Member Reviews
In “Sharing Shane,” Hannah Murray crafts an engaging and steamy narrative that explores the complexities of modern relationships through the lens of vacation romance and polyamory. The story follows Veronica, who finds herself unexpectedly stranded in a tropical paradise without her charming boyfriend. After catching him in a compromising position with the neighbor, she is left to grapple with betrayal and the disappointment of a missed vacation in Bermuda. With her prepaid, non-refundable resort stay on the line, Veronica reaches out for help, leading to an encounter with the rugged and unexpectedly charming Shane. Shane, a busy carpenter, is initially hesitant about taking a vacation. However, the persuasion of his boyfriend and the opportunity to assist a friend of a friend leads him to a beachside bungalow where the captivating Veronica awaits. Their chemistry is palpable, and what begins as a simple arrangement for convenience quickly evolves into a deeper connection. The dynamic between Veronica and Shane is electric; Shane's grumpy demeanor contrasts beautifully with Veronica's open-minded spirit, setting the stage for both humorous and heartfelt moments throughout the narrative. One of the most compelling aspects of “Sharing Shane” is its exploration of sexual orientation and relationship structures. Shane’s revelation of being bisexual and polyamorous adds layers to his character and challenges the conventional norms of romance. The story deftly navigates the nuances of polyamory, avoiding stereotypes and instead presenting it as a valid and fulfilling lifestyle choice. Through Shane, readers see that love can be expansive and that emotional connections can thrive in non-traditional arrangements. Murray's writing shines as she balances the steamy scenes with moments of introspection and vulnerability. The descriptions of the idyllic setting enhance the narrative, pulling readers into the sun-soaked beaches and the intimate confines of the bungalow. Each encounter between Shane and Veronica is infused with passion and authenticity, making their journey feel both exciting and relatable. However, as the story unfolds, the reality of Shane's polyamorous life surfaces, posing a significant challenge for Veronica. The conflict between her feelings for Shane and the potential complications of sharing him with others creates a tension that drives the narrative forward. Readers are left to ponder whether Veronica can reconcile her desires for love and exclusivity with the realities of Shane's relationships. This poignant dilemma not only adds depth to the characters but also invites the audience to reflect on their own views about love, commitment, and what it means to be in a relationship in today's world. Ultimately, “Sharing Shane” culminates in a heartwarming exploration of love that transcends conventional boundaries. Veronica's journey toward acceptance and understanding serves as a powerful message about the importance of communication, trust, and the willingness to embrace different forms of love. The book's conclusion offers a satisfying and hopeful resolution, affirming that happiness can flourish in unexpected configurations. In summary, Hannah Murray’s “Sharing Shane” is a delightful polyamorous romance that captivates readers with its warmth, wit, and sensuality. Through the lens of a vacation fling turned meaningful connection, the novel presents an honest portrayal of modern relationships while encouraging readers to challenge traditional notions of love. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a steamy romance infused with depth and authenticity, and it invites all to consider the beautiful possibilities that come with sharing love in its many forms.
I want to say this was 'chef's kiss' perfection... but honestly, it was more than a kiss. It was a make-out session with the chef. Consensually and respectfully, of course :P
This was my first read from Hannah Murray and I will 1000% go back to their books again and again. This was spicy, sexy, funny, and an absolutely great representation of polya romance with queer characters. At least in my humble-ish opinion! Open and honest communication, sensitivity and understanding - It's a great portrayal of a complex, loving dynamic. Murray's relationships, friendships, found families and communities are so enjoyable and make the entire read so much more engaging and inspiring.
Veronica is an incredible, strong, bad a$$ who knows what she will not put up with. Shane is a successful artisan who is a bit of a taciturn grump. Does not say much until he has too but is also great at communicating (for the most part). We meet Shane's polya partner, some best friends - except for the jerk ex, everyone was pretty great!
If you like queer reads, enjoy steam and spice, want a book with great writing and engaging characters - this is a good one to pick up!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great spicy romance read!! I loved the description of polyamory and how the couples have their own way of discussing and defining it. I think it showed how even couples in polyamory have to have open communication and trust between one another, it’s all a learning and listening process and even if you’ve been in poly for a while you still have challenges you face.
I loved the one bed trope that set the stage. I loved the side characters of Wyatt and Delis, they added good moral compasses for the main characters and some comedic levity.
The journey of the MCs was well written from the FMC trying to understand and integrate into the poly lifestyle and learning herself if it was right for her and also for the MMC to grow in trust and not comparing previous relationships to his current one.
The spice DEFINITELY be spicing and mannn I re-read some scenes MULTIPLE times. It was *chef’s kiss*!! Probably one of the few books I’d re-read and I’ll definitely be looking into the author’s other titles!
I really enjoyed this read. It was my first poly romance that didn't end in throuple territory and I loved seeing different representation of what a poly romance could look like. While I'm not poly personally, I do think this book does a good job of explaining the dynamics and challenges that come with this relationship structure so I think even folks who aren't well versed in poly-culture could follow along just fine. I absolutely loved Veronica and her kick-ass attitude when it comes to her ex. Shane is certainly a bit more buttoned up about his feelings (with the past relationship trauma to back that up) and I loved how they came together. I did want more of them just dating when back in the real world because the transition from vacation fling to relationship was a little fast and loose for my liking. I loved how much heart this read had and the emotional depth we get from these characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ARC. Publication date was March 19, 2024.
This is a great read! Keeps you interested from the first couple of pages. Some points have a ton of details. In my personal opinion I could do without so much little details on things that aren’t too important, such as a hand hanging etc. for me it made me want to skim some parts rather than read. However, it’s still a good read and I would recommend it to anyone who is LGBQ friendly.
Thanks so much to the author for the ARC!
This was the first novel I have read that involved polyamory. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about it, but I have to say I enjoyed the book quite a bit! I loved that it was both storyline and steamy. It gave the me a chance to get a little invested in the characters, which I like. I also really appreciated the explicit talk of consent and found the poly communication aspect very intriguing. Would recommend! Veronica and Shane (and Wyatt 😉)❤️
This book was die hard adorable and educational. I didn’t even know that was possible but so many green flags! Love consenting, well communicated adult relationship. Cutting close to the best polyamorous couple ive read
Hannah Murray can pretty much do no wrong for me and I was so excited to get this advanced copy to read! The book is low key but explores some interesting things around poly relationships. Murray writes friendships and communities really well and even though Wyatt and Shane were boyfriends I loved how their friendship worked in this, with Wyatt pushing Shane to go after what he wanted with Veronica. The steam was super hot as always and overall I just loved the more is more approach to love and relationships in this.
I've started to enjoy this book until Delia popped up more and more. She was a very annoying character. Unfortunately I've skimmed the pages where she was involved.
But I thoroughly enjoy the chemistry between Veronica and Shane then with Wyatt. I don't often read books on bisexuality and polyamorous romance but this one was OK. I liked the dialogue and the pace. Steam level 5 🔥. Very hot. This is a new author for me and I'll definitely read more of her books.
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc.
As always, Hannah Murray delivers a hot yet thoughful erotic romance with exploration of queer life.
The main plot is in the title. Can Veronica's holiday fling with Shane grow into something more once they are back home? Shane is poly and Veronica knows this from the beginning. They have a bit of a grumpy-sunshine thing going on holiday and that starts to grow once they are back home.
Really great discussions of consent and how poly works for the characters. Friends or both are also well fleshed out.
Highly recommend.
This is a really refreshing erotic romance. It's wonderful to see a positive take on polyamory and bisexuality. The chemistry between Veronica and Shane is fantastic. I enjoyed seeing Veronica evolve and discover things about herself. I found it relatable as someone who is relatively new to polyamory myself. I also loved how clear and open Shane was about his sexuality. There's lots of steamy moments but it's also a story of self-discovery and self-acceptance.
My only real issue is that I found the dialogue sometimes cringe. I honestly didn't enjoy Veronica's best friend Delia. She felt like a caricature and ended up skimming pages when she showed up.
Thank you NetGalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
"Sharing Shane" is a delightful rollercoaster of unexpected romance and self-discovery. Veronica finds herself in a pickle when her vacation plans with her cheating boyfriend go awry, leading her to share a beach bungalow with the ruggedly charming Shane. What starts as a convenient arrangement quickly evolves into something more as they navigate their feelings amidst the sun-kissed beaches and swaying palms.
Hannah Murray crafts a refreshingly modern love story that challenges traditional relationship norms. Veronica's evolution from heartbroken to empowered is both relatable and inspiring, while Shane's openness about his sexuality adds depth to his character. The chemistry between them sizzles off the pages, making every interaction feel electric and genuine.
While "Sharing Shane" offers plenty of steamy moments, it's also a story about acceptance and embracing one's true self. Murray navigates the complexities of polyamory with sensitivity, offering readers a glimpse into a lifestyle often misunderstood. Ultimately, this book is a delightful read that reminds us love comes in many forms, and sometimes, it's worth taking a chance on the unexpected.
Thank you NetGalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the understanding of the different relationships in this book, the author really showed how different relationships had different layers and it was a wholesome story!
I don’t read a lot of 3rd person perspective books but I enjoyed the way the author did this as it gave a more omniscient reading style.
The characters were very likeable and I loved that Veronica really tried to understand Shane and Wyatt’s relationship rather than ruling it out right away!
Overall this was an enjoyable read!
Thank you to @netgalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for an ARC of Sharing Shane in exchange for an honest review. Sharing Shane by Hannah Murray will be published on March 19, 2024.
I was first introduced to Hannah Murray via her F.I.L.T.H. series, which involves a variety of romantic and sexual scenarios. I like that about her work. Yes, it can appeal to some people's kinks but she treats sexual identities with respect and tact. Sharing Shane depicts polyamory and non-monogamy. I appreciated Murray making a distinction and showing the different ways they can play out in relationships. The book emphasizes communication and boundaries. Was the book sexy and spicy?? Heck yeah. But, more importantly to me, it was a learning experience. So, I give it 4 stars out of 5 because it demonstrates depth and is representative of various romantic and sexual relationships. It isn't just another spicy romance.
Veronica is reeling from finding her boyfriend of two years mid-act with her neighbor IN VERONICA"S BEDROOM. She boots him and now she has to take their romantic vacation alone. Except for romance reasons, she ends up sharing a beach cottage with Shane, boyfriend of married Wyatt. And they are into each other immediately. Shane and Veronica, but Wyatt's not out of the question...
This a sweet, hot, poly romance. Veronica is an outsider to poly relationships at the beginning, and isn't sure how she feels about more than a fling with Shane. They do a lot of communicating throughout, and Veronica goes in with open eyes, trying to learn if the poly life is for her.
The communication is so good. The lust is so good. The terrible ex-boyfriend shows up a couple times, but doesn't become the focus of the second half. If you're interested in a hot, poly romance that educates its readers about one way polyamory can work, this is for you.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sharing Shane by Hannah Murray
Just added a new author to my must-read list – love it when that happens. Silly me, started reading before midnight thinking I could read a chapter, put the book down, and pick up again in the morning. At 1:30am I forced myself to turn the light off then couldn’t go to sleep thinking about Veronica, Shane and Wyatt. Finally finished the book today but it was hard waiting to get back to their story, that’s for sure!
What I liked:
* Veronica: speech therapist, previously a teacher but wanted more one-on-one with those she works with, bright, open, knows what she likes, and knows she doesn’t like being cheated on by Derek
* Shane: successful businessman, woodworker, busy, in a relationship with Wyatt, grumpy at times and a talker at others, what he likes, believes in communication and boundaries, know
* Wyatt: pediatric nurse, married to Seth, in committed relationship with Shane, flirtatious, tells it like it is, not afraid of who he is, good friend and loving partner
* Delia: Veronica’s BFF of over a decade, wise, wealthy, and a good friend
* Lucy: support group member that becomes Veronica’s friend and provides good advice
* That Veronica is not a pushover and knows when she is done with Derke and isn’t afraid to tell him so
* The way that the relationship comes together for Veronica and Shane, the strength of the love between Shane and Wyatt, and the way the three bond as friends
* Learning more about polyamory vs nonmonogamy
* The maturity of the characters, their ability to communicate (most of the time) and the way communication, trust and respect are a part of the story – I believe they are the cornerstones of a relationship and a breakdown in a relationship is due to one or more of these
* That all three main characters are fantasy-worthy in all ways always
* That I am still smiling as I think about some of the things that happened in this book
* All of it except…
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like but mostly…
* Derek the doofus who was called much worse by Delia
Did I enjoy this book? Definitely!
Would I read more by this author? Without a doubt!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Steamy Smiling Stars
This is genuinely one of the most amazing polyamorous books I’ve ever read, I love their story so much, the dynamics between Shane and Wyatt and ofcourse Shane and Veronica, her best friend who is always high who might also be my spirit animal I absolutely am in love with this book and I’m so excited to have had the pleasure of reading it 🩷🩷the communication, and love and just the spice in between them was so well written love it all
Sharing Shane is really a feel good book focusing on navigating a polyamorous/non monogamous relationship between Shane and Veronica. While Shane is already in a relationship and Veronica just got out of one they needed each other more than they thought.
I was grinning ear to ear during this whole book and there was no 3rd act breakup which gave me a much needed reprieve from other romance books. Dalia, Veronica's best friend, is the friend we all need and I loved every second she had book time (I would love a Blurb on how her and Julian met)
I had to force myself to put the book down or I would have read the whole thing in one night and not sleep, it was that good. The book was more than just spice and had great relationship and character building. I did find it hard in the beginning keeping up with who everyone was but quickly caught on. The ending was great and didn't have me asking about additional details or needed to explore more of their relationship.