REVIEWED by Jen B.
TITLE: Healing Him
SERIES: Den Boys #2
AUTHOR: A.T. Brennan
PUBLISHER: A.T. Brennan
LENGTH: 205 Pages
RELEASE DATE: August 29, 2017
BLURB:
“I hated that I was like this, but after years of trying to work through it I was beginning to feel like I’d never be normal.” ~ Cody
Hiding the fact that I was in love with my best friend Isaac used to be the most complicated part of my day, until a chance meeting with a handsome stranger named Jonah sent my life into a tailspin. Scars from my past have stopped me from giving in to my desires for so long, but I’m done being afraid. I want both men. I just don’t know if I’ll be able to trust that anyone can love me.
“I knew it was a bit messed up, but there was no jealousy or envy when I thought of my men together.” ~ Isaac
I’ve loved Cody for as long as I’ve known him, but have always held back because of his past. Then I met Jonah and I knew there was no way I could choose between them. I want it all—the man I’ve loved for so long, and the one I’m quickly falling for. It’s not going to be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.
“I wanted to believe it was all true, but I couldn’t push aside the fear that I was just a distraction until the two of them got together.” ~ Jonah
After having my heart broken I never thought I’d find love again. I wasn’t looking for anything real, and then I met not one, but two men I can’t resist. Isaac and Cody are everything I ever wanted but didn’t know I could have. I want to believe the three of us can work, but a part of me can’t get past the fear that I’ll be the odd man out, again.
*This is Book 2 of The Den Boys series, but can be read as a standalone – no cliffhangers.
*This book is intended for an 18+ audience and is a story of male/male/male romance and love. There are graphic depictions of man parts doing naughty and sexy things, so please be sure this is the kind of book for you before reading.
This was a sweet story about Cody, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who never thought he would be able to experience or feel intimacy or touch again. He is in love with his best friend, Isaac, but due to his issues, he has kept his feelings to himself. Issac also has feelings for Cody, but holds them back and tries to be happy with their friendship but does whatever he can to help Cody get over his issues. He basically follows Cody’s lead with everything to help Cody get used to touch, etc. a little at a time.
But then Cody meets Jonah, a counselor at the shelter/center where he volunteers, the same center which saved him when he needed it. They have an immediate connection, but Cody’s issues prevent him from pursuing anything more than some light flirting. When Jonah stops in at the bar where Cody works, he is introduced to Cody’s bff, Isaac, and they hit it off.
It doesn’t take long for them to hook up, but neither wants to pursue anything that might hurt Cody. After some assurances, the three decide to all be together though they are all aware of Cody’s limitations. Jonah and Isaac show Cody how different sex can be from what he knows, all of which is not good. He learns how good it can be and how much pleasure can actually be felt by all involved. Though it doesn’t happen overnight, and rightfully so, the three strengthen their bond little by little as the trust grows alongside their feelings.
I enjoyed watching Cody get a second chance at life with the help of his best friend and then lover with Jonah alongside. There was some concern by Jonah about being a third wheel and not sharing the history that Cody and Isaac already had, but they made sure Jonah’s concerns were addressed and didn’t let him push them away for too long before setting it all straight. There were times where it felt like Jonah was the younger immature one of the three, but all in all, this was an enjoyable menage where all three participants were important to the relationship.