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Believe
Their First Christmas, Bound Together...
All Jude wants for Christmas is Rori, all to himself. It's their first holiday season as a couple, and staying home, seeing friends and family, means they'll be surrounded by the memory of Rori's late husband. It's time for Jude and Rori to create their own traditions. Time for them to fully explore their most intimate desires to dominate and submit.
Rori is thrilled when Jude whisks her away to a luxury resort in the mountains. Spending Christmas away, just the two of them, is the perfect time to show him she's ready to give herself to him completely...
57 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Lauren Dane
111 books5,007 followersLauren Dane has been writing stories since she was able to use a pencil, and before that she used to tell them to people. Of course, she still talks nonstop, and through wonderful fate and good fortune, she’s now able to share what she writes with others. It’s a wonderful life!
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 23, 2011
This story felt like an epilogue to Second Chances, which I haven't read, and I don't think it stood on its own. Jude and Rori spend a lot of time dwelling on their history and I felt like an outsider and unable to care about them. In addition, their love scenes were out of my comfort zone - I am not into crops and floggers! - and I found myself skimming through them. As a result, there was little else to read. :(
Note: This story is also available in Naughty and Nice anthology.
Note: This story is also available in Naughty and Nice anthology.
December 17, 2011
Believe is a sexy, fluffy and very sweet extended epilogue for the book Second Chances. It's also part of the anthology Naughty and Nice: A Holiday Romance Collection.
July 5, 2011
It was a nice story, and I wish it was longer...even though the bdsm is a tad out of my comfort zone. No floggers and whips for this girl. The heroine only said 'Gah' once... a signature Dane line.
April 24, 2012
Great extended epilogue to Second Chances:)
August 20, 2019
This was a short follow-up to Second Chances. I was interested in reading how Rori and Jude were fairing in their HEA but the book was basically nothing more than boring and awkwardly written D/s sex scenes.
January 8, 2011
The Blackraven’s Reivew:
Believe is the perfect title for this sensuous Christmas story full of love and unbridled passion. Ms. Dane did not disappoint with Rori and Jude’s follow-up story. It was wonderful to witness how these two have grown over the years both individually and as a couple.
Jude and Rori’s first Christmas together is simply spectacular. The way Jude commits to Rori with ever fiber of his being only proves how much his love has grown over the years. It’s obvious that he has truly embraced his destiny of not only being a Dom, but also the give and take that comes with being a Dom to Rori. I appreciated the fact that even though Rori submitted to him in the bedroom, he never stifles her independence, in fact, he encourages it and understands that it’s a part of what makes her so special.
Rori is absolutely wonderful in this captivating story and it’s great to see how she manages to focus on Jude’s needs while dealing with her grief over her deceased husband. Moreover, she’s learned that her heart is big enough to love more than one person unconditionally, which really brings to life this Christmas story full of love and respect. While Jude and Rori have come a long way since their rough beginnings, they continue to learn more about each other as time progresses and they fall deeper in love. Communication and trust are several of the keys to this relationship and it’s simply mesmerizing.
Believe is a compelling story of unconditional love, trust, and scorching hot sex that will definitely arouse you in all the right places and while keeping you warm and cozy on a cold winter’s night. The dynamics between the main characters and secondary characters only increase the depth of this well-written story. In addition, their fears are realistic which only brings the story to life. You can’t help but cheer Rori and Jude on as they embrace their second chance at love because they truly believe in one another. Believe is a story that will warm your heart, put a smile on your face, and help you enjoy the Christmas spirit if only you’re willing to believe in Happily Ever After.
Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by The Blackraven!
Believe is the perfect title for this sensuous Christmas story full of love and unbridled passion. Ms. Dane did not disappoint with Rori and Jude’s follow-up story. It was wonderful to witness how these two have grown over the years both individually and as a couple.
Jude and Rori’s first Christmas together is simply spectacular. The way Jude commits to Rori with ever fiber of his being only proves how much his love has grown over the years. It’s obvious that he has truly embraced his destiny of not only being a Dom, but also the give and take that comes with being a Dom to Rori. I appreciated the fact that even though Rori submitted to him in the bedroom, he never stifles her independence, in fact, he encourages it and understands that it’s a part of what makes her so special.
Rori is absolutely wonderful in this captivating story and it’s great to see how she manages to focus on Jude’s needs while dealing with her grief over her deceased husband. Moreover, she’s learned that her heart is big enough to love more than one person unconditionally, which really brings to life this Christmas story full of love and respect. While Jude and Rori have come a long way since their rough beginnings, they continue to learn more about each other as time progresses and they fall deeper in love. Communication and trust are several of the keys to this relationship and it’s simply mesmerizing.
Believe is a compelling story of unconditional love, trust, and scorching hot sex that will definitely arouse you in all the right places and while keeping you warm and cozy on a cold winter’s night. The dynamics between the main characters and secondary characters only increase the depth of this well-written story. In addition, their fears are realistic which only brings the story to life. You can’t help but cheer Rori and Jude on as they embrace their second chance at love because they truly believe in one another. Believe is a story that will warm your heart, put a smile on your face, and help you enjoy the Christmas spirit if only you’re willing to believe in Happily Ever After.
Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by The Blackraven!
December 18, 2014
I didn’t connect with much of anything in Believe, by Lauren Dane. Rori was ok. She’d been through a lot with the loss of her husband and was trying to move past the tragedy. Her new guy Jude didn’t do much for me. The author tells us how deeply they care for one another but I didn’t really feel it. I couldn’t get into the way he spoke to her or their dominate-submissive relationship. He was too dominating. They kept talking about the importance of making new memories together, but the only memories they created were sex, as the whole story felt like one long sex scene. We don’t get more than a tiny peek into Rori’s or Jude’s characters. I’ve been reading Christmas stories in honour of the season and this one didn’t feel festive at all, just a story set near Christmas. This one just wasn't for me.
December 19, 2010
You need to read Second Chances before you read this story. Only then will you be able to really appreciate it.
This is the perfect ending to the story between Jude and Rori. Definitely the connection I thought was missing at the ending of Second Chances.
Very sexy, still manages to be very emotional, and even in just a few pages we get to be inside the heads and hearts of so many people.
This is the perfect ending to the story between Jude and Rori. Definitely the connection I thought was missing at the ending of Second Chances.
Very sexy, still manages to be very emotional, and even in just a few pages we get to be inside the heads and hearts of so many people.
January 2, 2013
I was so looking forward to the follow up story of Secons Chances but was disappointed when this came up short - it was a good story but could have been better by going into more details like finding & buying the new house, the wedding & having kids - even if it was a epilogue of 5years later or something.
A real shame as I loved Second Chances.
A real shame as I loved Second Chances.
November 15, 2010
I was lucky enough to have this novella ready to go after I finished Second Chances. It's a great extension of Second Chances and gives a little more insight into Rori and Jude's relationship. Second Chances and Believe are very emotional, very satisfying reads.
November 16, 2010
While I liked Second Chances, this was a little too gooey-mushy for me to read without rolling my eyes. Plus, I'm not really into the D/s scene, so I skimmed the majority of the 'adult time' parts, which was about 2/3rds of this short story. Just not for me, I guess.
December 6, 2010
A short and sweet ending for Rori and Jude from
. I also loved that it was Christmas themed.
. I also loved that it was Christmas themed.
June 26, 2012
Too much ... Too sappy, too repetitive, too much of everything. I just wanted it to be over and I didn't like the portrayal of Jude. It was like his manhood had been stripped away and he was only there to please Rori. And I still missed Zach. Overall, I was disappointed.
October 30, 2011
Another great read. a little short but still great. So happy Rori is happy again after everything that happened.
December 8, 2010
Good ending to a great story! LD is one of the best.
November 28, 2020
Loved this short story.☆☆☆☆☆♡♡♡♡♡
December 30, 2018
This book was definitely one of the steamier books in the anthology Naughty and Nice. It was a quick listen. It wasn't my favorite book in the anthology, but I still enjoyed it. With Jude, Rori finally gets to fully explore her submissive side, if only Jude would believe that she truly wants it and is okay with it. The story is HEA with no cliffhanger.
December 10, 2010
Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: 12/6/10
How I got this book: NetGalley
Jude and Rori are spending their first Christmas together as a couple, and with all the craziness with their friends and family, will be hard pressed to find time for just the two of them. With the memory of Rori’s late husband still somewhat hanging over their head’ Jude is looking for a way to start creating new memories.
He treats the two of them to a romantic getaway in the mountains, where the two of them can not only be alone, but can also spend their days and nights exploring their dominant and submissive relationship. Although Jude is ready to take their relationship to the next level, he worries that Rori might not be ready to make the big commitment.
But little does he know that Rori is ready, and is prepared to take their vacation as an opportunity to show him just how ready she is to not only submit, but commit.
I really enjoyed this story, and although it was one of the first few Dane books I’ve read, and I have to say I will be picking up more of her work from now on! I later learned that this is not the first time we have met Jude and Rori, but I was really glad that I wasn’t lost at all in their story, or confused by any information that was maybe explained before and left out this go around. So for those of you who haven’t picked up any previous books, you won’t be lost!
I really like Rori and Jude together, and although they had tons of history, I felt completely at ease hopping into their story and falling in love alongside them. The two of them just really seemed to fit well together and their relationship felt so real. I was glad that the issue of Rori’s dead husband wasn’t something that was ignored, and thought that both Rori and Jude handled the situation as best they could, which still staying true to their feelings. It felt as if it was something that a real couple would go through, say to each other and feel towards each other.
Dane is also amazing when it comes to the smut. The book was smokin’ and if all her other books are hawt as this one; you can guarantee Dane will be on my lookout list!
All in all, I give Believe 4 out of 5 Christmas getaways!
Publish Date: 12/6/10
How I got this book: NetGalley
Jude and Rori are spending their first Christmas together as a couple, and with all the craziness with their friends and family, will be hard pressed to find time for just the two of them. With the memory of Rori’s late husband still somewhat hanging over their head’ Jude is looking for a way to start creating new memories.
He treats the two of them to a romantic getaway in the mountains, where the two of them can not only be alone, but can also spend their days and nights exploring their dominant and submissive relationship. Although Jude is ready to take their relationship to the next level, he worries that Rori might not be ready to make the big commitment.
But little does he know that Rori is ready, and is prepared to take their vacation as an opportunity to show him just how ready she is to not only submit, but commit.
I really enjoyed this story, and although it was one of the first few Dane books I’ve read, and I have to say I will be picking up more of her work from now on! I later learned that this is not the first time we have met Jude and Rori, but I was really glad that I wasn’t lost at all in their story, or confused by any information that was maybe explained before and left out this go around. So for those of you who haven’t picked up any previous books, you won’t be lost!
I really like Rori and Jude together, and although they had tons of history, I felt completely at ease hopping into their story and falling in love alongside them. The two of them just really seemed to fit well together and their relationship felt so real. I was glad that the issue of Rori’s dead husband wasn’t something that was ignored, and thought that both Rori and Jude handled the situation as best they could, which still staying true to their feelings. It felt as if it was something that a real couple would go through, say to each other and feel towards each other.
Dane is also amazing when it comes to the smut. The book was smokin’ and if all her other books are hawt as this one; you can guarantee Dane will be on my lookout list!
All in all, I give Believe 4 out of 5 Christmas getaways!
December 12, 2010
It was a snowy cold day out so what a perfect time to read a Lauren Dane Christmas story. Firstly let me say I LOVED Second Chances. I loved Zach alot. In fact I was still mourning him at the end of the Second Chances story. I did think that Jude had redeemed himself in the book but I was still aching for Zach.
So I think that is why I needed to read Believe so much. I wanted Rori to be happy after our, er I mean her devasting loss of Zach and I knew Jude would be that man but I needed the time. Believe had come at a perfect time because it was a nice little novella of just Rori and Jude. I do 100% believe that they will be happy together and Jude has turned out to be a perfect man for Rori.
The story itself was great. Who wouldn't want to be wisked away to secluded cabin with a hunk of love like Jude. The scenes were hot and the love between the pair was evident. I feel greatly satisfied with the conclusion of their story as well as giddy and warm & fuzzy.
So I think that is why I needed to read Believe so much. I wanted Rori to be happy after our, er I mean her devasting loss of Zach and I knew Jude would be that man but I needed the time. Believe had come at a perfect time because it was a nice little novella of just Rori and Jude. I do 100% believe that they will be happy together and Jude has turned out to be a perfect man for Rori.
The story itself was great. Who wouldn't want to be wisked away to secluded cabin with a hunk of love like Jude. The scenes were hot and the love between the pair was evident. I feel greatly satisfied with the conclusion of their story as well as giddy and warm & fuzzy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2011
Believe is a follow-up to one of Lauren Dane’s other books. I was kind of disappointed that I didn’t start the other book before this but overall it was a great read. Jude and Rori have started their lives and have settled into bliss. With them being so into family and eager to create Christmas memories and traditions of their own, Jude just happens to plan a Christmas getaway so they can be alone and celebrate the way they want to. They have plenty of privacy to entertain their Dom/sub sexual relationship.
Lauren Dane can turn up the heat ,so crack your windows because it will get steamy. Rori and Jude were such likable characters and their love for one another shines like the sun. The erotic scenes are so believable. It was a pleasure to get a peek into their lives and now I am really excited to start their story from the beginning now.
October 14, 2014
Believe (Really Naughty…so naughty it was nice) by Lauren Dane
While I had not read the previous book, ‘Second Chances’, in which this couple “realize” their friendship went a lot deeper, I thoroughly enjoyed their epilogue. After suffering the death and loss of her husband, Rori learns to love again in the arms of the one man she actually never stopped loving: her first love Jude. Losing Rori the first time had been because of stupidity on his part, but now this tall cool drink of water has proven that he is not only one hunky cowboy, but one generous and dominant lover. Together, they spend their fist Christmas holed up in a remote cabin where anything can and does happen. Be warned, this has some steamy kink that some may not enjoy and others may require their HEA to relieve.
While I had not read the previous book, ‘Second Chances’, in which this couple “realize” their friendship went a lot deeper, I thoroughly enjoyed their epilogue. After suffering the death and loss of her husband, Rori learns to love again in the arms of the one man she actually never stopped loving: her first love Jude. Losing Rori the first time had been because of stupidity on his part, but now this tall cool drink of water has proven that he is not only one hunky cowboy, but one generous and dominant lover. Together, they spend their fist Christmas holed up in a remote cabin where anything can and does happen. Be warned, this has some steamy kink that some may not enjoy and others may require their HEA to relieve.
January 17, 2013
SURPRISE!!!! Can you believe they killed Zach off I mean oh my lord. I cried like a baby and I was very resistant at first to the idea of this book because I loved Zach. Rori is completely devastated after the death of her Dom husband who also happens to be friends with Jude who has a hard on for Rori. Rori and Jude do have a history from years ago but because Jude could not commit it just didn't work. Jude decided he would make a play for Rori and try to be the man/Dom that she needed. It is very emotional with lots of hot sex and all ends well. If you've read Second Chance you have to read this once for if no other reason than for closure.
February 11, 2011
I know the book skipped over some time and everything, and I really did enjoy this book as well as the first book, but I just feel like Zach gets a raw deal because I feel like he get forgotten. I know it's been two years, and Rori should be able to move on, and I'm glad Jude redeemed himself and was and has been there for her through this whole ordeal, but she was so in love with Zach to now feel the same way about Jude is just weird to me. I guess I can't understand since I've never been in this position, so I'll have to cut Rori some slack.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2010
Little too perfect for my taste.
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September 21, 2013
This was a great short read with Jude and Rori cementing their relationship and making it fully theirs... Jude still feel insecure in their releationship because he feels her deceased husband is still holding her back but the time they take away from everyone for Christmas helps them become closer then ever.. I loved this book! I highly recommend this book but make sure you read book 1 Second Chances first... :O)
October 3, 2013
This was a great short read with Jude and Rori cementing their relationship and making it fully theirs... Jude still feel insecure in their releationship because he feels her deceased husband is still holding her back but the time they take away from everyone for Christmas helps them become closer then ever.. I loved this book! I highly recommend this book but make sure you read book 1 Second Chances first... :O)
February 21, 2012
Another sweet and hot novella, but forming the epilogue to a previous full length novel (Second Chances), which I didn’t realise when I bought it.
I loved it though. And now am looking for a copy of Second Chances to read the first part of Jude and Rori’s story :-) Lauren Dane always delivers the goods.
I loved it though. And now am looking for a copy of Second Chances to read the first part of Jude and Rori’s story :-) Lauren Dane always delivers the goods.
December 19, 2010
This is a nice little follow-up to Rori and Jude's story (though the cover? Jude's a blond). It's only seven chapters but kind of closes the door on their story with a Christmas get-away filled with cheesy romantic goodness and some other kinky stuff. Worth a read if you liked Second Chances.
March 27, 2011
this made me feel better after reading Second Chances. I wish this was actually in Second Changes and not a book itself. But, it was nice to see Rori and Jude's relationship evolve more.
July 13, 2012
I'm very glad this book was written it gave some closure to the past and gave Jude his own place. Mo I do not like short stories or novellas but this was necessary. It definitely could not have been part of the Second Chances and belonged on its own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews