Review: “Laid Bare” by Lauren Dane

Okay, so this is now the third book I have read by the fabulous Ms. Lauren Dane.  Who knew erotic romance could be so addictive? 

Laid Bare is a fascinating story about an unconventional three-way love affair.  The story begins with a true “opposites attract” hookup between police officer and country boy, Todd Keenan, and the rocker-chick next door, Erin Brown.  They have a hot couple of months, but Todd is frightened off by Erin’s unconventional lifestyle and the desires she evokes from him. 

Ten years later, Erin and Todd meet up again, and the spark still burns.  Since their separation, Todd had his conventional marriage and it failed.  Erin and her band had achieved success, but at the height of her fame she had been struck a devastating blow which left her crippled emotionally.  A decade older, Erin & Todd are finally able to create a relationship based on more than sex.  Things are going along beautifully, until Todd’s best friend, Ben, ends up in their bed.  Ben adds a whole new dimension to the relationship, one that no one wants to let go. 

I found the logistics of the situation to be the most interesting part.  Do these things really happen?  I mean, I know ménage a tios happens, but I find the idea of an actual three party, loving, long-term relationship incredible.  I’m not sure how it can really work in the long run.  What happens when they start wanting children?  Okay, I know, I know… it’s a fantasy.  But these are the questions that the book left me dying to know more about.  I think Ms. Dane did a wonderful job with making this threesome about love, and not just about the physical.  By having the characters be normal and relatable, you could almost envision them living next door to you. 

The tragedy in Erin’s past rears its ugly head frequently throughout the story.  I won’t say too much about it, because that would be giving too much away.  Let’s just say that her past provides another motivation for keeping two hunky, protective men around.  It truly was heartbreaking. 

Lastly, I liked how the author included the “coming out” of the characters to their families and the family reaction to the threesome.  Not everyone was comfortable with the arrangement, but many accepted it.  I liked that the relationship did not need to be kept hidden behind a blanket of lies. 

Overall, I give Laid Bare by Lauren Dane…

Plot – 2 ½ bookmarks

Compelling Characters – 3 bookmarks

Wicked Kinky Sex Scenes – 12 bookmarks (Hello!)

Dream Cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) – Pink (Erin Brown), Billy Miller (Todd Kennan), Colin Farrell (Ben)