Is it possible to have a loving, lasting relationship with more than one person…at the same time? This is the burning question Tina faces in PARTY of THREE – available now from Carina Press.
After three years of denying herself any sort of physical relationship—if you want to know why, you need to read the book!—Tina is ready to climb back aboard the sex-train. The only problem is, she’s chosen the worst possible partner…Kenton. Her best friend, Des, stops her from making a colossal mistake with Kenton and instead gently coerces her into a threesome romp with her and her boyfriend, Josh. Although the experience blows her mind, Tina is afraid her one night of ‘blissful sin’ will ruin her friendship forever. What she doesn’t expect is to be invited to join Josh and Des again…and again…and again. She should say no, but she can’t.
Soon the affair becomes about more than just sex. The three involved struggle with their newfound feelings and, for various reasons, are scared to share how they feel and what they really want from one another. In the meantime, there is someone who is intent on breaking the threesome apart. Kenton is charming, manipulative, selfish and cruel. He represents the line—the one Tina fears most—that separates healthy sexual exploration from deviancy. Like Des and Josh, he has his sights set on Tina. Unlike Des and Josh, he doesn’t want to love her, he wants to hurt her.
Told from Tina’s point of view, PARTY OF THREE follows her sexual journey and the internal conflict she faces as she tries to make sense of her feelings for both Josh and Des. Tina needs to decide where she draws her line as to what is acceptable in a romantic relationship. But, she is carrying around far too much guilt and she thinks she doesn’t deserve the love of one, let alone two incredible individuals. Because of this guilt, she does everything in her power to sabotage what could be an amazing alternative relationship. To read an excerpt, click here.
I find alternative lifestyles fascinating (probably because I live a very traditional one). I blame my archaeology degree on the fact that I want to know why we live the way we do. After studying ancient cultures and participating in field schools around the world, I’ve come to believe that ‘normal’ is only a construct defined by the society we live in.
I’m interested in the family dynamics exposed in programs like Sister Wives and Big Love. Books like Stieg Larsson’s, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo are among my recent favorites, not just because of the original plot and characterization, but because Larsson gives the reader a glimpse into Swedish culture where ideas about fidelity and multiple partners are a little less conventional than here in America. Vicky Christina Barcelona touches on this theme as well. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a wonderfully sensual film where a tempestuous marriage seems to work better when a third person gets involved.
Okay, the real reason I love Vicky Christina Barcelona is because Javier Bardem is in it. Let’s face it, that man is just plain sexy—with the five o’clock shadow, those long lashes and that accent? Mm-mmm! I could go for some of that!
Now, if only I could convince my husband…
So, getting back to my original question. Is it possible to be involved in a loving relationship with more than one person? I’d love to hear what you think.
Daire St. Denis is an adventure seeker and a wine lover. She’s also a seasonal hermit. So, in order to spice up her long, lonely winters in Canada, she pens hot (and sometimes very hot) tales.
You can check her out at www.dairestdenis.com
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Tags: contemporary erotic romance, Daire St. Denis, erotic romance, Javier Bardem, menage, Party of Three
I love the dynamics on non-traditional relationships also. But I think that I’m too selfish to share, unless it was a Male/Female/Male relationship (and the men aren’t involved!).
But I love reading about all types of relationships.
Ans who doesn’t love Javier Bardem?
I don’t know it if would work…but I’m sure game to try.
This looks great! Can’t wait to read it.
Jill, that’s what I’m wondering. Is it just fantasy, or is it really possible? Is jealousy inevitable? Logistically (and I’m thinking non-sexually) I think sometimes it’d just be nice to have someone else around the house to help out!
Roxy, that’s the spirit! Thanks for stopping by – you crack me up!
Hey Rebecca,
Hope you enjoy it! Thanks for popping in and congrats again on your own release.
Yes, it can and does work. We had a happy poly 4-person family until an accident and death separated us. Interestingly enough, just like every other family, I’m sure, sex was not the focus of our family–loving companionship and shared management of the household and family members was our biggest focus. Truth was, we simply loved one another.
Would the two of us who are remaining seek additional members — well, we’re not completely opposed to the situation, but so far, the particular synergy that made our family work hasn’t presented itself again — and until it does, we certainly won’t bring someone into the family without that healthy, nourishing bond between us — so there’s no pressure to hurry up and find replacements. If we never do, then at least those of us still remaining still have each other.
I believe it’s love that makes the world go round, not sex. I don’t see why a trio (M/F/M or F/M/F)shouldn’t find a HEA if they were mature enough.
I think it’s quite possible, just like any other loving relationship. I certainly wouldn’t be adverse to it if that situation came my way.
Firestorm, thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your story. I’m so sorry about the tragedy that separated the four of you. I often think the world would be a better place if we all just allowed ourselves to openly love the people we love.
interesting concept daire. I’m not sure I’d be willing to share. Jealousy is so insidious…but i’ll bet it makes a great book.
Yes, jealousy. What would life be like without it? In my Savage Shorts series, I’ve tried to create a character devoid of jealousy. I think it would be so liberating.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by and commented! This has been a lot of fun!