Good premise that I would love to see more of in books. However the plot moved too fast, and there was a bit too much sex... I wish the story had slowed down a bit and not rushed through the romance so much

When Ian needs to get an emergency project done ASAP, he wanders into Simon's shop and the undercover sparks are flying between the two. Ian's gay and is wondering if he's mistaking the flirting he and Simon are doing. Then he meets Simon's wife, Lydia, and wonders even more.

I have to say that this is the first poly relationship I've read where the two men are involved with each other and only one of the men is involved with the woman. It made for very interesting, compelling reading, seeing Ian navigate a super sexy relationship with Simon and a non-sexual, but very loving relationship with Lydia. So Outside the Lines isn't MMF or MFM, but something else entirely, something quite beautiful, actually. Though Ian and Lydia are not involved sexually, Ian is very definitely not attracted to women in a physical sense, they are very much involved romantically and in a friendship. I guess you could call it a romantic but non-sexual, friendship.

And then there's Ian and Simon's relationship. Holy smokes, it's hot! I love these two together. Add in the fact that Lydia was so accepting of it really blew my mind, in a good way. Unfortunately, Ian hurts both Simon and Lydia, but, fortunately, they make him work his butt off to make it up to them.

Outside the Lines is a fabulous read. It's got a really strong cast of characters with distinct personalities and distinct relationships. It's steamy and even more significantly, it's emotionally rewarding and layered. Kudos to Anna Zabo for this excellent story.

I loved this book! It so perfectly seemed to capture the nuances of a poly relationship and had a such a unique perspective. It was refreshing to read something that didn’t feel like the same old/same old.

I have read a ton of ménage stories, but for the most part they run along one of two lines: either the woman is with two men and the men have a close friendship with one another, or the woman is with two men who are also lovers with one another. This is the first time I have encounter a group where one man is essentially the center of the ménage. Simon and Lydia are a married couple, living in the town of Bluewater Bay, the on-location town for filming of the hit television show Wolf’s Landing. They meet Ian, an artist on the show, and Simon falls head over heels. But soon, Ian realizes that he is not content with being just a fling. He wants more from Simon. But how much more can he have from a married man? Anna Zabo’s writing is always so engaging and her stories so heartfelt, but it was this very dynamic that I found so interesting about this particular story.

Ian’s perception of being a “side piece” was not the role that Simon intended for him to play. Simon and Lydia were so solid and confident in their marriage that there were no jealousies. There were no power struggles within their relationship. Lydia was happy to let Simon explore what he needed and to bring someone into their relationship that would complement them both. I loved how, even though there was no physical attraction between Ian and Lydia, there was still affection and a deep love growing, illustrating that not all romance needed to be sexual in nature. Reading how the author had the three of them navigate such a tricky relationship, without resorting to an easy cop out of simple jealousy, made this such a wonderfully complex and engaging story.

Outside the Lines took place in the world of Bluewater Bay and introduced me to Wolf’s Landing and the characters involved in the town and the show. And coming it at almost the end of the series, I thought I might be lost. I wasn’t. This was a stand alone that made perfect sense without having any other background, but it did introduce me to a universe where I have a HUGE backlog to go through now so that I don’t have to leave this quaint town! Anna Zabo put her own mark on it with this likeable and sexy polyamorous trio, and it was such a treat to read.

I decided to try a different genre of book and found myself pleasantly surprised. While I am not a fan of open marriage arrangements (can't wrap my brain around it), the characters within this book seemed to embody the principles with class and throw in a whole lot of love and friendship. The book is exactly as the title indicates; the relationships fall outside of the societal norms, but the one thing that is never missing is love.

I found the writing to be very smooth and the story to slow very easily. I'm not sure that I would enjoy more of this genre, but I certainly did enjoy this writer's technique and perspective.

I just couldn't get into this book. The writing style and characters just couldn't hold my attention.

Outside the Lines follows Ian and Simon. Ian works as a set designer on a popular TV series while Simon owns a geeky merchandise store. Some of such merchandise includes things related to the TV series Ian works on. They meet and there is instant attraction between them. Simon is in an open relationship with his wife, which Ian is okay with. At least until he begins to develop strong feelings for him.

This book had a lot of potential and I think the start was really strong. I think it was good to portray a healthy and happy open marriage. I also like how Simon, in his internal monologue, pointed out how it was unfair he would be seen as a cheating bisexual when that wasn't the case. I liked how he and Ian had communication and both he and his wife Lydia made sure he had an understanding of their relationship. All of that was really good.

What I didn't like was how quickly 'I love you' was said between Ian and Simon. It felt like, maybe, a week had passed. Maybe a little more than that but definitely less than a month. It felt really rushed, and I just did not believe they were in love with each other. All they really knew about each other was their shared love of fandom culture. Ian also became friends with Lydia far too quickly and it felt a little odd to me. Their overall relationship was kind of odd to me. Later in the book they become a triad and Ian, who's gay, says he is in love with Lydia. This would be awesome but he's never called 'biromantic', even though it is acknowledged there's a difference between romantic and sexual attraction.

I also feel Lydia could've been written better. She had little of her own character. You really know little about her outside of that she likes geeky sort of things. She doesn't have a point of view and she just, kind of quickly accepted things and a little too easily at that. The story implied Simon falling in love with Ian was the first time he'd been in love with someone else during their relationship. And she is not only okay with it but invites it really easily. She almost felt like a prop rather than a character at times. I think it would be too harsh to say she was a doormat but she wasn't far from that at times. It felt... almost too easy. I wish she was portrayed better.

This was just not my favourite. I mostly read it because I want to read more books with polyamorous relationships but this one just didn't work for me.

Ian was not happy with the some of the stunt doubles on site, the ruined his miniature of the set, so with a week to get it repaired, he goes to the local comic shop to see if they carry some of the supplies he needs, when he meets Simon sparks fly. Simon pushes all his buttons but then he meets Simon's wife Lydia and he becomes confused, it seemed like Simon like him also but would he really want to break Lydia and Simon apart.

Instead Ian finds that Lydia pushes Simon and him together, but Ian wants exactly what Simon has with Lydia a commitment and house together. The three of them must learn to navigate a relationship and all the kinks that come with being a part of a threesome before someone gets hurt.

This was a good book with a different take on a threesome, Lydia was more of an observer than an active participate in Simon and Ian's relationship, but she and Ian had a friendship outside of that relationship that allowed the whole relationship to really evolve and shine.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 Stars

Outside the Lines is the 22nd installment of the Bluewater Bay series. While it mentions past narrators, this novel can easily be read as a standalone.

Please note: Outside the Lines gives an in-depth look into both polyamory (featuring a married couple MF and an additional M) and the power-exchange of BDSM.

Ian creates miniatures for the production of Wolf's Landing. An accident on-set has Ian scrambling to do his job, find all the necessary supplies, and work within an impossible timeline without help. This predicament has Ian outside of a comic store, hoping they have the necessary supplies he needs at such late notice. Ian found more than supplies. Simon. A fellow artist.

Sparks fly, but miscommunication runs rampant, adding a small dose of angst and frustration for both the characters and the reader.

Simon is a bisexual, adorkable geek, married to Lydia, a sophisticated and open-minded artist, both also polyamorous and closeted with their obsession with Wolf's Landing. Lydia pushes Simon to go after Ian. Simon's a sweet guy, a natural submissive when it comes to his needs. He believes in trust and communication as the cornerstones of his relationships. He's looking for more than just swinging with the wife or seeking a quick hookup.

As you can tell, this leaves big openings for Ian to misunderstand the situation, and for Simon to rush in and explain after the fact. I do appreciate how the author has Simon call himself out for not communicating when it was absolutely necessary, after stating he wasn't a mind-reader but expecting Ian to be one.

As a reader who believes in all the facets polyamory, it was refreshing to read a novel that made it about emotion rather than sexual exploration. Most I've read aren't mature, focusing on which slot goes into which hole, and didn't explore the uncomfortable depths or the tenuous emotions involved. The author did an excellent job exploring all those facets while making sure the sex meant something.

However, there was an ambiguous gray area the reader fell into, where we too had to be mind-readers, since Simon and Lydia explaining the ins and outs of polyamory to Ian was the only way the reader learned how their complicated relationship functioned, and this was close to the end of the novel.

There is a BDSM bent to the novel, the majority of the sex involving the power-exchange as Simon becomes submissive to Ian. I appreciated this aspect, found it accurate, not shock-value, and not added to give the reader a sexual thrill. It fit into the plot, into the characterization, and into their relationship.

The pacing is rather slow, to be honest. Since I was so busy, I read the novel over the course of almost a week, but I did enjoy it as a much-needed escape.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
The sparks are fly between Ian and Simon when they meet and then Ian meets Simon's wife Lydia. Simon and Lydia are up front about their poly relationship and I liked the Ian isn't immediately turned off by this. But Ian assumes it will just be a casual thing with Simon and the relationship between them is going brilliantly and he gets along great with Lydia. But things start to go pear shaped when Ian realises he wants a relationship with Simon like Lydia has, it scares him off.

Outside the Lines shows the importance of communication in relationships. These characters demonstrate if you want to have a successful poly relationship you have to have an open heart and the courage to be completely honest.

Now the romance and love is all well and good, but it has to be said the sex scenes are off the charts hot. The addition of BDSM in bedroom takes everything to the next level of hotness.

As someone in a monogamous relationship, I was fascinated by this poly relationship and the bravery and love it takes to make it work. I'd love to see a follow up book focusing on Lydia and see her have a romance of her own. Outside the Lines is an excellent story and in the I was left feeling all warm and fuzzy in the end.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
I think this is possibly my favourite of the Bluewater Bay books. I love, love, love the characters in this book and I love that at book #22 in the series, this feels fresh and exciting. While there is some angst in the story, I loved the playful friendships between Simon, Lydia, and Ian. I loved the way the interests of all three overlap and the way their lives blend seamlessly together.

I had no idea that miniature existed – or that they work on film sets. I was fascinated by Ian’s job – but I was even more fascinated by Ian himself. Ian finds himself attracted not just to Simon but to Simon and Lydia’s life together. Ian’s struggle to find his place in the relationship feels powerfully honest.

Simon is sweet and passionate – and wonderful. He and Lydia are solid and happy and supportive of each other. I love the way they include Ian – there were times that Ian and Lydia’s non-sexual relationship felt almost more intimate than the sex between Simon and Ian (though there are some pretty hot scenes!).

I love that the Bluewater Bay series has pushed beyond typical m/m pairings and explored pretty much the whole LGBT rainbow. This is so much more than a ménage (and there isn’t any m/f/m sex in the story). Beyond the sex, the shared interests and shared lives make this a beautiful – if slightly idealistic – portrayal of a special polyamorous relationship.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a really interesting read on a number of levels. Undoubtedly the whole concept of a poly relationship as envisioned by Simon and Lydia, and Simon's new friend, Ian, is key – and it is an absolutely outstanding read. Zabo has an extremely careful and sensitive touch, which brings out so many of the issues that anyone might have and creates a relationship which is intensely interesting and incredibly loving. I would have loved to have another five years of story, but it was a good place to reach all the same.

As well as the fledgling romance, there is a wonderful nod to fan-fiction and fan-art, to the impact of a major series being filmed in the area, and the tourists that it brings. I loved how Simon and Lydia behaved when in the presence of the stars, and how Ian was able to give them unique experiences due to his job.

And then there is the amazing model, which brings the men together in the first place. The description of how it is mended, and the amount of effort needed in Ian's role was fascinating. I shall be looking at big explosions on TV far more carefully now!

I would highly recommend this book to you – you get to see how a committed married couple have embraced their poly natures, and what that means to the new person in the relationship, and get an insight into a TV production unit and the impact on the local community. Great mix, I promise.


Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
I LOVED THIS STORY! I loved Outside the Lines so much that not even shouty caps can adequately convey it. The flirting. The sexual tension. The misunderstandings. The theft. The righting of wrongs. The sex. The relationships. A couple who is so secure in who they are as individuals and as a couple that they are able to give each other what they need and do so in a way that is healthy for their relationship – even if what they need is another person. This is perhaps one of the best M/F polyamorous relationships I’ve read.

Hacky sacks are evil. Or maybe not as that instrument of the devil is what led Ian to Simon and Lydia’s comic and gaming shop, End o’ Earth Comics. [On a side note, I’m surprised that Anna managed to keep from killing Anderson. Although, after Natalya got through with him, he was probably wishing Anna hadn’t restrained herself.] While the physical attraction between Ian and Simon might have been instant, they took a bit of time to let the heat simmer – not a slow-burn romance, but a building of anticipation – which is understandable when we learn more about Simon. And I could have died and gone to heaven when Lydia encouraged her husband to pursue Ian, not just because of where it meant the story would go, but because Lydia was written with zero jealousy or pettiness or any other negative trait that is so often seen in female characters in m/m romances. As we watch the two men interact while working on the miniature set, it’s very easy to see why they click so well, at least for me it was. Despite Simon and Lydia’s openness about their polyamorous relationship and the stress placed on the importance of communication, Simon’s failure to tell Ian that he wanted to see if a “them” was possible led to a serious case of heartbreak for both of them. Thank goodness Lydia had no problem taking Ian to task when she got the opportunity to do so and was able to get the two men to TALK to each other. I thought the ending was perfect, especially Lydia’s discussion of the future she saw for the three of them.

I think one of the things that makes Outside the Lines stand out among the polyamorous romances I’ve read is the hetero-romantic relationship that develops between Lydia and Ian. I loved that their relationship became more than just friendship, but there was no attempt by the author to move it in a sexual direction or have Ian give serious consideration to doing so. By writing their relationship that way, Zabo remained true to who the characters were and didn’t try to stuff them into a box that didn’t fit. I thought the author did a great job with the trio’s sex scene because it seemed to feed each of their needs without going places that would have been uncharacteristic of the individuals. Not to mention, it was hot as… well, insert your favorite word because I can’t use the one that’s most appropriate. I really liked how the End o’ Earth Comics was nearly a character in its own right. The manner in which the store renewed the past love of comics for more than one character through the course of the story had me grinning repeatedly. Honestly, I really don’t think there’s anything in Outside the Lines that I didn’t like and it is certainly one of my favorite Bluewater Bay books – they were definitely saving some of the best stories for last.

Another 4.5 - 5 star read from Bluewater Bay... I'm so not ready for this series to end. :(

Well, this was a first and if it hadn't been a part of the Bluewater Bay series, I might have passed it up. Can I just say that I'm so glad that I didn't.

I don't think I've run into a couple in a book that I loved more than Lydia and Simon. Okay, that may be a stretch, because I've run into a LOT of couples that I love, but these two were so perfect for each other and so obviously in love. They just knew each other so well and respected, worried, cared... Lydia knew what Simon needed and she wanted him to be happy. Adding Ian to the mix just worked... but Ian wasn't so sure. He saw the love and connection between Simon and Lydia and he didn't want to ruin it. It breaks his heart when he walks away, but he knows it's for the best - at least for Simon and Lydia.

I'm not sure exactly what I expected from Outside the Lines, but I walked away with a lot more. The romance was sweet, hot and heartbreaking. (Yeah, there were a couple of teary moments...) There was also an artistic aspect that I really enjoyed. I also liked that there was drama outside the romance, which brought in even more characters from previous books in the series that I loved. There are even some new characters that readers will get to know even better in New Hand, which is sadly, the very last book in the Bluewater Bay series. *sigh*

On a side note, this was my first Anna Zabo book, but I doubt it will be my last. ;)

I received Outside the Lines in exchange for a fair and honest review.

3 1/2 Stars!

I really enjoyed this one, it was hot, slightly kinky, and just enjoyable to read and visit this world (I still need to actually read this entire series, but that's besides the point: you can jump in anywhere with no problem). But my main problem was the poly relationship and how Lydia was basically a cardboard cutout who was moved in and out of scenes for brief moments but didn't add anything. This made it so I didn't fully see and understand the full poly part of this complicated relationship. And no, I didn't expect her and Ian to start fucking, since Ian is gay, not bi. But I wanted more of her character, more of her relationship with Simon, as well as the more platonic relationship going with Ian. Still, for the actual M/M romance of this one, I did enjoy it a lot.

Finding romance—or even the occasional hookup—in a little town like Bluewater Bay has been far more complicated than miniature set designer Ian Meyers would have liked. Meeting a gay man not involved with Wolf’s Landing isn’t all that easy, plus there’s always a chance that they’ll try to use him to be closer to the show. Going home with someone from work is just begging for a lot of awkward afterwards, and is a bad idea all around. Giving up on the whole thing seems like his only option, at least until a collision between his finished model and a stuntman leads him to the local hobby shop—and Simon Derry.

Sweet, geeky, and completely adorable, Simon is exactly the kind of guy Ian’s been looking for. As if the ideal mix between shy and flirty wasn’t enough to make Ian want him, Simon is also a highly skilled miniature painter himself, and is willing to work by Ian’s side to get his set repaired on time. Add to that Simon’s obvious (and welcome) interest, and the situation would be absolutely perfect—if it weren’t for Simon’s wife.

Having enjoyed another title I’ve read by this author, I was very excited to see what they might bring to the Bluewater Bay universe. After reading Outside the Lines, I can say that it’s easily one of my favorites of the entire series. Somehow capturing the ZING! of Simon and Ian’s new relationship energy and combining it with the comfort, support, and irrefutable trust that anchors Simon’s marriage to Lydia, Anna Zabo has crafted a truly beautiful love story.

Without a doubt, there is a lot going on in this story. Outside the Lines examines the distinction between polyamory and open relationships, bisexuality and acceptance, romantic versus sexual attraction, a couple of different kinds of kink, and more. That said, not once did I get the impression that the author was ticking boxes on a list, nor did the tone ever shift to preachy. On the contrary, while fundamental to the makeup of the main characters, those things seemed almost tertiary to the larger, and more basic, feeling of warmth and wanting between people in love.

Though we only see the events of the narrative from Simon and Ian’s POVs, I was most taken with Simon’s wife, Lydia. She is rock solid all the way through, only needing support in return towards the end of the story. While Simon and Ian wrestle with their own doubts and fears, it is Lydia who provides a foundation strong enough for all three of them to build on. She’s a fantastic character, and deserves every bit of happiness that both men can give her.

As the series winds down, I’m happy that Outside the Lines was made part of it before the very end. At once complicated, yet not, it was a welcome and well-written reminder that there are infinite, magnificent ways to love. Anna Zabo has proven, again, that they are an author to watch, imbuing these characters with heart as well as life. Though Lydia, Simon, and Ian’s story is complete, I hope to see more of them in the next, and final, story from Bluewater Bay.

I love, love ,loved this story!
An unconventional poly relationship that just leaves the reader screaming yes, yes, yes!!! You as a reader will love the characters and want them to win.
The sex is very hot and the feels... Oh the feels!!

Review shared on V's Reads, Amazon, Goodreads and B & N: https://vsreads.com/2017/12/20/art-and-love-outside-the-lines-review-and-giveaway/

Ian Meyers builds sets, props and miniatures for Wolf’s Landing, and one of the key pieces–a model-miniature Sacred Grove was ready for the pyrotechnics…until a clumsy stuntman crashed into it. Now, Ian has a week to rebuild the model, and he’s low on supplies. So, he (reluctantly) heads into Bluewater Bay and End o’ Earth comics, which holds models and supplies for gamers in stock. Ian has kept a wide berth from the comics shop because it’s hard to keep his distance from townies and tourists, and there’s been some issues in the past. Also, the local Wolf’s Landing licensed shop Howling Moon is right next door, and that’s a place all the cast and crew avoids.

That said, he’s desperate, and once he steps foot inside End o’Earth Ian’s desperation takes a more personal turn. He’s deeply attracted to the owner and model painter, Simon Derry. Ian charms Simon, who’s willing to provide the space and supplies Ian needs, but they both feel the heat building between them. And, it’s a stunning disaster when Ian meets Simon’s beautiful and talented wife, Lydia. He’s frustrated that Simon was flirting with him, and thinking they both were on the same page, but Ian’s charmed by Lydia, and guilty that he wishes Simon was single. Simon’s a sweet man, and loves Lydia with his whole heart, but…they’re poly, and he’s always missed having a man pleasure him. They’ve been together ten years, and Lydia knows this is an issue. She encourages Ian to share her husband, and Ian doesn’t need a second invitation.

Ian and Simon work together on rebuilding the set, and they spend nights together burning up the sheets. Lydia’s happy to be a bystander who watches their love grow, but Ian’s sure he’s just a side piece…a fling for this swinging couple. Meantime, Simon’s fallen hard, and wants to bring Ian into their relationship permanently. Lack of communication causes some problems, and they have to be fully honest in order to keep their fledgling love growing. There’s lots of cameos from the cast and crew of the show, and I liked how they brought everyone into this book. Simon and Lydia are starry-eyed, seeing the actors and all, and Ian’s reminded about how he was so affected on his first meetings. I liked all the sweet and tender moments.

For people who like menage, this doesn’t really feel like that, because Ian and Lydia aren’t sexually intimate, but they do develop an emotional connection. This is reinforced when Lydia has a professional crisis and needs a solid shoulder to cry on. Ian has the connections to make it right, but he follows Lydia’s advice to not rock the boat. Simon’s not so docile about it, however, and it leads to deeper connections for all of them, both personally and professionally. For Simon and Ian expect hawt sexytimes that include some light elements of bondage, dominance and submission. The resolution is totally sweet and yummy.

“Outside the Lines,’ Anna Zabo's standalone addition to the Bluewater Bay series, is touching and gentle, rough and erotic, and ever-so smooth. She seamlessly updates the lives of characters created by prior authors in this collection which focuses on a fictional television series, shot in Washington state.
 
When the show's scale-model of surrounding forest is accidentally destroyed – just before its on-screen shoot - miniature artist, Ian Meyer, has a week to rebuild. He runs to the local miniature/comics store for supplies, where he meets Simon Derry, owner and a crafter of miniatures, himself.
 
They flirt mercilessly, until Ian meets Simon's wife, Lydia, a graphic artist. Oops. Except Simon and Lydia are in a polyamorous marriage. And how does that work? Or does it?
 
Audiences tend to find issues of sexual diversity more exciting (ha, ha) than issues of romantic diversity. This delicious novel demonstrates the principle "compersion," a relatively new term meaning, "the tendency to gain non-possessive joy from other's joy," without using the word.
 
Lydia is thrilled her husband has found more love, is glad to have a good friend in Ian, and finds his interactions with Simon titillating. But can conventionally gay Ian ever accept his status with the couple?
 
While ongoing intimacy between Simon and Lydia is implied, but not described, the reader feels their zing in how they support one another. And the growing warmth between Lydia and Ian is sweetly credible.
 
The heat between the men, however, is equatorial. This is not due to lust, but because of trust, communication, and honesty inside and outside the bedroom.
 
For example, in the midst of an explicit scene, Simon thinks of Ian, “He was going to break me. Split me open and spill my heart and soul out on the bed.” That’s not what most authors would spill on the sheets!
 
Zabo creates recognizable individuals, with common insecurities and every-day problems, allowing readers to examine their own prejudices toward non-possessive relationships. In fact, just as three-way mirrors are far more exposing than the standard, a thruple magnifies these folks’ strengths and weaknesses.
 
“’You really don’t know yourself, Ian,’” Lydia states. “’Do any of us?’” he replies.
 
A welcome addition to the dialogue of intimacy, “Outside the Lines” gives readers a tantalizing glimpse into a world where love multiplies, rather than diminishes, with the number of partners.

Outside the Lines by Anna Zabo is a romance set in the community of Bluewater Bay, which is a fictional town in which many authors have set several interconnected (but standalone) stories. Zabo’s entry is primarily a romance between Simon Derry, the owner of a local comic and gamer shop, and Ian Meyers, a set builder who needs some help. But the story is also so much more. Simon is married to Lydia and he loves her. But the two are both bisexual and polyamorous. The story begins when Simon meets and becomes romantically interested in Ian, but Lydia is also integral to the story. In effect, Outside the Lines is a story of love in its many forms: the romantic and sexual love between Simon and Ian, the romantic, but non-sexual love between Ian and Lydia and the familial love among all three. I adored this story and the way it celebrated the birth of a family that may be considered unconventional by today’s standards.
 
At the start of the book, Lydia and Simon are happily married. While they are polyamorous and both have had relationships with others over the course of their marriage, they are currently only involved with each other. When Ian walks into their store and finds Simon, he is seriously interested, but also confused when he finds out that Simon is married to Lydia. It takes some great communication among all three for Ian to be willing to get involved with Simon - and I absolutely appreciated both Lydia and Simon’s candor and openness (with each other and with Ian).
 
Simon and Ian’s romance progresses over the course of the story (and I adore their romance). The major conflicts revolve around Ian’s feelings of being left out. Again, it takes a lot to overcome this. But one of the great ways that Zabo solves this is by developing an intriguing relationship between Lydia and Ian. Ian is gay and is not attracted to woman. For the most part, this means that his relationship with Lydia is not sexual. But their relationship is somewhat romantic and critical to the book. This is not just a story about Simon and Ian finding love; it is a story about Lydia, Simon and Ian forming a familial bond and as such, Lydia and Ian’s relationship is given equal weight to that of Simon and Ian’s (and Simon and Lydia’s is already established). In particular, Ian plays a big role in helping Lydia overcome a very difficult situation when her artwork is stolen. There are things that Ian can offer Lydia that Simon does not.
 
And to talk about sex for a moment, I have deliberately referred to Lydia and Ian’s relationship as non-sexual rather than asexual. While (as I mentioned) Lydia and Ian are most likely never going to have sex themselves, there are hints that there could be sexual elements to their relationship (mostly their three-way relationship). In one scene, Lydia watches Ian and Simon have sex and while she isn’t an active participant, she isn’t passive either. Lydia and Simon enjoy kinky sex play, and they tend to switch in terms of who is dominant and who is submissive - whereas Ian is more dominant. This particular sex scene hints that Lydia and Ian do not actually have to engage in physical sexual activities to engage sexually because they are both attracted to Simon (with Ian directing). Granted, I believe that any of their sexual encounters will be with Simon, but this illustrates that sex is more than intercourse and that sexuality can be expressed in so many ways.
 
Outside the Lines is a wonderful romance that is indeed outside the lines of convention. It is a story filled with passion, with love and even with some heartache, but most of all, it is filled with love. I highly recommend this story; it may challenge the established notion of what constitutes a family, but that is one of the ways in which it shines. This romance had me captivated from the first page.

Outside the Lines is a delightfully refreshing book with queer, poly characters. This is book #22 in the Bluewater Bay series, but works perfectly as a standalone. I haven't read any of the other books in the series, but I never felt lost or left out when other characters made appearances in this book. In fact, it just made me intrigued and made me want to read their books next. I have read Anna Zabo's books, and have loved every one, so I was very happy to get a chance to dive into Outside the Lines. I think this is the first time they've written a story is first person? Well, I loved reading this story from the first person perspective and it works for these characters.

This story is told from two perspectives - Ian Meyers and Simon Derry. Ian is a miniature artist working on the Wolf's Landing tv show that films in Bluewater Bay. When an incident on set destroyed parts of what he had created, he found himself with a very short window to fix the miniature set and without all the necessary supplies to do it. He then comes across the comic and gaming shop in town, End o' Earth, owned by a Simon Derry. Simon's shop has the supplies he needs, and a space to complete his work. The two are almost instantly attracted to one another, but before anything happens between them, Ian finds out that Simon is married.

Simon is bisexual and his wife, Lydia, are in an open polyamorous relationship. They're a very lovely couple, and Lydia is very encouraging of Simon to see and date other men. The issue is that men often back up when they realize Simon is married, or the problem is with Simon. Simon is a bit shy and awkward, and doesn't quite know how to flirt with others. Simon is adorable and sweet and kind. And when he meets Ian, Simon knows that he wants to have...something with Ian, but he doesn't know if Ian will be okay with it all.

This story is so sweet. It's not heavy on angst at all, and features characters who just want to make each other happy. Ian is gay, so he and Lydia never sexually get together, but they do form a connection that makes them good friends. And can I just say that I love when the wife isn't seen as the "enemy" and she's just a lovely person? Because Lydia is everything. I love how supportive she is of Simon and Ian getting together, and I love that Ian makes sure to include her in some way even when he hooks up with Simon *hint hint*.

Outside the Lines is such a lovely story that just makes my heart flutter. Ian and Simon have adorably cute interactions with one another, as well as very steamy ones. I liked learning a bit about building miniature sets (which is to say, I knew nothing to begin with and this has been interesting and informative). There isn't a big "conflict" in this story that necessarily breaks the characters apart, because any misunderstanding does resolve itself pretty quickly, I think? Instead, this story shows how Ian, Simon, and Lydia mesh well as three people in a relationship.

This story features a few other couples from previous books, and I plan on reading their stories. Some characters who make an appearance are Carter, Anna (an F/F book? I must read this), Hunter, and Kevin (Kevyan?). Apologies if I missed a character. This book is a lot of fun and I already want to re-read this book because it's just so well written and lovely. Everyone is such a ray of sunshine and this book makes me happy. I highly recommend reading this book, and I look forward to checking out the rest of the Bluewater Bay series!

***Thanks to Riptide Publishing for providing me an ARC on NetGalley***

I absolutely love this book but then I always have a special place for anything outside the “normal”.

A poly relationship must be a real challenge and communication is the most important tool to make it work. I think the author did a good job of describing the trust between Simon and Lydia that allows them to have a open relationship. I realise that in real life there is probably more challenges than these characters have but this is fiction and it’s allowed to make it sound easy.

I like how the author puts in small conversations with secondary characters with som fun dialogues. That gives the story a feeling of connecting to the surroundings not only the connection between the main characters.

The storyline is good and the characters are well described with all their emotions and insecurities.

No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings and lots of dialogues make me a happy reader.

I like how the author manages to not only describe the connection building between Simon and Ian but also between Lydia and Ian. It feels like they all are bonding.

Oh, and don’t forget the love scenes; they are seriously hot!

If you like fictional books that are a little outside the lines(pun intended) this one is a great 5 star 💫 read.

Great to see some solid bi/poly rep in romances. I really like Zabo's work and felt like this was a solid edition to the Bluewater Bay series. I do think I'd enjoy the book more if I'd read more of the series beyond the first initial first books.