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Bound, Branded, & Brazen
Three sisters reveal their most intimate secrets in an erotic romance from "an undoubted master". In the wilds of Oklahoma, three sisters have a date with destiny... Bound: When Valerie left for the big city, she kissed her foreman husband goodbye-along with the best sex she ever had. Now, seeing him brings back sizzling memories. Branded: Watching Gage wrangle untamed horses leaves Brea hot and bothered. But can she live out her fantasy with a man who may ask for more than she's willing to give? Brazen: Ranch hand Walker Morgan can't afford to get too close to his new boss, Jolene, no matter how she tempts him. But Jolene's prepared to take the first step. In the style of Wild, Wicked, & Wanton, national bestselling author Jaci Burton, delivers a threesome that no reader will ever forget in these steamy stories.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2010
22 people are currently reading
1166 people want to read
About the author
Jaci Burton
157 books8,296 followersJaci Burton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over 85 books. She lives in Oklahoma and when she isn’t on deadline (which is often), she can usually be found wrestling with her uncooperative garden, wrangling her dogs, watching an unhealthy amount of television, or completely losing track of time reading a great book. She’s a total romantic and longs for the happily ever after in every story, which you’ll find in all her books.. Visit her website at www.jaciburton.com for excerpts, book information and contests.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
April 10, 2010
5 stars – Contemporary Western/Erotic Romance
Although it’s not quite as steamy as Wild, Wicked, & Wanton, I really enjoyed all three stories and couples in this sexy contemporary erotic romance anthology.
When their uncle dies, sisters Valerie and Brea return home to Oklahoma for the funeral and to help their sister Jolene run the family ranch. Of course, it’s not long before all three sisters engage in some hot, sweaty sex with some yummy cowboys!
Bound
Valerie’s never gotten over her foreman ex-husband Mason, and now that she’s back home again, old feelings and lust are rekindled. They always sizzled hot in the bedroom, but it was other parts of their relationship that seemed to fizzle out. Can they heal past hurts and restore trust to get it right the second time around?
Branded
Brea has always felt insecure and shy, especially compared to her beautiful, confident older sister Valerie and boisterous, spitfire younger sister Jo, and much prefers to escape in a book. Horse trainer Gage is used to applying a gentle, firm treatment to calm a spooked filly, and when he uses his tender, yet dominating touch to coax Brea, how can she possibly resist? His patience and skills in the bedroom help Brea overcome some hang-ups, and his caring, understanding nature are just what she needs to boost her self-confidence. But will their wild, romantic fling entice free-spirited drifter Gage to stick around?
Brazen
Tough, sexy, independent, sassy Jolene has been after ranch hand Walker Morgan for what seems like forever, and she doesn’t care a whit that she’s his boss ‘cause she flat-out wants him...in every position imaginable. She’s flirted and flaunted, but Walker continues to ignore her advances and maintains a professional distance. Will Walker be able to resist when Jo’s determination gets more brazen than ever?
Three sisters, three studtastic, sweet cowboys, and lots of smokin’ hot lovin’ that leads to nice HEAs makes for a really satisfying erotic treat! 5 stars!
Although it’s not quite as steamy as Wild, Wicked, & Wanton, I really enjoyed all three stories and couples in this sexy contemporary erotic romance anthology.
When their uncle dies, sisters Valerie and Brea return home to Oklahoma for the funeral and to help their sister Jolene run the family ranch. Of course, it’s not long before all three sisters engage in some hot, sweaty sex with some yummy cowboys!
Bound
Valerie’s never gotten over her foreman ex-husband Mason, and now that she’s back home again, old feelings and lust are rekindled. They always sizzled hot in the bedroom, but it was other parts of their relationship that seemed to fizzle out. Can they heal past hurts and restore trust to get it right the second time around?
Branded
Brea has always felt insecure and shy, especially compared to her beautiful, confident older sister Valerie and boisterous, spitfire younger sister Jo, and much prefers to escape in a book. Horse trainer Gage is used to applying a gentle, firm treatment to calm a spooked filly, and when he uses his tender, yet dominating touch to coax Brea, how can she possibly resist? His patience and skills in the bedroom help Brea overcome some hang-ups, and his caring, understanding nature are just what she needs to boost her self-confidence. But will their wild, romantic fling entice free-spirited drifter Gage to stick around?
Brazen
Tough, sexy, independent, sassy Jolene has been after ranch hand Walker Morgan for what seems like forever, and she doesn’t care a whit that she’s his boss ‘cause she flat-out wants him...in every position imaginable. She’s flirted and flaunted, but Walker continues to ignore her advances and maintains a professional distance. Will Walker be able to resist when Jo’s determination gets more brazen than ever?
Three sisters, three studtastic, sweet cowboys, and lots of smokin’ hot lovin’ that leads to nice HEAs makes for a really satisfying erotic treat! 5 stars!
August 9, 2015
This book is about three sisters who run a ranch in Texas. In fact, one leading and two are being forced to this. Each of the three sisters have their own story, one after the other and meets their love one on the ranch.
The first and most convincing is about Valerie. She returns to the ranch, where she had left her husband. Now when she sees him again feeling revived and they try again to get along, all surrounded by sexual tension, of course. The second Brea is also back at the ranch, and has a lot complexes about her appearance. There she meets Gage, who open her to new experiences. Last, Jolene, she runs the ranch, and makes the sisters back there. She has an eye on Morgan Walker and is not going to give up until she gets what she wants.
All the stories are based on sex. And only the first is most convincing, bearing in mind that the heroes have had history. I thought about it and came to the conclusion that probably if I read it in 2010 as it was published, my rating would be quite different. I very much like Jaci Burton but this book is not enough and a little bored. But maybe if I had not read so many incredible stories, it has a good sex scenes, so maybe.. just maybe I would rate it higher.
April 10, 2010
This was a fun book to read since all the girls were related as sisters and all the boys were cowboys! The second story was my favorite, but they were all enjoyable. The author handled the interconnectedness of the stories well and the time frames. The sex scenes overall were very steamy and I cared about all the characters. The reason it didn't get five stars is that all three stories weren't five stars for me. Like the first story was a 4 because the heroine sort of annoyed me at times. The second story was definitely a 5 for me - I loved the hero and the progression emotionally of the heroine. The last story was a 4 because the hero was a bit stupid but sexy as all get out. So combined I would give it a good solid 4 and would recommend it!
April 7, 2010
Bound, Branded & Brazen by Jaci Burton
* I received this ARC free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Product Description:
In the wilds of Oklahoma, three sisters have a date with destiny...
Bound: When Valerie left for the big city, she kissed her foreman husband goodbye-along with the best sex she ever had. Now, seeing him brings back sizzling memories.
Branded: Watching Gage wrangle untamed horses leaves Brea hot and bothered. But can she live out her fantasy with a man who may ask for more than she's willing to give?
Brazen: Ranch hand Walker Morgan can't afford to get too close to his new boss, Jolene, no matter how she tempts him. But Jolene's prepared to take the first step.
3 Sisters are brought together by one ranch, the Bar M in which they all have equal ownership of. Valerie ran away from the ranch and her husband to become a Doctor. Brea ran away to Tulsa where she is a freelance programmer/analyst. Jolene has been running the ranch the past few years.
Valerie has been running from love since their parents were killed in a car accident when they were teenagers. Every time she gets too close to someone or something she gets scared and leaves. Mason hopes to change her mind and show her why they belong together. Circumstances pull at her heart while she is home on the ranch and this time she might just stop running.
Brea is more comfortable hiding behind her books and baggie clothes. She lacks self confidence and is inexperienced when it comes to men. She loves reading steamy romances and dreaming they are about her. She can’t believe that the sexy ranch hand, Gage is interested in her. She decides for once to take a chance on what she wants and go for it.
Jolene knows what she wants and she goes after it. She has been running the Bar M ranch and has turned it into a successful cattle business. She now has set her sights on Walker but he refuses to get involved with his “boss”. Walker has a secret that he is worried will affect Jolene and the Bar M ranch. She is worried that he sees her as one of the guys until things heat up between them. Who will win this battle of wills between them?
I loved all three of these stories. Each of the heroines had some quality that I could relate to in my life. Valerie was the one that took care of her sisters when their parents died, Jolene isn’t very confident in herself or appearance and would rather hide behind her books and Jolene was the one left at the ranch to take care of it when they both left. I take care of everyone in my family, hide behind my books and am left to clean up any mess there might be.
The stories had plenty of sizzling sex in some very unique places, which made it very entertaining. All three of the stories are separate reads but I like the fact that they all flow together and you get to find out how things are going for the others as the book progresses.
I highly recommend it and give it 4 flaming hearts.
* I received this ARC free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Product Description:
In the wilds of Oklahoma, three sisters have a date with destiny...
Bound: When Valerie left for the big city, she kissed her foreman husband goodbye-along with the best sex she ever had. Now, seeing him brings back sizzling memories.
Branded: Watching Gage wrangle untamed horses leaves Brea hot and bothered. But can she live out her fantasy with a man who may ask for more than she's willing to give?
Brazen: Ranch hand Walker Morgan can't afford to get too close to his new boss, Jolene, no matter how she tempts him. But Jolene's prepared to take the first step.
3 Sisters are brought together by one ranch, the Bar M in which they all have equal ownership of. Valerie ran away from the ranch and her husband to become a Doctor. Brea ran away to Tulsa where she is a freelance programmer/analyst. Jolene has been running the ranch the past few years.
Valerie has been running from love since their parents were killed in a car accident when they were teenagers. Every time she gets too close to someone or something she gets scared and leaves. Mason hopes to change her mind and show her why they belong together. Circumstances pull at her heart while she is home on the ranch and this time she might just stop running.
Brea is more comfortable hiding behind her books and baggie clothes. She lacks self confidence and is inexperienced when it comes to men. She loves reading steamy romances and dreaming they are about her. She can’t believe that the sexy ranch hand, Gage is interested in her. She decides for once to take a chance on what she wants and go for it.
Jolene knows what she wants and she goes after it. She has been running the Bar M ranch and has turned it into a successful cattle business. She now has set her sights on Walker but he refuses to get involved with his “boss”. Walker has a secret that he is worried will affect Jolene and the Bar M ranch. She is worried that he sees her as one of the guys until things heat up between them. Who will win this battle of wills between them?
I loved all three of these stories. Each of the heroines had some quality that I could relate to in my life. Valerie was the one that took care of her sisters when their parents died, Jolene isn’t very confident in herself or appearance and would rather hide behind her books and Jolene was the one left at the ranch to take care of it when they both left. I take care of everyone in my family, hide behind my books and am left to clean up any mess there might be.
The stories had plenty of sizzling sex in some very unique places, which made it very entertaining. All three of the stories are separate reads but I like the fact that they all flow together and you get to find out how things are going for the others as the book progresses.
I highly recommend it and give it 4 flaming hearts.
September 16, 2015
This review was posted at Under the Covers
Three weddings and a funeral. But actually the other way around. The death of their uncle has brought Valerie and Brea home in Oklahoma to help their sister Jolene run the ranch. Who would've thought such a sad event would've brought love into their lives?
Valerie, the older sister, thought she wasn't cut out for the ranch lifestyle and left the ranch and her ex-husband behind and moved to the city to become a "real" doctor. But now that she's back, feelings and sparks rekindle between her and Mason. I love second chance stories and theirs was sweet because they are able to work through the issues they couldn't when they were young and in love. Sometimes at that time it seemed all they had was great sex, and now they still have that but more.
"Hey, I didn't know a striptease went with the stitching."
Brea, the middle sister, is the shy one of the bunch. She's never been too much into dressing up and taking care of her appearance and doesn't have the best self esteem. When she gets back she's captivated by one hot horse trainer. Washboard abs, tanned skin, skills to tame even the wildest animal, control...and on top of all that sexiness, he's a reader! =) He's up front with Brea about him not being boyfriend material but Brea gets past his defenses and has him wanting more.
"Well, yee haw, honey," Jolene said with a wide grin on her face. "There's nothing better than being with a man who knows what to do with his dick. Congratulations. So what the hell are you doing with us? Go ride that bad boy until you wear him out."
Jolene, the youngest sister, has the hots for her foreman's right hand man, Walker Morgan. Jolene is not a girly girl, she's been working her ranch her whole life. She enjoys it. She's also very confident and determined to get what she wants. And it's time for Walker to realize she wants him. Walker was hot with just the right amount of fight in him about getting together because she's the boss and he's the ranch hand. They were great together!
"Look, Walker. We've had years of foreplay, and that's plenty for me. I'm hot, I'm wet and I want you inside me. We can play later."
I loved the dynamics between the sisters in this story as well. They are funny and give each other hell all the time but they're also there for each other now more than they've ever been. Again, if I had to pick a favorite couple in this story I'd have to go with Gage and Brea. They were both the most changed by the end of their story. Him being a drifter and now wanting to stay somewhere and call it home with the woman he loves. Her being completely confident and having come out of her shell. And hot, yeah, scorching hot! Gage is just too hot to handle.
This was a really hot and sweet book at the same time! It almost makes me want to wish that was me.... almost! But it was an excellent read.
Three weddings and a funeral. But actually the other way around. The death of their uncle has brought Valerie and Brea home in Oklahoma to help their sister Jolene run the ranch. Who would've thought such a sad event would've brought love into their lives?
Valerie, the older sister, thought she wasn't cut out for the ranch lifestyle and left the ranch and her ex-husband behind and moved to the city to become a "real" doctor. But now that she's back, feelings and sparks rekindle between her and Mason. I love second chance stories and theirs was sweet because they are able to work through the issues they couldn't when they were young and in love. Sometimes at that time it seemed all they had was great sex, and now they still have that but more.
"Hey, I didn't know a striptease went with the stitching."
Brea, the middle sister, is the shy one of the bunch. She's never been too much into dressing up and taking care of her appearance and doesn't have the best self esteem. When she gets back she's captivated by one hot horse trainer. Washboard abs, tanned skin, skills to tame even the wildest animal, control...and on top of all that sexiness, he's a reader! =) He's up front with Brea about him not being boyfriend material but Brea gets past his defenses and has him wanting more.
"Well, yee haw, honey," Jolene said with a wide grin on her face. "There's nothing better than being with a man who knows what to do with his dick. Congratulations. So what the hell are you doing with us? Go ride that bad boy until you wear him out."
Jolene, the youngest sister, has the hots for her foreman's right hand man, Walker Morgan. Jolene is not a girly girl, she's been working her ranch her whole life. She enjoys it. She's also very confident and determined to get what she wants. And it's time for Walker to realize she wants him. Walker was hot with just the right amount of fight in him about getting together because she's the boss and he's the ranch hand. They were great together!
"Look, Walker. We've had years of foreplay, and that's plenty for me. I'm hot, I'm wet and I want you inside me. We can play later."
I loved the dynamics between the sisters in this story as well. They are funny and give each other hell all the time but they're also there for each other now more than they've ever been. Again, if I had to pick a favorite couple in this story I'd have to go with Gage and Brea. They were both the most changed by the end of their story. Him being a drifter and now wanting to stay somewhere and call it home with the woman he loves. Her being completely confident and having come out of her shell. And hot, yeah, scorching hot! Gage is just too hot to handle.
This was a really hot and sweet book at the same time! It almost makes me want to wish that was me.... almost! But it was an excellent read.
April 18, 2019
Bound, Branded & Brazen sat on my shelf for nearly a year before I finally picked it up. Damn shame too since it was a great read! I'm a city girl through and through but this one had me seriously considering how far the nearest ranch and cowboys are from here :) Whew, yeah, cowboys- who knew?
The book is 3 separate stories each about one of the McMasters' sisters finding their cowboys when they return home to their family ranch. Branded was my favorite. Brea's shy, inexperienced and a little wounded. Gabe, he's a little bit aggressive and has the whole dominant thing going on. Likes to be in control and in charge.
So, yeah, things get pretty damn steamy between the two of them (and it's really, really good) but he doesn't just try to jump in her panties. He actually wants to know about her, wants to bring her out of her shell and help her find her self confidence after some pretty bad experiences with other guys. That's what put this one over the top for me. Yeah, I'm getting the whole cowboy thing now! Or at least this one :)
The book is 3 separate stories each about one of the McMasters' sisters finding their cowboys when they return home to their family ranch. Branded was my favorite. Brea's shy, inexperienced and a little wounded. Gabe, he's a little bit aggressive and has the whole dominant thing going on. Likes to be in control and in charge.
So, yeah, things get pretty damn steamy between the two of them (and it's really, really good) but he doesn't just try to jump in her panties. He actually wants to know about her, wants to bring her out of her shell and help her find her self confidence after some pretty bad experiences with other guys. That's what put this one over the top for me. Yeah, I'm getting the whole cowboy thing now! Or at least this one :)
May 17, 2020
Easy, brain-clearing read with the usual mild annoyance that novella-length romances always have to be rushed.
Novella #1:
Heroine: I left the family ranch and my ranchman husband to go to medical school, and now I have finished my residency and am ready to be a big-city doctor...
Hero: Hello there, darlin'.
Heroine: ...but now I am going to remarry my ex-husband and become the small town's doctor and a part-owner of the family ranch, because orgasms and faaaaaaaamily are definitely better than money.
Novella #2:
Heroine: After a couple of unsatisfying sexual experiences, I have decided to hide behind my hair and devote my life to reading romances. Besides, I am a curvy doe-eyed brunette, and we all know men are never attracted to those.
Hero: Hello there, darlin'.
Heroine: You are so ridiculously hot that you have cured all my sexual hangups in one night, and I am ready to do things with you I have only ever read about.
Hero: Please be advised that I am a Drifter, born to Walk the Lonely Streets, so don't plan on me for anything long-term...never mind, your sexy adorableness has tamed my wandering feet, gimme some sugar baby.
Novella #3
Heroine: I am the head of this ranch, I work hard and play hard and get what I want. And what I want right now, cowboy, is you.
Hero: I have qualms about this, since you are my boss...
Heroine: Don't care. Pants off.
Hero: ...but my dick has no qualms whatsoever.
Heroine: And whatever your Secret Dark Secret is, don't worry about it, this whole small town loves me and if I tell them you're a good guy, you're golden.
Hero: How am I supposed to be a brooding cowboy when you fix all my problems?
Novella #1:
Heroine: I left the family ranch and my ranchman husband to go to medical school, and now I have finished my residency and am ready to be a big-city doctor...
Hero: Hello there, darlin'.
Heroine: ...but now I am going to remarry my ex-husband and become the small town's doctor and a part-owner of the family ranch, because orgasms and faaaaaaaamily are definitely better than money.
Novella #2:
Heroine: After a couple of unsatisfying sexual experiences, I have decided to hide behind my hair and devote my life to reading romances. Besides, I am a curvy doe-eyed brunette, and we all know men are never attracted to those.
Hero: Hello there, darlin'.
Heroine: You are so ridiculously hot that you have cured all my sexual hangups in one night, and I am ready to do things with you I have only ever read about.
Hero: Please be advised that I am a Drifter, born to Walk the Lonely Streets, so don't plan on me for anything long-term...never mind, your sexy adorableness has tamed my wandering feet, gimme some sugar baby.
Novella #3
Heroine: I am the head of this ranch, I work hard and play hard and get what I want. And what I want right now, cowboy, is you.
Hero: I have qualms about this, since you are my boss...
Heroine: Don't care. Pants off.
Hero: ...but my dick has no qualms whatsoever.
Heroine: And whatever your Secret Dark Secret is, don't worry about it, this whole small town loves me and if I tell them you're a good guy, you're golden.
Hero: How am I supposed to be a brooding cowboy when you fix all my problems?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2010
This was a good book, but not nearly as good as Wild, Wicked, and Wanton. Because they were short stories on each sister, there was not a lot of time for decent character development. I almost think that Jacie Burton could have written entire books around all three sisters. Somewhere in there may have been five star reads. At any rate this book goes on the keeper shelf.
August 11, 2014
Ok novellas, but clearly overrated in my experience.
The hot scenes clearly take over the psychological development or discovery of the characters, with a few things left unexplained which should have been cleared .
More like a 2.5 stars, rounded down.
The hot scenes clearly take over the psychological development or discovery of the characters, with a few things left unexplained which should have been cleared .
More like a 2.5 stars, rounded down.
September 20, 2010
LOVE LOVE LOVED IT!!!
It was aweosme i loved all the three stories!!
I hope there are other books like this!!
It was aweosme i loved all the three stories!!
I hope there are other books like this!!
July 23, 2017
2 1/2 stars
I knew I put off reading this for so long. Bound, Branded, and Brazen started off with Bound and that just set the tone for the rest of the book for me. Within the first chapter I decided I didn't like Valarie. The way she went on about leaving her husband, not because she didn't love him, or that he was an asshole, but because of her won selfish reasons. That selfishness never went away with Valarie, and it just made me hate her. I disliked Bound so much that it overshadowed Branded and Brazen, even though those were much better stories.
I knew I put off reading this for so long. Bound, Branded, and Brazen started off with Bound and that just set the tone for the rest of the book for me. Within the first chapter I decided I didn't like Valarie. The way she went on about leaving her husband, not because she didn't love him, or that he was an asshole, but because of her won selfish reasons. That selfishness never went away with Valarie, and it just made me hate her. I disliked Bound so much that it overshadowed Branded and Brazen, even though those were much better stories.
December 12, 2025
Nancy
Great series! Characters gutsy and true to life! Loved each of the stories in the book. Cowboys stories are so fun to read, so much action! Thanks. Would have loved an epilogue of sisters and their men they love! 💕
Great series! Characters gutsy and true to life! Loved each of the stories in the book. Cowboys stories are so fun to read, so much action! Thanks. Would have loved an epilogue of sisters and their men they love! 💕
August 30, 2017
My absolute favorite book. Great great scenes and tons of them.
April 7, 2019
first story:
★★★
second story:
★★1/2
third story:
★★★
second story:
★★1/2
third story:
February 1, 2021
Bound ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Branded ⭐️⭐️
Brazen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Branded ⭐️⭐️
Brazen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 10, 2010
BOUND, BRANDED, AND BRAZEN is an anthology revolving around three sisters resolving their loves and business after their uncle’s death.
Valerie, Brea, and Jolene had an ideal life living on their parents’ ranch in Oklahoma until their untimely death thrusts them in the care of an uncaring uncle. When he dies, the sisters reunite to bury him and to settle ranch affairs. But coming home isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, especially for Valerie who unable to settle in a small town and reconcile herself to the overwhelming feelings she had for her husband, Mason.Valerie ran away to the big city. Now that she’s back, she’s learning that you can never out run your problems.
I didn’t like Bound. It took me forever to read that story. I think it’s because I never warmed up to the heroine Valerie. Her real motivation for leaving her husband and the ranch wasn’t really explained until the end of the book and by then I had already stopped caring about her as a character. I wished her reasoning was sprinkled in throughout the book instead of being dumped in the last chapter or so. It also bothered me that she never apologized to Mason for running away from him years ago. While their sexual contact was hot, I needed more conflict/dialogue between Valerie and Mason. To believe in them as a couple, I personally needed to see them work through some of their issues. I was surprised that Mason didn’t call her out for just walking out on him all those years ago. To me, that weakened his character and made him more open to getting hurt again. It would have helped me if I saw more angst, or his thought process on why he was entering into a sexual relationship with someone who has never been able to give him more of what he needed in the relationship.
Nor can you hide them. Ever since she ended a bad relationship, Brea has been hiding from life. Now that she’s back on the ranch, there is no place to hide, nor can she hide her attraction to horse trainer Gage. But if she gives into her attraction will he think of her as other’s have or realize how special she is?
Branded was my favorite. I freely admit that it’s probably because I’m a sucker for stories of the shy duckling transforming into a swan. I also think it’s one of my favorites because Brea is so shy that Gage spent a lot of time talking to her to help draw her out of her shell. Because of this, they talked so much I was able to buy into their relationship more. Umm, that’s all I have to say about this one, other than I really like it. Just a FYI, there’s some back door action in Branded.
Being the boss, means that Jolene is used to getting what she wants and what she wants is ranch hand Walker and she can’t understand why he’s being resistant when it’s obvious that the feeling is mutual. However, the last time one of his boss’s wanted him, he got fired from his job and had to rebuild his life, so he swears to not get close to Jolene no matter how tempting she is. Too bad you should never swear.
Jolene was the sister that I thought I would like the most; after all, she was the sister who had been left behind to shoulder the burden of the ranch. Who had to take charge and get things done, right? Unfortunately to me, she appeared immature in her dealings with anything that didn’t have to do with the ranch. My feelings for Jolene soured when she attempted to fire Gage (the hero of Branded) when he and Brea (the heroine of Branded) relationship went south. I know she was trying to protect her sister, but that was pretty immature. I also couldn’t believe that she was so blasé about Walker’s logical reasons for not wanting to enter into a relationship with his boss. Especially after he had just seen her attempt to fire Gage, I couldn’t believe that this wasn’t even explored.
Although I had several minor problems with BOUND, BRANDED, AND BRAZEN, which I stated, I think it’s a good read and I closed the book with a smile on my face. Who could ask for anything more?
Valerie, Brea, and Jolene had an ideal life living on their parents’ ranch in Oklahoma until their untimely death thrusts them in the care of an uncaring uncle. When he dies, the sisters reunite to bury him and to settle ranch affairs. But coming home isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, especially for Valerie who unable to settle in a small town and reconcile herself to the overwhelming feelings she had for her husband, Mason.Valerie ran away to the big city. Now that she’s back, she’s learning that you can never out run your problems.
I didn’t like Bound. It took me forever to read that story. I think it’s because I never warmed up to the heroine Valerie. Her real motivation for leaving her husband and the ranch wasn’t really explained until the end of the book and by then I had already stopped caring about her as a character. I wished her reasoning was sprinkled in throughout the book instead of being dumped in the last chapter or so. It also bothered me that she never apologized to Mason for running away from him years ago. While their sexual contact was hot, I needed more conflict/dialogue between Valerie and Mason. To believe in them as a couple, I personally needed to see them work through some of their issues. I was surprised that Mason didn’t call her out for just walking out on him all those years ago. To me, that weakened his character and made him more open to getting hurt again. It would have helped me if I saw more angst, or his thought process on why he was entering into a sexual relationship with someone who has never been able to give him more of what he needed in the relationship.
Nor can you hide them. Ever since she ended a bad relationship, Brea has been hiding from life. Now that she’s back on the ranch, there is no place to hide, nor can she hide her attraction to horse trainer Gage. But if she gives into her attraction will he think of her as other’s have or realize how special she is?
Branded was my favorite. I freely admit that it’s probably because I’m a sucker for stories of the shy duckling transforming into a swan. I also think it’s one of my favorites because Brea is so shy that Gage spent a lot of time talking to her to help draw her out of her shell. Because of this, they talked so much I was able to buy into their relationship more. Umm, that’s all I have to say about this one, other than I really like it. Just a FYI, there’s some back door action in Branded.
Being the boss, means that Jolene is used to getting what she wants and what she wants is ranch hand Walker and she can’t understand why he’s being resistant when it’s obvious that the feeling is mutual. However, the last time one of his boss’s wanted him, he got fired from his job and had to rebuild his life, so he swears to not get close to Jolene no matter how tempting she is. Too bad you should never swear.
Jolene was the sister that I thought I would like the most; after all, she was the sister who had been left behind to shoulder the burden of the ranch. Who had to take charge and get things done, right? Unfortunately to me, she appeared immature in her dealings with anything that didn’t have to do with the ranch. My feelings for Jolene soured when she attempted to fire Gage (the hero of Branded) when he and Brea (the heroine of Branded) relationship went south. I know she was trying to protect her sister, but that was pretty immature. I also couldn’t believe that she was so blasé about Walker’s logical reasons for not wanting to enter into a relationship with his boss. Especially after he had just seen her attempt to fire Gage, I couldn’t believe that this wasn’t even explored.
Although I had several minor problems with BOUND, BRANDED, AND BRAZEN, which I stated, I think it’s a good read and I closed the book with a smile on my face. Who could ask for anything more?
November 13, 2011
Originally posted on Joyfully Reviewed: http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/revie...
“Bound”
When Valerie McMasters’s uncle dies, she returns home to the Bar M Ranch, promising her youngest sister she will stay for a month while Jolene sorts things out. After that, Valerie is determined to go back to her life as a doctor in Dallas. The Bar M holds too many memories, and plenty of them are in the form of Mason Parks, foreman of the Bar M and Valerie’s ex-husband. The fire between Valerie and Mason has always burned bright and hot, but Valerie can’t be what he needs. Mason doesn’t quite agree with that assessment and he’s determined to seduce Valerie into wanting to stay at the Bar M – and with him – forever. But the decision has to be Valerie’s and Valerie’s alone. Will the lovers get their second chance at happily ever after?
I’m a complete sucker for reunion romances and Jaci Burton does it right in “Bound.” I loved how patient and understanding Mason is. There’s no doubt he loves Valerie, but he also knows he can only push her so far and that at some point she has to be the one to come to him. I definitely wanted her to, and because I was invested in their romance, I couldn’t stop reading “Bound” until Valerie and Mason’s erotic reunion was complete.
“Branded”
Brea is the ordinary McMasters sister. She’s not brilliant and witty like Valerie, nor is she tough and outgoing like Jolene. Brea would rather stay in and read romances when she’s not working on her computer. That doesn’t stop her from daydreaming about Gage Reilly. Brea watches Gage from afar while he trains horses at the Bar M. But will she be able to handle it when he focuses all that gentle dominance on her in the most delicious of ways?
“Branded” is probably my favorite story of the three. I love seeing a wallflower heroine come into her own, and that’s exactly what happened in “Branded.” Brea’s shy and a bit insecure, which endeared her to me. What I loved about Gage was that he sees Brea’s spirit and strength and encourages her to come out of her shell. “Branded” had a wonderful mix of character growth and romance. To me it was the hottest, most romantic story of the bunch.
“Brazen”
Jolene McMasters has been pretty much running the Bar M for years. Her love of the ranch, hardworking nature, and take-charge attitude are a large part of what makes the Bar M successful. With the Bar M, Jolene has pretty much everything she wants – except Walker Morgan. For five years the two of them have been dancing around each other and with her sisters newly returned and finding love, Jolene isn’t going to wait for Walker to make a move forever. It’s time this cowgirl ropes her man.
“Brazen” is probably the most aptly-titled story of the three. Jolene is every bit as forward as the title suggests, but Ms. Burton never sends her over the top. I admired Jolene for her confidence, for knowing what she wants and going after it. She and Walker are a perfect fit, except for his refusal to get involved with his boss. Walker has his reasons (which I will not spoil) for resisting his attraction to Jolene. Still, I looked forward to him finding happiness with Jolene and I finished “Brazen” a well-satisfied reader.
Bound, Branded, & Brazen is a wonderfully sexy journey of three sisters finding the joy in home, family, and true love. It’s packed with Ms. Burton’s signature fiery eroticism, but it’s the heart more than the heat that makes Bound, Branded, & Brazen memorable. I adored this book and look forward to re-reading it again (“Branded” in particular) in the near future.
“Bound”
When Valerie McMasters’s uncle dies, she returns home to the Bar M Ranch, promising her youngest sister she will stay for a month while Jolene sorts things out. After that, Valerie is determined to go back to her life as a doctor in Dallas. The Bar M holds too many memories, and plenty of them are in the form of Mason Parks, foreman of the Bar M and Valerie’s ex-husband. The fire between Valerie and Mason has always burned bright and hot, but Valerie can’t be what he needs. Mason doesn’t quite agree with that assessment and he’s determined to seduce Valerie into wanting to stay at the Bar M – and with him – forever. But the decision has to be Valerie’s and Valerie’s alone. Will the lovers get their second chance at happily ever after?
I’m a complete sucker for reunion romances and Jaci Burton does it right in “Bound.” I loved how patient and understanding Mason is. There’s no doubt he loves Valerie, but he also knows he can only push her so far and that at some point she has to be the one to come to him. I definitely wanted her to, and because I was invested in their romance, I couldn’t stop reading “Bound” until Valerie and Mason’s erotic reunion was complete.
“Branded”
Brea is the ordinary McMasters sister. She’s not brilliant and witty like Valerie, nor is she tough and outgoing like Jolene. Brea would rather stay in and read romances when she’s not working on her computer. That doesn’t stop her from daydreaming about Gage Reilly. Brea watches Gage from afar while he trains horses at the Bar M. But will she be able to handle it when he focuses all that gentle dominance on her in the most delicious of ways?
“Branded” is probably my favorite story of the three. I love seeing a wallflower heroine come into her own, and that’s exactly what happened in “Branded.” Brea’s shy and a bit insecure, which endeared her to me. What I loved about Gage was that he sees Brea’s spirit and strength and encourages her to come out of her shell. “Branded” had a wonderful mix of character growth and romance. To me it was the hottest, most romantic story of the bunch.
“Brazen”
Jolene McMasters has been pretty much running the Bar M for years. Her love of the ranch, hardworking nature, and take-charge attitude are a large part of what makes the Bar M successful. With the Bar M, Jolene has pretty much everything she wants – except Walker Morgan. For five years the two of them have been dancing around each other and with her sisters newly returned and finding love, Jolene isn’t going to wait for Walker to make a move forever. It’s time this cowgirl ropes her man.
“Brazen” is probably the most aptly-titled story of the three. Jolene is every bit as forward as the title suggests, but Ms. Burton never sends her over the top. I admired Jolene for her confidence, for knowing what she wants and going after it. She and Walker are a perfect fit, except for his refusal to get involved with his boss. Walker has his reasons (which I will not spoil) for resisting his attraction to Jolene. Still, I looked forward to him finding happiness with Jolene and I finished “Brazen” a well-satisfied reader.
Bound, Branded, & Brazen is a wonderfully sexy journey of three sisters finding the joy in home, family, and true love. It’s packed with Ms. Burton’s signature fiery eroticism, but it’s the heart more than the heat that makes Bound, Branded, & Brazen memorable. I adored this book and look forward to re-reading it again (“Branded” in particular) in the near future.
August 30, 2010
Bound, Branded & Brazen has been on my wishlist for some time and I finally got round to buying it. Bound, Branded & Brazen is three books in one about three sisters that grew up together but went there different ways about 5 years ago and two of the sisters haven't been back on the farm since.
In the wilds of Oklahoma, three sisters have a hot date with destiny. Valerie, Brea, and Jolene McMasters reunite on the family ranch that should have been called the Bar Nothing.
Bound
When Valerie left for the big city, she kissed her foreman husband, Mason, goodbye. Along with the best sex she ever had. Now, seeing him brings back sizzling memories. But their rekindled fire threatens to burn them both.
Branded
Watching Gage wrangle untamed horses with a gentle but firm touch leaves Brea hot and bothered. But can she live out her fantasy with a man who may ask more than she’s willing to give?
Brazen
Ranch hand Walker Morgan can’t afford to lose his job by getting too close to his new boss, Jolene, no matter how much she tempts him. But Jolene’s prepared to take the first step, because what Jolene wants, Jolene gets. And Jolene wants Walker.
Bound, Branded & Brazen is three short stories in one, with all three connecting. They appeared to have happened one after the other but I believe that there is meant to be a gap of months if not weeks between each book.
So a family death has brought all three sisters back on the farm and Jolene wants her other two sisters to stay with her and help her out. I liked all three stories just fine, individually I think they're all worth 3 stars as well. I didn't have a favourite story but my least favourite was Bound, with Valerie and Mason, it would have been better if it was a longer story I thought it was quite rushed.
In the wilds of Oklahoma, three sisters have a hot date with destiny. Valerie, Brea, and Jolene McMasters reunite on the family ranch that should have been called the Bar Nothing.
Bound
When Valerie left for the big city, she kissed her foreman husband, Mason, goodbye. Along with the best sex she ever had. Now, seeing him brings back sizzling memories. But their rekindled fire threatens to burn them both.
Branded
Watching Gage wrangle untamed horses with a gentle but firm touch leaves Brea hot and bothered. But can she live out her fantasy with a man who may ask more than she’s willing to give?
Brazen
Ranch hand Walker Morgan can’t afford to lose his job by getting too close to his new boss, Jolene, no matter how much she tempts him. But Jolene’s prepared to take the first step, because what Jolene wants, Jolene gets. And Jolene wants Walker.
Bound, Branded & Brazen is three short stories in one, with all three connecting. They appeared to have happened one after the other but I believe that there is meant to be a gap of months if not weeks between each book.
So a family death has brought all three sisters back on the farm and Jolene wants her other two sisters to stay with her and help her out. I liked all three stories just fine, individually I think they're all worth 3 stars as well. I didn't have a favourite story but my least favourite was Bound, with Valerie and Mason, it would have been better if it was a longer story I thought it was quite rushed.
April 7, 2010
I enjoyed this anthology, more than Jaci Burton's other anthology of a similar name (but otherwise no connection), Wild, Wicked, and Wanton. The setting of an Oklahoma ranch came alive and was really interesting to me as a southern girl myself.
My favorite couple - and what really sold the book as a keeper for me - are from the third story, Jolene and Walker. I always really love that couple that's fighting to admit they really want to be together, and the mud scene that finally facilitates that is hot and a little different, which is definitely refreshing in the romance world. From that point on, it was exciting reading their story and watching them grow. Jolene is very bold about what she wants, and it was clear that Walker, though hesistant because of a bad experience in his past, really loves her. And once they give in to what's burning between them, they really ignite together. I would have loved a full-length novel about them alone.
I also really enjoyed divorced couple Valerie and Mason's second chance at love. I wasn't sure if she could do it, but the author really pulled off a reason why Valerie would have left such a great guy in the first place. Brea and Gage, though not my favorite, are a strong couple too.
Jaci Burton always writes with a thoughtful motivation toward her characters. They are so well-developed that they become fleshed-out, believable people, and her couples are extremely well-matched, which is a lovely, essential quality in a great romance. The ranch, the sisters, and the first two couples are reason enough to read this book; the last couple Jolene and Walker are the reason to love this book.
My favorite couple - and what really sold the book as a keeper for me - are from the third story, Jolene and Walker. I always really love that couple that's fighting to admit they really want to be together, and the mud scene that finally facilitates that is hot and a little different, which is definitely refreshing in the romance world. From that point on, it was exciting reading their story and watching them grow. Jolene is very bold about what she wants, and it was clear that Walker, though hesistant because of a bad experience in his past, really loves her. And once they give in to what's burning between them, they really ignite together. I would have loved a full-length novel about them alone.
I also really enjoyed divorced couple Valerie and Mason's second chance at love. I wasn't sure if she could do it, but the author really pulled off a reason why Valerie would have left such a great guy in the first place. Brea and Gage, though not my favorite, are a strong couple too.
Jaci Burton always writes with a thoughtful motivation toward her characters. They are so well-developed that they become fleshed-out, believable people, and her couples are extremely well-matched, which is a lovely, essential quality in a great romance. The ranch, the sisters, and the first two couples are reason enough to read this book; the last couple Jolene and Walker are the reason to love this book.
February 23, 2017
This book is a contemporary sexfest about three sisters and the cowboys they are involved with on the ranch they inherited. first story about Val (a doctor) and Mason, the ranch foreman and her ex husband. Val is 'emotionally challenged' and left the ranch two years prior to find herself. (I can't stand twits like that it was the only drawback to the story for me). Mason OTOH was mature and steady as a rock. he really appealed to me. anyway, the story wraps up nicely with Val discovering that she is the only dr. within a hundred miles and the community really needs her as much as Mason does.
the second story between Brea and Gage was an 'ugly duckling turns into gorgeous swan fuckfest' with them both 'I love youing during a passionate reconciliation at the end. disappointing although the sex (complete with anal sex) was really hot.
the third story featuring Jolene and Walker was aptly named Brazen. she wanted him, he resisted as much as his 'brain' would let him, and then they both admitted loving each other.
this was easy predictable late night reading but not a keeper.
the second story between Brea and Gage was an 'ugly duckling turns into gorgeous swan fuckfest' with them both 'I love youing during a passionate reconciliation at the end. disappointing although the sex (complete with anal sex) was really hot.
the third story featuring Jolene and Walker was aptly named Brazen. she wanted him, he resisted as much as his 'brain' would let him, and then they both admitted loving each other.
this was easy predictable late night reading but not a keeper.
September 13, 2010
Well it's cowboy smut so how can I not like the book!
This book is extra special because it is autographed by Jaci Burton!
Bound, Branded & Brazen is about 3 sisters and these sisters seem like real life sisters not fictional characters. Their relationship seems like the real deal.
I am not a fan of anthologies. I really like to invest time into characters and really get to know them and anthologies are too short for me. Jaci Burton has a really good idea when she turns 3 stories into one book. You get a short novella but each of the characters still show up in each other stories so you still get glimpes into their lives.
As usually Jaci Burton has great writing and after reading her stories, the characters are still on my mind. I like that.
This book is extra special because it is autographed by Jaci Burton!
Bound, Branded & Brazen is about 3 sisters and these sisters seem like real life sisters not fictional characters. Their relationship seems like the real deal.
I am not a fan of anthologies. I really like to invest time into characters and really get to know them and anthologies are too short for me. Jaci Burton has a really good idea when she turns 3 stories into one book. You get a short novella but each of the characters still show up in each other stories so you still get glimpes into their lives.
As usually Jaci Burton has great writing and after reading her stories, the characters are still on my mind. I like that.
August 10, 2011
This was an OK collection of three novellas with characters I really liked, but Jaci Burton did not go deeply enough into them for us to truly understand the motivations for their actions.
For example, the first story begins when one of three sisters returns to her hometown, to the family ranch where her ex-husband works. We are given an explanation for her divorce, but not any insight into what feelings made her run. Thus when she ends up back with her ex, I do not really understand her reasoning. His thoughts are not shown enough for us to understand why he let her go, why he wants her back, why he never went after her in the interim.
The plots are good but not great, and the settings are implied but not well described.
I still enjoyed the book.
For example, the first story begins when one of three sisters returns to her hometown, to the family ranch where her ex-husband works. We are given an explanation for her divorce, but not any insight into what feelings made her run. Thus when she ends up back with her ex, I do not really understand her reasoning. His thoughts are not shown enough for us to understand why he let her go, why he wants her back, why he never went after her in the interim.
The plots are good but not great, and the settings are implied but not well described.
I still enjoyed the book.
April 6, 2011
I wanted to love this book but I really found it to read as if there was too much back story missing. The uncle seemed like an extraneous character. He was what brought all 3 sisters back to the ranch and there were comments about how bad a job he did in parenting the girls after their parents died but no details about the effect it had on them. There were too many points in the storyline where I found myself saying "get on with the explanations already". I really like some of the author's other books so I know this is an anomaly but if this were the first title of hers I had read, I seriously don't think I'd read another any time soon.
August 8, 2011
I really, really liked Brea's story. I felt like she was a heroine I could identify with (not model-gorgeous, a bookworm & insecure with men). Gage really was so perfect for her - he (believably) helped her come out of her shell and find some inner confidence. Valerie and Jolene were way too in-your-face and brash for me. I liked Jolene's story and I loved the way it ended up with Walker (I was afraid she was going to have to go chasing after him yet again). I just didn't care for her character or Valerie's. The men in this book were hunky, hot and oh-so-sexy, which made it worth the read!
March 15, 2013
great book. Jaci never let's you down. the only thing I would have loved to see was an epilogue where it showed like two or three years down the road and if they had kids and which sister stayed in the main house. we know Jo moves but do val and mason build or do brea and gage build. and to see Lea being the grandmother or would she have retired. stuff like that. I know its not important but I would have liked to know...lol however over loved the book as I have loved all of Jaci's books. A truly wonderful writer and once you open her books you never want to close them til you have finished reading them.
April 3, 2014
This book was a decent read. Separated into three shorts, it told the stories of the McMaster sisters, Valerie, Brea and Jolene.
I liked Bound (Valerie's story) best, as I felt it had the most depth and character development.
Brea's story, Branded, was ok. Her transformation from book worm to sex siren- after nothing more than a haircut and smile was a sexy cowboy- was a bit of a stretch for me. The story was still enjoyable though.
Brazen, the final installment, is Jolene's tale of chasing a man until he submits to his mutual desire for you. Her tale was the least fun for me as the conflict was dragged out too long. The wrap up to the conflict was quick, painless and kind of boring.
I liked Bound (Valerie's story) best, as I felt it had the most depth and character development.
Brea's story, Branded, was ok. Her transformation from book worm to sex siren- after nothing more than a haircut and smile was a sexy cowboy- was a bit of a stretch for me. The story was still enjoyable though.
Brazen, the final installment, is Jolene's tale of chasing a man until he submits to his mutual desire for you. Her tale was the least fun for me as the conflict was dragged out too long. The wrap up to the conflict was quick, painless and kind of boring.
May 23, 2010
I loved all the sisters and the guys a lot. Great stories and great sex, but not just another Pw/oP. Jolene had the most spunk, I'd say and was a good match for Walker - even if he had his head up his ass for a long time. Val and Mason's story was sweet and hot; I'm glad she figured out that she could be more than a rancher's wife if she let herself feel what she needed to. Brea and Gage were a good pair together. I really liked this book, as well as the last one like it - and adding cowboys to the mix made it all even hotter.
May 27, 2015
Nice book about 3 sisters reunited at their Oklahoma ranch.
Oldest Valerie - divorced from Mason b/c of her fear of love and loss.
Middle child - Brea - scarred by previous boyfriends; no longer believing in herself and hiding herself in clothes. Gage is her lifeline into exploring sexuality.
Youngest - Jolene. Working owner of the ranch. Working hard to break down the defenses of her worker Walker.
Oldest Valerie - divorced from Mason b/c of her fear of love and loss.
Middle child - Brea - scarred by previous boyfriends; no longer believing in herself and hiding herself in clothes. Gage is her lifeline into exploring sexuality.
Youngest - Jolene. Working owner of the ranch. Working hard to break down the defenses of her worker Walker.
March 19, 2011
This was just okay for me. I realize it was meant to be uber hot--and it was. But sometimes it felt like that was it. More than once I found myself asking "what?!" when the characters reacted the way they did.
My favorite storyline was in Bound, husband and wife reunited. I have a hard time with stories (all stories) that just have the characters falling into bed. Having a history is much better. Totally my preference, I know.
My favorite storyline was in Bound, husband and wife reunited. I have a hard time with stories (all stories) that just have the characters falling into bed. Having a history is much better. Totally my preference, I know.
April 2, 2012
Three sisters are brought together again on the family ranch. When going through some old papers they find a game that they played once as kids. That sparks new life into the three dreamy romances. These three stories while similar to the WWW story are a lot more romance and a little less naughty. Though all stories have plenty of steam. I again recommend this book to everyone who needs a naughty escape.
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