Echoes at Dawn (KGI Series #5) by Maya Banks-a review

Echoes at Dawn – Book 5 (KGI Series)

Echoes at Dawn is the new release (July 3, 2012) in Maya Banks’ popular KGI series.

Echoes at Dawn is Rio and Grace’s story. Rio leads one of the teams for KGI. We were introduced to Grace Peterson in Whispers in the Dark. She is the sister of Shea Peterson, Nathan Kelly’s fiancé.

At the end of Whispers in the Dark, KGI was working on trying to locate Grace, Shea’s sister. Once the surveillance footage of Grace appeared on the screen, Rio leapt to his feet and declared that he and his team would locate Grace and bring her home.

Grace was being held prisoner and experimented on. She had to power to heal. The drawback to her ability was that she actually took their sickness, whether it be an injury or disease, mental illness or sickness, into her body. Under normal circumstances, she could heal herself as well from whatever she had taken inside her. Unfortunately, she had not been able to heal each time her captors has forced her into saving someone. She was weak and ready to die when there was sudden chaos in the compound where she was being held. Explosions and gunshots were everywhere. In the mayhem that ensued, she was able to make her escape, even in her weakened state.

She was aware that there were people following her and had been managing to hide, but she also knew how weak she was and that she wouldn’t be able to continue. She was resigned to her fate and willing to die when Rio and his team reached her. By the time his team got to her, she was gravely injured. She had internal injuries, broken bones and mentally, she was toast. Rio and his team knew something wasn’t right with what happened at the compound where she was being held and knew that maybe more than one group was after Grace. Rio was determined that she would live and he and his team set out to get her out of there and give her time to heal. On their trek out, someone from Rio ’s past appears to give him a warning about who was after Grace. And a one time pass.

Once they are out of harm’s way, Grace starts her healing process at his home in Belize . At first, she is torn over whether to trust Rio or not. Once she finds out that he promised Shea he would bring her home, she started to trust him. She had trouble reconciling the warrior that she knew him to be and the gentle caring man who was helping her to heal. Once Rio reveals to her that she is his and that he had known it from the moment he saw her on the surveillance footage, she begins to feel hope for the first time. She and her sister had been alone for so long and she hoped and prayed that she wouldn’t wake up tomorrow and find it all a dream. Luckily for her, and for Rio , it wasn’t.

I loved this book. This story has a little bit of everything. There is betrayal, which shocked me. There is, of course, a sweet love story. And there were a couple of times toward the end that had me tearing up. Okay, to be honest, I cried. But the biggie?? There is a twist at the end that shocked me. I can’t even tell you what it is or what it pertains to, because, if you haven’t read it yet, it’ll blow it for you. I don’t know if I’m getting slow in my old age and just missing the signs of these twists or not, but for a minute, I was like “WHAT??!!”. LOL!!! The very end had the entire group together for a celebration. And, Grace was welcomed into the Kelly fold. Can’t wait for the next installment in this great series. *whispering* I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it or not, but I love Maya Banks!! 😉 And, I’ll say it again. If you haven’t read Maya’s KGI series, you are missing out on some serious hotness!!

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Share

The McCabe Trilogy by Maya Banks-a review

The McCabe Trilogy by Maya Banks

This series is about a trio of brothers:  Ewan, Alaric and Caelen McCabe, who are readying for battle in order to save their land.  There is a series of “accidents” that happen throughout this series orchestrated by Duncan Cameron in his quest to acquire land to be the strongest laird among all of the clans.  Will he succeed?

In Bed with a Highlander – Book 1

Ewan McCabe, laird of their keep, is readying his clan for battle.  The McCabe keep has fallen on hard times and he is determined to keep his clan safe from a threatened war from rival clans.  Food is scarce and the clan is starting to lose hope.

Mairin, illegitimate daughter of King David, has hidden out in an abbey for years.  Her dowry alone makes her a prime target.  Duncan Cameron has been looking for her in order to force a marriage between them in order to take control of her dowry.  Unfortunately, they find her.  After she is taken, she discovers a small boy, Crispin, and fights tooth and nail to keep the boy safe from Duncan’s men.  The two of them escape and are finally found by the McCabes.  Crispin turns out to be Ewan McCabe’s son.

Once they arrive at the keep, Mairin is wary of everyone around her, scared they will discover who she is.  Not only does she have a wealthy dowry, she also has power, being the daughter of the King.  Ewan is instantly intrigued with Mairin and eventually figures out who she is.  He proposes marriage and promises to give her a home and keep her safe.  Mairin is impulsive, strong-willed and falls hopelessly in love with Ewan.  Crispin is over the moon happy when his dad and Mairin marry.  And Ewan soon discovers that he is in love with Mairin and will do anything to make her happy and keep her safe.  Even though she makes him crazy with her stubborn ways.

Seduction of a Highland Lass – Book 2

Alaric McCabe is set to marry Rionna McDonald, daughter of a laird of a neighboring clan.  They both are entering into the union to strengthen each of their clans.  When Alaric sets out on his trip to the McDonald keep, he is attacked and left for dead. 

Keeley McDonald has been banished from the McDonald keep and lives on the fringes of their land.  She misses her family and her best friend, Rionna, fiercely.  She finds Alaric and nurses him until his clan tracks him down.  Keeley travels back to the McCabe keep, where she continues to nurse Alaric back to health.  He fights his attraction to her, knowing that he must fulfill his duty to his clan by following through with the arranged marriage.  And, Keeley can no longer deny that she has fallen for Alaric.  A series of accidents happen, which turn out to be attacks and Keely is wounded.  Once they are both healed, they can no longer deny their feelings for each other. 

Never Love a Highlander – Book 3 (and the final one, *sniff*)

In order to ensure the safety of their clan, Caelen McCabe agrees to marry Rionna McDonald, even though, he is convinced that all women, except for his brothers’ wives, are not trustworthy and has vowed to never love again.

He travels to the McDonald in order for the marriage to take place.  And the chaos he finds at the keep does not amuse him.  The clan members are at each others’ throats and several do not know the meaning of loyalty. Rionna is different from any woman Caelen has ever encountered.  She trains and fights with her clan.  When Caelen menacingly demands that she stay out of harm’s way, she is devastated. She is truly a warrior at heart.

They finally come to an understanding and Rionna sees that Caelen is broken and is scared to love again.  They start to trust each other and eventually break through each other’s defenses and fall madly in love.  This all builds up to the final confrontation with Duncan Cameron, who is dealt with once and for all, and Rionna plays an instrumental part in what happens.

I think that I may have mentioned that I love Maya Banks in previous reviews, but this trilogy made me bow to her!!  There are no words strong enough to tell you how much I love this series.  I fell madly in love with all three brothers.  They are all fierce warriors and tender lovers.  And, don’t even get me started on their sense of honor.  The interaction with the main characters, as well as their clan members is touching.  They will do anything to keep all of them safe and prosperous.  There are fierce battles and such loving moments in all of the books. That said, Seduction of a Highland Lass is one of my top three all-time favorite books.  To say I cried like a baby SEVERAL times is a huge understatement.  In my humble opinion, it is so very well written, as they all are, but this one struck a nerve with me.  The tender emotion that Maya Banks conveys in this book sent me right over the edge and cemented her place with me.  If I had to pick just three authors to read for the rest of my life, she would be definitely be one of them.  Simple, emotional and sexy as hell.  If you haven’t read this trilogy, you are missing out.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Share

Colter’s Legacy Series by Maya Banks

Colters’ Legacy Series

The Colter family consists of three brothers: Adam, Ethan and Ryan.  They were raised in a very unconventional family.  One mother, three dads, as has happened for several generations in the Colter family.  And they are looking for the same.  One woman to share their lives with.

 

Colters’ Woman – Book 1

 

Adam, Ryan and Ethan are successful ranchers and hunting guides.  One snowy morning, Adam goes outside to discover a lifeless body in the ditch out by the road.  As soon as he scoops her into his arms, he knows she is the ONE.  Holly Bardwell is running from her new husband.  On her wedding night she discovered he wasn’t what he appeared to be.  She witnesses him murder another man.  He is a mafia type and will track her mercilessly.

 

 

Holly doesn’t know quite what to make of the brothers.  They all have such different personalities.  She is initially scared but knows that they will protect her with their dying breath.  Over time, their love grows for one another. Once she discovers their love for her, and hers for them, she starts to feel comfortable in her own skin again, and realizes she has to take care of her past before she can have a future with these three gorgeous men.  They discover she has left and think that she has left them for good, until six months later, when she appears on their doorstep.  VERY pregnant.  She is finally free of her past and ready for her future with them.

 

Colters’ Lady – Book 2

Seth, Dillon and Michael Colter are the sons of Adam, Ethan, Ryan and Holly Colter.  They love their “dads” and mom fiercely, but have no intentions of following in their footsteps when it comes to marrying one woman.

 

Seth is in Denver, serving in at a homeless shelter when he sees a homeless woman, Lily Weston, in line at a soup kitchen.  He follows her after she eats and discovers her hovering in an alley, her home for the night.  He immediately feels protective and convinces her to accept help from him. He takes her back to Michael’s apartment, where Michael is immediately drawn to her as well.  They all head back to their mountain where they encounter Dillon, who is, you guessed it, drawn to her too.  They soon discover that she has suffered horrible tragedy and has been homeless for three years.  She lost her baby daughter to SIDs and her husband blamed her.  She meets the dads and Holly and is immediately welcomed.  Needless to say, she is a little surprised at the boys’ parent’s relationship.  She comes to understand when she starts having feelings for the boys herself and realizes their feelings for her.  Like Holly before her, she has to face her past before she can bask in a future with the Colter boys.  She faces her ex-husband and gets the closure she has needed for so long and lets go of the pain she has carried for so long.  And looks forward to her life as Colters’ Lady.

Colters’ Daughter – Book 3

Callie Colter is the youngest and only daughter of the Colter clan.  She has always been a restless spirit, traveling the world for one adventure after the other.  Then she meets Max Wilder and falls hopelessly in love.  After spending endless days and nights together in Europe, he disappears, saying he will return.  Callie waited, eventually figuring out he wasn’t coming back.  Heartbroken, she heads back to the mountain, to the love of her family.

 

 

Callie’s family knows she’s is hurting, but give her the space and love she so desperately needs.  One night, while working in her brother Dillon’s bar, Max strolls in and her world is turned upside down again.  She soon discovers that a plot of land, known as Callie’s meadow (where she was born) had been bought by her dads from a family they didn’t really know anything about.  Max’s family.  Max blames Callie for his family losing the meadow.  However, he didn’t plan on falling in love with Callie.  Once he realizes that the land was bought from his mother on the best of terms, and that Callie’s family hadn’t wrangled it from them, he knows how bad he has mucked things up.  A little too late though.  Callie leaves without a word. Unsurprisingly, he meets with the ire of the ENTIRE Colter family.  He convinces them that he loves Callie with his heart and soul and waits on the mountain, with her family’s blessing, until she returns.  And when she does, she discovers that he has built a home for them in the meadow.  She realizes that he truly does lover her and they have their happily ever after.

 

Colters’ Promise – Book 4

Even though Lily Colter has faced losing her baby daughter, she is devastated to learn she is pregnant.  All of her fears come flooding back.  She doesn’t know what to do.  Fortunately, Holly Colter, who is a DISASTER in the kitchen, (her 3 hunky husbands do all of the cooking), has decided that she wants to prepare a Thanksgiving feast for her family and turns to Lily for help.  Lily’s husbands see how distant Lily has been and know that something is upsetting her and they wonder what she and their mom is up to.  No one is allowed at Lily’s during Holly’s cooking classes.  Unfortunately, the boys think the worst and are afraid that Lily has decided that she doesn’t like having three husbands, who by the way, worship her like a goddess.

 

In the middle of all of this, Max receives upsetting news from his sister, Lauren.  She has been horribly abused by her boyfriend.  Max and Callie fly to New York to bring her home with them.  She is hesitant at first, but Callie convinces her that the Colter family is just what she needs to heel.  She hides herself away at Max and Callie’s, until Holly Colter shows up and talks to her.  She explains that she, too, had been in an abusive relationship and that she can heal from it.  Holly is just what Lauren needed.  A mother figure, who is fierce about protecting her children, which Lauren discovers that she is now an honorary member.

Once the Colter boys confront Lily with their fears, she confesses, in a harsh way, that she is pregnant.  The boys realize that she is scared to death and finally convince her that everything will be okay this go around.  They will be with her every step of the way.  Thanksgiving arrives and at the large dinner table, she announces to the family that she is expecting.  The family celebrates and realize just how blessed they all are.

When I first started reading this series, I wasn’t sure if I would like it or not.  Boy, was I wrong.   You can’t help but fall in love with this family.  It’s a family that anyone would be blessed to be a member of.  The loving tenderness in Colters’ Woman, was for me, breathtaking.  The protectiveness and undying love in Colters’ Lady is inspiring.  I am glad that Colters’ Daughter didn’t have Callie in a relationship with multiples though.  She is such a strong young lady, until in the privacy of their bedroom, where she submits to Max in every way.  The scenes in Colter’s Promise with Lily sitting beside the monument her husbands made for Rose, the daughter she lost, are heart wrenching.  And the pain and humiliation Lauren feels is palpable.  I love the interaction of the entire Colter family in every book.  Love this series!!!  And highly recommend it.  Have I mentioned lately that I love Maya Banks??  😉

Reviewed by Vickie M.

 

 

Share

Maya Banks-KGI series reviews

The KGI Series by Maya Banks

The Kelly Group International (KGI) is a group founded by brothers of the Kelly family.  They all have military backgrounds and deal in hostage rescue, intelligence gathering and black ops for the U.S. Government.  There are several teams, introduced throughout the books that you will fall in love with.  The Kelly family is a huge one, with six brothers.  And, once you’ve been taken in by Marlene Kelly, mother extraordinaire, you’re part of the family.

The Darkest Hour – Book 1

Ethan Kelly has shut himself off from everyone and everything.  He lost his wife Rachel a year ago in a plane crash in South America where she was on a mission of mercy.  He can’t forgive himself for things he had done and said before she left on the trip.  He was convinced that she was having an affair with one of his brothers and served her with divorce papers.  So, he is wallowing in self pity and staying drunk.  Until, one day, he receives a letter with pictures of a wild looking woman being held captive by a drub cartel in Columbia, South America.  And the letter that came with the pictures turns his world inside out.  Your wife is alive.  He immediately doesn’t believe it, but after looking at the pictures, he thinks that it could be Rachel.  Is this real?  Only one way to find out.

He enlists the help of his brothers at KGI.  They aren’t convinced this is real either, but have no choice but to act.  If it is her, they’ll get her out.  Once they locate where Rachel is being held, they spring into action.  After a fierce battle, Rachel is rescued.  Everyone is so relieved, but then they soon discover that Rachel is a shell of her former self.  They had been injecting her with heroine and she is now an addict and suffers from PTSD.  And, she has trouble remembering things.  Ethan tries his best to start over with Rachel, still reeling over what had transpired between them before she left on her mission trip.  She has no memory of the divorce papers, so he isn’t quite honest with her about their life together.  He is trying to help her, so he feels justified.

Once Rachel is settled for a while, he takes them to the Kelly home.  Marlene Kelly, the Kelly boys’ mom, and a force to be reckoned with, is determined that they’ll love Rachel back to her old self and so are the other Kelly brothers.  But, they aren’t aware of what transpired between the two before her trip either.  Ethan has been to ashamed to tell them. And, there’s the matter of the drug cartel wanting Rachel dead.  Once an attempt is made on Rachel’s life, KGI goes into full protection mode.  After all, no one messes with a Kelly!

The Darkest Hour is about rebuilding love and a fractured relationship.  Once Rachel’s memories start coming back, she and Ethan truly start to rebuild their relationship.  Despite what Rachel has been through, she is surprisingly strong.  And, despite Ethan’s major screw ups in the past, he proves himself worthy.

No Place to Run – Book 2

Sam Kelly is the oldest brother in the Kelly clan.  He is sent on a mission in Mexico and has a brief, hot affair with a waitress he meets there, Sophie Lundgren.  However, he doesn’t know that she is the daughter of the arms dealer he is there to gather information on.  While in a hotel room, Sam receives a mysterious message and he has to leave abruptly.  There is something else he doesn’t know.  Sophie sent the message in order to get him out of the way so that she can keep him safe and do what she has to do.  Sophie’s dad is a horrible human being and has done unimaginable things, robbing Sophie of her childhood.  She confronts her father and shoots him.  She makes her escape, only to be chased by her uncle, who is trying to take over her father’s empire.  But, in order to do that, he needs something that she stole on her way out.

Five months later, the Kelly boys are at the lake, grilling and hanging out when a body floats up.  They dive in and Sam discovers that it is Sophie, who has been shot and is pregnant.  It’s now up to them to protect her and figure out what’s going on.  Sam learns that he is the father, but his brothers don’t trust her.

It doesn’t take long for her uncle’s men to find out where she is and they lay siege on the Kelly family.  Frank Kelly, the patriarch of the family, has a heart attack and while at the hospital, Marlene is taken hostage.  Needless to say, all hell breaks loose.

Sophie knows that she is the key to getting Marlene back, so they all travel to where Marlene is being held and Sophie pulls a fast one.  She trades herself for Marlene.  Sam is reeling, thinking that Sophie betrayed him, but when Sophie slips him the item that her uncle so desperately needs, he realizes that she didn’t dupe him and the she does love him.  And, they find out that her dad is not dead.  Once she trades herself, the Kelly boys spring into action.

In the end, the Kellys save Sophie and take care of her dad and uncle.  She is now a part of the Kelly family, which is just fine by her.

Hidden Away – Book 3

Garrett Kelly accepts an assignment to keep tabs on Sarah Daniels, who has witnessed a murder committed by her half brother, which was done in retaliation of what had been done to Sarah, and an enemy of the KGI team, namely Garrett.  The CIA wants to use her to find her half-brother.  And she is trying to protect the only family she has left.  Sarah has no idea what a truly bad man her brother is, but, she will find out.  She finds herself on the run to hide from the brother of the man her brother killed.

Sarah goes to a tropical paradise to hide out.  She notices the hot guy next door, but doesn’t think too much about it, at first.  They eventually meet up and start spending time together. And, Garrett finds himself starting to have feelings for her.  He’s falling hopelessly in love with her.  He slowly wins her trust.  But, when Sarah thinks those looking for her have found her, she runs.  Leaving Garrett to chase her down to ensure her safety.  Sarah finally finds out that Garrett has lied to her about why he is there and that he was sent there to watch her and keep her safe.  She has a hard time believing that a bad man her brother is.

Sarah eventually realizes that she loves Garrett and will do anything to protect him, once she gets over her initial feelings of betrayal, and is welcomed into the Kelly fold.

Whispers in the Dark – Book 4

Nathan Kelly, twin to Joe, and the youngest in the Kelly clan, is on his last tour of duty when he and others are taken prisoner.  He is tortured beyond belief and forced to watch unimaginable things done to fellow soldiers.  He and Swanson (Swanny) are the only two left.  The only thing that has kept Nathan sane was “voice” in his head.  Shea.  But is she real, or has he really lost his mind.  She comforts him in his mind during the endless time he has spend imprisoned.  She also has the ability to take away the person’s pain that she is linked with.

Nathan and Swanny are taken out once again for another round of torture.  Just when Nathan is losing all hope, they manage to make an attempt at escape.  They are running when their captors start falling to the ground.  They look up and see American soldiers swarming in.  Lead by whom else??  KGI!!!  Nathan and Swanny are both injured, but KGI manages to get them out.  Nathan is mumbling about Shea, much to his brothers’ surprise.  When asked who is Shea, he simply replies “Mine”.  She severs the link and Nathan and his buddy are taken back home.

Nathan is conflicted about whether Shea was real or not, until one day, she telepathically calls out to him.  She is in trouble and needs his help.  He knew she was real!!  He takes off without letting his brothers know and dashes to save Shea.  Of course, his brothers follow.  Come to find out, Shea, and her sister Grace, have been living on the run for quite some time.  They have found out that their entire life had been a lie.  They were part of a group that was trying to use her and her sister’s abilities for nefarious purposes. Shea, with the ability to take away pain and Grace, who could actually take away diseases and injuries and make people well.  But, not without great personal pain.  In order to save Shea and Grace from whomever was chasing them, they had to figure out what exactly had happened to them.

Nathan and Shea are in the process of healing, thanks in large part to the Kelly clan, but Shea’s healing will only be complete when her sister Grace is found and rescued.  The next book, Echoes at Dawn (07/03/12), is Grace’s story.  The hero is Rio, a leader of one of the KGI teams, and I for one, can’t wait!!!

I love this series for so many reasons.  I loved the fact that she added a paranormal twist to this series. The large, loyal, and extended family, make it so believable for me.  It makes me wish I was a Kelly.  J  Love the fact that it’s set in the south. And, the fact that it takes place around Kentucky Lake.  Myself, living just outside of Memphis, makes this real for me.  My family and I have camped at Kentucky Lake many many times.  So, in my mind’s eye, I can see their place on the lake and feel the air.  And, when they talk about the Kellys’ drawl, I hear it perfectly in my mind. I also love the action, the suspense and the romance.  The Kelly boys are hot and I love how Maya shows their vulnerability, despite being tough as nails.  This is truly a series that I am always eager for the next installment to be released.  The possibilities with this series are endless.  There are team members to be written about.  There are two brothers that still have their story to be told and I look forward to each and every one of them!!!  Oh yeah!!  Have I mentioned that Maya is one of my all-time favorites??  😀

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Share

Maya Banks-Pregnancy and Passion series reviews

Pregnancy and Passion Series by Maya Banks

 

Maya Banks’ Pregnancy and Passion series revolves around four wealthy friends:  Rafael de Luca, Devon Carter, Ryan Beardsley and Cameron Hollingsworth.  They are business tycoons who have made their money developing world class hotels and resorts.  Each is a hard as nails business man, until they meet their match in the fierce heroines of each story.

 

Enticed by His Forgotten Lover – Book 1
Rafael de Luca is a no nonsense kind of guy.  Upon a trip back from acquiring some undeveloped land for a planned resort, his plane crashes.  He survives the crash, but has selective amnesia.  He doesn’t remember events that happened before the crash and has issues remembering people’s names, etc. whom he has known from his past.  His earlier memories are intact, and some things come back in flashes.

 

The story starts with him and his friends/business associates at a social gathering where they are wooing backers for their newest development on a small island off the coast of Galveston, TX.  He notices a woman across the room whom he feels that he “may” know.  When he approaches her and asks “Have we met?”, he is answered with a right hook!  She is furious and leaves to return to her hotel room.  He follows, and this is where things start to unfold for him.  He notices that she, Bryony Morgan, is pregnant.  After he talks her into letting him into her room, they talk and that is when she realizes that he has amnesia and doesn’t remember her.  Yes, the baby is his, but he, of course, isn’t entirely convinced.  But, something in his gut tells him that she is telling the truth.  He finds out that she is the one who sold him the land for his development on the island and that he had promised not to build a resort that would change the laid back ways of the island and its inhabitants.  One problem.  They are set to break ground in the next week. 

 

As the story unfolds, he and Bryony start to reconnect.  He goes back to the island with her to try and regain his memories.  Eventually, his memories come flooding back and he is disgusted with himself.  And so is Bryony and the colorful characters of the small island.  All except Bryony’s Mamaw.  She tells Raphael that he is a good man and things will work out the way they’re supposed to.  He admits his feelings for Bryony and once she gets over the betrayal, admits that she has never stopped loving him.

 

Wanted by Her Lost Love – Book 2

 

Ryan Beardsley had been engaged to Kelly Christian, until things went terribly wrong.  Ryan thinks that Kelly cheated on him with his brother.  When she tries to tell him what happened, he writes her a check and throws her out, refusing to listen to one word she has to say.

 

Once Raphael and Bryony’s wedding is over, Ryan heads to Houston.  For some reason, he can’t get Kelly out of his mind.  And, why hasn’t she cashed the large check he had written her?  It’s been six months since he threw her out, but he feels compelled to search her out.  His private investigator has located Kelly in Houston.  When he shows up in a shabby diner where Kelly is working, his entire world is rocked when she turns and he sees she is pregnant.  VERY pregnant.  The problem?  Is it his baby or his brother’s?

 

He convinces Kelly to return to New York with him so that he can take care of her and the baby and they can try and work on their relationship.  It’s hard for both of them.  He thinks she betrayed him and she is angry over being thrown out.  Once Kelly convinces him of what really happened, he is devastated.  He threw out the woman he still loves due to something that his mother and brother concocted. His mother never thought Kelly to be worthy of her son.  He, of course, confronts his family and tells them that he still loves Kelly and they are going to be together. 

 

Tempted by Her Innocent Kiss – Book 3

 

Devon Carter is a driven man.  When one of their business deals hinges on his marrying their lucrative business partner’s daughter, Ashley Copeland, to ensure a merger between the two companies, he jumps in with both feet.  Even though his friends are weary for him, as well  as for Ashley, Devon is convinced that this is the right thing for him to do.

 

Ashley could not have asked for her life to be more perfect.  She had been dating, and was now engaged, to Devon Carter.  Handsome, wealthy and seemingly head over heels in love with her.  They have a fairy tale wedding and leave for their honeymoon.  While Ashley is in the master suite, preparing for her wedding night, she accidentally discovers the reason for their marriage.  To say that she is devastated is an understatement.  Devon enters and sees what is on the screen of his laptop.  He tries to talk to her, to try and explain that he does have feelings for her, but she wants to hear none of it.  After she has sat on the balcony for the entire night and thought about what has happened, she decides that she will do her duty and become the wife that he needs her to be.  They head back home after only a couple of days due to Ashley’s migraine, which she is plagued by when she is stressed.  Once they get home, she tries to gather her pride and trudge forward.  Unfortunately for Devon, that means that she is being something she isn’t.  He misses the socially awkward, impulsive Ashley that he has fallen in love with.  Love??  Yes, he decides, that he does love her.  But, trying to convince her of that is an uphill battle.

 

Ashley finally throws in the towel and goes to confront her parents.  Her mother is appalled by what has happened.  She had no idea of the “arrangement” Ashley’s father had made.  Needless to say, Ashley’s dad has some making up to do.

 

In the end, Devon convinces Ashley that he does love her and she reveals that she is pregnant. 

 

Undone by Her Tender Touch – Book 4

 

Cameron Hollingsworth has experienced horrible tragedy in his life.  He lost his wife and child in a horrible accident and has closed himself off from any real emotion.  The story starts with a house warming party at Devon and Ashley’s new home, which is catered by Pippa Langley, one of Ashley’s best friends.  Cam and Pippa had met at Ash & Devon’s engagement party.  When only one of Pippa’s waiters show up, Cam swoops in and offers to help.  Pippa is a feisty, independent woman, and is suspicious of him offering to help her out, but what can a girl do?  She needs the help.  It is obvious that they are attracted to each other, but they try to stay away from each other.  This doesn’t go unnoticed by his friends, namely Devon.  Once the party is over, Cam tells Pippa that he wants to be with her and takes her to his home.  He tells her that he will not call her once the deed is done.  He doesn’t do relationships, only one night stands.  Pippa is all in.  They spend a wonderful night together and Pippa leaves the next morning.  She is trying to open a catering business and has things to take care of.

 

The next day, she is surprised to receive a call from Cam telling her that one of their “precautions” may have failed.  She is convinced that it isn’t a big deal.  But, you guessed it, she discovers a little while later that she is pregnant.  She calls Cam to tell him and tells him that she needs space.  To Cam’s credit, he tells her that he will take care of her and the baby.  He wants to go to the doctor visits with her and be a part of her pregnancy.  He helps her start her business and she is thrilled.  They spend more and more time together, seemingly growing closer.  But, he is so overprotective and domineering that Pippa tells him to back off.  He convinces her to let him go to a doctor’s appointment where she is to have an ultrasound.  When they see the baby, Pippa is over the moon, but Cam leaves the office without a word.  Pippa is devastated at his reaction to the baby.  She refuses to see him for a while after that.  She finally summons the courage to confront him about his reaction and goes to see him.  He devastates her with his words and she returns to her apartment crushed.  She falls asleep on the couch and wakes to a raging fire.  Firemen break down the door and rescue her.  She is taken to the hospital via ambulance for smoke inhalation and exhaustion.  Just as the ambulance leaves, Cam pulls around the corner and sees the building engulfed in flames.  He makes his way to the hospital, only to be denied access to Pippa per Ashley’s mom’s (Mrs. Copeland) insistence. 

 

Finally, Cam gets to talk to Pippa and spills everything.  He didn’t want to love anyone else for fear of losing them as well.  He felt like he was replacing one child with another and felt horribly guilty, but, he knows he is wrong.  He declares his love for her and she for him.

 

I love this series.  They are all quick and easy reads.  I have to be honest though.  I kept putting off this series because of the series name.  For some reason, I thought they would be different than what they are.  But, I love Maya’s work and am so glad I did.  Yes, some of the stories are predictable, but, in Enticed by His Forgotten Lover, there was a twist that I didn’t see coming.  And, as I’ve said before, that doesn’t happen to me often.  I love how all of the men support each other and show up in all of the stories.  And at the end, they are all loving, doting fathers.  This is a fun, hot and sexy series that is worth the read!!   And I have to tell you, Maya Banks is one of my all-time favorite authors.  Love the way she writes.  Her stories, for me, are simple and go straight to the heart.

 

Reviewed by Vickie M.
Share

ECHOES AT DAWN by Maya Banks

ECHOES AT DAWN -Maya Banks

Echoes at Dawn
KGI Series, Book 5

RELEASE DATE: JULY 3, 2012

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…

They live by night.

Grace Peterson is desperate, in hiding, and on the run after escaping a shadowy group determined to exploit her extraordinary ability to heal others. Her only lifeline—an unerring telepathic ability she shares with her sister—has been severed, leaving her alone and vulnerable. And time is fast running out…

Enlisted to bring Grace home is Rio, relentless member of the KGI. He’s unprepared for his reaction to this wounded, damaged woman, and he’s fiercely determined to protect her from those who nearly destroyed her. In Rio, she finds a safe haven, and for the first time…hope. But the mission is far from over. The danger Grace has eluded is fast closing in. And now it’s pitching two lovers toward an unfamiliar horizon, with no place left to hide.

FROM THE WEBSITE OF Maya Banks:

The Kelly/KGI Series centers around a military family. There are six Kelly brothers, all of whom served in different branches of the military. When the idea for this series came to me, the first question that always pops into my mind is where? For me this answer was immediate. I lived in Paris, Tennessee for several years and spent many a day on Kentucky Lake and in the Dover area. For me, it was the perfect place to base the stories.

The Kellys are a lot of fun to write. They’re loyal, hard working, fiercely competitive and family is the most important thing in their lives. Marlene Kelly is the matriarch of the large family and has a penchant for collecting “strays” as her sons tease her endlessly over. Over the years she’s added “adopted” family members to the fold and she incessantly mothers them all. Her most recent addition to the Kelly clan has her sons up in arms, but Marlene didn’t raise six rambunctious sons by being a wimp!

The first book in the series, The Darkest Hour, finds the Kelly family in turmoil after the death of Ethan Kelly’s wife a year before. Rachel was much beloved by all the Kellys and Ethan hides a dark secret about the state of his marriage before her fateful mercy mission to South America—the one she never came back from. Now on the one year anniversary of her death, he receives startling information. She’s alive.

 http://www.mayabanks.com/books/main.php#connected-kgi
READING ORDER
1.  The Darkest Hour
2.  No Place to Run
3.  Hidden Away
4.  Whispers in the Dark
5.  Echoes at Dawn (July 2012)
Share

Maya Banks Exclusive

Maya Banks Exclusive

Maya Banks talks about her upcoming new book, and gives her fans a sneak peek.

Maya on Facebook:  I don’t remember if I ever posted the blurb for Never Seduce a Scot here on Facebook. I know I posted the cover, but here’s the blurb for those of you who haven’t seen it yet :))

This sinfully sweet new romance from Maya Banks features a remarkable woman whose rare gift teaches a gruff Scottish warrior how to listen with his heart.Eveline Armstrong is fiercely loved and protected by her powerful clan, but considered “touched” to outsiders. Beautiful, fey, with a level, intent gaze, she doesn’t speak. No one, not even her family, knows that she cannot hear. Eveline taught herself to read lips and allows the outside world view her as daft, content to stay with her family. But when an arranged marriage with a rival clan makes Graeme Montgomery her husband, she accepts her duty—unprepared for the delights to come. Graeme is a rugged warrior with a voice so deep and powerful she can hear it, and hands and kisses so tender and skilled he awakens her deepest passions.Graeme is intrigued by his new bride, whose silent lips are ripe with temptation, whose bright, intelligent eyes can see into his soul. As intimacy deepens, he learns her secret. But when clan rivalries and dark deeds threaten the wife he has only begun to cherish, the Scottish warrior will move heaven and earth to save the woman who has awakened his heart to the beautiful song of a rare and magical love.
Reported by Marcie

Share