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Laid Bare (The Brown Siblings #1)

3.96 of 5 stars 3.96 · rating details · 5,653 ratings · 435 reviews

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 li...more

ebook, Nook, 336 pages

Published August 4th 2009 by Penguin Group (USA) (first published 2009)

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Sep 15, 2011 Buggy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: shelf-09, top, extra-sexy-time, contemp-rom, menage, reunited, mmf, tattooed-hero, tie-me-up

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 in...more 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!
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Sep 26, 2011 Stephanie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: steamy-hot-romance-comtemp, ebook, lauren-dane

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...more

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Oct 03, 2009 Shawna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of erotic contemporary romance with BDSM, ménage, and some mild m/m action; Lauren Dane fans

Shelves: erotic-romance-erotica-romantica, bdsm-kink, menage-multiple-partners, lauren-dane, 2009-reads, best-top-favorites, contemporary-romance, cop-bodyguard-govop-merc-military, favorites, hero-alpha‎, hero-im-gaga-over, heroine-abused-traumatic-past-rape, heroine-i-adore, i-read-own-faves-keepers, im-a-cover-hottie-ho, made-me-cry, man-man-lovin, hero-mix-of-alpha-beta, hero-stud-mantel-hall-of-fame, hero-abused-scarred-tortured-angst, reunions-are-sweeter-second-chances, tattoos-piercings-body-art, brothers-sisters-cousins-family, favorite-romance-series, series-brown-siblings-delicious, favorite-romance-couple-hh-pairings, hero-expert-skilled-voracious-lover, favorite-beautiful-lush-cool-covers, angsty-dark-heavy-lotsa-drama, hh-musician-rocker-singer-popstar, hero-dom, 5-stars-or-higher, heartbreaking-gutwrenching-romance, tearjerker-tugs-at-heartstrings, hh-famous-celebrity, hero-brooding, heroine-badgirl-improper-scandalous, friends-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers-opposites-attract, yowza-hotness, heroine-free-spirit-quirky, hero-starchy-loosen-up-buttons-babe

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 t...more 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!)
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Sep 06, 2012 AJ rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: steamy, series, romantic, kindle

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 Brow...more 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!
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Aug 04, 2009 Auntee rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of erotic romance who don't mind BDSM or menage, or m/m action

Shelves: erotic-romance, 2009_reads

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 thes...more

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Dec 03, 2012 Liz rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: alpha-man, great-ending, hero-cop-or-military, loss-of-a-loved-one, m-f-m, make-my-lady-parts-tingle, make-up-from-break-up, tissues-needed, buddy-read-with-pher

Girlfriend read with Pher, xoxo

More of a 3.5 rating.

Let me start by saying, yes I did enjoy the book. I enjoyed (all) the main characters. I loved the supporting characters, and how strong the family bond was represented for all. I think the build of Todd and Erin's relationship was paced perfectly, even if their reuniting 10 years after the break was a little rushed. I hate premature "I love yous". I get they had something heavy 10 years prior...but that was 10 years! People change A LOT in 10...more

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Oct 27, 2011 Ren rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Readers who love erotica with plot and family theme

Shelves: alpha-hero, ass-kick-heroine, best-cover-at-series, beta-hero, bdsm, borrowed, contemporary-romance, crazy-character, drooling-cover, erotic, family-theme, friend-turn-to-lover, m-m-scene, make-me-nosebleed, menage, lawman-and-agent, romantic-or-couple-cover, sizzling-summer-reading-challenge, there-are-hot-men, widow-or-widower, abused-character, character-with-tattoo-and-piercing, reviewed, 4-stars

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 tel...more

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Jun 27, 2010 I ♥ Bookie Nookie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Menage lovers!

Shelves: z-ebook, genre-smut-galore-smuttiest, theme-menage, 2010-read-in, sexual-mix-mmf, body-tattoos, character-musician, character-tattoo-artist, zz-reviewed, character-construction-worker, a-series, tone-erotic, zz-blog-list

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, NO...more

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Nov 24, 2009 Isis FG rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Isis FG by: random buy

Shelves: author-lauren-dane, 2009, format-trade-pb, info-full, published-2009, reviewed, genre-romance-erotic, stars-4-5, theme-bi-menage-hea, series-brown-siblings

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. Fan...more

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Jan 16, 2013 Magda rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: erotica-and-or-bdsm

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

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Sep 22, 2011 Book Chick City rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-contemporary, book-list-2010

Originally posted on my blog: Book Chick City.

When I first approached Leontine with the proposal of a double dare, I was a little nervous. Her taste in romance books is pretty much at the opposite end of the spectrum to mine, but that’s the reason I wanted to do the double dare with her - to broaden my horizons.

Leontine offered me three choices: LAID BARE by Lauren Dane, A FOSTERED LOVE by Cameron Dane and HOLDING THE CARDS by Joey W Hill.

After having read their synopsis on Goodreads, I decided...more

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Jul 09, 2010 MaggieReadsRom rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites-2009, contemporary, erotic-romance, arcs

4.5 stars

LAID BARE is a wonderful story that depicts an emotional and erotic journey to happily ever after and it totally took me by surprise. Sometimes you stumble upon treasures where you least expect them. I must admit that I wouldn't have jumped up to review this book if it wasn't for a glowing endorsement from Ann Aguirre on Twitter when Lauren Dane was offering the eARCs of it. I had heard of Lauren Dane's writing via fellow ROOB-reviewer Leontine whose raving reviews put Lauren Dane on my...more

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Apr 10, 2010 Tracy74 rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2010

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 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,...more 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.(less)

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Apr 14, 2012 Alice rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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...more

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Dec 12, 2012 Lainey rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: annoying, m-m-tease

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I'm not going to write a synopsis because plenty other reviewers have. I think my main problem with this book was that I created a lot of hype about it in my head. I had been waffling about whether I should buy it, the preview on amazon only gives you a small taste of that 'ten years before' time Erin spent with Todd. I knew there was a lot more to this story than that small bite so I held off. After reading a bunch of reviews and convincing myself it was worth the purchase, I took the plunge.

P...more I'm not going to write a synopsis because plenty other reviewers have. I think my main problem with this book was that I created a lot of hype about it in my head. I had been waffling about whether I should buy it, the preview on amazon only gives you a small taste of that 'ten years before' time Erin spent with Todd. I knew there was a lot more to this story than that small bite so I held off. After reading a bunch of reviews and convincing myself it was worth the purchase, I took the plunge.

Please keep in mind when I read a menage I like m/m action as much as m/f/m. If this had been a traditional erotic romance just between Todd and Erin it would have made more sense. I would not have liked it better but I wouldn't have been as frustrated as I have been while reading it.

Focusing on first Todd and Erin, because the majority of the book is just the two of them, the way he comes back into Erin's life more confident in his kink (which isn't that intense of a kink) and commits to her is lovely. I really liked their initial union and then their reunion. It made sense and made me more and more excited for Ben to enter their lives. I love me a good m/m/f menage.

SPOILERS:

Well, this is not the kind of menage I was expecting. From the reviews I read I was looking forward to m/m action. There was none. This is what I would like to call the YA version of an erotic m/m/f menage. The sex descriptions are there and they are steamy...but the men don't do anything more than kiss passionately. I'm pretty sure they jerk each other off and Ben helps Erin give Todd a bj but I was waiting for it the entire book, that clarifying moment when Todd realizes he is so sexually attracted to Ben and Erin, to the same extent, that he can't help but have sex with him.

Nope. Didn't happen. Which brings me to another issue I have with the book. There are numerous times where Ben states his love for Erin and how nobody 'gets him' the way Erin does. He doesn't love anyone the way he loves her, not even Todd. Um, hello? This is menage and the male characters repeatedly state how they love each other. Why is Erin so much more special?

Honestly, this is probably a personal preference. For those of you readers out there who are used to your menage novels being m/f/m but are intrigued or interested in reading an m/m/f, than this is probably a good starting point. Erin is without a doubt the center of their love, without her Todd and Ben would never have come together in a sexual way, no matter how limited it is in the book.

I like for a triad to be completely equal. I want all parties to love each other equally, if not in different ways and yes boys that means you are getting it on with each other as much as with the lady. Saying that Erin was the center and more important than either male just felt unbalanced. It was not just the sex that was the issue it was the heart as well. I couldn't help but feel that the guys were getting shortchanged which just made me dislike the main female more.

The writing was good, the 'tragedy' was tragic and I admired Erin for fighting her way back from that horrific time in her life. Oh and I have tattoos so her tats made me happy. Other than that...I was whole heatedly disappointed in this book. (less)

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Jan 01, 2012 Darcy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, e-book, menage, erotica

It seems to me that Lauren Dane is the queen of writing sexy books that will have you crying at some point, that one of the characters has gone through a terrible tragedy and is trying to get back her life. This book has that in spades!

I loved the past portion of the book, Erin was so sassy and knew what she wanted. I loved that she went after Todd, reveled in their time together and didn't apologize for what she wanted and needed sexually. I thought it was great that she called Todd on his bull...more It seems to me that Lauren Dane is the queen of writing sexy books that will have you crying at some point, that one of the characters has gone through a terrible tragedy and is trying to get back her life. This book has that in spades!

I loved the past portion of the book, Erin was so sassy and knew what she wanted. I loved that she went after Todd, reveled in their time together and didn't apologize for what she wanted and needed sexually. I thought it was great that she called Todd on his bullshit and walked away even though it broke her heart.

The Erin in the present had shades of the old Erin, but was very much marked by her past, a past that left deep scars. I thought it was great that when Todd, literally, walked back into her life that he was more secure in who and what he was. I loved that they seemed to fall back into a relationship, yes there were issues, but they were both pretty open in their communication.

Another great aspect of this book was all the family that both of them had. Erin's brothers were so careful and protective of her, giving her space, yet being there when she needed it. Todd's best friends, more like brothers, were fun. Being that they worked together they really spent a lot of time together. I loved how often the 4 of them would spent their free time having dinner and watching tv.

I loved how Ben was slowly integrated into Todd and Erin's relationship. The friendship a great base for something deeper. I also really liked the realism in how they approached the relationship. The three of them sat down came up with rules that worked for them, then as things developed and changed those rules were revisited again and again. Some of the best scenes where when the three of them were being brutally honest with themselves and each other with what they wanted.

I thought the ending was great, while scary with Erin's potential meltdown it really brought home just what was important, family. The new family the three of them were creating and their existing families and not hiding this unusual relationship.

I can't wait to check out the next book!(less)

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Jan 12, 2010 Laurie (Bitten by Paranormal Romance) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: erotic-romance, erotic-keepers

This book its full of emotions and HOT sex and more emotions.. Out of all the ménage books, I have read this one tops in the ménage seen, Dane goes in to detail so, well you don’t miss anything, I thought they were SMOKING HOT.. Although I don’t normally like this kind of BDSM (I can’t stand pain..) or the M/M (that is very light) I loved this book, Plus I nerve felt no type of degrading in this book as in some BDSM books.

I really loved Erin, Todd and Ben together they each complemented each ot...more

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Dec 06, 2012 Allison (will never conquer her tbr list)) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 h...more

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Oct 14, 2012 Jessica ♡~ Book&Coffee Lover ~♡ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own, favorites

First time i saw the books i wanted them because of the gorgeous sexy covers! And the story that was inside this cover was a F*CKING SEXY AMAZING story!!

OH.MY.TODD & BEN!!
This book had it all.

For starters we get some serious F*cking .. lol ..
If your a prude then I must say NOT to read this book! :)

And the tragedy that happened to Erin is so heartbreaking, my heart was bleeding when she was trying to explain to Todd what had happened to Adele :'(

This book isn't just about sex & menage,...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Deanna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: erotic, romance

Todd wants a second chance at an honest relationship with Erin where he freely accepts his sexual needs. He promises not to run this time. Erin has spent the past 10 years becoming a rock star and a victim of a stalker. She suffers PTSD. Their growing relationship is emotional and hot. Their chemistry burns from the pages.

I liked that the story let their relationship develop before adding Ben to their bed. His addition was done with honest discussion of each of their needs, wants and boundaries...more

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Oct 30, 2012 Reg rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm not sure what I loved more - the story itself or the style of writing. This book had a wide range of emotion, superb! character development, and "taboo" subjects. I was seriously impressed by the handling of the relationship between Todd and Erin. I felt Ms. Dane gave it enough attention and development that the introduction of Ben was actually plausible instead of going for the "shock" value most authors aim for in a menage. Further, she takes the time to develop not just the relationship b...more

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Oct 25, 2012 Amy Jacobs rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own

I am really hesitant in writing this review since so many are fans of this series. I wanted to be blown away by it since the reviews I have read have been favorable. Unfortunately, my feelings fell in the middle for this one.

The beginning felt really rushed to me. I understand the author need to set up the relationship between Todd and Erin, but it ended up feeling forced and at times unbelievable. I had hoped after the prologue it would even out and become better. I love how the two of them rec...more I am really hesitant in writing this review since so many are fans of this series. I wanted to be blown away by it since the reviews I have read have been favorable. Unfortunately, my feelings fell in the middle for this one.

The beginning felt really rushed to me. I understand the author need to set up the relationship between Todd and Erin, but it ended up feeling forced and at times unbelievable. I had hoped after the prologue it would even out and become better. I love how the two of them reconnected. I loved the D/s aspect of the relationship. I even loved the other characters in the book as well. Ben was even a good character even if I felt he got the short end of the stick in the relationship. What bugged me about it was the way the relationships were handled and the back story of their lives while separated.

Erin's back story I can believe. Anyone who loses a child and suffered what she did would have a different outlook on life and love. Todd's on the other hand felt like just a quick excuse to get him back to Erin. He got married after running away from Erin 10 years before because he thought his kink was wrong. He grew up thinking his curious fetishes were not normal. So he takes a pretty trophy like wife, tries the marriage thing for bit, then almost dies in the line of duty which also leads into a divorce. After the divorce is over he moves back to his home town for a new job. It seemed pretty extreme for me, but I went with it.

The relationship between Todd and Erin was just okay. Then the author throws in Ben as another character in play for this relationship. He is not an affair for them, but an addition in the bedroom and in their lives. Ben is a long time friend of Todd's so I guess the reader is suppose to just take it as it is. Unfortunately, I didn't feel any real spark between the three.

There is plenty of sex in this book to appease the naughtiest of readers with kink thrown in on certain scenes, but the plot and characters just left me feeling okay. I wasn't blown away as I wanted to be, but I still think I will keep going in the series. (less)

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Oct 15, 2012 Mela Remington rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Amazon brought me to Lauren through my purchase of Megan Hart's books.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love me a series, and the Brown's are no exception, they are bright, colorful vibrant people who live life out loud.

This is the tale of Erin Brown, starting 10 years ago when she met uptight cop Todd. They have a brief steamy affair but Todd is conflicted about the fact that his is dominant sexually, he feels like it's totally wrong to behave like that towards women, even through w...more

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Oct 11, 2012 marcie vasquez rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I really dont know where to begin on this book.... first I would like to make a disclosure that this is only my 3rd book that I am actually making a comment about.

I just recently got on the "band wagon" of reading romance or erotic romance books.( I started reading Fifty Shades of Grey.) I have read a little over 100 "romance" books of all kinds from erotic to chick lit, since about June. So that being said my experince with this whole genre is limited.

The book starts out with pretty much a pr...more

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Aug 28, 2012 Wanderlust rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: oral-exam, a-is-for-anal, 3way-or-kinkfest

Cover & Title - 4/5
Favorite Character - Erin

Holy kink-fest batman!

My favorite things about the book -
1. Erin appearance she was alternative in her dressing and with have tattoo's & piercings. I find these things very attractive.
2. Erin went through a lot of heavy things but before the reunion & during the book worked through them. She was a really strong & impressive character.
3. The story had a tonne of smoking hot sex but also had a really good deep story.
4. Todd after the...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 29, 2012 Meaganr rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

So, in order to rate this book, I would have to separate this book into two parts.
The first I guess half of this book was great. After Erin and Todd reunited, their relationship was white hot. Not only was the sex AMAZING but they both worked well together as a couple. Erin had to to deal with some really serious problems and Todd was there the whole time, and they grew together. I honestly really liked their relationship throughout this part of the book.
The Second half of this book, in my opin...more

1 like · like · see review

May 31, 2012 E. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: erotica

4 1/2 stars.

An intense read that follows rocker and bass guitarist Erin Brown and her relationship with policeman Todd Keenan. A startlingly carnal relationship between these neighbors awakens feelings that Todd is uncomfortable with and he moves onto a different stage of his life. Ten years later, both have been through life-changing crucibles of experience and re-connect but they are again different in their expectations but similar in their bedroom desires. Each must decide how much vulnerabi...more

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Feb 22, 2012 Eileen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

One of the best books I've read in a long time. Erin Brown is one of my favorites heroines ever written. The dynamics of Erin, Todd and Ben is well developed over the course of the story. I'm glad Ms Dane showed that this relationship could cause estrangement with other family members. I wonder myself how I would react if I was put in that situation. Ms Dane won me over with Second Chances and she did it again with the first book in the Brown series.
A favorite line in the story is when Todd and...more

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Aug 27, 2011 Wanderer ♔ Wanderlust ♔ rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, part-of-a-series, read-in-2011, menage

I really enjoyed the relationship between the siblings and felt like the emotional background for them was written very well. I can understand how they've grown so close and are always there for each other through thick and thin. I found Erin and Todd's relationship progression to be believable enough. What kind of threw me was how late Ben was written into the relationship. It was Todd and Erin for so long, then the idea of adding Ben came up and then all of a sudden it was "Todd, Erin and Ben...more

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Jul 01, 2011 willaful rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: damsel-in-distress-knight-in-armor, eye-roller, good-boy-bad-girl, lusting-monologues-crotch-updates, o-performer-artist-creative, reunited-or-have-history, special-needs-emotional-or-mental, snoozeville, mmf-fmm

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, repr...more

7 likes · like · see review

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About Lauren Dane

Lauren 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,...more

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“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.” — 10 people liked it

“You’re weird. I thought brothers were supposed to pretend their sisters were sexless.”
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“I’m your brother, not an idiot. If he hurts you, I’ll crush him, but I want you to be happy. You want him and that’s enough for me.” — 6 people liked it

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