Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Where did you get the ebook: Netgalley
Where did you get the ebook: Riptide Publishing [Heller]
Release date: Out now
Reviewed by Lou and Heller
Restaurant owner Tom Fearnes has loved his partner Cass for as long as he can remember, but their work often keeps them apart. When he meets a striking young man named Jake on the vibrant streets of Camden Town, their heady first encounter takes an unexpected turn.
Jake Thompson can hardly believe his luck when he wakes up in Tom’s bed. Tom is gorgeous, kind, and . . . taken. Tom’s explanation of his open relationship leaves Jake cold, but Tom is too tempting, and when hard times force Jake to accept Tom’s helping hand, he finds himself between two men who’ve lost their way.
Cass Pearson is a troubled soul. He loves Tom with all he has, but some days it feels like he hasn’t much to give. Jake seems like the perfect solution. Cass risks everything to push Jake and Tom together, but Jake resists, wary, until the darkness of Cass’s past comes to call. Then Jake finds himself the last man standing, and it’s time to dig deep and shine a light for the men he’s grown to love.
*blurb taken from Goodreads*
Lou: During the years of Fictionwise I glommed myself on so many menages. I then quit reading them because I struggled to believe in believable HEAs. When I read the blurb for Misfits I knew straight away I wanted to read this badly. I loved this book. Not only does it have a believable HEA where I totally believed that all the heroes were 100% committed in their relationship but never once did I believe anyone got shafted in the romance department. The HEA left me a very happy reader because of the equal footing. I’ll have to label Misfits one of the best menages out there. Tom, Jake, and Cass were so memorable and lovable (I adored Jake!) that Misfits will definitely become a favourite reread for me. Misfits is told in two POVs from Tom and Jake. Cass gets a chapter at the end of the book but that never bothered me, or became an issue, because the author did a wonderful job in making me know and understand Cass from Tom and Jake’s POV.
Heller: I feel the same way about menages. They’re make or break for me depending on whether or not all parties bring something to it and what they get out of it. Unbalanced relationships don’t really work for me so if a menage happens where two characters satellite around one then they don’t work for me. Misfits works. The men have different relationships with each other but are solid and engaged as a group.
Lou: Yes! Each relationship was different but they were all connected. Tom and Cass have been in a loving relationship since they both met in their early 20’s. They are each other’s soul mates but they have an open relationship where both are truly happy and supportive. Tom and Jake’s attraction was amazing and I believed in their connection from the beginning. What made it work so well Cass’ involvement. Though the tension between Tom and Jake was incredible, Tom made it known that Cass was his number one guy. At the beginning of the story it made sense. This is what made the menage work so incredibly well. Tom and Jake’s love grew and it was organic and then Cass quickly followed suit. Never once did Tom hide anything from Cass. With Cass’ encouragement, Jake soon became an integral part of Tom and Cass’ personal and business lives.
Heller: When Tom was talking about Cass I initially found it hard to believe that Jake had a place with them. Tom sold it though. I just happy that Cass realized how fantastic Jake was as well and opened his heart to him.
Lou: Jake’s initial reaction to finding out Tom was in an open relationship with Cass was believable as Tom really should have made Jake aware before they engaged in their smexy time. Jake was so unsure of what he was in Tom and Cass’ relationship that his reticence was understandable. He was already a little low on confidence because of his nerves with his tourettes syndrome but Cass was the one who took it slow. Cass was so thoughtful and patient despite his brash nature. He made an active point to learn about Jake’s condition and he was determined to become Jake’s friend before lover. Everything just worked for me.
Heller: Jake was amazing! I just couldn’t help but feel his despair when he met Cass the morning after but I loved the slow build up between them. That really made their HEA an earned one with a strong foundation in friendship.
Lou: At one point I was worried Cass and Jake would only be friends in this menage but it was a needless worry. Jake soon bonded with Cass and their attraction took some time brewing, but once they all became involved everything clicked into place. Cass and Tom have had slight issues for years and Jake is soon aware of Cass’ dark past and how it still affects him to this day, with the mystery surrounding his mother and him feeling as if he didn’t deserve the life he had with Tom. It all comes crashing down with Cass toward the end and it took both Tom and Jake to help Cass and I loved how each of them were able to give comfort and receive it in return.
This is probably one of my favourite reads this year. A sexy menage romance that for me is one of the best I’ve read. I left the book happy knowing that Jake completed Tom and Cass’ relationship and I know their menage HEA would be forever.
Heller: I have to say as much as I loved the characters and their relationship I loved the food angle here: the different restaurants, the production kitchen, the social media work and the ground up creation of the firehouse. That all worked for me so well. It’s really another reason why this story really resonated with me.
Lou: My initial grading was a B+ but writing this review I realised I had no critical critique. So I give Misfits a bookpushing A.
Heller: This was a fantastic read. I’m giving Misfits an A.