** 4.5 stars **

Laid Bare is an intensely thoughtful and sexy story. Lauren Dane has taken the naughty and "forbidden" ménage and created a story that was full of love and acceptance. It made me think and it made me feel.

A few months ago I took a chance on jumping into the Brown Siblings series. Honestly, I didn't know much about the series, but I follow Dane on social media, and love how she challenges outdated thoughts on gender and sexuality. Plus, she's very witty. Taking that chan...

** 4.5 stars **

Laid Bare is an intensely thoughtful and sexy story. Lauren Dane has taken the naughty and "forbidden" ménage and created a story that was full of love and acceptance. It made me think and it made me feel.

A few months ago I took a chance on jumping into the Brown Siblings series. Honestly, I didn't know much about the series, but I follow Dane on social media, and love how she challenges outdated thoughts on gender and sexuality. Plus, she's very witty. Taking that chance paid off, because I adored Drawn Together. The hero Jonah was very Alpha, and very loving; completely dedicated to making his lady happy and whole. Raven was a tough and loving heroine who also possessed a hard exterior. I love that Raven made no apology for who she was, and even when she submitted to Jonah in the bedroom, she was never portrayed as weak. It was an excellent book, and looking back on it, I wish I'd given it five stars instead of four (which I am changing).

It would seem that Dane is consistent with her strong heroines, because we have another in Laid Bare's Erin Brown. Another consistency I found was the dominant and loving hero in Todd Keenan. These were characters who I found myself drawn to for many reasons. They were sexy and strong, loving and gentle when needed. Their story begins ten years prior, with Erin completely self-possessed and Todd struggling with his wants and desires. This leads them to drift apart, only to run into one another ten years later. Erin's world was destroyed, with her struggling every day to heal. Todd is now ready for Erin, but must prove himself worthy of her love and submission.

As the relationship progresses and strengthens, the two form a strong bond with Todd's best friend, Ben. This relationship spins into a unique new formation, with Erin falling in love with Ben and Todd equally, and them both loving her. Ben also loves Todd, and as time passes, Todd finds himself learning that his love for Ben has formed in new ways as well. On the outside, this relationship is unconventional, but for these three strong and loving partners, it's beautiful and it works.

Personally, I feel that I would have a most difficult time of sharing with a third person. I am selfish that way. Laid Bare made me think a lot about the dynamics-good and bad- of a triad relationship. I love books that challenge me in that way. In the end, it's not for me to put myself in the situation, but to enjoy the experience of reading. And I did, so much. Dane's writing is gorgeous, the prose makes my brain happy and drunk on her words.

Laid Bare solidified what I suspected, I am a sure fan of Lauren Dane. I look forward to continuing the Brown Sibling series with Coming Undone.