LauraJ’s review of Taking Chloe (The Vaughan Series, Book 3) by Anne Rainey
Contemporary Erotic Romance released by Samhain Publishing 2 Jun 09

This is the third installment for the Vaughn Series by Ms. Rainey and I was very excited to see this brother, Merrick, get his story. I had even looked back to see if I had missed his story. I loved the other two stories (Touching Lace and Taking Candy), where Merrick and his wife, Chloe, appeared.

In this story, Merrick and his wife Chloe have been married for two years, but over the last several months Chloe has felt that she has been alone, abandoned by Merrick for his work. She has tried talking to him but he is always at work or when he comes home late he goes to be immediately. She decides that she must do something drastic to get his attention, so she packs her bags and waits for Merrick to come home to tell him she is moving out.

While waiting for him to change out of his work clothes so they can talk, he falls asleep. Chloe leaves without talking to him knowing if she doesn’t that she will chicken out and Merrick will continue to ignore her and their marriage. Merrick goes after her in shock that Chloe has left him and convinces her to give him one week to prove that they belong together.

The story is full of emotion. Merrick is trying to build a successful business and doesn’t realize that it is costing him his marriage to the love of his life. He loves Chloe and will do every thing to save their marriage. While he is a very alpha type male, he is also very vulnerable and it makes him more real.

Chloe doesn’t let Merrick off the hook easily and while she gives in to the week of pleasure that Merrick gives her, she knows it can’t be saved with sex alone. She want’s Merrick there both physically and emotionally. I liked that Chloe didn’t give in easily and felt it made her character stronger and more real.

Ms. Rainey continues to write wonderful, emotional and very sexy stories. I can’t wait to read the next one.

Grade: A

Summary:
.
The only way to keep what he has…is to surrender everything.
.
     The Vaughn Series, Book 3
.
Merrick Vaughn couldn’t be happier with his life. His business is jumping and his marriage to the love of his life is about as good as it gets. At least, that’s what he thinks…until Chloe announces she wants to separate.
.
Stunned doesn’t begin to cover it, but it quickly becomes clear that she’s dead serious. And if he doesn’t take action, as in now, he’s going to lose the only woman he’s ever loved.
.
The last thing Chloe wants is a divorce, but she can’t go on living with a virtual stranger who spends all his time—and hers—behind a desk. It’s tearing her apart, and taking a break to sort out her thoughts seems her only recourse.
.
Then Merrick offers a wicked proposition: go to Hawaii with him for one week’s vacation. After that, if he hasn’t successfully changed her mind, he’ll let her go. No questions asked. There’s only one caveat. She must agree to give him complete control.
.
Chloe’s intrigued and scared. One week in paradise might bring them closer—or be their ultimate undoing.
.
Warning: This story contains graphic language, a touch of voyeurism, anal sex, and husband-and-wife lovin’ in lots of sinful positions. Have your significant other handy!
.
Read an excerpt here.

Other books in this series:

Laura J’s review of Tasting Candy by Anne Rainey
Contemporary Erotic Romance ebook released by Samhain Publishing 24 Jun 08

My first experience of reading one of Ms. Rainey’s books was when I reviewed Touching Lace. I immediately fell in love with her writing style. Since reading Touching Lace I have been eagerly awaiting the sequel and hoping I wouldn’t be disappointed. I am very happy to say I wasn’t.

Tasting Candy takes place immediately following Nick and Lacey’s story and has Lacey’s big brother Blade looking to find love.

Blade is crazy about Candice, who works for his brother Merrick’s business. He’s not quite sure why he is attracted to the quiet and somewhat shy Candice but he wants to go out with her, but doesn’t know how to approach her. While delivering his sister a message at her gym he witnesses an incident that makes Blade unsure what to do to. He wants to protect her and take away all her fears, but at the same time he needs to know what happened so he can help her without scaring her away.

Candice is embarrassed by what Blade has witnessed. He’s a big guy, but he is the one guy that doesn’t send her into panic attacks. When Blade shows up at Candice’s place and demands to know what happened at the gym to upset her so much, she finds herself wanting to tell him, something that has been very hard to do with many people. Blade tells her that he wants her and that he will be patient and let her lead, but she shocks him when she tells him that she wants him too, but only as far as she remains comfortable with. Blade agrees knowing that Candice is worth the wait.

Ms Rainey has once again created characters that you will fall in love with. While Ben is big physically he is probably one of the most tender of the heroes I have read in a while. His patience and love for Candice is evident every time we see Ben even though he doesn’t immediately say he is in love. His actions speak louder than words.

I expected Candice to be more of a fragile character in this story but I was pleasantly surprised at her strength and her determination to move forward instead of staying stagnant and hiding away from what happened to her. She was still a vulnerable person and a couple of scenes showed that vulnerability.

This book is going on my top ten list this year, along with Touching Lace and Ms Rainey will be a must-read author for me from now on. She is able to put everything I want to read in a book, likable characters, tender moments, great sex, and easy laughs. I’m really looking forward to reading more from her.

Grade: A

Lust was the lure, Candy was the reward.

Walking around with a raging hard-on isn’t Blade Vaughn’s idea of a good time. He’s hungry for sex and there’s only one woman on his menu: Candice Warner. When Blade witnesses the shy beauty go into a panic over a harmless encounter, he’s more determined than ever to prove that sex with him is just the therapy she needs.

Candice is used to being afraid of her own shadow, but when she goes all nutso in front of Blade, she’s beyond mortified. She wants him to see her as an equal, and as a woman. It’s time she got over her past trauma and started living again.

But trust is hard to come by when her only experience with men has left her heart in pieces.

read an excerpt

Laura J’s review of Touching Lace by Anne Rainey
Contemporary romance ebook released by Samhain Publishing 25 Mar 08

Nick and Lacey have been best friends for several years, but unknown to Lacey, Nick has been in love with her since their first meeting.  After Lacey catches her latest boyfriend in the shower with her friend, she wonders why men find her boring in bed.  Nick seeing the opportunity of a lifetime to finally have Lacey as his offers to give her private lessons. 

Lacey hestitates at first not wanting to ruin their friendship.  She finally decides that Nick’s offer to help seems very sincere and decides to go along with his lessons.  Nick is going to prove to Lacey that her Mr. Right has been there right beside her all along.

Nick is definately a perfect hero; strong, sensitive, caring, fun and patient.  I loved him the minute I met him.  Lacey is a strong, independent woman who doesn’t hide who she is with whoever she is with.  She is really likable and I think a lot of woman can relate to her (I did).  

We are also introduced to Lacey’s two very protective brothers Merrick and Blade.  Blade will get his story this June and I’m hoping that Merrick’s story won’t be far behind.

Ms Rainey has written an excellent book filled with warmth, humor, love and not to mention some steamy sex.  I had a hard time putting this book down and finished it quickly.  I was a little sad when I finished, but I do have Blade’s story (and hopefully Merrick’s) to look forward to.  Anne Rainey is going to be a automatic buy for me from now on.

Grade: A

Book blurb:

     Taking friendship to a whole new level…

     Lacey Vaughn is tired of being dumped on by men. It’s clear she needs help in the ways of seduction. Over cappuccinos, Lacey shares her worries with pal Nick Stone. Being the good friend that he is, Nick offers to give Lacey a few pointers in the ways of sexual pleasure. From his first touch, Lacey forgets all about lessons. Now all she wants is more of his luscious body and skillful touches.

     Nick’s craved Lacey for months. He’s done watching her waste herself on losers. It’s time she saw him as more than the dreaded good friend. He’ll do nearly anything to have the little spitfire all for himself.

     But in order to get Lacey past her insecurities, Nick will have to put it all on the line-including his heart-and pray he doesn’t lose her forever.

     Read an excerpt here.