'This Is Not the End' by Sidney Bell revolves around a polyamorous relationship between characters Anya, Zac, and Cal. The story delves into their deep emotional connections and explores the dynamics of their triad relationship with honesty and maturity. The author, Sidney Bell, portrays the characters in a nuanced and realistic manner, making their love and struggles feel raw and authentic. Readers praised the book for its steamy love scenes, character depth, and the way it beautifully portrays the complexities of love in various forms.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, each with distinct traits that contribute to the unique dynamics of their relationship.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by its emotional depth, creating a compelling connection with the characters through varied perspectives.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative delves into the complexities of a polyamorous relationship, emphasizing emotional connections while experiencing internal turmoil regarding acceptance.

Setting:

The setting revolves around the lives of musicians within a rock band, highlighting their personal relationships.

Pacing:

The pacing begins gradually but gains momentum, intertwining emotional moments with humor.

“Why haven’t you ever fucked Cal?” Anya asks her husband one afternoon in the kitchen, musing aloud around a mouthful of undressed spinach salad. She’s trying to shuck the last of the post-baby weight...

Notes:

Sidney Bell explores polyamorous relationships in 'This Is Not the End'.

The book features a bisexual male identity for characters Cal and Zac.

Anya is confident in her sexuality and voice her needs clearly.

The story focuses more on character emotions than physical connection in the triad.

The characters exhibit a blend of introspective battles and strong connections.

Cal is described as reserved but deeply emotional underneath.

Zac and Anya support Cal as he navigates his feelings for them.

The book includes themes of acceptance versus societal norms.

Readers experienced a mix of emotions: humor, heat, and profound moments.

The narrative is split among the perspectives of the three main characters.

Cal's journey involves deliberating the complexities of a poly relationship.

The author’s unique way of portraying love is highlighted as natural and relatable.

The book has moments of angst but is ultimately uplifting and sweet.

Readers appreciated the balance in character dynamics, especially between Zac's and Anya's personalities.

Many found the story engaging enough to read in one sitting.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include discussions of societal acceptance, polyamory, and issues surrounding emotional conflicts in relationships.

Has Romance?

Romance is a pivotal element in This Is Not the End, featuring a high level of romantic development among the main characters.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

Sometimes love finds you when you least expect it.

A bold and deeply emotional novel, This Is Not the End marks a new way of looking at love, family, and happily-ever-after.

Zacary Trevor is the love of Anya Alexander's life. Their sometimes tumultuous marriage has survived ups, downs, and all the in-betweens. With successful careers, a lovely home, and a beautiful child, domestic bliss is a hard-earned reality for two people whose hedonistic days are in the not-so-distant past. They're happy.

Enter Zac's best friend, the deeply reserved Cal Keller. Zac's friendship with Cal is the foundation of his career and-until Anya and their son came along-the most important relationship of his life. Cal's a cipher, someone Anya can't help but gravitate to, even if they don't always get along. Even more, she's drawn to the Zac she sees when he's with Cal-a careful, cautious version of her husband, someone with hidden thoughts and desires kept secret even from her.

Inviting Cal into their home, deeper into their life, is a risk.

Zac should say no. He knows he should. But he doesn't. From the first, the hint at the life the three of them could have together is exhilarating. And finding a new definition for family just might be worth the risk to every bond that exists between them.

Ratings (5)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (1)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (14):

Read It (5)
Want To Read (7)
Not Interested (2)

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This Is Not the End

Sidney Bell