooo hard on him and him not being able to take anymore. Maybe that's really the case, but we weren't shown it and I have no idea when it happened.
I did very much like what ended up being the root of the issues for Cam and Theo. It's believable that they didn't see what was going on, and with Nate on the road, he could conceivably have missed it all, too. And the issues were fixable, so I can buy that they'd be able to deal with things and then get back together. Too bad soooooo much of that stuff was yada yadaed right over (). It would have been good to see that stuff! But that would have involved getting too involved with actual story, which to that point, the book had avoided. The stuff with both Theo's and Cam's mindsets was almost too good sometimes—almost too textbook, almost preachy. But overall, I did like that stuff and thought it was done reasonably well.
I could probably go on and on. Maybe about my disappointment that Nate only tried for about four seconds to be with the guys individually before he threw in the towel. There was a lot of potential there—so many questions! Like what would happen if he wanted to get more serious with one (or both?) of them; how would that be handled? But there was very little of that addressed. Instead we got pages and pages of these guys thinking about the same things over and over: how hard things are, how much they still really love each other, how they don't know where things went wrong, how they want to fix things but don't know how. I wanted angst and grit and all of that—but instead I was mostly just frustrated.
In the end, I had almost no emotional investment in these characters or their story, and the whole thing was just disappointing. Yeah, there were things that got to me (I got teary a couple of times), but by halfway through, I just wanted it to be over. It did get a bit more exciting maybe...two-thirds of the way through? When —just as I was seriously contemplating bailing, I was sucked back in. Didn't last that long, though.
While I bought the threesome relationship (we come into it four+ years after they got together, so it wasn't a matter of buying whether or not the three of them together makes sense), I really wanted to see more of them just being. I know that wasn't really what this story was about, but I feel like after all of the trials, we deserved to see the three of them being happy. (The epilogue was so yap-yap that it doesn't count.) Or, you know, at any point in the book having any of them spend time together without having things devolve to sex. It seems like they couldn't just spend time hanging out—they had to be having sex, I guess. That grew tedious.
I think maybe were a couple of things the author wanted to happen (), and she forced the rest of the story to form to those things. Except it all just ended up feeling forced and fake. Bleh.
I was super excited about this book the moment I read the blurb back in the spring. It's such an intriguing idea: what happens to a triad when one side breaks? How do the two remaining couples deal with it? \o/
Oy.
/o\ Of all of my complaints about the book, I think my biggest is about all of the inappropriately timed sex. So much inappropriately timed sex. These three guys had major stuff to talk about through the entire book, but they'd either talk for two minutes (about nothing) and then have sex, or have sex and then talk for two minutes (about nothing), or just have sex with no talking. I think the worst was when —in addition to obviously being included just so there was more on-page sex, it really killed a lot of dramatic tension. Like...all of it. How serious could the problems be if . I know that's not an entirely fair question, but it happens SO early in the book that the reader doesn't have time to buy into how bad their issues might be. I think that's where the book really started going downhill for me; that incident killed a ton of the story's credibility.
The next biggest problem is that the whole story had virtually no depth. They were all "We've done everything we could but it's still not working!" except, no, they hadn't tried everything they could. They barely tried anything. Nate, in particular, was completely full of crap while he was angsting about it all being sooooo hard on him and him not being able to take anymore. Maybe that's really the case, but we weren't shown it and I have no idea when it happened.
I did very much like what ended up being the root of the issues for Cam and Theo. It's believable that they didn't see what was going on, and with Nate on the road, he could conceivably have missed it all, too. And the issues were fixable, so I can buy that they'd be able to deal with things and then get back together. Too bad soooooo much of that stuff was yada yadaed right over (). It would have been good to see that stuff! But that would have involved getting too involved with actual story, which to that point, the book had avoided. The stuff with both Theo's and Cam's mindsets was almost too good sometimes—almost too textbook, almost preachy. But overall, I did like that stuff and thought it was done reasonably well.
I could probably go on and on. Maybe about my disappointment that Nate only tried for about four seconds to be with the guys individually before he threw in the towel. There was a lot of potential there—so many questions! Like what would happen if he wanted to get more serious with one (or both?) of them; how would that be handled? But there was very little of that addressed. Instead we got pages and pages of these guys thinking about the same things over and over: how hard things are, how much they still really love each other, how they don't know where things went wrong, how they want to fix things but don't know how. I wanted angst and grit and all of that—but instead I was mostly just frustrated.
In the end, I had almost no emotional investment in these characters or their story, and the whole thing was just disappointing. Yeah, there were things that got to me (I got teary a couple of times), but by halfway through, I just wanted it to be over. It did get a bit more exciting maybe...two-thirds of the way through? When —just as I was seriously contemplating bailing, I was sucked back in. Didn't last that long, though.
While I bought the threesome relationship (we come into it four+ years after they got together, so it wasn't a matter of buying whether or not the three of them together makes sense), I really wanted to see more of them just being. I know that wasn't really what this story was about, but I feel like after all of the trials, we deserved to see the three of them being happy. (The epilogue was so yap-yap that it doesn't count.) Or, you know, at any point in the book having any of them spend time together without having things devolve to sex. It seems like they couldn't just spend time hanging out—they had to be having sex, I guess. That grew tedious.
I think maybe were a couple of things the author wanted to happen (), and she forced the rest of the story to form to those things. Except it all just ended up feeling forced and fake. Bleh.
July 22, 2016
Loved Cam, Theo and Nate, enjoyed reading their story. :)
May 2, 2018
As always, when a semester comes near the end and grading piles up, I need to read something fast, mindless, and escapist. However, my usual comments about novels like this one (fun, mindless, able to skim, escapist, full of sex, predictable characters, predictable plot) were not enough. Instead, I found myself paying more attention when the story went beyond the typical mm (on, as in this case, mmm) plot and explored how mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety can creep into a relationship without anyone being aware until the damage is done.
Escapism with some opportunity for thinking.
Escapism with some opportunity for thinking.
September 1, 2016
I’m a huge fan of this author and have read almost everything she’s written. After reading the blurb, I jumped at the chance to read Hiatus.
We first have Cam and Theo. An established couple who have been together for seventeen years. When the story begins, they’re taking a break from one another, sort of like a trial separation.
Then we have Nate, a budding rock star on the brink of worldwide success. He was brought into the relationship by both Cam and Theo a few years ago, and all seemed to be going so well. Or so he thought. It’s an “it’s not you, it’s us” kinda thing. As I started reading, I was really looking forward to how the author was going to work this all out. I made the assumption this was going to be an intense read with realistic relationship growth and discovery. Sadly, I was wrong.
I get what the author was trying to convey to the reader: the downward spiral of depression, OCD issues, anxiety, the repercussions of mental disorders. It was all there, but I don’t feel it was taken to the next level. To me, it seemed like it was all on the surface and not really dealt with. And Cam and Theo getting together to talk was painful—they never really talked to each other. In their heads, they talked to themselves about what they wanted to say, but nothing ever came of it. Now, this went on chapter after chapter and got a little monotonous, to say the least.
Nate, on the other hand, is literally stuck in the middle here. He wants to help but has no clue what to do or say. At first I felt bad for him. While his band is on tour, he leaves his bandmates to go try to help the men he loves, and this is where I think the ball was dropped. Instead of really helping Cam and Theo, who are beyond devastated at the thought of losing each other, Nate has sex with them. There’s almost no talking between the three men. What? Where’s the story? What I would’ve liked to see was more on-page scenes of their therapy sessions. Nothing about their issues was presented to us readers–it was all off page. Nate could have played a key role in this story; instead, he was just used for sex. So many missed opportunities here.
So, the sex is going on (there’s a lot of it), no one is really talking to one another, and at one point I was thinking that Nate is like a prostitute servicing his men. Then, after that goes on for almost the entire book, Nate’s out. He can’t take it anymore; he can’t help them. Dude, you didn’t even try to help!
Cam and Theo finally seek outside help. They discover what went wrong and get back together. Nate comes home and they’re one big happy family again. And this all happened in the last 10% of the story. Alrighty then.
I will say that I enjoy this author and usually love everything I read by her. Unfortunately, not this one. From other reviews I’ve read, it’s a mixed bag. Some readers loved this story, others, not so much. So take a chance, you may like it. No doubt, I will continue to read L.A. Witt’s books.
Reviewed by Lynn for The Novel Approach Reviews
We first have Cam and Theo. An established couple who have been together for seventeen years. When the story begins, they’re taking a break from one another, sort of like a trial separation.
Then we have Nate, a budding rock star on the brink of worldwide success. He was brought into the relationship by both Cam and Theo a few years ago, and all seemed to be going so well. Or so he thought. It’s an “it’s not you, it’s us” kinda thing. As I started reading, I was really looking forward to how the author was going to work this all out. I made the assumption this was going to be an intense read with realistic relationship growth and discovery. Sadly, I was wrong.
I get what the author was trying to convey to the reader: the downward spiral of depression, OCD issues, anxiety, the repercussions of mental disorders. It was all there, but I don’t feel it was taken to the next level. To me, it seemed like it was all on the surface and not really dealt with. And Cam and Theo getting together to talk was painful—they never really talked to each other. In their heads, they talked to themselves about what they wanted to say, but nothing ever came of it. Now, this went on chapter after chapter and got a little monotonous, to say the least.
Nate, on the other hand, is literally stuck in the middle here. He wants to help but has no clue what to do or say. At first I felt bad for him. While his band is on tour, he leaves his bandmates to go try to help the men he loves, and this is where I think the ball was dropped. Instead of really helping Cam and Theo, who are beyond devastated at the thought of losing each other, Nate has sex with them. There’s almost no talking between the three men. What? Where’s the story? What I would’ve liked to see was more on-page scenes of their therapy sessions. Nothing about their issues was presented to us readers–it was all off page. Nate could have played a key role in this story; instead, he was just used for sex. So many missed opportunities here.
So, the sex is going on (there’s a lot of it), no one is really talking to one another, and at one point I was thinking that Nate is like a prostitute servicing his men. Then, after that goes on for almost the entire book, Nate’s out. He can’t take it anymore; he can’t help them. Dude, you didn’t even try to help!
Cam and Theo finally seek outside help. They discover what went wrong and get back together. Nate comes home and they’re one big happy family again. And this all happened in the last 10% of the story. Alrighty then.
I will say that I enjoy this author and usually love everything I read by her. Unfortunately, not this one. From other reviews I’ve read, it’s a mixed bag. Some readers loved this story, others, not so much. So take a chance, you may like it. No doubt, I will continue to read L.A. Witt’s books.
Reviewed by Lynn for The Novel Approach Reviews
July 29, 2016
I love menage books and when I read the blurb about a rock star, Hiatus sounded like it would work for me. I knew it could possibly be very angsty-of which I am not a fan of, but figured I'd give it a try. It was a very hard book for me to get through. It was angsty, full of drama, and just draining.
Cam and Theo have been in a committed relationship for seventeen years. They are married. A few years ago they added Nate to their relationship and became a triad. But you never get the feeling that Nate is fully vested in the triad since he is gone touring with his band most of the book. The story starts with Cam telling Nate he and Theo have separated. He's blindsided with the news and above all, hurt. Hurt because he wasn't included. He didn't know the problems were going on. But in all fairness, I think he was a bit naïve to think they would tell him everything. Especially when he's never there! He's the one that left to follow his dream. I guess he didn't figure they would go on with their lives too. Well sort of.
Cam and Theo have issues, and it's obvious that communication is non-existent. It's hard enough with a couple yet alone a triad with one always on the road. I don't like how they were using Nate as a pawn throughout. They didn't want their individual relationships with him to change-but of course they can't stay the same either. Nate is in upheaval and seriously is trying the best he can give the circumstances but it seemed to be a losing battle. There was so much that took place while he's been gone that the way back has been blocked. Cam and Theo refused to listen to Nate and refused to even start with counselling. They were crumbling and it was hard to watch. They just kept blaming everyone but themselves. That gets old after awhile and it went on for most of this book. Yes I understand they had issues, but man-up, talk to someone and get a grip on them for yourself! At least try!
I was turned off by the lack of progress with these characters. Cam and Theo refused to do anything. Nate was banging his head against the wall because he couldn't get them to do anything either. If none of the characters are willing to put in the work to change things, what makes the author think the reader wants to continue reading about it either. I had no interest at this point. I truly didn't care.
If you read Hiatus, you may get more from it than I did. The journey was just too taxing and the wrap up underwhelming. It was really just a little too late.
2 stars/2 flames
I was gifted this book by the Jeep Diva for the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are solely my opinion and in no way was I compensated.
Cam and Theo have been in a committed relationship for seventeen years. They are married. A few years ago they added Nate to their relationship and became a triad. But you never get the feeling that Nate is fully vested in the triad since he is gone touring with his band most of the book. The story starts with Cam telling Nate he and Theo have separated. He's blindsided with the news and above all, hurt. Hurt because he wasn't included. He didn't know the problems were going on. But in all fairness, I think he was a bit naïve to think they would tell him everything. Especially when he's never there! He's the one that left to follow his dream. I guess he didn't figure they would go on with their lives too. Well sort of.
Cam and Theo have issues, and it's obvious that communication is non-existent. It's hard enough with a couple yet alone a triad with one always on the road. I don't like how they were using Nate as a pawn throughout. They didn't want their individual relationships with him to change-but of course they can't stay the same either. Nate is in upheaval and seriously is trying the best he can give the circumstances but it seemed to be a losing battle. There was so much that took place while he's been gone that the way back has been blocked. Cam and Theo refused to listen to Nate and refused to even start with counselling. They were crumbling and it was hard to watch. They just kept blaming everyone but themselves. That gets old after awhile and it went on for most of this book. Yes I understand they had issues, but man-up, talk to someone and get a grip on them for yourself! At least try!
I was turned off by the lack of progress with these characters. Cam and Theo refused to do anything. Nate was banging his head against the wall because he couldn't get them to do anything either. If none of the characters are willing to put in the work to change things, what makes the author think the reader wants to continue reading about it either. I had no interest at this point. I truly didn't care.
If you read Hiatus, you may get more from it than I did. The journey was just too taxing and the wrap up underwhelming. It was really just a little too late.
2 stars/2 flames
I was gifted this book by the Jeep Diva for the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are solely my opinion and in no way was I compensated.
July 24, 2016
2.5 stars
March 25, 2017
I have all-over-the-place feelings about this book. There was a lot of skimming for me because a lot of it seemed like the same thing over and over again.
So, Nate, Cam, and Theo are in a relationship: Cam & Theo are married, Nate is their boyfriend. Cam & Theo decide to do a trial separation because they're at each other's throats all the time, all the while Nate is on tour with his band. Majority of the book is a lot of back & forth with 3 POVs of how miserable everyone is, and Cam meeting with Nate, & they end up having sex, or Theo meeting with Nate & end up having sex. This was interspersed with Cam
I did find Nate's slight stutter adorable. And it was nice to see glimpses of their lives before shit hit the fan. But in general, this book was a bit of a disappointment, and kind of a downer to be honest.
So, Nate, Cam, and Theo are in a relationship: Cam & Theo are married, Nate is their boyfriend. Cam & Theo decide to do a trial separation because they're at each other's throats all the time, all the while Nate is on tour with his band. Majority of the book is a lot of back & forth with 3 POVs of how miserable everyone is, and Cam meeting with Nate, & they end up having sex, or Theo meeting with Nate & end up having sex. This was interspersed with Cam
I did find Nate's slight stutter adorable. And it was nice to see glimpses of their lives before shit hit the fan. But in general, this book was a bit of a disappointment, and kind of a downer to be honest.
December 9, 2017
I've always loved La Witt's books and not many fall short of five stars....This one however i'm giving four stars and I know that's still good I didn't quite feel it deserved that one extra star for one reason....Theo and Cam I just didn't feel like they did enough soon enough to help get their marriage back on track....Fair enough they did it eventually,so no idea what people who reviewed saying this was all sex and no helping were talking about....They did eventually talk when they'd hit rock bottom which sometimes you have to do...Nate I felt so sorry for because he was stuck in the middle....How do you keep the two people you love when those two people have split up....by walking away.....Nate walking away I think made them wake up...This was done really well....I thought the way Miss Witt had the two married splitting up and why they split up was done just right......Cam and his panic attacks broke my heart....When Theo had his episode god I nearly broke down with him....Poor Nate struggled but oh that ending though....Always knew there would be a HEA...How they got there was hard but damn it was worth it x
May 9, 2016
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
4 Stars
I'm just going to be straight-up honest about how this book read and the effect it had on me, and it will probably do the same with the majority of readers. Anyone who has been in a long-term relationship for more than five years will no doubt be able to empathize with one, if not both, of the characters.
Nate is on tour when unexpectedly Cam- one of his lovers- informs him how the other two thirds of their triad are separated. This isn't what he signed on for, picking and choose who he is to see, when and where, while knowing it felt like picking sides. He also didn't need it when he was suffering through an exhausting yet thrilling time in his career that is finite.
Cam and Theo looked selfish from Nate's eyes, yet they waited to tell him because they truly aren't selfish. One-sided, unable to see the part they play in their own relationship, but not doing it on purpose.
Hiatus is the time Nate took off from his tour, but most importantly the time Cam & Theo took off from their relationship. It is a journey to highlight how both halves in a relationship will believe themselves to be not only right, but also the victim, and this mentality will dissolve a marriage even faster, and it will follow them into their next relationship, and the next. Because even in cases of abuse and addiction, (don't get your panties in a wad, I'm speaking of my own broken marriage) both parties still play a part in the destruction, and both parties must admit their faults, at least to themselves, in order to either fix what has been broken or move on and be mentally healthy.
I thought LA Witt did an accurate portrayal, and I'm glad the novel was written from all three view points. Nate was both right and wrong. Cam was both right and wrong. Theo was both right and wrong. There was a lack of communication, where the husbands weren't only lying to their partner, but to themselves about some heavy topics, and this transferred to not caring and nitpicking.
I will be honest about Hiatus. I felt it was written perfectly, yet I found no entertainment value in it. I felt as if I were Nate (or the child of the couple). The reader is placed in the middle of a squabbling couple, being inundated by all the bitterness and resentment and feeling frustrated because your hands were tied, unable to fix it, when the fix is within them both, not the relationship itself.
However, I did feel Nate to be an enabler. Why he came home yet didn't inform those he loved how their other half had depression or anxiety issues. He just left them without a support system, leaving them to guess why their marriage was broken when he had the answer but kept it to himself. I'm not blaming Nate for the issues, but I felt this was odd, a way to draw the book out in length. To have the key and not use it... that was baffling. Cam and Theo were 'in' it, so close to the problem, wallowing in it, that they couldn't see the forest through the trees. Nate saw it all, yet never spoke up about the real problems.
Lying to oneself, to each other, not self-reflecting and seeing the truth, and a breakdown in communication was the total of the issues. The reader gets to suffer through this as if in real life. Maybe it was too real, and I never thought I'd say such a thing about a book, when it's exactly what I beg for. But this was too real in the way that I didn't want to suffer in their self-created misery with no entertainment value to be had. Even the between the sheets action felt out of place for me, too many scenes, taking away the emotional impact.
While I feel the book was written with accuracy, and shows me that the author is mentally and emotionally mature by being able to see all sides of the relationship, leaving the readers to empathize with everyone, it just left me feeling exhausted.
4 Stars
I'm just going to be straight-up honest about how this book read and the effect it had on me, and it will probably do the same with the majority of readers. Anyone who has been in a long-term relationship for more than five years will no doubt be able to empathize with one, if not both, of the characters.
Nate is on tour when unexpectedly Cam- one of his lovers- informs him how the other two thirds of their triad are separated. This isn't what he signed on for, picking and choose who he is to see, when and where, while knowing it felt like picking sides. He also didn't need it when he was suffering through an exhausting yet thrilling time in his career that is finite.
Cam and Theo looked selfish from Nate's eyes, yet they waited to tell him because they truly aren't selfish. One-sided, unable to see the part they play in their own relationship, but not doing it on purpose.
Hiatus is the time Nate took off from his tour, but most importantly the time Cam & Theo took off from their relationship. It is a journey to highlight how both halves in a relationship will believe themselves to be not only right, but also the victim, and this mentality will dissolve a marriage even faster, and it will follow them into their next relationship, and the next. Because even in cases of abuse and addiction, (don't get your panties in a wad, I'm speaking of my own broken marriage) both parties still play a part in the destruction, and both parties must admit their faults, at least to themselves, in order to either fix what has been broken or move on and be mentally healthy.
I thought LA Witt did an accurate portrayal, and I'm glad the novel was written from all three view points. Nate was both right and wrong. Cam was both right and wrong. Theo was both right and wrong. There was a lack of communication, where the husbands weren't only lying to their partner, but to themselves about some heavy topics, and this transferred to not caring and nitpicking.
I will be honest about Hiatus. I felt it was written perfectly, yet I found no entertainment value in it. I felt as if I were Nate (or the child of the couple). The reader is placed in the middle of a squabbling couple, being inundated by all the bitterness and resentment and feeling frustrated because your hands were tied, unable to fix it, when the fix is within them both, not the relationship itself.
However, I did feel Nate to be an enabler. Why he came home yet didn't inform those he loved how their other half had depression or anxiety issues. He just left them without a support system, leaving them to guess why their marriage was broken when he had the answer but kept it to himself. I'm not blaming Nate for the issues, but I felt this was odd, a way to draw the book out in length. To have the key and not use it... that was baffling. Cam and Theo were 'in' it, so close to the problem, wallowing in it, that they couldn't see the forest through the trees. Nate saw it all, yet never spoke up about the real problems.
Lying to oneself, to each other, not self-reflecting and seeing the truth, and a breakdown in communication was the total of the issues. The reader gets to suffer through this as if in real life. Maybe it was too real, and I never thought I'd say such a thing about a book, when it's exactly what I beg for. But this was too real in the way that I didn't want to suffer in their self-created misery with no entertainment value to be had. Even the between the sheets action felt out of place for me, too many scenes, taking away the emotional impact.
While I feel the book was written with accuracy, and shows me that the author is mentally and emotionally mature by being able to see all sides of the relationship, leaving the readers to empathize with everyone, it just left me feeling exhausted.
July 29, 2016
Title:Hiatus
Author:L.A. Witt
Series:
Publisher:Samhain Publishing
Reviewer:JoAnna
Release Date:July 19, 2016
Genre(s):LGBT
Page Count:244
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
I need to start this review with I love L.A. Witt. I have never been let down by a book before. That is until now. I had to put this book down 3 separate times. I was frustrated. I don’t know what it was other than the fact that these were supposed to be grown men. There was no communication at all. I felt like I was stuck in the middle of a custody battle and Nate didn’t know what to do. He felt helpless and wanted the men he loved to get it together.
There were so many things that could have gone different. Cam and Theo both agree not not let Nate suffer and be put in a position of choosing. Nate loves them both. Guess what? That never happened. Like I said, I felt like I was reading a custody battle. I never felt like Nate was an equal partner. Yes, I know that Cam and Theo are married and Nate is the boyfriend, however they claim to love him equally but I didn’t feel that. The are sparks and fireworks for these men. I can't deny that. Then there is jealousy that shouldn't be there when you have a couple, then move to a triad. If you are in committed relationship, why would you let one of them have relations with someone other than your partners. It didn’t make sense.
I am giving this book 3 stars and that is because of Nate and how he reacts to the whole thing. I really did like him.
Review Copy of Hiatus provided by L.A. Witt/Samhain Publishing for an honest Review.
Author:L.A. Witt
Series:
Publisher:Samhain Publishing
Reviewer:JoAnna
Release Date:July 19, 2016
Genre(s):LGBT
Page Count:244
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Three’s a disaster when things come unraveled.
Rock star Nate Keller is on top of the world, but his headlining tour has one drawback. It keeps him away from his boyfriends, Theo and Cameron, for weeks at a time. Yet after four-and-a-half years—and a lot of hard work—the trio is still going strong.
But then Cam comes to visit with devastating news. After seventeen years together, he and Theo have agreed to a trial separation. Nate tries desperately to fix his lovers’ broken relationship, but there’s only so much he can do from the road.
At home, Cam tries to carry on, but feels like his whole life is spiraling out of control. Theo struggles to cope with the split as his depression worsens. They’re both spinning their wheels, quickly losing hope they can keep it together—and keep the man they both still love.
Desperate, Nate drops everything in a last-ditch attempt to pull their trio back together before they hit rock bottom. Except their love could already be shattered beyond repair.
Review:
I need to start this review with I love L.A. Witt. I have never been let down by a book before. That is until now. I had to put this book down 3 separate times. I was frustrated. I don’t know what it was other than the fact that these were supposed to be grown men. There was no communication at all. I felt like I was stuck in the middle of a custody battle and Nate didn’t know what to do. He felt helpless and wanted the men he loved to get it together.
There were so many things that could have gone different. Cam and Theo both agree not not let Nate suffer and be put in a position of choosing. Nate loves them both. Guess what? That never happened. Like I said, I felt like I was reading a custody battle. I never felt like Nate was an equal partner. Yes, I know that Cam and Theo are married and Nate is the boyfriend, however they claim to love him equally but I didn’t feel that. The are sparks and fireworks for these men. I can't deny that. Then there is jealousy that shouldn't be there when you have a couple, then move to a triad. If you are in committed relationship, why would you let one of them have relations with someone other than your partners. It didn’t make sense.
I am giving this book 3 stars and that is because of Nate and how he reacts to the whole thing. I really did like him.
Review Copy of Hiatus provided by L.A. Witt/Samhain Publishing for an honest Review.
July 19, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
I can't tell you how many times I've finished a book by author L.A. Witt (Ann Gallagher, Lauren Gallagher) and said, "What the hell did I just read?" I just did it again with Hiatus and I don't say that as a bad thing, I say it because she puts so much into her books that your brain just needs time to absorb it all and process it. Hiatus is a very, very good book and it tackles a multitude of issues, but it is also one hell of a love story between three men (yes, you read that right three men). There are moments of pain, moments of joy, moments of sadness, a whole lot of self reflection and compromise, but through it all there is love and in the end it is love that saves them all.
Cam and Theo have been together for over 15 years and married for many of those years and while they occasionally asked a third to join them for the past four and a half years Nate has been a part of them. While on tour with his band Nate looks forward to the days that Cam and Theo fly in to meet him, until Cam arrives to share the news that he and Theo have separated. While they both assure Nate they are working on their relationship and that what they feel for him hasn't changed, Nate's world is thrown into a tailspin as he tours around the country, spending time with Cam and Theo when they travel to him separately all while struggling to figure out what happened and how he can help. Honestly as bad as I felt for Cam and Theo in this book, my heart hurt for Nate so much.
This is a really hard review to write because I don't want to spoil this story; so I will say that both Cam and Theo have individual personal issues that have put their relationship in tatters. They aren't communicating at all and are both too scared and stubborn to seek outside help. While Nate tries to help them it become obvious that he can't help them when they refuse to help themselves and makes a drastic decision which has a snowball effect on them all.
I appreciated the very complex nature of this story; the toll mental health issues have not only on the individual dealing with them, but their relationships with others as well. There wasn't an easy answer to their problems and there was fallout for all three of these men, but hard work, time and some outside help put them back together stronger and better equipped to deal with anything life throws their way.
While this book does have a Hollywood worthy ending and it is most definitely a love story, there isn't a lot of romance in this book. What there is however is a married couple and the man they both love and have accepted in their lives as a third working very hard to repair what they had and ensure they live happily ever after.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
I can't tell you how many times I've finished a book by author L.A. Witt (Ann Gallagher, Lauren Gallagher) and said, "What the hell did I just read?" I just did it again with Hiatus and I don't say that as a bad thing, I say it because she puts so much into her books that your brain just needs time to absorb it all and process it. Hiatus is a very, very good book and it tackles a multitude of issues, but it is also one hell of a love story between three men (yes, you read that right three men). There are moments of pain, moments of joy, moments of sadness, a whole lot of self reflection and compromise, but through it all there is love and in the end it is love that saves them all.
Cam and Theo have been together for over 15 years and married for many of those years and while they occasionally asked a third to join them for the past four and a half years Nate has been a part of them. While on tour with his band Nate looks forward to the days that Cam and Theo fly in to meet him, until Cam arrives to share the news that he and Theo have separated. While they both assure Nate they are working on their relationship and that what they feel for him hasn't changed, Nate's world is thrown into a tailspin as he tours around the country, spending time with Cam and Theo when they travel to him separately all while struggling to figure out what happened and how he can help. Honestly as bad as I felt for Cam and Theo in this book, my heart hurt for Nate so much.
This is a really hard review to write because I don't want to spoil this story; so I will say that both Cam and Theo have individual personal issues that have put their relationship in tatters. They aren't communicating at all and are both too scared and stubborn to seek outside help. While Nate tries to help them it become obvious that he can't help them when they refuse to help themselves and makes a drastic decision which has a snowball effect on them all.
I appreciated the very complex nature of this story; the toll mental health issues have not only on the individual dealing with them, but their relationships with others as well. There wasn't an easy answer to their problems and there was fallout for all three of these men, but hard work, time and some outside help put them back together stronger and better equipped to deal with anything life throws their way.
While this book does have a Hollywood worthy ending and it is most definitely a love story, there isn't a lot of romance in this book. What there is however is a married couple and the man they both love and have accepted in their lives as a third working very hard to repair what they had and ensure they live happily ever after.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
March 16, 2020
**)3.5 ever loving Nate stars.
.•.•*) .•*)
(.• (.•`*I tried so hard to love the Sh!t out of this book!!!
It never takes me this long to read a book unless I am frustrated and weary or just plain got caught up in something else. The fights wore me down, and I am just a reader!! I was yelling, come on already, end this! Just TALK. Men are just wired that way. Too macho to express feelings and that is where it all comes to naught.
This was the perfect triad, until it all went to hell in a hand basket.
OK, premise. Five plus years ago, husbands Cam and Theo, having been together for a lifetime, invited Nate into their bed and into their heart. They were a family, a unit, a functioning one, or so Nate thought until the rocker went on tour and it all fell apart.
Nate was the catalyst that was holding them together, but I am glad he had the balls to do something so drastic to get Cam and Theo to pull their heads out of their collective asses! Yes, the sex scenes were hot, and I am even thankful that there was not always good times to be had. It made everything more real.
There were issues from the start. Just ones the men were not talking about. This story covered a mirage of mental health issues and yes, it was frustrating. I know. I have had severe bouts of depressions throughout my life when, like Theo, I could not make it out of bed or cried for no apparent reason. Then periods of wanting to rip everything apart and put it in order because a mild OCD would kick in.
Anyone dealing with even a small of these emotions should seek help. No one wants to be labelled as mentally challenged, but it is a fact of life. There are a heap of resources out there. I would have been happy if Ms. Witt had added some of these at the end. So I will be the voice of reason and say, call your Crisis Center and ask for help.
ARC provided by Samhain Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
.•.•*) .•*)
(.• (.•`*I tried so hard to love the Sh!t out of this book!!!
It never takes me this long to read a book unless I am frustrated and weary or just plain got caught up in something else. The fights wore me down, and I am just a reader!! I was yelling, come on already, end this! Just TALK. Men are just wired that way. Too macho to express feelings and that is where it all comes to naught.
This was the perfect triad, until it all went to hell in a hand basket.
OK, premise. Five plus years ago, husbands Cam and Theo, having been together for a lifetime, invited Nate into their bed and into their heart. They were a family, a unit, a functioning one, or so Nate thought until the rocker went on tour and it all fell apart.
Nate was the catalyst that was holding them together, but I am glad he had the balls to do something so drastic to get Cam and Theo to pull their heads out of their collective asses! Yes, the sex scenes were hot, and I am even thankful that there was not always good times to be had. It made everything more real.
There were issues from the start. Just ones the men were not talking about. This story covered a mirage of mental health issues and yes, it was frustrating. I know. I have had severe bouts of depressions throughout my life when, like Theo, I could not make it out of bed or cried for no apparent reason. Then periods of wanting to rip everything apart and put it in order because a mild OCD would kick in.
Anyone dealing with even a small of these emotions should seek help. No one wants to be labelled as mentally challenged, but it is a fact of life. There are a heap of resources out there. I would have been happy if Ms. Witt had added some of these at the end. So I will be the voice of reason and say, call your Crisis Center and ask for help.
ARC provided by Samhain Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
July 30, 2016
Talk about a story that will break your heart. Hiatus did that to me over and over for more than half of the story...but you know what? I loved it. Why would I love a book that hurt my heart? Because it has some wonderful characters who are beautiful yet flawed, a plot that grabbed my attention and kept it hostage for every page, and writing that flowed so well that I didn't realize how quickly the time was passing.
I really, really loved all three main characters. I quickly fell for each one of them, and their unique personalities and issues had me caring about all of them right from the start. I was fully invested in their relationship and became even more so with every page that passed by. Nate, Cam and Theo are intriguing on their own, but together--Nate and Cam, Nate and Theo, Theo and Cam...and all three together--the interactions are intense in every configuration, not to mention the tremendous chemistry in the couplings and threesome. When it comes to communication and working on their problems though, that's where you can see the obvious breakdown.
There was a constant stream of drama, angst and arguments, contrasted with a lot of steamy sex scenes. If you're not a fan of large amounts of turmoil and pain in your stories, be forewarned that Hiatus is filled with this for at least three quarters of the book. That said, I was happy with the way things ended up...though honestly the resolution and happy parts at the end could have been extended a bit to help balance out all the issues and sadness. Again, this type of story is not going to be everyone's cup of tea; truthfully, this is not normally how I like the books I read to go. But something in it kept my heart fully involved, and in the end I was immensely satisfied with this book.
I give Hiatus 4.5 stars, and recommend this to M/M romance fans who prefer their stories on the high side of the angst and drama spectrum. This is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and explicit, intense M/M sexual content. The story is told from Nate, Cam and Theo's points of view, so you'll get a lot of depth and much more understanding of each character and their thoughts and feelings throughout the entire story.
I really, really loved all three main characters. I quickly fell for each one of them, and their unique personalities and issues had me caring about all of them right from the start. I was fully invested in their relationship and became even more so with every page that passed by. Nate, Cam and Theo are intriguing on their own, but together--Nate and Cam, Nate and Theo, Theo and Cam...and all three together--the interactions are intense in every configuration, not to mention the tremendous chemistry in the couplings and threesome. When it comes to communication and working on their problems though, that's where you can see the obvious breakdown.
There was a constant stream of drama, angst and arguments, contrasted with a lot of steamy sex scenes. If you're not a fan of large amounts of turmoil and pain in your stories, be forewarned that Hiatus is filled with this for at least three quarters of the book. That said, I was happy with the way things ended up...though honestly the resolution and happy parts at the end could have been extended a bit to help balance out all the issues and sadness. Again, this type of story is not going to be everyone's cup of tea; truthfully, this is not normally how I like the books I read to go. But something in it kept my heart fully involved, and in the end I was immensely satisfied with this book.
I give Hiatus 4.5 stars, and recommend this to M/M romance fans who prefer their stories on the high side of the angst and drama spectrum. This is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and explicit, intense M/M sexual content. The story is told from Nate, Cam and Theo's points of view, so you'll get a lot of depth and much more understanding of each character and their thoughts and feelings throughout the entire story.
May 1, 2016
I like L.A. Witt and I love poly romance, so I was excited to read it. I LOVED Witt’s Tooth and Claw series and couldn’t wait to dive into this new addition to the MMM subgenre.
I didn’t really love this book, unfortunately. When “Hiatus” starts, the threesome is already established and on the verge of falling apart. The problem with writing about pre-established romance characters, it almost always feels like there should’ve been a book before it. In fact, I had to double check that a prequel hadn’t existed. It took me a few chapters to not feel like I was coming into the middle-end of the MCs’ story.
Another problem that arises is the author having to “set up” the backstory of these characters, giving little flashbacks and memories to how they functioned together before the story started. But a lot of it came off as more telling than showing.
Getting Cam and Theo back together was like pulling teeth. What made it more frustrating was neither seemed to want to do the work to stay together. Didn’t want to talk to each other, didn’t want to go to counseling, didn’t want to acknowledge that there was something wrong with both of them individually. Didn’t want to communicate openly and honestly with each other, but swore they wanted to work it out and didn’t understand why they weren’t fixing their relationship. Just a lot of excuses that drew out this story longer than it needed to be.
I couldn’t really enjoy the sex scenes that much because of the (non-sexual) frustration I had with the characters. And they didn’t start or end on particularly happy notes and left me feeling unsatisfied.
I didn’t love this book, but I would love to read a prequel.
2.5 Stars
This book was given to be through Netgalley in exchange for a review
I didn’t really love this book, unfortunately. When “Hiatus” starts, the threesome is already established and on the verge of falling apart. The problem with writing about pre-established romance characters, it almost always feels like there should’ve been a book before it. In fact, I had to double check that a prequel hadn’t existed. It took me a few chapters to not feel like I was coming into the middle-end of the MCs’ story.
Another problem that arises is the author having to “set up” the backstory of these characters, giving little flashbacks and memories to how they functioned together before the story started. But a lot of it came off as more telling than showing.
Getting Cam and Theo back together was like pulling teeth. What made it more frustrating was neither seemed to want to do the work to stay together. Didn’t want to talk to each other, didn’t want to go to counseling, didn’t want to acknowledge that there was something wrong with both of them individually. Didn’t want to communicate openly and honestly with each other, but swore they wanted to work it out and didn’t understand why they weren’t fixing their relationship. Just a lot of excuses that drew out this story longer than it needed to be.
I couldn’t really enjoy the sex scenes that much because of the (non-sexual) frustration I had with the characters. And they didn’t start or end on particularly happy notes and left me feeling unsatisfied.
I didn’t love this book, but I would love to read a prequel.
2.5 Stars
This book was given to be through Netgalley in exchange for a review
to-read-mm
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July 24, 2016
Can't say it any better than this:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 20, 2016
3.5 stars
Nice MMM read. I just feel that for all the grief I was put thru I got very little (or too short) sweetness back in the end.
Nice MMM read. I just feel that for all the grief I was put thru I got very little (or too short) sweetness back in the end.
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October 25, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/16/2020)! 🎁
December 26, 2017
Three sexy men, life is complicated (an audio review)
This is not an action book. It is not a typical rock star book, nor is it a stereotypical ménage.
This is a relationship book. Real men, realistic situations, and painful separations.
I loved it.
Honestly, it did take a bit of time to orient myself as I am accustomed to action moving the story forward. With this book, often it is the lack of action that propels it into uncharted heart-breaking territory.
As this story involves three men, you could call it a ménage, but as Ms. Witt understands, in terms of polyamory – this is a true triad. Although Cam and Theo are married, Nate has equal status in the relationship and the three have been happily living together like this for more than four years.
With Nate’s rock star status, though, it means their relationship is in the ‘closet’. As the lead guitarist and frontman for Alien Emissary, his image is everything. Intriguing rumours about women he might be seeing means keeping his homosexuality a closely-held secret. His bandmates –friends since grade school – know the truth. They are also his support network and when the triad falls apart, it is Jill and his friends who rally around him.
And fall apart is the right term. Cam and Theo have agreed to a trial separation and Nate feels a bit like a child being shared between two bickering parents. Except he’s an adult and Cam and Theo have promised things will go on as they were before except it will be two separate relationships.
But, as a child of divorced parents, I can say that only the strongest of adults can endure divorce without letting some bitterness show through the cracks. Cam and Theo really do their best – and they both love Nate – but it’s just too hard.
The story is told from alternating first person points-of-view, split evenly between the three men. As such, the listener is pulled into the deep and dark places these men sometimes inhabit. Without giving too much away, there are some tough scenes in this book, and again, as someone who has seen dark places, they are very accurate and realistic.
Of course I have to mention Greg Boudreaux’s amazing performance. His narrations are always spot-on, and in this book he gives three distinct voices for the three men.
The reader needs to understand there are flashbacks and a slow-moving plot, so they should be prepared to sit back and enjoy a true relationship book. In the end, this is a romance, so it has a happy ending. And there are days when that is just perfect.
This is not an action book. It is not a typical rock star book, nor is it a stereotypical ménage.
This is a relationship book. Real men, realistic situations, and painful separations.
I loved it.
Honestly, it did take a bit of time to orient myself as I am accustomed to action moving the story forward. With this book, often it is the lack of action that propels it into uncharted heart-breaking territory.
As this story involves three men, you could call it a ménage, but as Ms. Witt understands, in terms of polyamory – this is a true triad. Although Cam and Theo are married, Nate has equal status in the relationship and the three have been happily living together like this for more than four years.
With Nate’s rock star status, though, it means their relationship is in the ‘closet’. As the lead guitarist and frontman for Alien Emissary, his image is everything. Intriguing rumours about women he might be seeing means keeping his homosexuality a closely-held secret. His bandmates –friends since grade school – know the truth. They are also his support network and when the triad falls apart, it is Jill and his friends who rally around him.
And fall apart is the right term. Cam and Theo have agreed to a trial separation and Nate feels a bit like a child being shared between two bickering parents. Except he’s an adult and Cam and Theo have promised things will go on as they were before except it will be two separate relationships.
But, as a child of divorced parents, I can say that only the strongest of adults can endure divorce without letting some bitterness show through the cracks. Cam and Theo really do their best – and they both love Nate – but it’s just too hard.
The story is told from alternating first person points-of-view, split evenly between the three men. As such, the listener is pulled into the deep and dark places these men sometimes inhabit. Without giving too much away, there are some tough scenes in this book, and again, as someone who has seen dark places, they are very accurate and realistic.
Of course I have to mention Greg Boudreaux’s amazing performance. His narrations are always spot-on, and in this book he gives three distinct voices for the three men.
The reader needs to understand there are flashbacks and a slow-moving plot, so they should be prepared to sit back and enjoy a true relationship book. In the end, this is a romance, so it has a happy ending. And there are days when that is just perfect.
Read
April 28, 201610 question review
So, Hiatus, tell us about this book
Hiatus is the story about three men in an established polyamory/menage relationship. Rather than start at the beginning of their relationship, Hiatus starts when the relationship hits a serious snag and it looks like there might be a break-up.
Hiatus is a stand-alone story, as far as I can tell and it’s told from the main characters point of view.
Are the characters of this story dynamic, rounded?
The main characters of the story are rock star Nate, massage therapist Cameron and investment banker Theo. They are the main focus of the story. There are no secondary characters other than some of Nate’s bandmates and Theo’s brother and his wife, though they hardly get any page time, so they are not developed or an integral part of the story.
While all three are likable characters, the reader will probably identify with Nate most as he is the one hit hardest by Theo and Cameron’s decision to break up. In a way Cameron and Theo can be seen as antagonists as well.
I found I liked neither of the characters, though that wasn’t really their fault. The story’s main focus is the break-up and it’s very slow going with a lack of communication between the characters that make it so that the reader will be frustrated with them very soon.
The reader only sees the characters in crisis, apart from a few flashbacks. That makes that the characters are very one-sided and because the story is slow going there is no real development apart from the last chapter. Due to the length of the story, it’s too late to really like them.
Is there an engaging plot in Hiatus? (plot driven, character driven, complications, twists, turns)
It will be personal for everyone, but for me no. Hiatus is a lengthy story that is character driven. There are no other plot angles to the story apart from the menage breaking apart. There is a distinct lack of communication between Theo and Cameron that frustrated me to the point of hair-pulling. Holy moley they didn’t even really know why they were breaking up, apart from personal problems that they wouldn’t share.
Take in the length and no other plot angles other than sex sex and more sex, it makes for a boring, frustrating read. In the last couple of chapters the cause is discovered and voila, back on track. It would have been better if that was explored more. As it was I just was nominally bored with this story, even thoughI was very happy to see a rare story with a focus on an established poly relationship, rather than one just at the start.
What about the writing of Hiatus? The structure? Language?
The writing is what we have come to know of this author. It’s good, solid and flowing, but I have seen better writing by this author. The style and writing had an unimaginative air in Hiatus. Like there was no direction.
Why did you read this book?
I’m one of those readers that love poly relationships. Especially with men. The more the better. As I stated before, it’s actually rare to see a story that starts in an established poly relationship, so that is also what attracted me. Unfortunately, the story fell short.
Does the book explore a theme?
The story is centered around a trio breaking up and all the heartache and troubles that comes along with it. Moving back together, see a relationship therapist, get a divorce? What happens if there is a neutral third in the relationship?
What did you find unique about Hiatus?
Unfortunately nothing that stood out. No witty dialogue, no funny scenes or hurt-comfort scenes that made me go “awww”
What is your opinion of Hiatus?
By now it’s pretty clear I didn’t like Hiatus, which is too bad, because it had a lot of potential when I read the blurb and honestly, I like most of this author’s books, so it wasn’t expected. But the story was too long, the lack of communication frustrating and there were no secondary cast of characters to focus on or other plot angles. The instant “solution” that was offered at the end was not satisfying.
Would you recommend the story?
Everyone views a story differently. While I might not recommend this story, there might be readers who will like the extended drama of Hiatus.
How do you rate this story?
With two stars.
So, Hiatus, tell us about this book
Hiatus is the story about three men in an established polyamory/menage relationship. Rather than start at the beginning of their relationship, Hiatus starts when the relationship hits a serious snag and it looks like there might be a break-up.
Hiatus is a stand-alone story, as far as I can tell and it’s told from the main characters point of view.
Are the characters of this story dynamic, rounded?
The main characters of the story are rock star Nate, massage therapist Cameron and investment banker Theo. They are the main focus of the story. There are no secondary characters other than some of Nate’s bandmates and Theo’s brother and his wife, though they hardly get any page time, so they are not developed or an integral part of the story.
While all three are likable characters, the reader will probably identify with Nate most as he is the one hit hardest by Theo and Cameron’s decision to break up. In a way Cameron and Theo can be seen as antagonists as well.
I found I liked neither of the characters, though that wasn’t really their fault. The story’s main focus is the break-up and it’s very slow going with a lack of communication between the characters that make it so that the reader will be frustrated with them very soon.
The reader only sees the characters in crisis, apart from a few flashbacks. That makes that the characters are very one-sided and because the story is slow going there is no real development apart from the last chapter. Due to the length of the story, it’s too late to really like them.
Is there an engaging plot in Hiatus? (plot driven, character driven, complications, twists, turns)
It will be personal for everyone, but for me no. Hiatus is a lengthy story that is character driven. There are no other plot angles to the story apart from the menage breaking apart. There is a distinct lack of communication between Theo and Cameron that frustrated me to the point of hair-pulling. Holy moley they didn’t even really know why they were breaking up, apart from personal problems that they wouldn’t share.
Take in the length and no other plot angles other than sex sex and more sex, it makes for a boring, frustrating read. In the last couple of chapters the cause is discovered and voila, back on track. It would have been better if that was explored more. As it was I just was nominally bored with this story, even thoughI was very happy to see a rare story with a focus on an established poly relationship, rather than one just at the start.
What about the writing of Hiatus? The structure? Language?
The writing is what we have come to know of this author. It’s good, solid and flowing, but I have seen better writing by this author. The style and writing had an unimaginative air in Hiatus. Like there was no direction.
Why did you read this book?
I’m one of those readers that love poly relationships. Especially with men. The more the better. As I stated before, it’s actually rare to see a story that starts in an established poly relationship, so that is also what attracted me. Unfortunately, the story fell short.
Does the book explore a theme?
The story is centered around a trio breaking up and all the heartache and troubles that comes along with it. Moving back together, see a relationship therapist, get a divorce? What happens if there is a neutral third in the relationship?
What did you find unique about Hiatus?
Unfortunately nothing that stood out. No witty dialogue, no funny scenes or hurt-comfort scenes that made me go “awww”
What is your opinion of Hiatus?
By now it’s pretty clear I didn’t like Hiatus, which is too bad, because it had a lot of potential when I read the blurb and honestly, I like most of this author’s books, so it wasn’t expected. But the story was too long, the lack of communication frustrating and there were no secondary cast of characters to focus on or other plot angles. The instant “solution” that was offered at the end was not satisfying.
Would you recommend the story?
Everyone views a story differently. While I might not recommend this story, there might be readers who will like the extended drama of Hiatus.
How do you rate this story?
With two stars.
July 29, 2016
As a reader who loves being put through the emotional wringer when it comes to romances, this book grabbed me from the very first page and squeezed my heart until its hard-fought conclusion. Along the way readers are made part of the tug-of-war between a couple who thought they'd always be together and the third part of their triad who never saw their break coming. In a relationship that seemed so solid at first, the break seems to come out of nowhere and seems impossible to heal. Cam and Theo have been together over half their lives and have trouble saying goodbye to one another, but being together is becoming even more painful. Hurt feelings and fear of admitting their own issues is holding them back and it will take hitting bottom before they can rise back up. In the meantime though Nate's feeling like a child of divorce torn between the two men he loves, making them happy, while trying to safeguard his heart. It all makes for a messy and frustrating journey to HEA that will leave readers screaming over Theo and Cam's obstinence while cheering Nate's maturity and bravery in handling the situation.
This is a romance teeming with angst that had me aching with the characters every step of the way. Triad relationships can be difficult to depict believably but Ms. Witt presents readers with a deeply committed couple and the man who turned both of their heads and becomes a solid base in keeping them together. Each man has a unique personality which makes it easy to bond with each one and feel sympathetic to the pain they're going through. It's a pain that leads to desperate encounters, harsh words, and lots of tears. It's also pain that seems easy to address but Theo and Cam refuse to admit their own issues, too close to the situation to see things clearly, and it's their pigheadedness that draws their pain out almost past the point of no return. These emotional and mental issues are handled in a respectful manner though, vividly depicted to pull readers into the character's chaotic and depressive moments to make their situation easier to relate to. It's not all doom and gloom though as there are plenty of steamy encounters along the way. Early on these scenes are tinged with sadness and desperation, but by the end the scenes are cleansing with a feeling of renewal.
This is a thought-provoking story when it comes to the handling of mental illness, vividly depicted and respectfully presented. It's a sexy story at times too with its scorching m/m encounters as well as heartbreaking in seeing a deep love flounder. It's the kind of romance that makes you feel on many different levels and kept me fully immersed from start to finish hoping for a HEA with each page turned. The main characters are immensely appealing with words and deeds that sometimes leave you frustrated (notably Theo and Cam), but still rooting for them to find each other again. Nate's the glue to their relationship and says what readers think, pointing out the obvious and forcing his lovers to deal with things head-on. Surrounding this conflicted triad is a small cast of secondary characters with some being supportive and some being antagonistic, but either way they all have a hand in getting these men to keep working on their relationship in a story that pulls at your heartstrings repeatedly. Ultimately, while the story does go on a bit longer than necessary, it's another satisfying addition to Ms. Witt's bookshelf and a tale that fans of m/m romances with want to experience.
This is a romance teeming with angst that had me aching with the characters every step of the way. Triad relationships can be difficult to depict believably but Ms. Witt presents readers with a deeply committed couple and the man who turned both of their heads and becomes a solid base in keeping them together. Each man has a unique personality which makes it easy to bond with each one and feel sympathetic to the pain they're going through. It's a pain that leads to desperate encounters, harsh words, and lots of tears. It's also pain that seems easy to address but Theo and Cam refuse to admit their own issues, too close to the situation to see things clearly, and it's their pigheadedness that draws their pain out almost past the point of no return. These emotional and mental issues are handled in a respectful manner though, vividly depicted to pull readers into the character's chaotic and depressive moments to make their situation easier to relate to. It's not all doom and gloom though as there are plenty of steamy encounters along the way. Early on these scenes are tinged with sadness and desperation, but by the end the scenes are cleansing with a feeling of renewal.
This is a thought-provoking story when it comes to the handling of mental illness, vividly depicted and respectfully presented. It's a sexy story at times too with its scorching m/m encounters as well as heartbreaking in seeing a deep love flounder. It's the kind of romance that makes you feel on many different levels and kept me fully immersed from start to finish hoping for a HEA with each page turned. The main characters are immensely appealing with words and deeds that sometimes leave you frustrated (notably Theo and Cam), but still rooting for them to find each other again. Nate's the glue to their relationship and says what readers think, pointing out the obvious and forcing his lovers to deal with things head-on. Surrounding this conflicted triad is a small cast of secondary characters with some being supportive and some being antagonistic, but either way they all have a hand in getting these men to keep working on their relationship in a story that pulls at your heartstrings repeatedly. Ultimately, while the story does go on a bit longer than necessary, it's another satisfying addition to Ms. Witt's bookshelf and a tale that fans of m/m romances with want to experience.
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