Unbroken Book

This was one of those rare anthologies that reads like one complete novel, which made me very happy. The three stories flowed seamlessly right into the next. It was ultra hot, sexy, and romantic, and features three couples (as well as a fourth married couple who they all hang out with) who live and work in a small east Texas town. All the stories are related, and the characters recur throughout the book. I loved it, and I think most fans of Maya Banks will love it too.

In Understood, Jakes's an ex-pro football player, now working as a building contractor. He's been in love with his best buddy's (and current star quarterback) wife for years, but has worked hard to keep that love a secret. Ellie's recently ended her stormy marriage to her cruel, abusive husband, and is nursing some deep emotional scars. Jake knew nothing of the abuse until the night Ellie came to him, frightened and bloody. Jake would love nothing more than to protect and care for Ellie they way she deserves, but he doesn't want to rush her. But when he sees her in the local bar, all dolled up and seemingly ready for action, the time for waiting is over. He wants her and no one else is going to have her! Ellie had better be ready, because this big bad alpha is ready to claim her forever.

Whew! Smokin' hot as expected, with a dominant possessive alpha with a tender, protective heart, and a shy, but ready to be possessed heroine. Loved it.

In Overheard, building contractor Luke (Jake's partner) overhears a conversation between best friend Gracie and her friend Michelle. Gracie's been disappointed with past lovers. She wants a real man who could take her fantasies and turn them into reality. Gracie fantasizes about bondage, spanking, and menage. Luke can't believe it. Who knew that little Gracie harbors triple X fantasies? Luke is so turned on by the idea that he vows to make all those fantasies come true, and sets out to do so. When these long-time friends become lovers, they wonder why they waited so long. But will these beginning feelings of love be ruined when Gracie finds out about Luke's eavesdropping?

Oh wow, could it get any hotter? Luke and Gracie scorch the sheets, but when they add a third (their mutual friend Wes)--fire extinguisher alert! This was one hot, friends-to-lovers story. Loved it.

And finally, Undenied. This is local cop Wes's story. Wes's friends Jake and Ellie, Luke and Gracie, and Jeremy (his cop buddy) and Michelle, are all married and settled and seemingly happy, but carefree Wes doubts that's the life for him. He's perfectly content with his small time life, his job, and his good times with his friends. Until one day he meets up with a blast from his past--his sexual 'first' from twelve years ago, Payton. Payton seems happy to see him, and Wes can't understand why. He remembers their first time together as not being very good, and seeing Payton again stirs up feelings of inadequacy. Because of his larger than average 'member' and inexperience, he remembers hurting Payton, causing him to cringe with embarrassment. Of course Payton remembers things differently, and tries to help Wes get over the past, because the spark is still there, and she really wants to be with him again. Payton's seduction of Wes gets wickedly hot, and soon this commitment-phobe starts thinking of forever. But will Payton's successful career in Houston hinder their budding relationship? Will Wes be willing to sacrifice for the woman he's come to love?

Loved this one too. I loved how Gracie was there for Wes to help him and encourage him with his relationship. Actually I liked how all the friends were there for each other--they truly were like one big happy family. Wes was so worried about being, in his words, a 'pussy', that I found it comical. I loved how Jake and Luke set him straight and showed him how being a 'pussy' could be the best thing that ever happened to him.

To sum up: a very hot book with three related stories, great couples, no skimping on the sex, and three decent plots. Well worth the time and effort for any fan of erotic romance. 4 1/2 stars.

Warning: This book contains explicit language and sex, including oral and anal, a m/f/m menage, some spanking, and light bondage. Not for the faint of heart.