Excellent!

This is my favorite of the Sin Bin series, thus far! I adored each individually and as couples and a trio - the character development of both author AND narrator is astounding, Each individual has issues to contend with, plus the already established couple has to reconfigure dynamics & then discover how all pieces fit into their particular puzzle. Getting to see old friends again was also fun, seeing how they help get the trio on track and moving ahead, in various ways. Excellent performance, good accents, character personalities, pacing. It all works together to make this book a favorite of mine for many reasons. Beautifully done, all around.

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Heaps of feels

Story: As usual for E.M. Lindsey, the book is brimming with heaps of difficult, complicated and tangled emotions. The characters' personalities are always a key selling point in their books for me and this one delivers in leaps and bounds. Loved delving into the relationship these men create for themselves and loved having E.M. as my guide in their world.
Narration: Typical John Solo awesomeness

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Great characters, fab narrator

I really enjoyed the story and the narrator is one of the best. The characters are interesting and it was nice to revisit the world.

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I’ve been looking forward to this

I’ve never really come across aromantics before however, the author did a great job describing what it meant for those who identify as aromantics.

Luka and Marko were hot together. Marko struggled to express himself and the lack of communication between the two didn’t exactly help.

The narrator’s performance was fantastic.

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Fantastic performance but just ok story

M/M/M
Poly
Aromantic main character
Sports teammates
Main character post physical trauma
Sex trade worker main character
Undiagnosed "spectrum" main character
Hearing impaired side characters (parents)

* trigger warning * ⚠️ some terms used that are albleist or seem derogatory like calling someone deaf, odd ect., that sone people may not like but come from a place of ignorance and not the message the author is promoting. (I personally didnt find it offensive) and the author had sensitivity readera.

Also, the relationship is more Poly than true equal throuple which may be misunderstood by some readers.

Story =3 stars
Narration = 5 stars

I enjoyed this book but I loved book 1 more. I really enjoyed the characters. They were all great. I also enjoyed that this story explored what a different Poly style relationship could be and also discussed Aromantic dynamics. I always like a change from the usual. For me it just didn't draw me in as much as the previous books storyline. This plot was less interesting to me which I found disappointing given I expected it to draw me in more with the unique tropes. I think that maybe there were too many subject matters squished together that it was a bit overwhelming. It was still a really good book that I had no problem finishing. It just wasn't a page turner for me. I still look forward to more in the series.

The Narration from John was great. He always brings any story to life but this one he outdid himself with the accents. It was a fantastic listening experience.

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I was intrigued

I’m always up for some MMM fun and this book crossed my path, so I snapped it up. I listened to the first book in the series, and although it’s not necessary to enjoy this one, it does give you backstory on several of the characters.

I’m from Canada, so hockey is a thing up here. And I’d love to see more inclusivity and diversity within the sport – more like the world E.M. is portraying. Alas, breaking into that macho culture is tough and we’re still waiting for the first openly gay player. In the world of the Sin Bin, though, I don’t have to wait. I liked Nolan. I haven’t seen many aromantic heroes and this made a nice change. He’s also a little banged up, which appeals. I don’t need everyone to be perfect. And although Nolan has no interested in romance, he’s up for sex – and lots of it. He’s even found a good side hustle that has him enjoying himself and getting paid for it. Pretty good deal.

Marko and Luka are professional hockey players. They’re also together. But the relationship doesn’t always feel like it’s on solid ground. When they find someone who intrigues them both, they’re willing to have an open and frank discussion. But Nolan’s secret side gig may prove to be a problem – or a solution.

Nolan gets scared because he doesn’t want to come between Marko and Luka – what the men have to make him see, though, is that they’re better as a triad – three equals within the relationship. And I got my happy ending, so I was thrilled.

John Solo narrates these books and I think he does a great job. Can’t wait for the next one.

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Good narration for an enjoyable MMM story

I found this to be a good and interesting book. I think this may be the first story I've read with an Aro character and so was intrigued to see how that plays out.
Marko and Luka are a mostly established couple, though without the labels, and I enjoy the dynamic between the two. Luka doesn't demand more from Marko than he can give and Marko shows Luka how much he means through his actions rather than words, especially in the bedroom. It doesn't interfere with their working relationship, possibly even making them better teammates but there is very little hockey play here, more focus on them and Nolan. Nolan is an interesting character to me as he makes his orientation clear and is happy with who he is so when he is faced with something he never expected, it affects all three men.
There is a lot of sexual tension throughout the story which draws the men closer from the start. A strong sense of the D/s dynamic when it comes to Marko and Luka's relations makes for slightly grittier moments than the rest of the story. Communication is a key thing with three people involved in any type of relationship and it's something that takes a minute for them all to get into. Marko, especially, struggles with this with what seems to be on the Autism spectrum but there's no mention of that within the story, and would link with how he feels about social situations. I enjoyed the clear bonds of friendship that the MC's have with others as well as each other. Ravi is a big part of Luka's life and Nolan has Adrian, both from book #1 of the series. It's an important part that they have those people to lean on for support during stressful moments whereas Marko seems to just mainly have Luka which means the building of a friendship with Nolan I found to be quite important to him.
A good story overall with enjoyable individual characters. I liked how the story progressed with the acceptance and ease of Nolan's revelation about himself to Marko and Luka. There are several aspects that all tie together quite well, bringing all three men that will bring them balance and happiness.
John Solo again provides wonderful narration. I liked the accent and deepness of Marko's voice. I didn't really notice much difference between Nolan and Luka's but he provides plenty of emotion to them all throughout.

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there are a few things he's come to accept

it was fine. narration done well, very no communication which really annoyed me, but overall a fine way to pass some time especially if you like the author or narrator

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Finding what they need

This is an interesting story with very unique and intriguing characters. This was my first-ever story with an a-romantic character. I have read many stories with asexual characters, but never an acknowledged a-romantic one. I really appreciated the care and sensitivity with which the author expressed her characters, and that they remained true to themselves, rather than suddenly changing to meet mainstream expectations of sexuality. Nice work. Although this can be enjoyed as a standalone story for Luka, Markus, and Noah, I found myself questioning who Zayne was and what happened with Adrian and other mentioned characters and events, so you might was to read or listen to book I before this one.

The narration was okay, but sometimes Luka's voice sounded soft and quiet, and others he sounded louder, more take-charge. I wasn't sure if this was intended to be reflective of his character or if it was the narrator's changed delivery.

I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

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Great charakters

Soft Hands is the second volume in the Sin Bin West Coast series, which can be read as a standalone. I have already read the first book in the series and enjoyed it. Because of that, I was already looking forward to this story.
I have actually never heard of an aromatist, but E.M. Lindsey has described this very well and understandably. Nolan was described in depth by the author. Luka and Markus are a really hot couple and together with Nolan they make a rather atypical threesome. However, what scores points with this story is the relationship dynamics.
I found both the storyline compelling and the protagonists. I was well entertained by the audiobook.

John Solo narrated the audiobook and he did a good job. I liked his way of bringing the characters to life.

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1 person found this helpful