I have been trying to figure out a way to share all these books I read with you but still include other non-review posts on the blog. One method I have come up with was to share the reviews for an entire series (or pair) of books in one post. I will do my absolute best to keep spoilers out of these posts in case you plan to read the books, but there is a slight chance that even the synopsis of a book can give away the result of the previous book. So if you don't want to know anything at all about the later books in a series that might giveaway something in the first book STOP READING NOW!
So I read the series Compass Girls last year by the same authors, it is actually a companion series that takes place after the Compass Boys series. I really loved it last year so made a point to read this series this year. This is an erotic romance series and does have a lot of explicit scenes in a variety of flavors but it also has great stories of finding the one, your home and most importantly about family, loyalty, hard work and a lot of love.
Synopsis: "All roads lead home when that s where you ve left your heart.
"Compass Brothers, Book 1"
Silas Compton always had his eye on Lucy, the veterinarian s daughter. He was even content to wait for the girl of his dreams to grow up before getting anywhere near her with his family s double-edged legacy.
Waiting around led to fooling around with his best friend and an impulsive eruption of desire that Lucy s innocent eyes weren t meant to see. Figuring Compton Pass wasn t big enough for either the three of them or the pain he d caused, Silas let loose his tightly reined wanderlust and headed for Alaska.
Ten years later, when an oil rig accident sends him home, he braces himself for the reopening of old wounds. Instead he finds himself in the care and welcoming arms of Lucy and Colby, whose marriage has plenty of room for the man they both still love. And forgive with all their hearts.
As things start to unravel at Compass Ranch, Silas must dig deep for the strength to assume his rightful place in the Compton family and lay the foundation for a future with his lovers. If he can forgive himself.
Warning: This book is overflowing with sexy cowboys who like to saddle up and ride each other as well as the woman of their dreams. The likelihood of becoming addicted to their ranch family is high. With three more stories yet to come, beware. You won t be able to read just one!"
My Review: I originally read the Compass Girls series a couple of years ago and loved it, but when I went to purchase this series they weren't available. Luckily they just were re-released so I was able to pick them up. I love all of the characters in this series and it was great to read the beginnings of the family a little more. I of course love the setting of a ranch in Wyoming. I also like the way that each of the characters works hard, is dedicated and loyal, but above all family comes first. It reminds me so much of home where hard ranch life is it and family is what matters most. With that said, the steam pouring off the pages of this book makes it almost too hot to handle, but the sex scenes do not take over the story, they are nicely integrated. The development of Silas is great along with Colby and Lucy, though with a little communication everything could have been easier, but it is a classic romance trope and easy to use. This book is a fast, easy read with great characters and loads of heat.
My Rating: Boy this series did kick off with quite a bit of steam, and it already started jerking on the heart strings. You can't help but fall in love with all the characters, especially side characters. I give this one a rating of Four Paws!
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Synopsis: "Caught between desire and a promise…
Seth Compton knew from the first that his boss’s daughter was all wrong for him. She was too feisty, too damned independent and, at seven years his junior, too damned young. When she comes home with a college diploma and fiancé on her arm, though, he can’t quite remember all the reasons he held her at arm’s length.
It’s not just his jeans-tightening reaction to her all-grown-up curves. Something doesn’t feel right about her impending marriage, and he won’t rest until he’s stopped her from making the biggest mistake of her life.
The morning after her wild bachelorette party, Jody expected a hangover. The surprise? Waking up tied to a bed with sexy-as-sin Seth. He’s got some wild idea about proving they belong together, but she’s not buying it. Besides, she has a promise to keep that’s too close to her heart to risk, especially not with a man who, until now, made his disinterest plain.
No one ever said Seth backed down from a challenge. She’s going to make him work for it? No problem. Luckily for him, he has plenty of rope…
Warning: This story contains a bondage lovin’ cowboy who kidnaps and hogties a cowgirl to his bed and does all sorts of naughty things to her. Fun, right?"
My Review: I really like how this second book is integrated with book one, you get bits and pieces of the other books, just from Seth's perspective. While this book yet again has the poor communication wedge trope of romance novels, it has a fun way of resolving the issue. I adore Jody and her head strong and yet loyal ways, she fits in perfect with the rest of the family. I also really liked how Seth had a much softer side than you see in the other brothers of the series (at least so far). The steam is still rolling off the pages, but like in the first book they mesh well into the story and don't feel out of place at all. These books are working out to be perfect summer reads.
Seth Compton knew from the first that his boss’s daughter was all wrong for him. She was too feisty, too damned independent and, at seven years his junior, too damned young. When she comes home with a college diploma and fiancé on her arm, though, he can’t quite remember all the reasons he held her at arm’s length.
It’s not just his jeans-tightening reaction to her all-grown-up curves. Something doesn’t feel right about her impending marriage, and he won’t rest until he’s stopped her from making the biggest mistake of her life.
The morning after her wild bachelorette party, Jody expected a hangover. The surprise? Waking up tied to a bed with sexy-as-sin Seth. He’s got some wild idea about proving they belong together, but she’s not buying it. Besides, she has a promise to keep that’s too close to her heart to risk, especially not with a man who, until now, made his disinterest plain.
No one ever said Seth backed down from a challenge. She’s going to make him work for it? No problem. Luckily for him, he has plenty of rope…
Warning: This story contains a bondage lovin’ cowboy who kidnaps and hogties a cowgirl to his bed and does all sorts of naughty things to her. Fun, right?"
My Review: I really like how this second book is integrated with book one, you get bits and pieces of the other books, just from Seth's perspective. While this book yet again has the poor communication wedge trope of romance novels, it has a fun way of resolving the issue. I adore Jody and her head strong and yet loyal ways, she fits in perfect with the rest of the family. I also really liked how Seth had a much softer side than you see in the other brothers of the series (at least so far). The steam is still rolling off the pages, but like in the first book they mesh well into the story and don't feel out of place at all. These books are working out to be perfect summer reads.
My Rating: I love how these books integrate the same scenes but with the different brother's perspective. I don't know but I think Jody might be one of my favorites and Seth is certainly right up there with my favorite brothers. This is definitely a solid Four Paw book for me!
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Synopsis: "He’s lost everything. Can he win her heart?
Compass Brothers, Book 3
Sam Compton never liked getting his hands dirty, at least not on Compass Ranch. Armed with a business degree, he’s about to become the youngest VP at an illustrious Wall Street investment firm. Until his partner in an office romance turns into an ultra-refined snake in the grass.
Staggering from the punch of betrayal, another blow threatens to level him. His father is dying. He races home to lend his brain to his brothers’ backs at the ranch, and finds something he never expected. A sophisticated yet playful woman stimulates his mind…and parts below the belt.
Compass Ranch gave Cindi Middleton’s wounded soul everything it needs: a home, acceptance, and respect—not to mention unlimited sex—from the ranch’s sexy cowboys. Despite their instant and intense sparks, Sam’s defection to the bright city lights she left behind is a big red flag. She’s been there, done that, burned the T-shirt.
Yet the heat of their attraction brings them circling back to each other’s arms…until a certain snake reappears, threatening to endanger the acquisition of the one thing Sam has realized is truly priceless.
Warning: Tissue alert! The authors recommend you have a few on hand while reading this book. To make up for any sniffles, a host of cowboys with open arms await to console you, distract you or make your wildest dreams come true"
My Review: This was probably my least favorite of the series so far but it was still really good. I just wasn't a fan of Sam's life in the East and rich lifestyle. He is full of excuses and assumptions, while we do get to see him develop as a character, he only does so after learning a couple of Cindi's secrets. Cindi certainly has some spunk to her and I like the way she handles situations around her, tough yet caring. Again this works with the other books so you get some of the same scenes but from Sam's perspective and a little more of the overall story development. There are definitely some very hot scenes in here and may not be to everyone's liking, somethings did catch me off guard but this is a fictional erotic romance so to each their own.
Compass Brothers, Book 3
Sam Compton never liked getting his hands dirty, at least not on Compass Ranch. Armed with a business degree, he’s about to become the youngest VP at an illustrious Wall Street investment firm. Until his partner in an office romance turns into an ultra-refined snake in the grass.
Staggering from the punch of betrayal, another blow threatens to level him. His father is dying. He races home to lend his brain to his brothers’ backs at the ranch, and finds something he never expected. A sophisticated yet playful woman stimulates his mind…and parts below the belt.
Compass Ranch gave Cindi Middleton’s wounded soul everything it needs: a home, acceptance, and respect—not to mention unlimited sex—from the ranch’s sexy cowboys. Despite their instant and intense sparks, Sam’s defection to the bright city lights she left behind is a big red flag. She’s been there, done that, burned the T-shirt.
Yet the heat of their attraction brings them circling back to each other’s arms…until a certain snake reappears, threatening to endanger the acquisition of the one thing Sam has realized is truly priceless.
Warning: Tissue alert! The authors recommend you have a few on hand while reading this book. To make up for any sniffles, a host of cowboys with open arms await to console you, distract you or make your wildest dreams come true"
My Review: This was probably my least favorite of the series so far but it was still really good. I just wasn't a fan of Sam's life in the East and rich lifestyle. He is full of excuses and assumptions, while we do get to see him develop as a character, he only does so after learning a couple of Cindi's secrets. Cindi certainly has some spunk to her and I like the way she handles situations around her, tough yet caring. Again this works with the other books so you get some of the same scenes but from Sam's perspective and a little more of the overall story development. There are definitely some very hot scenes in here and may not be to everyone's liking, somethings did catch me off guard but this is a fictional erotic romance so to each their own.
My Rating: While I still loved this book and the series as a whole, I wasn't really thrilled with Sam. I did drop my rating in this one to Three Paws and a Stump Wag because of Sam's character flaws that stand out against the rest of the books.
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Synopsis: "How strong are the ties that bind?
Leah Hollister’s sex life needs a swift kick in the pants. Small-town Compton Pass, though, isn’t the place to explore her need for bondage. When she gets an invitation to a BDSM party out in LA, she wastes no time booking a flight. Her plan to play anonymously is shot to hell when she runs into high-school crush Sawyer Compton—and he lays immediate claim to her.
Sawyer Compton commands total control, in and out of the bedroom. He never thought Leah could handle his darker urges, but one look at the white bracelet that marks her as a sub ripe for the picking, and he knows exactly how this night is going to end. With Leah in his bed.
Leah didn’t expect to enjoy the comfort Sawyer’s familiarity brings, even as his touch takes her to unimaginable heights of pleasure. When bad news from home sends him reeling, she’s more than prepared to offer him anything he needs: her body, her friendship. Even her heart—if Sawyer can loosen the reins over his own to accept her love.
Warning: Invest in tissues. Lots and lots of tissues. Between spicy, set-the-sheets-on-fire bondage romps and the last Compass brother coming home, you'll need them."
My Review: That little warning at the end of the synopsis was not a joke, you will need lots of tissues! I enjoyed this book quite a bit, the series long story arc was drawing to a close and while you knew what was coming it still was heart-wrenching and yet beautiful in the way that family comes together to support one another. I enjoyed Sawyer's story, being the baby of the family he already had a chip on his shoulder and then to be kept in the dark gave him every reason to be angry. Again family can bring out the best and the worst in us. The relationship between Sawyer and Leah was an interesting one, I like the background you got and the way they developed together. This was a great conclusion to this series, I am however glad that there is a branch off series for the next generation and you get to spend more time with this family.
Leah Hollister’s sex life needs a swift kick in the pants. Small-town Compton Pass, though, isn’t the place to explore her need for bondage. When she gets an invitation to a BDSM party out in LA, she wastes no time booking a flight. Her plan to play anonymously is shot to hell when she runs into high-school crush Sawyer Compton—and he lays immediate claim to her.
Sawyer Compton commands total control, in and out of the bedroom. He never thought Leah could handle his darker urges, but one look at the white bracelet that marks her as a sub ripe for the picking, and he knows exactly how this night is going to end. With Leah in his bed.
Leah didn’t expect to enjoy the comfort Sawyer’s familiarity brings, even as his touch takes her to unimaginable heights of pleasure. When bad news from home sends him reeling, she’s more than prepared to offer him anything he needs: her body, her friendship. Even her heart—if Sawyer can loosen the reins over his own to accept her love.
Warning: Invest in tissues. Lots and lots of tissues. Between spicy, set-the-sheets-on-fire bondage romps and the last Compass brother coming home, you'll need them."
My Review: That little warning at the end of the synopsis was not a joke, you will need lots of tissues! I enjoyed this book quite a bit, the series long story arc was drawing to a close and while you knew what was coming it still was heart-wrenching and yet beautiful in the way that family comes together to support one another. I enjoyed Sawyer's story, being the baby of the family he already had a chip on his shoulder and then to be kept in the dark gave him every reason to be angry. Again family can bring out the best and the worst in us. The relationship between Sawyer and Leah was an interesting one, I like the background you got and the way they developed together. This was a great conclusion to this series, I am however glad that there is a branch off series for the next generation and you get to spend more time with this family.
My Rating: Boy was this book a finale or what?! Lots of emotions, more great characters and it really brings the series all together. I loved this book and Sawyer might be in the running with Seth to be my favorite Compass brother. I give this book a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag.
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Full Series Review: While these books might not be at the top of the literary quality pile, they definitely serve a purpose and serve it well. This was a great contemporary western erotic romance series. I loved all of the characters, each individual was so well created that they jump off the page. The setting is near and dear to my heart so I loved the authentic descriptions of small town Wyoming ranch life. The series long story arc is one that will grab your heart and take it on quite the ride, with family being at the core of it all. All in all this is definitely a solid Four Paw series and one that I will re-read to revisit these beloved characters.
