In the wilds of Oklahoma, three sisters have a hot date with destiny. Valerie, Brea, and Jolene McMasters reunite on the family ranch that should have been called the Bar Nothing…Bound…
When Valerie left for the big city, she kissed her foreman husband, Mason, goodbye—along with the best sex she ever had. Now, seeing him brings back sizzling memories. But their rekindled fire threatens to burn them both.
Branded…
Watching Gage wrangle untamed horses with a gentle but firm touch leaves Brea hot and bothered. But can she live out her fantasy with a man who may ask more than she’s willing to give?
Brazen…
Ranch hand Walker Morgan can’t afford to lose his job by getting too close to his new boss, Jolene, no matter how much she tempts him. But Jolene’s prepared to take the first step, because what Jolene wants, Jolene gets. And Jolene wants Walker.
Bound, Branded and Brazen
Jaci Burton’s work has been an auto-buy for me since I read her erotic romance about 3 female best friends and the men in their lives “Wild, Wicked and Wanton” in 2008. Ms. Burton’s newest publication “Bound, Branded and Brazen”, is designed in the same format as “Wild, Wicked and Wanton”, in that it is about 3 sisters, and their stories are told as interconnecting novellas within the same book. However, the setting and themes of this novel are completely different as the women are reunited on a family ranch in Oklahoma.
Ms. Burton uses an interesting game that the girls played as children to map out their lives. As adults, the reemergence of this game helps each sister to see what and who is important to them.
Bound
Dr. Valerie McMasters returns to the Bar M ranch after a 2 year absence for the funeral of her uncle Ronald at the insistence of her youngest sister Jolene. Valerie has made a life for herself in Dallas where she completed her Internship and Residency and plans to go into practice with 3 other family physicians. She is about to see all the years of hard work pay off. Valerie divorced her husband Mason, the Forman of Bar M, when she left the ranch and planned never to return to the memories of their time together as well as the heartache of the loss of her parents years earlier. However, with Uncle Ronald’s passing, ownership of the 10,000 acre cattle ranch will be equally divided between the 3 sisters, Valerie, Brea and Jolene.
Mason loved Valerie McMasters from the time she was 16 years of age and even though there was tremendous hurt when she left and divorced him, he has never stopped loving his beautiful, brilliant and stubborn ex-wife. Mason is an intelligent, strong, ruggedly handsome, career cowboy who has worked hard at the Bar M for many years. He knows Valerie, that she keeps her secrets close and while they have sexual chemistry which ignites into a passion that for him is unmatched, she never opened up and shared her secrets or fears with him. I really liked Mason’s strength of character and ability to back off when it comes to Valerie who runs hot and cold at the blink of an eye.
Cattle ranchers work extremely hard and share a love of the land and country life which came through loud and clear in Ms. Burton’s well crafted narrative. I was quite surprised to learn what was involved in the running of a large cattle ranch such as the Bar M, and as Forman, Mason works in tandem with Jolene McMasters overseeing the day to day running of the ranch, an enormous responsibility.
Valerie, against her better judgement, agrees to stay at the Bar M for one month but is determined to return to Dallas and her carefully planned life. She makes sure, her sisters and Mason are well aware of this. Try as she might to push Mason away and deny her need for him the sexual tension and attraction builds and explodes between these two characters and they again become intimate. The love scenes penned between Val and Mason are smouldering hot intense and explicit. Ms. Burton is known for writing sensual love scenes and the eroticism permeating the narrative of this novel is no exception.
Valerie and Mason’s is a story of reacquainted lovers, but it is not an easy one. Valerie is determined to return to her life in Dallas and she has a soul deep fear of committing herself to him again for reasons you will have to read the novel to discover. There are also issues in the community that come knocking at her door and this along with what she feels are unrealistic expectations of her family cause her to flee the Bar M and Mason again.
Branded
Brea McMasters has made a life for herself in Tulsa working as a freelance programmer/analyst. Brea is a shy bookworm who has significant self image problems thanks to a couple of unfulfilling, unpleasant relationships. As with Valerie, Brea returns to the ranch after a 2 year absence at Jolene’s request to deal with her part ownership. Brea too intends to return to her life in Tulsa after 1 month. Upon her arrival at the ranch her sisters immediately notice she hides her beauty behind too big clothing and an unbecoming hairstyle. Brea has very low self esteem. It doesn’t take long for the strong and overbearing Jolene, with Valerie’s support, to take matters in hand and whisk Brea off to town getting her a makeover and some new clothing. While this “new look” does show off Brea’s inherent beauty to her benefit, it does nothing to help her self image problems.
Enter Gage Reilly, a gifted horse trainer, and drifter whose latest job stop is at the Bar M. Gage is not only extremely handsome, he is well read, enjoys the arts and what I really liked about him is his honesty, he calls a spade a spade. This hero has no intention of settling down, enjoying his footloose and fancy free lifestyle. He is sexually experienced, very charismatic but picky about the women with whom he spends his time.
Gage immediately notices Brea and is inexorably drawn to her soft innocence. He also notices a sadness evident in her expressive eyes. Brea of course has noticed Gage but feels unworthy of his attention which couldn’t be more untrue. With gentle encouragement Gage stokes Brea’s passionate nature and desire to be with him. He is completely honest about his plans to move on and inability to make any sort of commitment. Brea understands and their relationship starts as a casual no strings attached intimacy. However, as the beautiful, confident butterfly comes out of her cocoon, both these people begin to develop feelings beyond the “casual” which causes Gage to run scared and hurt Brea in the process. Then Jolene sticks her nose in and really muddies the waters.
Never fear, Ms. Burton does pen a lovely HEA for this couple and, Brea and Gage’s very hot romance was my favorite of the three.
Brazen
The title for Jolene’s story is perfect because she is indeed “brazen”, a weapon on legs who has run the Bar M since a young age. Jolene is blonde and beautiful, tough as nails, has a razor sharp tongue, and, is set on having Walker Morgan. The poor guy doesn’t stand a chance. lol
Walker has worked at the Bar M for 5 years, he has proven himself time and again and is going to be offered the job of Assistant Forman. After having a very bad experience with a previous ranch owner, thereby losing his job, he has no intention of getting involved with “the boss”. I found Walker to be a solid hero, I really liked his integrity and strength.
Jolene institutes relentless war to win Walker’s affection. Here is a short example of a scene with Jolene in the local bar during a night out when she is trying to make Walker jealous. She is at the bar and a cowboy from another ranch asks her to dance.
“She offered up her sweetest smile.
“Nobody’s claimed me yet, cowboy, so I’m all yours.”
He held out his hand. “Then every guy in this place must be blind, because you’re sure the prettiest woman in here.”
Just what she liked—A man utterly full of shit.”
Bound, Branded and Brazen © Jaci Burton
LOL That, is Jolene.
She does nearly give up when Walker continues to feign disinterest, however he finally can no longer resist Jolene. The lead up to the scene where they finally “do it” is again a riot, I will say, it involves mud.
As their intimate relationship intensifies, Walker refuses to be seen with Jolene or acknowledge they are involved in public or around ranch employees which causes major conflict. Jolene’s vulnerable side does surface and she begins to question her choice for a male partner. Walker has not shared his work history with Jolene so she doesn’t understand what is standing in the way of a commitment between them. Ms. Burton penned a twist in the climax of Walker and Jolene’s story that was surprising.
I have to say, of the three stories, theirs was my least favorite. It wasn’t because I didn’t like these two characters because I did. I think it was that I didn’t see why Jolene was so attracted to Walker. Perhaps I would have liked to see him be a little stronger and taking the “lead” more with this incredibly strong heroine? This didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the novel, because I had difficulty putting “Bound, Branded and Brazen” down. Further, I’ve developed a new love for ‘cowboys’ in romance. lol
I thought the descriptive prose in involving the country, the climate and the rigors of cattle ranching was wonderful. The narrative of “Bound, Branded and Brazen” is laced with Ms. Burton’s signature humor, which I love. I also enjoyed the over arching plot that involved Valerie, Brea and Jolene being reunited, finding love and overcoming their family history of tragedy.
If you read and enjoyed “Wild, Wicked and Wanton” and have been looking forward to this novel, I don’t think you will be disappointed. If you like a hot erotic romance you may like to give “Bound, Branded and Brazen”, a try.
Heat Level: Boiling hot, this is a Jaci Burton Erotic Romance – Explicit sexuality, outdoor experiences, some anal play and 3 hot cowboys. Need I say more??
My Rating: 4.5/5 It was a great read for me!
“Bound, Branded, and Brazen”, will be available for purchase on March 2, 2010, I big thank you to Jaci Burton for submitting this novel for review!
Hi Lea, you are still awake later than I am! Thanks for a chance at a great giveaway, I'll try my luck. Hope you're having a good week
Ooooh count me in! I love all of Jaci's books!
Hi Lea,
Great review and this definately sounds like a hot read!
Wow another great giveaway, thanks!
Looks good! Loved the review.
Your reviews hook me in every single time! And this one looks so good!
Thanks Lea
Amy M
Jaci's books rock, and I feel like I've been waiting for this one to release forever, I can't wait to read it!
Have a great day, Lea~
Great review Lea.
Jaci Burton is a wonderful writer. She's one of those authors that I buy based on her name on a book. I don't care whats on the cover or what the back blurb says, if the name "Jaci Burton" is on it, I buy it!
MsM
Please count me in for this contest.
Wow! This book looks hot! Enter me, please?
~smooches~
Jase
vslavetopassionv(at)aol(dot)com
Sweet…please count me in, I am quickly becoming a Jaci Burton fanatic!
Thanks for hosting the giveaway, Lea
Not entering – just noticing that you're reading an m/m by Dakota Flint right now!
Please count me in! I sooo want this book! Hope all is well!
Count me in, I neeeeeed this book.
This book is already on my to buy list – but if I could win a copy that would be even better! I read Wild, Wicked, & Wanton first also. Since then I've started buying up Jaci's books! Great reads!
This sounds like a great book…please count me in
i have never read anything by jaci burton but this one sounds hot! please enter me in the giveaway! meaghan_koci (at) yahoo (dot) com
Sounds wonderful. Count me in too please.
Sue B
katsrus(at)gmail.com(dot)com
Sounds like a must read – please enter me in your draw -
I had a bacha desire for an autographed copy – would sure be nice
J
After that heat rating this is a must read! Please enter me as well.
Miranda
I have heard great buzz about this book. I so want to read it!
Would love a shot at this book. Reading about the sister's game brought back memories of "games" my friends and I used to invent while out bar hopping in our single days.
alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
Hi Lea
Another awesome review. I'm a HUGE Jaci fan anyway but boiling hot?
Wow!
What a great review…and this sounds like one hot fantastic book.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Hi Lea
I've heard a lot of good things about this book and your review sounds fantastic – I will definitively read this one… please count me in!
greetings, Ina
I loved reading Wild, Wicked and Wanton, and who can say no to sexy cowboys?
caity_mack(at)yahoo(dot)com
Great Review! Please count me in. I'm dying to read BBB.
Hi Lea!
Great review, loved it! Count me in. This is going on my TBB list, lol, the stacks always have room for one more!!
Dottie
*Waving At Everyone*
Thanks so much for joining in and all the interest in Jaci's new book!!
I hope everyone is having a great day!
I want this book really badly! I just finished reading Jaci's story in Unlaced, and it was great! Count me in for the great contest
Hello,
I'm a fan of Jaci's Wild Riders series, but haven't had a chance to read any of her books. This new book sounds good. Please count me in and thanks for the giveaway.
Ms Burton is an auto buy for me, too!
Lea. Thank you, thank you, thank you! What a wonderful review.
And thank you for the contest!
And thank you to everyone who's commented today! And good luck!
And could I say 'and' one more time? *g*
Great review and definitely makes this sound like a book I must have! I'm all about the steamy reads so definitely count me in for this.
joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com
This book sounds great!
I'd like to enter please!
I loved WWW and I cant wait to read BBB. Thanks for the giveaway! Great interview!!1 Wooohhhoooo Release day is around the corner!!!!1
Great reviews, they really make me want to pick this book up! PLease count me in!
Wow that sounds hot! Count me in- I always love a good smutty read.
Thanks for a great review! My first Jaci Burton novel was also Wild, Wicked, and Wanton, and ever since I heard about Bound, Branded, and Brazen, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. After reading your review, I'm anticipating this book even more
Oh count me in please! I'm a huge fan of Jaci's and her books are a must have for me.
Thanks for the giveaway
This one sounds great. Count me in!
Oh, this sounds so good and I would love to be entered!
Loksa great! Count me in
Jaci's book sounds wonderful. Please count me in.
Very nice review. Please count me in!
Wow!! Hi everyone!!
Things are hopping here, thank you to everyone for joining in.
I'll try and get back later to say Hi to everyone, but trust that I have all your names down!!
Thanks again
L
Jaci:
LOLOL You are welcome, welcome, welcome.
BBB was a pleasure to read. Thank you for sending me the ARC.
Warm Regards
L
Lea,
please enter my name in the drawing. I love Jaci's books
Hi Lea,
I've been waiting for this sequesl ever since I read Wild, Wicked, and Wanton, which was a fantastic read. It was my intro to Jaci Burton books.
Have a great week!!
armiefox at yahoo dot com
Hi Lea!
I just discovered Jaci's books at the very end of last year when I picked up Riding Temptation at the library. I had been interested in reading the series, but never made it to the wish list for some reason.
Now, I've been reading her backlist as fast as I can. I love them, and have been wanting this new one. I would love the chance to win. Thanks for your generosity!!!
This sounds HOT! Love well written cowboys
Great review!
Hi Lea,
thanks for the wonderful review! This sounds like a great book, I'll look for it. All Jaci Burton's books are great!
Hi Everyone!!
Thanks again to everyone who is entering and the comments about the review!!
BBB is a GREAT read.
Collecting everyone's name here – Thanks again.
Best
L
what a HOT sounding book! enter me in your give away, please.
I enjoy her reads, count me in! tWarner419@aol.com
Three cowboys in one book, yum, what more can a city girl ask for!
I would love to have a chance to win Jaci's book! Her books are amazing. Love them!
Morning everyone!
Nice to see all the new folks and all my regulars too!!
Thanks so much for entering and reading the review!!
Have a great day.
L
I like anthologies where the stories connect. Wild, Wicked and Wanton was a great read. Jaci writes a Hot Book!!! Count me in please!!!
B, B, and B. Yeah, right up my alley! I look forward in readin this.
Thanks,
tracey D
This book sounds fantastic! Please count me in, too
Good Morning Everyone!!
I hope everyone is having a good day and had a great week.
I'm adding the new names to the list to win Jaci's book! Not long until it is released now!!!
I'll be announcing the winner tomorrow afternoon.
Thanks again Everyone!!
L
Hi Lea,
This sounds like another WONDERFUL book from Jaci! Thanks for a great review and for drawing my attention to it. (I've got it on order, so don't enter me.)
I hope all is well!
~ Elizabeth Amber
Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Elizabeth:
Thank you for your nice note.
I hope you enjoy Jaci's book as much as I did.
So nice of you to stop by..
Best
L
Hey Lexy: You are in with the gang – thanks for entering!!
L
The contest is closed everyone!
I'll be posting the winner shortly.
Thanks for entering…
L