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Bridgewater Ménage #1
Their Kidnapped Bride
If you love the Wild Wild West, you'll love this steamy hot historical series set in the Montana Territory!
Emma James felt secure in her life. Money, social standing and the protection of her step-brother. Or so she thought. When she discovers his dark secrets, he turns on her and sells her to a western brothel to keep her quiet. There, she's forced to work or participate in an auction. A virgin auction...and she's the prize.
One look at Emma James and Whitmore Kane and Ian Stewart know she would belong to them. Marriage was the only way to truly claim her...so they bid and bid well. As their bride, they return to the Bridgewater Ranch and teach her the ways to please not one husband, but two. But danger has tracked Ian around the world and threatens their newfound relationship. Together, can they fight the demons of the past while forging a future?
>This is the first book in the Bridgewater Ménage Series, where you'll meet all of the men in Kane and Ian's army regiment and discover their unusual beliefs on marriage. Read the entire series to follow along as the men, two or three at a time, claim their brides.
Bridgewater: Where ménage meets marriage.
Emma James felt secure in her life. Money, social standing and the protection of her step-brother. Or so she thought. When she discovers his dark secrets, he turns on her and sells her to a western brothel to keep her quiet. There, she's forced to work or participate in an auction. A virgin auction...and she's the prize.
One look at Emma James and Whitmore Kane and Ian Stewart know she would belong to them. Marriage was the only way to truly claim her...so they bid and bid well. As their bride, they return to the Bridgewater Ranch and teach her the ways to please not one husband, but two. But danger has tracked Ian around the world and threatens their newfound relationship. Together, can they fight the demons of the past while forging a future?
>This is the first book in the Bridgewater Ménage Series, where you'll meet all of the men in Kane and Ian's army regiment and discover their unusual beliefs on marriage. Read the entire series to follow along as the men, two or three at a time, claim their brides.
Bridgewater: Where ménage meets marriage.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2015
845 people are currently reading
1857 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Vale
228 books2,535 followersA USA Today bestseller, Vanessa Vale has written over 100 cowboy and small town romances. She lives in the American West where she's always finding inspiration for her next story.
You can find out more about Vanessa at VanessaValeAuthor.com
You can find out more about Vanessa at VanessaValeAuthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 407 reviews
June 3, 2016
There was only one reason I did not DNF this thing: to see the evil stepbrother get what he deserved. Did I get that? Of course not!
By the way, you might want to stay away from this one. It's all about abusing women while pretending it's for their own good.
January 15, 2016
Copy received via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Keeping this short as I have had the flu.
This was an ok read for me so will rate it 2 (and seriously, 2 stars is still ok)
It did not feel AT ALL like a romance mind you, just straight up erotica, and while they end the books in a committed M/f/M there was no real feeling other than lust and possessiveness for me.
No real depth to the characters, I found the heroine vaguely unlikeable, but then could not really put my finger on as to why.
It did not really read at like an historical, other than at times the descriptions and dialogue were weirdly "formal" (as if this was almost a nod to it being in the past) and read like someone had been looking at a thesaurus
example - "The topic was odd. Everything was odd. Why were they talking in my bedroom while I slept? It was time to discern the answer" I mean, we are in first person POV, she has woken up drugged and overhearing her step brother selling her, and she is all "I must wake and discern the answer"
Or "I sank into the kiss, I could do nothing but, for he was quite skilled at it"
It just made it for me, not a natural flowing reading experience.
Some of the descriptions at times were a touch cringey, and I happened to be munching on something at one point reading this and quite frankly it nearly put me off my kit kat!
Certain things were mentioned like Ian going off to deal with her step brother, or the whole drama from his past, that just fizzled into nothing....
All in, it just sort of left me feeling nothing really.
It could have been better, if it was more development given to the characters, and more time given to certain plot lines that were mentioned leading to nothing. Instead it was, heroine sold, bought, de-virgnised, bring her home, lets all talk about sex and butt plugs at the dinner table as that is just so normal.
Keeping this short as I have had the flu.
This was an ok read for me so will rate it 2 (and seriously, 2 stars is still ok)
It did not feel AT ALL like a romance mind you, just straight up erotica, and while they end the books in a committed M/f/M there was no real feeling other than lust and possessiveness for me.
No real depth to the characters, I found the heroine vaguely unlikeable, but then could not really put my finger on as to why.
It did not really read at like an historical, other than at times the descriptions and dialogue were weirdly "formal" (as if this was almost a nod to it being in the past) and read like someone had been looking at a thesaurus
example - "The topic was odd. Everything was odd. Why were they talking in my bedroom while I slept? It was time to discern the answer" I mean, we are in first person POV, she has woken up drugged and overhearing her step brother selling her, and she is all "I must wake and discern the answer"
Or "I sank into the kiss, I could do nothing but, for he was quite skilled at it"
It just made it for me, not a natural flowing reading experience.
Some of the descriptions at times were a touch cringey, and I happened to be munching on something at one point reading this and quite frankly it nearly put me off my kit kat!
Certain things were mentioned like Ian going off to deal with her step brother, or the whole drama from his past, that just fizzled into nothing....
All in, it just sort of left me feeling nothing really.
It could have been better, if it was more development given to the characters, and more time given to certain plot lines that were mentioned leading to nothing. Instead it was, heroine sold, bought, de-virgnised, bring her home, lets all talk about sex and butt plugs at the dinner table as that is just so normal.
January 16, 2016
Check your disbelief at the door and you may enjoy this smutty, fast-paced read. There's not a whole lot of character development going on here, probably due to the novella-sized length of this book, but there's plenty of sex scenes to move things along.
The virgin heroine has grown up in privilege under the care of her nasty stepbrother, but when she accidentally witnesses him doing something rather naughty, he decides to sell her off to a brothel before she squeals on him. Yeah.
Anyhow, the brothel madam gives her a choice: work off her freedom (which could take years) or take her chances with being auctioned off as a wife to the highest bidder. She chooses the auction. She ends up with two former soldiers in the British Army as her 'husbands'. Yup.
What follows is them teaching her how to please them (and herself) and to embrace her lusty side. They bring her to their ranch in Montana where there's other members of their regiment living there who (openly and publicly) embrace the menage lifestyle as well.
This book could've used more development. I never felt like I really knew much about the heroine, other than her feelings about her sexuality. I had similar thoughts about the husbands. More back story would've been appreciated. Most of the book was spent on the sex scenes--and I never felt like they were love scenes. Just too little time had passed for this trio to be in love and it to be believable.
Since this is the first in a series, there may be some potential here. There's another committed trio who also lives at the ranch, as well as some single men. A more fully developed story about one of them and a continuation of this trio's story (minus more sex scenes) might make it a better book. But more of the same would make for a pretty shallow series. 3 1/2 stars
*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
The virgin heroine has grown up in privilege under the care of her nasty stepbrother, but when she accidentally witnesses him doing something rather naughty, he decides to sell her off to a brothel before she squeals on him. Yeah.
Anyhow, the brothel madam gives her a choice: work off her freedom (which could take years) or take her chances with being auctioned off as a wife to the highest bidder. She chooses the auction. She ends up with two former soldiers in the British Army as her 'husbands'. Yup.
What follows is them teaching her how to please them (and herself) and to embrace her lusty side. They bring her to their ranch in Montana where there's other members of their regiment living there who (openly and publicly) embrace the menage lifestyle as well.
This book could've used more development. I never felt like I really knew much about the heroine, other than her feelings about her sexuality. I had similar thoughts about the husbands. More back story would've been appreciated. Most of the book was spent on the sex scenes--and I never felt like they were love scenes. Just too little time had passed for this trio to be in love and it to be believable.
Since this is the first in a series, there may be some potential here. There's another committed trio who also lives at the ranch, as well as some single men. A more fully developed story about one of them and a continuation of this trio's story (minus more sex scenes) might make it a better book. But more of the same would make for a pretty shallow series. 3 1/2 stars
*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
October 7, 2016
Super hot and erotic MFM menage romance with two dominant ex-military/cowboy H's who slowly induct the innocent h into their hedonistic ways. Elements of public display present. 4.5 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2015
I almost didn't finish this book, but I plowed through because the basic premise of the book was intriguing. What put me off was 1) The threesome was characterized as a committed menage marriage, but the living arrangement --where other menage couples not only have public sex, but discuss the intimate details of their sex habits over dinner with their friends and co-workers --cheapened that marriage and called into question their supposed alpha tendencies; and 2) the characters were downright silly at times, almost laughable. If you're going to set your novel in the Old Wild West, then it seems like you have an obligation to address the attitudes and customs of that time. These characters were depicted so inconsistently that certain scenes came across as disjointed from the rest of the storyline, especially the setting and time period the author initially sets up
January 15, 2023
Short, basic with lots and lots of sex scenes, like lots. One for fans of bdsm and mfm erotica tropes.
January 11, 2018
While I found this title to be excellent in terms of erotica, I was disappointed with a couple other aspects of this book. I did understand that this was an erotic novel, however my assumption (I think naturally so) was that it would be more than just erotica. The fact that they are married points to an assumption that this is also an historical romance and reading the description it most certainly painted a picture in my mind that this was so. However, in no way did I find this to be a romance. There wasn't a single thing romantic about this relationship, it was purely sexual, which considering they were married and that the husbands were claiming to be Emma's protectors, was disappointing.
Part of the allure of an historical (I know for me and I'm certain this is true for other historical novel fans) is the social culture of the time. In this book, none of those rules where followed. In fact, there was really very little story-line to be had in this book – and what little plot there is was flat, and was almost unnecessary. There just didn't seem to be a good reason to make this story an historical verses modern day. In addition, the voyeuristic nature of the relationship really, really rocked this title completely off the tone of being an historical, at least it did for me. Don't get me wrong, I have no issue with voyeurism per se, it's just that in this book it did not suit the tone of an historical that already had little to no plot outside of erotic going-ons, and this was off-putting to me.
Romance level: 0% - Erotic level: 100%
So having said that, if you're looking for a fun quick read that is pretty much nothing but erotica that revolves around very light bondage, spanking, anal, alpha males, orgasm control, menage (M/F/M), voyeurism, and virginity, this is your book and it absolutely will not disappoint! The author most certainly hit the nail on the head with some steamy hot erotic scenes, in my opinion. At the time of writing this review the author is offering this title for free, it doesn't get much better than that! But, if you were hoping to find a nice balance between erotica and historical/historical romance, I'd recommend you pass on this one unfortunately.
I've taken 1 star away from my review due to the description of this book making it sound as though there is a plot-line to be had and followed throughout the book, yet, once you get into the meat of this title it becomes very clear that the tiny bit of plot that is contained in this book is nothing more than background in an attempt to explain away the reasoning for the erotica/unusual marriage and most certainly not for entertainment unto itself (as the description would have you believe).
I've taken 2 more stars away for the whole voyeuristic nature of their living arrangement that made this feel more like a hippy compound than an historical and completely ruined the tone of the setting. Yes, 2 stars. It was that off-putting to me. The only reason I read this was because I wanted to read an erotic novel with the subject points that were obvious from the title, cover, and description (m/f/m menage) with a realistic historical setting. I can get menage anywhere, but menage with a realistic historical/historical romance setting, now that would have been something special. Unfortunately, in my view, this book really didn't even need to be an historical. Highly disappointing.
2 remaining stars because I'm certain that many readers would enjoy this as nothing more than 100% pure erotica (in the types of erotic subjects I mentioned above), and in this, the author was on point.
Part of the allure of an historical (I know for me and I'm certain this is true for other historical novel fans) is the social culture of the time. In this book, none of those rules where followed. In fact, there was really very little story-line to be had in this book – and what little plot there is was flat, and was almost unnecessary. There just didn't seem to be a good reason to make this story an historical verses modern day. In addition, the voyeuristic nature of the relationship really, really rocked this title completely off the tone of being an historical, at least it did for me. Don't get me wrong, I have no issue with voyeurism per se, it's just that in this book it did not suit the tone of an historical that already had little to no plot outside of erotic going-ons, and this was off-putting to me.
Romance level: 0% - Erotic level: 100%
So having said that, if you're looking for a fun quick read that is pretty much nothing but erotica that revolves around very light bondage, spanking, anal, alpha males, orgasm control, menage (M/F/M), voyeurism, and virginity, this is your book and it absolutely will not disappoint! The author most certainly hit the nail on the head with some steamy hot erotic scenes, in my opinion. At the time of writing this review the author is offering this title for free, it doesn't get much better than that! But, if you were hoping to find a nice balance between erotica and historical/historical romance, I'd recommend you pass on this one unfortunately.
I've taken 1 star away from my review due to the description of this book making it sound as though there is a plot-line to be had and followed throughout the book, yet, once you get into the meat of this title it becomes very clear that the tiny bit of plot that is contained in this book is nothing more than background in an attempt to explain away the reasoning for the erotica/unusual marriage and most certainly not for entertainment unto itself (as the description would have you believe).
I've taken 2 more stars away for the whole voyeuristic nature of their living arrangement that made this feel more like a hippy compound than an historical and completely ruined the tone of the setting. Yes, 2 stars. It was that off-putting to me. The only reason I read this was because I wanted to read an erotic novel with the subject points that were obvious from the title, cover, and description (m/f/m menage) with a realistic historical setting. I can get menage anywhere, but menage with a realistic historical/historical romance setting, now that would have been something special. Unfortunately, in my view, this book really didn't even need to be an historical. Highly disappointing.
2 remaining stars because I'm certain that many readers would enjoy this as nothing more than 100% pure erotica (in the types of erotic subjects I mentioned above), and in this, the author was on point.
December 21, 2016
A DNF. I suppose the words 'Kidnapped Bride' should have told me this was a non-consensual tale, but the description made it seem like the brother was the bad guy. I know some reviews are stating this is a D/s relationship, but it's not. She doesn't agree, she doesn't consent. There are scenes where she's genuinely afraid and begging them to stop. They don't because, 'it's for her own good'. Also, one of the guys 'uses her body as a weapon against her'. Like, he literally thinks he'll weaponize her reactions for his own gain. Those two ideas don't seem to work together, but the guys sure thought it a lot.
I can sometimes get over vaguely dub-con if the guys are nice, but these aren't. They purposefully buy her for her virgin status and then punish her for not doing sex acts well. There's a scene where they do something that distresses her and they get interrupted. Instead of making her feel safe, they keep her in the distressing position and make her afraid she's going to be exposed and humiliated because 'she should learn we'll protect her' ... what? Let's put her in really scary situations so she'll trust us, the people who are terrifying her.
It's not just the guy MCs. We learn that the other two men who are married proudly talk about the time they 'punished' their woman. It isn't explicitly stated, but after MC's punishment, I got the feeling they randomly decided she was doing something wrong and only told her it was a rule after the fact. But it was okay, because the woman was resigned to her fate now.
To be clear, it wasn't the acts themselves that are wrong. It was the fact that she didn't consent to any of it. The friend supposedly does, but after seeing the MC I really doubt it. Seeing women go through sex with fear and uncaring men really killed this book for me.
I can sometimes get over vaguely dub-con if the guys are nice, but these aren't. They purposefully buy her for her virgin status and then punish her for not doing sex acts well. There's a scene where they do something that distresses her and they get interrupted. Instead of making her feel safe, they keep her in the distressing position and make her afraid she's going to be exposed and humiliated because 'she should learn we'll protect her' ... what? Let's put her in really scary situations so she'll trust us, the people who are terrifying her.
It's not just the guy MCs. We learn that the other two men who are married proudly talk about the time they 'punished' their woman. It isn't explicitly stated, but after MC's punishment, I got the feeling they randomly decided she was doing something wrong and only told her it was a rule after the fact. But it was okay, because the woman was resigned to her fate now.
To be clear, it wasn't the acts themselves that are wrong. It was the fact that she didn't consent to any of it. The friend supposedly does, but after seeing the MC I really doubt it. Seeing women go through sex with fear and uncaring men really killed this book for me.
November 3, 2016
This would have worked in a contemporary setting, with an established submissive heroine. The writing is quite clear, in first person POV from Emma, Ian and Kane, alternating in individual chapters, it isn't an easy format to pull off but Ms Vale manages well.
The accepting meekness of the heroine, an untouched Victorian virgin was unrealistic given the quick introduction of what would have been considered completely damning behaviour from her point of view. Drugged and kidnapped she is given the choice of becoming a brothel whore or being sold to the highest bidder in a 'bride' auction. She agrees to be displayed to a roomful of strangers in a transparent chemise and then is told two men have bought her, and she will serve both of them. Marriage and virginity loss happens within minutes. From her background, she would be more likely to attempt suicide to save her immortal soul than go along with it. Yet she does, and is happily swallowing in an public stagecoach less than 24 hours later. Butt plugs, intimate shaving, discussing oral sex at a dinner table full of strangers all happen within hours.
I found it ironic that these men thought the step-brother was wrong for not giving her a choice, when they treated her as a object that would be trained to be what they wanted, whatever she thought about it.
As an English woman with Scottish relatives, the Scottish accent of one of the two heroes was....not good.
I like ménage stories, the more graphic the better, in all settings, from historical to scifi. Cowboys are certainly up there with some of my favourite characters, but this one didn't hit the mark, for me at least. Although by the number of good reviews, it certainly pleased a lot of people, so take my thoughts with a pinch of salt.
The accepting meekness of the heroine, an untouched Victorian virgin was unrealistic given the quick introduction of what would have been considered completely damning behaviour from her point of view. Drugged and kidnapped she is given the choice of becoming a brothel whore or being sold to the highest bidder in a 'bride' auction. She agrees to be displayed to a roomful of strangers in a transparent chemise and then is told two men have bought her, and she will serve both of them. Marriage and virginity loss happens within minutes. From her background, she would be more likely to attempt suicide to save her immortal soul than go along with it. Yet she does, and is happily swallowing in an public stagecoach less than 24 hours later. Butt plugs, intimate shaving, discussing oral sex at a dinner table full of strangers all happen within hours.
I found it ironic that these men thought the step-brother was wrong for not giving her a choice, when they treated her as a object that would be trained to be what they wanted, whatever she thought about it.
As an English woman with Scottish relatives, the Scottish accent of one of the two heroes was....not good.
I like ménage stories, the more graphic the better, in all settings, from historical to scifi. Cowboys are certainly up there with some of my favourite characters, but this one didn't hit the mark, for me at least. Although by the number of good reviews, it certainly pleased a lot of people, so take my thoughts with a pinch of salt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2016
http://bookslifewine.com/r-their-kidn...
I like a good ménage romance just as much as the next dirty girl...but Their Kidnapped Bride just didn’t do it for me.
I had an issue with the most of the story, to be honest. The whole reason her step-brother sold her was...pretty much BS and made no sense that he would sell her into a brothel – he could have just had her locked up as insane or married off to a friend.
Then we get to the virgin sale. Ok. I’ll buy this...but I was done when we finally get to the husbands home and we learn how...exhibitionistic and...forcibly open about sexual matters the Ian, Kent and their men are. I was done. I am far from an exhibitionist and I was made very, very uncomfortable with the whole situation. I do believe that what happens between people in a relationship should stay between those people...it is not for public consumption. I feel its different if ALL parties involved are into that kink (exhibitionism) but to force someone to do it is not cool.
And one of the worst pieces for me was Ian with his atrocious forced “Scottish/Irish brogue” I was pretty close to being done. All the “ye ken” and other assaults to the reading eyes were killing me.
I like a good ménage romance just as much as the next dirty girl...but Their Kidnapped Bride just didn’t do it for me.
I had an issue with the most of the story, to be honest. The whole reason her step-brother sold her was...pretty much BS and made no sense that he would sell her into a brothel – he could have just had her locked up as insane or married off to a friend.
Then we get to the virgin sale. Ok. I’ll buy this...but I was done when we finally get to the husbands home and we learn how...exhibitionistic and...forcibly open about sexual matters the Ian, Kent and their men are. I was done. I am far from an exhibitionist and I was made very, very uncomfortable with the whole situation. I do believe that what happens between people in a relationship should stay between those people...it is not for public consumption. I feel its different if ALL parties involved are into that kink (exhibitionism) but to force someone to do it is not cool.
And one of the worst pieces for me was Ian with his atrocious forced “Scottish/Irish brogue” I was pretty close to being done. All the “ye ken” and other assaults to the reading eyes were killing me.
July 6, 2015
Emma is drugged and sold to a brothel for witnessing her stepbrother's indiscretion. The madame gives her a choice to either join her girls and earn her purchase price back or be the prize in a virgin marriage auction. The auction it is. Kane and Ian happen to be in the brothel and are looking for a bride for them to share and they both want Emma. They want to teach her their ways and make her a cherished Bridgewater Ranch bride.
WOW! For a historical/menage/erotica novella this story has it all. There is an interesting story and plot line while also having extremely hot menage sex scenes. I enjoyed how the story is told from all three characters POV and the characters are well developed for the length of the story. My only negative was that it ended a bit abruptly. Since this is the first book in a series, I am very interested in reading how the others on the ranch meet their brides and more by this author.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
WOW! For a historical/menage/erotica novella this story has it all. There is an interesting story and plot line while also having extremely hot menage sex scenes. I enjoyed how the story is told from all three characters POV and the characters are well developed for the length of the story. My only negative was that it ended a bit abruptly. Since this is the first book in a series, I am very interested in reading how the others on the ranch meet their brides and more by this author.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2016
This short and sexy story by Vanessa Vale was a delight to read. I only wish it was longer and gave a little more detail about some of the characters involved.
When Emma James awakens feeling like she's in a drunken stupor, she discovers she is no longer in the safety of her brother's home, but being sold by that very brother to a madam who owns a brothel. When she pleadds with her disgusting brother to set her free and allow her to live her life with the inheritance her family left her, he tells her she no longer has an inheritance. He spent it all and now he wants her gone. After selling her to the madam, the brothel owner gives her two options. Knowing that Emma is great commodity to be had, she offers her a life on her back at the whore house, or to be sold at a bride auction, where at least she would be a wife instead of a prostitute.
Weighing her options carefully, Emma chooses the marriage auction but she has no idea what she's in for when she ends up with not only one husband, but two. Former soldiers, the Englishman, Whitmore Kane and Scotsman, Ian Stewart have big plans for the alluring Emma. Once they rid her of her virginity they plan on grooming her into the perfect wife for the pair.
THEIR KIDNAPPED BRIDE by author Vanessa Vale was a fast paced and entertaining menage taking place in the old West. I actually enjoyed this story, I wish there was more. I want to know what becomes of Emma's despicable brother and I need to know more about Ian's troubles. All in all, this was a nice read, teeming with sex and innuendo. I look forward to more in this series in hopes that I get some answers to some burning questions.
~KIMBERLY~
May 25, 2015
I don't mind reading a good menage story but this was more of a dom/sub historical menage. I am so over anything BDSM and feel that if the book had a better description on Ammy I wouldn't have bought it. As it is I didn't get far before I felt I had been duped. I skimmed forward randomly to confirm my fear and then returned the book. Sorry Vanessa Vale, this was your first book I tried to read and I don't think I'll try another. Please be more accurate in your books descriptions. Any story that includes voyeurism, spanking, etc. should be described properly.
dnf
March 28, 2017No real story, just porn. Stilted writing and men that view themselves as saving the heroine when they bought her. Hello!! That is slavery and there ain't nothing pretty or romantic about that!
December 7, 2017
Well, I might reread later to see if I feel the same about it.
The book: NOT a romance book, it's straight erotica (which isn't bad), but still, I wish the author would flesh out the characters and romance building more, and reissue in an expanded edition.
I do Love romance plus spicy sex, and LOOOVE the idea of 2-3 men, but there was zero romantic relationship building (for me): ie no romantic buildup, then heartaching lows, then earning back the love; to build romantic drama and to make the sexy scenes "hot". Without the romance (for me), the sex isn't sexy. There was zero romantic earning of love here. #7 in the series is more romantic, but I've read other Dominant-submissive books that are much more dramatically romantic, with some serious earning of the love.
Instead of romance building or ANY courting behavior, there's a huge amount of men being constantly extremely unfriendly-&-bossy, hard spanking constantly for not doing everything exactly the way they wanted, huge emphasis on anal, and swallowing. I would hate to be in her position, trapped, it felt claustrophobic.
It made me want the female lead secretly get really good at independent wilderness-living skills, run-off, make her own way in the wilderness, maybe snag herself a Nice-dude, and make these too-bossy guys earn her love and an attitude adjustment.
Honestly, why does this have to be a dominance/submissive series anyway? Multiple-husbands makes such brilliant practical sense as far as providing stability for the wife & kids. (I'd been looking at my genealogy, and witnessing the tragedy of husband's early deaths and the impact on the wife & kids.)
The book: NOT a romance book, it's straight erotica (which isn't bad), but still, I wish the author would flesh out the characters and romance building more, and reissue in an expanded edition.
I do Love romance plus spicy sex, and LOOOVE the idea of 2-3 men, but there was zero romantic relationship building (for me): ie no romantic buildup, then heartaching lows, then earning back the love; to build romantic drama and to make the sexy scenes "hot". Without the romance (for me), the sex isn't sexy. There was zero romantic earning of love here. #7 in the series is more romantic, but I've read other Dominant-submissive books that are much more dramatically romantic, with some serious earning of the love.
Instead of romance building or ANY courting behavior, there's a huge amount of men being constantly extremely unfriendly-&-bossy, hard spanking constantly for not doing everything exactly the way they wanted, huge emphasis on anal, and swallowing. I would hate to be in her position, trapped, it felt claustrophobic.
It made me want the female lead secretly get really good at independent wilderness-living skills, run-off, make her own way in the wilderness, maybe snag herself a Nice-dude, and make these too-bossy guys earn her love and an attitude adjustment.
Honestly, why does this have to be a dominance/submissive series anyway? Multiple-husbands makes such brilliant practical sense as far as providing stability for the wife & kids. (I'd been looking at my genealogy, and witnessing the tragedy of husband's early deaths and the impact on the wife & kids.)
March 31, 2016
Unfortunately, I was very disappointed with this book. The storyline was not unusual but it did have a slightly different context.
Obviously a ménage romance. The book cover made that clear. Didn't find the men too appealing at all. Everything seemed functional, mechanical and really lacking anything that could be considered remotely romantic. Basically what you were left with was 2 men who had a plan: to share a woman.
This genre always has language which some could find abrasive or too explicit but if you read these books, you already know that and it's not a big deal for you. For the first time ever, I am stunned to admit I agree.
The book is almost entirely distasteful in that respect because there really isn't anything other than that thru the whole book. Again, this is a first for me but I was not amused at all by these guys.
The editing was horrible. I would read a sentence and could not imagine what the sentence should have been? You usually know quickly and continue reading but throughout the book, over and over, couldn't figure it out.
I don't know why I kept reading. I guess I hoped it would pull out of the steady nose dive and level off to find something of value or interest? NOPE!!!
Keep moving and don't waste your time on this one. Read the reviews and I am stumped? Did they read the same book?
Obviously a ménage romance. The book cover made that clear. Didn't find the men too appealing at all. Everything seemed functional, mechanical and really lacking anything that could be considered remotely romantic. Basically what you were left with was 2 men who had a plan: to share a woman.
This genre always has language which some could find abrasive or too explicit but if you read these books, you already know that and it's not a big deal for you. For the first time ever, I am stunned to admit I agree.
The book is almost entirely distasteful in that respect because there really isn't anything other than that thru the whole book. Again, this is a first for me but I was not amused at all by these guys.
The editing was horrible. I would read a sentence and could not imagine what the sentence should have been? You usually know quickly and continue reading but throughout the book, over and over, couldn't figure it out.
I don't know why I kept reading. I guess I hoped it would pull out of the steady nose dive and level off to find something of value or interest? NOPE!!!
Keep moving and don't waste your time on this one. Read the reviews and I am stumped? Did they read the same book?
June 19, 2016
I apologize in advance for the following rant.
Why I continue to read irritating books like this one is beyond me. It was far too short, the relationship resolved ridiculously fast, and the other parts of the story given short shrift. In this case, the situation regarding Emma's brother was simply dropped after "the guys" mentioned they wanted to find and punish him for his treatment of her. Why do author's do this? What is so difficult about adding a few paragraphs to resolve what happens with the bad guy(s)? Is a good comeuppance so hard to write?!?
No, this was all about the sex which was frankly rather embarrassing to read. The way Kane and Ian talked to Emma was cringe worthy and didn't sound at all like any man I've ever heard would speak - and I probably shouldn't even bring up Ian's Scots accent - absolutely awful. There was no character development or depth to speak of, so I guess the accent was how we are supposed to tell the men apart. There was a whole lot of eye rolling on my part during these scenes.
In addition to a story that was incomplete, there were several completely garbled sentences, which should have been corrected during editing. I can only be grateful I got this one free.
Why I continue to read irritating books like this one is beyond me. It was far too short, the relationship resolved ridiculously fast, and the other parts of the story given short shrift. In this case, the situation regarding Emma's brother was simply dropped after "the guys" mentioned they wanted to find and punish him for his treatment of her. Why do author's do this? What is so difficult about adding a few paragraphs to resolve what happens with the bad guy(s)? Is a good comeuppance so hard to write?!?
No, this was all about the sex which was frankly rather embarrassing to read. The way Kane and Ian talked to Emma was cringe worthy and didn't sound at all like any man I've ever heard would speak - and I probably shouldn't even bring up Ian's Scots accent - absolutely awful. There was no character development or depth to speak of, so I guess the accent was how we are supposed to tell the men apart. There was a whole lot of eye rolling on my part during these scenes.
In addition to a story that was incomplete, there were several completely garbled sentences, which should have been corrected during editing. I can only be grateful I got this one free.
May 21, 2015
FIVE STARS
As a writer and LOVER of menage, man, I love a menage love story done right. And this one TOTALLY WAS! I loved it, loved it, loved it.
My only complaint? It was too short. Lol.
I seriously want an Ian and Kane for my own. *Drools*
The whole premise, well, it could be farfetched but it's dealt with really well, and it makes it all feel very possible. What a B*****d Emma's stepbrother is. OMG. Who does that? I won't say what, lol, you'll have to find out for yourself! But, dear me!
Kane and Ian could be considered as a bit rough with Emma, but still, I loved it. I did feel like she was being brainwashed a bit lol, but it didn't feel creepy, just Emma's inexperience coming into play.
There's obviously an overreaching arc in the series, and that was the only place where I felt the story was a bit rushed.
All in all though, I thought this was great. If you want a read to end your night with a spark, then this is it. It's not too long but filled with heat. 100% recommendable!
"I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review."
January 13, 2016
ARC received for review
Holes...what happened to the brother and what about Evers.
I loved how they eased her into their relationship even if it did happen in one night. They were both way to sweet to be not only former military men but also cowboys. They sure do have a pack of yummy friends to find out about.
The rest of the books sound interesting
Holes...what happened to the brother and what about Evers.
I loved how they eased her into their relationship even if it did happen in one night. They were both way to sweet to be not only former military men but also cowboys. They sure do have a pack of yummy friends to find out about.
The rest of the books sound interesting
April 10, 2016
Worse book ever written
This book is awful, terrible, un-sexyy, cruel, and just plain sick. This book didn't even avenge the poor girl. Hint to author, submission, dominance, is not about breaking someone and forcing sexual response for the man's pleasure because that is called rape. One is pleasurable the other is a crime.
This book is awful, terrible, un-sexyy, cruel, and just plain sick. This book didn't even avenge the poor girl. Hint to author, submission, dominance, is not about breaking someone and forcing sexual response for the man's pleasure because that is called rape. One is pleasurable the other is a crime.
May 22, 2017
Unpleasant machismo
Men know best, don't worry your pretty head about it crap. Unrealistic and unreasonable "for her own good" crap. Like you know, talking, or explaining what you are going to do couldn't be done. No you need to punish for something you don't explain was a problem. To train. Ugh.
Men know best, don't worry your pretty head about it crap. Unrealistic and unreasonable "for her own good" crap. Like you know, talking, or explaining what you are going to do couldn't be done. No you need to punish for something you don't explain was a problem. To train. Ugh.
April 9, 2016
Hot ménage
If you're looking for a story with depth and a very good storyline don't read this but If you want hotness and all that goes with that read this book and I can promise you it will satisfy you.
If you're looking for a story with depth and a very good storyline don't read this but If you want hotness and all that goes with that read this book and I can promise you it will satisfy you.
May 24, 2022
I wasn’t totally interested but.. hey.. it’s audio. Why not?
Well. Not.
Besides simplistic writing… the sex with this virgin…
First of all.. for guys who share they were sure obsessed with her “maidenhead”.
Then, of course, the virgin cums multiple times… on command.
Whatever.
Well. Not.
Besides simplistic writing… the sex with this virgin…
First of all.. for guys who share they were sure obsessed with her “maidenhead”.
Then, of course, the virgin cums multiple times… on command.
Whatever.
February 18, 2016
2.75 smut stars. This book was ok. M/F/M. Sort of light D/s mixed in w/ DD book. Sex scenes were hot.
May 22, 2022
this was a book… words were written… things were done…
August 21, 2019
Sold by her brother.
She was auctioned.off to settle the debt to the Madame who purchased her. A menage story with strong but gentle alphas. Spanking but not violence.
She was auctioned.off to settle the debt to the Madame who purchased her. A menage story with strong but gentle alphas. Spanking but not violence.
November 16, 2019
Another great addition to the Bridgewater series. It was nice to Ann and her men as I had felt that their story was too short. Can't wait to read the next one.
July 23, 2017
Emma's unscrupulous step-brother sells her to a brothel and leaves her to a disgraceful fate. She's given a choice. She can join the brothel and pay off the debt of her purchase or she can be sold at a private auction and married to the winner. She never expected to be married to a stranger that she's never met before. Let alone two strangers that have just bought the her to be theirs.
I had fun reading the story because I didn't take anything seriously. It was kind of cute how much the author tried to rationalize why the men would want a menage relationship. In fact, it's the whole crew that live at Bridgewater. They're all "waiting" to meet the right woman to become the center of their relationships.
I'm not against the idea of the men teaching Emma the ways of pleasure. That's fine. The bizarre D/s system that's in place is bizarre. The way the men make it seem like a woman is not allowed to fight is crap.
It's nice that all the men want to protect the women and take care of them. Cool. Their attitudes are fairly standard for the time period. Hell, that attitude is still rather prevalent today. However, the story takes place in freaking wilds of the west before it really gets "civilized". It wasn't that unlikely for a woman to learn how to fight and actually fight to defend their homes.
The story is fun for what it is and that's how I'm going to leave it. Fluffy entertainment.
I had fun reading the story because I didn't take anything seriously. It was kind of cute how much the author tried to rationalize why the men would want a menage relationship. In fact, it's the whole crew that live at Bridgewater. They're all "waiting" to meet the right woman to become the center of their relationships.
I'm not against the idea of the men teaching Emma the ways of pleasure. That's fine. The bizarre D/s system that's in place is bizarre. The way the men make it seem like a woman is not allowed to fight is crap.
It's nice that all the men want to protect the women and take care of them. Cool. Their attitudes are fairly standard for the time period. Hell, that attitude is still rather prevalent today. However, the story takes place in freaking wilds of the west before it really gets "civilized". It wasn't that unlikely for a woman to learn how to fight and actually fight to defend their homes.
The story is fun for what it is and that's how I'm going to leave it. Fluffy entertainment.
March 13, 2019
This book is really boring cause it's only talking about the sex, possessiveness, dominant, etc. I don't mind with a character that have possessiveness or dominant personality as long as the author could bring a good or even amazing story - well, there are a lot of good books with dominant and possessive alpha male, aren't there? ;)
Let's talk about the main characters here. The heroine of the story is Emma. She's a virgin and stupid helpless girl. This the thing that make me angry - she couldn't do anything! - especially when the main heroes seduce or try to have sex with her, she's afraid to speak up for god sake! She's like a child who needs a guide from her parents! Girl, you are a grown up!
Now, there are 2 heroes in this story named Kane and Ian. These two alpha male are a jerk. Once again, I don't mind to have a dominant and possessive sexy alpha male as long as the characters are really good develop and has a good chemistry with the main heroine. But these two, they are just like a teenager who couldn't control themselves for sex! The erotica things are not sexy at all but it's already a rape! There are no chemistry between them and Emma - it's like they just got a new toy to play.
So so sad that I like the premise of this book and hope it would be good but it gives a false hope. I don't think that I will read the another books of this series since this one is already disappointed me.
P.S.: Sorry for my grumble comments :(
Let's talk about the main characters here. The heroine of the story is Emma. She's a virgin and stupid helpless girl. This the thing that make me angry - she couldn't do anything! - especially when the main heroes seduce or try to have sex with her, she's afraid to speak up for god sake! She's like a child who needs a guide from her parents! Girl, you are a grown up!
Now, there are 2 heroes in this story named Kane and Ian. These two alpha male are a jerk. Once again, I don't mind to have a dominant and possessive sexy alpha male as long as the characters are really good develop and has a good chemistry with the main heroine. But these two, they are just like a teenager who couldn't control themselves for sex! The erotica things are not sexy at all but it's already a rape! There are no chemistry between them and Emma - it's like they just got a new toy to play.
So so sad that I like the premise of this book and hope it would be good but it gives a false hope. I don't think that I will read the another books of this series since this one is already disappointed me.
P.S.: Sorry for my grumble comments :(
March 10, 2016
Emma James saw her brother doing something he definitely should not have been doing. Although she was shocked and blown away she never expected him to sell her to the highest bidder to keep his secret safe.
Whitmore Kane and Ian Stewart have been brother in arms for many years and there is nothing they love more than sharing the women that they care about....and Emma is no exception to the rule.
What are two men who want a bride and one woman who has no clue what is going on but can't fight the allure of two hot men, going to do when they get all alone? Read and find out!
I received this book as an ARC from Net Galley for my honest review
There is no denying the utter hotness of this book. Vanessa Vale did a great job drawing the reader into this world of all things ménage!
Now I have to be honest and say this book is hot, steamy but very fast. There is not a lot of development with the characters outside of the bedroom. But if you are reading this book to get that quick fix of sensual heat... then boy is this a great book for you!
Good job Vanessa Vale I loved my quick fix of explosive heat!
Whitmore Kane and Ian Stewart have been brother in arms for many years and there is nothing they love more than sharing the women that they care about....and Emma is no exception to the rule.
What are two men who want a bride and one woman who has no clue what is going on but can't fight the allure of two hot men, going to do when they get all alone? Read and find out!
I received this book as an ARC from Net Galley for my honest review
There is no denying the utter hotness of this book. Vanessa Vale did a great job drawing the reader into this world of all things ménage!
Now I have to be honest and say this book is hot, steamy but very fast. There is not a lot of development with the characters outside of the bedroom. But if you are reading this book to get that quick fix of sensual heat... then boy is this a great book for you!
Good job Vanessa Vale I loved my quick fix of explosive heat!
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