The Buddy System is a story of loss and damage and finding a way to put yourself back together. Levi and Skylar serve together in a unit in Afghanistan. They are the only two survivors of an ambush. After returning home, they try to put their lives back together, but Levi carries so much guilt that he slowly loses touch with Skylar. Levi’s wife, Brooke, will do anything to help Levi heal. Sometimes it takes three people to heal a soul.

I assumed this story was going to be focused on the adult activity aspect of three people forming a relationship. I was surprised to find that the author created reasons for each of them to be in the relationship. For example, Brooke loves Levi. She is working hard to help him heal physically and emotionally after he returns home from Afghanistan. She knows that she is losing him. When Skylar offers Brooke and Levi the chance to stay with him for a while, it seems like a good idea because it might help Levi come out of his depression. Levi and Skylar did not have any attraction to each other when they were in Afghanistan. Their shared trauma changed things for them. Skylar is doing well financially. I thought that was a good addition because it allowed the characters to focus on the emotional healing and figuring out their relationship.

There is a bad guy and a dangerous situation in this book. I wasn’t expecting it based on how the story started. The bad guy is horrible. The author gives an entire bad guy arc with plenty of details. I thought it was pretty satisfying. It also helped to bring the characters together as they supported each other through the situation.

This story takes place in Honeybee Hollow, Kentucky. If you do not like books that include first time gay, polyamorous and share my wife storylines, skip over this one. I will definitely read more from this author in the future.

I am struggling to put my thoughts in order so I can explain why this book is so badly written.
The plot of this book is 3 people fall in love with each other, they go through some struggles and come out on the other side better than ever. It's a small town, miliary MMF romance.

However.

The way this book is written leaves a lot to desire. The writing is choppy, naive and in places nonsensical. These MMCs are supposed to be military men, hardened by the war and yet at one point, Skylar exclaims: "Yes! I love naked kisses!"

The overwhelming feel of the books is overtly sweet. If the chapters haven't been tagged with whose perspective it is, I'd struggle to differentiate between the voices because they all come out the same.

I also absolutely hate "honey" as a pet name. I just can't....there isn't a world where that nickname is sexy.

Quotes that made my ick factor fill up:
"I did it, Brook. I'm finally making love to you. Is it alright? Do you like this?"

"Boing! (That's the sound I hear in my head when my giant stiffy makes an instantaneous appearance)."

"...I switch the overhead light for optimum illumination."

And last, but not least....

"...poured a quart of hot j*zz into Brooke's body."

I just... I tried, alright? But clearly, this book ain't for me.

Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.

I appreciate how the author tackled difficult topics of loss, PTSD, and physical recovery in an honest and open way. She have real insight to the inner struggles that really made you empathize with the characters. The MMF relationship was handled well and the spicy was off the charts!
The town setting was idealic, but with those small town issues.
My only gripe was at times the writing style pulled me out of the book. I just couldn't see the characters talking that way.
Otherwise, it was an enjoyable read. Thank you for the opportunity!

I enjoyed this title from Talix. The Buddy System is written well and the story flowed to my liking. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

🇺🇸 Review - “Buddy System” by Ariella Talix

Unfortunately, “Buddy System” was a disappointment for me. 😕

From the very first pages, the dialogues felt unnatural, making the interactions between the characters unconvincing. Additionally, the book lacked psychological depth, which prevented me from truly understanding or connecting with the characters.

The romance, which was supposed to be the heart of the story, developed way too fast, making it hard to believe in the connection between the protagonists. The transition from simple interactions to a full throuple happened in the blink of an eye, with no real emotional buildup or tension.

Finally, the intimate scenes, which should have been sensual or emotional, fell flat. They were neither tender nor particularly steamy, lacking the chemistry needed to make this romance engaging.

Overall, this book had potential, but it just didn’t work for me. Such a shame! 😕📖

🇫🇷 Chronique - “Buddy System” d’Ariella Talix

Malheureusement, “Buddy System” a été une déception pour moi. 😕

Dès les premières pages, les dialogues sonnent faux, manquant de naturel et rendant les interactions entre les personnages peu convaincantes. De plus, le roman souffre d’un manque de développement psychologique : on n’a pas le temps de vraiment comprendre ou ressentir l’évolution des personnages, ce qui empêche de s’attacher à eux.

La romance, censée être au cœur de l’histoire, progresse à une vitesse fulgurante, rendant la connexion entre les protagonistes difficile à croire. On passe de simples interactions à une relation à trois en un clin d’œil, sans véritable tension ni construction émotionnelle.

Enfin, les scènes de sexe, censées être sensuelles ou émouvantes, tombent à plat. Elles ne sont ni tendres ni particulièrement “steamy”, et manquent de cette alchimie qui aurait pu rendre cette romance plus captivante.

Bref, une lecture qui avait du potentiel mais qui ne m’a pas convaincue. Dommage ! 😕📖

This is a story that has a bit of everything: an injured soldier back from war, his best buddy with PTSD, a loving wife, a small town welcome home, and a bi-awakening that transitions into a why-choose relationship. It's all handled with sensitivity and affection by the author.

What really stands out for me is the communication between the characters. Even when they're struggling personally with their various issues, they keep talking about it. That has stemmed from their reliance on each other while they were serving in the military, and that transparency has carried through into their personal lives once they're stateside.

Skylar is the catalyst that heals Levi and Brooke's struggling marriage, as well as Levi's issues with his injury while he recovers. Fortunately they're all dependent on each other for their healing, so no-one is sidelined. There are some histrionics on various levels from the townspeople, some melodrama in their reactions to some situations, but their melodrama really highlights the bond between the main three characters.

The third act drama really served, absolutely maddening behaviour, but needed to progress the plot and it worked a treat to move the story to a very satisfying conclusion.

I didn't meat to request this book but since I still got it I will rate it a 5 star. Thank you very much for the ARC. I'm sorry for the mishap

This book is really good...not just a hot polyamory read! There is an engaging story along with the open door bedroom scenes.

PTSD, Military service, opening up to family about the lifestyle, sexual dysfunction, allegations of violence, cute small town...well practically everything you need for a wonderful story. Many, many open door sexy times!!!

I've never read Ms. Talix before, that I know of, and will be waiting for another book in the Honeybee Hollow series.

It is so cheesy and American but really lovely at the same time! Thank you NetGalley for letting me read and review

I really enjoyed this book. Ariel’s Talix is a new author to me and her style of writing is great. I loved how you get the perspective of all three characters throughout the book.

The storyline is great and there’s not so much smut that it seems like it takes over but it’s just enough. I’m not gonna lie, the descriptiveness and POV for the sexy scenes was hot!

If you like poly and three ways then you definitely need to add this one to your collection.

This is the first erotic novel I've read and now i totally understand why. It's not for me, but that's personal preference. that being said, i did enjoy the book to an extent, extremely descriptive and it's nice to read a positive bi relationship between men. I do think this is a very well devised and researched book on the complexities of PTSD, medical injuries, identity, sexual preference and male friendships. I would maybe try another from this author later down the line but for now, I'm satisfied with just this!

DNFing this at 40%

I love a MMF, I love a small town romance but this just wasn’t hitting. The writing is too rushed, too surface level and lacking in so much depth and description. The spicey scenes feel like they were plucked from an education book, missing out on the emotion and connection between the characters. We know nothing about any of the characters beyond surface level traits and conversations. I was speed reading through this and when it came to the first scene between the three characters, that was me clocked out. It just wasn’t good and wasn’t hitting the spot.

3.5 stars

Story of 2 army buddies healing from their injuries from their time in the army, with the help of the wife of one of the men. Its a sweet story of 3 lives coming together and healing through love.

Some of the dialogue seems unnatural and over the top. Not too heavy on the spice with a little drama on the side.

All in all a good read and I'll definitely be looking for other books by this author

The Buddy System: A Small-town, MMF, Military Romance
Honeybee Hollow #1
Ariella Talix
Brooke and Levi were the perfect couple. He was courageous, gorgeous, charming, and intelligent. He was proud to be an American and served in the military. Six months after they met, they tied the knot. Brooke adapted to life as a soldier’s wife. Levi would be gone a few weeks at a time. After only five months of marriage Levi was deployed to Afghanistan. She counted down the months, weeks, days, hours and minutes until his deployment would end. The unthinkable happened, Levi was injured.
Levi returns home extremely depressed, with PTSD and unable to function sexually. He attempts to convince Brooke to move on. But she refuses. Skyler, Levi’s best friend, issues the young couple an invitation to come stay in Honeybee Hollow. Levi strongly suggests Skyler join him and Brooke in bed.
“Our love keeps multiplying with each new member.”

The scenes are hot and spicy. The first part of this tale was slow moving. Great story!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

I haven't read a book about threesomes until this book. I must admit that my curiosity got the best of me. It was an interesting, if different read, but enjoyable all the same. The three main characters were well described, and I liked them a lot. I liked the author's dedication to veterans, and I couldn't agree more. They are all true heroes. Well done.l

If you are in the mood for a spicy why-choose military romance this is for you!! This is my first military romance and I must say, I’m sold! I really liked getting all three POVs as it helped tell everyone’s story and to understand their array of emotions. There are themes of PTSD throughout the book which may be triggering for some but I think the author handles it very well. While this is a story about resilience, discovery and growth I was not expecting the twists and turns that were thrown at us!! It really kept me on the edge of my seat!

When 2 combat soldiers mission fails resulting in serious injury, 1 woman works to bring back the man she loves, but instead gets 2 for 1!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you for allowing me to review

Ariella really is the queen of mmf hot romance. There is plenty of steam right from the start but it is set against a great story line sympathetically dealing with PTSD and prejudice and a great community. A great read.

⭕️ MMF
⭕️ Bestfriend and his wife
⭕️ mental health rep

When I read the blurb for this book I knew I would like the story. This book is emotional, steamy, and even has a dramatic plot line that will keep you reading. This is my first from this author and I can’t wait to read more!

Buddy System turned out to be a really great read! If you live MFM romances this one is filled with drama, emotion and steam. I really liked Talix's writing style and found the book to be attention grabbing. Would recommend!