While I have enjoyed all of Ms. Kane's books, this was by far my favorite. Derek's internal conflict and Sophie's emergence as a strong woman were captivating. I look forward to the next book in the series. ( )

Ian Witherspoon is very concerned for his lover, Derek Knightly. He has seen his friends marry ladies that are willing to take on two men and Ian has seen the change that union has made to all those involved. Ian is determined to have the same peace and happiness for Derek and himself. Remembering the young woman that he was betrothed to twelve years ago he sends for her so that they can finally marry. Derek isn't happy about the situation and is unwilling to understand why Ian thinks that it is necessary. Sophia “Sophie” Middleton has lived in hell most of her life. Her father is an abusive, pompous ass that has belittled her all her life and her brother has done much worse. It is a relieved heart that she finally travels to London and a new life away from her family.

I want to warn all those that might read this review that this is a m/m/f story. Ian and Derek do make love to each other numerous times. This is also a story that is full of Domination and submission. Ian is the Dominant of this group and he is in his element when he can control both of his lovers. Derek is Dominant over Sophie.

In many ways this is a very sad story at times. There is the abuse that Sophie suffered for years at the hands of her father and brother and then there is what the men suffered during the Peninsula War. Derek was the most affected by the war. He has lost so many friends and one very special woman that he is afraid to love again. Derek is smart, kind and shy. He covers up his kindness and shyness with an abrasive attitude that most people don’t see past. He is determined to not fall for Sophie. He is afraid of losing Ian if he marries. It doesn't take long for him to realize that Sophie is as injured emotionally as he is. It is fun to watch Sophie and Derek come to care for each other. Derek sets out to make Sophie more confident and outgoing. I loved watching the transformation of the anger and jealousy he has at the beginning of the story into love and friendship.

Ian loves Derek and would do anything to make Derek happy. He hopes that by marrying Sophie it will bring back the Derek that Ian first fell for. Ian is all dominant alpha male. He thrives on being in control. He also loves sex quite a lot. The war taught him that life is fleeting and must be enjoyed to the fullest. He doesn't seem to care about society and is happy with the friends that he made in the war. I was glad to see that he forgave his family. I am also glad that he was so patient with both Sophie and Derek. He knew what he wanted and he knew he couldn't rush it.

Sophie is a frightened mouse when she is first introduced to Ian after twelve years. She wants to leave her father’s house so madly that she will do anything. It doesn't take long for Ian and Derek to bring out the strong and passionate woman that she has kept hidden all those years. Sophie is smart and kind. She can’t stand to see anyone hurting emotionally or physically. She is also very open minded and very willing to try everything that Ian asks of her sexually. By the end of the story she is a completely different person.

We see more of Jason, Tony, Kate and Very in this story. Kate is still expecting and Very is still willing to fight anyone that is hurting someone else. We also see some more of Michael Kensington and Wolf Tarrant. It is sad that Michael once again runs away when he gets too close to Very. We also see the end to Robertson which was very satisfying. Finally there is Freddy, who is shot, and Brett. These two really do travel around minding everyone’s affairs. It will be fun to see if they finally come together.

As always Ms. Kane writes a steamy historical romance that is just a little out of the ordinary. There are lots of wonderful characters and all kinds of emotional upheaval to keep you turning to page to find out what is going to happen next. ( )

Book four in Samantha Kane's menage m/m/f 'Brothers In Arms' series is "At Love's Command" and it's quite a weighty read at close to 400 pages. Kane's series is set in Regency England and follows pairs of men who fought together in the Napoleonic wars and became lovers. On their return to England, each pair strives to find acceptance and happiness in a society that was overtly hostile to open same-sex relationships. These couples each find the woman that can complete their relationship and offer them the chance for family and children. Interesting premise, very well done in all these novels.

Ian and Derek returned from the wars quietly sad. Even their steadfast love wasn't quite enough. So Ian decides to honor the marriage his family arranged when he was a very young eighteen. Derek, however, feels threatened and defensive about bringing a woman into their lives. He's afraid to love and lose anyone else.

For Sophie, the twelve long years since her betrothal have been ones of mental and physical torture and degradation. The news of her fiancee's return gives her hope of escaping from her current life. She's heard of her future husband's relationship with another man and doesn't care. In fact, she hopes that relationship will keep him out of her bed once she's with child.

Ian falls first, but Derek is a much tougher case. Reading about their caring relationship and generosity of their love was so touching and so very sexy. If male/male sex and menage sex offend you, then you don't want to read this book. If you enjoy those things, you really shouldn't miss "At Love's Command" by Samantha Kane. It's probably the best historical menage story I've read yet. ( )