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Sunday 4 November 2012

TART by Lauren Dane Spotlight - Review, Excerpt + Giveaway

  
Tart
by Lauren Dane
(Delicious # 1)

Ms. Dane has done it again.  TART is everything I was anxiously awaiting!  There's a wonderful new set of people in this series and women that have a close friendship and now it's their turns to find love. You'll feel right at home in their lives just as we did with the Brown Siblings.

Starting with Juliet.  We read about her in the CHERISHED anthology.  She owns a pastry shop and is a very independent woman, always used to doing things for herself and succeeding at them.  She doesn't have the love and support of her own family either.  But she's also the type of woman that will do anything to help others and sometimes that can get in the way of her own happiness.

She's had a crush on her buddy Cal for years, but then she thought Cal was gay, and then we he started dating both men and women she kind of gave up on the hopes that he would ever look her way.  So when hunky cowboy Gideon comes into town and she's doing business with his grandfather's farm, she acts on the sizzling chemistry she feels with Gideon.  Of course that's just what Cal needed to kick start him into action because Juliet should've always been his.

I like how Ms. Dane starts this series off in sort of the same way as her Brown Siblings, with a permanent menage.  And it works.  They all care about each but their individual connection with Juliet was cemented perfectly.  She's the anchor that makes the relationship work and when permanent menages can be hard to imagine working, Ms. Dane has a talent for making me believe that they can.

And just as the relationships and love were perfectly and independently developed, the sex was as well.  I can't say there's one thing she didn't explore and I loved every minute of it.  There's Gideon and Juliet, Cal and Juliet, Cal and Gideon and all three together with different roles.  It was hot and had me bothered! ;)

Then there's the familiar faces we love to read about.  I love the Brown siblings and I'm happy to report there's a lot of them in this book.  Erin, Todd and Ben are around and offer support for their menage relationship.  Erin and Juliet develop a close friendship which was nice to see.  Gillian and Adam are also getting married so they are going through the stress of that as well as the excitement.

I have to admit I might've gotten almost teary eyed at some parts and while this book is hot as hell and perfectly written as far as the relationship goes, it's also a bit emotional and sweet.  I can't wait to read more from this series!!  Wonder who will be next?

*ARC provided by publisher
Purchase Links: Amazon


Excerpt
Delicious: TART by LAUREN DANE

Copyright 2012, Lauren Dane

All Rights Reserved, The Berkley Publishing Group

Releasing in digital formats and trade paper, November 6!

“What’s going on?” Gillian walked in to Tart four days later with a look on her face that made Jules suck in a breath and steel herself.

“Um. A clue perhaps? What do you mean?”

Gillian put a hand on her hip and glared. “You won’t return my calls. Your texts are boring and lack even a basic amount of snark. Cal is moping around. Mary says you’re not here when she arrives in the afternoon and Gideon called my house looking for you. What in God’s name is going on?”

Jules sat in a nearby chair and told Gillian everything.

“Well, I can see why you needed the space to think. But why you wouldn’t come to me to let me help, I can’t imagine.”

“You have enough going on in your life. This is just . . . it’s . . . I don’t even know.”

“Don’t be daft. Enough going on. Sure, a wedding and a bossy fiancé and a teenaged son who is at turns sweet as pudding and then surly. But you’re my best friend, it’s my job to listen to you. Also, really to deny me the story of how two ridiculously gorgeous men offered to share you? Mean.” She fanned herself. “Well, are you interested? You know in both?”

“The thing is—and I’ve been thinking on this nonstop since that damned kiss—I’m with Gideon. I chose him when I went to his place to tell him about the kiss. But then he was all, hey, take us both and now I’m torn.”

“Torn because you’d rather have just one than both? And if that’s true, that’s okay too, you know. I’m not sure I could manage two men at once. Adrian gives me more than enough to do.”

Jules wiped a counter down to keep moving. “Do I want them? Individually? Sure. Look at them! It’s more than their looks, of course. I’m falling in love with Gideon in a big way and I’d be a liar, liar, pants on fire if I denied how long I’ve loved Cal. But together? At the same time? I don’t know.”

“Is it the overabundance of penis? Or worry that they’re not interested in your parts best?”

Jules laughed and then hugged Gillian tight. “Thank God for you.”

“I say this about you all the time.”

Jules was so glad Gillian had come in. She needed this so badly. Needed the support and honesty she got from her best friend.

“Gideon loves you. I admit that I’ve got a natural bias toward Cal. I’ve known him longest. He’s like family. But since I’ve met Gideon he’s been nothing but good to you. And you do deserve to be happy. If you can’t imagine being with them both, then don’t do it. Cal will get over it. He’ll have to.”

“What kind of flesh-and-blood woman with a pulse wouldn’t imagine being with them both? I’m only human, Gillian. I’ve imagined it all right.” So much her wrists hurt from masturbating so often.

Gillian grinned and cocked her head. “Have you thought about talking to Erin? I know she can be sort of bold and wild, but she’s a wonderful listener. She puts a lot of work into her relationship with Todd and Ben. It can work if you do it right and you have the right combo of people.”

“Honestly if you were telling me this story, I’d yell at you to get out of here and jump both men. You’re very patient.”

“You love them both. I know this about you. You’re thinking this over because it would change everything. No matter what decision you make, everything will be different. There’s no way around it, I’m sorry to say. Once Cal kissed you, things were thrown onto a wholly different path.”

“I know.” She paused and then blurted it out because she needed to say it. “It was a really, really good kiss. If he’d kissed me like that six months ago, we’d be happily together right now. He’s quite a dumbass for a man who looks as good as he does.” Jules chewed her lip a moment and then just said it. “I’m afraid Gideon will think the same thing about his kisses and they’ll get sick of me. It’s stupid and petty and I can’t stop thinking about it.”

Gillian made one of her polite little growls of annoyance. “He’s a fool for waiting so long. As for the kiss? I’m glad. I mean, I figured it was. You two, well, there’s years and years of built-up stuff between you. But back to the threesome thing. I don’t think this is about them both secretly being totally gay and then they’ll find out and dump you. I can understand why you’d worry. But they both want you. I’m telling you the total truth when I say I’ve watched Cal watch you for years. He’s in love with you, Jules. Not with anyone else. Same with Gideon.”

Berkley Heat is giving away a copy of TART to one lucky US maiden!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

64 comments:

Jamie Brenner (aka Logan Belle) said...

Looks great -- adding to my TBR.

Maja (The Nocturnal Library) said...

Yaay! This is such great news. I adore Brown siblings (some more than others, lol) and I had such high hopes for this series. It good to know that it lives up to all those expectations.
GReat review!

Nanee said...

Great review and giveaway! Love to find new authors to follow. Naneemcgee@aol.com

Susan T. said...

Erin's book was the 1st I read on permanent menages. They way Lauren Dane creates the story around them is pretty cool. Loving it. Thanks for the post and giveaway.

Kidsue99@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I love books about permanent menages. It's nice to dream about a three way relationship, although I don't think I would want to live it.

Kesummer69(at)gmail(dot)com

Danielle West said...

I haven't read so many books about permanent menages. I liked Erin's book. And a few others by other authors. But I am very excited for TART!

Kassandra said...

I need them to require work as any relationship would. They can't just fall into it easily, that isn't realistic for me.

Kassandra
sionedkla@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Yes! I love menages. I love Ms. Dane's books and really need to get this one.
Mel

Angie said...

I've only read one or two books with permanent menages, but I do like them. I'm a firm believer that you don't have to settle with just one person, so if you find 2+ and it works, then go for it!

Cassandra said...

I actually haven't read any books with permanent menages yet so it's a new experience for me :)

Angie M said...

I do love to read about committed menages. I think Lauren Dane does them very well. I've loved Erin, Todd and Ben since their first book and enjoy how we've seen their relationship grow in the Brown sibling books. I'm really looking forward to Tart.

erin said...

thanks for the awesome post and giveaway! Permanent menages are a dream come true :) As long as everyone's happy is all I say

SdyLion said...

I think reading about different relationships, no matter how they are composed, is very interesting. I like the idea of this book, and find it intriguing to see the nuances that make this relationship work. sdylion(at)gmail(dot)com

krazymama_98 said...

I do love reading about perm menages. They fascinate me. I dont see how they could possibly really work. But apparently, they do. haha For some. And I am just voyeuristic enough to want to read!! haha Bet this is a good one.
lisakhutson *@* cox. net

barbara said...

Great review & blurb! Can't wait to read.

bimmergrlmd at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Sounds like a good one, only read 1 maybe 2 about permanent menage. Should be interesting to see how this one reads.

Leanna said...

I love resding about permanent menage relstionships.i look forward to reading this book.

Lori T said...

I love Lauren Dane! Looking forward to reading this one.

Joanne said...

I love reading about permanent menages. They're very intriguing. As long as everyone's on the same page so no one gets hurt, it's all good.

e.balinski(at)att(dot)net

Unknown said...

I've only read one, so I can't say that I am an expert..lol..BUT, I think it is an interesting premise...and if it works, and everyone going into it knows where they stand, then why not? I read about many many many things that I would never do personally...so it's nice to step into that world a wee bit as well :)

lorimeehan said...

I can't wit for this book. I loved the Brown Sibling series and I'm glad this book will be up to those. Can't wait.
Lorimeehan 1 @ aol.com

Jillyn said...

I like reading about permanent menages better than non-perm ones. To me, permanent means actual feelings, not just a haphazard love triangle thrown into the story as filler.

Thanks for the giveaway, this book is on my Christmas list :D

Beckey said...

Thanks for sharing... this book has been on my TBR for a couple weeks since Lauren Dane posted about it...
My personal reason for liking permanent mange is simply because the three can make a better balance and bring more to the relationship than a traditional...
Think of the trinty symbol its a balance of three things into one...

Harlie Williams said...

This book is at the top of my TBR list for awhile. I love Lauren Dane and she does write a great permanent menage/triad.

Marika
maw1725@gmail.com

Laurie said...

I do like reading them. I guess it's that this would not work for me in life, but then that's why we read, to escape from reality for a bit.

Jyl22075 said...

I do like reading about permanent menages, I think it can work depending on the people involved.

Alicia said...

I have only read one book with a permanent menage before, but it was not very well written, I'm hoping to eventually read a better one :).

megblod said...

I haven't read or even heard of permanent menage relationships before so it would be interesting to read about one where it worked out.

Allison W said...

I have heard many great things about Lauren Dane but have yet to try her books. Can't wait to try them!

Patti (@TheLoveJunkee) said...

I do like to read about permanent menages, and Lauren Dane is one of the best! Laid Bare is my all-time favorite. (Also, Maya Banks writes a really good menage too)

lovesfabromance at cox dot net

Rhonda D said...

I do like the idea of permanent menage relationships.
Lauren is one of my favorite authors. I love the Brown siblings and can't wait to read more about them.

Tanya said...

I do enjoy reading about permanent menages,I have read many by Maya Banks & Lora Leigh. I have not ready any of Lauren's books but this one sounds great.

Unknown said...

I love to read series books. The Brown siblings is a great series, I cant wait to read this book. I like reading permanent menages relationships. It shows how much understanding,trust and love everyone has for the relationship to make it work. What girl wouldnt want to lovers.
lauratroxel@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Thanks for the chance to win! I'm really looking forward to this book!

Bridget Locke said...

I like Lauren's menages.. they come across as realistic. Have read others that just make me roll my eyes. :)

Bridget Locke said...

I like Lauren's menages.. they come across as realistic. Have read others that just make me roll my eyes. :)

powerse said...

I've only read 2 books so far about permanent ménages and I did enjoy both of them.... not sure what it is about them but I like them


bnbhb@hotmail.com

books4me said...

I guess it's hard for me to read permanent menages as I wonder how they work...won't one get jealous or one want more or what if you have kids? I know it's just fiction but it still makes me wonder...

books4me said...

I guess it's hard for me to read permanent menages as I wonder how they work...won't one get jealous or one want more or what if you have kids? I know it's just fiction but it still makes me wonder...

Reading said...

I have not read any books about permanent manages. Sounds interesting though.

Texas Book Lover said...

I've read several books with permanent menages and it just confirms what I already believe that just because it is not what works for me doesn't mean it is not right for others. Everyone has a right to live the way they want to and they way that makes them happy. Whether that be in a book or in real life!

Micha T. said...

I love Lauren Dane & will definitely be adding this to my TBR list. I think what works for me in a menage story is when the relationship as a whole has a strong bond & is functional between all of the characters.

HeyYou-ItsMe said...

I've been waiting for this one...It looks great.

HeyYou-ItsMe@Comcast.net

HeyYou-ItsMe said...

I've been waiting for this one...It looks great.

HeyYou-ItsMe@Comcast.net

Kat said...

I have to add this one to my TBR list! YAY! I am in the process of reading the Brown sibling series now and loving it! I prefer books that tackle the idea of a permanent menage because I think they have more at stake emotionally than those who use menage as a gimmick. It's a delicate balance and Lauren Dane does a great job with laying out the physical and the emotional aspects of this kind of relationship.

Melanie said...

Lauren writes a believable permanent menage relationship, things aren't always rainbows and sunshine and a relationship with two people is hard enough, when you're bouncing off three points the challenge increases exponentially. Her characters deal with these problems head on, they have conversations, like adults, and no it isn't easy for everyone around them, but in the end they *own* who they are and it makes the stories all the better.

I can't wait to read Tart, I'm trying to convince myself a post-work nap to wake-up and read at midnight is a bad thing... it is, isn't it?

Anne said...

I like reading about them, but I can't see them working in the real world on a long term basis. I can't help but think someone has to feel slightly left out. Maybe if both guys were bi, every one would get the same amount of action, but still. In the real world wouldn't Ben feel just a bit lower on the totem pole being the one not married to Erin?

acm05atjuno.com

Victoria said...

I've only read one so I can't really answer the question.

Maria D. said...

I do like to read about permanent menage relationships - I think it's because it's nice to think the dream can last and be real - if the author does a good job developing the characters I can totally see it working in the real world - if not...well it's a fantasy:)

pamerd said...

Hi

I am excited for this book. Lover her work.

Thanks
Pam
tpibrew@msn.com

HaveBook WillSurvive said...

I cant wait to read it!!!!!

HaveBook WillSurvive said...

I cant wait to read it!!!!!

June M. said...

I do love to read about permanent menages. I think that if the author writes them well, they can be a great love story. And a wonderful fantasy ;)

June M. said...

I do love to read about permanent menages. I think that if the author writes them well, they can be a great love story. And a wonderful fantasy ;)

Jen B. said...

I think in real life a permanent menage would be very difficult to maintain. It's part of the reason that I enjoy them in books because there is a HEA. I find that I don't enjoy all of the menage stories out there. They have to be well written. Lauren Dane has the right touch to make a menage story work. jepebATverizonDOTnet

Unknown said...

i've never read about a permanent menage, but i can only imagine that it is fabulous! thanks for the giveaway!!!!
jaimela77 at gmail dot com

laurie said...

Great review and giveaway! Love to find new authors to follow.

parisfan_ca@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I love permenant menages for the very reason I love "normal" HEA. They work because of love, no matter HOW it works out.

Unknown said...

I LOVE reading permenant menages for the same reason I love other HEA's. Love in any formation is worth it.

Unknown said...

I love permenant menages for the very reason I love "normal" HEA. They work because of love, no matter HOW it works out.

Anonymous said...

I dont know that I have read any yet!

emily said...

I like Lauren Dane's menages but I can't make a unilateral endorsement to reading all permanent menages

cait045 said...

I like permenant menages because all three people most love eachother. Finding 2 people who love you is pretty awesome.

Glittergirl said...

I love permanent menages as it give me hope in the power of love. The reality of an extra parent being able to be there when needed and to give love to the children is awesome. The feeling of support...then of course is the loving, yum.