Tag Archives: Maya Banks

Taking It All (Surrender Trilogy #3) by Maya Banks-Review and Giveaway

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Taking it All by Maya Banks (Surrender Trilogy #3) by Maya Banks-Review and Giveaway

Taking It All Banner

Taking It All
Surrender Trilogy #3
by Maya Banks
Release Date: August 5, 2014
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Taking It All Sep 2014

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

About the book:

Chessy and Tate have been married for several years. In the beginning, their relationship was everything she wanted. Passionate. All consuming. She offered her submission freely and Tate cherished her gift with a tenderness that made her feel safe. Content. Wanted. And loved beyond all measure. But as the years have gone by, Tate has become more immersed in making his business the success it has become, and Chessy has taken a back seat to his business obligations. Growing unhappier with the status of their once blissful marriage, Chessy knows that something has to give. Or they stand to lose it all

Tate loves his wife. Has always loved her. Providing for her has always been his number one priority. But lately she’s seemed unhappy, and he’s worried. Worried enough that he arranges for a night together that he hopes will reignite the fire that once burned like an inferno between them.

But a business call at the wrong time threatens everything. Chessy’s safety, his concentration, his wife’s faith in him as her husband, a man sworn to love and protect her above all else. Gutted with the realization that he’s going to lose her—has already lost her—he readies for the fight of his life. Whatever it takes, he’ll get her back. And prove to her that nothing is more important than her love. And that if she’ll allow him to prove himself one more time, he’ll take it all. Everything. But he’ll give far more back. Himself. His undying love.

Review:
To say that Tate screwed up royally is quite an understatement. I’ve known all along, while reading the first two books in this trilogy, that Chessy and Tate’s book would be intense. After all, she is his submissive and those tend to be intense stories as a rule, but when we see what happens when Tate totally drops the ball and breaks the number one rule of being a dominate………….Let’s just say “cringe-worthy” just does not do it justice. Her safety and care is supposed to be his utmost priority, but as the blurb about the books says, “……..a business call at the wrong time threatens everything”. Not only does it threaten Chessy’s safety, it also threatens to destroy their relationship. Because for a time, it DID destroy her faith and utter trust in him.

I read an interview recently that Maya Banks had given. In it, she said that she has always been interested in writing stories that happen AFTER the couple’s initial HEA. Because, let’s face it. Most everyone’s relationships are great in the beginning, but then life happens and things kind of fall to the wayside. Taking it All IS that story. Tate was so consumed with work the he let his relationship with Chessy take a backseat. And, after that ‘business call at the wrong’ time happens, I honestly thought, even if for just a minute, that they might not be able to get past what happened. Because what happens was shocking to me. Like, screaming at my Kindle shocking……… I literally didn’t think I could get past it and like Tate again. But, I warmed up to him. Only after a lot of groveling on his part! LOL!!

Maya Banks has once again written a gripping story that is ultimately about the long, bumpy road back to each other and forgiveness. And redemption. If you are a fan of Maya Banks, you will not be disappointed. And, as I’ve said before, if you’re not reading Maya’s stories, you’re sorely missing out!! I just hope that in the future, we might get to see a glimpse of the awesome people we met in this trilogy. Well done Maya Banks!!

Surrender Trilogy

Reading Order
Letting Go
Giving In
Taking It All

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie M

Giveaway

Maya’s publisher is offering a paper copy of TAKING IT ALL to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. FOLLOW us on Goodreads

6. Giveaway is open to USA only

7. Giveaway runs from August 12-16, 2014

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When Day Breaks (KGI 9) by Maya Banks-Review and Giveaway

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When Day Breaks (KGI 9) by Maya Banks-Review and Giveaway

When Day Breaks Banner

When Day Breaks
KGI 9
by Maya Banks
Release Date: June 24, 2014
Genre: adult, contemporary, action,suspense, romance

When Day Breaks June 14

Order Links: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Eden is said to be one of the most beautiful women in the world. Her face has graced countless magazines and her body has sold millions of dollars of clothing. But her fame and beauty has earned her more than she ever imagined. Evil is stalking her, determined to extinguish the ethereal beauty forever.

Swanson or “Swanny” as his teammates call him is always up for the next mission. He came back from Afghanistan wounded and scarred. Hardly the kind of man who even belongs in the same room with Eden. And yet there’s something about the quiet beauty that stirs his blood and makes him dream of the impossible. Because Beauty loving the beast only happens in fairy tales and KGI doesn’t deal in fairy tales. Ever.

Review:

Eden has a great life, great family and a great job. But, when a seemingly random attack comes, things for Eden start to change very quickly. She knows her dad is retired military, but had no idea the depths of things that he had been involved in, and that’s just how dear old dad wanted to keep it. However, once he learns of the attack, he calls in her brothers and tells them of his past and that he thinks Eden is in danger because of it. One of Eden’s brothers knows the Kelly’s and puts in a call to ask for help in protecting Eden. One problem with the plan? Eden has no idea why all of this is happening and why in the world she would need a team of security?

Once the KGI team meets with Eden and lays out what’s going to happen, she can’t help but find herself drawn to the scarred Swanny. It literally makes her heart melt that he keeps his eyes averted and the scarred side of his face turned away. Once everyone agrees as to how they will proceed to her next shoot, she settles down a bit. After all, what can happen with a group of hot ex-military guys and one of the most beautiful women in the world, who just happens to be drawn to one in particular? And, when Eden’s life and beauty is threatened, literally, Swanny and his team will move heaven and earth to get to her in time. And, I will tell you, everyone on Swanny’s team, and Eden herself, are not prepared for what happens…………………

Oh, how I love the men, and women, of KGI. I’ve been looking forward to Swanny’s story for some time, as I’m sure a lot of Banks’s readers have. Just the utter horror of what he went through when he was held hostage in Afghanistan immediately made him a fan favorite. I knew Eden would be different from the beginning, although, I do wish she had been a bit more forceful at times, but totally understand why Banks wrote her the way she did. After what Swanny had endured, he needed someone like her to prove that people are beautiful on the inside as well. Even though we, of course, have a happy ending, the trials they go through to get there will make you cringe. Not that the whole book is that intense. We get to see all of the Kelly boys and several of the other team members, which is always a plus. And, I for one, can’t wait for the next!! Well done, Maya Banks, very well done.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie M.

giveaway

Maya and her publisher are offering a paper copy of WHEN DAY BREAKS to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Like Maya Banks on Facebook

6. Giveaway is open to USA only.

7. Giveaway runs from July 9-July 14 , 2014

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Giving In (Surrender Trilogy #2) by Maya Banks-Review and Giveaway

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Giving In (Surrender Trilogy #2) by Maya Banks-Review and Giveaway

Giving In Banner

Giving In
Surrender Trilogy #2
by Maya Banks
Release Date: May 6, 2014
Genre: adult, contemporary,erotic, romance

Giving In May 2014

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Giving In by Maya Banks
Surrender Trilogy – #2
About the Book: Release Date May 6, 2104

Kylie sees the way Jensen looks at her. The dark promise in his eyes. That rough edge of dominance she knows he possesses. But dominance is the one thing that frightens her above all else. She and her brother barely survived a childhood steeped in violence and abuse. She could never give up total control and submit to a man. Especially a man like Jensen. Could she?

Jensen sees the shadows in Kylie’s eyes. Knows he has to tread very carefully or risk losing any chance he has with her. All he wants is the opportunity to show her that dominance doesn’t equal pain, bondage or discipline. That emotional surrender is the most powerful of all, and that to submit—fully to him—will fulfill the aching void in her heart in a way nothing else ever will.

Review:
Kylie survived a horrific childhood. And, then, the unthinkable happened. Her brother, Carson, the one who forged a life for them, was killed. She has her small circle of friends, her job as office manager at the company that her brother and his best friend, Dash, built from the ground up. Before Carson’s death, he and Dash had already discussed bringing in another partner. Dash makes the decision to bring in Jensen Tucker. Kylie is less than thrilled. She knows down to her toes that Jensen is overbearing and used to getting what he wants. But, she knows that Dash needs the help, so, as long as Jensen keeps his distance, no harm, no foul. And, oh yeah, he wants her!

Once Dash and Joss leave for their honeymoon, distance isn’t a thing that Jensen is willing to give Kylie. He knows that everyone has made it easy for Kylie in order to protect her fragile psyche, but he also knows that she is being way underutilized in her current position. He sees more potential in her than anyone else sees, even Kylie herself. So, he gives her a project to work on that will bring her in line to become a partner. Even though she balks at first, Jensen convinces her to give it a try. When she gets started on said project, she finds herself thoroughly enjoying the work and begins to think “what if”………… Maybe she can function in a larger role within the company. But will she be able to move past her horrid past and truly be able to function in the corporate world? And, will she be able to act on the attraction that sizzles between her and Jensen and find herself giving in? Well, my friends, you’ll have to read to find out.

I have to say that I was worried about how this book would turn out, even back before I read it. To say that the abuse Kylie suffered was horrible is an understatement. And, for Banks to pair her with a dominant just didn’t sit well with me. But, I went into this one with my mind open. After all, everyone knows that I worship Maya Banks. So, after reading this one, she only solidified my stance that she is absolutely one of the best authors in this genre EVER! The way she writes Kylie’s insecurities and the way Jensen handles them is brilliant. Jensen has his own horrific past that he has overcome, or at least he thought he had. Their chemistry sizzles on the pages.

I know that some will probably complain about the way Jensen gives over control to Kylie in order to ease her fears, but I thought it was spot on. More than anything I’ve read in a long time, this is about a couple who truly have demons to overcome and are willing to take the necessary steps to solidify their relationship. Of course, there is a bump or two along the way, but the resolution of the bumps is definitely worth the read. I’ve read everything that Banks has ever written, and I have to say that this one is near the top for me. Giving In is ultimately about trust, redemption and love. Well done Maya Banks. Once again, very very well done.

Surrender Trilogy

Reading Order

1. Letting Go
2. Giving In
3. Taking It All (Sept 2014)

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Giveaway-Black and Yellow

Maya Banks and the publisher are offering a paper copy of GIVING IN to one (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page.

2. If you are using a social log-in such as Twitter or Facebook, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

 4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Giveaway open to USA and CANADA only

6. Giveaway runs from May 4 to May 9, 2014

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Letting Go by Maya Banks-Review, Interview and Giveaway

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Letting Go by Maya Banks-Review, Interview and Giveaway

Letting Go Banner

Letting Go
The Surrender Trilogy #1
by Maya Banks
Release Date: February 4, 2014
Genre: Contemporary, adult, erotic

Letting Go Feb 2014

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ABOUT THE BOOK:  Josslyn found perfection once, and she knows she’ll never find it again. Now widowed, she seeks the one thing her beloved husband couldn’t give her. Dominance. Lonely and searching for an outlet for her grief and wanting only a brief taste of the perfection she once enjoyed, she seeks what she’s looking for at an exclusive club that caters to people indulging in their most hedonistic fantasies. She never imagined that what she’d find is the one man who’s long been a source of comfort—and secret longing. Her husband’s best friend.

Dash has lived in an untenable position for years. In love with his best friend’s wife and unwilling to act on that attraction. He’d never betray his best friend. And so he’s waited in the wings, offering Joss unconditional support and comfort as she works past her grief, hoping for the day when he can offer her more.

When he finds her in a club devoted to the darker edges of desire, he’s furious because he thinks she has no idea what she’s getting herself into. Until she explains in detail what it is she wants. What she needs. As realization sets in, he is gripped by fierce, unwavering determination. If she wants dominance, he is the only man who will introduce her to that world. He is the only man who will touch her, cherish her…love her. And the only man she’ll ever submit to.

•••••••••••••••••••

Letting Go begins on the third anniversary of her beloved Carson’s death. She visits his grave and has decided that the time has come to let him go and live her life. Once she leaves his grave, she vows to not return. This is not how she wants to think of him and she knows that he would want her to move on.

Joss has been researching D/s relationships and has decided to visit The House, a club which we learned of in Banks’ Sweet Series, that is a hub of D/s activity. When she tells her two best friends of her decision, she is met with mixed reactions. She knew that Chessy would be supportive seeing as how she was a submissive herself, but Kylie was a different matter. She was Carson’s sister and they had survived a horrific childhood at the hands of an abusive father, and Kylie still bore the scars. But, once she explains things to both of her friends and that she has made her decision, she feels better. And stronger.

The night comes for her visit to The House, and even though she’s nervous, she heads out. And has no idea how much her life will change the moment she enters. Once she has been introduced to one of the male members, they walk through the entry way and walk straight into Dash. She is mortified that her husband’s best friend knows what she’s up to, and, what in the world would he be doing at The House? Once Dash storms over and extricates Joss from the other guy, he takes her home. He thinks she has no idea what goes on there…………….. Oh, what a surprise he’s in for. And, once she finds out Dash’s feelings for her? Let’s just say things get pretty interesting. Fast. Once they decide to give a relationship a chance, will she and Dash truly be letting go?

Maya Banks has done it again. I know there are a lot of books like this on the market, but she always, always makes her’s relevant. Joss is a wonderfully strong heroine. I love how she decides what she wants and goes for it. As for Dash? He’s a great hero, but I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to reach through and pop him upside of his thick head. Once he figures out that he’s been a tool, he moves heaven and earth to make things right. I also love that we get a peak at some characters from her Sweet Series. That’s always a plus for me. The end of the book had me tearing up and cheering, all at the same time. Once again, well done Maya Banks!

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Interview

ABOUT MAYA BANKS: Maya Banks is a #1 New York Times bestselling author whose chart toppers have included erotic romance, romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and Scottish historical romance. She lives in the South with her husband, three children and a variety of pets.

Follow Maya: Website/Goodreads/Twitter/Facebook

Maya BanksTRC: Hi Maya and welcome back to The Reading Café. Congratulations on your latest release LETTING GO.

MAYA: Thanks for having me back and thank you for the new release congrats! I’m super excited over the release of this trilogy.

TRC: LETTING GO is the first book in your erotic SURRENDER trilogy. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

MAYA: Basically the heroine was married to her soul mate, a man she loved with all her heart but he was killed in an accident which devastated Joss. Unknown to her, her husband’s best friend, Dash, has long been in love with her and he’s stepped in as a source of support for her during the time she’s grieved the loss of her husband, but he’s waiting and watching, battling with himself over when to make his move and his intentions clear.

ORDER: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Letting Go Feb 2014TRC: If you could virtually cast the leading characters (Josslyn and Dash) in this storyline, which models or actors best represents your ideal image?

MAYA: I never ever model my characters after actors. I actually don’t watch much television or movies so I’m woefully ignorant of pop culture, lol. So now, I can’t even begin to cast the characters in my books after actors because each of my characters is unique, which makes them more “real” to me because I build a characters, their personalities and their needs and wants

TRC: Colter’s Gift was the final instalment in your Colter’s Legacy series. Do you have any plans to keep the readers up to date with novellas or short stories about the Colter Clan?

MAYA: Not at present, no. Colters’ Gift was intended to be the final installment in the Colters’ Legacy series.

Colter's GiftTRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

MAYA: It’s a little of both. Sometimes I plan for a story and have a good idea of the sequence of events. But my favorite part of writing are the surprises that pop up as I’m writing. It’s fun and exciting when what I THINK is supposed to happen changes and my characters take me in a different direction. It definitely keeps it fresh and interesting for me!

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

MAYA: I think a writer has to really get into a character’s head and when they’re writing in a character’s point of view they have to take the reader right into what the character is thinking, what they’re feeling and their reactions to things. This is where emotion comes in and without emotion a story will most certainly fall flat.

TRC: If you could become a contestant on one of the reality TV programs, which program would you interest you the most? The least?

MAYA: I’m afraid I’m a tv/pop culture moron, lol. I just don’t watch much television at all! So I really can’t answer this knowledgably because I’m not in touch with what’s popular right now!

Surrender Trilogy

TRC: On what are you currently working?

MAYA: I’m just finishing up When Day Breaks, the 9th KGI story and then I’ll finish out the Surrender trilogy with the last book, TAKING IT ALL.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Cheese or anything WITH cheese! Lol You can’t go wrong with cheese 😉

Favorite Dessert: My made up recipe for a caramel Heath bar pie. It’s to DIE for.

Favorite TV Show: As mentioned above I don’t watch a lot of tv at ALL but I do love crime series like CSI or Law and Order etc.

Last Movie You Saw: I think the last movie I went to was when I took my oldest son to see one of the Harry Potter movies, lol. I don’t get out much!

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Definitely milk. I’m not a big chocolate fan anyway but it has to be sweet for me to eat it!

Secret Celebrity Crush: Definitely Oded Fehr and The Rock, hehe.

Last Vacation Destination: We took a cruise with the kids that we aborted midway through, lol. I have to say I’m just not much of a cruise fan!

Pet Peeve: I HATE when people don’t respond to emails. It makes me crazy!

TRC: Thank you Maya for taking the time to answer our questions and update the readers for 2014. We wish you all the best.

MAYA: Thank you so much! I appreciate y’all very much! Xoxo

giveaway

Maya and Penguin Group Publishing are offering a paper copy of LETTING GO to one lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Giveaway runs from January 27 to January 31, 2014

4. Giveaway is open to USA only.

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After The Storm (KGI #8) by Maya Banks-a review

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After The Storm (KGI #8) by Maya Banks-a review

After the Storm

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 7, 2014

Over the years, Donovan Kelly has fought relentlessly for justice, women and children always holding a special place in his heart. Working side by side with his brothers, Donovan has witnessed firsthand the toll it’s taken—physically, mentally, and emotionally—on his loved ones, and the innocent lives caught in the crossfire. What he never expects is for his next mission to happen right on his home turf—or for it to take a very personal turn.

Picturesque Kentucky Lake is the perfect place for a soul in search of safe harbor. A beautiful stranger has arrived—desperate, breathless, and on the run from a dark past closing in on her and the younger siblings she has vowed to protect. Donovan must now draw on every resource at his disposal—if he wants to save a woman and the children who may prove to be his destiny.

Review:

When Rusty Kelly hires a teen aged boy, Travis, off the books to help at the Kelly’s Hardware Store, she knows that he’s hiding something, and scared. A feeling she knows all too well, or at least, knew. However, when Donovan sees her at the store on a Sunday, he goes to see why she’s there. And, when he sees a teenager leaving, his curiosity gets the best of him. Unfortunately, he questions Rusty’s intentions without listening to her first. But, once she sets him straight, he understands why she has taken the boy on. Still, he wants to know more about the boy and they devise a plan to follow him to see where he’s staying and with whom. What they find makes their hearts break, especially Donovan’s. The boy and his two sisters have rented a trailer on the outside of town that’s not fit for an animal, let alone for them to live in. Once Donovan and Rusty “drop by” to see what’s going on, and they meet Travis’ sisters, Eve and Cammie, Donovan knows that they are running from someone or something, and he’s just the man to help them out. Because when Donovan Kelly makes the scene, no harm will come to the beautiful Eve and her siblings.

Eve is perplexed as to why Donovan wants to help them. And suspicious. She knows that they can’t stay in one place too long, or the one they’re running from will find them. He has money, connections and a long reach. But, when Donovan sees that Cammie is sick and needs more than over the counter meds, he encourages Eve to let him bring Maren (Steele’s Maren!) by who is a doctor who just happens to make house calls. Eve reluctantly agrees, but then has second thoughts. She decides they’ve been in one place for too long and decide to leave during the night. The one hitch in their plan? The leave just as a tornado hits, literally!! Little did she know that once a Kelly brother wants someone, he will move heaven and hell, and all kinds of things toppled and destroyed by a tornado to get it. And, he wants her.

Once Donovan finds Eve, Cammie and Travis amidst the destruction, he takes them to his home in the Kelly compound when they can heal from their injuries. And, when they find out just how sick Cammie is, Eve knows she has no choice but to trust Donovan. She’ll stay for a few days, just long enough for Cammie to get healthy and for her and Travis’ injuries to heal. Then she’s outta there……………..Riiiiight…

Oh, how I have longed for Donovan’s story. I knew that his wouldn’t be like the others. They wouldn’t be in other countries traipsing through the jungles to find someone. I knew down to my toes his story would unfold right there in Tennessee and that his story would be great. Good Lord!! I love it when I’m right!!!! LOL!!! Not only do we get to see a sweet love story turn into a steamy one, we get to see ALL of the Kellys. Babies, wives, parents………… All of them!! And, I loved it! If you’re a fan of this series, then I don’t even have to tell you how the entire Kelly family rallied around Eve and her siblings. Because once the one that they’re running from shows up, all hell breaks loose. Of course, there is a bump or two. Eve overhears part of a conversation between Donovan and some other KGI members and puts into motion a series of events that will leave you heartbroken. But, she does it all to save her siblings. We also get to know a bit about the new KGI team, and I can’t wait to learn more about them. (And, if you’re a fan of Rusty and Sean and wondering what’s up, this one is for you!!) I’ll say it again….I honestly don’t know how she turns out as many awesome stories in one year as she does, but I for one am damned glad she does!! Well done Maya Banks, well done!!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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Colter’s Gift (Colter’s Legacy #5) by Maya Banks-a review

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Colters’ Gift by Maya Banks (Colters’ Legacy Series – Book 5)

Colter's Gift

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About the book: Release Date November 5, 2013 -This is the final books of the series

Lauren Wilder fell for the wrong man, trusted the wrong man, and she paid a very dear price for it. Now broken and wounded, she’s retreated to the bosom of the Colter family and the unshakeable love and support they offer. But the man she once loved and trusted is not without his own power, and he’ll use every bit of his money and resources to make sure he gets Lauren back, no matter whom he destroys doing it.

Liam and Noah were hired by Lauren’s brother to watch over her. But with danger looming, they head to the Colorado mountains—where Lauren has found temporary sanctuary. In her wounded eyes, Liam and Noah see the woman she once was—and could be again. They’re determined to show her everything a man can be—someone who will love her, cherish her, satisfy her, and when the time comes, put their very lives on the line for her.

Review:

Lauren, for the first time since coming to Colorado, is standing on her own. She is working at the diner in town and has her own apartment. She is finally feeling at peace with the decision she made to leave her tortuous relationship behind. Once her brother Max, who is married to Callie Colter, swoops in and brings her home to Colorado with him and the Colters, she can finally start putting herself and her life back together. She was immediately taken in by the entire Colter family, but especially Holly Colter, matriarch of the family, and her three, yes three, husbands. And, once again, the Colters prove that family is everything to them. Mess with one and you mess with them all.

Unbeknownst to Lauren, the two hunky body guards that Max had hired to keep her safe in New York, are still trying to track down the dirt bag that hurt Lauren. While chasing down leads, Liam and Noah discover that Lauren wasn’t totally honest about who and what her ex was. The two of them decide to make a visit to Colorado to question Lauren, and once they arrive, they know that the feelings they had developed for Lauren were real. They’ll do anything to keep her safe and to make her feel loved and protected.

Everyone soon realizes that said dirt bag is still after Lauren, and will do whatever he sees fit to bring her back under his control. While Lauren, Liam and Noah are trying to navigate their way and figure out how to make their relationship work, Lauren is kidnapped by her ex. And what a sick and twisted s.o.b. he is. Will Liam, Noah and the Colters be able to get to Lauren in time and bring her back home? Well, of course. Hello?! Romance novel and all, BUT, the action and suspense in getting to her in time will leave you on the edge of your seat. And, once they get back to Colorado, her HEA doesn’t happen instantaneously. It takes a minute for her to truly over come all that has happened to her and come to grips with her life now.

Colters’ Gift was an amazing last novel in the series. Lauren was a very believable character, albeit a little naïve at first. And Liam and Noah?? Well, to say they’ll leave you swooning is an understatement. Even though parts of this book were hard for me to read personally, (some of what Lauren endured is harsh to say the least), Maya outdid herself with the way she finished their story.

At the end of Colters’ Gift, we get a novella, Colters’ Legacy, which ties everything up. We get to see all of the Colters: Holly and her husbands, Adam, Ryan and Ethan, their three sons and their wife, daughter Callie and her husband Max, and of course Lauren, Liam and Noah. There are babies born and futures decided that are befitting the Colters’ Legacy.

You all know that I worship at the altar that is Maya Banks. The way she tied this series up reiterated, at least for me, that she is one of the absolute best in this genre. I still can’t believe, though, that I won’t be hearing from the Colters down the road. To say I cried like a baby at the end is like saying that Niagara Falls is a stream. If you’re a true fan of this genre, and you’ve not read any of Maya’s series, you have no idea what you’re missing. When I love a book and/or series, I usually end my review with “well done Maya, very well done”, but for some reason that doesn’t seem like high enough praise for me this go around. So, all I can say is that I will miss this group of characters down to my toes, and, thank you Maya Banks for sharing your incredible stories with us. Until next time…………..

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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Burn (Breathless #3) by Maya Banks-a review

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Burn (Breathless #3)  by Maya Banks – a review

Burn

Book 3 in the Breathless Trilogy

About the book: Release Date August 6, 2013

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Ash, Jace, and Gabe: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Ash, it’s the woman who changes everything he’s ever known about dominance and desire…

When it comes to sex, Ash McIntyre has always explored his wilder side—extreme and uncompromising. He demands control. And he prefers women who want it like that. Even the women he’s shared with his best friend, Jace.

But Jace is involved with a woman he has no intention of sharing. And now even Gabe has settled into a relationship with a woman who gives him everything he needs, leaving Ash feeling restless and unfulfilled.

Then Ash meets Josie, who seems immune to his charms and his wealth. Intrigued, he begins a relentless pursuit, determined she won’t be the one who got away. He never imagined the one woman to tell him no would be the only woman who’d ever drive him to the edge of desire.

Review:

Ash has given his best friends and business partners, Jace and Gabe hell over falling in love and settling down. After all, their motto for years has been play hard and live free. And he had no plans in giving up on their mantra. Oh, but fate has different plans for Ash….

Burn begins with a chance, albeit brief, encounter between Ash and Josie in the park. Josie is there sketching and Ash just needed a breath of fresh air. And, what a breath he got. After their initial encounter, Ash becomes obsessed with finding out all that he can about Josie and the man she belongs to. Because when Ash wants something, he stops at nothing to get it.

Josie is a bit of a free spirit. She is an artist and jewelry designer and doesn’t do the regular nine to five. She has broken it off with her boyfriend and has fallen on hard times. Her art isn’t selling and she has to make her rent. Little did she know that her trip to the pawn shop would be life-changing. Once she heads back to the pawn shop to buy back her mother’s jewelry, she discovers that it has been purchased by someone and there is no way to get it back. Until she leaves the shop and runs into Ash, who immediately tells her he’ll give her back her jewelry……..for a price. Dinner. She is apprehensive, but will do anything to get the only thing of her mother’s she has left, and to get to know a bit more about the man before her.

Once they meet for dinner, Ash lays it on the line. He wants her to be his in every way. Josie finds his offer intriguing and knows that she will be his, but asks for a few days to wrap her head around the idea. They part ways, with her telling him she’ll be in touch in a couple of days with her decision. However, when Ash doesn’t hear from her in several days, he sets out to find her. And, what he finds leaves him cold. Seems Josie’s ex wasn’t happy about her dumping him and he physically attacked her. Ash packs her up immediately and takes her to his apartment, where he takes care of her and doesn’t rush her into anything. He gives her that one night, because the next? She will be his.

They embark on their relationship and they are both happier than they could have ever imagined. They fall into a routine that suits them both. Josie’s art is selling and she feels that she can take care of herself, if need be. Even though Ash would never allow it, she has a sense of independence and starts to fall in love with him, and he with her. She’s introduced to his friends, Gabe & Mia, and Jace & Bethany, and loves how close they all are. She can finally imagine a long term relationship with Ash, until she discovers what she thinks is a betrayal that sends her reeling. And, when she confronts Ash and goes back to her old apartment, they are both devastated. Only they had no idea of the events that would play out. An old threat returns and the actions taken against Josie not only threaten her being with Ash, but threaten her very life…..

I liked the first book in this trilogy, Rush. I loved the second book, Fever. I absolutely ADORED Burn! I knew that Ash’s would be my favorite. He is estranged from his family and had made his own way and his own fortune. Something that his family did not like. He was always the laid back, easy going one of the trio. But, I just knew that there was more beneath the surface. God, I love it when I’m right!! Even though he and Josie’s relationship developed quickly, it worked. I loved them together. The “old threat” that returned?? I DID NOT SEE THAT ONE COMING!! And, it affected them all, in one way or another. Of course they closed ranks and took care of business. Some of the best scenes in all three books are the girls’ nights out. Seriously!! The books are worth reading, if only for those scenes alone! They are hysterical and so much fun to read. I have my fingers crossed that Maya Banks will at least do a novella that lets us check in on this trio and their wives to see how things are going. The worst part of this being the third book of the trilogy? It’s over…………. Well done, Maya Banks. Very well done.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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FORGED IN STEELE (KGI #7) by Maya Banks-a review

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Forged in Steel (KGI #7) by Maya Banks-a review

Forged in Steele

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Forged in Steele by Maya Banks (KGI Series # 7)

About the book: Released June 25, 2013

The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business.
Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.
Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t…

Steele, a KGI team leader, is an enigma not even his team mates understand. His emotions are tightly locked down and nothing can break that icy exterior. Nothing except Maren Scofield, a doctor on a mission, a woman who has gotten under Steele’s skin and threatens to crack that unflappable cool he’s legendary for.

Steele is determined not to allow Maren past his carefully guarded defenses, but when she’s in danger, there’s no way he’ll allow anyone else to protect her. She’s hiding something. He’s sure of it. But he isn’t prepared for the shocking discovery her secrets reveal. Or how they will forever alter the course of his destiny. He has a decision to make. Hold tight and shut her out. Or take a chance on something more powerful than he’s ever faced. Love.

••••••••••••••••••••

Review:

Forged in Steele begins with Steele’s team going in to rescue a hostage where one of his team is injured. The decision is made to go to Maren’s clinic in order to have him treated. Maren is a friend of KGI and has treated many of their wounded over the years. And, she’s always been enamored with Steele. He’s tight lipped and all business and has earned his nickname, Ice Man. He never lets his emotions show. Not to his team or to anyone else. But for some reason, Maren has starred in a lot of his dreams. On this particular trip he decides to act on his attraction to her, one time, to get her out from under his skin. Silly man……………

Once Maren has tended to the members of KGI, she heads back to her cottage where she finds Steele waiting for her. When Maren’s shock of his attraction wears off, they spend a hot and steamy night together. One night, remember? Yeah, right.

Steele and his team head back to Tennessee where KGI is headquartered and report in. Problem is, Steele can’t get Maren out of his mind. He ultimately heads back to Maren’s place in South America to spend a few days there. Unfortunately, his team is called up for a mission and he has to head back to the States after only a couple of days. He and his team complete their mission, only to discover that Maren is missing. Her clinic hasn’t been opened in days and no one can find her. This is very personal for KGI. Maren has been a friend for a lot of years and that makes her family. Steele’s team heads out to find her, and once they find where she was being held by a crazed drug lord and raid the place, they find it empty. Talk about bad timing……

Over the next few months, yes months, Steele is like a rabid dog following every lead and keeps coming up empty. Finally, Rio (another KGI team leader) receives a call about Maren’s whereabouts and the two teams head out to retrieve Maren. The person who makes the call is an old frenemy of KGI’s (which shocked the hell out of me!!) and holds true to his word and delivers an unharmed Maren to Rio. But, unharmed doesn’t mean she is as she was………. Cryptic?? You betcha!! So, end of story, right? Not so fast. Seems the crazed drug lord wants Maren worse than anyone realizes and that’s when the real suspense starts.

Steele and Maren pick up where they left off and embark on a relationship, of sorts. Seems Steele doesn’t really think he’s relationship material. Steele has promised to keep Maren safe, but the only way to ensure that is to send her into the lion’s den. And, oh what a den it is………… Not relationship material?? Riiiiight……… Someone is trying to take what’s his and he’ll move heaven and earth to bring her back, and God help anyone who gets in his way.

I really liked Forged in Steele. I loved getting to see Steele come out of his self-imposed shell. We get to see the Ice Man thaw. (bad pun intended!!) And the interaction between him and Maren was steamy and heartfelt. We also get to see all of the KGI family. Banks does a wonderful job of letting us keep up with her characters whom have already had their stories told. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’d looooove to be a member of this particular family! The love and respect they have for each other is palpable. Mess with one and you mess with all. Once again, well done Maya, well done!! The next book is Donovan Kelly’s, and I for one can’t wait!! If you haven’t read this series, you’re missing the boat!!! Climb on board ya’ll!!

Reviewed by Vickie M

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