Review posted:
It’s always a treat to get to revisit favorite characters and I’ve been looking forward to seeing what Erin, Todd and Ben have been up to recently. They’re raising their son Alexander in Seattle, living their lives that are full of love and surrounded by family. This novella, Laid Open, gives us a small peek into their relationship, as the trio takes a much needed vacation for some alone time.
Their vacation in Fiji is full of sun, beach and lots o’sex! They’re in a secluded location and they’re free to show all the love they feel for each other without getting stares or having to be concerned with the public perception. The sex is hot. I really have nothing more to add about that, Lauren Dane brings the sexy every time and Todd, Erin and Ben enjoy each other completely.
Two things stood out to me, the first being Ben. I’ve always had a soft spot for this man because legally, Todd and Erin are married, Alexander is Todd’s son, but the trio is living as a married unit. That still leaves Ben on the outside when they’re not in their home or surrounded by family. He puts his fears out there to Todd as they’re helping Erin deal with the anniversary of her daughter’s death. Ben’s moment of voicing his fears to Todd was very emotional, real and it’s a little heartbreaking in that there’s no answer. This is how he feels, there’s no fix because things are what they are, but there was something sweet about this tough guy putting his heart out there to Todd in this way seeing the two of them share this moment.
Along those same lines, Erin is beating herself up over waking up and forgetting that the day was the anniversary of her daughter’s death. It’s the moment that sets her off on an emotional day and she deals with it as best she can. Todd and Ben are there, never forcing her to talk or deal with it. They’re just there, showing her love and support and it’s exactly what she needs to get through. Again, there’s no easy fix for this, she’ll always have a strong reaction to this day and to thinking about how she’s moved on and is happy in her life while her daughter will never have that. She has guilt and sadness but Todd and Ben are there to help her through and support her no matter what.
Fans of Laid Bare will definitely want to pick this novella up. Coming in at around 80 pages, it’s a fast read that of course had me wanting much more. After years together, Ben, Todd and Erin wanted to reaffirm their connection and they strengthened their relationship over the course of this vacation and it was a sexy and emotional ride.