Laid Bare

The Black Combe Doms #4

by Ashe Barker

An act of random kindness sets off an intriguing chain of events. Summer Jones ‘ offer to help a vulnerable teenager lays the foundations for a friendship which will put her on a collision course with the one man she most fears and had hoped never to encounter again.
In just one night, Daniel Lahy introduced her to a brand of pain which left her yearning for more, if she could but overcome the legacy of fear from her chaotic childhood.
Laid Bare charts the turbulent relationship of Summer and Dan, from their explosive first encounter in Cumbria to the wild moors of West Yorkshire.
Can Dan win Summer’s trust, and accept her as she is, or will the shadows of her past haunt her forever?

This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers.
This novel was previously released as three separate books, Rich Tapestry, Rich Pickings and Rich Promise in the series A Richness of Swallows.
In this volume the three books in the A Richness of Swallows trilogy are published as one combined novel, under a new title, Laid Bare, with new cover art, no cliffhangers and a HEA

335 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 3, 2020

About the author

Until 2010, Ashe was a director of a regeneration company before deciding there had to be more to life and leaving to pursue a lifetime goal of self-employment.

Ashe has been an avid reader of erotic romance for many years—historical, contemporary, fantasy—you name it. Now, at last in control of her own time and working from her home in rural West Yorkshire, she has been able to realise her dream of writing sexy and compelling stories herself.

She draws on settings and anecdotes from her previous and current experience to lend colour, detail and realism to her plots and characters, but her stories of love, challenge, resilience and compassion are the conjurings of her own imagination. She loves to craft strong, enigmatic men and bright, sassy women to give them a hard time—in every sense of the word.

When she’s not writing, Ashe’s time is monopolised by her role as grandma to a lively toddler. She shares her writing space with a tortoise called Teefer.

Reviews

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

* I'm grinning like a loon over here * If you've been following the "Black Combe Doms" series, then you know Freya and Summer have been best friends since they were in their teens. We learned a bit of their history and interactions, at least from Frey's point of view, in book three, "Hard Limits". Now we get to see Summer's point of view of what has transpired through the highlights of their friendship and their joint interactions with their Doms. Where Freya was a free spirit and jumped in with both feet, Summer has her reasons for trying to keep her distance from the whole scene. And then it happens. When Freya goes to the club to meet with Nick for the first time, Summer goes with her to make sure she gets home safely afterward. Or is that the only reason? Ahhh, we get to see past meet present and from there the story takes off like a shot! And let's not forget Dan. If you've been following along you'll remember we met Nathan's brother and vet previously but how does he play into this one? Ohhh, there's so much I want to tell you but this is one you're going to want to read for yourself. Just know it's decadently delicious with secrets tucked away here and there and a few surprises along the way. I absolutely loved their story but then again, I'm never disappointed with a book from Ashe Barker.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow words again cannot describe exactly how beautiful this highly erotic and sensual book is. As this is the fourth in the series i was a bit sad to see it end. These two characters have got highly powerful chemistry between them that stands out throughout the whole book. Honestly for me, these books are very powerful and emotional not to mention Engaging and Riviting. Ashe has more than excelled with all these wonderful stories.
Summer: a young women who worked hard to be who she is today. She has a past and that past does not define her at all. When she first meets Dan there is a spark, but she is not willing to do anything about it, in fact she runs. The next time she meets Dan is in a BDSM club and after that encounter she runs again. This time for 6 months so when she meets up with Dan again......her emotions overcome her... Dan seems like the only one who can understand Summer, but she has secrets and those secrets are about to come out.......
Btw, i just have to put in that i loved Dan for his personality, and who he was and the kind of Dom he was as well.
I have tried not to put any spoilers in this, as really it has to be read to appreciate what this great Author has written
5 plus stars

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great addition to the Black Combe Doms with this one revolving around Summer and Dan. All of these are standalone stories but at the same time the lives of all of these couples are interlaced with each other which makes each story more meaningful, at least it does for me. After their first encounter, it is several months before they met again by accident at a BDSM club where Summer has come as moral support for her friend Freya. This was Summer’s second encounter with Dan but she is frightened and runs away. They meet a third time bu this time Dan does not let her run and this is where the story really begins. Dan is helping Summer accept and face her submissive side with great success. In the background is Summer’s family, mainly her mother, who has caused and still causes her much stress from past actions and present attempts at manipulation. This story is well written, entertaining and keeps your attention. There is a HEA but a lot happens first which makes this a great read that I would highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan has been a supportive and kind character throughout all the Black Combe books and I was so happy to see he had his own book. This book answers all the questions I had about Summer and then some. It was interesting to see a different perspectives on many of Freya’s problems as well and to see Nathan in a different light. Dan is one sexy Dom and while strict he is so sweet as well, always making sure his sub is physically and mentally alright and he has uncanny powers of perception when it comes to what Summer is thinking. His work as a vet is also interesting and of course plays a significant role in how he and Summer met. All in all a sexy, hot and endearing book and another great book in the Black Combe series.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is only my third book by Ms. Barker, and I really do need to find room on my TBR for more!

I enjoyed the story and character depth that was between these covers.

I would call this light BDSM, and really quite educational. I wish my husband read! I'd ask him to read this book and how amazing things were between Dan and Summer.

I had a minute there when..... well, no spoilers here.

If you want to read an excellent BDSM story with great main and sub-characters, you will be pleased with this story, I think!

Emotional, interesting, entertaining read!

I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book about the Black Combe Doms. Dan and Summer had a rough start. She is curious about dominance and submission. She goes to a club with her friend and meets Dan. He introduces her to D/s, but her OCD tendencies made it difficult for her to accept. She runs and then she meets him again by coincidence at a friend's wedding. Dan pursues her and doesn't give up. I like Lily Harlem's stories because she writes about the man and woman next door. They have casual lives and this is just part of it. It is very well written and I want more stories with these characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book4 in the series and this is Freya's friend Summer's story. An accident and a chance meeting bring Summer and Daniel Lahy together. She's had a very traumatic life which no one knows about. She prefers to keep it that way so people don't look at her differently and she knows they would. Daniel introduces her to her submissive side. Even though she doesn't hang out to find out what will come, fate works for them. This was such a good read. Full of hot sexy times, BDSM, true angst that comes from a crazy shameful past.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and the relationship between Nick and Summer. Summer was a BDSM novice but Nick help her all the way. What I didn't like is the beating that Nick gave Summer because of her so called secret. It was harsh and not related to the kinky lifestyle in my opinion. Also, Summer has a very painful past and I have doubts that a woman with her past will be able to have normal sexual relations and submit to a dominant man.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I sit here wiping the tears from my eyes I am moved by the continuation of this series. Summer is rightly angry and upset over her upbringing and the mess her mother has made of her life. My heart broke with her situation but was so proud of her actions with her sisters. If anyone deserves a strong loving dom it is Summer. She was so brave to take her chance at happiness. I enjoy this authors style and writing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shanna D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laid Bare by Ashe Barker. Naughty and intense sexual scenes and passionate drama made this a very enjoyable book for me. I like the way Daniel separates his dominate role from his nurturing role. And Summer submits beautifully even though she finds this terrifying natural. Book is quite long as it contains all 3 previous published stories in one. Grab a drink and some munchies and find your favorite chair as you will have a hard time putting this down once you start. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great romance story with some serious plot themes. Summer and Dan have great chemistry and they are in a relationship. Summer has had a crappy childhood and her issues make it difficult for her to trust. The author does a good job of showing the inner thoughts and feelings Summer struggles with as she gradually learns to trust and rely on her friends and family. She also has to learn to forgive and move on from the past.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer has been a victim for a long time. She craves order, and structure. Everything in her life must be precise. When she meets the sexy alpha Dom, Dan, she's terrified of how he makes her feel. She runs and hides. Fate has other plans for her. Dan recognizes the Submissive in Summer. He helps her find herself, and allows her to confront her past and to spread her wings. This is a very steamy, sexy book with plenty of erotic bdsm scenes. I enjoyed Summer's exploration into experiencing a life that she never thought was possible.

[Monique Hebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book or books as previously released.
I enjoyed the writing style, the story, the love story between Dan and Summer and their relationship with the secondary characters. What I appreciated the most is that every sex scene was different. It was so rare and refreshing, kept me interested and they were so very HOT! I absolutely loved Dan's character. He was so dominant, so strong, so alpha yet so sensitive. Dan's character makes me want to be a submissive and find a dom like Dan to experience to sexual experiences.

[WBS-S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story with some triggers

I enjoyed this book. It’s long there’s lots and lots of sex. There’s a story amongst the background of BDSM and there’s a lot of anal sex too. If that’s not your thing, then steer clear of this book. I think the characters were great. This author is able to display a strong, sassy, smart flawed submissive together with a deep, thoughtful, caring Dom. Heavy on British English.
I read all of the books in this series and I will certainly seek out additional titles by this author.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the story between Dan, Summer.
Story was about summer and come to the resolution of her past and present and future wow what a heart-wrenching tantalizing sexy full of mystery and suspense story that kept me on my toes what exotic fairy tale that I thoroughly enjoyed this was a tasty treat for the end of the workaday
Will Summers past haunt her forever?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the Black Combe Doms series and it can be read as a stand-alone. Summer and Dan meet at a club and he introduces her to the world of dominance and submission. However, she doesn’t stick around, she then meets Dan at a wedding and this time he won’t let her run. Fast-paced read with lots of drama, emotion and characters that draw you into the story from beginning to end. I loved it!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book four in The Black Combe Doms series. This is Dan and Summer's story, can these two make it work to a HEA? Summer enjoyed her time with Dan but he scares her. Dan wants more with Summer but can he be patient enough and help her be comfortable. Another great story in the BDSM lifestyle which can be as challenging as it is steamy and exciting. Enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phew, I'm a fast reader and totally underestimated how long it would take to read - but, boy, it's worth it.

It's steamy and does have a story - about Dan and Summer's relationship. Dan's one condition is honesty, but Summer has chosen to omit certain details. We see how all the Doms and their subs all come together to have Summer's back.

I really really hope there's another one on the way.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in this series and once again it has combined an entire previously released trilogy into one wonderfully fantastic book. All these have been amazing and impossible to put down once started. I delved immediately into this book after completing book 3. A wonderfully entertaining book with plenty of story to reach the HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashe Barker has become one of my favorite bdms novelists. She really knows about this type of relationship. I love the slow burn between Summer and Dan in this book. If you want to read more realistic books about bdsm the you really can’t go wrong with any book in the Black Combe Doms series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SEng · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Summer and Dan. Curious about being with a Dom, she meets Dan. After one encounter she gets scared and runs away. Dan knows she is perfect for him but can he convince her to stay? I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next one. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fall in love every time your characters do. It's amazing how well you compose these stories so they fall into place so beautifully and they just feel so original and car from what is our there right now. Very refreshing!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbi Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in this series and honestly they just keep getting better!, I found this to be a nice BDSM story which is also very informative, brilliant main characters and a well written storyline. Looking forward to reading much more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I had a great time reading this book. The connection between Dan and Summer’s characters was amazing while making it an enjoyable storyline that flowed easily from page to page. Will Dan and Summer reach their HEA? It was a great ride to find out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book I've read written by Ashe Barker; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

The initial meeting of Dan and Summer really sets the scene for their relationship. Her compassion and his willingness to take control balance each other's needs and desires. But only when she accepts that her desires need more does the story really take off. Book 4 in the Black Combe Dom's series.

[Marilyn Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

À rare 5 stars from me

Last book in this series and I have enjoyed them all but I think I like this best. Loved Dan and Summer and the feel good vibe from all the characters.

[E. Leta Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer and Dan's story

We are back at Black Combe for Summer and Dan's story. Dan is Nathan's brother and Summer is Freya's best friend. The meet at a club when Summer goes with Freya to offer moral support. She and Dan but it f2f but he scares her so badly she takes off and disappears for months. They meet again when Summer goes to Black Combe for a weds and their relationship is rekindled. Ms. Barker has a wonderful way of writing and her stories are always deeply satisfying. Maybe we'll see Commor's story next. Hint. Hint

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

* I'm grinning like a loon over here * If you've been following the "Black Combe Doms" series, then you know Freya and Summer have been best friends since they were in their teens. We learned a bit of their history and interactions, at least from Frey's point of view, in book three, "Hard Limits". Now we get to see Summer's point of view of what has transpired through the highlights of their friendship and their joint interactions with their Doms. Where Freya was a free spirit and jumped in with both feet, Summer has her reasons for trying to keep her distance from the whole scene. And then it happens. When Freya goes to the club to meet with Nick for the first time, Summer goes with her to make sure she gets home safely afterward. Or is that the only reason? Ahhh, we get to see past meet present and from there the story takes off like a shot! And let's not forget Dan. If you've been following along you'll remember we met Nathan's brother and vet previously but how does he play into this one? Ohhh, there's so much I want to tell you but this is one you're going to want to read for yourself. Just know it's decadently delicious with secrets tucked away here and there and a few surprises along the way. I absolutely loved their story but then again, I'm never disappointed with a book from Ashe Barker.

[Susan Foulkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a while to settle into this book, mainly because I wasn’t sure of the characters.

Summer seemed flaky, and too prone to running away when things got tough. Dan was an unknown quantity, and I didn’t know how he rated as a Dom.

I needn’t have worried. Once the story got going my reservations soon disappeared.

Dan was a Dom through and through, and Summer had very good reasons for behaving as she did.

This is another well written book from Ashe Barker. The story flows smoothly, and the characters are brought to life as Ashe puts them through the wringer.

I hope this is not the last we read about The Black Combe Doms. There are many memorable characters in this series.