Husbands and Wives: GWM Wanted

by Amanda Young

Mark is still deeply in love with Sam, his partner of 15 years. He's perfectly happy with their relationship, even if their sex life has grown a little stale lately. But when he begins to notice Sam's gaze wandering toward other men, he fears that his younger lover may be losing interest in him. Then Sam suddenly suggests they broaden their sexual horizons by inviting a third man into their bedroom. and Mark's fears become almost certainty. He reluctantly agrees, willing to do whatever it takes to hold onto Sam. He's willing to share his husband's body if he must, so long as he retains his heart. Together, they answer an ad in an online advertisement. The other man seems to be just what they're looking for--handsome, hung, and only interested in no-strings-attached fun. But once the excitement begins they find out they've made a terrible mistake.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play, male/male sexual practices.

Other Books: Par Three by Anne Douglas and For Better, For Worse by Michelle Cary.

Series Note: Each title in the Husbands and Wives series can be read as a standalone title.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Menage, Romance, Erotica, M M Contemporary, Gay

Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2008

About the author

A bestselling author of erotic romance, Amanda Young penned her first romance at eighteen. That novel was promptly deleted before it could traumatize innocent readers. After several years of honing her craft, Amanda went on to receive her first publishing contract in 2006.

A vivid imagination and a passion for all the things that go bump in the night has led Amanda to create provocative stories that push boundaries and dare readers to expand their comfort zones. Since she tends to write whatever strikes her fancy, her novels fall into many different subgenres. Among her available titles you’ll find contemporary and paranormal settings, gay and straight themes alike.

Amanda Young lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and two pampered pooches. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found chasing after a mischievous toddler or daydreaming about the characters in her next book. She loves to hear from her readers, and can be found on Facebook and Twitter. Her website, www.amandayoung.org, is where you can find up-to-date information on all of Amanda’s current and upcoming releases.

Reviews

[Valerie ❈M/M Romance Junkie❈ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm going to be honest and say this book really pissed me off. All it would have taken was ONE DAMNED CONVERSATION to clear all of this up. Instead, this "loving" couple goes down the rabbit hole of misunderstanding and miscommunication.

Others seemed to have enjoyed this, so give it a try. But this was not the story for me.

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick Ditty About The Importance of Communication

This is a super short tale about a happy couple who have fallen into a rut. Mark and Sam are still quite in love with each other, but sex has become stale, and communication is seriously lacking. It’s this lack that drives Sam to seek out a third for a night of play. Unfortunately, you need to be careful what you ask for, because what you get may not be at all what you thought you were getting!

My biggest issue with this was the lack of communication. After fifteen years, one conversation could have avoided the entire mess, but since that was the whole of the conflict, there wouldn’t have been a story! That said, I enjoyed the age difference. It’s not so much a May/December as a May/ August – twelve years is just enough of a difference to spark the brain.

It is made clear that each is still head over heels in love with the other, and I really liked that this was emphasized. It wasn’t a case of one being bored with the other and seeking a diversion. I can’t say much about how the encounter goes with the guy they contact without giving away the story, but I will say that it definitely didn’t go the way I thought it would! The wrap-up left a little something to be desired, but that can probably be attributed to the length of the work itself.

I’d really like to revisit this couple and walk through their getting together. They are adorable as characters, and Sam’s best friend had me laughing out loud. Hopefully the author will see fit to take a trip back in time and let us see how things started.



***A review copy of GWM Wanted was provided by the author, Amanda Young, for an honest review.***

[Natalija · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have wanted to read this books for a while, but something always got in the way. Since it was just re-released with a new cover and I was lucky enough to receive a free copy, there was no reason to put it on hold anymore.

GWM Wanted embodies two of my favourite tropes: a May/December romance and a marriage in trouble. Having an 11-year age gap between me and my SO, I was able to not only relate to many of the struggles and insecurities Mark and Sam were facing, but it also allowed me to build a deeper connection to the characters which I often find hard to achieve, especially in short stories.

Bottom line, if you're looking for an easy, fluffy read - don't bother. GWM Wanted is a poignant story with depth and is guaranteed to evoke an emotional response. Recommended!

[Zaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a substantial age difference between the two main characters in the book. just proves how two people can be in love since they were young and that age is just a number. If u truely want to be with someone then go for it. Also communication is KEY in relationship. I was pulling my hair out at some times where Sam thought something or Mark did and it was the opposite of what was really going on.

This book captures my attention because there is love, relationships, misunderstandings and lack of communication in fear of uncertainty.

[Mirjam · Rating 3 out of 5]

What can I say about this? Two grown-up men not being able to talk Their communication had hit rock bottom resulting in quite the shitty situation.

When Sam thinks Mark is either bored with him or is having an affair, in a desperate attempt to save their marriage, he suggest to spice things up by inviting a third participant into the mix.

This short story adequately conveyed the importance of communication in a relationship, openly, honestly and ongoing.

[Cee Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

**)
.•.•*) .•*)
(.• (.•`*It was almost like they were roommates with benefits rather than partners.

When he listens to his friend Dev about spicing up his marriage, Sam never knew the danger he was putting he and his husband Mark in. Their May-December relationship had been hot in the beginning. Fifteen years together, with five of those being married the guys are finding out that even communication is hard. No one says marriage is easy, and trust me with twenty years under my belt, communication is another thing we sweep under the rug.

A lot of people would say, why didn't they just say what they wanted. Unless you have the perfect marriage and have it all laid out in gold, you have issues. Yes, both Mark and Sam took each other for granted, it happens. But there is always restoration when the good out weighs the bad and you are finally able to speak truthfully. It's the hurt and pain we think we are inflicting that keeps us suffering in silence.

When Sam invites a third into their marriage, it is with the intention of making his spouse happy and because he thinks this is what Mark wants. And Mark, already with a low self esteem, just wants to not lose his young lover. Sam learned his lesson in the end and Mark was able to lay it all out on the table.

Spice, heat, drama with a touch of angst. A solid short read that reflects on the saying be careful what you ask for, you just may get it in spades.

Postscript, this is a 3rd edition. I first read this years ago before I know about reviewing. So I am glad I was afforded the opportunity to re-read and review.

Reader's Copy provided by Author Amanda Young in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club

[Sassy Beta Reading & Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this as part of the Taking Chances: Gay Romances Boxed set.

This was an okay story, but knowing that it could all have been taken care of with one, little, conversation pushed my buttons. Granted, if said conversation would have happened, then there would have been no point to the story. But then, there could have been another way to go about getting this couple back onto the romantic track again instead of bringing in a 3rd party.

It was an okay story line, there wasn't a whole lot of dialogue....if there had been, there wouldn't have been a issue with the characters to begin with, the descriptions to details lacked lots of details and the characters themselves were not strong at all. The sexy bits were okay. I do admit that at one point I did have a teary eyed moment which was a good thing.

All in all, an okay read. Written as a multi pov and does have an HEA.

Would I recommend this book? If looking for a short, quick read, Yea

Would I read more from this author? Yea, I would try again..

Sassy Beta Reading & Review

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet quick read that will leave you breathless. Every relationship requires work and communication. Mark and Sam have been together a long time. They make assumptions about each others behavior that puts their relationship in jeopardy. Not ready to give it up they try adding some spice to their sex life in the form of a guy from the personal ads. A cautionary tale that will make you think.

[Anne Marie Crookes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read about two men in a long term relationship, where communication has broken down and each make assumptions about the other. The book was well written and followed a short pivotal part of their lives. The love the two had for each other was obvious as both tried so hard to find a solution to their problems.

I really enjoyed the story.

I received an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book free for an honest review.

This book didn't grab me there were too many moments when the two Mcs should have talked. It didn't seem like they could have been in a relationship for 15 years and not know each other better. If you ignored that it was a slightly better read. I also think the reaction of Dick was too far fetched as well.
The two Mcs were written well though. The book had nice flow and was a quick kinky read.

[Nikko · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really nice book!!

[inaword · Rating 2 out of 5]

In a word: Maybe read the thing. I had issues with this one. My main complaints are the miscommunication could’ve been easily resolved, the sex scenes were too long, and I just plain didn’t like the climax (of the story). The whole miscommunication was probably my biggest complaint, though. Really, the whole issue of ‘Is My Relationship Over?’ could’ve been solved with just one conversation. The book alternates between both Sam’s and Mark’s (the main couple) points of view, and it’s obvious just how much the two of them love each other. Like, these two are still very much in love, even after 15 years together, they just can’t talk to each other apparently. So the whole plot of the story is that both Sam and Mark feel like their relationship is on the verge of ending; communication has fallen through and other life obligations have made it difficult for them to connect the way they used to. Sam talks this over with a friend and the friend suggests bringing a third man in for a night to spice things up in the bedroom. It’s clear, from both of their internal narration, that neither of them are particularly excited about sharing each other with a stranger, but they both force themselves forward because they think it’s what the other wants. Of course, the whole situation goes to shit, but not in the way I was expecting. That was another problem I had: the way that whole night turned out. Like I wasn’t expecting the whole thing to go well, necessarily (neither Sam nor Mark were really into it; especially Mark), but I thought the way it did go down in flames was particularly extra and ugly. It was as big disappointment for me because it looked like it was going one way, and then the tone completely changed and something completely different happened. I wasn’t into it. So this story isn’t particularly bad, but the miscommunication was annoying and the execution of events wasn’t really my thing. The way the threesome thing ended was a major disappointment for me and kinda ruined the emotional flow of the story, and then the ending kinda fell a bit flat for me after that.

[read the full post at In A Word]

[Bookbee · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

[Elisa Rolle]

Mark and Sam are a 15 years old couple. They met when Sam is barely 18 years old and Mark nearly thirty and they are together since then. They also made an official commitment five years earlier, but intead of cementing their relationship, it seems that being husbands has somewhat cooled their love.

Mark is worried to be too old for his young husband. He works hard, both at work than in the gym, to remain an handsome man, but all he could see is a 45 years old man with a too young boy at his side. Instead Sam is worried that Mark gets bored with him; after all Mark was the first lover for Sam, and he has never had another one in all this years. What if Mark wants to spice up their relationship with someone else? After all he spends all the time in the gym, surrounding by young studs.

So sounds familiar to you? We have a loving couple, who still desire each other, but who fears to speak aloud their doubts; and if you don't communicate, the troubles are around the corner.

The book is not very long, 70 pages, but it's a sweet one. I like both Mark and Sam, even if sometime I want to knock them on the head and say: open your eyes and talk to each other a bit more! Haw you can't see that you are still as much in love as you were fifteen years ago?

All in all, if not for the age difference, Mark and Sam are pretty similar, both tender and caring, both thinking first to the interest of the other instead of his own.

There is a lot of sex, three long sex scenes in only 70 pages, but it's very hot; how can a couple who is soo good in bed, think to have real problems, is above me. Mind you, the sex is very graphic details.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1453820892/?...

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as part of Taking Chances: Gay Romances

3.5 stars

This book is entirely based on the Big Misunderstanding, which I usually hate, but here it was one I could believe happening easily in real life.
It was born out of fear of losing the person they love and a strong desire to make their partner happy and save their relationship.
It was perhaps a little forced for the sake of the plot, because I find it hard to believe that a man like Sam, willing not only to go ahead with, but actually propose a threesome he didn’t really want just to save his marriage, wouldn't have opened his mouth and voiced his concerns before resorting to that. Just like Mark was ready to do.

This is a scenario that could get really frustrating for some readers. Myself included, usually, but I started knowing what to expect, so it didn’t bother me much.

I actually enjoyed how Sam and Mark’s conjugal life was described.
It felt realistic that, despite them still loving each other after 15 years, work, time and everyday life could have taken their toll on their relationship.

What I didn’t like was the “climax”.
I don’t think it was necessary to make Dick turn out to be a psycho, ready to assault them with a knife just because they were the last of many couples to change their minds at the last minute (or later).

The main issue was already resolved, they finally talked and agreed that they didn’t want a third person, what was the point?
To warn readers about the dangers of setting up sexual encounters with strangers met online?

[Neko · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella.
It was just the right touch of raunchy and serious and had just enough action to get my blood pumping.
That is, action of both kinds! ;) lol

Here we see Mark and Sam, an established couple of many years, that seem to have hit a dry spell in their relationship. Both are thinking the exact same thing over whether or not to outright ask the other, what's wrong and what can they do to perhaps liven up their intimacy again.
Because one thing is for certain, they both love each other unconditionally. Mark, being the older of the two, begins to wonder if Sam's wondering gaze means he's soon going to leave him. After all, who would want to be with an older man?
Sam on the other hand, is thinking Mark's long hours at work and busy work schedule means he might have someone on the side...

Thinking this is what they need to make their intimacy spark again, Sam looks into a no strings attached fling with a third. Mark, only thinking of making Sam happy, reluctantly agrees.

Mark and Sam are about to come to a halting if not startling realization, that it (a third) was all a huge mistake and all they needed was each other.

For as the old saying goes, "Be careful what you wish for..."

This is a short everyone should definitely pick up!
I Loved, loved it! I cannot recommend it enough!

[Lisa1269 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be careful what you ask for...
I enjoyed this quick paced novella, this brief glimpse into Mark and Sam’s life together didn’t take long to get me invested in the well being of their relationship. Even though their relationship had hit a bit of a rough patch, I loved that neither of them questioned their own commitment to each other just as much as I disliked that both men jumped to the wrong conclusion about what their partner was feeling rather than endure an uncomfortable conversation. With faulty rationale guiding them, Mark and Sam decide that it’s time to change things up in a dramatic way and invite another man to join them. When things don’t play out according to plan, I found myself screaming in my own head that they are *finally* having the conversation they should have had months earlier. When the scenario deteriorates beyond either of their expectations, and both men receive an eye-opening wake-up call about their priorities, the way that they submerse themselves in the connection that held them together for so many years is vibrant and heartwarming.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Bookfanatic · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a gay male love story and parts of it are very graphic. It's also a may/december romance of sorts. Sam is younger by 12 years. Sam and Mark are in a long-term monogamous relationship. Both of them have good careers, but they seem to each other like two ships passing in the night. Where they were once close, they've drifted apart.

One good conversation could have cleared up the whole misunderstanding between Sam and Mark. All the two main characters had to do was talk to each other openly and honestly. But because they don't, it leads to the infamous Big Misunderstanding. They involve a third person in their sexual lives, and the results aren't what they expected at all. Overall, this is a good short story. I read it in one night. It's predictable and sometimes overly sweet.

[Antoinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book should have been titled idiots are us. Sam and Mark have been together for 15 years, married for 5. They both realize there's something wrong in their relationship. So Sam on advice from a friend suggests bringing a third into their bedroom to spice things up. Mark agrees because this is what he thinks Sam wants from there things get crazy. It was a really short sweet story that lets you know communication is the key to any good relationship. I received this book in exchange for an honest review

[Andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

KU
All sex, no story

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't get me wrong, this was not a bad book. But these are my impressions: The story was good, but it seemed too short. By the time everything in the synopsis happened, it was already over! Also, I don't know that I really liked the characters.

Of course, having read it last year, I should maybe pick it up again...

[Sassafrass · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story ok, but I thought the fight was a bit over the top, but I thought the complications of not communicating translate well for any long-term relationship--whether gay or straight. But having the hot man on man action was just the icing on the cake!

[Sayletta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this short story. I dont usually find a book with a married couple. I liked that change. I was also happy that they were really in love. Communication is a very common problem in most relationships. But to see how far lack of communication can go was terrifying.

[Jolene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book even through the heart breaking parts. It's amazing how badly loss of communication can cause so many issues. Mark and Sam were strong together, but weak as individuals.

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amanda Young is a new author for me. While explicit in their lovescenes between two men, this is also a story of uncertainty and emotional vulnerability.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Milica · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars...

[Tailtiu]

Part of the Taking Chances Anthology.

[Emeziel · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved all the misunderstanding and drama.