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Brown Family #1
Laid Bare
It’s been ten years since clean-cut, sexy-as-hell police officer Todd Keenan had a white-hot fling with wild, uninhibited rocker Erin Brown. What happened between them got under his skin—even if love wasn’t in the cards just yet…
Now that they’re back together, picking up where they left off is tough in light of Erin’s troubled past. As Todd earns her trust, their relationship takes an unexpected turn. Todd’s best friend, Ben, comes to play, arousing their deepest fantasies. The passion they share transforms Erin, but it may not be enough to face the evil she thought she had left behind.
Now that they’re back together, picking up where they left off is tough in light of Erin’s troubled past. As Todd earns her trust, their relationship takes an unexpected turn. Todd’s best friend, Ben, comes to play, arousing their deepest fantasies. The passion they share transforms Erin, but it may not be enough to face the evil she thought she had left behind.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
356 people are currently reading
14222 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Dane
111 books4,996 followersLauren Dane has been writing stories since she was able to use a pencil, and before that she used to tell them to people. Of course, she still talks nonstop, and through wonderful fate and good fortune, she’s now able to share what she writes with others. It’s a wonderful life!
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 869 reviews
October 3, 2009
5+ stars – Contemporary Romance/Erotica/Ménage/BDSM
I loved this book for so many reasons, but mainly for its strong characters, unforgiving honesty, and heartfelt emotion.
Stoic Seattle cop Todd is different in many ways from his free-spirited, rocker chic neighbor Erin, but one place they are totally in sync is in the bedroom. It seems Todd harbors a secret kinky, Dom streak, and lucky for him, Erin is more than willing to indulge his darkest desires, wildest fantasies, and kinky fetishes and to submit to his sexual control. They have a good thing going and are engaging in a hot affair, but Todd panics and isn’t ready to embrace his true self. He comes from a rather normal, straight-laced family and thinks he needs a relationship and future with a ‘nice’ girl with more, shall we say, vanilla appetites, so Todd and Erin sadly part ways.
Now, 10 years later, after a failed marriage and a job related injury in Boston, Todd is back in Seattle to start a private security consulting firm with his best friend Ben and best friend’s brother. When Todd runs into Erin, who’s also back in Seattle after a stint of living the rocker’s dream life for a time in LA with her brother Adrian, and now running her own deli restaurant, the blast from the past comes with strong, overwhelming, and never forgotten feelings. But this time around, Todd is a man who has finally learned to accept his true nature, and he knows exactly who and what he wants, and that’s Erin, back in his heart and his bed where she belongs, forever.
Unfortunately, convincing Erin to open her heart and trust again won’t be so easy because a traumatic event has left her shattered and emotionally scarred, and she’s trying to rebuild her life one step at a time. Although Todd’s Dom nature and protective instincts might be exactly what Erin needs to help her heal, she wants to stand on her own and rebukes his controlling tendencies. Things pick up where they left off, and the two quickly set the sheets on fire once again. What neither of them expected was the positive impact on their relationship or for such strong feelings to emerge by the sudden ease with which Todd’s best friend Ben joins their duo. Todd, Erin, and Ben find themselves becoming a threesome based on friendship, longing, trust, respect, understanding, and of course, love with Erin at the heart and center, and although they might have trouble clearly defining and labeling it, they can’t deny what they’ve found in each other.
Of all the ménage books that I’ve read, Laid Bare is one of the most realistic and honest in it’s depiction of the reasons, emotions, and motives behind people engaging in an alternative relationship, lifestyle. None of them anticipated being in a threesome, and they didn’t enter into it lightly, without thought of the hardships and consequences, or just for kinks and giggles. There’s some rather wild, hot, D/s sex between Todd and Erin, and although heterosexual Todd and bisexual Ben’s friendship develops into something deeper and more intimate, it’s a tentative, gradual progression, especially since those feelings are centered around their sharing in their love for Erin. The emotional nature of the trio’s relationship takes precedence in the story, rather than the carnal, sexual aspects of being in a ménage as the primary focus, which was rather refreshing.
It’s a sexy, touching, thought provoking, and evocative story with characters to fall in love with that tugs the heartstrings, and it brought tears to my eyes a few times. Lauren Dane really knows how to write relatable characters who are survivors of past trauma, and Erin’s emotional pain “laid bare” was palpable and heartbreaking. I think Todd, Erin, and Ben’s relationship is a ménage that has a realistic chance of lasting for the long haul. I just wish there had been more time in the story to see it develop even further. I can’t wait for the sequel Coming Undone that’s about Erin’s older, nurturing, protective tattoo artist, biker brother Brody to come out in Jan’2010 because I adored him in this, so I’m super excited to read his story. Laid Bare is a fantastic read with scorching hot sex, raw emotion, brutal honesty, and lots of heart. Big 5 stars from this reader! (And I also love the beautiful, sexy cover!)
I loved this book for so many reasons, but mainly for its strong characters, unforgiving honesty, and heartfelt emotion.
Stoic Seattle cop Todd is different in many ways from his free-spirited, rocker chic neighbor Erin, but one place they are totally in sync is in the bedroom. It seems Todd harbors a secret kinky, Dom streak, and lucky for him, Erin is more than willing to indulge his darkest desires, wildest fantasies, and kinky fetishes and to submit to his sexual control. They have a good thing going and are engaging in a hot affair, but Todd panics and isn’t ready to embrace his true self. He comes from a rather normal, straight-laced family and thinks he needs a relationship and future with a ‘nice’ girl with more, shall we say, vanilla appetites, so Todd and Erin sadly part ways.
Now, 10 years later, after a failed marriage and a job related injury in Boston, Todd is back in Seattle to start a private security consulting firm with his best friend Ben and best friend’s brother. When Todd runs into Erin, who’s also back in Seattle after a stint of living the rocker’s dream life for a time in LA with her brother Adrian, and now running her own deli restaurant, the blast from the past comes with strong, overwhelming, and never forgotten feelings. But this time around, Todd is a man who has finally learned to accept his true nature, and he knows exactly who and what he wants, and that’s Erin, back in his heart and his bed where she belongs, forever.
Unfortunately, convincing Erin to open her heart and trust again won’t be so easy because a traumatic event has left her shattered and emotionally scarred, and she’s trying to rebuild her life one step at a time. Although Todd’s Dom nature and protective instincts might be exactly what Erin needs to help her heal, she wants to stand on her own and rebukes his controlling tendencies. Things pick up where they left off, and the two quickly set the sheets on fire once again. What neither of them expected was the positive impact on their relationship or for such strong feelings to emerge by the sudden ease with which Todd’s best friend Ben joins their duo. Todd, Erin, and Ben find themselves becoming a threesome based on friendship, longing, trust, respect, understanding, and of course, love with Erin at the heart and center, and although they might have trouble clearly defining and labeling it, they can’t deny what they’ve found in each other.
Of all the ménage books that I’ve read, Laid Bare is one of the most realistic and honest in it’s depiction of the reasons, emotions, and motives behind people engaging in an alternative relationship, lifestyle. None of them anticipated being in a threesome, and they didn’t enter into it lightly, without thought of the hardships and consequences, or just for kinks and giggles. There’s some rather wild, hot, D/s sex between Todd and Erin, and although heterosexual Todd and bisexual Ben’s friendship develops into something deeper and more intimate, it’s a tentative, gradual progression, especially since those feelings are centered around their sharing in their love for Erin. The emotional nature of the trio’s relationship takes precedence in the story, rather than the carnal, sexual aspects of being in a ménage as the primary focus, which was rather refreshing.
It’s a sexy, touching, thought provoking, and evocative story with characters to fall in love with that tugs the heartstrings, and it brought tears to my eyes a few times. Lauren Dane really knows how to write relatable characters who are survivors of past trauma, and Erin’s emotional pain “laid bare” was palpable and heartbreaking. I think Todd, Erin, and Ben’s relationship is a ménage that has a realistic chance of lasting for the long haul. I just wish there had been more time in the story to see it develop even further. I can’t wait for the sequel Coming Undone that’s about Erin’s older, nurturing, protective tattoo artist, biker brother Brody to come out in Jan’2010 because I adored him in this, so I’m super excited to read his story. Laid Bare is a fantastic read with scorching hot sex, raw emotion, brutal honesty, and lots of heart. Big 5 stars from this reader! (And I also love the beautiful, sexy cover!)
May 17, 2011
This is the first time I've felt the need to review a book that is predominantly erotica; I mean, most of the time they either do their job right (make you hot under the collar) or they don't and there's rarely much more to be said about it in my opinion. However, Laid Bare was an erotic novel that was quite different from what I'm used to - well, it actually wasn't all about sex.
There was a good deal of character development that I haven't found in many non-erotic books that I've read recently... it worked well. The story is about two people (Erin and Todd) who, through a lot of kinky sexual interactions, end up becoming the people they've always wanted to be and unleashing sides of themselves that they had kept hidden. It's a love story as well as smut and I found both of the main characters to my liking.
It was deeply emotional and quite sad at times; though the plot was approached through an erotic angle, it had so much more to offer than is typical of the genre. Erotica tends to be a quick sex-filled fix, fun while it lasts but mostly meaningless. I would recommed this to everyone who enjoys both the sexual aspect of erotica but also looks for something else in their novels. This is quite apart from the rest and many authors of erotic fiction could learn a lot from this.
September 16, 2011
Opening Line: " Music, raw and hard like sex, pulsed through the speaker stack, caught the people in front of the stage, as much as it had her in its grip."
Oh how I loved this one. LAID BARE it's one of the best erotic books I've ever read; encompassing the perfect mix of raw sexuality along with tenderness, growth and understanding. There is also a beautiful love story here that eventually involves 3 people and Lauren Dane has done a wonderful job of exploring the boundaries and complexities involved in an M/M/F relationship. Bondage and the Dom/sub lifestyle are also explored but always done here with love and respect, which I appreciated.
This story grabbed me from page 1 as we are introduced to wild child Erin. She's beautifully written as the tattooed and dreadlocked singer from an emerging Indie band. Erin makes no apologies for what and who she desires and she desires her neighbour, the straight-laced, country music lovin cop Todd. Todd in turn is attracted to Erin but doesn't foresee a future as they are just so different in fact he doesn't even want his cop buddies to see him with her. She also brings out his darker, kinkier side which scares the hell out of him, enough so that he eventually ends the relationship and marries a `good girl' Erin in the meantime becomes a full blown rock star, popular with the MTV crowd because of her ever-changing appearance and wild antics.
10 years later the now divorced Todd enters a coffee shop only to find Erin behind the counter. She's changed, no longer the carefree rocker chick he once knew (although she does have pink hair) Something's happened to her on the rise to fame, something so terrible it's stolen her spirit and almost killed her. They can't fight the fact that they still have feelings for each other though and with Todd now willing to embrace his alternative needs they fall in love.
Even though Erin is strong willed she still likes to be dominated in the bedroom. And as their relationship grows we get some very intense love scenes as they take things to new and exciting levels. When exhibitionism enters the mix its only a matter of time before Ben, Todd's sexy best friend and new business partner gets involved in the scene and then WOW do things ever heat up.
I'm not usually one for the ménage but this worked for me, the perfect combination of alpha male exploration and sensitivity. Ben is bisexual whereas Todd's never even considered taking a man into his bed until Ben offered. Still Todd loves his best friend and is willing to just see where things go. He's a bit shy so when they share their first kiss, sigh... it's pretty hot. Initially I felt kind of uncomfortable when Ben got it on with Erin, it felt like they were cheating even though Todd was right there with them. I credit this to this to writing because I was so wrapped up in the characters and what they were feeling that I didn`t want anyone to get hurt. As the passion and love the trio shares begins to transform and mend Erin the evil from her past comes back to haunt them. Will they be strong enough to get through it?
If you're a fan of erotica then I highly recommend this. I can honestly say that I've never been quite this turned on by a book and there was the added bonus of a great storyline too. Coming Undone is the next book in the series. Cheers!
Oh how I loved this one. LAID BARE it's one of the best erotic books I've ever read; encompassing the perfect mix of raw sexuality along with tenderness, growth and understanding. There is also a beautiful love story here that eventually involves 3 people and Lauren Dane has done a wonderful job of exploring the boundaries and complexities involved in an M/M/F relationship. Bondage and the Dom/sub lifestyle are also explored but always done here with love and respect, which I appreciated.
This story grabbed me from page 1 as we are introduced to wild child Erin. She's beautifully written as the tattooed and dreadlocked singer from an emerging Indie band. Erin makes no apologies for what and who she desires and she desires her neighbour, the straight-laced, country music lovin cop Todd. Todd in turn is attracted to Erin but doesn't foresee a future as they are just so different in fact he doesn't even want his cop buddies to see him with her. She also brings out his darker, kinkier side which scares the hell out of him, enough so that he eventually ends the relationship and marries a `good girl' Erin in the meantime becomes a full blown rock star, popular with the MTV crowd because of her ever-changing appearance and wild antics.
10 years later the now divorced Todd enters a coffee shop only to find Erin behind the counter. She's changed, no longer the carefree rocker chick he once knew (although she does have pink hair) Something's happened to her on the rise to fame, something so terrible it's stolen her spirit and almost killed her. They can't fight the fact that they still have feelings for each other though and with Todd now willing to embrace his alternative needs they fall in love.
Even though Erin is strong willed she still likes to be dominated in the bedroom. And as their relationship grows we get some very intense love scenes as they take things to new and exciting levels. When exhibitionism enters the mix its only a matter of time before Ben, Todd's sexy best friend and new business partner gets involved in the scene and then WOW do things ever heat up.
I'm not usually one for the ménage but this worked for me, the perfect combination of alpha male exploration and sensitivity. Ben is bisexual whereas Todd's never even considered taking a man into his bed until Ben offered. Still Todd loves his best friend and is willing to just see where things go. He's a bit shy so when they share their first kiss, sigh... it's pretty hot. Initially I felt kind of uncomfortable when Ben got it on with Erin, it felt like they were cheating even though Todd was right there with them. I credit this to this to writing because I was so wrapped up in the characters and what they were feeling that I didn`t want anyone to get hurt. As the passion and love the trio shares begins to transform and mend Erin the evil from her past comes back to haunt them. Will they be strong enough to get through it?
If you're a fan of erotica then I highly recommend this. I can honestly say that I've never been quite this turned on by a book and there was the added bonus of a great storyline too. Coming Undone is the next book in the series. Cheers!
August 5, 2009
He's a sexy, straight-laced, 20-something Seattle cop. She's a beautiful, free-spirited, dreadlocked, 24 year old wannabe rock star. He likes Toby Keith, she likes PJ Harvey. Her parents died when she was young, and she and her younger rocker brother were raised by a supportive older brother. He comes from a large family of cops and former cops. Sounds like Erin Brown and Todd Keenan wouldn't have much in common. But the fact that they seem totally different doesn't stop the attraction that these next door neighbors feel for each other. Todd's been aware of Erin for some time, and is intrigued by her. He watches her come home from work every night, yet doesn't make a move. Erin is just not the type of girl he usually dates, with her tattoos and piercings and fiery attitude. But Erin's not the type of girl to not go after what she wants (she wants Todd), and she agressively makes the first move. They indulge in a scorching hot affair, and Erin knows just what Todd needs/wants. She knows he wants to dominate her, and she's happy to be his sub. But Todd isn't comfortable with the man he becomes when he's with Erin, no matter how exciting it is to him. He backs away from the relationship, leaving Erin very disappointed but free to pursue her rock star dreams.
Fast forward 10 years. Erin is back in Seattle, after making it big in the music biz with her younger brother Adrian. She had the money, the fame, and the glory, but she also had devastating heartbreak. The kind that many people never get over. Now she's just trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life, and start all over again. She runs a small coffee shop/cafe next door to her protective older brother's tattoo parlor. Erin's life will never be what it once was, but she's determined to put one foot in front of the other, and carry on.
Todd's also back in Seattle, after a move to Boston and an unsatisfactory marriage to the type of woman he thought he should be married to, and after suffering a career ending injury. But he never stopped thinking about Erin, and what he could have had with her if he wasn't so afraid of his sexual desires. Now that he's back in town and setting up a security consulting business with his best friend and his (friend's) brother (both former cops), he's determined to start over and live his life the way he wants to, and not the way he thinks he should.
When he unexpectedly meets up with Erin at her coffee shop, he knows the spark is still there, even after 10 years. Todd would like to pick up where they left off, but Erin is wary about letting Todd (or anyone) into her heart again. Love can bring pain, and Erin doesn't know if she can face that. But Erin and Todd renew their affair, and this time Todd embraces his inner dom and all his sexual kinks. Things are going great, and then another player is added to the sexual equation--best friend Ben. Can Erin handle having two men who want to love and protect her? What will their families think? And is the pain from Erin's past truly over, or will it keep coming back to haunt her?
Whew! This book was so much more than I expected. It starts off with a bang and never seemed to let up. The sexual activity is very raw, aggressive, and in your face, and at times I'll admit it pushed my comfort levels. Reading about BDSM is not my favorite thing in erotic romance, but thankfully there wasn't anything too extreme, and there definitely was no master/slave vibe, or anything humiliating, which I hate. The most agressive thing Todd would say is "Get naked and on your knees", or something to that effect, and outside of the bedroom, he was really a sweet, protective guy, not the uber alpha that you'd think he'd be. True, he was one kinky guy in the bedroom, and he liked to restrain Erin, liked to bite and use a whip, but what can I say, she loved it and wanted more. And he always asked her if she was okay, and was very loving and solicitous. I had no doubt that he truly loved Erin.
Ben--what can I say? I really liked him, and that surprised me a bit. Ben was bisexual, but he said her preferred women to men. He was friends with Todd since childhood, and had always loved him, but I guess he was afraid to tell him. When Todd invited him to participate in a threesome with Erin, I thought it would be a onetime thing. But both Erin and Todd wanted Ben to be a part of something more permanent, and considered him "theirs". Their scenes together were erotic, intense, and loving. Their was some m/m action, but nothing more than kissing and fondling, although if I recall correctly I think there was some oral action on Ben's part. So no, the men didn't go 'all the way', but I got the feeling in time they would. Ben did make it very clear that Erin was the most important person to him in the relationship, and I felt that she was very lucky to have these two loving men dote on her. She could have done a lot worse!
This book was in no way a total sex-fest, although it seemed to start out that way. There was a very good, realistic story to go along with all the kinky sexual activity, and no way was it all smooth sailing. Erin had a lot of problems to overcome, but luckily had a supportive family and two hunky guys who wanted to help her. I was happy to see her regain her inner strength and be a little bit like the free spirit she was in her youth, and I had to give her high marks for her courage after all that happened to her in the past. I was also glad to see that Todd allowed himself to be the person he was, and not the person he thought he should be. As for Ben, I thought he had the toughest time of it, coming into an already established relationship and trying not to feel like a third wheel. I also felt bad that he didn't get the support from his family that he needed. But with Erin and Todd's love and support, I think he'll get through it. This is one menage that I think has a very good chance of succeeding.
If I have a small bone to pick it's this: I can't believe that Todd was unaware of the tragedy in Erin's life. Yes, he was busy with his life, and yes, he liked country music and not alternative rock, but c'mon! In this day and age of tabloids and celebrity TV, and him being a cop, and being Erin's former boyfriend, the guy must have been living under a rock not to have heard what happened to her. That sort of aggravated me for a few chapters, and made me think that maybe Erin wasn't as famous and successful that I thought she was.
So, to sum up: a very well written, fast paced, thoughful story, filled with some kinky sex, a loving (mostly)m/f/m menage, a rather triumphant ending for the heroine, and the start of a promising new beginning for the threesome. No, it's not quite the 'Chase Brothers', but if you don't mind the bdsm elements or the menage relationship, you'll find it very enjoyable. 4 stars.
Warning: Those book contains explicit sex (including lots of oral, but no anal), graphic language, male/male action of the kissing and fondling variety, and some bondage (restraints and light flogging/whipping). Not for the faint of heart!
Fast forward 10 years. Erin is back in Seattle, after making it big in the music biz with her younger brother Adrian. She had the money, the fame, and the glory, but she also had devastating heartbreak. The kind that many people never get over. Now she's just trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life, and start all over again. She runs a small coffee shop/cafe next door to her protective older brother's tattoo parlor. Erin's life will never be what it once was, but she's determined to put one foot in front of the other, and carry on.
Todd's also back in Seattle, after a move to Boston and an unsatisfactory marriage to the type of woman he thought he should be married to, and after suffering a career ending injury. But he never stopped thinking about Erin, and what he could have had with her if he wasn't so afraid of his sexual desires. Now that he's back in town and setting up a security consulting business with his best friend and his (friend's) brother (both former cops), he's determined to start over and live his life the way he wants to, and not the way he thinks he should.
When he unexpectedly meets up with Erin at her coffee shop, he knows the spark is still there, even after 10 years. Todd would like to pick up where they left off, but Erin is wary about letting Todd (or anyone) into her heart again. Love can bring pain, and Erin doesn't know if she can face that. But Erin and Todd renew their affair, and this time Todd embraces his inner dom and all his sexual kinks. Things are going great, and then another player is added to the sexual equation--best friend Ben. Can Erin handle having two men who want to love and protect her? What will their families think? And is the pain from Erin's past truly over, or will it keep coming back to haunt her?
Whew! This book was so much more than I expected. It starts off with a bang and never seemed to let up. The sexual activity is very raw, aggressive, and in your face, and at times I'll admit it pushed my comfort levels. Reading about BDSM is not my favorite thing in erotic romance, but thankfully there wasn't anything too extreme, and there definitely was no master/slave vibe, or anything humiliating, which I hate. The most agressive thing Todd would say is "Get naked and on your knees", or something to that effect, and outside of the bedroom, he was really a sweet, protective guy, not the uber alpha that you'd think he'd be. True, he was one kinky guy in the bedroom, and he liked to restrain Erin, liked to bite and use a whip, but what can I say, she loved it and wanted more. And he always asked her if she was okay, and was very loving and solicitous. I had no doubt that he truly loved Erin.
Ben--what can I say? I really liked him, and that surprised me a bit. Ben was bisexual, but he said her preferred women to men. He was friends with Todd since childhood, and had always loved him, but I guess he was afraid to tell him. When Todd invited him to participate in a threesome with Erin, I thought it would be a onetime thing. But both Erin and Todd wanted Ben to be a part of something more permanent, and considered him "theirs". Their scenes together were erotic, intense, and loving. Their was some m/m action, but nothing more than kissing and fondling, although if I recall correctly I think there was some oral action on Ben's part. So no, the men didn't go 'all the way', but I got the feeling in time they would. Ben did make it very clear that Erin was the most important person to him in the relationship, and I felt that she was very lucky to have these two loving men dote on her. She could have done a lot worse!
This book was in no way a total sex-fest, although it seemed to start out that way. There was a very good, realistic story to go along with all the kinky sexual activity, and no way was it all smooth sailing. Erin had a lot of problems to overcome, but luckily had a supportive family and two hunky guys who wanted to help her. I was happy to see her regain her inner strength and be a little bit like the free spirit she was in her youth, and I had to give her high marks for her courage after all that happened to her in the past. I was also glad to see that Todd allowed himself to be the person he was, and not the person he thought he should be. As for Ben, I thought he had the toughest time of it, coming into an already established relationship and trying not to feel like a third wheel. I also felt bad that he didn't get the support from his family that he needed. But with Erin and Todd's love and support, I think he'll get through it. This is one menage that I think has a very good chance of succeeding.
If I have a small bone to pick it's this: I can't believe that Todd was unaware of the tragedy in Erin's life. Yes, he was busy with his life, and yes, he liked country music and not alternative rock, but c'mon! In this day and age of tabloids and celebrity TV, and him being a cop, and being Erin's former boyfriend, the guy must have been living under a rock not to have heard what happened to her. That sort of aggravated me for a few chapters, and made me think that maybe Erin wasn't as famous and successful that I thought she was.
So, to sum up: a very well written, fast paced, thoughful story, filled with some kinky sex, a loving (mostly)m/f/m menage, a rather triumphant ending for the heroine, and the start of a promising new beginning for the threesome. No, it's not quite the 'Chase Brothers', but if you don't mind the bdsm elements or the menage relationship, you'll find it very enjoyable. 4 stars.
Warning: Those book contains explicit sex (including lots of oral, but no anal), graphic language, male/male action of the kissing and fondling variety, and some bondage (restraints and light flogging/whipping). Not for the faint of heart!
April 10, 2010
Ok, so I definately have an opinion about this book. This isn't a review as much as my opinion.
The good: Clearly this is a moving story about family, love, loss and the possibility for finding happiness after a tragedy. I loved Erin, she was very believable with her life and struggles. I liked her brothers Adrian and Brody and their relationship with Erin. I liked Todd and watching him struggle with proving himself again to Erin once he returned. The story between Erin and Todd was very moving, it was believable and I really rooted for them. She was/is dealing with some pretty heavy stuff in her life and he really figured her out and knew all the right things to do and say and I loved that.
That being said, it brings me to the point in the story which, in all honesty completely ruined it for me. BEN - ok, I liked him when he was just the best friend. He clearly was good looking and flirted w/ Erin. But, for their relationship to completely go from zero to a million just from Ben making the statement to Todd "I wish there were two of her?, unless you wanna share" (paraphrase). I'm not against M/M/F relationships in a story, but Todd and Erin had just reconnected with each other and truly loved each other and were working through their relationship, then they introduced Ben and YUCK. Not "icky" yuck, just it was pointless for the story to go there. I felt it took away from the original storyline that was going on. Todd and Erins story was already interesting/challenging enough without that part of it. It was odd that Todd - at first, was unsure of himself and what Erin wanted and he was finally happy w/ her finally admitting she loved him and then **BAM** I'm ok w/ you having sex w/ my best friend and him living with us and sharing you and......blah, blah blah. Sorry, if this seems harsh, but I was really mad at that part of the story, Todd was just too "OK" w/ him sharing Erin and like I said it ruined the story for me and really seemed pointless, b/c the story would have been amazing without Ben taking on that role.
My other complaint was that it jumped around A LOT!!! Not just present day...then 10 years later. But, the story kept jumping two days later..two weeks later...sometimes time would pass and you wouldn't know how much time even went by.
Ok - wow. I really was frustrated once I finished this book. I will read the second book in the series, which is Brody's story b/c I liked the world that Ms. Dane created.
I really would have given this book 4 stars on the storyline, had they kept the whole Ben thing out.
The good: Clearly this is a moving story about family, love, loss and the possibility for finding happiness after a tragedy. I loved Erin, she was very believable with her life and struggles. I liked her brothers Adrian and Brody and their relationship with Erin. I liked Todd and watching him struggle with proving himself again to Erin once he returned. The story between Erin and Todd was very moving, it was believable and I really rooted for them. She was/is dealing with some pretty heavy stuff in her life and he really figured her out and knew all the right things to do and say and I loved that.
That being said, it brings me to the point in the story which, in all honesty completely ruined it for me. BEN - ok, I liked him when he was just the best friend. He clearly was good looking and flirted w/ Erin. But, for their relationship to completely go from zero to a million just from Ben making the statement to Todd "I wish there were two of her?, unless you wanna share" (paraphrase). I'm not against M/M/F relationships in a story, but Todd and Erin had just reconnected with each other and truly loved each other and were working through their relationship, then they introduced Ben and YUCK. Not "icky" yuck, just it was pointless for the story to go there. I felt it took away from the original storyline that was going on. Todd and Erins story was already interesting/challenging enough without that part of it. It was odd that Todd - at first, was unsure of himself and what Erin wanted and he was finally happy w/ her finally admitting she loved him and then **BAM** I'm ok w/ you having sex w/ my best friend and him living with us and sharing you and......blah, blah blah. Sorry, if this seems harsh, but I was really mad at that part of the story, Todd was just too "OK" w/ him sharing Erin and like I said it ruined the story for me and really seemed pointless, b/c the story would have been amazing without Ben taking on that role.
My other complaint was that it jumped around A LOT!!! Not just present day...then 10 years later. But, the story kept jumping two days later..two weeks later...sometimes time would pass and you wouldn't know how much time even went by.
Ok - wow. I really was frustrated once I finished this book. I will read the second book in the series, which is Brody's story b/c I liked the world that Ms. Dane created.
I really would have given this book 4 stars on the storyline, had they kept the whole Ben thing out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2012
This book pissed me off. I was so into it, I had decided to buy a copy because the one I was reading was borrowed. At some point it started going off the rails. By the end, I hated all the characters and just wanted to finish the stupid thing.
Lauren Dane's writing is good. It just seems like when it's flawed it is VERY flawed. Ms. Dane, can I try editing one of your books? I think I could help.
Loved the initial story between the hero and heroine. Maybe this would have been a better novella than a full length novel. I didn't enjoy the whole triad thing. I find it hard to believe that a woman would find not one but TWO amazing men who love her so very very much. There was so much telling rather than showing. Or making a point that had already been made. The dialogue in the last 1/4 of the book is just completely ridiculous. UGh, I could go on, but it would just mean that I'd given up more time to this stupid book. Glad I didn't buy it.
Lauren Dane's writing is good. It just seems like when it's flawed it is VERY flawed. Ms. Dane, can I try editing one of your books? I think I could help.
Loved the initial story between the hero and heroine. Maybe this would have been a better novella than a full length novel. I didn't enjoy the whole triad thing. I find it hard to believe that a woman would find not one but TWO amazing men who love her so very very much. There was so much telling rather than showing. Or making a point that had already been made. The dialogue in the last 1/4 of the book is just completely ridiculous. UGh, I could go on, but it would just mean that I'd given up more time to this stupid book. Glad I didn't buy it.
October 27, 2021
2.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This had been on my tbr list for a long time. I’ve just recently gotten into reading mm books, so when I saw this again I didn’t hesitate like I did before. I think because I’ve been reading mm romances, I was greatly disappointed with the almost avoidance of the mm aspects of these 3 mc’s relationship. This was what I would call erotica because it was mostly about the sex with the romance as secondary. Which is fine! I just expect the sex to be hotter if that was the case. The BDSM aspects were mild and seemingly thrown in just to have them and not by someone that did their research on those dynamics in relationships. I very well could be wrong because all I know about those relationships is from reading smut — but I guess I just felt like it was a gimmick to add along with the second H. The flow felt disjointed at times and the ending was way too abrupt. I’m glad I read this to feed my curiosity, but I really struggled with it overall.
Side note: If anyone has any recommendations for a mmf book that has romantic connections between all the characters, I’d love to hear them!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Erin, Todd, and Ben’s story. Todd and Erin were neighbors that give in to their connection, but Todd gets scared by their differences and the dark desires that he has that Erin brings out in him, and he pushes her away. About ten years later, they meet again after some big life events have happened for both of them and they connect again instantly. Todd and Ben have been best friends for a long time. When Ben explains that he is bisexual and was in a triad relationship before, Todd starts to see him in a different light and things start to develop between the three of them. There is some past baggage they work through and some sexy times…and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Erin, Todd and Ben in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Not the best. It was slow in some parts and felt off in the flow for me at times. The abrupt ending was odd too. I never skimmed.
Instalove: Kind of because I didn’t get the progression to deeper feelings (other than sex)
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Erin. I liked her strength and I appreciated how she cared for the Hs and showed it. I don’t think I fully connected with her character though.
H1 (Hero #1) rating: 3.5 stars. Todd. I liked his protective and caring nature and I appreciated how he got through his struggle and went for what he wanted. I don’t think we got into his character very deep.
H2 (Hero #2) rating: 3 stars. Ben. I liked him but I never really connected with his character. I felt like he was also very surface level. He honestly felt just thrown in for a taboo type feature.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes. This was probably what I would consider erotica because the focus was more on the sex than on the romantic connection.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends abruptly in an okay place, but it left me kind of confused and frustrated for not having more closure. I would still call this a HEA
Safety: This one is probably Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
Overall Opinion: This had been on my tbr list for a long time. I’ve just recently gotten into reading mm books, so when I saw this again I didn’t hesitate like I did before. I think because I’ve been reading mm romances, I was greatly disappointed with the almost avoidance of the mm aspects of these 3 mc’s relationship. This was what I would call erotica because it was mostly about the sex with the romance as secondary. Which is fine! I just expect the sex to be hotter if that was the case. The BDSM aspects were mild and seemingly thrown in just to have them and not by someone that did their research on those dynamics in relationships. I very well could be wrong because all I know about those relationships is from reading smut — but I guess I just felt like it was a gimmick to add along with the second H. The flow felt disjointed at times and the ending was way too abrupt. I’m glad I read this to feed my curiosity, but I really struggled with it overall.
Side note: If anyone has any recommendations for a mmf book that has romantic connections between all the characters, I’d love to hear them!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Erin, Todd, and Ben’s story. Todd and Erin were neighbors that give in to their connection, but Todd gets scared by their differences and the dark desires that he has that Erin brings out in him, and he pushes her away. About ten years later, they meet again after some big life events have happened for both of them and they connect again instantly. Todd and Ben have been best friends for a long time. When Ben explains that he is bisexual and was in a triad relationship before, Todd starts to see him in a different light and things start to develop between the three of them. There is some past baggage they work through and some sexy times…and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Erin, Todd and Ben in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Not the best. It was slow in some parts and felt off in the flow for me at times. The abrupt ending was odd too. I never skimmed.
Instalove: Kind of because I didn’t get the progression to deeper feelings (other than sex)
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Erin. I liked her strength and I appreciated how she cared for the Hs and showed it. I don’t think I fully connected with her character though.
H1 (Hero #1) rating: 3.5 stars. Todd. I liked his protective and caring nature and I appreciated how he got through his struggle and went for what he wanted. I don’t think we got into his character very deep.
H2 (Hero #2) rating: 3 stars. Ben. I liked him but I never really connected with his character. I felt like he was also very surface level. He honestly felt just thrown in for a taboo type feature.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes. This was probably what I would consider erotica because the focus was more on the sex than on the romantic connection.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends abruptly in an okay place, but it left me kind of confused and frustrated for not having more closure. I would still call this a HEA
Safety: This one is probably Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
September 27, 2011
This book was just okay for me. The sex was smoking hot, but the relationship between Todd and Erin just didn't do it for me. I am not sure what the deal was. I don't know if it was what I perceived as the lack of character development or if I need a little more sexual tension between the H/h.
Now as far as a ménage goes this was a story that actually made me believe that it could work between Todd, Erin, and Ben. Once the three of them got together I began to like the characters a lot more.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series[book:Coming Undone|662934
Addendum re-read sept 2011
I have to admit that this was much better the second time around. I mentioned that the first time I read the book I didn't feel there was enough character development. Haha I must have been high when I wrote that because I was wrong. Each character is developed just fine. I still think that Ben is introduced a little to quickly into Erin and Todds relationship. That's just my opinion. Erin leans on the bitchy side a little more than I'd like but Todd and Ben make up for it that is for sure.
Now as far as a ménage goes this was a story that actually made me believe that it could work between Todd, Erin, and Ben. Once the three of them got together I began to like the characters a lot more.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series[book:Coming Undone|662934
Addendum re-read sept 2011
I have to admit that this was much better the second time around. I mentioned that the first time I read the book I didn't feel there was enough character development. Haha I must have been high when I wrote that because I was wrong. Each character is developed just fine. I still think that Ben is introduced a little to quickly into Erin and Todds relationship. That's just my opinion. Erin leans on the bitchy side a little more than I'd like but Todd and Ben make up for it that is for sure.
July 2, 2011
A few pages into this, I started to feel like King Louis in “Start the Revolution Without Me” -- I thought it was Romantic Suspense! Trust me to barely finish one book because it had too much sex and to then pick up another that turns out to be D/s erotica with menage. But it did suck me in, no graphic imagery intended. Despite it being cruder than I personally enjoy--the characters are really into dirty talk and me, not so much--I was intrigued by the sexually assured Erin and the hung up, repressed kinkster Todd.
Sadly, the book lost steam when the menage started up. It just comes out of left field -- being told over and over that Todd and Ben are best friends and very close is not convincing enough, I needed to see that relationship established, and much earlier in the story. And the whole menage thing is so... prosaic! And so boringly perfect. At one point Ben thinks, “If the woman was any more perfect he wasn’t sure he could stand it.” That summed up how I felt about the relationships in the book. It was like a commercial for triads. Who knew being kinky could be so boring.
Sadly, the book lost steam when the menage started up. It just comes out of left field -- being told over and over that Todd and Ben are best friends and very close is not convincing enough, I needed to see that relationship established, and much earlier in the story. And the whole menage thing is so... prosaic! And so boringly perfect. At one point Ben thinks, “If the woman was any more perfect he wasn’t sure he could stand it.” That summed up how I felt about the relationships in the book. It was like a commercial for triads. Who knew being kinky could be so boring.
January 17, 2012
Me no likey.
No likey the story, the characters, the writing and me especially no likey the word cunt. I know, this is erotica, but I still don't like the word. And it's everywhere.
I'm afraid this author just isn't for me. This is one of the rare cases where I'm going to abide by the "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" adage. Especially as I didn't finish the book.
There were some things that bothered me about the portion of the book that I DID read. Of course, those were why I quit reading, and I'd be happy to chat about them if anyone's interested.
But I won't post them in my review. :)
1 star.
No likey the story, the characters, the writing and me especially no likey the word cunt. I know, this is erotica, but I still don't like the word. And it's everywhere.
I'm afraid this author just isn't for me. This is one of the rare cases where I'm going to abide by the "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" adage. Especially as I didn't finish the book.
There were some things that bothered me about the portion of the book that I DID read. Of course, those were why I quit reading, and I'd be happy to chat about them if anyone's interested.
But I won't post them in my review. :)
1 star.
November 24, 2009
Rating: 4.5 / 5
This was a great book. It was almost a five-star read...almost but not quite. There were a couple things that needed to be a little better or done a little different to be five-starts, but it was a solid 4.5 for me.
Summary:
Erin Brown is the quintessential rocker chick. She's got funky hair, tattoos, piercings and a wild girl approach to life. That doesn't stop her from wanting the straight-laced cop next door. They start a hot, wild fling that pushes Todd Keenan's boundaries. Fantasies he's tried to suppress come to the surface and it's too much for him and he bails.
Ten years later, Todd is back in Seattle, ready to accept the person he truly is. So when he runs into Erin at the coffee shop she owns, it's a second chance for them. But Erin isn't the same girl she used to be. Tragedy has changed her greatly, putting roadblocks in her new relationship with Todd.
Then Todd's friend, Ben, enters the scene...and their bed. What started out as indulging a fantasy grows into so much more as feelings develop between all three. But first, Erin must battle her demons from her past in order to have a future with the two men she loves.
Review:
I'm almost always a fan of menage HEA erotic romances. I'm just a big supporter of alternative relationships and find the menage ones to be some of the most interesting to read. So when I saw that this book was a menage romance, of course I bought it!
On some levels, I thought this book was really, really good. Yes, it's an erotic romance with lots and lots of hot sex and all that, but it's also got a lot of emotion. Poor Erin. That girl went to hell and back. I already liked her in the beginning because she was so different and atypical, but then seeing how she survived what she did, it just makes you like her all the more. I just thought she was such a fun character.
I also liked Todd and how his character progressed. I've read some stories before where a character fits their sexual nature, but it's often the female. So to have a male character battling his true sexual desires gave the book a nice twist.
Then there's the fact that the romance was actually a bisexual menage HEA. That's even better than a hetero menage story, in my opinion. It's such a fascinating dynamic.
Despite all those strong points, which made this a fabulous book to read, there were some things I thought could have been done differently or better.
For one, I thought Ben came off a little too much as a sidenote throughout most of the book. He has very limited POV in the story which means as a reader, you don't get to know him very well. I wanted to dig deeper into his character.
Also, there were a few times when the book seemed to skip around and miss somethings. In particular, I thought how the "coming out" of the menage relationship was a little poorly done. There's a scene where one of the guys (Todd, I think) is about to talk to his Dad about the relationship then the chapter ends and you don't hear another word about. At the end, there's this thing where it says that the mother-in-laws are there (to watch Erin perform) along with some other family members who still talked to them...and I was like, wait! Which ones are still talking to them, which ones disowned them? What all is going on? That part of the story seemed a little hollow.
There was one other thing that bothered me a little...or maybe it's just that I wished the story had done more in this area. And that was the relationship between Ben and Todd. There was obviously some sexual chemistry there and they did some stuff with each other, but nothing full out. And I thought that was weird. Yeah, there's the assumption that more will happen in the future with them, but personally, as something that was so big in the relationship, I thought it needed to be addressed in the book. It came off to me that author Lauren Dane doesn't quite want to cross certain sexual lines. And not just with the M/M action, but also with something else. I was really surprised about the fact that this is a M/F/M menage that involved no anal sex. That's usually always an act involved in menage stories. So between that and the stunted development of Todd and Ben's relationship, I felt like the story got a little stuck on the lines it appeared the author didn't want to cross.
But still, this was a really good book. Very hot, very sexual. Great characters and an interesting story that kept the book from being to superficially sexual.
WARNING, this book contains: explicit sex and language, oral sex, a little ass play, M/M oral sex and kissing, light sexual D/s, a little bondage, some spanking, M/F/M bisexual HEA, body piercings, tattoos, light exhibitionism
This was a great book. It was almost a five-star read...almost but not quite. There were a couple things that needed to be a little better or done a little different to be five-starts, but it was a solid 4.5 for me.
Summary:
Erin Brown is the quintessential rocker chick. She's got funky hair, tattoos, piercings and a wild girl approach to life. That doesn't stop her from wanting the straight-laced cop next door. They start a hot, wild fling that pushes Todd Keenan's boundaries. Fantasies he's tried to suppress come to the surface and it's too much for him and he bails.
Ten years later, Todd is back in Seattle, ready to accept the person he truly is. So when he runs into Erin at the coffee shop she owns, it's a second chance for them. But Erin isn't the same girl she used to be. Tragedy has changed her greatly, putting roadblocks in her new relationship with Todd.
Then Todd's friend, Ben, enters the scene...and their bed. What started out as indulging a fantasy grows into so much more as feelings develop between all three. But first, Erin must battle her demons from her past in order to have a future with the two men she loves.
Review:
I'm almost always a fan of menage HEA erotic romances. I'm just a big supporter of alternative relationships and find the menage ones to be some of the most interesting to read. So when I saw that this book was a menage romance, of course I bought it!
On some levels, I thought this book was really, really good. Yes, it's an erotic romance with lots and lots of hot sex and all that, but it's also got a lot of emotion. Poor Erin. That girl went to hell and back. I already liked her in the beginning because she was so different and atypical, but then seeing how she survived what she did, it just makes you like her all the more. I just thought she was such a fun character.
I also liked Todd and how his character progressed. I've read some stories before where a character fits their sexual nature, but it's often the female. So to have a male character battling his true sexual desires gave the book a nice twist.
Then there's the fact that the romance was actually a bisexual menage HEA. That's even better than a hetero menage story, in my opinion. It's such a fascinating dynamic.
Despite all those strong points, which made this a fabulous book to read, there were some things I thought could have been done differently or better.
For one, I thought Ben came off a little too much as a sidenote throughout most of the book. He has very limited POV in the story which means as a reader, you don't get to know him very well. I wanted to dig deeper into his character.
Also, there were a few times when the book seemed to skip around and miss somethings. In particular, I thought how the "coming out" of the menage relationship was a little poorly done. There's a scene where one of the guys (Todd, I think) is about to talk to his Dad about the relationship then the chapter ends and you don't hear another word about. At the end, there's this thing where it says that the mother-in-laws are there (to watch Erin perform) along with some other family members who still talked to them...and I was like, wait! Which ones are still talking to them, which ones disowned them? What all is going on? That part of the story seemed a little hollow.
There was one other thing that bothered me a little...or maybe it's just that I wished the story had done more in this area. And that was the relationship between Ben and Todd. There was obviously some sexual chemistry there and they did some stuff with each other, but nothing full out. And I thought that was weird. Yeah, there's the assumption that more will happen in the future with them, but personally, as something that was so big in the relationship, I thought it needed to be addressed in the book. It came off to me that author Lauren Dane doesn't quite want to cross certain sexual lines. And not just with the M/M action, but also with something else. I was really surprised about the fact that this is a M/F/M menage that involved no anal sex. That's usually always an act involved in menage stories. So between that and the stunted development of Todd and Ben's relationship, I felt like the story got a little stuck on the lines it appeared the author didn't want to cross.
But still, this was a really good book. Very hot, very sexual. Great characters and an interesting story that kept the book from being to superficially sexual.
WARNING, this book contains: explicit sex and language, oral sex, a little ass play, M/M oral sex and kissing, light sexual D/s, a little bondage, some spanking, M/F/M bisexual HEA, body piercings, tattoos, light exhibitionism
January 10, 2023
Note to myself:
==================================
Hero feels great attraction for our heroine and the sex between them is fantastic. They connect and test boundaries between them.
Our hero is ashamed of her and wants a woman who suits the lifestyle he seeks. He's a cop and wants a wife who suits what he thinks is the perfect life. A discreet and delicate woman who represents the perfect wife.
Our heroine knows what she wants and is comfortable in her own skin. She has unconventional hair and tattoos around her body and dresses in the rocker style.
They separate and each one follows with their own life.
He marries a supposedly perfect woman but is not happy and ends up getting divorced.
She has a happy relationship and a daughter, but a tragedy happens that shakes her world.
They re-encounter and rekindle the relationship.
I confess I did not like his very prejudiced and stupid attitude at the beginning of the story.
Adding one more man into the relationship forming a trio I did not see it coming.
History ok and I had in my kindle since 2016 but only now that I read the book.
----------------
==================================
Hero feels great attraction for our heroine and the sex between them is fantastic. They connect and test boundaries between them.
Our hero is ashamed of her and wants a woman who suits the lifestyle he seeks. He's a cop and wants a wife who suits what he thinks is the perfect life. A discreet and delicate woman who represents the perfect wife.
Our heroine knows what she wants and is comfortable in her own skin. She has unconventional hair and tattoos around her body and dresses in the rocker style.
They separate and each one follows with their own life.
He marries a supposedly perfect woman but is not happy and ends up getting divorced.
She has a happy relationship and a daughter, but a tragedy happens that shakes her world.
They re-encounter and rekindle the relationship.
I confess I did not like his very prejudiced and stupid attitude at the beginning of the story.
Adding one more man into the relationship forming a trio I did not see it coming.
History ok and I had in my kindle since 2016 but only now that I read the book.
----------------
Dreadlocks. What woman wore dreadlocks? Not his sort of woman, that was all there was to it.
Damn it, she was not what he wanted. And still he couldn’t keep his eyes from dropping to take in her nipples straining against the front of her shirt.
Long hair, motorcycle and neck tattoos hadn’t stopped the Browns from being really nice folks.
While they were naked and sweaty he seemed totally behind the idea of letting his freak flag fly, but afterward he’d distanced himself from her again.
Real men . . . good men didn’t want that sort of sex. Right?
She wasn’t fragile, wasn’t sweet. She was hot and wet and demanding in bed. She made him laugh too.
For the next two months their contact remained at a fever pitch. Any time they were alone for more than five minutes, they had sex.
Enjoyed her company, loved being around her. At the same time, he battled his guilt and shame over his desires and he didn’t quite know what to do about it.
“All I see is a man who can’t face himself. And it makes me sad, because you’re alive when we’re together and you’re not hiding who you are. You’re playing a game with this, a stupid game. Why I don’t know, because I like who you are. I won’t play this game with you. I’m worth more and so are you.”
Coming back to the Northwest seemed a lot less like escape than leaving it nearly ten years before had. He’d spun out of control, run from what could have been a great relationship and into a job he’d started out loving and that had ended up nearly killing him.
...his mind over the time they’d been apart though. Not that he’d pined for her, but a wisp of memory would come and fill him with the sense of longing,
“When I met Sheila, she was everything I wanted in a woman.” He paused. “Everything I thought I wanted. Soft. Feminine. She went to church on Sundays. We had dinner with her family every other weekend. She was—is beautiful in that “magazine spread for Family Circle” sort of way. Perfect. Blonde, big pale-blue eyes. Her voice is so soft and sweet.”
She held herself back, and while he understood he’d hurt her back then, he wanted her to give herself to him now.
She took a step back and dropped her bag on the table. “It’s not that. I just don’t like talking about it. And I don’t mean any of fense, but I trust three people. Me, Adrian and Brody.”
December 31, 2021
5 Laid Bare Stars
I have read this book 4 times now I believe and I love it more each time.
Todd, Erin, Ben
It’s utterly sad what Erin has been through. My heart hurts for her and all she has been through and will go through. It’s not something you can just get over. But she has the wonderful support of her family and a few close friends.
Todd has a hard time coming to terms with his sexuality and what he likes, he struggles really hard to be ok with who he is. He and Erin were once an item then he shied away.
10 years and a lot of hurt and broken relationships and he has found his way back to Erin but it’s more, his best friend Ben also comes in to play.
When feelings become more for all three of them.
I love that all 3 of these characters communicate. They don’t judge each other. But they talk things through and are there for one another. There isn’t the drama it’s just a story of second chances and opening yourself up to love and to be loved no matter who is the one getting and giving the love.
I thought there was more of an MM relationship in this book, I don’t know where I got that from but there is love on both sides and that part of their relationship I am sure will come with the territory the longer they are with each other.
Loved this book, and will keep on to the next cause Brody! :)
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
I have read this book 4 times now I believe and I love it more each time.
Todd, Erin, Ben
It’s utterly sad what Erin has been through. My heart hurts for her and all she has been through and will go through. It’s not something you can just get over. But she has the wonderful support of her family and a few close friends.
Todd has a hard time coming to terms with his sexuality and what he likes, he struggles really hard to be ok with who he is. He and Erin were once an item then he shied away.
10 years and a lot of hurt and broken relationships and he has found his way back to Erin but it’s more, his best friend Ben also comes in to play.
When feelings become more for all three of them.
I love that all 3 of these characters communicate. They don’t judge each other. But they talk things through and are there for one another. There isn’t the drama it’s just a story of second chances and opening yourself up to love and to be loved no matter who is the one getting and giving the love.
I thought there was more of an MM relationship in this book, I don’t know where I got that from but there is love on both sides and that part of their relationship I am sure will come with the territory the longer they are with each other.
Loved this book, and will keep on to the next cause Brody! :)
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
September 6, 2012
Well, this had been sitting all neglected and forgotten on my kindle for AGES and I randomly selected it to read thinking it was your standard contemporary romance. I didn’t even read the synopsis. Ummmm… yeah… I was only a few pages in when the first “OMG!!” came. This book has lots (and by that I mean HEAPS) of very explicit sex. Not that that’s necessarily a bad thing, it just shocked me because I wasn’t expecting it. But it was a really good read!
In the first few pages we are told “Erin Brown had stopped apologizing for wanting things. She grabbed experiences with both hands and gobbled them down.” I like that in a heroine! So one of those things she grabs with both hands is Todd, her straight-laced neighbour, and they get down to it very quickly. It’s all hot and steamy (and somewhat kinky) until Todd decides that he shouldn’t be the kind of guy that likes the sorts of things that Erin likes. Not prepared to play games, Erin lets him walk away.
”I hope you find a place in your life when you can let go and be happy. But I’m not a dirty secret. I’m not bad and wrong for being comfortable with myself, and I won’t let you make me feel that way.”
Woohoo!! You go girl!!
Anyway… fast forward 10 years and Erin and Todd run in to each other again. They have both changed significantly, but there is still a very strong connection between them and things are rekindled very quickly. However, Todd has now embraced his inner-kink and is ready to throw himself into it with Erin – and he does… repeatedly! There’s lots more very explicit sex, and very explicit dialogue, as well as a bit of dom/sub stuff and some BDSM. But there is also a very sweet, very functional relationship, and two fall very deeply in love.
And here’s where the other major plotline comes in – another one that I was also unaware of when I started reading - Todd’s best friend, Ben, joins the relationship. This also shocked the hell out of me, but I just went with it because by that stage I was completely sucked into the characters and wanted to know how it was all going to play out.
I love the way these three are together! Not just the sex stuff (because there is plenty of that!), but the way that the three of them come together, how they are completely honest and open and talk about what’s going on between them and how they make it work – and they do, very functionally. It was actually all very fascinating.
To add to the drama, Erin has a massive trauma in her past which has left her very emotionally damaged, and this has a big impact on who she is and how she deals with things in her life. Watching her suffer so much was tragic, but I loved seeing both Todd and Ben helping her to deal with it, along with her two amazing brothers who are also incredibly protective and supportive of her.
I found that the story got better as the book progressed and I got to know the characters more. It didn’t instantly grab me from the very beginning like some books do, but it didn’t take me too long to become engrossed and I’m really looking forward to continuing on with the series. We’ve met all of the major players for the rest of the books, and I love them all already! Plus they’re a very close-knit group so I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot of the characters from previous books. And I love that in a series! Next up is Erin’s big brother, Brody.
A great read - 3.5 stars!
In the first few pages we are told “Erin Brown had stopped apologizing for wanting things. She grabbed experiences with both hands and gobbled them down.” I like that in a heroine! So one of those things she grabs with both hands is Todd, her straight-laced neighbour, and they get down to it very quickly. It’s all hot and steamy (and somewhat kinky) until Todd decides that he shouldn’t be the kind of guy that likes the sorts of things that Erin likes. Not prepared to play games, Erin lets him walk away.
”I hope you find a place in your life when you can let go and be happy. But I’m not a dirty secret. I’m not bad and wrong for being comfortable with myself, and I won’t let you make me feel that way.”
Woohoo!! You go girl!!
Anyway… fast forward 10 years and Erin and Todd run in to each other again. They have both changed significantly, but there is still a very strong connection between them and things are rekindled very quickly. However, Todd has now embraced his inner-kink and is ready to throw himself into it with Erin – and he does… repeatedly! There’s lots more very explicit sex, and very explicit dialogue, as well as a bit of dom/sub stuff and some BDSM. But there is also a very sweet, very functional relationship, and two fall very deeply in love.
And here’s where the other major plotline comes in – another one that I was also unaware of when I started reading - Todd’s best friend, Ben, joins the relationship. This also shocked the hell out of me, but I just went with it because by that stage I was completely sucked into the characters and wanted to know how it was all going to play out.
I love the way these three are together! Not just the sex stuff (because there is plenty of that!), but the way that the three of them come together, how they are completely honest and open and talk about what’s going on between them and how they make it work – and they do, very functionally. It was actually all very fascinating.
To add to the drama, Erin has a massive trauma in her past which has left her very emotionally damaged, and this has a big impact on who she is and how she deals with things in her life. Watching her suffer so much was tragic, but I loved seeing both Todd and Ben helping her to deal with it, along with her two amazing brothers who are also incredibly protective and supportive of her.
I found that the story got better as the book progressed and I got to know the characters more. It didn’t instantly grab me from the very beginning like some books do, but it didn’t take me too long to become engrossed and I’m really looking forward to continuing on with the series. We’ve met all of the major players for the rest of the books, and I love them all already! Plus they’re a very close-knit group so I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot of the characters from previous books. And I love that in a series! Next up is Erin’s big brother, Brody.
A great read - 3.5 stars!
June 14, 2011
WOW!!!! My friends kept telling me how great this series was, so I finally gave in and moved it to the top of my TBR. This is a very, very, emotional, steamy, sexy book and MOST of all a book that shows menages are not all love and roses.
Erin is a rocker chic in lust with her clean cut, police officer neighbor Todd. Todd is in lust with Erin and is drawn to the fact he can bring out his kink with her. After two months of steaming sex Todd gets scared of the dark side coming out of him, feels it is inappropriate because he has been raised to always be gentle with women so he breaks things off with Erin and leaves the state.
Ten years later Todd comes back to Seattle to start over and this time he has accepted his dark side. Todd runs into Erin and the sparks fly. Todd is determined to win Erin back. Erin suffered a life changing traumatic experience and refuses to open her heart to love again, but she is 100% into letting Todd top her. Todd's business partner and childhood best friend, Ben discovers he is attracted to Erin, Todd and Erin invite Ben for a menage. A menage that changes all of their lives.
I LOVE Erin, her strength and uniquesness is amazing. Todd is sexy and a man who has no problem admitting his mistake by running away from Erin and the feelings she brought out in him. Ben...sigh....totally sexy, I wish I would've gotten a little more on Ben, he played a big role, but I didn't fell I got to know all of him.
I really liked the fact Ms. Dane didn't make this story where it was a perfect world after the 3 committed to a menage. I also love how she approached the fact that in a committed menage whether is starts off M/M/F or M/F/M all three's feeling get involved, as well as all three's hands, lips or other body parts. It makes it more believable to me, because to me if there is that much passion and love going on during sex, it would seem hard to not go with the flow. There is an element of BDSM in this book, but it is not heavily a part of it.
I put off reading this because it is a Penguin published book and I HATE the fact Penguin is price gouging on ebooks. HOWEVER, this book was so worth it.
Erin is a rocker chic in lust with her clean cut, police officer neighbor Todd. Todd is in lust with Erin and is drawn to the fact he can bring out his kink with her. After two months of steaming sex Todd gets scared of the dark side coming out of him, feels it is inappropriate because he has been raised to always be gentle with women so he breaks things off with Erin and leaves the state.
Ten years later Todd comes back to Seattle to start over and this time he has accepted his dark side. Todd runs into Erin and the sparks fly. Todd is determined to win Erin back. Erin suffered a life changing traumatic experience and refuses to open her heart to love again, but she is 100% into letting Todd top her. Todd's business partner and childhood best friend, Ben discovers he is attracted to Erin, Todd and Erin invite Ben for a menage. A menage that changes all of their lives.
I LOVE Erin, her strength and uniquesness is amazing. Todd is sexy and a man who has no problem admitting his mistake by running away from Erin and the feelings she brought out in him. Ben...sigh....totally sexy, I wish I would've gotten a little more on Ben, he played a big role, but I didn't fell I got to know all of him.
I really liked the fact Ms. Dane didn't make this story where it was a perfect world after the 3 committed to a menage. I also love how she approached the fact that in a committed menage whether is starts off M/M/F or M/F/M all three's feeling get involved, as well as all three's hands, lips or other body parts. It makes it more believable to me, because to me if there is that much passion and love going on during sex, it would seem hard to not go with the flow. There is an element of BDSM in this book, but it is not heavily a part of it.
I put off reading this because it is a Penguin published book and I HATE the fact Penguin is price gouging on ebooks. HOWEVER, this book was so worth it.
May 13, 2011
After reading other reviews, I am almost hesitant to give my opinion of this book. Note I said ALMOST.
The book in a nutshell: Erin is a rocker-chick, hoping to make the big time. Todd is a straight-laced cop. They get together. Todd freaks out because he thinks his sexual appetite and preferences, etc. aren't normal so they break up.
Fast forward 10 years. Erin had made it as a rocker but came home after a tragedy. Todd comes home after an injury and divorce. He shows up back into her life and all is well. They end up in bed (of course) the same day they reconnect. Then in pops Todd's best friend, Ben, who is invited into their bed and stays there.
Okay. This could have been a good story. What killed it for me was the sexual tension between Todd and Ben that was never consummated. There were kisses and touches and a little more, but no actual sex between the 2 of them. And Erin's character was described by the two men as goddess-like.......... like she was perfect and could do no wrong. I really hate stories that do that.
Oh........ another line I absolutely HATE in any book is "Make me feel alive" after the character gets a reminder of the tragedy they had endured in the past. Then the 2 main characters end up in bed. Ridiculous, in my opinion.
I loved Erin's brothers, Adrian and Brody. But I am iffy about reading their stories because this one simply did nothing for me.
The book in a nutshell: Erin is a rocker-chick, hoping to make the big time. Todd is a straight-laced cop. They get together. Todd freaks out because he thinks his sexual appetite and preferences, etc. aren't normal so they break up.
Fast forward 10 years. Erin had made it as a rocker but came home after a tragedy. Todd comes home after an injury and divorce. He shows up back into her life and all is well. They end up in bed (of course) the same day they reconnect. Then in pops Todd's best friend, Ben, who is invited into their bed and stays there.
Okay. This could have been a good story. What killed it for me was the sexual tension between Todd and Ben that was never consummated. There were kisses and touches and a little more, but no actual sex between the 2 of them. And Erin's character was described by the two men as goddess-like.......... like she was perfect and could do no wrong. I really hate stories that do that.
Oh........ another line I absolutely HATE in any book is "Make me feel alive" after the character gets a reminder of the tragedy they had endured in the past. Then the 2 main characters end up in bed. Ridiculous, in my opinion.
I loved Erin's brothers, Adrian and Brody. But I am iffy about reading their stories because this one simply did nothing for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2012
If you're looking for a hot steamy book, with a couple tall, dark, hot cops, this is the book for you. The book had a bit of BDSM but mild, some menage (I wished for more M/M action however). In a nutshell, it's the story of Erin, the pink haired tatooed rock star meets reserved cop, add a bunch of hot sex and dominance. He freaks out that he's not that Dom guy, breaks her heart. Fast forward ten years, marriages, divorces, tragedy....they reconnect. He realizes the Dom in him is not something he can deny, that he's loved her all these years. Relationship ensues. The holy hotness occurs when his best friend Ben gets involved in their relationship....a threesome. I loved that most about the book. Although the relationship was about Erin first and their love for her, I was hoping for more lovin' between the guys. Their main focus was 95% her with just some teases of the guys together. Bummer. All in all, a hot book.
May 27, 2017
Before I start my review, I’ll begin by sharing a secret - I don’t usually read synopsis. I figure out surprises/mysteries so easily that I like to go in blind…up to a point. Well, I definitely got a surprise.
I’m only going to address 2 things about this book because I don’t want to give it away.
1. I don’t typically read erotica novels because I like a healthy side of plot with my romance, thankyouverymuch. Considering that this was erotica, it actually had a semblance of a storyline. Most erotica is printed porn. Don’t get it twisted, this book had a lot of that, but there was a little more substance to the book.
2. I’m confused - ABOUT A LOT! My major confusion stemmed from the evident inequality.
I know this makes no sense, but that is all I can say without giving the story away. Even though the story didn’t have nearly as much plot as I would like, I’m rating it in comparison to other erotica novels that I’ve read…which is very few.
I’m only going to address 2 things about this book because I don’t want to give it away.
1. I don’t typically read erotica novels because I like a healthy side of plot with my romance, thankyouverymuch. Considering that this was erotica, it actually had a semblance of a storyline. Most erotica is printed porn. Don’t get it twisted, this book had a lot of that, but there was a little more substance to the book.
2. I’m confused - ABOUT A LOT! My major confusion stemmed from the evident inequality.
I know this makes no sense, but that is all I can say without giving the story away. Even though the story didn’t have nearly as much plot as I would like, I’m rating it in comparison to other erotica novels that I’ve read…which is very few.
April 10, 2010
Laid Bare started out a bit slow for me. We find out rather quickly that Erin and Todd have smoking hot chemistry, but that was about it. Flash forward 10 years, and introduce Ben...well that's when it picks up.
Erin and Todd bring his best friend Ben into their relationship. I don't think they all expected how strong their connection would be. He ends up becoming a permanent and equal partner in thier relationship. The kink factor is high. Whew!
The way the men revealed their relationship to the families and how qucikly every accepted 'hey my son is bi, and is living in a triad relationship' seemed a bit fast, but hey--its a book. :)
I'm really looking forward to Coming Undone, with Erin's brother, Brody.
Kink factors: d/s, piercings *ahem*, menage, m/m oral, mild flogging, bondage; however none is done to humiliate
Erin and Todd bring his best friend Ben into their relationship. I don't think they all expected how strong their connection would be. He ends up becoming a permanent and equal partner in thier relationship. The kink factor is high. Whew!
The way the men revealed their relationship to the families and how qucikly every accepted 'hey my son is bi, and is living in a triad relationship' seemed a bit fast, but hey--its a book. :)
I'm really looking forward to Coming Undone, with Erin's brother, Brody.
Kink factors: d/s, piercings *ahem*, menage, m/m oral, mild flogging, bondage; however none is done to humiliate
January 16, 2013
Felt this book could have ended earlier without some of the add ons.
I dislike an author who doesn't incorporate important details, then adds then haphazardly later.
I did enjoy the book. Hot scenes & I really liked Erin & Todd.
I would rate it 3.75 stars
I dislike an author who doesn't incorporate important details, then adds then haphazardly later.
I did enjoy the book. Hot scenes & I really liked Erin & Todd.
I would rate it 3.75 stars
October 1, 2018
It was meh. Just meh.
There was no hardcore, and I just couldn’t take Todd seriously as a Dom. I prob would have liked it much more if I read it years ago but I am much pickier now in my BDSM books.
There was no hardcore, and I just couldn’t take Todd seriously as a Dom. I prob would have liked it much more if I read it years ago but I am much pickier now in my BDSM books.
October 27, 2011
Review also posted at
SER's Awesomness
.
He kissed her, feeling laid bare before her.
The first book of Brown Sibling, featured the middle child Erin Brown, and her lovers, Todd Keenan and Ben Copeland.
The story begin 10 years ago.Erin Brown and Todd Keenan have a relationship when their at their twenties (Erin 24, Todd, not sure). Erin is a lady rocker while Todd just a plain cop, but Erin already have a crush for her neighbor and know Todd try to hid his true desire. Bold as you please,Erin tell Todd to release at all, but Todd always refuse it. Finally they broke up and make Erin broken heart too.
Back to present day, Todd just divorced from his wife, retired from his cop duty and start security business with Copeland Brothers, Ben and Andrew. Todd no longer like himself 10 years ago. He embrace his sexuality, to domination his partner at bed. But now he surprised to find Erin had change. Once a musician, now Erin own a cafe and have a scar, not just outside but inside her heart. Lost her child and nearly died after attacked by her stalker, Erin now become paranoid, traumatized, but more mature than 10 years before. Now its time for Todd to renew their relationship and to make Erin whole again. And this time not just Todd who love Erin, Ben, Todd's partner want Erin too, and doesn't mind share her. How they manage their "menage" or triad life in front of people and their family since its such unusual relationship? Can Erin's wound heal so she can love again, not just Todd but Ben as well? How Ben place himself, since he just a 3rd person at their life?
Laid Bare is my first Lauren Dane's book. And I enjoy this one. I read Laid Bare until 6.00 a.m this morning (wow!) and feel satisfied. This book is erotica, and I guess its will not have a plot, esp when I read some early part. Guess I'm wrong.
10 years ago, both Erin and Todd is young and they do what they want. I like Erin at this time, she confident with her sexuality, while Todd not. I expect a boring plot when they start having sex again and again, but then the story move forward to 10 years later and I'm stunned. Sure, Todd and Erin still making out, but this time, they more mature, and Todd want to heal Erin's heart. I love when no need a long time for them to say love. Sometimes I get antsy, when the hero and heroine tell love. Sometimes too early (and make me rolled my eyes).Sometimes they said it near the end and I already exhausted to wait, lol. When Todd said love to Erin, its feel natural, same when Erin finally can said it. I love how Ms Dane not forced their relationship, build it slowly but sure.
I almost cry when knowing Erin's past, when she lost her baby. How she feel depressed and defeated, lost at drug and booze. Lucky for her , she have her brothers, Brody and Adrian to drag her, to make her normal and whole again. Even when she have problem with Todd, Brody and Adrian stand for her.I love the solidity of Brown siblings, maybe because they already lost their parent when they still a child, so they protect each other.
The other part I love is Ben Copeland. Ben is bisexual,so he love men and women. He had a triad (or menage) life before. He doesn't mind sharing Erin with Todd, but he feel uncomfortable to Todd. He love Todd, not just as friend, more that that, but they already become friend for long. Erin who unite them all. Even when they'd settled, problem not always solved. At people and law's eyes, triad life is unusual, Erin can't married Todd and Ben both. So she married Todd, because Todd is her first love. This is when new problem began, how they convicted people around and their family, Ben is important for them too. Ms Dane write it so beautiful, but logical. Readers will satisfied with how Ben solved his problem.
There are some BDSM scene, but its so light. What I love is, even Todd and Ben have domination characteristic, they both gentle and caring to Erin. I don't mind alpha hero, but sometimes get irritated for them,because they act like chauvinistic pig and sometimes hurt the heroine. Ben and Todd choose to hurt themself rather than hurt Erin. They spoiled her, and who doesn't want 2 hot men to care for you in the same time?
I want to give this 5 stars, but there are some part I dislike,like sometime Ms Dane seems prolong some part, while I found its not necessary. And I think when a story almost end, there a new problem again. But overall, Laid Bare is a good story. Its not just an usual love story, its not just an usual erotica romance. Its story about family, its story about how love can heal you, how love can make you face your life even its hard, because you know you have people you love at your side.
Kudos to Ms Dane,and I can't wait to read Brody's story at Coming Undone
Note :
- I really love the cover, Erin's backside tattoo is cool and great
- This book have a menage scene, but there's no anal sex. Have a m/m scene but just a little (kissing)
He kissed her, feeling laid bare before her.
The first book of Brown Sibling, featured the middle child Erin Brown, and her lovers, Todd Keenan and Ben Copeland.
The story begin 10 years ago.Erin Brown and Todd Keenan have a relationship when their at their twenties (Erin 24, Todd, not sure). Erin is a lady rocker while Todd just a plain cop, but Erin already have a crush for her neighbor and know Todd try to hid his true desire. Bold as you please,Erin tell Todd to release at all, but Todd always refuse it. Finally they broke up and make Erin broken heart too.
Back to present day, Todd just divorced from his wife, retired from his cop duty and start security business with Copeland Brothers, Ben and Andrew. Todd no longer like himself 10 years ago. He embrace his sexuality, to domination his partner at bed. But now he surprised to find Erin had change. Once a musician, now Erin own a cafe and have a scar, not just outside but inside her heart. Lost her child and nearly died after attacked by her stalker, Erin now become paranoid, traumatized, but more mature than 10 years before. Now its time for Todd to renew their relationship and to make Erin whole again. And this time not just Todd who love Erin, Ben, Todd's partner want Erin too, and doesn't mind share her. How they manage their "menage" or triad life in front of people and their family since its such unusual relationship? Can Erin's wound heal so she can love again, not just Todd but Ben as well? How Ben place himself, since he just a 3rd person at their life?
Laid Bare is my first Lauren Dane's book. And I enjoy this one. I read Laid Bare until 6.00 a.m this morning (wow!) and feel satisfied. This book is erotica, and I guess its will not have a plot, esp when I read some early part. Guess I'm wrong.
10 years ago, both Erin and Todd is young and they do what they want. I like Erin at this time, she confident with her sexuality, while Todd not. I expect a boring plot when they start having sex again and again, but then the story move forward to 10 years later and I'm stunned. Sure, Todd and Erin still making out, but this time, they more mature, and Todd want to heal Erin's heart. I love when no need a long time for them to say love. Sometimes I get antsy, when the hero and heroine tell love. Sometimes too early (and make me rolled my eyes).Sometimes they said it near the end and I already exhausted to wait, lol. When Todd said love to Erin, its feel natural, same when Erin finally can said it. I love how Ms Dane not forced their relationship, build it slowly but sure.
I almost cry when knowing Erin's past, when she lost her baby. How she feel depressed and defeated, lost at drug and booze. Lucky for her , she have her brothers, Brody and Adrian to drag her, to make her normal and whole again. Even when she have problem with Todd, Brody and Adrian stand for her.I love the solidity of Brown siblings, maybe because they already lost their parent when they still a child, so they protect each other.
The other part I love is Ben Copeland. Ben is bisexual,so he love men and women. He had a triad (or menage) life before. He doesn't mind sharing Erin with Todd, but he feel uncomfortable to Todd. He love Todd, not just as friend, more that that, but they already become friend for long. Erin who unite them all. Even when they'd settled, problem not always solved. At people and law's eyes, triad life is unusual, Erin can't married Todd and Ben both. So she married Todd, because Todd is her first love. This is when new problem began, how they convicted people around and their family, Ben is important for them too. Ms Dane write it so beautiful, but logical. Readers will satisfied with how Ben solved his problem.
There are some BDSM scene, but its so light. What I love is, even Todd and Ben have domination characteristic, they both gentle and caring to Erin. I don't mind alpha hero, but sometimes get irritated for them,because they act like chauvinistic pig and sometimes hurt the heroine. Ben and Todd choose to hurt themself rather than hurt Erin. They spoiled her, and who doesn't want 2 hot men to care for you in the same time?
I want to give this 5 stars, but there are some part I dislike,like sometime Ms Dane seems prolong some part, while I found its not necessary. And I think when a story almost end, there a new problem again. But overall, Laid Bare is a good story. Its not just an usual love story, its not just an usual erotica romance. Its story about family, its story about how love can heal you, how love can make you face your life even its hard, because you know you have people you love at your side.
Kudos to Ms Dane,and I can't wait to read Brody's story at Coming Undone
Note :
- I really love the cover, Erin's backside tattoo is cool and great
- This book have a menage scene, but there's no anal sex. Have a m/m scene but just a little (kissing)
September 19, 2015
UTC TOP PICK!
LAID BARE was one of my first true erotic romance loves. Not the first one I ever read but one that truly captured my heart because of the story and because of the characters. This story is so much more than the kink and the sex.
So when I saw that this series was being released on audio, finally, it was time for a re-read. And the only thing I can say after now listening to it is that I was right the first time. LAID BARE was just as amazing and engaging the second time around, even all these years and erotic romance books later.
This series revolves around family. The Brown siblings have had a rough go of it. Older brother Brody took care of the three of them and help raise them and provide for them (while working as a tattoo artist). Sister Erin and brother Adrian wanted to pursue a music career. So they formed a band. This book starts in the past when they are still trying to catch a break and hit it big with their music career. Erin is the whole package of what a rocker chick should be, tough and forward attitude, bad ass clothes and even dreads.
She happens to fall in lust (and love) with their hunky neighbor, Todd. Todd is used to being straight-laced and not straying from what society would expect of him. But with Erin he lets a wilder side of him free. And that scares him. So he has to let her go.
Fast forward to the present and after many years their paths cross again. Back in their same town, Erin is back from her rocker days after tragedy changed her life. Todd is back after a a divorce and an attempt to live that life he thought he should.
I love, love, love all of the characters! After finishing this book, you will leave a bit of your heart with them. They’ve all been through a lot in the years they’ve been apart and those are the experiences that have put them where they are now. Able to give their love a chance. Able to fully enjoy life.
LAID BARE is such an emotional rollercoaster. But through the ups and the downs it’s steamy hot. Sparks flying and smoke coming off the pages. Todd is a Dominant alpha male, intense. Erin is his perfect match because she revels in being his submissive. Then through Ben in the mix and things get even steamier. Ms. Dane is one of the few authors I’ve read that can make a permanent menage seem like it really can work. Through work and communication.
What can I say? If you haven’t read the series yet, do yourself a favor and pick it up!
2010 Review:
OMG, what can I say about this story. It has a bit of everything. A great beginning for a series. Complex characters, very well written, and actually touching of subjects that are very difficult to write about, but done very well. Smoking hot but also had me in tears!
June 27, 2010
LAID BARE had me hooked from the word "go." From the second I started reading this book I couldn't put it down! Needless to say, it’s a winner!
Erin's personality certainly was dynamic and unforgettable. I loved that she was the sexual aggressor in her initial experience with Todd. So many erotic reads paint the heroine as a meek and mild little kitten, mewling in the corner hoping for some attention - that is certainly not Erin, she can never be accused of being a "wallflower!" I did however, NOT enjoy Todd's resistance to his "kink." Todd was in a constant state of denial about his sexual desires and this, was of-course, the downfall of their relationship.
I must admit, I had to suspend reality for a moment when it was divulged (THIS IS NOT A SPOILER) that Erin experienced a major tragedy and Todd never knew it... Ummm... she is a freaking ROCK STAR! How could she possibly have had this major event happen without Todd knowing? Yeah, right! I'm not buying that for a second!
Despite that minor hole in the plot, it was a hot read and the main storyline was engrossing enough for me to over look that deficiency. Once Erin and Todd embraced their relationship and then Ben entered the fold -- that is when the story really came together for me. Ben brought a definitive balance to their relationship... His addition was appealing on a mental and sexual level to both Erin and Todd. Great read! I can't wait to read the next one, Coming Undone...
Lovers of contemporary romance will love this if you are open to reading about characters exploring their sexuality and the benefits of living in a menage relationship ;-)
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
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Erin's personality certainly was dynamic and unforgettable. I loved that she was the sexual aggressor in her initial experience with Todd. So many erotic reads paint the heroine as a meek and mild little kitten, mewling in the corner hoping for some attention - that is certainly not Erin, she can never be accused of being a "wallflower!" I did however, NOT enjoy Todd's resistance to his "kink." Todd was in a constant state of denial about his sexual desires and this, was of-course, the downfall of their relationship.
I must admit, I had to suspend reality for a moment when it was divulged (THIS IS NOT A SPOILER) that Erin experienced a major tragedy and Todd never knew it... Ummm... she is a freaking ROCK STAR! How could she possibly have had this major event happen without Todd knowing? Yeah, right! I'm not buying that for a second!
Despite that minor hole in the plot, it was a hot read and the main storyline was engrossing enough for me to over look that deficiency. Once Erin and Todd embraced their relationship and then Ben entered the fold -- that is when the story really came together for me. Ben brought a definitive balance to their relationship... His addition was appealing on a mental and sexual level to both Erin and Todd. Great read! I can't wait to read the next one, Coming Undone...
Lovers of contemporary romance will love this if you are open to reading about characters exploring their sexuality and the benefits of living in a menage relationship ;-)
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
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September 15, 2009
This book was just Wow! Yeah, I know I should have known after reading so many great reviews but seriously I never imagined it to be so good.
Erin is a real hot rocker chick with Dreadlocks and a really open and direct personality.
Todd is really hawt but he’s a little shy concerning his preference in the rack. He’s afraid of other people judging him and thinks what he wants is wrong. Tsk, men!!! They can have issues.
They share a few nights but part ways for nearly ten years. When they meet again nothing is the same.
Todd is more confident with his sexuality. He realized that he will never be happy unless he stands up for his wishes and stops hiding his real self from the world.
Erin is still strong but has a few issues to live with. Her life was more than hard but she tries to stay herself and doesn't want to cower under her past. I totally admired her- strong but not untouchable by her past.
And then we have Ben- he’s a real sweety. He kind of stands at the sideways: In their relationship they are all kind of equal but for the outside he is the FRIEND living with the married couple. It's a hard situation and in the beginning he isn’t sure if his position is really the same one as Todd’s.
The story was great and we don’t have to talk about the sex part because we all know Lauren Dane totally knows how to write these scenes- shockingly good and in great detail. It’s one of the best m/f/m ménage books I ever read. Unlike most other books in this department this book has a real story- a heartbreaking, emotional story(me the crybaby). It’s full of raw emotion and sexual attraction all in a great mix. Just perfect!
Warning for all who don’t know Lauren Dane: This book is full explicit sex and definitely not for the faint of heart.
Erin is a real hot rocker chick with Dreadlocks and a really open and direct personality.
Todd is really hawt but he’s a little shy concerning his preference in the rack. He’s afraid of other people judging him and thinks what he wants is wrong. Tsk, men!!! They can have issues.
They share a few nights but part ways for nearly ten years. When they meet again nothing is the same.
Todd is more confident with his sexuality. He realized that he will never be happy unless he stands up for his wishes and stops hiding his real self from the world.
Erin is still strong but has a few issues to live with. Her life was more than hard but she tries to stay herself and doesn't want to cower under her past. I totally admired her- strong but not untouchable by her past.
And then we have Ben- he’s a real sweety. He kind of stands at the sideways: In their relationship they are all kind of equal but for the outside he is the FRIEND living with the married couple. It's a hard situation and in the beginning he isn’t sure if his position is really the same one as Todd’s.
The story was great and we don’t have to talk about the sex part because we all know Lauren Dane totally knows how to write these scenes- shockingly good and in great detail. It’s one of the best m/f/m ménage books I ever read. Unlike most other books in this department this book has a real story- a heartbreaking, emotional story(me the crybaby). It’s full of raw emotion and sexual attraction all in a great mix. Just perfect!
Warning for all who don’t know Lauren Dane: This book is full explicit sex and definitely not for the faint of heart.
February 6, 2014
Lots I loved and lots that I didn't. I really enjoyed this up until about half way, but too many themes all crowding in and being dealt with too quickly knocked off a couple of stars for me.
I have a love hate relationship with Lauren Dane's books. She writes some truly beautiful love stories, filled with passion, emotion and romance. She really does excel at creating sexual tension. The trouble is I feel that she stuffs too many issues in too quickly, stretching each story as far as it can possibly go without really dealing with any of those issues adequately.
The lovers re-united theme was really strong but it came and went so quickly that I had whiplash and was left thinking 'is that it?'. I wanted to see Erin make Todd beg for forgiveness, but they were back in bed together by the end of the day and I found this disappointing. If she was heartbroken, as her brothers insisted, I am pretty sure she would have been more reluctant to jump straight back into a relationship with him.
One thing that did work for me was the theme about Erin's attack. It was really beautifully done and had me in tears. I really did feel her loss.
The ménage troubled me a bit. Erin being the centre the ménage relationship really short changed poor Ben, almost as if making the female element the most important would make it more palatable. I didn't feel anything but a relationship of convenience between Ben and Erin. Ben seemed like a third wheel and I didn't feel that he was equal in any way.
Also, the dialogue became progressively over the top and saccharine. This suited the Chase novels because it was ALL very saccharine, but I was hoping for more edgy writing given that the characters are more edgy and real.
I have a love hate relationship with Lauren Dane's books. She writes some truly beautiful love stories, filled with passion, emotion and romance. She really does excel at creating sexual tension. The trouble is I feel that she stuffs too many issues in too quickly, stretching each story as far as it can possibly go without really dealing with any of those issues adequately.
The lovers re-united theme was really strong but it came and went so quickly that I had whiplash and was left thinking 'is that it?'. I wanted to see Erin make Todd beg for forgiveness, but they were back in bed together by the end of the day and I found this disappointing. If she was heartbroken, as her brothers insisted, I am pretty sure she would have been more reluctant to jump straight back into a relationship with him.
One thing that did work for me was the theme about Erin's attack. It was really beautifully done and had me in tears. I really did feel her loss.
The ménage troubled me a bit. Erin being the centre the ménage relationship really short changed poor Ben, almost as if making the female element the most important would make it more palatable. I didn't feel anything but a relationship of convenience between Ben and Erin. Ben seemed like a third wheel and I didn't feel that he was equal in any way.
Also, the dialogue became progressively over the top and saccharine. This suited the Chase novels because it was ALL very saccharine, but I was hoping for more edgy writing given that the characters are more edgy and real.
February 4, 2022
Erotica often focuses on sexy times... which is good that's the point. But this book (this whole series) manages to combine what I love about romance - the character development, the love story, the history, the current day. With what I love about erotica - sexy steamy scenes... and yes more than one in the last 10 pages of the book. I also loved that the story isn't about 18 year olds. And it isn't solved by girl and guy getting together... often stories build up. they get married that's the end. This book grows. They find their true selves they fall in love they have relationship complications that could wreck things, they work through hard stuff. It's a love story, it's smut. And it's super well done.
Want more? Comments about the series not just this book: Each book varies greatly. they focus on the same family.. which CAN lead to the same story being told 5 times. But Lauren Dane is an incredible writer, and instead the stories continue to grow and change with many surprises in character background so each story from this family is truly unique. If you are interested in MF, MFM, MMF, etc.... then this series won't disappoint because each story is truly unique but all fits together beautiful with the characters you fall in love with playing key roles in the rest of the series.
I recommend you read in conjunction with the Delicious series. The main female character in book 4 comes up in this short 3-book series :) so if you begin book 4 and wonder about the BFF or such, nab those too!
Want more? Comments about the series not just this book: Each book varies greatly. they focus on the same family.. which CAN lead to the same story being told 5 times. But Lauren Dane is an incredible writer, and instead the stories continue to grow and change with many surprises in character background so each story from this family is truly unique. If you are interested in MF, MFM, MMF, etc.... then this series won't disappoint because each story is truly unique but all fits together beautiful with the characters you fall in love with playing key roles in the rest of the series.
I recommend you read in conjunction with the Delicious series. The main female character in book 4 comes up in this short 3-book series :) so if you begin book 4 and wonder about the BFF or such, nab those too!
May 3, 2014
This is that rare m/f book where the D/s doesn't clash with my feminism. It is clearly a bedroom-only power exchange without the ritual and role-play. Erin is a strong, tough woman who knows what she likes, and she likes to get her freak on.
The story is good too. Erin and Todd reunite ten years after a brief relationship, they become a couple, and gradually Todd's best friend Ben joins them and they establish a threesome. Meanwhile Erin is dealing with panic attacks and grief and all the fallout from a few years earlier when a stalker attacked her and killed her child.
If you've never read Lauren Dane, this is a good one to try.
The story is good too. Erin and Todd reunite ten years after a brief relationship, they become a couple, and gradually Todd's best friend Ben joins them and they establish a threesome. Meanwhile Erin is dealing with panic attacks and grief and all the fallout from a few years earlier when a stalker attacked her and killed her child.
If you've never read Lauren Dane, this is a good one to try.
March 22, 2011
Okay...so this book hit my happy maximum allowance at about 70%. I wasn't able to easily pick out the right story arc to follow as the main one. There were a lot of subplots, and they all took front stage at different points. Maybe my book ADD just transferred to plot points here, but I felt the book could have ended at multiple points through the tale and it would have worked for me.
I will say this...I loved the strong dominant males played out in this novel.
When our main characters first meet, Todd is a dumbass cop, who doesn't think he's supposed to like rough sex or girls like rocker chick Erin. To his surprise and disgust, he really loves both. Because Erin values herself too much to be a booty call, and Todd is too much of a tool to accept a good thing when it comes along they part ways.
We then get a ten year gap. We get bits and pieces of what happened during those ten years back as Todd and Erin get to know each other again after Todd moves back home and walks into Erin's coffee shop.
Todd finally realized he was a tool and decides to show Erin how well he knows how to use his tool now to make up for it. And boy, that man is a craftsman.
There aren't many major events on-screen at all in this book. Other than the sex, the only major events in this book are our characters dealing with their emotions. They all have emotional issues to deal with. From admittedly horrible events in their past.
Todd grabs onto Erin and no matter how hard she fights him, she can't deter him this time. Good thing he grew a set too, because Erin needs a strong man to carry both his own and her emotional baggage. Even when she doesn't want him too.
We do end up in menage land here, with some M/M touching, but no actual M/M penetrating sex. I won't go into the who or how, but we get a HEA, with some set up for stories to come with Erin's brothers.
I am definitely interested in where our menage will go, and will read on in this series. I just hope for a more traditional story arc in the next. 3 stars.
I will say this...I loved the strong dominant males played out in this novel.
When our main characters first meet, Todd is a dumbass cop, who doesn't think he's supposed to like rough sex or girls like rocker chick Erin. To his surprise and disgust, he really loves both. Because Erin values herself too much to be a booty call, and Todd is too much of a tool to accept a good thing when it comes along they part ways.
We then get a ten year gap. We get bits and pieces of what happened during those ten years back as Todd and Erin get to know each other again after Todd moves back home and walks into Erin's coffee shop.
Todd finally realized he was a tool and decides to show Erin how well he knows how to use his tool now to make up for it. And boy, that man is a craftsman.
There aren't many major events on-screen at all in this book. Other than the sex, the only major events in this book are our characters dealing with their emotions. They all have emotional issues to deal with. From admittedly horrible events in their past.
Todd grabs onto Erin and no matter how hard she fights him, she can't deter him this time. Good thing he grew a set too, because Erin needs a strong man to carry both his own and her emotional baggage. Even when she doesn't want him too.
We do end up in menage land here, with some M/M touching, but no actual M/M penetrating sex. I won't go into the who or how, but we get a HEA, with some set up for stories to come with Erin's brothers.
I am definitely interested in where our menage will go, and will read on in this series. I just hope for a more traditional story arc in the next. 3 stars.
April 12, 2015
I saw this book on the shelf, decided I was looking for a contemporary, loved the tats on the cover, and grabbed it.
This book should be required by law to come with a fan, a pitcher of ice water, and an extra pair of panties for when the ones you're wearing burst into flames!
Erin Brown is in a rock band. Todd Keenan is the clean-cut cop who lives next door. She's a little kinky and adventureous in the bedroom; he's not. But they're attracted to each other and start dating. Turns out he is a bit kinky but not comfortable with that part of himself and they break up. 10 years later, he's back in town, newly divorced, and she's running a coffee shop after a traumatic fan experience left her devastated and changed forever. Her band made it big, but for personal reasons she only does studio work now, no touring. Todd walks into her coffee shop and it's instant attraction all over again, except that this time he's ready to embrace that side of himself he hadn't been able to accept before.
This book had hot, hot sex, D/s, and threesome action. Ms. Dane did a great job with Erin and Todd's relationship - I enjoyed watching it grow both inside and outside of the bedroom. When Todd's childhood friend/coworker Ben got involved it just got steamier. I don't really understand the emotional dynamics of a 3 person relationship, but in this book it worked. They were good for each other. The secondary characters were very believable - I really liked Erin's brothers and hated Ben's ex.
If you're looking for something steamy and sexy, this is the book for you! Make sure you have a fire-extinguisher handy (just in case)!
This book should be required by law to come with a fan, a pitcher of ice water, and an extra pair of panties for when the ones you're wearing burst into flames!
Erin Brown is in a rock band. Todd Keenan is the clean-cut cop who lives next door. She's a little kinky and adventureous in the bedroom; he's not. But they're attracted to each other and start dating. Turns out he is a bit kinky but not comfortable with that part of himself and they break up. 10 years later, he's back in town, newly divorced, and she's running a coffee shop after a traumatic fan experience left her devastated and changed forever. Her band made it big, but for personal reasons she only does studio work now, no touring. Todd walks into her coffee shop and it's instant attraction all over again, except that this time he's ready to embrace that side of himself he hadn't been able to accept before.
This book had hot, hot sex, D/s, and threesome action. Ms. Dane did a great job with Erin and Todd's relationship - I enjoyed watching it grow both inside and outside of the bedroom. When Todd's childhood friend/coworker Ben got involved it just got steamier. I don't really understand the emotional dynamics of a 3 person relationship, but in this book it worked. They were good for each other. The secondary characters were very believable - I really liked Erin's brothers and hated Ben's ex.
If you're looking for something steamy and sexy, this is the book for you! Make sure you have a fire-extinguisher handy (just in case)!
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