I really enjoyed reading about the different aspects of all their relationships with each other. It was great that the book didn't focus on one part of their poly relationship, but rather spotlighted on their individual relationships together as well as their three-way relationship. I haven't read many poly books in general because they're unfortunately pretty difficult to find, but I hadn't read one before that involved an existing marriage with a third person joining their relationship, and I found it very interesting. I appreciated that the three characters were all mature and thoughtful about their relationships together, and respectful of each other's personal relationships with each other.

When I first heard of this I knew I had to read this sooner than later so when it was up on Amazon I pre-ordered immediately.

Then I found it browsing through Netgalley but didn't request because I had preordered after all and what were two more weeks anyway? Apparently too much because I did end up requesting. And I'm SO happy I did because this book is truly fantastic!

My absolute favourite part of The Art of Three was the development of each relationship. Not just the one between Jamie and Callum, but also the one between Nerea and Jamie and the triad-relationship. I loved how organic and natural it felt for them to end up together. Each relationship is a bit different, just like the characters involved, but I really enjoyed each pairing equally. I loved the glimpses we got into the already existing and still going strong relationship of Nerea and Callum. I loved the parts when Jamie and Nerea "ganged up" on Callum and teased him about his quirks. Overall the banter and humor was lovely but I also loved the more sedate scenes.

In particular I loved is that this story showed how important communication and time-management in a relationship are, maybe more so in a relationship involving more than two people because each of them needs time as a couple too, not just as a triad. Mind-readers only exist in fiction after all, so things can't improve if you don't voice your opinion and talk about expectations and hopes. Racheline Maltese and Erin McRae managed to portray this with such ease and simplicity.

Callum and Nerea are more "experienced" when it comes to being in a poly-relationship and have been living like this for the last 30 years. But it's an all new situation for Jamie and I loved how - even though he's sometimes unsure - he still stands up for what he wants. He's such an endearing and sweet character but also so determined. I really, really loved that.
And Nerea! Boy! She knows how to handle those two and it was so delightful! She's the embodiment of a strong, independent woman. Easily standing her ground against them; I wish I was just a little bit like her.
Callum... he's so charismatic and such a charmer. Each of them separately is already a handful but the three of them together are not to be messed with.

The Art of Three focuses more on the emotional bond between each of the characters and while the reader knows they're intimate, there are no explicit scenes in this book. And I don't feel like they're needed at all. Sex can be a good way to show intimacy of a growing relationship but this story works perfectly without.

Not only has The Art of Three a strong cast of main characters, the side characters are also equally interesting. There's really not one character that I didn't like. Each of them brought something to the story and I feel like some of them have a story of their own to tell. I'd love to read about them.

The ending of the story definitely leaves the possibility for a sequel so I hope that we eventually get more of these characters. I'm decidedly *not* ready to say goodbye to these characters yet.

So to conclude: The Art of Three is a fantastic story with amazing characters, great bi- and poly-representation you absolutely should not miss.

The Art of Three is an well written erotic story about polyamorous triple. Jamie, Callum and Nerea. Their relationship, the way that Jamie is ready to question things when he is not sure that he has understood everything right and to ask for permission before he steps over some lines that he should not cross, the way that Callum is open to be truthful and how well Nerea fits them both … it was just pleasure to read about open and mature relationship, that is not kept as dirty little secret and that is not based on sex only. Of course all kinds of couples have their problems and not everybody is fine with all kinds of relationship, but if the relationship is strong and true, it can survive.

A good read!

I was surprised by this book. Both by how much I enjoyed it, and by its depth. I was expecting more of an erotic romance, but there is no graphic detail. This is a romance. A sweet, if unconventional, love story. It also provides a look at polyamory that was different than my expectations. Of course some aspects of it I still couldn't wrap my head, or heart, around. But it definitely made for an interesting read. Great characters, great story, great romance.

First, this was not at all what I was originally expecting and I am glad I picked this up to read. I thought this was going to be another steamy triad relationship, but this was completely different. If you're looking for more steam, this is not the book for you. The book focuses more on the relationships between Callum, Jamie and Nerea. How to fit three together with their own family dramas and busy lives. Balance and commitment. Well worth the time and very well written.

Love knows no bounds and in any relationship, it is people and circumstances that set bounds. To say that this is true of this book, is to underestimate the ease and intelligence with which Nerea Nessim lives her life.

The story starts with Jamie, a 24 year old, who relocates to London from Dublin to feature in a film with a mega-heartthrob called Callum. What Jamie does not expect happens; he develops a huge crush on Callum and as he struggles with his feelings and their working relationship, he learns that Callum, though married to Nerea, has the same feelings and would like to be with him. This is the beginning of a series of events and exploration for Jamie.

I am Kenyan and growing up, the only kind of 'poly' I understood and knew as regards love and relationships was 'polygamy.' I understood that one man could have several wives and it bugged me, because I am jealous and as I type this monogamous. So, imagine this Kenyan girl reading about 'Polyamory?'
Do you get it?

Let me break it down: Jamie + Callum+ Nerea, in this case Callum and Nerea are married. Jamie can be intimate with Callum and then Nerea and then to them as a married couple.

It took me a while to get this and sink into the story given my perceptions and background, but I loved Jamie's warmth. He brings a certain kind of youthfulness and joy to their relationship and the fact that he struggles with understanding the complexities of their relationship made this enjoyable.
I also wished I had Nerea's power. She took command of every situation and it was thrilling to come across a female character with such clarity.

I wonder what my friends and family would say if I bought them a copy of this book...it'd be something worth reading and experiencing, and like Jamie says "I can definitely promise you I'm happy."