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July 10th, 2009
Laid Bare with Flair Day Eight!

So I don’t have any paper ARCs of Laid Bare – but I do have a PDF electronic ARC – anyone wanna read it? To go along with the electronic ARC, I’ve got a nifty bracelet.

EXCERPT FROM LAID BARE by LAUREN DANE
Copyright, Lauren Dane 2009
All Rights Reserved, Penguin Publishing Group
Releasing August 4 from Berkley Heat

Ben came home, glad it was after five and the construction people had gone. The quiet was welcome after a day in which he’d dealt with one client issue after another.

The condo was slowly beginning to feel like home. He’d moved in right after they’d all returned from Las Vegas, and aside from a few struggles between him and Todd for time with Erin, things had been smooth. Just then it was a matter of finding his place in their relationship. He’d known Todd pretty much all his life, but with Erin, it was new. He wanted more of her, needed more, and had to work to not be greedy or hurt when he saw the easy way she and Todd had. Although, she gave Todd a rasher of shit on a regular basis. She might fall to her knees for sex, but everywhere else, no one pushed her around. That part was amusing, he had to admit.

He heard her singing as he moved down the hall. Not wanting to disturb her while she worked, he kept on to the master bedroom and changed from his work clothes into a T-shirt and some ratty jeans. He had a room that was his. He often worked there in the evenings or in the early part of the day instead of going straight to their office, but he slept in the master bedroom with Erin curled into his side and Todd bracketing her other side.

As he looked out the windows over the city, he thought about how happy he was. In truth, even when he’d been in his relationship with Caroline and Greg, he’d always felt lonely. Funny, he’d often thought it would alleviate the loneliness, that extra person. It wasn’t as if he’d been ignored or felt left out by the other two, but looking back, he realized he’d never truly invested himself with either of them. He went through the motions, had had some great sex, learned a lot about his desires and how to express them, but he hadn’t really learned about himself and what he needed emotionally.

But something about Erin was different. He connected to her in a way he never had with anyone before. He felt steady, stable and, for want of a better word, understood. Together with her and Todd, he felt like a whole person.

“Hi there.”

He turned to see her in the doorway, looking soft and relaxed in a tank top and yoga pants. He loved those pants of hers. They clung to her ass like they loved it nearly as much as he did.

He opened his arms and she was in them in just a few steps. The weather had gotten cooler and fall was waning, but the condo was nice and warm from a day of afternoon sun, so her body was warm and she smelled of sunshine.

Once he’d touched her, he felt better, wrapping his arms around her and breathing her in.

“Mmm, you feel good. Did I bother you? I heard you working.”

She tiptoed up to kiss him, setting his hormones on fire. “I’m good. I finished a song I’ve been working on for two days. I just e-mailed the sound file to Adrian. You have a message on the machine, by the way.”

So the question for today is: Do you like menage romance? Why or why not? What are the things you think should be in them or NOT in them?
Winner announced tomorrow at noon pacific. Remember – this is a PDF digital ARC and a bracelet! Winners have three days to claim the prize or I’ll re-draw!

This entry was posted on Friday, July 10th, 2009 at 3:00 am and is filed under Laid Bare With Flair Contest. You can feed this entry. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

78 comments to “Laid Bare with Flair Day Eight!”

  1. Not into the menage. I prefer one on one romance. It can get “odd” with three people there….especially reading it

    by Scott Romanski July 10th, 2009 at 3:30 am

  2. I love “committed menage” stories they are my favorite like Tri-Mates and Triad. Or like Maya Banks writes Colter’s Woman, Be With Me. There is just something about two men protecting, loving, worshipping one woman that I find romantic.
    What I don’t like in a menage story is “sharing” where the guy only wants the woman but also wants her to sleep with him & everyone else. I hope that makes sense.

    by Greta July 10th, 2009 at 4:18 am

  3. I do, with the proviso that there’s true feeling between all parties, and it’s not just a bump-and-grind addiction.

    The relationship between Lee, Aidan, and Alex in your Triad is a perfect example of menage done right. Another one is Out of Bounds, an old Black Lace title from Mandy Dickinson.

    by JP July 10th, 2009 at 4:40 am

  4. Good Morning Lauren:

    Ooooh, I’m doing one of these “pick me, pick me”, for this day of your contest!!

    I really like menage romance because it adds a “fantasy” component to my erotic reads. I like it when the author writes plausable explanations as to how the characters work through the jealousy that would be inherent to such a relationship.

    I don’t like it when one of the characters gets left at the end and hurt in the process.

    Great question!!

    Have a great day.
    L

    by Lea July 10th, 2009 at 4:54 am

  5. I do like menage romance – I think it’s a difficult balance to make it believable – or to keep all three characters in. I know many/most stories end up with just the traditional couple, with one character out.
    As for what shouldn’t happen… I’m not entirely sure. I haven’t read that many and haven’t seen anything that made me think “no. absolutely not.”

    by limecello July 10th, 2009 at 5:18 am

  6. I think Cascadia Wolves was the first time I encountered menage romance – I wouldn’t have guessed I would like it until then!

    by Chris July 10th, 2009 at 5:21 am

  7. I very much like menage romance. There has to be a true loving relationship there between all involved. I would imagine that the more “true-to-life” would be that eventually, one of the partners involved fades out as the couple progress to just two. I don’t like that when I am reading, unless that is the clear intent all along.

    Thanks!
    amy m

    by Amy Mowers July 10th, 2009 at 5:23 am

  8. I do like menage romances when all parties are committed to each other. The first menage romance I ever read was Triad by you and since then I read them whenever I find them as long as all parties involved want the relationship. I haven’t read anything that I think should not be in there, in any of the books I’ve read.

    by Heather F. July 10th, 2009 at 5:35 am

  9. I like and read menage romances. Most of the ones I’ve read were very well written. My only pet peeve when it comes to menage in books though, is when one character or another starts having more affection or love for one or the other person. I really would rather see all parties come to the same conclusion where they love each other equally and deep heartedly.

    by LadyVampire2u July 10th, 2009 at 5:47 am

  10. I love menage! I love seeing the dynamics between the characters. I really enjoy the romantic/committed menage, but really? I will read them all!

    by Natasha A. July 10th, 2009 at 6:29 am

  11. I do like menages, but generally prefer the situation as a fantasy and not a committed menage. Sometimes, the committed menage is written where there is a significant part of the story where the female is being passed around and I find that somewhat distracting. However, I do love the dedication of all the males’ attention to the female. There have been some good committed menages, I admit.

    by sharon July 10th, 2009 at 6:30 am

  12. I like and read menage as well but like most have already said, I like it within a committed relationship. I’ve seen menage used in certain books where menage is necessary to ensure safety or well-being of the female if something should happen to her mate (such as your Cascadia Wolves series) that I liked or in other books where it is part of a lifestyle (like Lora Leigh’s Bound Hearts series) and I was fine with that as well.

    by Blanche July 10th, 2009 at 6:44 am

  13. I agree with everyone else. I love menage, if it is a committed relationship. I like to see them all love each other equally in the end, even if there is some trouble and jealousy early on.

    by Melissa Conatser July 10th, 2009 at 6:51 am

  14. I love menage stories depending on the author. I love when it ends up being a committed relationship. I only read menage from authors I like so I dont really have a scope of things I dont like

    by Jessie July 10th, 2009 at 7:03 am

  15. I agree love the menages only if they are all commited to the relationship. Not particularly fond on m/m/f. I will read it if I have say if there is a series an author writes a book with that in it I will read but usually skip the parts with the m/m sex. Not my cuppa tea at all.

    by Pamk July 10th, 2009 at 7:11 am

  16. They are probably my favorites. Why do I like them b/c they are different and outside the norm of all other stories. What should they include a real relationship between all the parties. It should never include jealousy or exclusion of one of the parties.

    by Christine July 10th, 2009 at 7:40 am

  17. I agree with e previous posters, only if all parties are committed to each other. It should never include a fourth random person that is not in the relationship.

    by Zarifina July 10th, 2009 at 7:48 am

  18. I have never read one so can’t say what I like or don’t like about it.

    by Calila July 10th, 2009 at 7:51 am

  19. I like menage romance, same as any other, as long as I like the characters and believe in the relationship. You and Maya Banks are top of my list for this genre.

    by Amy Kathryn July 10th, 2009 at 7:58 am

  20. I love menages that are in a very committed to each other and not just a one time fling.

    by Diane M. July 10th, 2009 at 8:23 am

  21. I enjoy some of it. An emotional bond between the characters is preferable. When there are more than 3 people involved it gets a little far out there for me. I’m too busy trying to figure out how the heck they’re doing things to enjoy the story.

    by Anne July 10th, 2009 at 8:26 am

  22. I like the Menage romances . As long is it fits the story I will read it. I have a few authors I trust with those stories and have not yet ventured far outside those authors

    by Christina July 10th, 2009 at 8:26 am

  23. As with several of the other commentators, I like menage if the people are in a close relationship. I don’t like it when SMBD is involved, or in the those books where the sex is anonymous (private clubs etc)

    by Anne July 10th, 2009 at 8:36 am

  24. I have never read a Menage book But I’m open to it. By what I have read so far I think it would be a great loving passionate story. looking forward to reading it ;-}
    Have a good one Lauren

    by alba July 10th, 2009 at 8:37 am

  25. I do like the menage idea if it is done correctly. It can read very sexy but too often just comes across as crude.

    by Christina Mays July 10th, 2009 at 8:46 am

  26. I do like menages as long as the individuals are committed to only each other. The perfect example is what you did in Undercover. They were protective and loving of one another and I totally believed the HEA.

    by Jody F. July 10th, 2009 at 8:46 am

  27. Is that a rhetorical question about wanting to read the ARC?

    Yes, I do like menages. They’re most successful for me when the relationship is shared amongst the partners and not dominated by one leg of the relationship. I also think it’s important that they acknowledge that a menage isn’t always going to be sunlight and roses and anytime you have ANYone in a relationship let alone 3 anyones, there’s conflict.

    by Collette July 10th, 2009 at 9:06 am

  28. I love reading menage romances. I love the way Maya Banks writes them with everyone committed to making it work.

    I really enjoy the ones where everyone in the relationship wants to make it work.

    by Larena Wirum July 10th, 2009 at 9:07 am

  29. I love menage stories. I don’t mind when the heroine and hero share a night with a dear friend. I do prefer the menage where all partners are committed to each other.

    And, did you really have to ask that question? I think everyone here would yell, YES, so loud I would hear it over here in Germany….lol!!!

    by Valerie July 10th, 2009 at 9:33 am

  30. I do like them…sometimes. Maybe in my case right now, it’s too much of a good thing. The exception right now, this book, it’s one of my summer getting excited about books!

    by Crystal D July 10th, 2009 at 9:35 am

  31. I LOVE menage romance, it is one of my favorite subgenres to read. Especially if it is about a committed relationship,though menage scenes are nice as well :)
    I like to read how they deal with the complexities of being in such a relationship, as well as the emotions of hte three involved.

    PS today is my baby’s 1st birthday, can I win for her present ;)

    by Kris July 10th, 2009 at 9:50 am

  32. Like them sometimes.
    Some of the books I’ve read it felt like “menage” stories are in demand so I’ll put a third then don’t know what to do with it. No chemistry no personality.
    I’ve read a few lately that started really great and the chemistry between the 3 was amazing, but when the author got the sex scene it got me saying WTF! (but I’m positve that it’s not the menage part but the way the writer did it that did the turn off.) Sometimes saying to much is not a good thing.
    And like a few other people commented already you are one of the author that I won’t worry about buying when it comes to the genre.

    by Elyane July 10th, 2009 at 10:17 am

  33. I do enjoy menages, but I have to be in the mood for them. I would like for the characters to have some sort feelings toward each other.

    by Jane July 10th, 2009 at 10:17 am

  34. I have only read a couple of Menage Romance books…… and I prefer not.
    I don’t mind if it is in a descriptive dreams at most…. but other then that I don’t like sharing. I just read Being Wicked. One of the Main Female characters desired not to be shared with other men but only with her man (after her deceased hubby shared her for some years). It was interesting to have that hinder her when reuniting with an childhood crush. SHe was afraid he’d want her to be with other men.
    Anyhow, it was interesting to me because I am not into menage.

    by Chasity July 10th, 2009 at 10:43 am

  35. Love me some good menage romance…
    the ones named above and Samantha Kane. I like m/m/f when there is love and true sharing between the men as well as the men and the woman. Even m/f/m, there has to be some comfortable physical interaction between the men – no contortions to keep respective balls on the other side of an imaginary line.

    by Leslie July 10th, 2009 at 10:46 am

  36. I’ve only read one menage story – Undercover by the brilliant Lauren Dane:) – and while I was initially unsure about the triad, I loved the book. Extra lovers= steamy!

    That being said, I haven’t read one since. I think my apprehension about it is rooted in a desire for the main characters to have emotional fulfillment. I always worry that sharing a partner may cause someone to be left out.

    Despite all this, I still plan to read the book.
    Loves me some Lauren Dane!!

    by Ang July 10th, 2009 at 10:54 am

  37. I love to read menages especially committed relationships ones where the guys love each other too. Some of my favorites are Carol lynne Maya Banks Samantha Kane, and Jenny penn.

    by delitealex July 10th, 2009 at 11:01 am

  38. Menage romance is my favorite. It’s just superhot. I love the different ways authors come of with so that it works out to be romance and not just hot sex :)

    by Joy Roach July 10th, 2009 at 11:06 am

  39. I love committed menages. They’re an auto-buy for me. I enjoy seeing the 3 people begin to understand each other and accept each other, if that makes sense. It’s just not believable to me when an author writes it with no conflict and no personality clashes at the beginning of the story.

    by Lillie A July 10th, 2009 at 11:21 am

  40. I do like menage in romance, in fact it is one of my favs in erotic romance.

    BUT I don’t really care for stories where it involves more than three in the relationship (exception was Colter’s Woman and Lora Leigh’s Men of August series). Having that many people in a relationship goes beyond what is believable, therefore reality it always jumping in while reading the story.

    I would love to win a copy of Laid Bare even if it is a PDF. I can’t wait to read this one!!!

    by Booklover1335 July 10th, 2009 at 11:22 am

  41. I DO like some of them, Lauren. I love your Tri Mates, and love Maya’s Into The Lair….SOME really work for me. I will admit I’m not much on the man on man action, and really love your bonding scenes…because while they play, the hero is protective enough to not want any real serious business going on there. Heh, that’s clear, huh??

    I’d LOVE to read Laid Bare!!

    by Melissa July 10th, 2009 at 11:32 am

  42. i love manege romance and its the whole aspect trusting someone enough to kepe them and your soul mate as well its beautiful and sexy and id ont care what the nay sayers say about that even tho is a whole different topic lol would love to win a copy becau se the book sounds awesome and id like to see more of the romantic asspect of how they meet and how they came to that ultimate desision

    by Beverly G. July 10th, 2009 at 11:50 am

  43. Do I prefer them over the typical one on one love stories? Probably not…but I have read a few that made me think that the three people involved were only happy in their menage and couldn’t possibly be happy without all memebers. So in cases like that I think go for it! It seems that in the storeies I have really loved that each person brought something to the relationship that one of the others really needed and it just seemed to fit. Okay and I have to admit….menages can make for some really steamy fantasies!!!!

    by Melissa Eskew July 10th, 2009 at 11:54 am

  44. I love reading menage stories, great fantasy material. Prefer them as a committed relationship and an amazing love story.

    by Cathy M July 10th, 2009 at 12:03 pm

  45. I love menage in a romance. Something about it makes the story hotter. I do sometimes perfer that it be a couple inviting a third in for a time being not for a permenent menage. I just feel in the long run problems would form like when they start to think about having children and so forth.

    by Lisa F. July 10th, 2009 at 12:08 pm

  46. I definitely enjoy menages where the woman is worshipped and pleasured a few men who appreciate her, but I don’t think the menage should be permanent unless the woman and men or vice wersa are willing to love each other truly and spend forever together.

    by Jeanette Juan July 10th, 2009 at 12:31 pm

  47. I love menages because they are so hot! I would love to have some men..LOL

    by Marjana Kaly July 10th, 2009 at 12:40 pm

  48. I like m/m/f menages. The honest committed type where two men love and care for one woman. Besides most of those I have read are really hot and sexy

    I am not so keen on f/f/m ones, but that’s probably because at heart I am a monogamous woman who won’t share her man

    by Ilona July 10th, 2009 at 12:46 pm

  49. I love, love menages. I think the reason I love to read about menages is that it is often a fantasy running in my head. This is so erotic. The thought of two people caring so much for you that they would be wiling to share you and commit to you, again the fantasy works for me on some level. I can’t wait until Laid Bare. It is hard to find good menage books that not only explode with sexual freedom, but have a wonderful story to tell also.

    by Olga Rubio July 10th, 2009 at 12:50 pm

  50. I do like menege books because it’s still all about the love between the three people. It’s an added dimension and they usually have to work harder to make it work. They love each other sooo much that they are willing to face what they have to to make it work and to make it last. I have read quite a few of them and have loved everyone. I’m definately looking forward to getting and reading more menege stories.
    lexeetoste at sbcglobal.net

    by Lexee July 10th, 2009 at 1:01 pm

  51. I do sometimes enjoy menage–as some others have mentioned, it adds a spicy fantasy bit to the mix for me. I prefer them consensual and ones where it all works out in the end for all parties involved, with no one left out or with hurt feelings. It isn’t critical that they all end up together forever, but I want them to have gotten what they want, whether it’s an HEA together or with other partner(s).

    by Fedora July 10th, 2009 at 1:05 pm

  52. I like them because in so many books there is a love triangle or a third wheel, and you can’t help but feel sorry for or that ruins the flow of the story. I don’t think that the menage should be with just anyone, I think it should be between three people who love each other or two people who love each other and close friend who can be trusted. I also think that anyone in a menage should do it because they want to and not because of pressure.

    by Erica B. July 10th, 2009 at 2:19 pm

  53. I do like menage if it’s done well. I’ve read so many that haven’t worked. I want there to be commitment between the partners, not just an on-again/off-again thing when the mood strikes. My favorites are Lisa Marie Rice’s August brothers series.

    by Sandy M July 10th, 2009 at 2:22 pm

  54. I like menage romance, it adds fantasy. There is a love triangle an good romance. Really nice.

    by Gloria T. July 10th, 2009 at 2:52 pm

  55. I love committed menage stories. I don’t mind one time deal menage but i prefer to read about a committed relationship. However, I usually end up dissatisfied with the book if the menage serves no purpose to the story and a committed relationship is not the end result. I could tell you why I love them but I love the idea of getting your needs (both emotionally and physically) met by two.

    by tangie July 10th, 2009 at 3:08 pm

  56. I like to read menage. I prefer an emotional connection between the characters.

    by Amelia July 10th, 2009 at 3:17 pm

  57. I personally don’t like menage. I’m more tradiotional, one on one.

    by bookfanatic July 10th, 2009 at 3:48 pm

  58. I am a big reading fan of menage. Your Undercover is one of the best. I also adore your Triad with Lee, Aidan, and Alex.
    What I really like it m/f/m. I find it super hot when the men have an attraction to each other as well.
    There is just something so amazing having two men love a woman and want to protect her and be with her. (even if she doesn’t need protecting) I love reading about them getting over their jealousy or even if there was no jealousy to begin with it’s really hot too. It’s the total commitment between the three is what I love. I also find it hot when a bit of bondage is added.

    Okay what I don’t like…a menage where the woman is owned by a man but then passed around for his pleasure or when it is against her will.
    I also really hate it when an author goes a bit crazy at the end where the female becomes pregnant…with twins…and each child somehow magically belongs to each man. When it starts to get ridiculous, I annoyed. I’m all for happy endings but geez.

    by MichelleK July 10th, 2009 at 3:54 pm

  59. Truthfully, I don’t like or dislike menage. For me, it’s more about the actually story rather than the type.

    by Lilly M. July 10th, 2009 at 3:57 pm

  60. I enjoy reading menage stories but only if they are in a commited relationship. Love the dynamics and emotional aspect it brings to the story. :)

    by Shelly A July 10th, 2009 at 5:36 pm

  61. I like menage romance if there’s a connection between the characters. I have to feel for them and believe they have feelings for each other, otherwise I won’t enjoy the story. Oh, and it has to have a story, not just playtime. lol

    by Kammie July 10th, 2009 at 6:10 pm

  62. I love menages! Anything goes with them. lol.

    by Amy S. July 10th, 2009 at 6:25 pm

  63. I read all kinds of books. Menage doesn’t bother me. I pick and choose what I read based on my mood. I absolutely love Lora Leigh’s Bound Hearts series and they are all about menage. I am not always in the mood to read them so, if not I will pick something else to read.

    by Heather Brewer July 10th, 2009 at 6:26 pm

  64. I’m undecided when it comes to menages. I’ve enjoyed the ones that I’ve read and the authors have done really good with balancing the relationships. However, I still prefer a relationship with only two people.

    by Karin July 10th, 2009 at 6:32 pm

  65. I usually just like the traditional m/f romances, but will read a menage for a change of pace. In general I enjoy the ones that are about committed relationships, rather than 3 people just “having fun” for a night. I’m not really into m/m, so when that’s a part of the menage I don’t enjoy it as much.

    So far, I have really enjoyed your menage books – and I’m looking forward to Laid Bare.

    Thanks!

    by Tracy July 10th, 2009 at 6:37 pm

  66. Some of my fave authors have written different genres so I have expanded my reading this way. I love them by Maya Bansk & Lora Leigh. Now I keep an open mind. If I like the author & the premise it does not matter what the combo is.

    by Mary G July 10th, 2009 at 6:56 pm

  67. Some of my fave authors have written different genres so I have expanded my reading this way. I love them by Maya Banks & Lora Leigh. Now I keep an open mind. If I like the author & the premise it does not matter what the combo is.

    by Mary G July 10th, 2009 at 6:58 pm

  68. I’ve never read an entire menage book, I’ve
    only read a couple of excerpts. So I really
    can’t give much of an opinion. I wasn’t that
    greatly taken with the excerpts! This book would be a great way for me to find out for
    sure!

    Pat Cochran

    by Pat Cochran July 10th, 2009 at 8:39 pm

  69. I LOVE them…they are really hot & I love to see how the interaction between the various members of the menage leads to a loving, steamy, life partnership despite all the intricacies involved in such a relationship. I don’t have a problem with anything in such books although I’m not in to heavy duty bdsm type of genres. Any combo of characters is fine with me…

    Michelle B.

    by Michelle B. July 10th, 2009 at 8:53 pm

  70. If its written properly, I don’t mind a menage, but if its poorly written, it just turns me off.

    by Virginia Hendricks July 10th, 2009 at 9:06 pm

  71. I’m with the “sometimes” crowd. I wasn’t really into them and then I read Very Much Alive by Dana Marie Bell and I loved it. I reread it all the time. If the story is well done I can enjoy it.

    by Lisa J July 10th, 2009 at 10:28 pm

  72. l love a good menage when it it is used to advance the plot, and not just for the physical gratification of the characters and ultimately as gratuatous sex. Ms. Dane’s Undercover is a really good example of a satisfying triad, with enjoyable characters and a great storyline. I also like Maya Bank’s books for the same reason. I am sure there are other great authors out there, but those are two of my current favorites.

    by (Mickey) m-square July 10th, 2009 at 10:31 pm

  73. It all depends. It has to have some meaning to it, passion, especially. I wouldn’t mind it.

    by Alex D July 10th, 2009 at 10:33 pm

  74. This contest has been wonderful so far!
    l must say, I love a good menage when it it is used to advance the plot, and not just for the physical gratification of the characters and ultimately as gratuatous sex. Ms. Dane’s Undercover is a really good example of a satisfying triad, with enjoyable characters and a great storyline. I also like Maya Bank’s books for the same reason. I am sure there are other great authors out there, but those are two of my current favorites.

    by (Mickey) m-square July 10th, 2009 at 10:44 pm

  75. I love a menage story. It must be difficult to write a love story between two men and a woman and when it is done well, it really makes a fantastic story. So I guess the plot must be good with believable heros and heroine.

    by Tamsyn T. July 11th, 2009 at 9:27 am

  76. I have no idea about menage storylines. I too have never one in its entirety; I’ve just read excerpts. I found it difficult to keep track of who was who, what with all the going back and forth and all. If I win one, though, I’ll definitely read it so I can give an informed decision.

    by Laney4 July 11th, 2009 at 12:18 pm

  77. I’ll go for menage sometimes, but straight up m/f is certainly my usual fare.

    by Ley July 11th, 2009 at 12:40 pm

  78. Books are my fantasy world, so yes I do enjoy it.

    by Huguette E. July 13th, 2009 at 5:16 am


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