"strong and appealing characters"

20-year-old virgin Marly is home for a college break, visiting the family ranch run by her guardians, Cade and his younger twin brothers, thoughtful Brock and prankster Sam. Marly has always been fascinated with dominant brother Cade and is determined to get his attention on this vacation. Cade raised Marly since she was 14, making her feel safe and loved. He has been fighting his sexual attraction to Marly since she was 18.

While Marly sets out to provoke and tempt Cade with skimpy clothes and flirting with friends, he fights his internal battle to protect Marly from his baser instincts, despite encouragement from the twins. A shadow is cast by unexplained accidents and the memories of attempted abuse from Marly's stepfather. Will Marly's choice lead to her destruction?

There is a fine line between coercion and seduction in this story, whether through use of family affiliation, lack of birth control, or emotional threats of withdrawal. There were a few times when I almost did not finish the book, but the author very adeptly surprised me just at the height of the tension, which underscored the power of the characters' emotional commitment. Both Marly and Cade have emotional arcs that were both realistic and sympathetic, which is astounding given that their choices are far from the norm of mainstream romance. They both grow with each other and learn how to give and receive love. I must also admit to having a not-so-secret partiality for the dominant alpha heroes, so Cade is very yummy.

I really enjoyed this book, despite not really being to my normal tastes. It was much better most eroticas I have read, with strong and appealing characters. After not being sure that I would finish this novel, I now can't wait for the sequel with brother Brock!

Sensuality Guide: Sex toys, voyeurism, straight h/h sex, anal sex, foursomes (three men, one woman).

Reviewed by Karen Williston for Sensual Romance.

Reviewed by Sensual Romance
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted March 6, 2003

Summary

Marly's love for Cade has spanned her teenage years, and survived strong and intact into womanhood. Her fantasies and daydreams have sustained her, but she's no longer content with merely imagining the touch of his hands, the taste of his kiss. It's time to seduce the tough, sexy cowboy.

She's heard the rumors for years, the tales of his sexual preferences. She's prepared herself to accept his desires. Prepared her body for his touch. But she wasn't prepared for the choice to come...

Cade's dark desires, his sexual excesses are based in the past. In a time when pain, shame, and blood stains his very soul. He carries a secret shared only with his brothers. A secret that has scarred the bond, the ability to be a brother or to accept the love of the men he was raised with. He knows the only way to prove his loyalty, his love for those brothers and Marly will be the key.

She has a choice. She can surrender to Cade's needs, his soul deep desires, or she can walk away. A choice only Marly can make. A choice that will change her life forever.

Sexual Content: NC-17. Genre: contemporary.