Review: Lush by Lauren Dane

Lush

This is the 3rd DELICIOUS Novel and features Mary and Damien…

USA Today bestselling author Lauren Dane delivers a second serving of sexy in her new Delicious novel—in which taste and temptation make up a sweet recipe…

Mary Whaley has her hands full running a successful catering company and overseeing her supper club. She’s got everything she ever wanted—or so she thought. When she meets ridiculously hot and very dirty rock star Damien Hurley at her friend’s engagement party, the attraction she feels is overpowering—and she isn’t about to deny herself.

Damien is used to a hard and fast life. He and two of his brothers started a band when they were all in high school—then they hit the big time and stayed there. He’s also a legendary madman on the stage and in the bedroom. But when he meets Mary, something clicks, and the bad boy starts thinking he may have finally found something good.

What begins as a series of fleeting trysts soon get much more complicated. Damien can’t figure out why Mary doesn’t want more from him. And before long it’s Damien who wants more of Mary. But it turns out Mary is no stranger to the celebrity news and he’s got a very big job ahead of him—proving that he’s worth more than a one-night stand…

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If you follow me, you know that I have read the first two books in this delicious series and loved them. Ms. Lauren had created a world within a world.... She has actually brought two worlds together. The Brown family and all their friends. Even if you don't read this series or Lauren's other series in order, I promise you won't be lost. Ms. Lauren does an awesome job (as always) of entwining all of her characters together without overwhelming the story or taking away from the main characters of the story.  She does a great job at blending everyone's lives together. In fact, she does it in such a way that you fall back in love with older characters. This story is still as delicious as the first two. 

Mary is one woman I have been waiting to meet. She is the backbone of her friends. Always pushing them, encouraging them, egging them on to make their dreams come true. She is the shoulder they lean on, the pillar of strength they come to when all else fails. She is the epitome of a strong woman. She is not stupid when it comes to rock star love... She has seen enough with her friends to know that it's a bitch to deal... But when does it become worth it.... Is Damien worth it? Or is the heartbreak enough to make her close up her heart and move on....

Damien has lived the true life of a rocker. Never regretting anything in his past. He works hard, plays harder but love.... Well, that's about to knock him off his ass. Just imagine a drummer of a successful rock band... Oh yea, you know what your dirty mind has thought of... The sweat, the muscles, the rumors of how good he is... Well, he is all that and a box of goodies too!! And a hell a personality to boot! But when he meets Mary... Well, let's jus say that all the success in the world could not prepare him for her. He wants to give her the world and so much more, but will his on stage persona kill the relationship before it even starts... 

This is a wonderfully crafted story of two people who meet and instantly feel tingles in places there shouldn't be... At least not to someone you only just met, right? :) Mary and Damien will give you a run for your money in this delicious story. To watch these two do the dance of dating is amazing... One has to prove that his past is just that... His past... The other has to decide what she is willing to handle for the price of love... Is he worth it, is the relationship worth it... This story is priceless as it involves everyone... Down to the Mama's!

Now I'm waiting for Raven's story!!

To learn more about Lauren Dane and the awesome worlds she has created... please visit her website!

And remember... Always keep it Dirty, Smutty & Hussy!

Review: Tart by Lauren Dane

Tart by Lauren Dane

Juliet Lamprey is having the time of her life running her successful bakery, TART, when Gideon Carter comes back into her life. Returning home to help his grandfather run the family on the farm, Gideon is back for good. When they meet again, the spark between them is immediate, and it isn’t long before the former childhood friends play catch up in bed.

That’s not good news for local lawyer Cal Whaley. Though the sexually open but strictly monogamous Cal has loved Jules for a long time, he’s hardly ever taken it further than friendship. When he sees her start to fall for Gideon, he knows he has to make his move or risk losing her forever.

Who would have anticipated that all three of them would connect on such an intimate level? The trio’s scalding liaisons take them places they’ve never dreamed. But such an intensely passionate and unusual relationship comes with equally as complicated emotions, and when Jules must suddenly leave town, she wonders if she’ll have a choice to make when she returns


I obtained the above information from Lauren's website... here!

I will start off by saying that 1.) I am huge fan of Ms. Dane's work and 2.) I love this series!!! It will not only want to make you eat cupcakes and things delicious (as this series is called) but it will make you want to have some hot, naughty sexing! Ms. Dane does an awesome job at bringing all the characters together without overcrowding the story or pushing the main characters out of their own story. Her stories always come right out the over smoking hot and just enough sweetness. The icing on the cake would be the hot men that she gives our women in the stories. They are heavenly!

Okay, I also need to say here - that this book does contain some m/m loving.... This book is devoted to Jules, that I can promise you... But some hot man loving happens in this book! If it is not for you, I understand... Just say hi! One day you may try it... Until then.... Happy reading! For those that enjoy some m/m loving.... Enjoy!

This story is for Jules... She gets her story told... She is a woman hell bent on loving a man that she fears she can never have. She knows that sometimes Cal likes to play for the same team, leaving her without the right equipment. Finally having enough of pinning over a man she cannot have.... She decides to go after the new dessert in town.... Gideon! All cowboy and all man. He is all sorts of wicked deliciousness... And Jules wants to find out just how delicious he is... But what happens when the unexpected happens...

Gideon's past marriage taught him a lot about life and love. Now he's determined to not let his past shape his future. He decides to move in with his grandfather and help oversee the farm/ranch. Knowing that being close to family is good for the soul.... But it also doesn't hurt when the sweetest woman he knows wants to do business with his farm... But he is looking at other things than her baked goods... But what happens when the man that captured her heart at an early age comes to stake his claim on Jules... Can his heart risk losing the one woman that completes his world... Or does he man up and come clean....

This is a great story about how much work a relationship can be... And if it is really worth it... Then you work at it. Jules is a woman that knows what she wants, does not allow anything to get in her way or anyone to run her over... But when it comes to those closest to her, family, it could be enough to bring down our favorite baker. Hell, her shoulders are only so wide to hold all what she carries... But when two men pledge to love her to no end.... Well... The burden of carrying such a wide load lessens.... Especially when Jules lets her family members know exactly where she stands...

The relationship between Gideon, Cal and Jules will definitely heat you up on these winter nights that are coming up.... The family ties in this book will show you that family does not mean being related by blood... But by love! All the characters in this book will make you feel welcome! So, light a cookie scented candle and grab this book and enjoy! Because there is more to come from this Delicious series!


To find out more about Lauren Dane please go here!

And remember... Always keep it Dirty, Smutty & Hussy!

ARC Review: Cherished by Maya Banks & Lauren Dane

This is going to be a duo review for this book...

Exiled

Just one night? Yeah, right.

Enticed to the island paradise where an enigmatic prince is living in exile, beautiful, virginal Talia is introduced to a world of forbidden pleasure where the prince’s every whim is fulfilled and her fantasies are rendered in exquisite detail. But when the prince is summoned back to fulfill his duty to his struggling country, reality is thrust upon Talia all too soon. She returns home, heartbroken, convinced she was a passing fancy for an idle ruler and his most trusted men. Until the day they arrive on her doorstep, determined to have her back where she belongs.

To read an excerpt of Exiled, please go here!

To learn more about Maya Banks, please visit her website here!

I won this book for the purpose of an honest review before you are able to get your hands on a copy :)

Now I would say that both of these books are short stories... They are novella's.... but I was able to read this whole book in one weekend... I will let you make the decisions you want about the length of the stories. Some would say that is a short story to cut the drama, tension, lust, love and all the other good stuff short, but these two authors have done an excellent job at making the story flow, fit, and come together with a such an ease you will think you read a novel that would take you a few days to read.... Let's get started with the review...

I am a fan of Ms. Maya's writing... So, to be able to read this one before it hit the shelves (same goes for Lauren's book...) is such a pleasure. To be able to tell you guys my thoughts on this book... well I feel honored to give you my thoughts. Now of course you know I will not give you such details that will giveaway the story for you...but I will give you enough to leave you hungry... panting.... desiring to have your hands on this book!

This story took me by surprise... A good surprise you may ask me.. Yes! This story is about one woman who surrenders her virginity, her innocence, her very core of her being... To a man that has the power to control a nation... She has choices, she has options, but at what price will she pay when she learns she has to surrender to four men... And what happens when emotions gets involved... Talia fears for the worst but hopes for the best... And what she discovers is a world of erotic dreams come true, a world of being pampered and spoiled is a daily thing... A day where waking to pleasure being brought to her is a normal occurrence... But what happens when she loses her heart and soul in the surrendering... And what happens when the nation needs their Prince back to reign

Oh damn this was an awesome story.. My emotions where everywhere with this story... They started off as kinda, "Are you serious?' But then as you keep turning the pages and devouring the story... I found myself saying, "Oh damn... Be careful honey!" But then Maya threw me a damn curve ball and she had me cursing her... "How in the hell could you do this to me Maya... I mean come on... How could do that to her???" I was furious as hell that what happened - happened.... (I am evil like that ha)! But I mean seriously, this story had me all over! This story is truly one that will take you into a paradise that you will not want to leave...

Because believe me, when you meet Xander... Sebastien, Nico and Garon you will want to more of their world and of them. Damn these men for being so damn... Ugh... Everything you want in a man! They are all alpha's but knowing who is the main alpha - Xander... They are all tender, but bad asses... They are loving and caring... And damn possessive it will make you hot! They are just... Ohhhh Yea... Sex on a Stick!

Maya, you tempted me, teased me... Threw me for a loop and came back around and surprised me... I would say you had me at Hello... but you really had me at... "I will not lose her."

Sway

Levi Warner is an established, older man—wealthy, powerful, and above all, respectable. Then Levi meets Daisy, an uninhibited 24-year-old dance instructor and artist, not exactly the kind of woman Levi is accustomed to. But the young, free spirit, brings out something in him he only experienced in fantasies. When their scorching affair turns into something unexpectedly deeper, Levi finds himself torn between preserving his reputation, and exploring a wilder and much more satisfying kind of life. 

Okay, make sure you at least read my first paragraph after Maya's blurb... Oh another thing I forgot to add.. These books are in no way shape or form connected... The only thing that ties them together are the women in them are cherished beyond my dreams.... The men that attend to these two women are everything and more... That is the only thing that binds these two stories together... Okay... now let's continue....

I am a huge fan of Lauren's creative writing style... I have been for quite some time.. So it was with great pleasure that I was able to get my hands on this book... And then to know that the Laid Bare series was tied to this book... Well, I was beside myself! Yea, it is that great. Now don't go doubting yourself about picking this book up without reading the Laid Bare series. You do not have to read that series to read this one. Lauren did an awesome job at giving everything you would need to know what is going on with the other part of the gang!

Lauren built this story in such a way that you will fall in love with everyone... Well, okay almost everyone. There will be a couple of people you will want to bitch slap the hell out of, but that makes this book more desirous to me! Even though they are not major players in the story, it is still nice to see good defeat evil in the story no matter what. Anyway... this set of friends you will find yourself saying... Oh gosh, my friend is like... this one... my other friend is like that one... You will see yourself in the book. This is just an amazing book!

First we get to know Daisy, who is a kick ass, talented, give give give, help help help kinda woman. She does not take no for an answer, she is devoted to her friends - which is her family. She would do anything for them... I love that the name for the group of friends is 'Delicious.' They are women, who in their own right, kick ass! They stand by each other, they help each other, there would do anything for each other... Even kick the ass of the guy that breaks one of their hearts...

Daisy meets a man that takes her breath away... His mere presence sets her body on fire and makes her imagination hit the roof. Levi is the kinda man that can make her hottest fantasies come true... but can he make her one fantasy of love come true...

Levi is a man worth many wet dreams but he knows that his kink in the bedroom can never surface because that is not what is expected in his family. Oh gosh... his mother would die if she ever, ever, ever knew what went on behind close doors at Levi's home... But then again, what goes on behind close doors is just that...

These two get together and it is all things it should be.. Romantic, hot and heavy, lustful... all things naughty and deliciously wicked... They are awesome together, in bed and out. They get each other without invading each other's space. It is like they have known each other for far longer than they actually have known each other. They age difference kinda bugged Levi at the beginning; but Daisy helped him out of his shell...

But what she couldn't figure out what was his past and his family... Levi did not believe in mixing his bedroom affairs with his family affairs... But what happens when the line cross and emotions get involved and things are no more black and white... What happens when gray areas takes shape and lines are erased.. What happens when the bedroom secret become a dirty little secret... No one likes to feel like a secret kept in the closet...

This book is explosive.. Daisy will make you fall in love with her.. She will make you love her with all of your heart! When Daisy gives, she gives it all... and she was hoping to not give Levi everything... But really, who wants to hold back when it feels so good... Until someone shakes up your world and puts doubt in your mind that things are not as they really seem to be... But while this is going on... Daisy's friends take a precedent and do whatever they have to to pull her out of the funk and help get her back on track.. of being Daisy.

What does the future hold for Daisy... does it hold love and happiness ever after like her friend Gillian... does it hold a man that will love her for all parts of her and no matter who she is... Will Levi learn to let go of the past and enjoy the gift of the present... Will Levi find it within himself to love again but this time without reservation... or judgement for others... Will they learn to forgive and move on... Well, there is only one way... Go get the book! You won't be disappointed.. Levi will make you want to submit the minute to hear his voice in your head and you imagine what he looks like... All sorts of wicked deliciousness! Damn this story is hot!


Delicious

The Delicious series will feature Gillian's friends - Daisy - SWAY 8/12, Jules - TART 11/12, Mary's book and Raven's book both out in 2013. The books are about a group of friends, all set in Bainbridge Island, WA. More info as we get closer. SWAY will be in the CHERISHED Duology with Maya Banks out in August of 2012 and for those of you who wanted an epilogue in Never Enough, you'll see Adrian and Gillian's wedding prep in Sway. Sway is contemporary erotic romance with BDSM themes. Tart is Jules, Cal and Gideon's story and you'll meet Mary's hero at Gillian and Adrian's wedding...

To see more about Cherished, please go here! Now if you really want to be teased, go here to see Delicious Book 2.... here! Don't say I didn't warn you!
To learn more about Lauren Dane, please visit her website here!

And remember... Always keep it Dirty, Smutty & Hussy!

ARC Review: Heart of Darkness by Lauren Dane

Heart of Darkness
A Bound by Magick Novel
Book One


Meriel Owen, next in line to control the largest organization of witches in the country, is asked to investigate the owner of a notorious club reportedly siphoning magic from the font of the Clan. It’s a direct violation of the Clan Code of Conduct, but one look at Dominic Bright and Meriel’s willing to make a deal. One taste of the sexually feral outlaw witch, and she’s eager to go further: he’s her bond mate, a legal conduit into the world of Clan witches and their magic.


Playing by the rules isn’t Dominic’s style, but bonding with Meriel—night after explosive night—is. However, Meriel has unwittingly invited someone else into her world: Dominic’s mother, a dangerous and poisonously influential magic addict whose lust for death and power corrupts all she touches. Now her shadow is closing in on Meriel, her Clan, and the man Meriel loves, and it’s casting them all into the inescapable heart of darkness.




I obtained the above information from Ms. Dane's website.


I am not new to Ms. Dane's work, that I can say. However, what I can't say enough of is how much of a wonderful story teller Ms. Dane is. She is an Ace above the rest and this new series will show you just that.  She will cast a spell on you that will make you fall in love with the story she has crafted for you. You will become completely mesmerized by this tale of the world of the witches she has brewed up. This is not your Mama's story of witches... In fact, Ms Lauren makes those stories look like dust in the wind.

This is a fabulous start to a brand new series and I am fortunate that I got an early peek in that world and believe me..... Now I am going to try to cast my own spell to have the next book in my hands~  right now. It is just that good. I am looking in my scurry bowl.... I will have it one day................... 

Let me give you a peek into the world of The Owen Clan... This is a powerful group of witches. But they are not your normal soft, sweet cuddly little witches that only come out for Halloween. Nope, not these women! These women kick some serious ass with just one flick of their finger. I tap on computer keys with my fingertips in hopes of bringing to life what their story did to me, and with one of their fingers they could bring down a few buildings or maybe a city or two if they truly wanted. These women are not just women, they are woven into each other and their mother Earth and they are not a group you want to piss off. Meriel Owen is the daughter to the most powerful witch around the world.... Edwina Owen. Also, better known as The Owen Clan.

Meriel has the weight of the world on her shoulders or should I say she has big shoes to fill. She has been raised all her life to take over the reigns of The Owen Clan when her mother is ready to pass it down to her. Meriel is a phenomenal witch, but what caught my heart is how devoted she is to her clan. It goes beyond that though, because Meriel not only wants to protect the witches within her clan, but she wants to protect, educate and join forces with those that are not in a clan. So, she doesn't just look out for her own.... But for others as well. And let me tell you one thing about Meriel.... You do not want to piss her off or mess with any of her witches. Because when you do.... Ohhhh wow, the fury she would bring down on you - you would not survive. She is a strong woman, independent to the core with her life in front of her... Until one night.... in the Heart of Darkness.... Her life will change... Will it be for the better... or for the worst... Only way to find out... Because that faithful night is when she meets the man that will forever be branded in her heart...... 


Dominic.... Is a man that not many people have the pleasure of getting to know. He tends to keep to himself, but being the owner of Heart of Darkness kinda puts him out there for all to see. And believe me, I WOULD LOVE TO SEE HIM! He takes pride in what he offers to his clientele. Not only a place to let loose for the evening but also allowing a sense of privacy to those that enter the doors... However, it takes a lot of magick to keep certain doors hidden from the eyes of the humans because his club not only caters to the human world... but also to the Other world. He uses his own magick and some stolen magick to keep that part of the club hidden. Because even though most of the paranormal creatures have come out in the world... some witches are still kind of hiding out... But when a certain clan gets wind of Dominic stealing their magick.... Well, let's just say there is always a price to pay for what you steal and the price Dominic will pay... may cost him more than he bargained for ....


These two people will give you an awesome story; because alone, they are great... but together, they are explosive. To watch what they can do - alone and together... is just spell bonding! But then you factor in their friends and family and this is one kick ass story.

Ms Dane created characters that you will find yourself cheering along, characters that will break your heart and mend it back up with a quick little spell. You will find characters that will make you fall in love and dream of that kind of bond. Characters that you will want to bitch slap into tomorrow. Characters that will simply bring you the best damn story ever!!! Ms. Dane created a story that simply rocked my world. Witches, spells, werewolves, greed, power, and passion are brewing up a storm in this book... and just wait till some of those combine together.... WOW....

Ms Lauren, I commend you on a job very well done. You have pushed all the buttons of a romantic reader, you have triggers all the desires for the paranormal creatures and you have delivered one hellva story! One I cannot wait to watch grown into more stories to come! Believe me, this is a story that you will want to read and maybe even re-rad. It is just that good.... Scratch that... It is just that freaking good! This story will enchant you all the way to the last page....

And just in case you are wondering.... This is book two... 

***did you hear my spell working to get book here now... in my hands...***

CHAOS BURNING

Bound By Magick, Book 2

Berkley Sensation (June 2012)

To find out more about Ms. Lauren Dane, please visit her website!

And remember... Keep it Dirty, Smutty & Hussy! 

 

Review: Inside Out by Lauren Dane

INSIDE OUT
Berkley Heat
ISBN: 978-0425236888
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance: Related to Laid Bare and Coming Undone
Length: Novel
Series: Brown Siblings Book 3

WORTH THE WAIT

Ella Tipton is a survivor. In the wake of an attack that left her nearly dead, she’s spent each day putting her life back together. Once vibrant and outgoing, she’s needed to reclaim the best parts of who she was while retaining the hard won lessons. There hasn’t been room for any romantic entanglements, even if she were ready. Still, it didn’t mean she had to stop sneaking looks at Mister Tall, Dark and Tattooed himself.

Security professional Andrew Copeland isn’t quite sure when his jones for the lovely and decidedly skittish Ella developed. He’s known her for years, has watched her triumph over the pain she’d been dealt. Cope is no stranger to women, but he knows the nervous flush he gets every time he talks to her is different than any attraction he’s had in the past. Determined to get Ella to let him in, Andy does the one thing he can think of to get close: he offers her hands-on training in self-defense.

While Ella’s sure he’s just being nice, the prospect of being able to touch him and gain the tools to push away the last vestiges of her fear is more than she can resist. Soon enough, Cope shows Ella his feelings are far more than friendly and re-ignites something deep inside her. Before long desire and love turn them both inside out.

I obtained the above information from Ms. Lauren Dane's website here.

Ms. Dane did another fabulous job at working my romantic bones!! This woman knows how to make me fall in love with her writing. This series has been an amazing journey. She keeps her family ties very secure and drama at just the right level. I love how she entwines all the characters in and out of every book. They don't just pop up here and there, they are fixtures in the book. So, know that you will see the whole Brown family, their spouses and their extended family (the friends) in this story. Now let's get to what you came here for...

If you were here for my review of Coming Undone, you know that Ms. Dane keeps you on the edge till the last page and Inside Out was no exception! I read this book in one day... Yea, I had to know what happened. And it is not only to find out what happens to the main characters, but to the rest of the family. I told you, Ms. Dane weaves the other characters in the book, that you will keep reading to find out about all of them. Inside Out is another thick romantic book.

Ms. Dane kept the tension at just the right level to push you for more. She kept the romance just high enough to make you hot with desire. She also kept the story line at just the right angle to make you question what was going to happen next.

We all know about Cope... The playboy of the Brown's extended family. He is the brother of Erin's (the Brown sister) "husband." He has been in the Brown family since... well.. from the moment Ben (Andrew's brothers) fell in love with Erin Brown. He is the easy going one... the laid-back one. But do not think that means he is any less lethal... These Brown/Copeland men just ooze freaking sex appeal out in the but loads. Andrew Copeland is no exception to that. His dedication to family is rock solid. His loyalty is just as solid. But he has a side that he does not show many people at all... That is, until the one person who rocks his world and turns it Inside Out... already knows the real Cope...

Ella went through hell and back and survived. Ella has a past that would have killed someone else less stronger than her. Her past would have snuffed the life out of someone weaker than her. Her past took something from her, but it also gave her a new leaf on her life. She is slowly getting back to a life she has control of. Control is an issue for her. What did her past take from her you may ask... Well, you will have to read to find out what... While trying to get her life back, she manages the cafe' Erin owns, she is finishing college to achieve her masters, and working as an intern to a career she wants. She does it all and does not stop. She believes in taking care of others. Occasionally slipping to take care of herself. But what happens when she finds someone who wants to take care of her...

These two have known each other for a little over six years. Cope has watched her and wanted her... but knew he could not have her. The timing was never right. Not until... he decided that he did not want anyone else to have her. Ella never saw herself as someone desirable. She knew that Cope was a flirt, she knew women hung on to him every chance they get... But him wanting her... well, that was kinda the last thing she was prepared for.

The story that unfolds will tear you up... have you coming undone... will lay you bare... but most importantly... it will turn you Inside Out...

To see more of Ms. Dane's work, please visit her website here....
And if you want to see what her daily journal is, please visit her blog here....

Ohhhh and Adrian's story is coming... And believe me ~ I cannot wait for it!!
Here is sneak peek of it... The cover will be coming up!

ALL THE RIGHT NOTES…

Gillian Forrester spent most of her life running from who and what she came from. Until Miles came along. From the moment she held the tiny newborn her older sister didn’t want, Gillian stopped running and began to build a life for herself and her adopted son. Now, thirteen years later, as Gillian’s sister lay dying, she reveals the father’s identity and makes Gillian promise to find him.

Adrian Brown is the epitome of the successful rock star. He’s seen and done it all, with few regrets. It takes a lot to shock him—but the bombshell that he has a thirteen-year-old son rocks his world. And Adrian is even more surprised when the buttoned-up, elegant woman who’s raising Miles snags his erotic and romantic attention.

The last thing Gillian expected was to find herself getting hot and heavy with a person like Adrian. But as much as she wants to open up and give herself fully to this amazing man, she’s afraid the secrets of her past and Adrian’s problems with trusting people may keep them apart for good. If love isn’t enough can they find the trust they need?

And remember... Keep it Dirty, Smutty & Hussy!

Review: Coming Undone by Lauren Dane

COMING UNDONE
Berkley Heat
ISBN: 978-0425232705
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance: Related to Laid Bare
Length: Novel

KEEPING IT TOGETHER

Brody Brown has always been responsible for others. After his parents’ death, he gave up a promising artistic career to care for his younger brother and sister. Now, with his siblings grown, Brody owns his own business, has a nice house, makes a nice living, and for the first time in years he’s on his own.

Elise Sorenson has come to Seattle with her young daughter to find peace. After years as a world-famous ballerina—(and just as many years in a marriage-gone-bad)—she’s looking for neither love nor attention. But she finds both in the handsome, honest man who befriends her with no strings attached.

More than friends, Brody and Elise discover in each other what they need—wild, physical passion without commitment. But it’ll take a shadow from Elise’s past to make them look beyond what they need—to what they truly desire.

I obtained the above information from Ms. Dane's website... here.

My first Lauren Dane book was Laid Bare and I did a joint review with Elaing8 here at my place (see the bottom for the link to re-read it). That book absolutely blew me away. It was amazing. I kinda went into Coming Undone with the same expectations. I have to say though that I was a little let down. I went back and read the comments other people had from the Laid Bare review and someone mentioned that Coming Undone was more of a traditional erotic romance story. Now keep in mind that I read those comments after I read the book. And that truly describes Coming Undone. It is not an explosive, non stop, hot sex, whoa back up, let me re-read it again kinda book. Coming Undone is an amazing love story of two people who were not looking for love but by Coming Undone... found it.

Now with that said, let me get underway of telling you about this amazing book. I do not want you to think any less of this story... No, please don't. Like I said, it is an amazing journey in the life of one woman who is hell bent on making her life better and the life of her daughter even better. The journey of one man who thought love was a little over-rated. This is book is how the forces of love come together to complete two people and make a family stronger.

Elise Sonrenson and her daughter Rennie move to Seattle to get a fresh start on life. Their life. They left New York behind with some horrible nightmares. Let's just say that when you find out what is in Elise's closet, you might want to sleep with one eye open next to her. But then once you hear her story, see the courage, the strength, the preservation, the dedication and the love to her daughter, you will understand what kind of woman Elise is. A woman that I will stand up and admire any given day. Hell, I would make damn sure she was a woman that had my back. She may be petite and look fragile ~ but dig deep down inside of her... and there is a living, breathing dragon.. or as Brody will make us see a Phoenix deep down inside of her. She is the best damn mother there could possibly be. A protector against all things evil and vile, no matter who they are. She is a person who will not break under stress and have her daughter think things are wrong with the world. She keeps her shit together to protect her daughter and the world that surrounds her. She will and does look evil in the eye (and laugh... okay, maybe not ~ but still) and tell it where to go.

Brody Brown, where do I start with this man. He has raised his younger siblings - Erin and Adrian when he was still a teenager himself. Both of their parents were taking from them in a tragic accident. He gave up everything, his dreams, his life, his career.. his everything to be their everything. And for that, he was one proud man. You would not know that about him if you just looked at the outside of his tatted up- hot body. You would think he is a bad-ass to the core, didn't give a shit kinda man. But to know Brody deep down is to know that he is a soft, squishy kinda teddy bear, lol. Now don't get me wrong about him... mess with his people and he will want to jack you up. He is loyal to the core and fierce when it comes to loving those close to him. What person would not want this man in their life.

Now I was very glad to see that Ms. Dane did bring back the gang: Raven, Erin, Todd, Ben, Adrian. But I have to warn you.. Ms. Dane did an awesome job at keeping their stories at bay.. but making them more powerful this time! There is a scene in here where Erin, Todd and Ben have some fun.. and OMG.... hot! Okay, that is all I can say about that... because this is Elise and Brody's story. But Raven brings the drama and Adrian brings the world to a little princess. Oh and there is a surprise in there about Erin and the boys, lol! You will want to read that!

Ms. Dane did another awesome job at delivering a story that will make you want the next one just as bad as a crack addict. She gives us yet another story in the Brown family that will melt you to the bone with absolute joy and love to watch how bonded this family is. Which is nice to see in a world filled with not so nice people.

There are two things that kinda got to me in this story. The first is the jumping POV's and the time lapses between events. It kinda got a little frustrating trying to gather who was talking/thinking and then the next paragraph it would change. The time lapses, I kinda felt like I was missing something. Like if I would have been there, I would have been the clueless one. In my opinion, I felt that details were kinda left out. That will lead into my second thing. I felt like something was missing. I am not sure what... maybe the explosion between characters. I am not sure if it would be between the main characters - Elise and Brody, or the side characters. But I felt something amidst. The love is very evident, the chemistry is definitely there, the drama is high, the past - very raw... but something was just not there. It was not character lacking or story lacking... but something.. I am not sure.

If you are interested in my review of Laid Bare, please go here. It is a co-review with Elaing8.

And remember... Keep it Dirty, Smutty & Hussy!

Review: Laid Bare by Lauren Dane

LAID BARE
Berkley Heat
ISBN: 978-0425229712
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Menage, BDSM
Length: Novel

The Blurb:
Unexpected Desire…
It’s been ten years since clean-cut, sexy-as-hell police officer Todd Keenan had a white-hot fling with Erin Brown, the provocative, wild rocker chick next door. Their power exchange in the bedroom got under his skin. But love wasn’t in the cards just yet…
Now, life has thrown the pair back together. But picking up where they left off is tough, in light of a painful event from Erin’s past. As Todd struggles to earn her trust, their relationship takes an unexpected and exciting turn when Todd’s best friend, Ben, ends up in their bed—and all three are quite satisfied in this relationship without a name. As the passion they share transforms Erin, will it be enough to help her face the evil she thought she had left behind?
All this information was obtained from Ms. Dane's website.

This book was bought by myself and all thoughts expressed in this review are solely mine and Elaing8!!!
That is right you read right, Elaing8 has dueled up with me to review this book. IT was her that prompted me to hit the buy now button! She is evil, I tell you! =) LOL! And it is her first review on the blog ~ so please be nice to her!!

This review will be a little different because I have included what Elaing8 has to say about it. So... on to what you came here for.... This review is by Cecile & Elaing8! (Elaing8's thoughts are in red)

First let me say that is was my first Lauren Dane book - evaa - and will NOT be my last. I devoured this book. This book freaking took off like a bottle rocket from page one and did not stop till the last page. And hottness of this book left my fingers on fire!

Elaing8 - I enjoyed Laid Bare. This is the first book of Lauren Dane's that I read. I read this book in one day. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. It was a page turner.

I want to be Erin Brown when I grow up. She is a woman of amazing personality, strength, courage, love, devotion and self pride. Erin is woman who knows who she is inside and out. She is comfortable in her own skin and owns it. When we first met Erin, she is young - around her twenties. She owned herself back then. She knew who she was, what she wanted and apologized for nothing. Erin is a very strong character. She knows what she wants and goes for it.
I agree with you on that. She does go for it - whatever it is. The next thing I admire about her is that she will never push you; even though she knows you are capable of going farther than your limits.
Then we meet Todd... Erin's cop neighbor friend. **wink wink** Erin was a hold no bars woman, she knew that Todd watched her every evening while she unloaded her equipment from the bar they played at that night. So, one night her brother, Adrian (they shared an apartment) issued a challenge about her "holds no bar" attitude. So, with a six pack of beer and her body... she sashayed her way to Todd's apartment ~ set to "get to know" him a little better! Well, getting to know Todd better was something she did in spades over the course of the next months. They relationship was freaking explosive. She rocked his world and shook it the hell up. But in the end, Todd had a hard time accepting the true person he was. Erin would never push Todd for something he could not give... So... yea... my heart tore a little with that break up.
In my opinoin, Todd was unsure of who he was and what he wanted, but I liked the chemistry between him and Erin right away. I guess he was a little old fashioned.

Now, I can not go forward until I tell you about her brother's and they absolutely yumminess!! We have Brody (he is the oldest, owns a tattoo parlor) and Adrian (he is the baby and the rock singer). Their parents died when they were all in their late teenage years, so Brody took care of them. Their relationship together rocks this world. Makes me wish that I had that kinda of relationship. Ms. Dane did an awesome job of making me feel the emotion of this family. They are connected in a bond that is truly awe-inspiring. They got each other's back - NO matter what.
Now that I have gave you a taste of her brothers... let the story continue.

Lets fast forward ten years. Erin is in her early thirties. She is still her own woman, just broken inside. Something very tragic happened in her life. She was a rocker back then - in the good old days. Her and her brother Adrian had hit it big, MTV big. And life was good - until that one day. Her world absolutely broke and no where left to turn but the bottle of vodka and pain medication. Ms. Dane - again - did an awesome job of making me feel like Erin was real to me.
Something terrible happens to Erin and shatters her world, but she has to keep on living. She has a very strong support group in her brothers. That helps her through the rough patches.
Then Todd enters back into her life and becomes the rock I think she desperately needed. I love their relationship.

With the ten years that have pasted, both Erin and Todd have changed. Their lives each going in totally separate way from that fateful night back at their apartment. Now, Todd has moved back to Seattle and is trying to start fresh. With that fresh start, he decides to look up an old friend. Erin... still the woman he knew, but some how a little more jaded that before. They picked up right where they left off. Their chemistry never changed, never failed, and never altered. Their relationship is just so dynamic. Back then and now. Elaing8 was right when she said that Todd is Erin's rock. He was what she needed, what she had always needed.

When Todd came back to town he sought out two of his bestest best friends - Ben and Cope (two brothers). They opened up a security company together. All from families of cop, they knew what they were looking for.

In getting back together - Todd back in town with Ben & Cope and Erin back with her two brothers - the gang just got bigger. Family and friends meshed together. This is an awesome cast of characters that Ms. Dane has put together.

Now speaking of friends... Ben gets introduced to us with Todd. They have been best friends for life. They have shared everything - except each other. Well... that is until... Oh you thought I was going to tell you... Yea, I am evil.. But apparently Elaing8 thinks other ways... Enters Ben. I understand Todd wanting to share Erin with his best friend. To have some fun in their relationship. After all, Todd admits he loves to watch. And to see that Todd has come pass the person he has hidden for so long. I struggled with the relationship Ms. Dane put Todd and Ben through. I was hoping the thing with Ben would have just been a fling of some sort, that down the line he would have gotten his own book... But obviously that will not happen. That said, I enjoyed reading the journey this threesome has to go through from trusting each other to telling family that this is what they wanted and dealing with Erin's past. ~Together~
Our final thoughts:
This books is awesome. Ms. Dane created a world which I fell in love with. There were no small roles in this book. Everyone is awesome. The emotion is so raw and real. The love is just so.... there. You can actually feel Todd & Erin's love and devotion. You can also feel the angst Erin goes though. This is a very powerful book. The m/f/m relationship that Ms. Dane created took some time to get use to, but it worked and rocked! Ms. Dane's writing style is absolutely memorizing. I can not wait to see where the rest of the crew goes... and how their stories touch my heart!
I liked all the characters... Brody, Adrian, Cope yum. I also like how Erin's employee Ella's story was weaved through the book. I'm looking forward to reading Brody, Cope and Adrian's stories. And what happens next with Todd, Erin and Ben.


Thanks Elaing8 for doing this with me. I had a blast learning what she liked and what she did not like. I do not like to give spoilers away here... there is a lot more that we talked about that is not here! Sorry ladies... But if you want to discuss the book in your comments just put that it is to talk - so those who have not read this to skip that comment.

To read more of this explosive book, please go --->> here.

There is more of these bad boys... This is a tease of Coming Undone:

KEEPING IT TOGETHER

Brody Brown has always been responsible for others. After his parents’ death, he gave up a promising artistic career to care for his younger brother and sister. Now, with his siblings grown, Brody owns his own business, has a nice house, makes a nice living, and for the first time in years he’s on his own.
Elise Sorenson has come to Seattle with her young daughter to find peace. After years as a world-famous ballerina—(and just as many years in a marriage-gone-bad)—she’s looking for neither love nor attention. But she finds both in the handsome, honest man who befriends her with no strings attached.
More than friends, Brody and Elise discover in each other what they need—wild, physical passion without commitment. But it’ll take a shadow from Elise’s past to make them look beyond what they need—to what they truly desire.

To visit Ms. Dane's site, please go --->>> here.
To visit Ms. Dane's blog, please go --->>> here.
I am sure she would love to hear from you!!! =)