Book Review...Coming Undone

From Amazon.com:

A new novel of "toe-curling" erotic romance from the national bestselling author of Laid Bare.

After his parents' death, Brody gave up a promising career to care for his family. Now, with his siblings grown, Brody owns his own business, and for the first time in years he's alone. Elise has come to Seattle with her daughter to find peace. After years as a world-famous ballerina-and trapped in a marriage gone bad-she's looking for neither love nor attention. But she finds both in the handsome, honest man who befriends her with no strings attached. Brody and Elise discover in each other the wild, physical passion they need. But it'll take a shadow from Elise's past to make them look beyond what they need-to what they truly desire.

The second book in this series (and I hope not the last), Coming Undone makes me love Lauren Dane's writing abilities even more than I already do after reading Laid Bare.

Normally I review more paranormal and urban fantasy/romance. Coming Undone is definitely not even close to being either one of those. In fact, if I hadn't read the first book in the series, I'm not entirely sure I would have picked this one up on its own (even if I think the cover is drool worthy). The different elements (um, please don't hate me) that I like in my mini vacations (insert book title) normally don't include too much everyday family and...kids. Because I loves me some hotness and not sure if certain themes fit. But, Lauren Dane makes it not only work, but these things become such an integral part of the story that you couldn't pull any part out or it would feel like something is missing. Like its heart and soul.

Brody is Erin's sexy tattoo artist brother, over protective and incredibly loyal. Did I mention sexy? Ugh...gah (wipes drool). With tattoos...and piercings...gulp. The perfect image of the dark brooding bad boy.

Elise is a former prima ballerina who moves to town to start over with her lil munchkin (hey, my mom used to call me that) and start her own dance school. Start over her life for the both of them. Without any attachments of the romantic kind. Including the sexy bad boy across the street...She's one of my favorite characters, not only for her ability to accept people as they are, but to stand up for not only herself, but those she loves. You go, girl!

Brody? All his life, he's sacrificed for the ones he loves, watching their dreams while allowing his own to take a different path. When they need him, he's always their, the big brother and father figure. The best tattooist not only in the area, but good enough so people come for his incredible inkings specifically, Brody owns his shop, has a rockstar for a brother, and a zany sometime rockstar/cafe owner for a sister whom he loves deeply. Always the rock of his family, our Brody. He's not into entanglements of the serious kind. Even with the stunningly beautiful ballerina who moved in and stirs him like no one before. Even if your protective overbearing ways are meant well...

Which always means things are going to heat up. Be careful what you throw out to the universe, because it gives right back. And in all the right ways (who doesn't adore a bad boy!).

What starts out as a no strings attached (and incredibly hot) arrangement soon evolves into something that both Elise and Brody are unable to openly define. Especially when they factor in their prospective pasts (read: baggage). Its easy to fall into one another (as well as other...places) but its how we handle the baggage that gets thrown at us that makes us be in love, to know that what we feel is real. And there is plenty of it here, on both sides.

Who doesn't like to catch up with old friends Erin, Todd, and Ben? This trio, while not conventional, makes their life work. It shows. The acceptance and love that surround every member of this entire extended family is one that I truly hope exists somewhere in the real world. A beautiful thing, opening your eyes as well as your mind.

Family is a strong theme in both books, and she manages to make it extremely sexy (Brody is def the alpha male) while Elise and her daughter show a side to him we only get glimpses of in Laid Bare. It works on so many different levels, from the actual family aspect to the HAWTNESS that ensues.

So with great pleasure (and a little sad that I've finished both books) I recommend...but, warning not for the faint of heart...with a little rock and roll.

(P.S. You may also want a little ink or piercing after reading. I did! *wink*)

You can pruchase Coming Undone from Amazon here...

Or check Lauren Dane's website!