Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Noah Trevelyan has lost his moorings. Disowned over his sexuality as a teenager, he hasn’t been back to his home on the Outer Banks since his fisherman father kicked him out. But when he returns for the Old Man’s funeral, he discovers his father left him the house and boat in his will. Noah must choose whether to stay or go, but he won’t be alone. There’s Ian, working to overcome the emotional scars left by a domineering ex-boyfriend, and Ty, a cheerful housekeeper who’s struggling to take care of his Alzheimer’s-stricken aunt. There’s Joshua too, running from the destruction of his old life, and Gabriel, who was once beaten and left for dead, and doesn’t know how to survive on his own.

Will they find in each other the strength and courage to keep living—and learn, together, how to love again? A polyamorous relationship is the last thing any of them expected to find in the Outer Banks, but it might be what they need most, and it might even be their redemption—if they can keep their group from breaking apart under the pressure.

 

Book Review

Considering I grew up in North Carolina and spent my fair share of time at the coast and on the Outer Banks, 'Five-Sided Heart' brought back a lot of memories. It also reminded me of how some people can be, and that change in any form isn't always welcome. I was more than charmed straight from the beginning by these five men, Ian, Noah, Ty, Joshua, and Gabriel. I absolutely adored the way I got to hear from each of these men's perspectives without anything becoming confusing.

What a way to meet! Five men after a funeral: two locals, one used-to-be local, and two visitors. Spring a leak in Noah's dad's boat halfway across to the Outer Banks, and they swim the rest of the way. End up at the Old Man's house - Noah's now - where beer, good food, rum, reminiscing, and an orgy breaks out.

Noah. A lot of emotions roiling around there. Grief, anger, helplessness, and a feeling of loss. Ty. He's like a puppy, bouncing and happy, although I suspect there's more to him.  He's very attuned to moods and quick to try to divert bad ones. Ian. He's been the Old Man's neighbor for five years. He's gay, he doesn't hide it, and he's open about his cheating, stealing ex-boyfriend. Although he is a bit of a mother hen, scowling when anyone accuses him of it. Joshua. Quiet, introspective, and very observant. Spent the past year in general lock-up waiting for a trial for a murder he didn't commit and was acquitted of. He's spent the past few months just traveling around, trying to figure out what he wants to do. Gabriel. So sad. Lost. Suicidal. Broken. Looking to find his spark, not sure he ever will.

It wasn’t just him, and it wasn’t just Ty. It was… something bigger, something Ty didn’t even have a name for. Something that had caught them all—Ty, Noah, Joshua, Ian, Gabriel—and kept pulling them back in.

I wasn't sure how the author was going to make a polyamorous relationship between five very different men believable, but it happened. Even better than I had thought. Each of these men had something - a characteristic, a strength, a weakness - that each of the others needed, and the author wrote it in such a wonderful way that it was practically seamless. I won't say there wasn't some drama. Of course there was, especially when backgrounds were revealed, and decisions made about whether this was or wasn't a relationship. But I loved the way these men made each other better, as a whole, as a family.

A wonderful introduction to this author and I'm looking forward to more. 'Five-Sided Heart' is a beautiful story that, if you enjoy polyamorous relationships and reading about one that works, then I can easily recommend this.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 230pages/80996 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	16-May-2016
Price	$6.99 ebook, $14.99 paperback, $14.99 bundle
Buy Link	https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/five-sided-heart-by-max-macgowan-6797-b