Lush

Lush                    


by Lauren Dane is part of her wonderful ‘Delicious’ series that is interconnected with the ‘Brown Siblings’ books.  Mary Elizabeth Whaley is the talented chef who is responsible for spoiling her friends with her creations that she showcases at the Tart shop and at her catering events.  The instant chemistry that develops when she meets drummer Damien Hurley is startling to both of them but they are willing to explore a no-strings incandescent affair.  Undoubtedly, there is something in the air that surrounds the Browns and their extended families that encourages deeper connections and this pair is no exception...if they can get past the obstacles that accompany fame and success.


This author effortlessly mesmerizes with the intense emotional scenes and larger than life characters that populate her stories.  It is always fun to get another glimpse of what is going on in the Pacific Northwest and the beautiful friendships that are highlighted always gives me a warm fuzzy feeling and makes me a little sad that I don’t have as many nutty and loyal friends surrounding me.  The relationships detailed in previous works (including the yummy Tart) are maturing and deepening while others in the group are slowly finding their soulmates and the sizzling interaction between this particular lusty pair is likely to make one need reach for the fan or the air conditioner!  There are leavening comedic elements to keep the atmosphere from being overwhelming and I am particularly fond of the pig (and who can blame her for objecting to the name Pork Chop).  The battle of the formidable mothers who are in defense mode is a great counterpoint to the exquisitely emotional scene between their respective chicks and yum, one can only hope that Damien's brothers will get their own stories later.

                                                 


My Night Owl review of Tart is at this link and, although I don't have reviews written for all of the titles in the Brown siblings series, most of them are on my keeper shelf...and I am working on filling in the gaps!


I was delightfully surprised to win an ARC of this wonderful title!

Tart (adult title)

Tart   
by Lauren Dane is the start of the 'Delicious' series but it is set in the same town and continues to give glimpses of the charismatic family and friends from the 'Brown Siblings' series.  I love those intense characters with their complicated lives and enjoyed the opportunity to see what is going on as Gillian and Adrian's wedding celebration nears.  I thought the dynamics were a little strange at first as one stalled relationship becomes more intense and suddenly mirrors the relationship that Erin has with her lovers but I quickly became enthralled by the exploration of the insecurities of the main characters even as they engage in a very steamy relationship.  I still have yet to read Brody's story (Coming Undone) but Tart is going on my keeper shelf with the rest of the series and I can't wait to read more in the current series.  My Amazon review is at this link.

The Brown Siblings books are:  Laid Bare, Coming Undone, Inside Out, and Never Enough.  There is a e-novella (Laid Open) that continues the story of Ben, Erin and Todd and describes events that overlap with the action in Tart.  A very sensual and mesmerizing series that features amazing body art on the covers and showcases the author's ability to present unconventional love affairs in a beautiful and moving fashion.

       


And, don't forget that I have a giveaway for a soon to be released print copy of Alexa Egan's debut novel, Demon's Curse, as part of the Gifting Books blog hop at this link!  Open to U.S. residents only.