Limecello’s review of Private Property (Hauberk Protection Series, Book 1) by Leah Braemel
Erotic romance ebook released by Samhain Publishing 29 Jan 09
I found Private Property through a contest that Moira Rogers is offering (50 series, or something like that). Leah Braemel’s story caught my attention, so I went to My Bookstore and More, and bought a copy. I always enjoy a well written ménage story, and I might be one of the few readers who fervently wishes for more love triangles. (I guess I missed that phase of romance. Well, and it has to be believable.) The premise of the book offers one, and while that’s not really how the story plays out, it’s still an enjoyable read.
Jodi Tyler is an interesting character, and somewhat contradictory on the surface. Supposedly she’s all badass and intimidates the guys she has worked with in the past, along with her previous boyfriends. However, that’s not how I read her, nor would it be how I would characterize her. Nevertheless, the emotions and thoughts that go through Jodi’s mind in Private Property are believable and natural. Jodi believes what she has with Mark is a casual relationship – if even that, because he made it clear there are no strings attached. Even so, Jodi has become emotionally involved, and that puts her on uncertain footing.
Mark Rodriguez is a hero I didn’t like at the opening of the book, but he grew on me. And, he gets put through the wringer. I love a tortured hero. It’s always nice to see a guy get his comeuppance, and Ms. Braemel does a great job of that. I think she does a great job of getting into his head, and having him react very realistically to the situation. I really liked how he went through the natural progression of assessing his emotions for Jodi. And that he exhibited just the right amount of jealousy.
Private Practice is a novella, and the story is only about the one night hookup. It’s a very hot, sexy read, and does its job as a quick entertaining story. I felt I had to slightly suspend my belief to allow for the premise of this story, but the setup of how Jodi is introduced to Sam is quite interesting. I really liked how Ms. Braemel wrote the characters. Both Jodi and Mark have doubts about the situation, and second guess themselves, which adds a nice element to the story.
Nevertheless, the sexploration commences, and Jodi has a grand old time. I like that Jodi is willing to go for it, and the part Mark played in it. Mark sets it up, then has his regrets, but doesn’t take them out on Jodi. It was nice to see mature characters who could take responsibility for their own actions. Of course, there’s a happy ending – and in fact, a sequel. Apparently Sam’ll get his happy ending in Personal Protection, so hopefully I’ll get a chance to read that story as well. If you’re looking for a quick and entertaining read with a lot of sexing, Private Property is a great choice.
Grade: B-
Summary:
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There’s nothing casual about this caper…
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Jodi Tyler has loved and lost too many times to believe in happily ever after. That’s what makes her no-strings affair with her boss so perfect—his power in bed matches his respect for her independence. Still, when he surprises her with a ménage for her birthday, her secret thrill wars with a nagging thought: Why would he so casually share her with another man?
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Even though Mark Rodriguez holds Jodi at arm’s length from his heart, her self-confidence is a turn-on he can’t resist. Inviting old college buddy and future business partner Sam into their bed for one night was supposed to set free her wildest fantasy. Instead he finds the tables turned, forced to watch while Sam brings her to the height of ecstasy.
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Now, Mark’s not so sure he wants to share his treasure…
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Warning: This book contains a woman fulfilling her sexual fantasies—including two men who are happy to tie her up, and be tied up, while using graphic language and floggers.
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Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
