Limecello’s review of Sweet Seduction by Maya Banks
Erotic romance released by Berkley on 6 Oct 09
Hands down, this is my favorite book by Maya Banks. It’s also the best book I’ve read in a while. I’ve been in something of a reading slump – well, all year- so I’ve been re-reading Sweet Seduction – parts – over and over, because I’m scared of what else I might find (or not find) in a book. It’s a well written, rather light romance – and at this point, I can’t say enough [good things] about books like this. Ms. Banks stories seem to be hit or miss for me – although I do like her Silhouette Desires – this may be my favorite of the Sweet series. (The first two books are Sweet Surrender, Sweet Persuasion, and Sweet Temptation follows this book.) Sweet Seduction is a pure and simple romance, in the best sense of those words. No crazy twists or turns, no excessive shock value, just good old fashioned great story telling, and relationship building. And you know, I really like the cover too. This book is the total package.
Julie Stanford is a fantastic romance heroine. She’s not only someone you’d like to be friends with, she’s someone you wouldn’t mind being. Julie knows her own worth. She’s comfortable with herself, and even better, likes herself. Julie is also true to herself, well adjusted, well developed, and steadfast. All seem like boring characteristics, perhaps, but be honest- it’s refreshing and rather unique for those words to fit a romance heroine. Julie doesn’t crumble like a house of cards at Nathan’s first sign of interest… but she also doesn’t cut off her nose to spite her face – in that she decides to try to have a relationship with him, rather than sticking to her plan simply because she made it. (Well that and she basically attacks him first, but that’s the kind of girl Julie is.)
Nathan Tucker is a terrific romance hero. He’s so… normal – and I mean that in the best way. Yes, he’s incredibly hot and sexy, smart, dependable, I could go on, but in short, he has all the requisite perfect romance hero characteristics. In a way, I feel like what he’s “missing” is more important. He doesn’t have a dark or traumatic past. He’s not emotionally broken and bitter, nor is he a misogynist. I didn’t miss it at all. I never thought Nathan wasn’t interesting enough, or bland. Yes, he’s a bit clueless at times, but I thought it just made him more realistic. I also love that Julie about makes his head explode, but he takes it in stride because he’s fallen for her. Nathan decides he and Julie have a chance at something real, and he goes after her – after letting her call the shots at first. (And I have to say Nathan’s fleeting uncertainty and bashfulness at feeling inexperienced because he doesn’t regularly engage in threesomes… amusing, and endearing.)
I think I’m also so excited about this book in general because of what “isn’t” there. The heroine wasn’t raped or abused in the past. Yes, she’s had a few bad relationships, but nothing out of the norm. Not something you’d see in the evening news. I love that. I also really liked that the book started in a way near the “end” of Julie’s plan. She’s been trying to get Nathan to notice her- but he doesn’t show any interest. Thus, she’s going to seduce him, but more as a kiss off, really, to show him what he’s missing, and to get him out of her system once and for all. And she does. (And it’s great!) Consequently, Nathan has a little light bulb moment, and realizes that Julie really is into him.
I thought it was cute that Nathan was unsure at times, and … I hesitate to use the word “vanilla” but understand I mean it in the best way. He’s basically had – and is into – having great sex with one woman, and one man being involved. No other people, no strange or kinky games, etc. I think that really helped with the focus of the story as well, and the emotional development between Julie and Nathan. Ms. Banks really lays out what each character is thinking and feeling, their concerns and fears, and she doesn’t have to lay the groundwork or explain some sexual sub culture. Although of course, she does get a few scenes in, showing Damon and Serena from Sweet Persuasion, and a bit of what Micah is into – which leads into Sweet Temptation.
Speaking of – I didn’t really like the ending of Sweet Seduction I felt that it had too much of a series feel, that the focus shifted to Micah, and his story, rather than really ending Julie and Nathan’s. Nevertheless, Ms. Banks incorporated the Sweet sentiment and series feel through the other characters. There’s the part where Micah goes on his annual “vacation” – and then a scene between Damon and Serena at Damon’s club. It may appear to be a gratuitous sex scene initially, complete with bondage and whips, but I think it’s actually a key scene and point. It allows Julie to see what appeals to her friends about that lifestyle – one that really isn’t for her – and also, to see the emotional connection and love between the couples. It’s at this point that Julie decides she only wants a real relationship.
I love that Julie recognizes that Nathan’s feelings are real and earnest, and even more that Nathan says “I love you” first. I felt the ensuing scenes fit perfectly as well. All of Julie’s actions are realistic, and fit her personality. She didn’t pull any too stupid to live stunts, and I never felt frustrated by what the characters were doing. And I don’t think I can properly write a review without mentioning the “hot” factor. Get a fan, friends, because the chemistry and heat generated in this book? Off the charts. I hope I haven’t given anyone the wrong impression that this book is bland, or the sex isn’t “up to par” – it’s quite impressive. And Julie gets to act out a fantasy (or two).
I’m going to stop before I start repeating myself [more], but to summarize… I really liked this book. Really. think more heroes and heroines should be just like Nathan and Julie. Just. Like. No unforgivable acts, or unnecessary cruelty. Just two people, figuring out they’re meant to be together forever. The secondary characters are all well written – most have shown up in previous books (if not had their story told) – so there are a lot of fun cameos. I think it also helped that Julie has a great relationship with her girlfriends, and Nathan has his own “guy time” as well. The tone is friendly, and engaging. Props to Ms. Banks. Aside from a few subplots I felt were a bit distracting, or not entirely necessary, I have no complaints. I definitely recommend this book if you like Ms. Banks writing, or enjoy erotic romances. Or hell, even if you’ve been wanting to try one. Here is your chance. (And one last thing… Ms. Banks has some great one liners you have to read – I can’t resist, but one is “drunken butterfly” and name calling with the word “heifer.” Priceless.)
Grade: A-
Summary:
He was the stuff erotic dreams are made of
Salon owner Julie Stanford wanted Nathan Tucker ever since she gave him his first massage. Getting paid to feel every inch of his body, stripped, oiled, and spread out in front of her? Stuff dreams are made of. But the sexy lug was oblivious to the signals she was sending—until she finished off his final rub-down with something extra. In fact, the best extra he ever had. Unfortunately, he came around too late. Now Julie’s moving on…
She was everything he’d dreamed of
The woman was driving him crazy. She lit fire to his insides then ran like a scalded cat. And now she’s going to someone else to have all her fantasies fulfilled? Over his dead body… He’s more than willing to give her what she wants, and as soon as he pins the little minx down, he’d show her his own brand of sweet seduction.
Read an excerpt here – and the *first three chapters can be downloaded here. (*Note: it opens as a pdf)
I think I’m also so excited about this book in general because of what “isn’t” there. The heroine wasn’t raped or abused in the past.
God, YES!!!
Hi Karen,
*high fives* 🙂 Glad you agree.
Sooooo…did you like the book? Is that what you’re saying? 😉
Hmm, is there a threesome scene in here? In the excerpt, Julia went to Damon’s club for a fantasy night with two guys..did she get her wish? I’m not into reading the menages so your answer will help, thanks!
JenB – uh NO, duh! Learn to READ ok?!?!
Tabitha – Oh dear – yes, there is a menage. So… sad – I don’t want you to read something you won’t like (and m/f/m pairings don’t bother me) – but I think Ms. Banks does a great job with this one – because it’s not what Nathan wants, but what Julie does, and it really messed with Nathan’s head and he’s all “wtf am i doing?!” And/but he does it because she wants it and he’d rather it be him and someone he trusts than… strangers. (So basically, there’s a very nice emotional angle and it’s not just… pr0n.)
But… yeah. Two menage scenes. [You could skip over them?] 😛 Or, you know, no pressure. Haha. I just really liked this book. And want others to like it too.
I can’t wait to read this but alas the dreaded ‘geographical restrictions’ prevent me from purchasing the eBook and it isn’t available from my local library. Particularly disappointing as Maya Banks is one of my favourite authors. One day maybe!
ShellBell – sad, I hate the idiotic things and restrictions they put on ebooks. Hopefully your library gets it soon – do they happen to have a “suggest an item” program? I know a number of libraries here have that, or an inter library loan where you can get the book you want from another library and they’ll transfer the book to your [branch]… anyway – I hope you do get to read Sweet Seduction. I really liked it.
Managed to get the book from ereader.com, so guess what I’ll be reading this weekend!
ShellBell – oh yay! I hope you like it – you’ll have to tell me what you think 🙂
Oh hey, thanks for letting me know. I’ve never read menages story, it’s just the thought of it that doesn’t appeal to me but..hmm, you really like this huh? We’ll see when I visit bookstore this weekend, lol!
Tabitha – lol, well, it *is* still a menage- and I’ve said I have nothing against them. [Don’t get other things like BDSM or whips, etc.] – so, I’d say skim through it maybe at the bookstore and decide? But – yes, I liked it and think that Sweet Seduction the menages weren’t just gratuitous sex – there were a lot of emotions involved and it helped drive the plot.
[And… now you’re going to think I’m all deviant and pervy :P]
Thoroughly enjoyed Sweet Seduction – Maya Banks is one of my favourite authors and I’ve never been disappointed by any of her book. Definitely preferred Sweet Seduction to Sweet Persuasion, which I enjoyed but ultimately it just really wasn’t my cup of tea.
Yay! *high fives* ShellBell! I totally prefer this book to Sweet Persuasion (and Sweet Surrender too…) *shh* 😉
Sweet Persuasion is where the heroine is all submissive, right? If so, that’s one book I don’t think I’ll ever touch. I was all for reading it — trying something new — but I read of one scene where the hero had the heroine walk around naked in front of his guests. Ugh, total turn off.
Tabitha – yup, that’s the one! I try to keep an open mind too – but certain kinks… just not for me. Agreed.
Okay since we feel the same on Sweet Persuasion I will give Sweet Seduction a try. You’ve never failed me before with a rec. 😉
lol uh oh, pressure’s on :X hopefully you like this book, Tabitha! Or at least… the threesome[s] doesn’t detract from the book too much in your opinion 🙂
SP is without a doubt the hottest book I have ever read! Please read it; you will not be disappointed. That was the first one of MB’s that I read. Then I found out it was the 2nd one and I read Sweet Surrender (Gray and Faith). Another hot read; the G/F/M menage that the of that book is one of hottest things that I have ever read. I am so happy I have discovered this wonderful series. I won an ARC of Sweet Suduction from Maya directy at the end of August. I read it over Labor Day weekend and what a great book!! The are so perfect for one another and all their chasing is great; plus we get couple up on what the other two couples are doing. Also, this book is very heavy on Micah; he is everywhere and she sets up his book well. We are introducted to his lady, Angelina, and get some of that backstory. April 2010 is gonna rock! Great Review, Limecello!! I enjoyed it.
Hi Marie! Thanks for commenting 🙂 Love your enthusiasm for Maya’s books. I’m very interesting in Micah’s book as well.
I know. So many people are pumped for Micah, now that this book it out, since this one was so heavy on him. I have stared to see some of the advanced discriptions of the book being released and I wonder how soon Maya will post an excerpt on her blog. I see you pointed that the end, maybe, did’t finish off Nathan and Julie as much as it went into Micah. However, MB always says that she carries over with the previous couple or in this case couples in the next book, and she has said that she does that with Nathan and Julie in Micah’s, so I am good with that. The new teaser is saying that Micah’s is a book about secrets and surrender. Secrets, yes, but who is the one who is going to surrender? As of right now, I am not sure if it is going to be Angelina; I think that it just might be Micah. So much yummy backstory in this book; that is what I am interested in. Micah is so hot; it will be good for him to be the lead this time around. The man has been the 3rd wheel in two different menages so lets see if he is the one in charge this time around!!!
I LOVED this story. I had read the other two “Sweet” books and this was my favorite. The fact that Nathan didn’t want to share Julie but did so because it was her fantasy and better him than some shmuck…that’s a real man. My kind of man at least. You were right in that they were just a couple that should be together. They didn’t have any huge emotional obsticles to get over. They just needed to get a clue. Thanks for the informative review.