Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: TMI: A Holiday M/M/M Romance
SERIES: ILYBSM, Book 2
AUTHOR: Leslie McAdam, J.E. Birk, Rachel Ember
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 328 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 3, 2023
BLURB:
Two firefighters. One twink. Can an evil twin, a small-town holiday competition, and revealed secrets bring them together?
I returned to Vermont to write an article about Mayor Doug McEmbirk and his town’s battle to win their local Holiday-Off. Even before I knew him, I had a crush on him. Because have you seen the man? OMG. With his big biceps and easy charm, Doug’s straight out of my firefighter fantasies. But I wasn’t planning on my inconvenient attraction to his scowly, grumpy roommate, Zeke, who’s the identical twin of my high school bully. That’s… messy.
Life gets even messier when Zeke confesses to the entire town that he’s bisexual—and that he’s been in love with Doug for years. Problem is, Doug’s straight.
Or is he?
Now, I’m on a mission to bring these two hot men together. I volunteer my services as a love coach, because these burly guys can’t even kiss without my assistance. Except both men seem to be into me as well. This is one confusing holiday season.
Things only get more complicated when meddling newspaper editors and kidnapped cows become involved. Not to mention some accidental texts and eggnog-fueled confessions. Will Zeke, Doug, and I be able to navigate our newfound feelings? Or is this relationship as doomed as the Holiday-Off competition appears to be?
TMI is a holiday m/m/m romance that includes a grandma-chic house, lots of cheer, and many OTT fantasies. It stars Max, a journalist without a filter, Zeke, a grumbly Viking pirate, and Doug, a himbo mayor who makes excellent cinnamon rolls. Cameos from Sherbert and the guys from ILYBSM included. HEA guaranteed.
REVIEW:
OMG, TMI is the angstiest book ever. JK.
In fact, TMI may be the least angsty MM/MMM romance I’ve read. Think Hallmark movie, made MMM. That’s this wonderful, fluffy, silly, heartwarming story.
The first book from McAdam, Birk and Ember in this acronym-laden series, ILYBSM, had more bite, emotional dynamics, and sharp wit. TMI is much more of a puff piece – soft, fluffy, and delicious, but lacking teeth. Doug is the perfect, naïve, underestimated, heart-of-gold teddy bear of a guy that you just want to hug and squeeze. His BFF Zeke, another firefighter bear of a guy, is his growly, overprotective foil. He’s a teddy bear too, but his heart of gold is hidden – there to see, but you need to look past his trademark scowl to see it. Then we have Max, the effervescent journalist returning to his hometown to write a story about Doug, the maligned mayor of the small town of La Fierte, Vermont. Max was bullied by none other than Zeke’s twin brother, so returning to the area causes him some trepidation, and meeting and liking Zeke is a bit of a mindf*ck. But that doesn’t prevent Max from falling head over heels into a lust and love affair with BFFs Doug and Zeke, his two fantasy hunky firemen heroes.
The title of this story is ironic because the only one with TMI in this story is Max, and he’s got a bad case of it for sure. He’s a man with no filter and unabashed about it. But that’s exactly what these buttoned-up, sometimes oblivious (or in Doug’s case sweetly naïve) men need. The lack of communication between Doug and Zeke, and between Doug, Zeke and the townsfolk is what allows the news stories about Doug and his purported incompetency as mayor to gain legs. If only people shared a bit more information, some of the misunderstandings could be avoided. But the confusion and misunderstandings are part of the fun of this story.
Yes, TMI has a preposterous plot. But suspend disbelief people and just go with it. I laughed out loud many times throughout this story, and the pages just kept turning. I read this book in one sitting and my mind didn’t wander at all. While there are sexy MMM times between the throuple, they lack spice. Maybe I just couldn’t get past how adorable these guys are to feel the lusty content.
I’m a big fan of the quirky, small-town setting and this series certainly embraces that. The authors’ writing displays some unique, cutesy aspects too. For example, I love how they weave their names into aspects of the story (yes Doug McEmbirk, I’m referring to you). But eccentricities aside, the writing is seamless. You could easily think one author wrote this story. The storytelling is fluid and the tone is harmonious.
What resonates the most, though, is the joy McAdam, Birk, and Ember – BFFs themselves – infuse into this story. It’s fun, infectious fare that exudes unmistakable laughter, love, and happiness. The holiday setting, like in ILYBSM, is the perfect grounding for this story of redemption, forgiveness, and embracing family – born and found and created.
TMI is a perfect palate cleanser when you need a break from other, darker, heavier MM/MMM stories. It’s also a great choice if you want zero angst and lots of smiles. Take it for what it is and I think you’ll really enjoy this MMM holiday romance romp.
RATING: 
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