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Brothers in Arms #5
Retreat From Love
Brothers in Arms, Book Five. A man with everything except his heart’s desire.Frederick Thorne, Duke of Ashland, has been in love with Brett Haversham for years. If the only way to have him is to give him what he wants Freddy will share him, in bed and out, with the woman Brett loves. The woman who was Freddy’s first love. A man sacrificing everything for the past.Brett Haversham is in love with two people he’s sworn never to touch. But his desires prove to be stronger than his resolve when they both set out to seduce him—together. The incredible sex they share overwhelms him. A woman with nothing left to lose.Anne Goode lost her fiancé Bertie in the war. Now his younger brother Freddy is back, all grown up into the handsome and powerful duke. And he’s brought Bertie’s best friend Brett with him. Lonely and already ruined, Anne can’t resist taking both of them as her lovers. Is the uncontrollable desire between the three enough to heal the wounds of the past and overcome the problems of the present? They must accept love rather than retreat from it.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2008
47 people are currently reading
690 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Kane
54 books771 followersSamantha Kane lives in North Carolina with her husband and three children, two boys and one girl. With a master’s degree in American history, she spent seven years as a high school history teacher before becoming a full-time writer and mom.
Series:
THE BIRMINGHAM REBELS
BROTHERS IN ARMS
THE SAINT'S DEVILS
THE 93RD HIGHLANDERS
MERCURY RISING
Series:
THE BIRMINGHAM REBELS
BROTHERS IN ARMS
THE SAINT'S DEVILS
THE 93RD HIGHLANDERS
MERCURY RISING
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 16, 2009
Rating: 3.5 / 5
I liked this addition to the series, but I didn't think it was as good as the last one. Something about the characters annoyed me a little bit and kept me from getting completely into the story. But I still enjoyed it; I just didn't love it.
Retreat From Love is the fifth book in Samantha Kane's Brothers in Arms series. This book could probably be read as a standalone, but I'd recommend reading the whole series so you'll understand backstory and whatnot.
This book sort of draws its base from the death of Bertrand "Bertie" Thorne, second son to the Duke of Ashland. Bertie got engaged to the vicar's daughter and his best friend, Anne Goode before going off to war. While there, he became best friends with Brett Haversham. Brett fell in love with Anne through Bertie reading her letters and telling Brett about her. Anne, too, grew to feel something for Brett through Bertie's words. Then Bertie is killed and Brett seriously injured.
Bertie's youngest brother, Freddy (now the Duke of Ashland), ends up taking care of Brett...and falling in love with him. But though the two become close and constant companions, Brett rebuffs Freddy's advances. He's too caught up in survivor's guilt. The reentry of Anne into their lives brings everything to a head. Freddy wants Brett to marry Anne so he'll be happy. Brett wants Freddy to marry Anne because it would be the right thing to do. And Anne wants them both but believes she could never truly have either because of her loose reputation.
...and that's a bit of an oversimplified summary of the book. The backstory is rather complicated. But the story basically boils down to 3 people who want each other but who believe they couldn't have anything permanent. There's a lot of total selflessness and also a lot of self-flagellation among all 3 characters.
Which is one of the things that got on my nerves at times during the story, more so in the beginning. Brett wants Freddy to have Anne. Freddy wants Brett to have Anne. Anne thinks her reputation would ruin Freddy. I got a little tired of the characters beating up on themselves. There's just a lot of backing away, and 'I want you, but I can't have you'. I wanted to tell them all to get over it and get on with it!
I was also a little torn over the character of Anne. This is a historical romance, yet Anne is a very sexual young woman. She slept with Bertie out of curiosity and has had several lovers since. She's just very aggressive sexually. Which is very different than heroines you usually read about in historical romances. I wasn't sure I liked it. I thought it was interesting and unique, but at times her behavior seemed too much.
The sex scenes, however, were smokin' hot. Kane definitely knows how to write a make-you-melt sex scene. So I've got no complaints on that area of the book ;)
I also liked the twists regarding Freddy's family. I'd had suspicions about certain things, but Kane surprised me with revelations near the end. I hadn't expected the entirety of it. Always fun to be surprised by something in a book.
So overall, this was a pretty good book. I didn't like it as much as the last one and there were a couple things that bugged me, but it was still a good addition to the series.
WARNING, this book contains: explicit sex, explicit language, m/f sex, m/m sex, bi m/f/m sex and a bi menage HEA, anal sex
I liked this addition to the series, but I didn't think it was as good as the last one. Something about the characters annoyed me a little bit and kept me from getting completely into the story. But I still enjoyed it; I just didn't love it.
Retreat From Love is the fifth book in Samantha Kane's Brothers in Arms series. This book could probably be read as a standalone, but I'd recommend reading the whole series so you'll understand backstory and whatnot.
This book sort of draws its base from the death of Bertrand "Bertie" Thorne, second son to the Duke of Ashland. Bertie got engaged to the vicar's daughter and his best friend, Anne Goode before going off to war. While there, he became best friends with Brett Haversham. Brett fell in love with Anne through Bertie reading her letters and telling Brett about her. Anne, too, grew to feel something for Brett through Bertie's words. Then Bertie is killed and Brett seriously injured.
Bertie's youngest brother, Freddy (now the Duke of Ashland), ends up taking care of Brett...and falling in love with him. But though the two become close and constant companions, Brett rebuffs Freddy's advances. He's too caught up in survivor's guilt. The reentry of Anne into their lives brings everything to a head. Freddy wants Brett to marry Anne so he'll be happy. Brett wants Freddy to marry Anne because it would be the right thing to do. And Anne wants them both but believes she could never truly have either because of her loose reputation.
...and that's a bit of an oversimplified summary of the book. The backstory is rather complicated. But the story basically boils down to 3 people who want each other but who believe they couldn't have anything permanent. There's a lot of total selflessness and also a lot of self-flagellation among all 3 characters.
Which is one of the things that got on my nerves at times during the story, more so in the beginning. Brett wants Freddy to have Anne. Freddy wants Brett to have Anne. Anne thinks her reputation would ruin Freddy. I got a little tired of the characters beating up on themselves. There's just a lot of backing away, and 'I want you, but I can't have you'. I wanted to tell them all to get over it and get on with it!
I was also a little torn over the character of Anne. This is a historical romance, yet Anne is a very sexual young woman. She slept with Bertie out of curiosity and has had several lovers since. She's just very aggressive sexually. Which is very different than heroines you usually read about in historical romances. I wasn't sure I liked it. I thought it was interesting and unique, but at times her behavior seemed too much.
The sex scenes, however, were smokin' hot. Kane definitely knows how to write a make-you-melt sex scene. So I've got no complaints on that area of the book ;)
I also liked the twists regarding Freddy's family. I'd had suspicions about certain things, but Kane surprised me with revelations near the end. I hadn't expected the entirety of it. Always fun to be surprised by something in a book.
So overall, this was a pretty good book. I didn't like it as much as the last one and there were a couple things that bugged me, but it was still a good addition to the series.
WARNING, this book contains: explicit sex, explicit language, m/f sex, m/m sex, bi m/f/m sex and a bi menage HEA, anal sex
June 1, 2017
And here is where I take a little 'Brothers in Arms' break!
I'm all smutted out!!
It's just all so outrageous, I look forward to dipping back in when I have another craving!
A bit too much fannying about in this. Watching characters come to startling realisations at the end of one chapter only for them to behave like said realisations never happened in the next became grating, this is what happens when you read 5 PWP with the same formula in a row I guess! Anne has to be the least Regency like heroine that has ever been written. Like ever in the history of the world!! I dare someone to find someone less Regency like, I'm pretty sure it can't be done. Jane Austen would faint, I kid you not!!
This series is really not to be taken in any way seriously. It's not life changing, it is not deep. It works on the premise that sex will cure all emotional and physical scars. But I'm not gonna lie, I rather enjoyed the outrageousness of it all. I've totally overdosed though!!
December 15, 2014
So this series just seems to get better as it moves forward, which is rare in a series. Usually they begin strong, with the best characters and scenarios, and then slowly deteriorate until you're falling asleep reading them. Not so here. I loved the dynamic between Freddy and Brett, and loved the two of them individually as characters. Anne is a good character, as well, impetuous and practical. The only problem I had with her was her reluctance to believe in any kind of lasting future with Freddy and Brett. Thankfully, she wised up, of course. Otherwise we wouldn't get our HEA.
This isn't Pulitzer Prize winning stuff. This is erotic fiction. So if you're in the mood for something worthy of a Pulitzer, look elsewhere. If you are, however, in the mood to read a dirty story about a hot threesome with likable characters and an engaging plot, you can't really go wrong with this one. So much erotica is focused solely on the sex, and I won't lie and say this book doesn't contain a lot of sex, but what sets Kane's work apart from some others I've read is her ability to actually give her characters personality, and to actually weave a story in between the steamy stuff. I liked this first book quite a bit, but there are a few in the series I will probably be rating higher simply because I liked the storyline and/or the characters a little more.
Contains m/m and m/m/f sex scenes with an insanely high steam factor, so if you're a pearl clutcher, don't bother.
This isn't Pulitzer Prize winning stuff. This is erotic fiction. So if you're in the mood for something worthy of a Pulitzer, look elsewhere. If you are, however, in the mood to read a dirty story about a hot threesome with likable characters and an engaging plot, you can't really go wrong with this one. So much erotica is focused solely on the sex, and I won't lie and say this book doesn't contain a lot of sex, but what sets Kane's work apart from some others I've read is her ability to actually give her characters personality, and to actually weave a story in between the steamy stuff. I liked this first book quite a bit, but there are a few in the series I will probably be rating higher simply because I liked the storyline and/or the characters a little more.
Contains m/m and m/m/f sex scenes with an insanely high steam factor, so if you're a pearl clutcher, don't bother.
March 5, 2016
Ohhhhhh - I just LOVED this book. It was such a great story with a wonderful romance that was also extremely steamy and naughty. It had great characters, witty dialogue, mysterious intrigue, a gorgeous setting, meaningful relationships, an engaging backstory, hope, love, redemption, laughter and did I mention it was naughty? It was a fantastic read!! I'm sure I'll be reading it again in the near future!
The heroine Anne, is a wonderful character filled with life, bravado and honesty. She was so real in her thoughts and feelings and so courageous to make the choices and take the chances she took. I could actually feel her contemplating her seductive strategies at the pond.
We have 2 heroes in this tale and both were delicious. Freddy is a charismatic and flirtatious beam of light. He is giving and wanton and so very provoking! Brett is subdued, but those still waters run so deep. Beneath his stoic exterior there is a passionate and loyal man who suffers and loves in near silence. When he comes to life and we meet the man inside, well he took my breath away!
The trio is absolutely titillating. The romantic and sexual tension between these characters is palatable which is best depicted one night when all three are trying to go to sleep in their separate beds. Samantha Kane takes us from one character's thoughts to another and then the third while they are all trying to fall asleep after spending a wonderful day together. Uh ummmmm. I wish you good luck trying to go to sleep after you read that chapter. Wow. It is one of the MOST insanely sexy scenes I have ever read. So unique and really well done.
I'm not even going to mention the glove.
The heroine Anne, is a wonderful character filled with life, bravado and honesty. She was so real in her thoughts and feelings and so courageous to make the choices and take the chances she took. I could actually feel her contemplating her seductive strategies at the pond.
We have 2 heroes in this tale and both were delicious. Freddy is a charismatic and flirtatious beam of light. He is giving and wanton and so very provoking! Brett is subdued, but those still waters run so deep. Beneath his stoic exterior there is a passionate and loyal man who suffers and loves in near silence. When he comes to life and we meet the man inside, well he took my breath away!
The trio is absolutely titillating. The romantic and sexual tension between these characters is palatable which is best depicted one night when all three are trying to go to sleep in their separate beds. Samantha Kane takes us from one character's thoughts to another and then the third while they are all trying to fall asleep after spending a wonderful day together. Uh ummmmm. I wish you good luck trying to go to sleep after you read that chapter. Wow. It is one of the MOST insanely sexy scenes I have ever read. So unique and really well done.
I'm not even going to mention the glove.
February 10, 2009
I read the series of 5 books over the course of a few days, so again I'll write one review for all. I was surprised that I really enjoyed them because I haven't been much in the mood for romance lately. The stories are quite erotic, avoid them if you don't enjoy lots of sex, including some more exotic situations. But the supporting stories are quite enjoyable as well, kept me wanting to see what happened to the next set of characters. Each book centers around one romance. The characters are all related through the men having served in the military fighting for Britain against Napoleon and the French in 1811 or so.
January 2, 2015
Histo-erotica MMF menage. Ok, now it's getting ridiculous, but I can't stop reading this smutty crack.
The Bottom Line (more like 3.5 stars, but I always round up)
The Bottom Line (more like 3.5 stars, but I always round up)
June 19, 2023
- Heroine: Anne
- Guys: Freddy and Brett
- POVs Included: Multiple POVs (Anne, Freddy, Brett)
- Book Playlist (Brothers in Arms Book Series Playlist)
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
SUMMARY: (SPOILER WARNING)
Anne was best friends with Bertie her whole life. So when he went off to war, they naturally wrote each other constantly. Through her letters to Bertie, his best friend and fellow soldier, Brett, fell in love with Anne. Whenever Bertie read her letters to him, he fell more in love with her.
After Bertie died tragically in the war and Brett was injured, Bertie’s brother Freddy took it upon himself to care for his late brother’s injured best friend. And over the last five years they have become closer than brothers, and Freddy wishes for more between them even if Brett refuses.
But now that Anne has come back into both of their lives, they are both falling for her, while at the same time their feelings for each other can no longer be denied.
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
REVIEW:
This one was alright. This series is good smutty times, even if they can be a little cheesy and unrealistic. Still, the smut is hot and that’s what I read them for.
Freddy and Brett have been background characters in the previous books and I was looking forward to their book.
I like Freddy a lot. He’s so warm and giving and always willing to be there for his friends. He’s just a really good man.
Brett was always quieter and his refusal to be with Freddy was frustrating, even if I understood it to some degree. The more he opened up and accepted his feelings, the more I liked him.
Anne was okay. For the most part I liked her alright. But she annoyed me so much trying to push Freddy on someone “worthy of the duchess title”. She was just so ridiculous about the whole thing and I didn’t like that. I also found the scene with her standing behind Freddy while he was having sex with Brett so she could “help” really weird and awkward. Still, she was okay overall. Not too annoying but not my favorite either.
The whole story was just them all coming to terms with their feelings and getting on the same page. Nothing more, nothing less. Although the drama and history with his late father and Anne’s mother/father was interesting.
Overall it was okay. These books are good for mmf smut. But don’t expect a riveting story or anything. I would prefer them to stay between 150-300 pages because any longer and they drag too much. This one was a little longer than I’d prefer for this series, but it was still okay.
- Guys: Freddy and Brett
- POVs Included: Multiple POVs (Anne, Freddy, Brett)
- Book Playlist (Brothers in Arms Book Series Playlist)
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
SUMMARY: (SPOILER WARNING)
Anne was best friends with Bertie her whole life. So when he went off to war, they naturally wrote each other constantly. Through her letters to Bertie, his best friend and fellow soldier, Brett, fell in love with Anne. Whenever Bertie read her letters to him, he fell more in love with her.
After Bertie died tragically in the war and Brett was injured, Bertie’s brother Freddy took it upon himself to care for his late brother’s injured best friend. And over the last five years they have become closer than brothers, and Freddy wishes for more between them even if Brett refuses.
But now that Anne has come back into both of their lives, they are both falling for her, while at the same time their feelings for each other can no longer be denied.
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
REVIEW:
This one was alright. This series is good smutty times, even if they can be a little cheesy and unrealistic. Still, the smut is hot and that’s what I read them for.
Freddy and Brett have been background characters in the previous books and I was looking forward to their book.
I like Freddy a lot. He’s so warm and giving and always willing to be there for his friends. He’s just a really good man.
Brett was always quieter and his refusal to be with Freddy was frustrating, even if I understood it to some degree. The more he opened up and accepted his feelings, the more I liked him.
Anne was okay. For the most part I liked her alright. But she annoyed me so much trying to push Freddy on someone “worthy of the duchess title”. She was just so ridiculous about the whole thing and I didn’t like that. I also found the scene with her standing behind Freddy while he was having sex with Brett so she could “help” really weird and awkward. Still, she was okay overall. Not too annoying but not my favorite either.
The whole story was just them all coming to terms with their feelings and getting on the same page. Nothing more, nothing less. Although the drama and history with his late father and Anne’s mother/father was interesting.
Overall it was okay. These books are good for mmf smut. But don’t expect a riveting story or anything. I would prefer them to stay between 150-300 pages because any longer and they drag too much. This one was a little longer than I’d prefer for this series, but it was still okay.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2021
4 stars (enjoy Kate Pearce, Jess Michaels, Victoria Vale, Samantha Kane)
Sometimes you want to just have dessert as your meal...that’s what Historical Erotic romance is to me when reading these books.
my personal markers for a great read...1. smart and engaging writing, 2. Humorous, 3. sexy interactions and 4. stories with family/friends.
I love series around family members or a group of friends. I love the series even more when the author intertwines those characters throughout the book series (it’s a pet peeve when authors don’t do that because what’s the point of the series and introducing the characters if they are not going to interact throughout the series). Samantha Kane does a good job with past characters throughout her Brother in Arms series.
The development and interest in main characters and secondary characters was enjoyable (I think there’s enough written about next upcoming series book to grab your attention). I really did like the H/H/H for this book; very well paired as a couples.
writing style is easy to follow, humorous moments (secondary characters, the give and take dialogue enjoyable as well as action pack.
I did enjoyed how the writing of the book came along in the story telling.
Romantic/sexual content (kissing, oral, love making scenes) was throughout the book; well written detailed scenes. 5/5 hotness and steam (sometimes it was too much and the story was lost to me).
would recommend this book and the series.
You don’t have to read the series (main books) in order however, I think you lose the storytelling of characters.
NOTE: written in some of the stories is traumatic events (sexual abuse, sexual assault, PTSD, assault). Nothing in great detail.
Sometimes you want to just have dessert as your meal...that’s what Historical Erotic romance is to me when reading these books.
my personal markers for a great read...1. smart and engaging writing, 2. Humorous, 3. sexy interactions and 4. stories with family/friends.
I love series around family members or a group of friends. I love the series even more when the author intertwines those characters throughout the book series (it’s a pet peeve when authors don’t do that because what’s the point of the series and introducing the characters if they are not going to interact throughout the series). Samantha Kane does a good job with past characters throughout her Brother in Arms series.
The development and interest in main characters and secondary characters was enjoyable (I think there’s enough written about next upcoming series book to grab your attention). I really did like the H/H/H for this book; very well paired as a couples.
writing style is easy to follow, humorous moments (secondary characters, the give and take dialogue enjoyable as well as action pack.
I did enjoyed how the writing of the book came along in the story telling.
Romantic/sexual content (kissing, oral, love making scenes) was throughout the book; well written detailed scenes. 5/5 hotness and steam (sometimes it was too much and the story was lost to me).
would recommend this book and the series.
You don’t have to read the series (main books) in order however, I think you lose the storytelling of characters.
NOTE: written in some of the stories is traumatic events (sexual abuse, sexual assault, PTSD, assault). Nothing in great detail.
March 29, 2021
There is so much and not so much going on in this book. Like with every series, you start to realise the patterns and the similarities and some glaring points in the overall story.
The plot of the story follows a very similar pattern. Military men, tortured characters, unconventional relationship, lots of angst, humour and wit, till finally everything comes together with a very nice bow on top.
It’s a bit difficult to get into this story so much and get into the characters this time round. There is a lot of pain and low self esteem (if you can call it that) that makes the characters worry over so much but also enjoy themselves in the hot steamy sex.
Read this for
Tortured characters
Brother’s friend trope
Brother’s fiancée trope
Best friend’s fiancée trope
Hot steamy sex
Tons of angst
The plot of the story follows a very similar pattern. Military men, tortured characters, unconventional relationship, lots of angst, humour and wit, till finally everything comes together with a very nice bow on top.
It’s a bit difficult to get into this story so much and get into the characters this time round. There is a lot of pain and low self esteem (if you can call it that) that makes the characters worry over so much but also enjoy themselves in the hot steamy sex.
Read this for
Tortured characters
Brother’s friend trope
Brother’s fiancée trope
Best friend’s fiancée trope
Hot steamy sex
Tons of angst
February 18, 2023
Kane really knows how to write a sensual scene where no one takes their clothes off and the entire thing is kept rated-G for all the public can tell. If you've ever wondered how an author can write an entire sex scene between 3 people using just a pair of ladies' gloves as a prop, this is your book. Also the seemingly simultaneous masturbation scene where all three of them are in their own beds thinking about what happened with that glove? *fans self* Not to mention the part a man's glove plays later in the book. SERIOUSLY, WHY? HOW? ARE GLOVES SO SENSUAL? I'll definitely never look at one the same again.
I wish there was more I could tell you about this book to make you want to read it, but I promise you -- you'll be stuck on the same gloves thing I was.
I wish there was more I could tell you about this book to make you want to read it, but I promise you -- you'll be stuck on the same gloves thing I was.
May 3, 2019
RRRC – 2019 May Monthly Challenge
Another Samantha Kane moment of blissful entertainment. I love her historical ménages. The simple world building and steadiness of historical accuracy makes for a more compelling experience. The characters are always strong, tangible and engaging. There are more of her work in my TBR pile, and this GR challenge is the place to catch me up on this wonderful series.
Another Samantha Kane moment of blissful entertainment. I love her historical ménages. The simple world building and steadiness of historical accuracy makes for a more compelling experience. The characters are always strong, tangible and engaging. There are more of her work in my TBR pile, and this GR challenge is the place to catch me up on this wonderful series.
October 2, 2019
Ughhh loved this so much! the plot is good. I love reading all the letters written by the characters every time we're going into new chapters. it is a tragic story about imperfect characters, physically and mentally trying to find love and comfort with each other. Can't wait to read more from the series.
April 16, 2024
I was a little disappointed in this novel as I was looking forward to reading the Dukes story. I felt that Freddy was more in love with Brett and that he was with Anne and only had any relations with Anne so he could be with Brett. In her previous novels I felt both heroes were deeply in love with the heroine. I did not feel this in this particular storyline
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2018
Another entertaining (and heated) regency menage romance
A worthy continuation of the series, this time providing the female protagonist with a bit more agency in pursuing and creating the complex (and sizzling) threeway relationship.
A worthy continuation of the series, this time providing the female protagonist with a bit more agency in pursuing and creating the complex (and sizzling) threeway relationship.
December 6, 2018
Not my favourite, but enjoyable.
January 1, 2019
Leído 2010
June 17, 2019
Review to come
April 23, 2020
Good
I have absolutely loved this series, except for maybe this one. It was good just Not my favorite. Maybe it was just me.
I have absolutely loved this series, except for maybe this one. It was good just Not my favorite. Maybe it was just me.
May 29, 2020
Amazing story!
May 6, 2023
Great SEXY book…highly recommended.
February 22, 2024
i miss the person i was before reading this book. DNF 1/3
December 20, 2024
This was by far my very favorite of this series. I will miss them.
July 27, 2011
Samantha Kane is a new author for me, having read only one or two of her books so far. The only other book in this series I’ve read and reviewed is At Love’s Command, which I loved. Ms. Kane is one of very few authors who writes a great ménage that I end up liking. And while I enjoyed most of the love scenes in this book, there’s a couple that didn’t work for me, but mostly it’s the emotion that I got in ALC that this story lacked.
The three characters in this book are tied together by Bertie, former Duke of Ashland and former fiance of the heroine, Anne. Freddy is Bertie’s younger brother and the current Duke. Brett served in the war with Bertie and they were the best of friends. Anne and Freddy became friends when they were quite young, but because Freddy’s mother always whisked him off to England for some unknown reason, they didn’t spend a lot of time together and even less time as they grew older. Brett has loved Anne for years now, having fallen for her through her letters to Bertie during their military service. Freddy has been Brett’s constant companion during his convalescence since he returned from the war, loves him wholeheartedly, but Brett refuses to act such on emotion due to Freddy’s age.
I really liked all three of these characters. Anne’s reputation has been ruined — she likes sex and now goes for it when she can — she knows what she wants and doesn’t take guff from anyone. Freddy is the tender one of the three, he loves both Anne and Brett and wants to give them everything. Brett is the oldest and has a hard time accepting anything that would be good for himself, he carries around such guilt. He’s, of course, the longest holdout in this threesome until he finally works everything else out in his head to the ultimate conclusion that he does deserve happiness.
Since they want each other to be happy, Freddy and Brett have the idea they will fix Anne up with the other, so they work at cross purposes for a bit, but when Anne decides she wants them both, they don’t have a chance, though they keep trying to marry her off to the other man, which means then that the one left will have to move on. Before too long, however, they have come together and the love and sex is unbelievable and just so-so for me depending on where I was in the book.
There’s a daydream sequence that each of the characters go through, the next one picking up where the previous left off to continue the sexual fantasy they all have about each other. This just didn’t work for me. It went on way too long and I’d rather have had them all together actually doing these things to each other instead of them imagining it all. There is another scene involving a piano that seemed rather silly to me, Freddy’s idea of making music with sex. The intensity that’s always in Ms. Kane’s love scenes was there, but I just kept thinking how uncomfortable that has to be, whether they’re all hot and bothered or not.
There are some terrific scenes between Freddy and Brett late in the book once Brett allows himself to love and have Freddy. And this is why I like Ms. Kane’s writing. The emotion in these scenes are simply wonderful. And that’s why I usually don’t like m/m scenes and/or storylines, the author just doesn’t give me enough emotion. This author, however, has a way with them. In fact, I felt more emotion in those particular scenes than most of the other scenes involving Anne. They’re that well done. And I was a little sad those other scenes didn’t quite measure up to Ms. Kane’s usual fare for me.
Each of these three people come into their own by the end of the book and that makes their relationship that much sweeter when all is said and done. There’s plenty of last-minute problems and issues that come up to perhaps eternally mar their happiness, but once they’ve discovered their love for one another, they let nothing stand in their way. A satisfying read with a couple of issues for me, but still a great job by Ms. Kane
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
The three characters in this book are tied together by Bertie, former Duke of Ashland and former fiance of the heroine, Anne. Freddy is Bertie’s younger brother and the current Duke. Brett served in the war with Bertie and they were the best of friends. Anne and Freddy became friends when they were quite young, but because Freddy’s mother always whisked him off to England for some unknown reason, they didn’t spend a lot of time together and even less time as they grew older. Brett has loved Anne for years now, having fallen for her through her letters to Bertie during their military service. Freddy has been Brett’s constant companion during his convalescence since he returned from the war, loves him wholeheartedly, but Brett refuses to act such on emotion due to Freddy’s age.
I really liked all three of these characters. Anne’s reputation has been ruined — she likes sex and now goes for it when she can — she knows what she wants and doesn’t take guff from anyone. Freddy is the tender one of the three, he loves both Anne and Brett and wants to give them everything. Brett is the oldest and has a hard time accepting anything that would be good for himself, he carries around such guilt. He’s, of course, the longest holdout in this threesome until he finally works everything else out in his head to the ultimate conclusion that he does deserve happiness.
Since they want each other to be happy, Freddy and Brett have the idea they will fix Anne up with the other, so they work at cross purposes for a bit, but when Anne decides she wants them both, they don’t have a chance, though they keep trying to marry her off to the other man, which means then that the one left will have to move on. Before too long, however, they have come together and the love and sex is unbelievable and just so-so for me depending on where I was in the book.
There’s a daydream sequence that each of the characters go through, the next one picking up where the previous left off to continue the sexual fantasy they all have about each other. This just didn’t work for me. It went on way too long and I’d rather have had them all together actually doing these things to each other instead of them imagining it all. There is another scene involving a piano that seemed rather silly to me, Freddy’s idea of making music with sex. The intensity that’s always in Ms. Kane’s love scenes was there, but I just kept thinking how uncomfortable that has to be, whether they’re all hot and bothered or not.
There are some terrific scenes between Freddy and Brett late in the book once Brett allows himself to love and have Freddy. And this is why I like Ms. Kane’s writing. The emotion in these scenes are simply wonderful. And that’s why I usually don’t like m/m scenes and/or storylines, the author just doesn’t give me enough emotion. This author, however, has a way with them. In fact, I felt more emotion in those particular scenes than most of the other scenes involving Anne. They’re that well done. And I was a little sad those other scenes didn’t quite measure up to Ms. Kane’s usual fare for me.
Each of these three people come into their own by the end of the book and that makes their relationship that much sweeter when all is said and done. There’s plenty of last-minute problems and issues that come up to perhaps eternally mar their happiness, but once they’ve discovered their love for one another, they let nothing stand in their way. A satisfying read with a couple of issues for me, but still a great job by Ms. Kane
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
January 9, 2014
I took a break from this series this past summer because it was becoming same old same old with every book and I knew if I just took a break I wold enjoy them as I had in the past.
Well, ok, not so much. This particular story was WAY longer than necessary. OH, how it draaaaaaaagged on and on in too many places. Reading the letter from Bertie to Anne was excellent because it gave you insight on the war and what these men endured. The letters we read from Brett to Anne, which he never mailed, I think were the most touching thing of the book. GAWD, my heart hurt whenever one wold come up...it was a really wonderful way to write this story and give us the background we needed on Brett and his love for Anne. Of course, if you don't read the prior books, then you wouldn't have the background for the love Brett holds for Freddy and vice versa.
The story itself was good, but not WOW like the other books. Yes, I got misty eyed in some parts, but NOTHING like previous books. This book was just a bit too wordy for me and not enough communication between the Hs and the h LOL I mean they are grown adults, is there a reason we are still acting like HS kids with the whole 'she likes me she likes me not ....' just a bit annoying after a while. I really did have to force myself to trudge on with this book because the story did appeal to me, it was just so unnecessarily loooooooooooooong.
Well, ok, not so much. This particular story was WAY longer than necessary. OH, how it draaaaaaaagged on and on in too many places. Reading the letter from Bertie to Anne was excellent because it gave you insight on the war and what these men endured. The letters we read from Brett to Anne, which he never mailed, I think were the most touching thing of the book. GAWD, my heart hurt whenever one wold come up...it was a really wonderful way to write this story and give us the background we needed on Brett and his love for Anne. Of course, if you don't read the prior books, then you wouldn't have the background for the love Brett holds for Freddy and vice versa.
The story itself was good, but not WOW like the other books. Yes, I got misty eyed in some parts, but NOTHING like previous books. This book was just a bit too wordy for me and not enough communication between the Hs and the h LOL I mean they are grown adults, is there a reason we are still acting like HS kids with the whole 'she likes me she likes me not ....' just a bit annoying after a while. I really did have to force myself to trudge on with this book because the story did appeal to me, it was just so unnecessarily loooooooooooooong.
November 21, 2025
August 17, 2012
This was probably the hardest book to read in this series. There is so much anguish and uncertainty. Bertie's death in the Peninsula War effected so many people. Brett blames himself because he lived and Bertie died. Freddy would be just as happy to not be the Duke of Ashton. Anne misses her father and Freddy's father and doesn't realize her real worth. There are also secrets that almost tear the three apart. I liked how Brett finally realizes that he has been selfish in his guilt. He has wanted Anne and Freddy so long and when he finally realizes that he can have them he is a different person. I also enjoyed seeing Freddy standing up to his mother and telling her she was no longer welcome in his house. I hope that there is some redemption for the woman but I know very few people change their behavior. I also enjoyed getting a glimpse of Gideon North and his companion. I know they have a story coming up soon. I was sad that Very is having to play the debutante when she is obviously in love with Wolf Tarrant. There are some every sad places in this book so keep the tissues handy. There are also some of the hottest sex scenes that have been written in erotic romance. I continue to enjoy this series of books and look forward to future stories.
This was probably the hardest book to read in this series. There is so much anguish and uncertainty. Bertie's death in the Peninsula War effected so many people. Brett blames himself because he lived and Bertie died. Freddy would be just as happy to not be the Duke of Ashton. Anne misses her father and Freddy's father and doesn't realize her real worth. There are also secrets that almost tear the three apart. I liked how Brett finally realizes that he has been selfish in his guilt. He has wanted Anne and Freddy so long and when he finally realizes that he can have them he is a different person. I also enjoyed seeing Freddy standing up to his mother and telling her she was no longer welcome in his house. I hope that there is some redemption for the woman but I know very few people change their behavior. I also enjoyed getting a glimpse of Gideon North and his companion. I know they have a story coming up soon. I was sad that Very is having to play the debutante when she is obviously in love with Wolf Tarrant. There are some every sad places in this book so keep the tissues handy. There are also some of the hottest sex scenes that have been written in erotic romance. I continue to enjoy this series of books and look forward to future stories.
January 14, 2015
I really like reading or listening to this series. Frederick Thorne, Duke of Ashland, has been in love with Brett Haversham for years. Brett was friends with Freddy's brother Bertie in the war and during that time he fell in love with Anne who was Bertie's fiancé. Freddy has finally come home after a long absence to take the title of Duke of Ashland that he was born into. He was waging a war within. He had grown up with Anne, and loved her madly, but he also had feelings for his good friend Brett. He had been making sure Brett received the care he needed to fully recover from all his injuries. Brett needed to be united with the woman he knew his friend loved his love, Anne. Freddy took it upon himself to arrange for them to all be in the same location so his plans could begin to unfold. This book lacked something for me it was less intense as the others that I have read in this series. The sex scenes in the book was ok not as hot as they were in the other books. I didn't like Freddy's mother although I can see why she disliked Anne and her mother. Overall this book was just ok. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
March 4, 2013
Okay I have mixed feelings about this one. I really really loved Freddie and Brett which is the reason for the 4 stars. The tension between the two of them was positively scrumptious. I loved the progression of their relationship however my feelings towards Anne were a bit more complicated. I liked the idea of her and the idea of her loving the two of them but her as a person well she fell extremely short. I felt that she was just a mass of contridictions. She wanted to protray herself as being an independent woman but clearly deep down thought of herself as a whore,she was very judgemental, and quite a bit self absorbed. And I'm sorry any woman that would rather be a man's mistress than his wife has serious self esteem problems. I know that the author was going for another route with that one but it didn't work sorry. However it's still an okay read to be honest I would read this one for the boys if at all.
September 14, 2016
Quite good for an 'erotic novel' as they call it. There is a story that is interesting and actually well-told. No major plot holes so far I could see. I also like that Samantha Kane deals with taboos such as loving multiple persons, gay sex and sex before marriage. And even more important and what especially was very good in this book is the woman who has decision power and is unapologetically about liking sex and NOT A VIRGIN WHO SUDDENLY INSTANTENOUSLY HAS AMAZING SEX. No rapy scenes at all in this book, which is sadly not very often the case.
What I did not like about this book is that it is quite repetitive, especially the sex scenes. Also the sex scenes are not very intelligently written. After a while I only glanced through them because they started to annoy me. Every sex scene again 'it has never felt this good' for example.
So recommended for everyone who wants not-overly annoying easy read with erotic scenes.
What I did not like about this book is that it is quite repetitive, especially the sex scenes. Also the sex scenes are not very intelligently written. After a while I only glanced through them because they started to annoy me. Every sex scene again 'it has never felt this good' for example.
So recommended for everyone who wants not-overly annoying easy read with erotic scenes.
November 9, 2014
4.5/5
Freddy ve Brett'in hikayesi kesinlikle beklediğime değdi..
Freddy'nin abisi Bertie, Peninsula'da Brett ile birlikte savaşıyor.. Ve bir top atışı sırasında Brett'i kurtararak, hayatını kaybediyor.. O sıralarda Anne Goode ile nişanlı.. Bertie'yi yazdığı mektuplar sayesinde tanıyoruz.. Ve o mektuplarda hikayemizin ana üç karakterini birbirine emanet ediyor..
Seri başından beri Brett'in neden sürekli kendini geri çekerek Freddy'e işkence ettiğini de Silah Kardeşlerin yakın bir arkadaşı olan papaz Stephen sayede öğrenmiş oluyoruz..
Serideki tüm kitapların konusu aynı aslında ama yazar arada öyle güzel sürprizler yapıyor ki hiç sıkılmadan okunuyor..
Bu kitapta da ilgimi çeken bir çift oldu; Gideon North ve Charles Borden.. Seride onlara iat bir kitap var mı bilmiyorum ama umarım vardır.. Merak edilesi tipler :D Tabi Stephen da öyle...
Freddy ve Brett'in hikayesi kesinlikle beklediğime değdi..
Freddy'nin abisi Bertie, Peninsula'da Brett ile birlikte savaşıyor.. Ve bir top atışı sırasında Brett'i kurtararak, hayatını kaybediyor.. O sıralarda Anne Goode ile nişanlı.. Bertie'yi yazdığı mektuplar sayesinde tanıyoruz.. Ve o mektuplarda hikayemizin ana üç karakterini birbirine emanet ediyor..
Seri başından beri Brett'in neden sürekli kendini geri çekerek Freddy'e işkence ettiğini de Silah Kardeşlerin yakın bir arkadaşı olan papaz Stephen sayede öğrenmiş oluyoruz..
Serideki tüm kitapların konusu aynı aslında ama yazar arada öyle güzel sürprizler yapıyor ki hiç sıkılmadan okunuyor..
Bu kitapta da ilgimi çeken bir çift oldu; Gideon North ve Charles Borden.. Seride onlara iat bir kitap var mı bilmiyorum ama umarım vardır.. Merak edilesi tipler :D Tabi Stephen da öyle...
February 10, 2015
Finely one of the two I was eager to read. This is Freddy and Bretts story. With the one women they both loved, once since he was a boy and the other from war letters his best friend received all from the only women they connected with Anne Goode. We get the see the struggle Brett has been fighting for years to understand and let go of his demons to appreciate the love his feels for Freddy and a woman his just meeting for the first time. Between Anne and Freddy with the help of the letters Bertie wrote they come to a understanding that nether one can ever doubt. Freddy's mother shows up at a bad time and starts to run his life as she see's fit but for once his will be the man to stand up to that cruel woman and fight for who and what he wants.
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