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Federation Chronicles #1
Undercover
A sexy debut exploring an erotic future universe of passion, danger, and deceit…
On the battleground or in the bedroom, one woman and two men fight for dominance in a bold, new, and excitingly different direction in erotica…
As a lieutenant of the Federation military, Sera Ayers is accustomed to giving orders, not taking them. Now she must obey the one man she can't stand-and can't stop thinking about.
With the enemy Imperialists gaining ground, a covert team is assembled by Ash Walker. Ten years before, Sera had lovingly submitted to Ash's dominance in the bedroom. But when he was forced into a political marriage, she refused to play mistress. His marriage now over, Ash wants Sera on his team-and back in his bed.
The third team member, Brandt Pela, has an elegance to match Ash's savage sexuality. And when their undercover plan requires Sera to pose as Brandt's lover, it ignites a passion among the three of them more dangerous than their mission.
On the battleground or in the bedroom, one woman and two men fight for dominance in a bold, new, and excitingly different direction in erotica…
As a lieutenant of the Federation military, Sera Ayers is accustomed to giving orders, not taking them. Now she must obey the one man she can't stand-and can't stop thinking about.
With the enemy Imperialists gaining ground, a covert team is assembled by Ash Walker. Ten years before, Sera had lovingly submitted to Ash's dominance in the bedroom. But when he was forced into a political marriage, she refused to play mistress. His marriage now over, Ash wants Sera on his team-and back in his bed.
The third team member, Brandt Pela, has an elegance to match Ash's savage sexuality. And when their undercover plan requires Sera to pose as Brandt's lover, it ignites a passion among the three of them more dangerous than their mission.
328 pages, Paperback
First published December 2, 2008
62 people are currently reading
2002 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Dane
111 books4,996 followersLauren Dane has been writing stories since she was able to use a pencil, and before that she used to tell them to people. Of course, she still talks nonstop, and through wonderful fate and good fortune, she’s now able to share what she writes with others. It’s a wonderful life!
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
January 1, 2009
I typically don't read fantasy/futuristic stuff...it doesn't appeal to me all that much. But I read this one anyway. Actually, when I read the summary on the back at B&N, I missed the little thing at the top calling it futuristic, and though the summary seemed a little odd to me, I thought maybe it was some covert group-contemporary thing. Oops! My bad. I didn't realize it was a futuristic romance until I got home and looked at the reviews here on GR. But I read it anyway. It sounded pretty interesting, and it's a menage story, which I always find interesting (and hot ;).
Undercover is set in a future time where there are multiple universes, space travel, ruling Families, and opposition fascists causing trouble. Sera Ayers is a lieutenant in the Federation Military Corps. For an unranked (ie non-Family) woman, it's a great accomplishment. And she believes in what she does. It's been the main thing in her life since Ash Walker broke her heart by marrying the woman his family told him to (and he asked her to be his mistress). She's never gotten over what he did to her and has avoided anything to do with him since. Then suddenly, he's back in her life with a vengeance. She's been ordered to join his covert team to work to find traitors who are supplying information to the Imperialists. But to make their investigation work, she'll have to pose as the concubine of the other member of the team, Brandt Pela. Which isn't a hardship for Sera. There's an instant attraction between the two. And soon the attraction becomes more. But there's also Ash, and the feelings she's never gotten over. Ash has made it more than clear he wants her back, and that he has no problem involving Brandt in their relationship. Sera is wary, though. She gave her heart to a man once. She doesn't know if she has it in herself to open up again.
I enjoyed this book, for the most part. The futuristic part didn't really grab me - the whole thing with the multiple universes, finding traitors, advanced technology, etc. I just never find storylines like that all that interesting (in the context of a romance novel). So the plot/setting part of the book was something that was just kind of...there...for me. I read it, didn't mind it too much, but I can't particularly say I liked it. Plus, I thought some of the words/phrasing/ideas reminded me a little too much of things from the Star Wars series.
On the romance angle...I liked the book quite a bit, though there were a few things I thought could have been a little different - more so just on a personal preference level. I liked all the characters...though a couple times I thought Ash got a little Neanderthal, and Sera got on my nerves more than once with her rampant insecurity. But overall, I enjoyed reading their relationship. And the sex was super hot.
It's worth mentioning - because this type of thing doesn't appeal to everyone - that there is a dom/sub aspect to this story. Sera is a bedroom submissive and both Ash and Brandt are Doms. It wasn't a theme extended outside of sex play, though. But it was there. Sera was very submissive when it came to anything sexual. It was something she reveled in. So it that doesn't float your boat, then this might not be a book you'll like. Oh, and it should also be mentioned that there is some M/M play in the book between Ash and Brandt (in case that's not your thing, either).
Which was one aspect of the book I wished there'd been more of. I mean, sheesh, two yummy Alphas enjoying each other? What's not to like?! But some of those scenes were kinda cut off, or not really explored and I found myself disappointed that that aspect of the book didn't go further.
I also thought, to a certain degree, that the sexual aspect of the book didn't quite meet the overall vibe. There's the D/S thing, and this overall tone of sort of sexual freedom, expression, and exploration with the male and female body piercings, tattoos, the D/S thing...but yet the sex stayed more on the, well, not basic side because there was more than basic sex, but...tamer, I guess you could say. I just expected a little more considering the set-up and vibe of the story. That's not to say there wasn't some super hot sex because there was plenty of that. I just thought the boundaries could have been pushed a little more to fit with the image I got from reading the book.
Anyway, still a pretty good book, though. I would have enjoyed it more if it had been set in a contemporary setting, but oh well. For those of you who like futuristic erotic and menage stories, then I think you'd probably like this one.
WARNING, this book contains: explicit sex, M/F/M sex, some light M/M sex, anal sex, dominance/submission, light bondage, toys, body piercings, and probably some other stuff
Undercover is set in a future time where there are multiple universes, space travel, ruling Families, and opposition fascists causing trouble. Sera Ayers is a lieutenant in the Federation Military Corps. For an unranked (ie non-Family) woman, it's a great accomplishment. And she believes in what she does. It's been the main thing in her life since Ash Walker broke her heart by marrying the woman his family told him to (and he asked her to be his mistress). She's never gotten over what he did to her and has avoided anything to do with him since. Then suddenly, he's back in her life with a vengeance. She's been ordered to join his covert team to work to find traitors who are supplying information to the Imperialists. But to make their investigation work, she'll have to pose as the concubine of the other member of the team, Brandt Pela. Which isn't a hardship for Sera. There's an instant attraction between the two. And soon the attraction becomes more. But there's also Ash, and the feelings she's never gotten over. Ash has made it more than clear he wants her back, and that he has no problem involving Brandt in their relationship. Sera is wary, though. She gave her heart to a man once. She doesn't know if she has it in herself to open up again.
I enjoyed this book, for the most part. The futuristic part didn't really grab me - the whole thing with the multiple universes, finding traitors, advanced technology, etc. I just never find storylines like that all that interesting (in the context of a romance novel). So the plot/setting part of the book was something that was just kind of...there...for me. I read it, didn't mind it too much, but I can't particularly say I liked it. Plus, I thought some of the words/phrasing/ideas reminded me a little too much of things from the Star Wars series.
On the romance angle...I liked the book quite a bit, though there were a few things I thought could have been a little different - more so just on a personal preference level. I liked all the characters...though a couple times I thought Ash got a little Neanderthal, and Sera got on my nerves more than once with her rampant insecurity. But overall, I enjoyed reading their relationship. And the sex was super hot.
It's worth mentioning - because this type of thing doesn't appeal to everyone - that there is a dom/sub aspect to this story. Sera is a bedroom submissive and both Ash and Brandt are Doms. It wasn't a theme extended outside of sex play, though. But it was there. Sera was very submissive when it came to anything sexual. It was something she reveled in. So it that doesn't float your boat, then this might not be a book you'll like. Oh, and it should also be mentioned that there is some M/M play in the book between Ash and Brandt (in case that's not your thing, either).
Which was one aspect of the book I wished there'd been more of. I mean, sheesh, two yummy Alphas enjoying each other? What's not to like?! But some of those scenes were kinda cut off, or not really explored and I found myself disappointed that that aspect of the book didn't go further.
I also thought, to a certain degree, that the sexual aspect of the book didn't quite meet the overall vibe. There's the D/S thing, and this overall tone of sort of sexual freedom, expression, and exploration with the male and female body piercings, tattoos, the D/S thing...but yet the sex stayed more on the, well, not basic side because there was more than basic sex, but...tamer, I guess you could say. I just expected a little more considering the set-up and vibe of the story. That's not to say there wasn't some super hot sex because there was plenty of that. I just thought the boundaries could have been pushed a little more to fit with the image I got from reading the book.
Anyway, still a pretty good book, though. I would have enjoyed it more if it had been set in a contemporary setting, but oh well. For those of you who like futuristic erotic and menage stories, then I think you'd probably like this one.
WARNING, this book contains: explicit sex, M/F/M sex, some light M/M sex, anal sex, dominance/submission, light bondage, toys, body piercings, and probably some other stuff
November 28, 2008
Ten years ago Sera walked away from Ash. Due to his social status he could never get married to her and was forced to marry another women. Ash offered Sera the status of being his mistress which hurt her deeply. Now working as an officer for the federation she is forced to work with Ash and Brandt to expose traitors within the Federation. Sera is furious because she has to pose as Brandt's concubine so they can gather evidence. She is fighting her attraction to Brandt and really hates herself for still having feelings for Ash.
Ash has never stopped loving Sera and now that he is no longer married he wants to pick up where he left off. In the beginning he comes across as an unfeeling jerk and Brandt defuses alot of the tension between Sera and Ash. Since Sera is supposed to be Brandt's concubine she has to get used to him making love to her and touching her. Sera starts falling in love with him also and after forgiving Ash they start a menage a trois relationship. Both Ash and Brandt are dominants and Sera loves to submit in the bedroom only. There is some m/m interaction , some flogging and spanking. I would consider this light BDSM. There was no humiliation, slave or masters. Even during the sex scenes you could feel the love and respect both males had for Sera.
If you enjoy a well paced story with alot of graphic sex, mild BDSM and a HEA menage a trois then you will enjoy this book.
Ash has never stopped loving Sera and now that he is no longer married he wants to pick up where he left off. In the beginning he comes across as an unfeeling jerk and Brandt defuses alot of the tension between Sera and Ash. Since Sera is supposed to be Brandt's concubine she has to get used to him making love to her and touching her. Sera starts falling in love with him also and after forgiving Ash they start a menage a trois relationship. Both Ash and Brandt are dominants and Sera loves to submit in the bedroom only. There is some m/m interaction , some flogging and spanking. I would consider this light BDSM. There was no humiliation, slave or masters. Even during the sex scenes you could feel the love and respect both males had for Sera.
If you enjoy a well paced story with alot of graphic sex, mild BDSM and a HEA menage a trois then you will enjoy this book.
March 19, 2011
Who knew I would like a futuristic sci-fi tale with tons of three-way action when I prefer Regency with a little sweet and spicy? This book was HOT. Plus, it was a good story and I found it easy to envision the futuristic setting. I usually don't like stories about 'second chances' at love. I figure, when it's done, it's done. But, LD wrote a very convincing story here with a plausible background. So, I had to read the next book in the series.
May 10, 2010
This is really a 4.5 star book. I always enjoy Lauren Dane's work because, while her stories are classed as erotica, she tells a great tale first and formost. The sex is encased with love so anything some class as "kinky" seems very normal. In fact, her characters discuss that very thing: anything between consenting adults in love is OK. That said, the crux of this love story and covert ops sting results in a permanent threesome which may make some readers uncomfortable; however the discussions of love, the two men so obviously respecting our heroine, and their own history of being best friends and truly loving and caring for each other allows each to really want the other to be happy and included. I must say that, even with the inclusion of lots of sex, I was mentally turned on because the author ruthlessly showed the hearts and minds of each participant and it was beautiful. That's the opposite of porn, in my opinion.
May 26, 2015
Futuristic/SFR with a relationship driven plot. I'm not saying there isn't action but much of it is sexual. Since this is a ménage book, a great deal of time is spent on scenes exploring combinations of one, two and three partners. [Despite the heroine assuring them she is okay with 'boy touching' - her words, not mine - the two guys are into her and not each other. They are emotionally intimate, and there is an occasional kiss or caress - but it's on the way to what they really want, her.] Contains some BDSM elements - bedroom submission, a few toys, spanking...
The book opens with the heroine, Sera, storming into her superior's office demanding to be sent back to her unit. He refuses and introduces her to her new unit, Brandt Pela and Ash Walker. She decks Ash, puts Brandt on the ground when he tries to block the door, and storms back out. Eventually she is forced to listen - she has been assigned to work with these two in a covert intelligence unit - for reasons having to do with her skills, not her past with Ash.
Both Brandt and Ash are Ranked [think English aristocracy, especially before the introduction of the House of Commons.] Ranked men are not supposed to do more than play around with unranked women. Sera is unranked. Ten years ago Sera and Ash were together and, she thought, deeply in love. The shock when she found out he was engaged to be married and he asked her to be his official Mistress was devastating. She left him, and any thought of love, behind.
The mission necessitates her being a 'mistress' to one of the men since the society they will be entering requires it and they need someone to spy at that level. She refuses to have anything to do with Ash but agrees to do it with Brandt. Circumstances [of the extremely obvious plot device variety] occur that require her to be the mistress of both of them...
The threesome work well together in the bedroom and on the mission. They succeed in tracking down the traitors and bringing the proof back to their superiors, proof that rocks the comfortable world of the Ranked...
Ash wants her back - desperately. The wife he was forced to marry divorced him seven years ago so he is now free, but as a second son he still cannot marry without his father's permission - permission that he could not get ten years ago and cannot get now.
Brandt had heard a great deal about Sera from his best friend and he falls deeply in love with her. And his father is much more liberal than Ash's..
Sera learns about the realities of being Ranked and finally understands why Ash did what he did ten years ago. She slowly begins to trust again, both Ash AND Brandt...
I enjoyed it - and moved on to the next book in the series. After Relentless the focus moves to the Phantom Corps [a special unit within the Federation, essentially a formalized version of the the covert ops team explored in Undercover]. I tried to ignore the cover - it's way too lingerie model for me!
Federation Chronicles
1. Undercover
2. Relentless
Federation Chronicles/Phantom Corps
3. Insatiable
4. Mesmerized
5. Captivated
The book opens with the heroine, Sera, storming into her superior's office demanding to be sent back to her unit. He refuses and introduces her to her new unit, Brandt Pela and Ash Walker. She decks Ash, puts Brandt on the ground when he tries to block the door, and storms back out. Eventually she is forced to listen - she has been assigned to work with these two in a covert intelligence unit - for reasons having to do with her skills, not her past with Ash.
Both Brandt and Ash are Ranked [think English aristocracy, especially before the introduction of the House of Commons.] Ranked men are not supposed to do more than play around with unranked women. Sera is unranked. Ten years ago Sera and Ash were together and, she thought, deeply in love. The shock when she found out he was engaged to be married and he asked her to be his official Mistress was devastating. She left him, and any thought of love, behind.
The mission necessitates her being a 'mistress' to one of the men since the society they will be entering requires it and they need someone to spy at that level. She refuses to have anything to do with Ash but agrees to do it with Brandt. Circumstances [of the extremely obvious plot device variety] occur that require her to be the mistress of both of them...
The threesome work well together in the bedroom and on the mission. They succeed in tracking down the traitors and bringing the proof back to their superiors, proof that rocks the comfortable world of the Ranked...
Ash wants her back - desperately. The wife he was forced to marry divorced him seven years ago so he is now free, but as a second son he still cannot marry without his father's permission - permission that he could not get ten years ago and cannot get now.
Brandt had heard a great deal about Sera from his best friend and he falls deeply in love with her. And his father is much more liberal than Ash's..
Sera learns about the realities of being Ranked and finally understands why Ash did what he did ten years ago. She slowly begins to trust again, both Ash AND Brandt...
I enjoyed it - and moved on to the next book in the series. After Relentless the focus moves to the Phantom Corps [a special unit within the Federation, essentially a formalized version of the the covert ops team explored in Undercover]. I tried to ignore the cover - it's way too lingerie model for me!
Federation Chronicles
1. Undercover
2. Relentless
Federation Chronicles/Phantom Corps
3. Insatiable
4. Mesmerized
5. Captivated
February 3, 2010
This one has to much BSDM as in PAIN!!! and M/M in this one for me, I couldn‘t finish it.. Plus the story line is different, but it just to similar to Laid Bare.. I will suggest for those like me who likes D/s with out pain and less M/M please go with Laid Bare..
I also didn’t enjoy the characters or the story line.
I also didn’t enjoy the characters or the story line.
April 30, 2009
Undercover is the first book I have ever read by Lauren Dane, and it defintely won't be my last. This futuristic sci-fi tale is a bit on the kinky side with a great deal of erotic sex. There is no plain vanilla fun in these pages, but a great story filled with S&M and wonderful ménage love between two men and the woman they want to spend the rest of their lives with.
Sera Ayers is a lieutenant in the Federation Military Corps, a strong leader and woman not to be messed with. Her past comes back to haunt her in the form of Commander Ash Walker. Sera and Ash had an all consuming love affair ten years ago. Sera and Ash’s relationship was based on much love and respect, for Sera allowed Ash total control over her body and tapped into her inhibitions. Sera loved that Ash could dominate her in the bedroom and loved being his submissive. But things ended very badly between the two. Because Ash comes from a high-ranking family, he had to sacrifice their love because it was expected that he would marry a women who was of the same station as he. All he could offer Sera was a position as his mistress, which is quiet respectable in his circles. Sera told him to shove it and walked out of his life. Both have never forgotten each other and Ash loves her more than ever. He is now divorced and wants Sera back.
Because the third member of Ash’s covert ops team retired, he and his Para-Commander, Brandt Pela, who also happens to be his ex-brother in law and close friend, need someone to fill the empty position. Because Sera is so skilled, she has been assigned to join their team. The Federation’s enemy, the Imperialists, have attacked various outposts and have obtained very classified data. They have tracked the stolen information to a planet called Nondal. Ash, Brandt and Sera must go undercover to Nondal. Sera freaks out because she must go as a concubine to either one of the men since Nondal is very patriarchal and women are seen as play things. Ash assumes Sera will be his concubine, which will enable him to reach into Sera’s heart. Sera is not falling for it and rather be with Brandt. Brandt accepts even though Ash and Sera may still have to be hands on for the sake of the mission.
Ash is hurt that Sera won’t give him a second chance and knows he has a great deal of work cut out for him. He must prove to Sera that there is no other woman for him. And you would think the guy would be jealous because Brandt will be intimate with Sera in ways that only Ash wants to be. But Ash isn’t. Ash and Brandt have a very special relationship where they have enjoyed each other sexually. He feels that it is something very special for Brandt to share Sera with him. Knowing the man he cares for will be with the woman he loves excites him. He only hopes that Sera will welcome two men into pleasuring her, and give pleasure in return.
Sera knows she has no choice when it comes to Ash because if she is only intimate with Brandt and refuses Ash, it could jeopardize their mission. She gives into Brandt, which at first is a bit awkward, but all too soon he breaks through her defenses and from that she welcomes Ash into her bed. Soon these three are not just acting for the sake of their mission, but they genuinely begin to care for one another. Most of the time Sera is riding Brandt into orgasm or Ash is driving into her. And then when both men want to share her at the same time, Sera is so sexed beyond belief that she can hardly move.
But even as Sera has fallen in love with Brandt, and admits to Ash that she still loves him more than her own life, they still have an important job to do. Not only are they being watched and listened to every moment of the day, but the enemy may be closer than they think. Is it just coincidence that Ash’s ex-wife Kira and her husband have arrived on Nondal? Or do they have something more sinister planned?
Undercover is a great sci-fi romp that is heavy on the sex. The action and suspense is more secondary. Brandt, Sera and Ash make a great team. Sera is no TSTL (to stupid to live) heroine and even as she is deeply involved with these two men, she doesn’t let them walk all over her. All three give and take equally, and because of that, the love scenes really work. Sera is able to handle these two men. She says what is on her mind and won’t take any crap from anyone. My favorite character was Brandt because of his loving nature for both Sera and Ash. He is a great guy who shows his love proudly. The way he is with Ash and Sera is really sweet. It took me a bit longer to warm up to Ash. There was just something off about him, as if he wasn’t too well rounded, perhaps a bit too one-dimensional. It may have just been my own personal preference, rather than Lauren’s writing of him. I found Sera to be very believable, and her emotions over Ash’s betrayal came through nicely. I enjoyed Ash more when he was having fun with both Sera and Brandt at the same time, rather than one on one with Sera. But even though I may have a small issue with one of the main characters, I still felt the love story to be very well written. Who would have thought that a woman being shared by two good friends could be so much fun?
Like I said before, the sex scenes are not your typical vanilla ones you may read. There are a great deal of various positions and holes being filled. Even so, Lauren can write some steamy sex that may cross some lines but nothing too uncomfortable for my tastes. There was bondage, sex play and some domination games. Sounds like a great time, right?
Undercover is an easy read for those who enjoy characters who are not afraid of sex exploration in a unique type of setting. Sex in space has been giving a whole new meaning in Undercover with the creative story writing skills of Lauren Dane.
Sera Ayers is a lieutenant in the Federation Military Corps, a strong leader and woman not to be messed with. Her past comes back to haunt her in the form of Commander Ash Walker. Sera and Ash had an all consuming love affair ten years ago. Sera and Ash’s relationship was based on much love and respect, for Sera allowed Ash total control over her body and tapped into her inhibitions. Sera loved that Ash could dominate her in the bedroom and loved being his submissive. But things ended very badly between the two. Because Ash comes from a high-ranking family, he had to sacrifice their love because it was expected that he would marry a women who was of the same station as he. All he could offer Sera was a position as his mistress, which is quiet respectable in his circles. Sera told him to shove it and walked out of his life. Both have never forgotten each other and Ash loves her more than ever. He is now divorced and wants Sera back.
Because the third member of Ash’s covert ops team retired, he and his Para-Commander, Brandt Pela, who also happens to be his ex-brother in law and close friend, need someone to fill the empty position. Because Sera is so skilled, she has been assigned to join their team. The Federation’s enemy, the Imperialists, have attacked various outposts and have obtained very classified data. They have tracked the stolen information to a planet called Nondal. Ash, Brandt and Sera must go undercover to Nondal. Sera freaks out because she must go as a concubine to either one of the men since Nondal is very patriarchal and women are seen as play things. Ash assumes Sera will be his concubine, which will enable him to reach into Sera’s heart. Sera is not falling for it and rather be with Brandt. Brandt accepts even though Ash and Sera may still have to be hands on for the sake of the mission.
Ash is hurt that Sera won’t give him a second chance and knows he has a great deal of work cut out for him. He must prove to Sera that there is no other woman for him. And you would think the guy would be jealous because Brandt will be intimate with Sera in ways that only Ash wants to be. But Ash isn’t. Ash and Brandt have a very special relationship where they have enjoyed each other sexually. He feels that it is something very special for Brandt to share Sera with him. Knowing the man he cares for will be with the woman he loves excites him. He only hopes that Sera will welcome two men into pleasuring her, and give pleasure in return.
Sera knows she has no choice when it comes to Ash because if she is only intimate with Brandt and refuses Ash, it could jeopardize their mission. She gives into Brandt, which at first is a bit awkward, but all too soon he breaks through her defenses and from that she welcomes Ash into her bed. Soon these three are not just acting for the sake of their mission, but they genuinely begin to care for one another. Most of the time Sera is riding Brandt into orgasm or Ash is driving into her. And then when both men want to share her at the same time, Sera is so sexed beyond belief that she can hardly move.
But even as Sera has fallen in love with Brandt, and admits to Ash that she still loves him more than her own life, they still have an important job to do. Not only are they being watched and listened to every moment of the day, but the enemy may be closer than they think. Is it just coincidence that Ash’s ex-wife Kira and her husband have arrived on Nondal? Or do they have something more sinister planned?
Undercover is a great sci-fi romp that is heavy on the sex. The action and suspense is more secondary. Brandt, Sera and Ash make a great team. Sera is no TSTL (to stupid to live) heroine and even as she is deeply involved with these two men, she doesn’t let them walk all over her. All three give and take equally, and because of that, the love scenes really work. Sera is able to handle these two men. She says what is on her mind and won’t take any crap from anyone. My favorite character was Brandt because of his loving nature for both Sera and Ash. He is a great guy who shows his love proudly. The way he is with Ash and Sera is really sweet. It took me a bit longer to warm up to Ash. There was just something off about him, as if he wasn’t too well rounded, perhaps a bit too one-dimensional. It may have just been my own personal preference, rather than Lauren’s writing of him. I found Sera to be very believable, and her emotions over Ash’s betrayal came through nicely. I enjoyed Ash more when he was having fun with both Sera and Brandt at the same time, rather than one on one with Sera. But even though I may have a small issue with one of the main characters, I still felt the love story to be very well written. Who would have thought that a woman being shared by two good friends could be so much fun?
Like I said before, the sex scenes are not your typical vanilla ones you may read. There are a great deal of various positions and holes being filled. Even so, Lauren can write some steamy sex that may cross some lines but nothing too uncomfortable for my tastes. There was bondage, sex play and some domination games. Sounds like a great time, right?
Undercover is an easy read for those who enjoy characters who are not afraid of sex exploration in a unique type of setting. Sex in space has been giving a whole new meaning in Undercover with the creative story writing skills of Lauren Dane.
November 12, 2015
I was very out of my element while hunting for a menage book for a challenge and stumbled across quite a bit of praise for Lauren Dane. A lot of said praise specifically targeted Laid Bare, but I decided to go with Undercover since it was a science-fiction romance and I thought it would be more my style. It wasn't.
There were different universes, spacey travel, and the technology to implant chips in their heads so they can talk to each other while undercover. Outside of that it could have been any undercover military romance. I felt confused by most of the sci-fi aspects. Every time they mention going to another "'Verse" I had to stop and wonder if the author meant to call them galaxies, which totally pulled me out of the story.
Speaking of the story, there was barely one. There are two sides in the world we're reading about, the Federation (of which the main characters are members) and the Imperialists (which seem to be some sort of rogue-ish faction, but there was no real explanation of who they are). There is information that suggests some of the Federalists are helping out the Imperialists and the main trio go undercover to find out that information. Until the last dozen pages of the book I was so confused about what exactly they were looking for. Throughout the rest of the book there were times when the characters had an epiphany and made headway in their investigation and I was totally lost. It just made no sense.
Not only was it confusing, there was way too much repetition. I felt like I was constantly reading about Sera's newest concubine outfit (which was always completely see-through and could barely be called an outfit), Sera being insecure about being "unranked," or Sera missing out on parts of conversations and being pissed off at Ash/Brandt for whatever she thought they said. There was also way too much in the way of sexy-time. There was sex, then they went out for dinner, then they came back and had more sex, then they went out to a party, then they came back and had more sex. Total overkill.
I felt like the character development was really poor. There was a lot of strong emotional issues with the characters and some of their past histories/relationships and they could have been explored really well. Instead it seemed like a character would have this inner monologue and then reiterate the same conclusion they already came to at a later time.
Maybe I should have read Laid Bare or maybe this just isn't my style - either way, I wasn't a fan and probably won't read anything else by this author unless it comes very highly recommended from a trusted source.
There were different universes, spacey travel, and the technology to implant chips in their heads so they can talk to each other while undercover. Outside of that it could have been any undercover military romance. I felt confused by most of the sci-fi aspects. Every time they mention going to another "'Verse" I had to stop and wonder if the author meant to call them galaxies, which totally pulled me out of the story.
Speaking of the story, there was barely one. There are two sides in the world we're reading about, the Federation (of which the main characters are members) and the Imperialists (which seem to be some sort of rogue-ish faction, but there was no real explanation of who they are). There is information that suggests some of the Federalists are helping out the Imperialists and the main trio go undercover to find out that information. Until the last dozen pages of the book I was so confused about what exactly they were looking for. Throughout the rest of the book there were times when the characters had an epiphany and made headway in their investigation and I was totally lost. It just made no sense.
Not only was it confusing, there was way too much repetition. I felt like I was constantly reading about Sera's newest concubine outfit (which was always completely see-through and could barely be called an outfit), Sera being insecure about being "unranked," or Sera missing out on parts of conversations and being pissed off at Ash/Brandt for whatever she thought they said. There was also way too much in the way of sexy-time. There was sex, then they went out for dinner, then they came back and had more sex, then they went out to a party, then they came back and had more sex. Total overkill.
I felt like the character development was really poor. There was a lot of strong emotional issues with the characters and some of their past histories/relationships and they could have been explored really well. Instead it seemed like a character would have this inner monologue and then reiterate the same conclusion they already came to at a later time.
Maybe I should have read Laid Bare or maybe this just isn't my style - either way, I wasn't a fan and probably won't read anything else by this author unless it comes very highly recommended from a trusted source.
September 27, 2010
Hot and wild erotic scenes, but weak on the story side.
STORY BRIEF:
Sera’s parents were from a low class. Ash and Brandt are from the “Ranking Families” the highest class. Sera and Ash were in love, but Ash couldn’t marry Sera due to the class difference. His family forced him to marry Kira, for an alliance. Ash wanted Sera to stay with him as his mistress, but she was hurt and left. She became a successful military officer. Ash ended up divorced. Ten years later Sera is assigned to work with Ash to find out who is giving information to the Imperialists, the enemy. Brandt is also assigned to the job. The three of them go undercover to another planet Nondahl, to spy. Nondahl is a society where women are not allowed in public without a male escort. Sera must pretend to be Brandt’s concubine/mistress while there.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
Don’t read this if you want plot and character development. The story about finding a traitor doesn’t move along. There is not much action. There is a lot of talk and discussion about these guys or those guys might be doing something bad. In the end, the evidence and what happens to the traitors was not very interesting, sort of conveniently wrapped up. The story that does move along is the relationship among the three: how they interact with each other, start having sex, fall in love with each other, and decide what to do about it. They are primarily attracted to each other’s physical beauty.
On the positive side, some readers will enjoy the hot, wild sex scenes. Most of these are ménage a trois with two men and one woman. One scene has just two men. There is rear door activity and some bondage. If readers are ok with these combinations, then they should find the erotic scenes definitely above average.
DATA:
Story length: 328 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: strong/erotic. Number of sex scenes: 12. Total number of sex scene pages: 67. Setting: Various planets in the future. Copyright: 2008. Genre: erotic science fiction romance.
STORY BRIEF:
Sera’s parents were from a low class. Ash and Brandt are from the “Ranking Families” the highest class. Sera and Ash were in love, but Ash couldn’t marry Sera due to the class difference. His family forced him to marry Kira, for an alliance. Ash wanted Sera to stay with him as his mistress, but she was hurt and left. She became a successful military officer. Ash ended up divorced. Ten years later Sera is assigned to work with Ash to find out who is giving information to the Imperialists, the enemy. Brandt is also assigned to the job. The three of them go undercover to another planet Nondahl, to spy. Nondahl is a society where women are not allowed in public without a male escort. Sera must pretend to be Brandt’s concubine/mistress while there.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
Don’t read this if you want plot and character development. The story about finding a traitor doesn’t move along. There is not much action. There is a lot of talk and discussion about these guys or those guys might be doing something bad. In the end, the evidence and what happens to the traitors was not very interesting, sort of conveniently wrapped up. The story that does move along is the relationship among the three: how they interact with each other, start having sex, fall in love with each other, and decide what to do about it. They are primarily attracted to each other’s physical beauty.
On the positive side, some readers will enjoy the hot, wild sex scenes. Most of these are ménage a trois with two men and one woman. One scene has just two men. There is rear door activity and some bondage. If readers are ok with these combinations, then they should find the erotic scenes definitely above average.
DATA:
Story length: 328 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: strong/erotic. Number of sex scenes: 12. Total number of sex scene pages: 67. Setting: Various planets in the future. Copyright: 2008. Genre: erotic science fiction romance.
December 23, 2008
DID NOT FINISH.
Too much sex and nothing else despite two gorgeous hunks. It's lost my interest as it reads more like a historical in parts rather than a futuristic and I'm not captivated by the sex in this menage so have been hoping for the action-suspense sequences. It took too long so I ditched this for Cindy Gerard.
I gotta stop buying these erotic romance tradebacks - too costly not to finish! I'll be looking out for someone else's review, though, and even spoilers that might entice me to carry on reading.
Too much sex and nothing else despite two gorgeous hunks. It's lost my interest as it reads more like a historical in parts rather than a futuristic and I'm not captivated by the sex in this menage so have been hoping for the action-suspense sequences. It took too long so I ditched this for Cindy Gerard.
I gotta stop buying these erotic romance tradebacks - too costly not to finish! I'll be looking out for someone else's review, though, and even spoilers that might entice me to carry on reading.
April 4, 2020
3.5* rounded up
Sera is an unranked woman who worked her way up to lieutenant in the Federation Corps. 10 years ago, she was in love with Ash. She chose to leave after Ash got married. Ash had tried to make her his mistress. She is the one who got away (and vice versa). Ash is now divorced and the leader of a undercover unit with Brandt. He selects Sera based on her talent with languages. Someone (or someones) in the Families are selling secrets to the Imperialists.
Both Ash and Brandt are sons of powerful Families. I thought the world was interesting. There was some world-building and would have liked more. There's multiple different planets, Families that are the leaders. It's all inherited, you can't work your way into a leadership position. Families look down on the unranked. It's all very patriarchal too. For this being the future, women were not in places of power- they were wives and mistresses. A guy could have a wife and an official mistress (or more); and it was all okay. In terms of the ranking, it was very old-fashioned.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and the sex scenes were well written (a few less and more world building would have been nice). Sera, Ash, and Brandt were all likable. I loved how Ash and Brandt respected Sera for who she was. It was refreshing that they weren't jealous of the other when it came to being with Sera. The lack of general ass-holeyness was nice too.
This is part of a series, but should stand on it's own. The baddies are found out.
I read this for Romance-opoly Passion Place moon track
Sera is an unranked woman who worked her way up to lieutenant in the Federation Corps. 10 years ago, she was in love with Ash. She chose to leave after Ash got married. Ash had tried to make her his mistress. She is the one who got away (and vice versa). Ash is now divorced and the leader of a undercover unit with Brandt. He selects Sera based on her talent with languages. Someone (or someones) in the Families are selling secrets to the Imperialists.
Both Ash and Brandt are sons of powerful Families. I thought the world was interesting. There was some world-building and would have liked more. There's multiple different planets, Families that are the leaders. It's all inherited, you can't work your way into a leadership position. Families look down on the unranked. It's all very patriarchal too. For this being the future, women were not in places of power- they were wives and mistresses. A guy could have a wife and an official mistress (or more); and it was all okay. In terms of the ranking, it was very old-fashioned.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and the sex scenes were well written (a few less and more world building would have been nice). Sera, Ash, and Brandt were all likable. I loved how Ash and Brandt respected Sera for who she was. It was refreshing that they weren't jealous of the other when it came to being with Sera. The lack of general ass-holeyness was nice too.
This is part of a series, but should stand on it's own. The baddies are found out.
I read this for Romance-opoly Passion Place moon track
May 23, 2015
This sounded like a real good mix of world-building, plot, erotica and menage ... but to my surprise, it wasn't
the ideas were all there but they did not work out as they should have. the characters were well drawn but sometimes just not really likeable. and there was no real development. For me they did not really connect - all the time I thought I am not sure if this can work out.
The plot was a good idea but unfortunately it was not so well executed ... I missed a lot
all in all, this was an ok read and a bit on the disappointing side
the ideas were all there but they did not work out as they should have. the characters were well drawn but sometimes just not really likeable. and there was no real development. For me they did not really connect - all the time I thought I am not sure if this can work out.
The plot was a good idea but unfortunately it was not so well executed ... I missed a lot
all in all, this was an ok read and a bit on the disappointing side
abandoned
October 28, 2022Abandoned at 75%, that's a new record for me. I usually give books much less leeway.
I was just hopping it'd get better, but it was asinine and repetitive.
I was just hopping it'd get better, but it was asinine and repetitive.
March 8, 2011
At one moment in time Lieutenant Sera Ayers has submitted herself to a man who claimed her mind, body and soul to betray her in the worst of ways. After this she lost herself for a while, searching for another dominant but always shying away from completely trusting and surrendering herself again. She found solace in the Federation United Forces, using every one of her skills she climbed their ranks, honing her body into a perfect working machine. Until Ash, her once dominant lover, walks into her life again with Brandt, and emotions flood back into her heart with an avenging force...
Undercover is my first taste of what Lauren Dane has to offer as an Erotica author and all I can say is: "Wow, she knows how to make a statement!" To blend romance with a three-way relationship is a hard thing to accomplish, or it is at least in my book. To make such a theme work and also make it believable for the reader is not an easy feat. While I am exploring the Erotica genre in all earnest now Lauren Dane has given me something new, the male on male subject within a male/female/male three-way.
Ash Walker, Brandt Pela and Sera Ayers are very different from each other making their dialogues lively and simmering with sensual tension as emotions increase. Ash owns his sensuality in a raw, dark way that is almost savage. He can be very caring but he's also feral in his actions against those who hurt the one he cares about. Brandt is almost the opposite of Ash, which of course works very well in both the developing relationship as in the bedroom. He emits elegance and charm but in a very commanding way. While Sera is strong and holds her ground in both her professional and privet life, she still hungers for Dominance in the bedroom and you can tell that she has experience as a submissive.
The foundation of the action entails that in the Known Universes the Federation is good with its Ranking Families and that the Imperialists are de evil doers, hungry for power. Sera, Brandt and Ash form a triad, investigating a case of treachery from the Ranking Families. The Futuristic backdrop in this story is functional and not disturbing in any way. Sometimes the futuristic world-building or action takes away the attention from the actual romance but the author makes sure that - though it is intertwined within the story - it is all about the three-way relationship.
Lauren Dane beautifully illustrates the workings of a triangular love affair. Not only is it between Sera, Ash and Brandt as a whole but it is also about the individual ties that bind them separately. Brandt and Sera are falling in love while Ash and Sera already have a past. And then there's Ash and Brandt together, my first taste of male on male sensuality and it heightened the Erotica feel of Undercover. The attention focuses on the M/F/M relationship and yet Dane teasingly flirts with the male on male aspect. As this is fairly new to me, especially in how this author gives voice to it, it amazed me how natural it all felt.
Furthermore, it forged a stronger bond, deepening the connection between the two men and woman from chapter to chapter! I was enthralled by the earthly eroticism in this novel that both emanates desire as it equals in romantic emotions. But also the fears that comes natural with such a relationship is illustrated with in-depth comprehension. It all blends together in to a powerful read. It speaks about a three-way of the heart and to make it for a long-lasting relationship isn't easy. Thankfully Lauren Dane doesn't hide from this fact because if all parties are willing to do their best it can result in more than a fulfilling relationship. This message is something that makes Undercover more realistic and believable for me as the reader.
There might be minor details that I perceived with less enthusiasm but they are just that, minor. The cameo of supporting characters came down to family members of both Ash and Brandt, the brother of Sera and of course the concubines at Nondal that provide the necessary interaction with the key characters. I can't help but be completely swept away with the erotic-romance aspect in this tale. Brandt and Ash will give many female readers a taste of their personal liking and will empathize with Sera at the same time. The level of carnality is exquisite and given individuality and emotions from the characters.
Undercover is set ablaze with emotion as it is brimming with awe-commanding characters and provocative erotic scenes that had me reacting with the pulls-pounding need to keep on reading. Lauren Dane has concocted a story with the finest elements of what the Erotica genre has to offer. My first novel has definitely not been my last of this author! My complements.
Undercover is my first taste of what Lauren Dane has to offer as an Erotica author and all I can say is: "Wow, she knows how to make a statement!" To blend romance with a three-way relationship is a hard thing to accomplish, or it is at least in my book. To make such a theme work and also make it believable for the reader is not an easy feat. While I am exploring the Erotica genre in all earnest now Lauren Dane has given me something new, the male on male subject within a male/female/male three-way.
Ash Walker, Brandt Pela and Sera Ayers are very different from each other making their dialogues lively and simmering with sensual tension as emotions increase. Ash owns his sensuality in a raw, dark way that is almost savage. He can be very caring but he's also feral in his actions against those who hurt the one he cares about. Brandt is almost the opposite of Ash, which of course works very well in both the developing relationship as in the bedroom. He emits elegance and charm but in a very commanding way. While Sera is strong and holds her ground in both her professional and privet life, she still hungers for Dominance in the bedroom and you can tell that she has experience as a submissive.
The foundation of the action entails that in the Known Universes the Federation is good with its Ranking Families and that the Imperialists are de evil doers, hungry for power. Sera, Brandt and Ash form a triad, investigating a case of treachery from the Ranking Families. The Futuristic backdrop in this story is functional and not disturbing in any way. Sometimes the futuristic world-building or action takes away the attention from the actual romance but the author makes sure that - though it is intertwined within the story - it is all about the three-way relationship.
Lauren Dane beautifully illustrates the workings of a triangular love affair. Not only is it between Sera, Ash and Brandt as a whole but it is also about the individual ties that bind them separately. Brandt and Sera are falling in love while Ash and Sera already have a past. And then there's Ash and Brandt together, my first taste of male on male sensuality and it heightened the Erotica feel of Undercover. The attention focuses on the M/F/M relationship and yet Dane teasingly flirts with the male on male aspect. As this is fairly new to me, especially in how this author gives voice to it, it amazed me how natural it all felt.
Furthermore, it forged a stronger bond, deepening the connection between the two men and woman from chapter to chapter! I was enthralled by the earthly eroticism in this novel that both emanates desire as it equals in romantic emotions. But also the fears that comes natural with such a relationship is illustrated with in-depth comprehension. It all blends together in to a powerful read. It speaks about a three-way of the heart and to make it for a long-lasting relationship isn't easy. Thankfully Lauren Dane doesn't hide from this fact because if all parties are willing to do their best it can result in more than a fulfilling relationship. This message is something that makes Undercover more realistic and believable for me as the reader.
There might be minor details that I perceived with less enthusiasm but they are just that, minor. The cameo of supporting characters came down to family members of both Ash and Brandt, the brother of Sera and of course the concubines at Nondal that provide the necessary interaction with the key characters. I can't help but be completely swept away with the erotic-romance aspect in this tale. Brandt and Ash will give many female readers a taste of their personal liking and will empathize with Sera at the same time. The level of carnality is exquisite and given individuality and emotions from the characters.
Undercover is set ablaze with emotion as it is brimming with awe-commanding characters and provocative erotic scenes that had me reacting with the pulls-pounding need to keep on reading. Lauren Dane has concocted a story with the finest elements of what the Erotica genre has to offer. My first novel has definitely not been my last of this author! My complements.
June 9, 2010
Sera Ayers walks into her commanding officer's office only to be confronted with a man she vowed to forget, Ash Walker. Their love affair ended abruptly after she found out he was engaged to be married and he wanted to set her up as his mistress. See in this Universe, Ash is from one of the founding families and as one of the first sons he is expected to marry for political ties. Keeping a mistress or two on the side is perfectly acceptable by societies standards. Only Sera has more pride than that and was unable to accept the arrangement. Now ten years later she finds that Ash wants to use her in an undercover operation. She with Ash and his partner Brandt are to infiltrate the Imperialists in an attempt to find a traitor, by posing as two wastrel playboys and their concubine. What first begins as a ploy to fool others turns out to be the real thing between Ash, Brandt and Sera.
As I was reading the first chapter of Undercover, I got a little worried about the heroine of the story. When she makes her first appearance it's a violent and explosive one and these are not characteristics which I find appealing. She is bitter and accusatory towards Ash and with good reason, yet I was praying she wouldn't continue to act this way through the whole story. Fortunately Sera is one of those characters that once she has expressed her opinion she is able to move on and make the best of a bad situation and so my opinion of her went up several notches.
Usually a certain amount of disbelief is required when reading a romance between two men and one woman. I felt that Dane did a good job at explaining why and how the emotional pull between Ash, Brandt and Sera worked. Brandt was needed to sort of smooth out the conflict between Ash and Sera and was the glue that helped hold it all together. However, I do feel that much of the emotional development especially between Brandt and Sera was rushed or happened much to quickly.
While I enjoyed the story and the characters, I felt that the reader was only exposed to it at a superficial level. I wasn't as emotionally connected to the characters as I could have been. The world building itself had lots of potential, but for the most part only scratched the surface. More depth from both the characters and the world building would have made an enjoyable book an outstanding book. I would recommend this book for those readers who enjoy a book more focused on the characters instead of the world building.
As I was reading the first chapter of Undercover, I got a little worried about the heroine of the story. When she makes her first appearance it's a violent and explosive one and these are not characteristics which I find appealing. She is bitter and accusatory towards Ash and with good reason, yet I was praying she wouldn't continue to act this way through the whole story. Fortunately Sera is one of those characters that once she has expressed her opinion she is able to move on and make the best of a bad situation and so my opinion of her went up several notches.
Usually a certain amount of disbelief is required when reading a romance between two men and one woman. I felt that Dane did a good job at explaining why and how the emotional pull between Ash, Brandt and Sera worked. Brandt was needed to sort of smooth out the conflict between Ash and Sera and was the glue that helped hold it all together. However, I do feel that much of the emotional development especially between Brandt and Sera was rushed or happened much to quickly.
While I enjoyed the story and the characters, I felt that the reader was only exposed to it at a superficial level. I wasn't as emotionally connected to the characters as I could have been. The world building itself had lots of potential, but for the most part only scratched the surface. More depth from both the characters and the world building would have made an enjoyable book an outstanding book. I would recommend this book for those readers who enjoy a book more focused on the characters instead of the world building.
July 31, 2010
5 hearts out of 5
Let me start out by saying, I FRIGGIN LOVED THIS BOOK. In case the message isn’t clear enough.
I have only read a few short eBooks in the futuristic romance genre and didn’t care much for them. I actually bought this book off of Amazon to make a 3rd book deal to get free shipping. It had some good reviews so I thought why not. Well, to me, this was the best book ever.
The female heroine is probably one of the best I have ever read. She is Sera Ayers, a female lieutenant in the Federation Military Corps. I loved her right away because she is not some weak female character waiting for a man to save her. I think that is one of the reasons I loved this book. It was not a typical romance where the man is the “shining knight coming to save the day”. She is kick ass, emotionally stable, beautiful and holds a very respectable position.
The two main male characters are Ash Walker and Brandt Pela. *drools* They are both military men as well. Sera and Ash were a loving couple years ago but because of an ancient political law, Ash could not be with Sera. Ash and Brandt come from very wealthy families that run the ‘verse and they have to abide by these laws. The ten years previous when Ash and Sera were a couple, Sera lovingly submitted to Ash’s dominance in the bedroom. Their breakup was heartbreaking for both of them. Sera never forgave Ash for following the tradition and marrying as his family dictated in an arranged marriage. It was all political. (in fact he married Brandt’s sister)
Skip ahead to present day and they are all in the military together and are ordered together as a team. Things start out really rough and Brandt seems to serve as the constant referee between them but it is clear that Sera and Ash still have deep unresolved feelings towards each other. Ash is now divorced. The undercover military operation that they are ordered on together takes them to another planet in the ‘verse where woman are like second rate citizens and men are allowed concubines. Sera is undercover as Brandt’s concubine lover. Since they could be videotaped they really act like lovers and then shortly thereafter become so.
This undercover operation is amazing and becomes really hot and really well written. Ash and Brandt are gorgeous and the story gets extra steamy because this situation ignites passion in all three of them. HOT HOT HOT! A total page turner. I have to also add, there is love. Lots of love.
Warnings: sex, ménage, light BDSM, M/M/F situations with some light M/M
Let me start out by saying, I FRIGGIN LOVED THIS BOOK. In case the message isn’t clear enough.
I have only read a few short eBooks in the futuristic romance genre and didn’t care much for them. I actually bought this book off of Amazon to make a 3rd book deal to get free shipping. It had some good reviews so I thought why not. Well, to me, this was the best book ever.
The female heroine is probably one of the best I have ever read. She is Sera Ayers, a female lieutenant in the Federation Military Corps. I loved her right away because she is not some weak female character waiting for a man to save her. I think that is one of the reasons I loved this book. It was not a typical romance where the man is the “shining knight coming to save the day”. She is kick ass, emotionally stable, beautiful and holds a very respectable position.
The two main male characters are Ash Walker and Brandt Pela. *drools* They are both military men as well. Sera and Ash were a loving couple years ago but because of an ancient political law, Ash could not be with Sera. Ash and Brandt come from very wealthy families that run the ‘verse and they have to abide by these laws. The ten years previous when Ash and Sera were a couple, Sera lovingly submitted to Ash’s dominance in the bedroom. Their breakup was heartbreaking for both of them. Sera never forgave Ash for following the tradition and marrying as his family dictated in an arranged marriage. It was all political. (in fact he married Brandt’s sister)
Skip ahead to present day and they are all in the military together and are ordered together as a team. Things start out really rough and Brandt seems to serve as the constant referee between them but it is clear that Sera and Ash still have deep unresolved feelings towards each other. Ash is now divorced. The undercover military operation that they are ordered on together takes them to another planet in the ‘verse where woman are like second rate citizens and men are allowed concubines. Sera is undercover as Brandt’s concubine lover. Since they could be videotaped they really act like lovers and then shortly thereafter become so.
This undercover operation is amazing and becomes really hot and really well written. Ash and Brandt are gorgeous and the story gets extra steamy because this situation ignites passion in all three of them. HOT HOT HOT! A total page turner. I have to also add, there is love. Lots of love.
Warnings: sex, ménage, light BDSM, M/M/F situations with some light M/M
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2016
Lauren Dane
made a fan out of me with her Brown Siblings series books and although
Undercover
has a lot of the same flavor with the M/F/M story line that is where the comparison stops. This book is much darker, much harsher and even with the enticement of being a Fantasy Sci-Fi it just did not quite hold my attention the way I was hoping it would. For one thing to be honest the main characters of Sera, Ash and Brandt never really connected with me. I think given reactions from long time fans of the author that is more to do with my state of mind while reading the book than any lack of character development on the part of Ms. Dane. I think that the majority of the readers who enjoy very graphic D/S erotica will enjoy this book to the fullest, for me it just did not quite pull me in and keep my attention and in fact it kind of made me feel like the point the author was trying to make never made sense. Again this is just my point of view, think that right now with some things going on should have not read this particular book. I am however really looking forward to reading more written by
Lauren Dane
because I like her writing style and her characters are interesting and for me most of all her stories are entertaining. Just not
Undercover
for whatever reason right now for me.
September 20, 2010
I picked up this book because I liked Laid Bare, and while browsing Amazon saw this book was on sale. Whoo-eee! I didn't realize it was a futuristic story, as I don't usually enjoy that sort of book, but this one was great. Sooo sexy.
Sera Ayers was in love with Ash Walker 10 years ago. He was totally Dominant and she loved submitting to him. He was the love of her life and he ended up having to marry for political reasons. Sera refused to be his sanctioned mistress. She was bitter and depressed and channeled her energy into advancing her military career.
Fast forward 1o years, and Sera is called in to her commanders office for a new assignment. She'll be working with Ash and Brandt Pela as an undercover group to travel to another planet to gather information about who is selling weapons and information to federation enemies. She is supposed to pose as Ash's concubine, but she refuses and agrees to pose as Brandt's concubine. Once they're there, though, someone notices she has Ash's mark on her (she never had it removed) and ends up having to pose as concubine to both men. I liked that the men interacted with each other as well as Sera.
Ash explains to her what's happened to him in the last 10 years, including divorce from his wife and that he never got over Sera. Sera never got over Ash either, but she's wary of seeing him again. Because of their mission, she's already involved with Brandt, and when Ash gets involved everyone is happy.
The covert mission is interesting, and the relationship between the three is complex. I enjoyed the ending once the mission was over. This was a fun read with a lot of sexin'!
Sera Ayers was in love with Ash Walker 10 years ago. He was totally Dominant and she loved submitting to him. He was the love of her life and he ended up having to marry for political reasons. Sera refused to be his sanctioned mistress. She was bitter and depressed and channeled her energy into advancing her military career.
Fast forward 1o years, and Sera is called in to her commanders office for a new assignment. She'll be working with Ash and Brandt Pela as an undercover group to travel to another planet to gather information about who is selling weapons and information to federation enemies. She is supposed to pose as Ash's concubine, but she refuses and agrees to pose as Brandt's concubine. Once they're there, though, someone notices she has Ash's mark on her (she never had it removed) and ends up having to pose as concubine to both men. I liked that the men interacted with each other as well as Sera.
Ash explains to her what's happened to him in the last 10 years, including divorce from his wife and that he never got over Sera. Sera never got over Ash either, but she's wary of seeing him again. Because of their mission, she's already involved with Brandt, and when Ash gets involved everyone is happy.
The covert mission is interesting, and the relationship between the three is complex. I enjoyed the ending once the mission was over. This was a fun read with a lot of sexin'!
March 26, 2025
This is my first book by the author Lauren Dane and it is one amazing first book for me to read especially since it is a really large ARC of her first Berkley Heat December release. I was lucky enough to have one this ARC of
Undercover
and I knew it was going to be very different from any other books I've read because it is Futuristic, Erotic Romance, Menage and BDSM all rapped up in one very excitingly awesome novel. I've read futuristic books since I'm a fan of J.D. Robb's In Death series but I haven't read many erotic romances before especially with Menage and BDSM so this is going out of my relam of reading experience. I was warned by the author just in case because she didn't want me to feel uncomfortable reading and reviewing this novel and I told her not to worry because I love reading new things every chance I can get since I want to become a romance writer one day. First off I have to say I'm super glad that I won the contest because I was only one of a very long, long, long list of readers and authors who wanted to get their own ARC of
Undercover
. Now onto the very honest review of this book that I promised to deliever to the author Lauren Dane.
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2012
Had to give myself a day to think about my review for this book because there were many parts I enjoyed but felt a little discomfited about the lack of real M/M in the book. This menage book is very well-written with a storyline that was engaging and a great plot not to mention three highly seductive and sexy main characters. I've read a few reviews stating the M/M element was something they didn't enjoy and I always get annoyed by these when reading any menage book. The boys have to touch at some point, even if they ARE just there for the woman but I know that's also a preference and hey... to each his own. I just wish Lauren Dane could've explored true M/M with Ash and Brandt while still maintaining the threesome in this menage story because it would have made the connection for the trio that much stronger to me. I wonder if this book had been published by one of her digital publishers rather than traditional if she could have made it a "true" menage which is why I vacillated between a 3 and 4 in my review. I love Lauren Dane's voice and the lack of M/M in this menage is not keeping me from reading more of her works. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series, in fact. My review of a 3 is really because I would've loved to see the men's sexual encounters as much as their heroine does and kinda felt cheated about it.
January 28, 2011
This is how I'm gonna explain the feeling for this book.
First porno I ever saw was some ridiculous 70's thing. You know the kind where the girl has run out of money and can't pay for her rent <cue "Bow chicka wow wa" music> so she's got to work it off...then after 20 minutes of watching I've totally forgotten what the plot was. Facing the fact that we watch porn for the SEX not the plot. You read this book for the SEX not the plot. Which is too bad since it sounded like something interesting.
I really can't even tell you anything important in the plot. I just remember a lot of "eating at the Y" & "knob jobs". And we are talking about BSDM, I dominate you, you submit to me kind of stuff. Oh AND there's some M/M action. But don't worry it's not like they are "gay" they just like to suck each other off. WTF seriously I think that makes you a little gay doesn't it?
I'm disappointed in this book. If there was one scene that stuck in my head it was the scene with Ash's head.
First porno I ever saw was some ridiculous 70's thing. You know the kind where the girl has run out of money and can't pay for her rent <cue "Bow chicka wow wa" music> so she's got to work it off...then after 20 minutes of watching I've totally forgotten what the plot was. Facing the fact that we watch porn for the SEX not the plot. You read this book for the SEX not the plot. Which is too bad since it sounded like something interesting.
I really can't even tell you anything important in the plot. I just remember a lot of "eating at the Y" & "knob jobs". And we are talking about BSDM, I dominate you, you submit to me kind of stuff. Oh AND there's some M/M action. But don't worry it's not like they are "gay" they just like to suck each other off. WTF seriously I think that makes you a little gay doesn't it?
I'm disappointed in this book. If there was one scene that stuck in my head it was the scene with Ash's head.
April 11, 2012
This wasn't my favorite book by Lauren Dane. I enjoyed the characters and their romance but the other aspects of the story made it less enjoyable. There was nothing wrong with the book, it was my reaction to it that stopped me from enjoying it more.
I didn't like the patriarchal world the book was set in. I can understand the basics of a dominant/submissive relationship but I don't really get it. Sera needs the safety and comfort of being submissive, I don't get that at all so it made it difficult for me to feel a connection with Sera. I had the same issue with Ash and Brandt, their strong dominance in the bedroom was a turn off for me. Sex is a big part of this book but I couldn't get over the D/s part of it enough to really enjoy the sex scenes.
I like science fiction and the war of the universes is appealing. I've also read one book further along in the series and really enjoyed it so I think it's just this particular book which doesn't do it for me. I'll continue reading the series. I just hope the next book isn't set on the same planet as this one and the next group of people aren't so into the D/s roles.
I didn't like the patriarchal world the book was set in. I can understand the basics of a dominant/submissive relationship but I don't really get it. Sera needs the safety and comfort of being submissive, I don't get that at all so it made it difficult for me to feel a connection with Sera. I had the same issue with Ash and Brandt, their strong dominance in the bedroom was a turn off for me. Sex is a big part of this book but I couldn't get over the D/s part of it enough to really enjoy the sex scenes.
I like science fiction and the war of the universes is appealing. I've also read one book further along in the series and really enjoyed it so I think it's just this particular book which doesn't do it for me. I'll continue reading the series. I just hope the next book isn't set on the same planet as this one and the next group of people aren't so into the D/s roles.
May 23, 2011
Undercover is my one of my FAVOURITE books by Ms. Dane. This book has it all - angst, kinky sex, two HOT alpha doms, a sexy sub and menage scenes that make me melt into a puddle. I love this new world Ms. Dane created. I love the sci-fi parts of it. I really love Ash, Brandt and Sera. The painful past which becomes a hard future together was pretty impressive. I felt emotionally attached to each of the characters. No one was perfect. Each had flaws which were easily relatable. With how hot Ash and Brandt are, I would fantasize being Sera. The fact that they are covert operations in a sci-fi type world really stroked all the places that makes me go mmmm. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. LOVE IT! I recommend this to any woman who enjoys romance with a happily ever after mixed in with a bit of scifi/fantasy and a sexual tension that will spike your temperature.
July 9, 2013
I own over 20 of Ms. Dane's books but this is the first that I've actually read. I did like this story but I must admit that it has more sex than plot. Luckily for me, I really really liked the heroine (Sera) and both the guys (Ash and Brandt). It was blatantly obvious that Ash was forced to marry another woman ten years ago, leaving his lover Sera. Poor Sera had a rough time getting over him (not that she ever really did). Ash turned to his best friend Brandt for a little M/M relief and eventually reunites with Sera but it's not all fun and games anymore. Now the three of them are a team and have nasty inter-planetary criminals to hunt down. And their "undercover" disguises - lover and concubine. Yup they all have to get down and dirty to uncover the bad guys. Oh yeah this is one hot novel and I love Kira's comeuppance at the end. You go girl!
October 25, 2011
2 1/2 stars
Lauren Dane has the ability (not that common among erotic writers) to whip up very interesting stories. Unfortunately they have the downside of falling short of expectation.
The plot is good but weak, drowned by never ending sex scenes, same with character development. The story about the traitor doesn’t move along, as there almost no action to support it. There is a lot of talk and discussion about something bad, but in the end, not much evidence in the story (much is told, non seen).
What moves the story is the relationship among the three: how they interact, fall in love, and decide their future together.
All together, not a bad book, if this is what interests you as a reader. Mind, though, this book is really expensive for its worth: 12+$. You might want to borrow it form the library.
Lauren Dane has the ability (not that common among erotic writers) to whip up very interesting stories. Unfortunately they have the downside of falling short of expectation.
The plot is good but weak, drowned by never ending sex scenes, same with character development. The story about the traitor doesn’t move along, as there almost no action to support it. There is a lot of talk and discussion about something bad, but in the end, not much evidence in the story (much is told, non seen).
What moves the story is the relationship among the three: how they interact, fall in love, and decide their future together.
All together, not a bad book, if this is what interests you as a reader. Mind, though, this book is really expensive for its worth: 12+$. You might want to borrow it form the library.
November 6, 2010
I have to say it's not one of my favorite Lauren Dane books, I didn't really get into the book, maybe it was the characters, at times I liked them, and at times I just wanted the whole story to be over. I did read some of the reviews that said the BDSM was a bit too much, and I didn't think it was too extreme.
June 16, 2009
This is a futuristic menage story. The story itself and characters were ok. The sex was very repetitive and got boring pretty quickly, and IMO the author did not take full advantage of the menage opportunities.
August 14, 2010
HUGE Disappointment.
Sci Fi aspect was very weak and the world building blah....
The erotic story would have worked better with more angst and less all one big happy family.
This one really had potential and didn't go where I think it needed to.
:-(
Sci Fi aspect was very weak and the world building blah....
The erotic story would have worked better with more angst and less all one big happy family.
This one really had potential and didn't go where I think it needed to.
:-(
November 2, 2010
Rating: 3.5, I'd say.
Flesh out review to follow shortly.
Flesh out review to follow shortly.
April 11, 2013
DID NOT FINISH!
and so boring
and so boring
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