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Secret Seductions #1
Untamed
Welcome to the wild, wild West -- where desire and danger come to a draw.
When Paris Sommer finds the secret diary of her great-great-grandmother, who ran an infamous bordello in the old West, her secret fantasies are ignited. Putting her librarian career to good use, she goes to Forked Creek, Nevada, to stay at the brothel and do some research. There Paris discovers a forbidden pleasure of her Mitchell Brand, a dead-sexy cowboy who knows just how to treat a woman -- and make her beg for more. Brand's hard-lovin' ways welcome Paris into a world of passion she's never known...until a mysterious treasure map hidden in the diary leads them to a place where peril and seduction collide.
When Paris Sommer finds the secret diary of her great-great-grandmother, who ran an infamous bordello in the old West, her secret fantasies are ignited. Putting her librarian career to good use, she goes to Forked Creek, Nevada, to stay at the brothel and do some research. There Paris discovers a forbidden pleasure of her Mitchell Brand, a dead-sexy cowboy who knows just how to treat a woman -- and make her beg for more. Brand's hard-lovin' ways welcome Paris into a world of passion she's never known...until a mysterious treasure map hidden in the diary leads them to a place where peril and seduction collide.
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 20, 2005
15 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Lawless
72 books138 followersKathleen Lawless blames a misspent youth watching Rawhide, Maverick and Bonanza for her fascination with cowboys, which doesn’t stop her from creating a wide variety of interests and occupations for her many alpha male heroes.
Her hero, Steele, in HER UNDERCOVER COWBOY, is a modern-day cowboy, so when she was wooed by a man called Steel— while he’s not a cowboy, he is an alpha male and her forever hero. Which is why all of her stories end Happily Ever After.
Not that she can ever stick to just one genre. So many stories to tell—never enough time.
With over 30 published novels to her credit, she enjoys pushing the boundaries of traditional romance into historical romance, romantic suspense, women’s fiction and stories for young adults.
Sign up for Kathleen’s VIP Reader Group to receive a free book, updates, special giveaways and fan-priced offers. http://eepurl.com/bV0sb1
Her hero, Steele, in HER UNDERCOVER COWBOY, is a modern-day cowboy, so when she was wooed by a man called Steel— while he’s not a cowboy, he is an alpha male and her forever hero. Which is why all of her stories end Happily Ever After.
Not that she can ever stick to just one genre. So many stories to tell—never enough time.
With over 30 published novels to her credit, she enjoys pushing the boundaries of traditional romance into historical romance, romantic suspense, women’s fiction and stories for young adults.
Sign up for Kathleen’s VIP Reader Group to receive a free book, updates, special giveaways and fan-priced offers. http://eepurl.com/bV0sb1
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 6, 2010
Untamed wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't that great either.(IMO)
While some may say it's erotic I really didn't think so, steamy, sexy ohh yeah. I like sex in my books and lots of it and this book had, well lots of sex....
With saying that I think I would have gave the book a higher rating if it had
A) More erotic elements
B) Was shorter
C) If the very frequent sex wasn't all the same/blended together.
If that ugh makes sense!?!
2.5 stars ;)
While some may say it's erotic I really didn't think so, steamy, sexy ohh yeah. I like sex in my books and lots of it and this book had, well lots of sex....
With saying that I think I would have gave the book a higher rating if it had
A) More erotic elements
B) Was shorter
C) If the very frequent sex wasn't all the same/blended together.
If that ugh makes sense!?!
2.5 stars ;)
September 19, 2011
A little too melodramatic for me. Pretty good plot line, characters were not thought through enough for me, I felt like I missed part of it or something.
January 30, 2020
Sometimes It’s Just Icky...
I have, mostly, enjoyed the Seven Brides for Seven Brothers historical Western romance series by this author. So, when she put a contemporary Western romance up at my favorite book review site, I had to see what it was all about! I was curious to see how she would work within contemporary Western romance. Would she handle it the same as most other contemporary Western romance writers (where it serves mostly as a backdrop), or would it have its own flavor because she knows so much of the history of the old west?
Ms. Lawless definitely does have her own way with Western romance, whether contemporary or historical. You could definitely sense that she is more of a historical Western writer than a contemporary one because a key part of this plot had to do with the history of the town that the heroin was visiting. The heroine had stumbled upon her three-times-great-grandmother's Journal, which recounted her time there as the owner of a bordello. Following standard Western tropes, people in this book are looking for an old deed and an old treasure. That part certainly did remind me of the type of historical romance that Ms. Lawless writes.
While I liked the historical Intrigue aspect of the story, I was in no way prepared for the sexual elements in this book. From the description, it did sound like it would be steamy, but no indication was given that the story is actually more erotica than romance. As I am not a fan of erotica, I found this to be a huge disappointment and actually quite a turnoff. The couple at the heart of the story had instalust immediately, and this was described in graphic physical terms. I thought the hero treated the heroine terribly (even in their first hours of knowing each other), and instead of being appalled as any normal woman would be, the heroine was turned on by it. Ick. Their first sexual encounter came within hours of meeting and again was far too graphically described for my taste. I found the erotic games they played to be more icky than steamy, especially given the fact that they were strangers. Frankly, the two together were just a massive turnoff. The story revolved a surprising amount around their sexual relationship, which is part of what makes this more erotica and romance as well.
I liked the historical underpinnings of this story, but the crude sexual elements overwhelmed that story and made it completely unenjoyable for me. While I intend to keep reading this author's historical fiction, I doubt I will give her contemporary Western “romances” another shot.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I have, mostly, enjoyed the Seven Brides for Seven Brothers historical Western romance series by this author. So, when she put a contemporary Western romance up at my favorite book review site, I had to see what it was all about! I was curious to see how she would work within contemporary Western romance. Would she handle it the same as most other contemporary Western romance writers (where it serves mostly as a backdrop), or would it have its own flavor because she knows so much of the history of the old west?
Ms. Lawless definitely does have her own way with Western romance, whether contemporary or historical. You could definitely sense that she is more of a historical Western writer than a contemporary one because a key part of this plot had to do with the history of the town that the heroin was visiting. The heroine had stumbled upon her three-times-great-grandmother's Journal, which recounted her time there as the owner of a bordello. Following standard Western tropes, people in this book are looking for an old deed and an old treasure. That part certainly did remind me of the type of historical romance that Ms. Lawless writes.
While I liked the historical Intrigue aspect of the story, I was in no way prepared for the sexual elements in this book. From the description, it did sound like it would be steamy, but no indication was given that the story is actually more erotica than romance. As I am not a fan of erotica, I found this to be a huge disappointment and actually quite a turnoff. The couple at the heart of the story had instalust immediately, and this was described in graphic physical terms. I thought the hero treated the heroine terribly (even in their first hours of knowing each other), and instead of being appalled as any normal woman would be, the heroine was turned on by it. Ick. Their first sexual encounter came within hours of meeting and again was far too graphically described for my taste. I found the erotic games they played to be more icky than steamy, especially given the fact that they were strangers. Frankly, the two together were just a massive turnoff. The story revolved a surprising amount around their sexual relationship, which is part of what makes this more erotica and romance as well.
I liked the historical underpinnings of this story, but the crude sexual elements overwhelmed that story and made it completely unenjoyable for me. While I intend to keep reading this author's historical fiction, I doubt I will give her contemporary Western “romances” another shot.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
January 19, 2020
Paris Sommer impatiently stared out the bus window to get her first glimpse of Forked Creek, a restored ghost town and Martha May Brown’s famous house of ill repute, the brothel once owned by her great-great-great-grandmother. Martha May’s journal she had found in her grandparents’ attic was tucked away in her travel bag. Paris’ cover story, so that she could more freely move around town on her own, was that she was a librarian doing historical research. The women went to the brothel where Valerie, their hostess, met them, distributed room keys, and told them there were period costumes for everyone to put on to enhance their experience. Martha May had hidden a treasure, according to the journal, more than a hundred years ago on her way out of town. Paris intended to follow the clues in the journal and see whether the treasure was still where it had been hidden.
A crowd gathered at the livery while a tall cowboy with a rope approached a skittish horse. All eyes – except Paris’ – were on the horse. Paris couldn’t take her eyes off the cowboy! When he saddled the horse, she walked away to get a drink. Ordering a club soda in the bar, a masculine voice drawled from the doorway. “Tearoom’s at the other end of town.” It was “her cowboy” and he was even more handsome up close. He asked if she was new to Forked Creek and, when she answered, ““Yes, No, Not really,” he chuckled and said, “You sure?” Then he offered to show her around. Paris falls for the handsome cowboy, Mitchell Brand. But is Brand’s interest solely on her? Or does he want access to the journal that may lead to the hidden treasure?
I enjoyed this book! The little history of the town was excellent, and the idea of a hidden treasure captured the reader’s attention. Join Paris on her journey to connect with a piece of her family’s history!
A crowd gathered at the livery while a tall cowboy with a rope approached a skittish horse. All eyes – except Paris’ – were on the horse. Paris couldn’t take her eyes off the cowboy! When he saddled the horse, she walked away to get a drink. Ordering a club soda in the bar, a masculine voice drawled from the doorway. “Tearoom’s at the other end of town.” It was “her cowboy” and he was even more handsome up close. He asked if she was new to Forked Creek and, when she answered, ““Yes, No, Not really,” he chuckled and said, “You sure?” Then he offered to show her around. Paris falls for the handsome cowboy, Mitchell Brand. But is Brand’s interest solely on her? Or does he want access to the journal that may lead to the hidden treasure?
I enjoyed this book! The little history of the town was excellent, and the idea of a hidden treasure captured the reader’s attention. Join Paris on her journey to connect with a piece of her family’s history!
February 20, 2020
UNTAMED” by Kathleen Lawless is a tale of one Paris Sommer...who journeyed to a revived Nevada ghost town called Forked Creek...to investigate
Martha May Brown’s “Cat House” ...The cowtown’s brothel....mentioned in her great-great-great-grandmother’s Martha May’s journal...which also spoke of a so-called hidden treasure. The hostess ...Valerie...running the “ Cat House” now ..offered rooms and period clothing to paying guests. A local tall drink of water named Mitchell Brand plays cowboy for the tourists by staging a roping demonstration at the livery stable....caught Paris’s eye. And later at the bar...he offered to show her around...needless to say the two hit it off...and things get steamy fast. BUT is he interested in only Paris OR Paris and her journal...OR just the journal alone?!? Read & see!! Much enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Martha May Brown’s “Cat House” ...The cowtown’s brothel....mentioned in her great-great-great-grandmother’s Martha May’s journal...which also spoke of a so-called hidden treasure. The hostess ...Valerie...running the “ Cat House” now ..offered rooms and period clothing to paying guests. A local tall drink of water named Mitchell Brand plays cowboy for the tourists by staging a roping demonstration at the livery stable....caught Paris’s eye. And later at the bar...he offered to show her around...needless to say the two hit it off...and things get steamy fast. BUT is he interested in only Paris OR Paris and her journal...OR just the journal alone?!? Read & see!! Much enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2020
Loved the yellow brick road!
Oh, what an engaging and entertaining story. I loved the interaction and the dialogue was wonderful. I also thought that the characters were believable and the piece well-written. Going to a ghost town in Nevada Paris is here because of Martha May’s journal. Visiting her great-great-great-grandmother brothel Paris wonder about Martha May what her life had been like. Now expected some pretty steamy and hot scenes between Paris and Brand find a mystery, some bad guys, and a whole lot of love. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Oh, what an engaging and entertaining story. I loved the interaction and the dialogue was wonderful. I also thought that the characters were believable and the piece well-written. Going to a ghost town in Nevada Paris is here because of Martha May’s journal. Visiting her great-great-great-grandmother brothel Paris wonder about Martha May what her life had been like. Now expected some pretty steamy and hot scenes between Paris and Brand find a mystery, some bad guys, and a whole lot of love. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
January 22, 2020
Paris Sommers is headed to the restored ghost town of Forked Creek. After discovering her great great great grandmother’s journal and that she owned and ran a bordello in the town back in the 1800s. The journal talks about a treasure and a map. Once she arrives in the town, she meets the handsome, sexy cowboy Mitchell Brand. He’s there for a different reason. It seems she’s not the only one looking for this hidden treasure. Interesting storyline and believable characters. Plenty of sexy scenes, blackmail, twists and turns, secrets and a deeper feelings then expected.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2020
UNTAMED is the third book in the Secret Seductions series and is a steamy read.
A Handsome Cowboy. A Historical Journal. A Hidden Treasure.
Paris and Brand have amazing chemistry together. I do wish more of the story had concentrated on the journal and the hidden treasure. The historical aspects of the Wild West ghost town and the bordello are interesting.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
A Handsome Cowboy. A Historical Journal. A Hidden Treasure.
Paris and Brand have amazing chemistry together. I do wish more of the story had concentrated on the journal and the hidden treasure. The historical aspects of the Wild West ghost town and the bordello are interesting.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
February 22, 2020
This is a hot and steamy story. Unfortunately, it's much more steamy than story. The journal part of the storyline was very intriging and suspenseful, but there was very little of it in the book. Brand is not a nice person, and I didn't like him at all. What he did in the end was romantic and sweet, but it wasn't believable. Paris is gullible and impulsive.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
January 18, 2020
Wow! This book is loaded with a really hot cowboy named Mitchell Brand and a sexy little gal name Paris. There is all kinds of twists in this book that just keeps you turning page after page and hot steamy romance with drama and suspense. Great book and even better characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2020
For me, this was just an okay read don't get me wrong if you are just looking for lots of steam them this is well worth picking up it was not bad just not great and did drag a little at times I would try more from this author.
January 19, 2020
This was a Nancy Drew Meets Carrie Bradshaw type story. It was well-written, well-paced full of romance, secrecy and mystery. The perfect combo for a hot cowboy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2020
This is book 3 in the series. this is a very interesting romance story. It has a hidden treasure to find and great chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2020
I enjoyed this new "Secret Seductions" story! It's a captivating romance story with passion and mystery. The plot is intriguing with nice twists. I really like the characters and how the story develops. Paris and Brand are great with unbelievable chemistry.
March 11, 2020
The great plot was well written and the characters were so well developed that as I turned each page the chemistry between the characters kept me totally hooked until the very last page!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2020
This was a very passionate book. It was really well written. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book in exchange for a free copy.
January 21, 2020
This is the third book in the Secret Seduction series. It has good characters and an intriguing storyline.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2020
I enjoyed Mitchelle & Paris's story. Good characters. This was a fun, intriguing book. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 20, 2020
Paris Sommer impatiently stared out the bus window to get her first glimpse of Forked Creek, a restored ghost town and Martha May Brown’s famous house of ill repute, the brothel once owned by her great-great-great-grandmother. Martha May’s journal she had found in her grandparents’ attic was tucked away in her travel bag. Paris’ cover story, so that she could more freely move around town on her own, was that she was a librarian doing historical research. The women went to the brothel where Valerie, their hostess, met them, distributed room keys, and told them there were period costumes for everyone to put on to enhance their experience. Martha May had hidden a treasure, according to the journal, more than a hundred years ago on her way out of town. Paris intended to follow the clues in the journal and see whether the treasure was still where it had been hidden.
A crowd gathered at the livery while a tall cowboy with a rope approached a skittish horse. All eyes – except Paris’ – were on the horse. Paris couldn’t take her eyes off the cowboy! When he saddled the horse, she walked away to get a drink. Ordering a club soda in the bar, a masculine voice drawled from the doorway. “Tearoom’s at the other end of town.” It was “her cowboy” and he was even more handsome up close. He asked if she was new to Forked Creek and, when she answered, “Yes, No, Not really,” he chuckled and said, “You sure?” Then he offered to show her around. Paris falls for the handsome cowboy, Mitchell Brand. But is Brand’s interest solely on her? Or does he want access to the journal that may lead to the hidden treasure?
I enjoyed this book! The little history of the town was excellent, and the idea of a hidden treasure captured the reader’s attention. Join Paris on her journey to connect with a piece of her family’s history!
A crowd gathered at the livery while a tall cowboy with a rope approached a skittish horse. All eyes – except Paris’ – were on the horse. Paris couldn’t take her eyes off the cowboy! When he saddled the horse, she walked away to get a drink. Ordering a club soda in the bar, a masculine voice drawled from the doorway. “Tearoom’s at the other end of town.” It was “her cowboy” and he was even more handsome up close. He asked if she was new to Forked Creek and, when she answered, “Yes, No, Not really,” he chuckled and said, “You sure?” Then he offered to show her around. Paris falls for the handsome cowboy, Mitchell Brand. But is Brand’s interest solely on her? Or does he want access to the journal that may lead to the hidden treasure?
I enjoyed this book! The little history of the town was excellent, and the idea of a hidden treasure captured the reader’s attention. Join Paris on her journey to connect with a piece of her family’s history!
February 13, 2016
I love a good cowboy romance, but this left a lot to be desired.
Pros:
Sex scenes were well written
Dialogue and characters were believable
Overall the author seems to be a very good writer
Cons:
Constant sex scenes to the point of leaving little other plot
Characters not quite developed
Plot lacking
I really wanted to read about the mystery and the story behind Paris' great grandmother. This had so much potential to be an amazing read, but it just didn't make the cut. I would love for the author to expand on the story, maybe give us a prequel and a sequel. This writer clearly knows what she's doing - her writing skills are very good (some romance novels are so lacking in this area) - it would be great if she could put them to use and give us more plot!
Pros:
Sex scenes were well written
Dialogue and characters were believable
Overall the author seems to be a very good writer
Cons:
Constant sex scenes to the point of leaving little other plot
Characters not quite developed
Plot lacking
I really wanted to read about the mystery and the story behind Paris' great grandmother. This had so much potential to be an amazing read, but it just didn't make the cut. I would love for the author to expand on the story, maybe give us a prequel and a sequel. This writer clearly knows what she's doing - her writing skills are very good (some romance novels are so lacking in this area) - it would be great if she could put them to use and give us more plot!
January 21, 2020
A passionate romance with a bit of a mystery. 💞❤️🤠💞
Paris has gone to a theme town in Nevada to learn more about her great-great-great-grandmother and what her treasure map might lead to. But there is more going on in this little town that appears and when people find out who she's related to, she's thrown right into the thick of things. Of course, it wouldn't be a romance without a love interest and that's where Brand comes into play. And play do they ever. 🥰🔥💕
This is the third book in the Secret Seductions series and it can easily be read as a standalone romance. 😉😍
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Paris has gone to a theme town in Nevada to learn more about her great-great-great-grandmother and what her treasure map might lead to. But there is more going on in this little town that appears and when people find out who she's related to, she's thrown right into the thick of things. Of course, it wouldn't be a romance without a love interest and that's where Brand comes into play. And play do they ever. 🥰🔥💕
This is the third book in the Secret Seductions series and it can easily be read as a standalone romance. 😉😍
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2020
The third book in the Secret Seductions series a well written story with a good storyline, this series just gets better with each new book. I enjoyed reading Paris and Brand's and I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2008
Story line would have been better without so much sex.
March 28, 2008
More erotic than I anticipated, but weaved interestingly into the story.
September 18, 2015
A quick, hot read.
August 6, 2013
I expected more of a storyline along with the sexual content. I was not terribly impressed with either of the books I read by her.
April 22, 2016
I loved the hot, steamy sexiness!
July 27, 2016
1.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews