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Unshakable #1

Playing for Keeps

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College running back, Trent Harte, has been living with his lovers, AJ Barnes and Brock Everett, for two years. Caught in a compromising position, rumors abound. It's hard enough to be an openly gay football player, but gossip and snide comments only add to his stress. Threats against his partners causes Trent to wonder if he should step back from the relationship.

AJ and Brock know there is something wrong when Trent begins to pull away. A call from Trent's father only adds to his distress. AJ and Brock refuse to let him shoulder the responsibility alone and they call for help. Will Trent find the strength to withstand the pressure and hold on to those he loves? Or will AJ and Brock be too late to convince Trent that they are playing for keeps?

114 pages, ebook

First published June 17, 2013

7 people are currently reading
564 people want to read

About the author

Lexi Ander

35 books449 followers
Lexi has always been an avid reader and at a young age started reading (secretly) her mother’s romances (the ones she was told not to touch). She was the only teenager she knew of who would be grounded from reading. Later, with a pencil and a note book, she wrote her own stories and shared them with friends because she loved to see their reactions. A Texas transplant, Lexi now kicks her boots up in the Midwest with her Yankee husband and her 80 pound puppies named after vacuum cleaners.


Website: http://www.lexiander.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lexi.ander.9
Blog: http://lexiander.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/LexiAnder1
Email: [email protected]

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5 stars
87 (16%)
4 stars
198 (38%)
3 stars
169 (32%)
2 stars
47 (9%)
1 star
14 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
Profile Image for Exina.
1,269 reviews412 followers
January 19, 2020
College running back, Trent Harte, has been living with his lovers, AJ Barnes and Brock Everett, for two years. One of his teammate catches them in a compromising position and starts a rumor, intending to ruin Trent’s career.

It's hard enough to be an openly gay football player, but it seems living in a polyamorous relationship is considered something even more “pervert”. He can endure it, but when his partners are threatened, that’s too much for him, and he considers stepping back from the relationship.
“You, the two of you, are my dream. I would be happy knowing you’re safe… even if I can’t have you.”

But AJ and Brock refuse to accept it, and they are determined to keep him.

I love polyamorous stories, and it is a great one. I loved how well AJ and Brock knew Trent and saw through him: there was no misunderstanding. The sexual tension was fun to read about, these boys were totally on fire.

The conflict was real (sadly), but the solution was too quick and superficial. Plus, referring to the boys as “the former Marine”, “running back” or “big man” was really annoying.

But aside from these things Playing for Keeps is a sweet and sexy story.
You can never have too many people to love or be loved by.




Profile Image for Mandy*reads obsessively* .
2,197 reviews340 followers
August 20, 2013
Just finished. I LOVE IT!
Will try and do it justice tomorrow, after I reread it again. This is exactly the story I wanted.
Here are the boys



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Trent - AJ - Brock




When I first saw the picture that inspired my prompt I really wanted someone to tell their story, and I am so glad that Lexi picked it.
I think m/m/m stories are my favorite kind, but most of the stories are how the guys get together, but I know that the HEA is really just the beginning and how much harder would it be in a ménage?

Trent is going to the NFL, that's always been the plan, but his asshat of a father and a jealous teammate are making his life hell and threatening what he holds most dear.
No,not his career, his lovers Brock and AJ.
But the ex marine and the aspiring sportscaster are not going to let Trent just make the choice for them. They are going to stand by him and show him what he has and what he'd be losing.

I loved the mom, I wanted more of her, kickass women and moms are so cool and greatly underrepresented in m/m books so I am always glad when there is one.
I loved the sexual tension that ran throughout the story, there was only one sex scene but that one was hot.
The guys are so different, yet perfectly matched. Brock being self conscious about his body, yet his guys loving exactly that which bothers him. AJ all quiet and controlled, except when it counts. Trent growing up with that kind of dad, poor guy, but he does have an awesome mom, and being an openly gay college football player takes some major guts.
I think the scene in the restaurant where Trent doesn't let go of Brock's hand was my favorite part, Brock needed that as much as the others did, if not more, and it shows that such a small gesture, one that most people take for granted, can actually be a huge thing.
The pressure of always trying to keep their love quiet, always worried about the press coming after them, and all the people that feel they have the right to judge and ridicule them.
All of that is shown in this story, but me being me, and because Lexi only just whet my appetite for these three guys...I need more and... guess what? Lexi said there is gonna be more.
Color me happy, thrilled and over the moon. Can't wait.

ETA Lexi Ander has been teasing me with little hints and tidbits for the novel about these guys and let me tell you all I CAN'T WAIT !
Profile Image for *J* Too Many Books Too Little Time.
1,921 reviews3,718 followers
December 28, 2014
4.5 Stars!

I really enjoyed this one.....but it was too damn short!

I don't read a lot of ménage stories but this one was really well done! I would have loved to read about how Trent, Brock and AJs relationship came about. Watched them fall in love.....

As it was, we get a moment in time. Two plus years in to their relationship. Where their relationship is tested by the hate in the world. The oddity of their relationship is questioned. Where one person struggles with his place. Questioning whether walking away to protect those he loves makes more sense than staying and them possibly losing their dreams!

My heart broke for Trent and his struggles but I loved the hell out of AJ and Brock for how they fought for Trent!

Profile Image for Gigi.
2,148 reviews1,061 followers
April 24, 2015
I fucking loved this one!!!



My absolute favorite of the Love Has No Boundaries stories to date. It's a threesome story, told with so much love and devotion and downright passion that I never wanted it to end. Then I hear from Mandy, the one who wrote the prompt that planted the seed for Lexi Ander to write this fantastic story, that there are plans to expand on this story in the future. Yippiee! I can't wait!

If you like passionate men showing their physical love, with incredibly strong emotional feelings for one another, involved in a committed relationship between three people, then you will absolutely love and I can highly recommend Playing for keeps. I can't wait to read it again!!
Profile Image for Vio.
677 reviews
June 19, 2013
4.5 stars
I adored this story. Trent, AJ and Brock have so much love, the threesome is for keeps, the tender devotion for each other really shines through. They're sexy and the chemistry flew off the page, I loved the three POV's given, a great opportunity to find out what makes the guys tick. A convincing and wonderful relationship between three interesting and lovable men. A load of passionate fun and I can't wait to read more about them.
Profile Image for BevS.
2,842 reviews2 followers
July 4, 2013
Another fab story from the LHNB event, and I think Mandy my friend that Lexi did a wonderful job with your picture prompt...and that was pretty yummy too! 4.5 stars and

I loved this story of Trent, Brock and AJ. The absolute pig of a father, a wonderfully understanding and accepting mother (who may have been getting her own back in some small way on said pig of a father), lots of loving and finally a man that understood where the guys were coming from. Great story.
Profile Image for The Bursting Bookshelf of a Wallflower.
809 reviews153 followers
December 9, 2015
Playing for Keeps tells us the story of three young men that are in a ménage relationship since nearly three years. While not hiding their relationship, they are not out to the public due to Trent’s desire to get into the NFL. Unfortunately, they are seen in an obvious situation by one of Trent’s teammates and he is now facing rumors spreading like wildfire. Put under pressure not only by players from other teams and the media, Trent also has to deal with his father, who is engaging a political career and isn’t happy about the rumors about his son. Suddenly, Trent isn’t sure anymore if he is able to keep his relationship going. He doesn’t want his partners – Block, a sportscaster and AJ, an ex-marine – getting into trouble due to him. He wouldn’t be able to forgive himself if they would lose the opportunities to get their dream jobs. I definitely liked the idea, but somehow I didn’t really get the dynamics between the MC’s. I enjoyed reading about their relationship, but I never really felt with them. I have to say that the sex scene at the end was very hot! Unfortunately the dialogues didn’t work for me and I sometimes couldn’t follow the thinking of the MC’s. 3 stars!
Profile Image for Tina.
1,779 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2013


This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's LHNB event.

Menage stories are hard to write and I was soooo curious how Lexi would manage her task.

I loved it!

Trent, AJ and Brock are so cute together. It was heart melting to read about their love for each other and their determination to fight for their love... no matter what.

Lexi said she wants to write more about the guys. I can't wait! :)
Profile Image for Macky.
2,019 reviews230 followers
July 4, 2013
Definitely one of my favourites from the LHNB series. The established relationship of Trent, AJ and Brock lends itself to a really believable ménage tale that for a change isn't all about hot sex and threesomes but shows a really solid passionate and loving relationship between three men and their fight to stay together when one of them is in the spotlight and rumours of their lifestyle come to the fore. Worried that he may compromise what they have if it comes out publicly Trent tries to step away but his two lovers and partners aren't about to let that happen!

Mandy picked a lovely picture and lexi provided a super interpretation of the prompt . I really loved this and like many from this years offerings I'll be keeping this and reading again. Thanks Lexi for a very pleasurable read.
Profile Image for Ami.
6,195 reviews489 followers
September 9, 2016
Despite the popular contrary, this is NOT my first ménage; I read them before, I just don't like 'em much. I don't purposefully look for them. However, since the theme of 2014 was to expand my reading experience, I decided to make it my March personal challenge... and this was the first challenge title

What I Do Like

+ Mandy, whom I roped into this to help me with the titles, did it right when she chose a committed threesomes. I liked how these men were equal, they truly love each other, devoted to one another, and in a monogamist relationship. I liked that I didn't have to deal with a couple bringing a third into the equation. The conflict that was presented came from the outside, and it was believable. Something outside what considered "normal" always creates debates.

+ I liked that the three characters were quite distinct from one another. Brock who worried about things (including his self-image), Trent who was the most loyal and wanted to do the 'right' thing for his lovers, and A.J. who was the more quiet but also the most controlled. This characterization was well-written throughout, with some little gestures that matched their personalities. Kudos for that.

+ Trent's Mom? She rocked. I loved her to pieces! I was longing to have kick-ass mothers who stood by their LGBT children, no matter what -- which was one of the reasons I love Merlin fanfic, because Hunith rocks (sorry, slight detour there *lol*)

What I Dislike

+ This is more about the writing style -- not exactly the best chemistry there. I felt slightly off with it, and to me, it felt more like telling-not-showing. From their inner thoughts to what was going on, it was all told.

+ Not exactly fan of the epithets too -- the running back, the younger man, the Marine ... ALTHOUGH, since this involves three men, I kinda understand the reason, because if not, it will become confusing with the he/he/he. Still, not exactly a fan.

+ I still didn't get confirmation about who spread the rumor and why it happened. So it was George? But the motive? Did I miss it? Because somehow the issue with the rumor was replaced with Trent's asshole father's threat.

I still got a little bit lost during the sex scenes, though. I kept forgetting who was doing what to whom. I ended up skimming them. But that was probably my issue since I didn't like the genre in the first place, so my brain didn't work right *lol*.

All in all -- it was quite nice story :)


Personal MMM Challenge March 2014: story #1
Profile Image for Ro.
3,108 reviews16 followers
June 17, 2013
Sometimes it is very difficult for me to read menage because so often I feel like they are two plus one and not an equal triad. This wasn't the case here - these guys are all equally together, equally in love and equally protective. I loved that about them. And by the end, unapologetic in their relationship. And sexy!
Profile Image for SheReadsALot.
1,855 reviews1,266 followers
June 29, 2013
So a NFL hopeful, ex-marine and sports newscaster hopeful walk into a bar...

Sound like a interesting dirty joke set up (maybe) but it is actually the set up for a beautiful prompt and picture well executed. A college threesome in a established relationship, some angst/ bullying thrown in, sensual tension and yummy man sex makes "Playing for Keeps".

I liked the story. (at times it was wordy but then again you can't question how each main character felt)

I loved the couple...trio...throuple? - Brock, AJ and Trent were believable in their love.

I would rate this story somewhere closer in the 3.5 range but thinking about the triad's last sex scene puts a smile on my face. I'll round up!




All in all,

Profile Image for Candice.
932 reviews
June 19, 2013
4.5 - I have found that when an author writes a m/m/m story it either works and it comes across natural and you get a story where all of them just fit so right together that you can't picture them without each other or the story falls flat and the menage just feels like a couple and a third person. This one definitely was natural and these guys are just so perfect for each other. They are so loving and committed to each other, that you just know that no matter what they will always be there for each other. This short story only gave me a glimpse into their lives and I can't wait to read more with them.
Profile Image for Anna.
192 reviews54 followers
June 18, 2013
3.5 stars: If you know me, you'll know I'm not a fan of menages; I read them from time to time when I come across a blurb that intrigues me. I decided to read this one because it was about an already established relationship between the three, and not an established couple and a third person comes in - which is usually what I come across of. In this case, I really liked how the relationship was done; I didn't feel like one of them was left out, but it was really a relationship of three person where everyone was equal. So in the end I did end up enjoying this a lot and the sex was also smokin' hot!
Profile Image for Gina.
753 reviews110 followers
July 23, 2013


I have come to enjoy ménage stories, well good ones. And this story is definitely one of the good ones, I loved Trent, Brock and AJ. We meet them 2 years into their relationship and are dealing with bigotry and threats from Trent's dad. I could feel the ties and love between these 3 men and this too short story sucked me in!

Wonderful!
Profile Image for Nic.
Author 44 books366 followers
July 13, 2013
The thing I like most about this story was the focus on the depth of love in the menage relationship, not the sex. The three men - Trent, Brock and AJ - obviously care so much about each other, willing to sacrifice their individual dreams, if necessary, to be together.

These are strong men but they are not afraid to express their emotions and take a stand - all for one and one for all!

The story is engaging, the emotions strong, the sex hot and the ending happy.

The only minor niggle I had was the repetitive reference to Trent as 'their running back' or 'the running back'. I got it - he was a running back! Well, maybe I didn't really get it because I don't actually know what a running back is but I am sure you know what I mean! The same with AJ who kept being referred to a 'the former marine', 'their Marine'. To me it just doesn't seem natural to be referring to people by their occupation or former occupation.

Overall, I feel very spoilt, being provided with a long and quality short story for free. Thanks Lexi!
Profile Image for Izzah Zulaikha.
475 reviews11 followers
June 18, 2013
Never read a menage a trois story before but i gotta say, after reading this, i'm totally intrigue!
Thank you for this beautiful story! <3
Profile Image for LenaRibka.
1,462 reviews433 followers
December 7, 2013
Between 2,5 and 3 stars.

I have not realized up to the moment I started to read it that it is about a menage relationship.
I'm not really in this kind of books.
But I've seen that some of my GR friends enjoyed this short story.
It is why I decided to give it a try.

It was not bad.
◆If you want a feel-good-reading without thinking a lot,
◆if you' re a fan of menages,
◆if you search for something quick and
uncomplicated in between

it could be a suitable novella for you.

I just couldn't connect myself with the characters.
I don't like the dialogues --- I am a good-dialogues-junkie --- I could enjoy the good written dialogues even more than good written sex scenes. I think. Sometimes. Yep. I'm almost sure. Maybe.

The dialogues and the thoughts of those three guys telling from their POVs were for my taste a bit childish and fade.

OKAY. The sex scene at the end was HOT.
I knew from the storytelling it'd come at the end, it is why I kept on reading!!
What? I've said that I like the good written dialogues even better than the good written sex scenes?! Are you kidding?! Me?! When?!
Profile Image for AnnaLund.
271 reviews54 followers
June 18, 2013
Really cute, not too much angst (thank you thank you thank you) and not too long. Being a freebie from the Love Has No Boundaries in the m/m romance group here on Goodreads is an added bonus.
There are a lot of stories coming from there right now, and the talent is incredible. Just incredible.

This story was well written, with believable characters, all three of them were relatable and felt genuine. Perhaps they talked more about emotions than I'm used to men doing, but every person in the world is different from the next.

Very nice. A menage is never easy to write about, and I loved that it was an established relationship, and talked about how to KEEP making things work.

This really worked for me.
Profile Image for Dana Cavallon.
Author 2 books3 followers
June 18, 2013
Great story! I loved the characters, individually and together. The conflict and resolution were believable, and they all seem like they're headed for a long and happy life together. The story felt complete as it was, but I'd love to see more of them. Seems like there's room for a story as Trent becomes the first openly gay player in the NFL, no? *bats eyes hopefully*
Profile Image for Vivian ♪(┌・。・)┌		.
628 reviews67 followers
July 6, 2013
A solid read with an enjoyable storyline and characters. One of the things I like most was the realistic portrayal of the situation and reaction of society. Being a sports star come with a surprisingly large amount of publicity (well, surprising to me, since I couldn't give two shits about sport) and people will try to destroy and slander what they do not understand-- although, I don't understand why people would object to a menage relationship, I mean, that's just triple sexy. But, I digress. It was a good story and their love for each other was evident and believable and the kickass mother was a fabulous addition.

Rating: slightly more than 3
Profile Image for K.
1,607 reviews83 followers
June 17, 2013
LHNB story released 17.6.13
Menage stories are hard to balance when all three players are equal in the relationship but the author did a really great job with this one. The changing point of view wasn't confusing as each chapter it clearly identified whose voice was speaking and there was only a tiny sentence or two overlap between the change in speaker. The story itself was well written and the characters well rounded.
Profile Image for Anke.
2,504 reviews97 followers
June 19, 2013
Nice read, fitted the prompt perfectly and the epilogue was the icing on the cake.
Profile Image for Jewel.
1,917 reviews274 followers
February 25, 2015
I rather enjoyed this story about three young men trying to find their way together. Trent is a college football player, and a really good one. He's openly gay and he's hoping for a shot at the NFL. When rumors spread about his relationship with AJ and Brock, he becomes the target of harrassment. That, along with Trent's bigoted father's manipulations, nearly causes Trent to crumble under the pressure, but Brock and AJ show Trent what is really important -- their relationship.

The story was engaging and the sex was hot. Though I don't see polyamourous relationships becoming accepted any time soon, I was happy our three MC's found their way.
Profile Image for Rachel Emily.
4,407 reviews377 followers
March 14, 2016
Eeeeeee! I loved this! Excellent story, and I especially liked how equal all three guys were in their relationship, it wasn't 2 and 1 like in some stories I have read. I loved the writing and the flow of the story, realistic conflict, and definitely would love to read more with these boys!
Profile Image for Teresa.
3,859 reviews40 followers
June 27, 2015
Really enjoyed this story, but it was too short. I got a good basic feeling for the characters and was able to believe their relationship. The sex was steamy and I loved the epilogue.
Profile Image for Marte - Thunderella.
784 reviews106 followers
Want to read
July 30, 2015

PHOTO DESCRIPTION: 
Two blond men with short crew cuts are caught in a deep, openmouthed kiss. A third man stands slightly apart and behind the shorter man, with his arms at his waist tugging up his T-shirt. He is reaching around him to stroke the smaller man’s stomach.



STORY LETTER:
Dear Author,


These men love each other and are happy together, but one of them (the one on the left) is starting to succumb to the pressures of being in a ménage à trois. Something the outside world doesn`t even want to try and understand. He’s not sure if he should let them go, so at least they can be together without all the added stress their kind of love brings. But doesn’t he know they will never let him go.


Please no D/s or BDSM and a very HEA would be appreciated.


Sincerely,


Mandy


STORY INFO:
Genre:
 contemporary
Tags: M/M/M, college, sports, military, assholery, foot-wrangling, established relationship, blackmail, don’t mess with the mom
Word count: 22,596



 

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