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Compass Brothers #3
Eastern Ambitions
He’s lost everything. Can he win her heart? Sam Compton never liked getting his hands dirty, at least not on Compass Ranch. Armed with a business degree, he’s about to become the youngest VP at an illustrious Wall Street investment firm. Until his partner in an office romance turns into an ultra-refined snake in the grass. Staggering from the punch of betrayal, another blow threatens to level him. His father is dying. He races home to lend his brain to his brothers’ backs at the ranch, and finds something he never expected. A sophisticated yet playful woman stimulates his mind…and parts below the belt. Compass Ranch gave Cindi Middleton’s wounded soul everything it a home, acceptance, and respect—not to mention unlimited sex—from the ranch’s sexy cowboys. Despite their instant and intense sparks, Sam’s defection to the bright city lights she left behind is a big red flag. She’s been there, done that, burned the T-shirt. Yet the heat of their attraction brings them circling back to each other’s arms…until a certain snake reappears, threatening to endanger the acquisition of the one thing Sam has realized is truly priceless. Tissue alert! The authors recommend you have a few on hand while reading this book. To make up for any sniffles, a host of cowboys with open arms await to console you, distract you or make your wildest dreams come true.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2011
124 people are currently reading
872 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Rylon
288 books1,551 followersJayne Rylon is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She received the 2011 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Indie Erotic Romance. Her stories used to begin as daydreams in seemingly endless business meetings, but now she is a full time author, who employs the skills she learned from her straight-laced corporate existence in the business of writing. She lives in Ohio with two cats and her husband, the infamous Mr. Rylon. When she can escape her purple office, she loves to travel the world, avoid speeding tickets in her beloved Sky, and–of course–read.
Jayne is a member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA), the Central Ohio Fiction Writers (COFW) and Passionate Ink.
You can keep up with what's new in Jayne's world by subscribing to the Naughty News. 25 subscribers win prizes in each edition www.jaynerylon.com/newsletter
Chat with her on Facebook (facebook.com/jaynerylon) or Twitter (@jaynerylon)
Jayne is a member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA), the Central Ohio Fiction Writers (COFW) and Passionate Ink.
You can keep up with what's new in Jayne's world by subscribing to the Naughty News. 25 subscribers win prizes in each edition www.jaynerylon.com/newsletter
Chat with her on Facebook (facebook.com/jaynerylon) or Twitter (@jaynerylon)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
January 21, 2012
Ya know how when you just love a series, sometimes there is a character that you are just not as crazy about as the others?? That's what this book was for me. Not that I hated Sam or anything, I just didn't connect with him like I did with the previous Compton brothers, Seth and Silas. This story was a very enjoyably and quick read but it just didn't do it for me, ya know. I think my biggest problem with Sam is that he didn't feel like a real cowboy to me, not with his love of caviar and Pinot Noir and the fact that he drove a Maserati and knew what Louboutin shoes where...I just couldn't feel it.I just had a hard time wrapping my head around this one. But, I will finish by saying again, I did like this book for the most part, loved the first two books and can't wait for the next one, Sawyers book!!
November 10, 2011
I was a little disappointed. It's odd to be crying then turned on, then crying again, then turned on... and then... I dunno... I just didn't "get" it? I didn't get the multiples scene or the need for either one of them to have the kink, I didn't get her forgiveness...
I think this might be one that falls victim to length. A longer story might have included more story to support what was going on or had happened in the past. Maybe I would feel differently if we were shown while he was still in New York that he had a penchant for sharing his women rather than a quick sentence or paragraph about it. He thinks about it, but then he has his little weird fling with Belinda and there's nothing else said for a while.
Maybe if we had more background on Cindi, we'd understand why she liked to be shared, or how far back that particular kink goes for her. There was so much pull-then-push-away between Sam and Cindi, it was hard to get invested in the characters as a couple. Sam seemed like a good guy, and he and Cindi obviously had a lot in common and had massive chemistry, but then they each had this sharing secret that just seemed incongruous to the story.
I also hate it when I read a scene and I can't figure out who is standing/laying where doing what and to whom. In the multiples scene, obviously everyone was doing stuff to Cindi, but I lost track of people. That's one of the reasons, I guess, that I prefer two or three people in a scene instead of twelve (which may be an exaggeration, but I'm still not sure, lol).
I'll still read the last one because I've read 1-3... one more brother still has to come home. I know the next one will bring on the waterworks again.
I think this might be one that falls victim to length. A longer story might have included more story to support what was going on or had happened in the past. Maybe I would feel differently if we were shown while he was still in New York that he had a penchant for sharing his women rather than a quick sentence or paragraph about it. He thinks about it, but then he has his little weird fling with Belinda and there's nothing else said for a while.
Maybe if we had more background on Cindi, we'd understand why she liked to be shared, or how far back that particular kink goes for her. There was so much pull-then-push-away between Sam and Cindi, it was hard to get invested in the characters as a couple. Sam seemed like a good guy, and he and Cindi obviously had a lot in common and had massive chemistry, but then they each had this sharing secret that just seemed incongruous to the story.
I also hate it when I read a scene and I can't figure out who is standing/laying where doing what and to whom. In the multiples scene, obviously everyone was doing stuff to Cindi, but I lost track of people. That's one of the reasons, I guess, that I prefer two or three people in a scene instead of twelve (which may be an exaggeration, but I'm still not sure, lol).
I'll still read the last one because I've read 1-3... one more brother still has to come home. I know the next one will bring on the waterworks again.
August 11, 2012
Seven years after moving to New York, Sam Campton has gotten his degree and moved up in the firm he joined fresh out of Columbia. He is all set to take the roll of VP if this next presentation goes as well as he hopes. He has one problem that he doesn’t realize, Belinda. The high class lady that works with him, which he has been courting and is planning on popping the question too after his promotion the next day; Belinda is a sneaky conniving wrench, and how Sam does not see this until it is too late made me shake my head and question how smart he was.
Cindi Renholt Midleton has been cast out by her family because of her need for group sex and her voyeuristic tendencies but she has found a home and acceptance at Compass Ranch. Her needs are well cared for and the cowboys love her, truly they care for her and would hurt anyone who degraded her.
Sam comes home when he hears how sick his father is, and gets fired on the same day. Belinda lied about their night together and said he stole her proposition for that day, the partners decided to believe her because they don’t want a nasty sexual lawsuit against them.
he also bumps into her in the stable, lets it spill about his day and in comforting each other yes, they have sex. Sam doesn’t think that she would be into his group sex, but he is turned on by the fact that she keeps condones handy and knows how to ask for what she wants and needs.
This book has lots of hot, Hot, HOT sex with lots of hot guys. Sam, he was a bit of a disappointment, but all his smarts he jumps to lots of conclusions about the people around him and then has to dig his way out of the pit he has dug for himself. Or he makes arbitrary decisions for him and Cindi and doesn’t ask her how she feels or what she wants. How he doesn’t see what Belinda was doing was beyond me, I was ready to slap him myself. Did he grow during the story? A little, mostly things fell into place for him right towards the end, will he make more mistakes as he goes along, and I am totally expecting it in the next book.
Cindi is a delightful character that you are drawn too from the first book. She knows what she wants and needs and is not afraid to go after it. I thought her character well written and very sympathetic. I loved her, and her cowboy lovers/protectors. The lifestyle was written in a very real way with a tender pen so you could see the love and caring they all felt for each other.
These authors have penned a delightful read. I give it 4 ½ stars because of Sam, like I said I had some issues with the way he reacted to certain things. I just didn’t feel they were real, they too contrived. The rest of the story did make up for it though. I can’t wait to read the next one, Western Ties. Thank you, ladies for sharing this story with us, don’t want to see it end
Cindi Renholt Midleton has been cast out by her family because of her need for group sex and her voyeuristic tendencies but she has found a home and acceptance at Compass Ranch. Her needs are well cared for and the cowboys love her, truly they care for her and would hurt anyone who degraded her.
Sam comes home when he hears how sick his father is, and gets fired on the same day. Belinda lied about their night together and said he stole her proposition for that day, the partners decided to believe her because they don’t want a nasty sexual lawsuit against them.
he also bumps into her in the stable, lets it spill about his day and in comforting each other yes, they have sex. Sam doesn’t think that she would be into his group sex, but he is turned on by the fact that she keeps condones handy and knows how to ask for what she wants and needs.
This book has lots of hot, Hot, HOT sex with lots of hot guys. Sam, he was a bit of a disappointment, but all his smarts he jumps to lots of conclusions about the people around him and then has to dig his way out of the pit he has dug for himself. Or he makes arbitrary decisions for him and Cindi and doesn’t ask her how she feels or what she wants. How he doesn’t see what Belinda was doing was beyond me, I was ready to slap him myself. Did he grow during the story? A little, mostly things fell into place for him right towards the end, will he make more mistakes as he goes along, and I am totally expecting it in the next book.
Cindi is a delightful character that you are drawn too from the first book. She knows what she wants and needs and is not afraid to go after it. I thought her character well written and very sympathetic. I loved her, and her cowboy lovers/protectors. The lifestyle was written in a very real way with a tender pen so you could see the love and caring they all felt for each other.
These authors have penned a delightful read. I give it 4 ½ stars because of Sam, like I said I had some issues with the way he reacted to certain things. I just didn’t feel they were real, they too contrived. The rest of the story did make up for it though. I can’t wait to read the next one, Western Ties. Thank you, ladies for sharing this story with us, don’t want to see it end
November 10, 2011
I just didn't like this book as much as Seth's. It's not that I didn't like Sam, I just didn't feel anything between him and Cindi. Maybe Belinda just killed the sexual tension in the entire book with her cold fish routine at the beginning, but I didn't feel any chemistry between Sam and Belinda or Cindi. Maybe with Cindi, it was the whole having no qualms about sharing her with every cowboy on the ranch, but I just don't get how if you really love someone and want to spend the rest of your life with them, how you could possibly be ok standing off to the side with a bunch of ranch hands watching a bunch of other ranch hands having sex with your significant other and then joining in. I know everyone has their kinks and to each their own, I don't begrudge them, but I don't get it, and I think that killed the chemistry for me.
November 14, 2012
This was an okay read for me. I couldn’t appreciate it for what it was because I went in yes expecting smokin’ hot sex, but also expecting intimacy. The connection between Sam and Cindi just wasn’t there for me. Belinda was a total bitch, and I wanted to gut her for the way she treated Sam. She did a number on him, but he came out on top in the end. I truly enjoyed catching up with the rest of the family. There were some emotional moments, as well as some humorous ones. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
July 6, 2013
this was the story of Sam and Cindi. It was a little spicer than I like my books. It was okay. I guess I just don't understand the kinky style of Cindi and Sam
December 31, 2011
Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
Eastern Ambitions is the third installment of the Compass Brothers books, and the most intensely emotional so far.
As each Compton brother turns eighteen, they leave home to follow their dreams. First Silas, then Seth, and now the twins are about to embark on their own adventures. While Sawyer has opted for a military career, Sam is determined to go to college back east. He wants all the things not available on the ranch, and he believes he will find it all in New York.
Fast-forward seven years, and Sam is where he has worked hard to be: a successful trader in a prestigious investment firm in the city, with a chance to become the youngest vice president in the history of the firm. He just has to succeed with one presentation and he is in. Then there is Belinda, the woman he has been seeing, and the night before his big day, she finally takes the relationship to the next level with a wild night in Sam’s bed. But things aren’t what they seem, and the next day, Sam is not only not given the promotion, he is fired for ‘stealing’ her proposal, and for harassment. Seems she set him up for a major fall.
Sam decides to head back to Wyoming to lick his wounds, but when he calls home to let them know, he is blindsided with news that knocks the situation he is in right out of his head. Going home becomes more important, and he leaves immediately.
Life is much the same as ever at the ranch, but as Sam comes to terms with all that is happening, he meets Cindi Middleton, the ranch office manager, and sparks strike between them. Cindi is wounded, not physically, but inside there are scars and secrets. With so much going on, can they help each other through the tough times ahead at Compass Ranch? Can they trust each other enough to reveal their innermost secrets, secrets that are very much the same? Can Sam learn to not judge without all the facts before opening his mouth?
I love the world and the characters that Mari Carr and Jayne Rylon have so marvelously crafted. There is an electricity flowing through this story, a sense of things flowing just below the surface about to erupt, that draws the reader in with the first words. This story grabbed me by the throat and wouldn’t let go until the final sentence.
Sam Compton is the image of the successful young businessman, and he has achieved what he wanted. But when it all goes down the drain, the only consolation he can think of is home. Sam has matured, and has picked up some decidedly kinky habits in the big city, and he knows those things will be put aside when he goes home, and he is okay with it. I like Sam and his ability to realize what is really important in life. I enjoyed watching as he kept messing up what could be the best thing to ever cross his path.
Cindi Middleton works and lives at Compton Ranch, and she also plays there. She is strong and smart, and determined to not be hurt ever again. She has her ways of coping, and if those ways include playing with the ranch hands to everyone’s mutual pleasure, well she’s fine with it. I loved Cindi’s honesty with all the men in her life, and her ability to be exactly who she is. When she meets Sam, I liked that she finally met someone she could relate to on a special level, if he can just accept her secrets and not walk away.
This story is deeper and more emotional than the first two books, and there are many secrets that need to come out. The connections between the main and secondary characters in this story are expertly intertwined, with everyone filling some need in another. But this is definitely Sam and Cindi’s story, and they have some major barriers to get through to get to their happy ending. There are several hot spots in this, and the scene in the yard with Cindi and the men is one of the hottest things I have read in a while. That was the moment when Cindi and Sam realized they were perfect for each other, and it was written to perfection.
This is one very hot romance, but bring a huge box of tissues, because this one will bring the tears, both from laughter and from sadness.
Eastern Ambitions is the third installment of the Compass Brothers books, and the most intensely emotional so far.
As each Compton brother turns eighteen, they leave home to follow their dreams. First Silas, then Seth, and now the twins are about to embark on their own adventures. While Sawyer has opted for a military career, Sam is determined to go to college back east. He wants all the things not available on the ranch, and he believes he will find it all in New York.
Fast-forward seven years, and Sam is where he has worked hard to be: a successful trader in a prestigious investment firm in the city, with a chance to become the youngest vice president in the history of the firm. He just has to succeed with one presentation and he is in. Then there is Belinda, the woman he has been seeing, and the night before his big day, she finally takes the relationship to the next level with a wild night in Sam’s bed. But things aren’t what they seem, and the next day, Sam is not only not given the promotion, he is fired for ‘stealing’ her proposal, and for harassment. Seems she set him up for a major fall.
Sam decides to head back to Wyoming to lick his wounds, but when he calls home to let them know, he is blindsided with news that knocks the situation he is in right out of his head. Going home becomes more important, and he leaves immediately.
Life is much the same as ever at the ranch, but as Sam comes to terms with all that is happening, he meets Cindi Middleton, the ranch office manager, and sparks strike between them. Cindi is wounded, not physically, but inside there are scars and secrets. With so much going on, can they help each other through the tough times ahead at Compass Ranch? Can they trust each other enough to reveal their innermost secrets, secrets that are very much the same? Can Sam learn to not judge without all the facts before opening his mouth?
I love the world and the characters that Mari Carr and Jayne Rylon have so marvelously crafted. There is an electricity flowing through this story, a sense of things flowing just below the surface about to erupt, that draws the reader in with the first words. This story grabbed me by the throat and wouldn’t let go until the final sentence.
Sam Compton is the image of the successful young businessman, and he has achieved what he wanted. But when it all goes down the drain, the only consolation he can think of is home. Sam has matured, and has picked up some decidedly kinky habits in the big city, and he knows those things will be put aside when he goes home, and he is okay with it. I like Sam and his ability to realize what is really important in life. I enjoyed watching as he kept messing up what could be the best thing to ever cross his path.
Cindi Middleton works and lives at Compton Ranch, and she also plays there. She is strong and smart, and determined to not be hurt ever again. She has her ways of coping, and if those ways include playing with the ranch hands to everyone’s mutual pleasure, well she’s fine with it. I loved Cindi’s honesty with all the men in her life, and her ability to be exactly who she is. When she meets Sam, I liked that she finally met someone she could relate to on a special level, if he can just accept her secrets and not walk away.
This story is deeper and more emotional than the first two books, and there are many secrets that need to come out. The connections between the main and secondary characters in this story are expertly intertwined, with everyone filling some need in another. But this is definitely Sam and Cindi’s story, and they have some major barriers to get through to get to their happy ending. There are several hot spots in this, and the scene in the yard with Cindi and the men is one of the hottest things I have read in a while. That was the moment when Cindi and Sam realized they were perfect for each other, and it was written to perfection.
This is one very hot romance, but bring a huge box of tissues, because this one will bring the tears, both from laughter and from sadness.
February 3, 2012
Oh, dear.
After making great strides in the series with Southern Comfort and setting the stage for a heart-wrenching family crisis, I had high hopes for Eastern Ambitions. Sadly, this story falls flat and far short of them, and what a shame.
Sam Compton, who left Compass Ranch with the intent of indulging his unshared tastes for refined society and culture, never quite shed his country-bumpkin origins enough to fit in on Wall Street, but is regarded with suspicion as a city slicker back home in Wyoming. But if you're rich enough to drive a Maserati and wear Armani all the time, who cares? (Talk about a 1% problem!) Sam is the least sympathetic of the four brothers, and he shouldn't have been. There was so much potential for cultivating reader empathy here - misfit Sam is uprooted by a coworker's betrayal, sent back to Wyoming with his tail between his legs, only to discover his father is terminally ill. How in the world did I not feel sorry for this guy?
It didn't help that there was zero chemistry between Sam and his new love interest, Cindi, a completely cardboard character. A secretly wealthy, world-traveled orphan who works as a bookkeeper on a ranch in the middle of nowhere who doesn't think she can give up getting gangbanged by all the ranch hands at once, even for a shot at true love? Eh? Cindi shares Sam's fascination with expensive material things - not a great basis for a relationship - and their fitful courtship bogs down in this far too often. And the tension between them - which of the two business brains will end up running the ranch's finances? - was contrived at best.
By this point, Compass Ranch is firmly established as a hotbed of sexual "deviancy" in the wilds of Wyoming, with all the randy activities condoned by the terminally ill patriarch, J.D., and his soon-to-be widow, Vicky. Oldest boy, Silas, is bisexual and ensconced in a menage-a-trois relationship with the ranch foreman and his wife, next oldest Seth sticks to the ladies but likes it rough, and now Sam prefers an audience when he has sex with the woman he loves... after she's serviced the group.
Well, okay, I'm all for lifestyle tolerance, even if this premise isn't all that plausible. I live by the credo of whatever floats your boat, dude. But the authors did little to enlighten me or coax any empathy for Sam's proclivities, and I'm left feeling pretty squicky about the whole one-gal/ranch-hand-army orgy thing.
The redeeming factor in this story is the wonderfully warm and heartfelt interactions Sam has with his dying father and grieving mother. As sad as they were, these moments served as the lone bright spots in an otherwise tawdry narrative. I'm invested in finding out what happens to the family when J.D. finally passes on, and for this reason I've pre-ordered Western Ties (due to release Spring 2012). And while I wish Silas and Seth all the best with their newfound loves, I couldn't care less about Sam and Cindi. I'm fearing the final book of the saga will feature a double (or, God forbid, triple) wedding scene (ugh) and predicting Sawyer, youngest Compton brother and Sam's twin, will be drowning his grief in multiple women at once (hints of this preference of his have been dropped in previous installments).
Here's hoping Mari Carr and Jayne Rylon surprise me.
After making great strides in the series with Southern Comfort and setting the stage for a heart-wrenching family crisis, I had high hopes for Eastern Ambitions. Sadly, this story falls flat and far short of them, and what a shame.
Sam Compton, who left Compass Ranch with the intent of indulging his unshared tastes for refined society and culture, never quite shed his country-bumpkin origins enough to fit in on Wall Street, but is regarded with suspicion as a city slicker back home in Wyoming. But if you're rich enough to drive a Maserati and wear Armani all the time, who cares? (Talk about a 1% problem!) Sam is the least sympathetic of the four brothers, and he shouldn't have been. There was so much potential for cultivating reader empathy here - misfit Sam is uprooted by a coworker's betrayal, sent back to Wyoming with his tail between his legs, only to discover his father is terminally ill. How in the world did I not feel sorry for this guy?
It didn't help that there was zero chemistry between Sam and his new love interest, Cindi, a completely cardboard character. A secretly wealthy, world-traveled orphan who works as a bookkeeper on a ranch in the middle of nowhere who doesn't think she can give up getting gangbanged by all the ranch hands at once, even for a shot at true love? Eh? Cindi shares Sam's fascination with expensive material things - not a great basis for a relationship - and their fitful courtship bogs down in this far too often. And the tension between them - which of the two business brains will end up running the ranch's finances? - was contrived at best.
By this point, Compass Ranch is firmly established as a hotbed of sexual "deviancy" in the wilds of Wyoming, with all the randy activities condoned by the terminally ill patriarch, J.D., and his soon-to-be widow, Vicky. Oldest boy, Silas, is bisexual and ensconced in a menage-a-trois relationship with the ranch foreman and his wife, next oldest Seth sticks to the ladies but likes it rough, and now Sam prefers an audience when he has sex with the woman he loves... after she's serviced the group.
Well, okay, I'm all for lifestyle tolerance, even if this premise isn't all that plausible. I live by the credo of whatever floats your boat, dude. But the authors did little to enlighten me or coax any empathy for Sam's proclivities, and I'm left feeling pretty squicky about the whole one-gal/ranch-hand-army orgy thing.
The redeeming factor in this story is the wonderfully warm and heartfelt interactions Sam has with his dying father and grieving mother. As sad as they were, these moments served as the lone bright spots in an otherwise tawdry narrative. I'm invested in finding out what happens to the family when J.D. finally passes on, and for this reason I've pre-ordered Western Ties (due to release Spring 2012). And while I wish Silas and Seth all the best with their newfound loves, I couldn't care less about Sam and Cindi. I'm fearing the final book of the saga will feature a double (or, God forbid, triple) wedding scene (ugh) and predicting Sawyer, youngest Compton brother and Sam's twin, will be drowning his grief in multiple women at once (hints of this preference of his have been dropped in previous installments).
Here's hoping Mari Carr and Jayne Rylon surprise me.
October 5, 2014
This was a great book. I just loved Sam and Cindi. They are so perfect for each other...they just needed to realize it. I think the only issue I have with this story is that Sam kinda acts like a relationship dumbass... a few times...
But then so many romantic heroes suffer from relationship dumbassedness...there should be a support club or something. "Hello, my name is Sam. I suffer from sporadic bouts of relationship dumbassedness..." Ok...maybe not.
So Sam left Compass ranch at 18 to go to college at Columbia and conquer the world...in stocks and trading at least. He was close but then lost his job due to a backstabbing woman. This woman also had been someone he'd planned to marry so he was reeling from the impact on his world. Then he finds out his Dad is ill and flies home (hours after losing his job...bad day!!!). There he meets Cindi who helps his day end a little bit better.
Cindi works for the Comptons doing finances for the ranch. She is private in most ways but has a kink that makes relationships hard...she usually needs more than one partner to get in to sex. She has sex with the cowboys on the ranch (as a group) but doesn't have a relationship with any of them. When Sam comes home she finds herself longing for Sam and wondering if she could deal with only one man (long term) in order to be with him.
Sam and Cindi start to build a relationship and then back off multiple times and I will admit it was kind of stress inducing (as I said Sam can kinda be a dumbass). However; seeing their connection grow, even as one or the other tried to push away from what was growing between them, was heartwarming. Loved the ending...so sweet. I can't wait to finish the series with the next book that has Sawyer's story. :D
But then so many romantic heroes suffer from relationship dumbassedness...there should be a support club or something. "Hello, my name is Sam. I suffer from sporadic bouts of relationship dumbassedness..." Ok...maybe not.
So Sam left Compass ranch at 18 to go to college at Columbia and conquer the world...in stocks and trading at least. He was close but then lost his job due to a backstabbing woman. This woman also had been someone he'd planned to marry so he was reeling from the impact on his world. Then he finds out his Dad is ill and flies home (hours after losing his job...bad day!!!). There he meets Cindi who helps his day end a little bit better.
Cindi works for the Comptons doing finances for the ranch. She is private in most ways but has a kink that makes relationships hard...she usually needs more than one partner to get in to sex. She has sex with the cowboys on the ranch (as a group) but doesn't have a relationship with any of them. When Sam comes home she finds herself longing for Sam and wondering if she could deal with only one man (long term) in order to be with him.
Sam and Cindi start to build a relationship and then back off multiple times and I will admit it was kind of stress inducing (as I said Sam can kinda be a dumbass). However; seeing their connection grow, even as one or the other tried to push away from what was growing between them, was heartwarming. Loved the ending...so sweet. I can't wait to finish the series with the next book that has Sawyer's story. :D
January 4, 2012
Eastern Ambitions: Compass Brothers by Jayne Rylon & Mari Carr
Sam Compton, one of the famous, or should I say the "infamous" Compton boys and twin to Sawyer Compton, always had big aspirations. When he left the Compton Ranch at 18 he headed East and stayed there until he almost achieved the pinnacle of his career in the big city. That is until his ideas were stolen by the woman he thought he wanted more than anyone else and was also accused of abuse by the viper.
Bad news has Sam retreating to his childhood home,where on his first day back he meets the super sizzling Cindi, who lives, works and plays on Compton Ranch. Cindi has her little secrets that she's afraid to reveal to Sam when they become involved rather quickly. Sam is hesitant about falling for Cindi because he needs to be there for the Compton family patriarch, JD, who has been diagnosed with late stage pancreatic cancer and doesn't have long to survive.
These two come together with such a bang ( no pun intended) but can they see what JD and his wife Vicky see? JD and Vicky know about Cindi's needs but will Sam be able to come to terms with them? Read and you will find out!
Eastern Ties is a great read with awesome characters. Seeing the Compton's evolve has me coming back for more every single time. I will be sorry to see the end. I am a super big fan of the Compton family. Mari Carr and Jayne Rylon have such a rapport writing together. It's so much fun to see where they can go.
~ KIMBERLY~
Sam Compton, one of the famous, or should I say the "infamous" Compton boys and twin to Sawyer Compton, always had big aspirations. When he left the Compton Ranch at 18 he headed East and stayed there until he almost achieved the pinnacle of his career in the big city. That is until his ideas were stolen by the woman he thought he wanted more than anyone else and was also accused of abuse by the viper.
Bad news has Sam retreating to his childhood home,where on his first day back he meets the super sizzling Cindi, who lives, works and plays on Compton Ranch. Cindi has her little secrets that she's afraid to reveal to Sam when they become involved rather quickly. Sam is hesitant about falling for Cindi because he needs to be there for the Compton family patriarch, JD, who has been diagnosed with late stage pancreatic cancer and doesn't have long to survive.
These two come together with such a bang ( no pun intended) but can they see what JD and his wife Vicky see? JD and Vicky know about Cindi's needs but will Sam be able to come to terms with them? Read and you will find out!
Eastern Ties is a great read with awesome characters. Seeing the Compton's evolve has me coming back for more every single time. I will be sorry to see the end. I am a super big fan of the Compton family. Mari Carr and Jayne Rylon have such a rapport writing together. It's so much fun to see where they can go.
~ KIMBERLY~
August 25, 2017
Sam Compton the third Compass brother gets his happily ever after but not how he was expecting. He was about to become VP of his company when his girlfriend screws him over and gets him fired. He then learns about his father's illness and returns home to where he meets Cindi. She does the bookkeeping for the ranch. When they first meet there's a definite attraction between the two. Slowly they learn more about each other and find out they are well suited for each other. As their relationship grows Sam's father gets sicker. Can the two of them find love despite all the odds?
I love Cindi she's so sweet but also wild. I think it's cool that she's able to be a sexually free woman with the ranch hands but she was afraid Sam wouldn't understand her need to be needed but of course he's meant for her so he totally gets it. Sam is willing to do what it takes to make Cindi his. The love between the two of them is wonderful and she's like a surrogate daughter to JD and she's a big part of the family. A very nice story about love and understanding.
I love Cindi she's so sweet but also wild. I think it's cool that she's able to be a sexually free woman with the ranch hands but she was afraid Sam wouldn't understand her need to be needed but of course he's meant for her so he totally gets it. Sam is willing to do what it takes to make Cindi his. The love between the two of them is wonderful and she's like a surrogate daughter to JD and she's a big part of the family. A very nice story about love and understanding.
September 9, 2013
Currently my least favorite of the stories. And it doesn't have to do so much with the group setting but with the running in circles between Sam and Cindi.
The book feels like a step forward three backwards almost to the end. :(
There is this trust issue with Sam that u don't see Cindi help fix. To the contrary she feeds even more his issues with her secrets.
The book feels like a step forward three backwards almost to the end. :(
There is this trust issue with Sam that u don't see Cindi help fix. To the contrary she feeds even more his issues with her secrets.
November 8, 2011
Not as good as boks 1 and 2
June 16, 2013
WOW...that was more of a gang bang than a ménage!
November 13, 2011
Enjoyed this book as much as the first two books. I just wish there was a little more explanation given to the kinks. I will be sorry when this series ends.
December 5, 2017
Sometimes the thing we dreamed and wished for doesn't give us what we want out if life. Sometimes, just sometimes going home is really the best medicine for a life that's fulfilling and worthwhile.
July 31, 2017
Synopsis: "He’s lost everything. Can he win her heart?
Compass Brothers, Book 3
Sam Compton never liked getting his hands dirty, at least not on Compass Ranch. Armed with a business degree, he’s about to become the youngest VP at an illustrious Wall Street investment firm. Until his partner in an office romance turns into an ultra-refined snake in the grass.
Staggering from the punch of betrayal, another blow threatens to level him. His father is dying. He races home to lend his brain to his brothers’ backs at the ranch, and finds something he never expected. A sophisticated yet playful woman stimulates his mind…and parts below the belt.
Compass Ranch gave Cindi Middleton’s wounded soul everything it needs: a home, acceptance, and respect—not to mention unlimited sex—from the ranch’s sexy cowboys. Despite their instant and intense sparks, Sam’s defection to the bright city lights she left behind is a big red flag. She’s been there, done that, burned the T-shirt.
Yet the heat of their attraction brings them circling back to each other’s arms…until a certain snake reappears, threatening to endanger the acquisition of the one thing Sam has realized is truly priceless.
Warning: Tissue alert! The authors recommend you have a few on hand while reading this book. To make up for any sniffles, a host of cowboys with open arms await to console you, distract you or make your wildest dreams come true"
My Review: This was probably my least favorite of the series so far but it was still really good. I just wasn't a fan of Sam's life in the East and rich lifestyle. He is full of excuses and assumptions, while we do get to see him develop as a character, he only does so after learning a couple of Cindi's secrets. Cindi certainly has some spunk to her and I like the way she handles situations around her, tough yet caring. Again this works with the other books so you get some of the same scenes but from Sam's perspective and a little more of the overall story development. There are definitely some very hot scenes in here and may not be to everyone's liking, somethings did catch me off guard but this is a fictional erotic romance so to each their own.
Compass Brothers, Book 3
Sam Compton never liked getting his hands dirty, at least not on Compass Ranch. Armed with a business degree, he’s about to become the youngest VP at an illustrious Wall Street investment firm. Until his partner in an office romance turns into an ultra-refined snake in the grass.
Staggering from the punch of betrayal, another blow threatens to level him. His father is dying. He races home to lend his brain to his brothers’ backs at the ranch, and finds something he never expected. A sophisticated yet playful woman stimulates his mind…and parts below the belt.
Compass Ranch gave Cindi Middleton’s wounded soul everything it needs: a home, acceptance, and respect—not to mention unlimited sex—from the ranch’s sexy cowboys. Despite their instant and intense sparks, Sam’s defection to the bright city lights she left behind is a big red flag. She’s been there, done that, burned the T-shirt.
Yet the heat of their attraction brings them circling back to each other’s arms…until a certain snake reappears, threatening to endanger the acquisition of the one thing Sam has realized is truly priceless.
Warning: Tissue alert! The authors recommend you have a few on hand while reading this book. To make up for any sniffles, a host of cowboys with open arms await to console you, distract you or make your wildest dreams come true"
My Review: This was probably my least favorite of the series so far but it was still really good. I just wasn't a fan of Sam's life in the East and rich lifestyle. He is full of excuses and assumptions, while we do get to see him develop as a character, he only does so after learning a couple of Cindi's secrets. Cindi certainly has some spunk to her and I like the way she handles situations around her, tough yet caring. Again this works with the other books so you get some of the same scenes but from Sam's perspective and a little more of the overall story development. There are definitely some very hot scenes in here and may not be to everyone's liking, somethings did catch me off guard but this is a fictional erotic romance so to each their own.
February 10, 2022
Wow! This book just didn't do anything for the series or me. I struggled to finish it and skimmed it to the end. First off, the chemistry between Cindi and Sam is non-existent. I mean, come on...Sam fought the relationship and made accusations 75% of the book. How do you get chemistry from that? Also, both Sam and Cindi's kinks were never really discussed...and I'm sorry, if you're doing 4+ guys, there is going to be animosity at some point amongst the group. That said, it was super unrealistic. Sawyer's book looks a bit better, but after this monstrosity I'm not sure I'll pick it up.
June 9, 2021
Sam is the focus of Eastern Ambitions. When his life is turned upside down by a scheming cow, Sam returns to the ranch. Amid the tumult of JDs decline and the draw of Cindi, Sam takes stock of his life.
It's a rough ride, as he cocks things up left and right with Cindi...seems the Compton lads have similarities in how they react to the loves of their lives.
Can't wait for Sawyer's return...it is going to be epic
It's a rough ride, as he cocks things up left and right with Cindi...seems the Compton lads have similarities in how they react to the loves of their lives.
Can't wait for Sawyer's return...it is going to be epic
May 27, 2021
Steamy scenes, cowboys gone wild
I will say the first 2 books of this series were a little better. I still very much enjoyed Sam’s story. I like how this series is intertwined with each book, but yet standalone. Sam and Cindi are definitely a good pair. She definitely gives him a run on getting it right. He puts his foot in his mouth so many times.
I will say the first 2 books of this series were a little better. I still very much enjoyed Sam’s story. I like how this series is intertwined with each book, but yet standalone. Sam and Cindi are definitely a good pair. She definitely gives him a run on getting it right. He puts his foot in his mouth so many times.
March 4, 2025
I really enjoyed the first two books of this series but not really this one. I just didn’t care for Cindi at all. She would get upset with him for jumping to conclusions but never wanted to share or explain her life. Also the family’s devotion to her. I can understand the group sex kink but it seems like anyone and everyone was invited to join in.. Didn’t really get their great love.
September 15, 2017
Sam is an idiot
Sam is kind of clueless, but that makes Cindy and Sam's love story a good one. This is a sweet love story and a really good series
Sam is kind of clueless, but that makes Cindy and Sam's love story a good one. This is a sweet love story and a really good series
July 20, 2021
Kinky characters, loved this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
March 1, 2012After a bumpy start with this series with book 1and coming off the high of book 2, I delved into book 3 with both feet. Maybe I shouldn't have done that. Cindi was introduced in book 1, Northern Exposure. She's the admin for Compass Ranch. We learn in book 1 that Cindi likes to have sex with the ranch hands....at the same time. Maybe I purposely forgot that little aspect when I started reading Eastern Ambitions. Sam is one of the younger Compton brothers and he's also a twin. After being betrayed by a woman he thought he could trust, he tucks his tail between his legs and heads back to Compass. Not only has he lost his dream job but his dad is also dying from pancreatic cancer. Cindi loves working at the ranch and the Compton family is her surrogate family. She loves that they take care of her despite her particular kink.
So when I bought the ebook, I paid very little attention to the cover. I saw that it was purple and moved on. Now I wish I had looked closer. I did not see the 5 men in the background!!! So color me SHOCKED when I'm at the 60% mark and realize that despite the obvious attraction and affection between Sam and Cindi, Cindi was still getting down and dirty with the ranch hands. I have no problems with menage but when it's more than 3, that's when I have to say "no ma'am" and put the book down. I knew that Cindi liked having sex with multiple men but I honestly think I chose to conveniently forget it. So, when I started getting a sneaking suspicion as to where the plot was headed, I skipped ahead and read the ending. Let me say that I was not surprised but I was also not happy. Throughout the book, Sam is portrayed as a caring, respectful man. He's shown Cindi nothing BUT respect. Has even told her that he doesn't want to string her along while his head is not totally into being with her. Now I would think any woman would want that kind of honesty from a man! What does she do? She stomps off, gets angry. But of course this wouldn't be an erotic romance if the h/h didn't eventually get their HEA. And they did and I call SHENANIGANS! There is no way Sam would be happy watching his fiancee soon to be wife get it on with 5 other dudes! I'm sorry I don't believe it. It was hinted at that Sam is kinky himself but we saw no parts of it! And then he walks in on Cindi getting banged by 5 ranch hands, he's pissed and then suddenly turned on. Say what? Let me tell you, that is one sex scene I don't ever, EVER want to read again.
So yeah, I dnf'd this sucker. My folks on twitter who'd read the book told me to stop where I was at. To not read the sex scene. But curiosity got the best of me and I read it. And I am so mad that I did. It was not sexy and not erotic. I was grossed out. I'm hoping this series redeems itself with book 4.
Oh and another thing. Cindi was having sex in the barn, on the property. Did she not think she would get caught? Or did she just not give a damn? That was so disrespectful. She got issues that 5 or 6 dicks can not fix. And what's up with her damn secrets about her family background? I guess I'll never find out what they were. Oh well.
DNF
So when I bought the ebook, I paid very little attention to the cover. I saw that it was purple and moved on. Now I wish I had looked closer. I did not see the 5 men in the background!!! So color me SHOCKED when I'm at the 60% mark and realize that despite the obvious attraction and affection between Sam and Cindi, Cindi was still getting down and dirty with the ranch hands. I have no problems with menage but when it's more than 3, that's when I have to say "no ma'am" and put the book down. I knew that Cindi liked having sex with multiple men but I honestly think I chose to conveniently forget it. So, when I started getting a sneaking suspicion as to where the plot was headed, I skipped ahead and read the ending. Let me say that I was not surprised but I was also not happy. Throughout the book, Sam is portrayed as a caring, respectful man. He's shown Cindi nothing BUT respect. Has even told her that he doesn't want to string her along while his head is not totally into being with her. Now I would think any woman would want that kind of honesty from a man! What does she do? She stomps off, gets angry. But of course this wouldn't be an erotic romance if the h/h didn't eventually get their HEA. And they did and I call SHENANIGANS! There is no way Sam would be happy watching his fiancee soon to be wife get it on with 5 other dudes! I'm sorry I don't believe it. It was hinted at that Sam is kinky himself but we saw no parts of it! And then he walks in on Cindi getting banged by 5 ranch hands, he's pissed and then suddenly turned on. Say what? Let me tell you, that is one sex scene I don't ever, EVER want to read again.
So yeah, I dnf'd this sucker. My folks on twitter who'd read the book told me to stop where I was at. To not read the sex scene. But curiosity got the best of me and I read it. And I am so mad that I did. It was not sexy and not erotic. I was grossed out. I'm hoping this series redeems itself with book 4.
Oh and another thing. Cindi was having sex in the barn, on the property. Did she not think she would get caught? Or did she just not give a damn? That was so disrespectful. She got issues that 5 or 6 dicks can not fix. And what's up with her damn secrets about her family background? I guess I'll never find out what they were. Oh well.
DNF
November 10, 2011
My Review:
Tissue alert is right...Wow, poor Sam. He is having to deal with a lot in this book, but mmmm, there is just something about a tortured hero that is so appealing. This is book #3 of the Compass Brothers series and was about Sam, one of the twins who are the youngest of the brothers. He's only 25, but has already made a big name for himself on Wall Street until his girlfriend betrays him at the company where they both work. Quickly on the heels of that betrayal (like the same day), Sam finds out that his beloved father is dying, so he heads home to the Compton ranch.
Home, he finds some things have changed, most specifically the new woman that is handling the ranch's bookkeeping...Cindi. Although Sam has too much on his plate to try to initiate and commit to a relationship, he forms a friendship with Cindi and her allure is intoxicating and so tempting.
Overall this is a highly entertaining read and another great installment to this series. I had a few slight issues with the book, but I personally think that they were simply subjective issues for me and would not be problems for others. The twins have always been presented as teens, because they were the youngest. I had a hard time, in this book, moving Sam out of that context and into the adult world in my mind. Also, Cindi has some kinks, as does Sam, that they aren't sharing with each other. I don't have an issue with the kinks, but the way that they came out in the story just seemed a little odd to me. That scene made me uncomfortable and I can't even tell you why because it is something that I usually enjoy in my erotic romance. These were my only problems with this book, and like I said, both of them are VERY subjective.
Personally, I like the surprise that came with Cindi's background. I enjoyed getting to spend more time with this family. I love these brothers and the relationship they have with each other. There are some really sad moments happening in this book with their father's health decline, but they are offset wonderfully with humor and love between the boys and their parents.
This is a great series about a family that I am REALLY enjoying. I cannot wait to read Sawyer's book. We got a small glimpse of him as he has been off with the Navy and has no idea what is happening at home. A fact that he is NOT going to be happy about. It promises to be a great book although I have a feeling that it may be even more heart-wrenching than this one was.
Tissue alert is right...Wow, poor Sam. He is having to deal with a lot in this book, but mmmm, there is just something about a tortured hero that is so appealing. This is book #3 of the Compass Brothers series and was about Sam, one of the twins who are the youngest of the brothers. He's only 25, but has already made a big name for himself on Wall Street until his girlfriend betrays him at the company where they both work. Quickly on the heels of that betrayal (like the same day), Sam finds out that his beloved father is dying, so he heads home to the Compton ranch.
Home, he finds some things have changed, most specifically the new woman that is handling the ranch's bookkeeping...Cindi. Although Sam has too much on his plate to try to initiate and commit to a relationship, he forms a friendship with Cindi and her allure is intoxicating and so tempting.
Overall this is a highly entertaining read and another great installment to this series. I had a few slight issues with the book, but I personally think that they were simply subjective issues for me and would not be problems for others. The twins have always been presented as teens, because they were the youngest. I had a hard time, in this book, moving Sam out of that context and into the adult world in my mind. Also, Cindi has some kinks, as does Sam, that they aren't sharing with each other. I don't have an issue with the kinks, but the way that they came out in the story just seemed a little odd to me. That scene made me uncomfortable and I can't even tell you why because it is something that I usually enjoy in my erotic romance. These were my only problems with this book, and like I said, both of them are VERY subjective.
Personally, I like the surprise that came with Cindi's background. I enjoyed getting to spend more time with this family. I love these brothers and the relationship they have with each other. There are some really sad moments happening in this book with their father's health decline, but they are offset wonderfully with humor and love between the boys and their parents.
This is a great series about a family that I am REALLY enjoying. I cannot wait to read Sawyer's book. We got a small glimpse of him as he has been off with the Navy and has no idea what is happening at home. A fact that he is NOT going to be happy about. It promises to be a great book although I have a feeling that it may be even more heart-wrenching than this one was.
December 9, 2011
Third novel in the series and one that continues the saga of a family of brothers, all of whom left their hometown and their family ranching operation for various reasons. Sam is the Wall Street whiz kid, a man who has clearly defined life goals and is working them through as judicially and carefully as he did his trading. But he had enemies as well, and when it all came crashing down around him due to misplaced trust, he headed for home. But Sam has some dark urges and a dark kind of hope that the woman he finally takes as his partner will understand and accept those parts of him. While I love this series, I felt this book was more low-key--not any less riveting, to be sure, but just had a very different feel to it because, let's face it, Sam may be one of the brothers and nurtured in the same way and from the same home turf, but he is just a different kind of man. Thus, his story is going to have a different "feel" to it than his two older brothers who were just more "out there." Sam keeps his cards real close to his chest and it shows, not only how he manages his financial affairs and does what he can for the ranch, but in his personal relationships as well I think this is a really terrific read from two authors who keep on dazzling their readers with great stories and true creativity.
January 30, 2017
Sam and Cindi. Sam was working as a fund manager in NYC, but he was betrayed by his girlfriend/coworker and came back to Compass Ranch, Wyoming. His always strong father got ill, and he was dying from cancer. He's there with his brothers Silas and Seth, but Sam's twin brother is out of contact area because he's on a navy ship.
Cindi came to Compass Ranch and stayed for 2 years before Sam came home. Cindi is almost family and she is very happy. She works as a book keeper for the ranch, and lives on a remodeled cottage. Her thing is to feel cherished and safe with multiple ranch hands in bed.
Sam and Cindi are strongly attracted to each other and have a lot in common, but somehow they miss each other to jump into a serious relationship. After many misunderstandings and with heavy baggages they carry, they are afraid of showing their full truth.
At the end they finally come to understanding that they both want the same thing. Family, love, and their ranch. Menage was just ok.
Cindi came to Compass Ranch and stayed for 2 years before Sam came home. Cindi is almost family and she is very happy. She works as a book keeper for the ranch, and lives on a remodeled cottage. Her thing is to feel cherished and safe with multiple ranch hands in bed.
Sam and Cindi are strongly attracted to each other and have a lot in common, but somehow they miss each other to jump into a serious relationship. After many misunderstandings and with heavy baggages they carry, they are afraid of showing their full truth.
At the end they finally come to understanding that they both want the same thing. Family, love, and their ranch. Menage was just ok.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2012
I tried to decide if this was a 3 or a 4 so it's really a 3.5 for me and I usually go with the lower number in the stars themselves but because I love the series I went with 4 stars.
I enjoyed the story but for some reason Sam and Cindi both didn't reach me with the same emotion as the characters in the rest of the books so far. Both of them come full of baggage and secrets and both seem reluctant to reveal themselves. Even when they get together it still seems like they are not as close as the other relationships in the story. I was expected to need tissues with installment like I have with the rest but it didn't happen. It might be because the impart of Dad being sick and then fining out how bad it was had already happened in the previous stories. I just felt less connected reading this installment.
I'm looking forward to the final installment when we finally met the final Compton brother.
I enjoyed the story but for some reason Sam and Cindi both didn't reach me with the same emotion as the characters in the rest of the books so far. Both of them come full of baggage and secrets and both seem reluctant to reveal themselves. Even when they get together it still seems like they are not as close as the other relationships in the story. I was expected to need tissues with installment like I have with the rest but it didn't happen. It might be because the impart of Dad being sick and then fining out how bad it was had already happened in the previous stories. I just felt less connected reading this installment.
I'm looking forward to the final installment when we finally met the final Compton brother.
October 9, 2015
I just couldn't get into this book. I guess I didn't connect with the characters. Sam left the family ranch as soon as he could, went to college and built a lucrative career in the stock market. He hasn't really looked back - until he gets burned by a co-worker and finds out his dad is ill. He heads back to Compass Ranch where he meets Cindi. They went back and forth, well, I guess Sam went back and forth wanting and not wanting Cindi. It was frustrating at first and then you just wanted to smack Sam across the head for being such a dumb-ass after about the 4th time. His kinks are alluded to, and then Cindi's are as well, and then they are revealed - it didn't do much for me, but hey, whatever rocks your boat. I haven't read the other books in the series - the other brothers aren't calling to me either, so I probably wont.
December 24, 2012
So, I didn't dislike Sam or Cindi, I just never connected with them. There seemed to be too much missing from the development of their feelings - we were told they spent time together in the corners until the others saw them, but we didn't actually see them together. The scenes between them were ht enough, but then Sam kept saying really, really stupid things to wreck the moments, and he did it over and over again, so it really stopped being excusable. And then, when you finally figure they are past all that foolishness, Cindi explodes at him for a comment, that honestly, would be an honest conclusion instead of explaining and decides mindlessly banging the hands is a better choice. If it wasn't for the other plot lines laid out in this book, I'd skip it all together as a stand alone
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