Limecello’s review of Sweet Temptation by Maya Banks
Erotic romance released by Berkley Trade 6 Apr 10
I’m going to tell you a secret. I didn’t think I’d like this book. First of all, I didn’t really like the excerpt I read in the end of the previous book, Sweet Seduction (which I did love). Second, I’m really not into the whole pain/BDSM thing that Micah and Angelina are into. Nevertheless, I did like this story. I felt that there was a strong emotional connection, and the angst was believable. And I do love me some angsty heroes who suffer for love.
Now my second confession is that… I don’t think I would have liked this book as much if I hadn’t read Sweet Seduction. Specifically, one scene that essentially explains BDSM and how/why the participants enjoy it and don’t feel degraded or anything. While it still doesn’t float my boat, I understand and accept it does others’, and the characters’.
I believe that I compartmentalized Sweet Temptation. Really, I have no other way of explaining it. There’s the scene in Miami, which I didn’t like. Then the scenes in “The House” – which is basically a BDSM club – which I’m also not into. I’m not into spanking already, and when whips and stocks are brought out? So, those parts to me are fuzzier, or factor as “gratuitous smexiness” and not really into the development of Micah and Angelina’s relationship. [But let me tell you – they are hot – especially later on in the book.]
Yet at the same time it does. Micah seeing Angelina at the house makes him realize that she’s grown up, is a woman, and a sexual being. I love the forbidden love story lines, and that’s at play here. Micah used to be in a ménage à trois [Dear God not a menage a trio – I want to smack anyone who writes that. Or cry when I see it] – and Angelina is the younger sister of the other male in the former relationship. Anyway, it’s the whole “she’s the kid sister of my best friend” type of unreachable woman story. Added to the fact that Micah’s wife and Angelina’s brother are dead… well, there’s survivor’s guilt as well. On both their parts, and that helps bring them together as well. (It’s also strange to think of Micah as a widower… yet fitting.)
I loved that Angelina had a “wake up” moment, wherein she realizes she can’t make Micah love her, and trying to integrate herself into his life if unwanted is not good. This really excuses so much of her other actions in the book which might have annoyed me otherwise. (What also helps is the fact that Micah is mad for her, and everyone knows it but him, so he does need a bit of nudging.) Angelina also has some really stupid moments, but they weren’t too bad, and when it really counts she makes good choices.
Micah Hudson is… well, he’s a sexy bad boy that keeps himself removed from everyone. He’s a good friend but has secrets, even from those he’s closest to. Sweet Temptation also shows the network of incredible friends Micah has developed, which also makes him a dynamic character. I liked that he struggled with himself, and had to suffer the potential loss of Angelina. I love a tortured hero, and Micah does his fair share of suffering.
The plot and really smutty scenes (and there are a few of them – after all, this is Micah’s and Angelina’s story – it’s them, and part of them, and … almost necessary, in a way) were almost like different stories for me. I liked the plot, but wasn’t that surprised to learn who the villain was. (I also figured it out early.) Ms. Banks had mentioned a “huge plot twist” – but I wasn’t blown away. In fact, I asked her if I had missed something. (I didn’t.)
I suppose I looked at what occurred as a rational and logical consequence or conclusion. Maybe it was a bit convenient but… then again, not – it was realistic. (And yes I’m being purposefully vague to avoid spoilers.) So in the end… I liked this book, and I plan on re-reading it. It’s still not my favorite of the series, but at this point it’s second on my “Sweet” list. I also have to give a “shout out” to the secondary characters. Most of them have gotten their own books, and I love revisiting with them, and seeing how their relationships are developing, both romantically, and then the friendship angle with the other couples. It’s fantastic.
I will have to say though, that I highly anticipate Conner’s book, and I expect to like it more than Micah’s. The question will be if I like it more than Nathan and Julie’s book (and as I said – I loved Sweet Seduction.) So if you’re a fan of Ms. Bank’s writing, and especially the Sweet series, I do recommend that you read this book. If you like a sweeter story, as opposed to something scorching hot… perhaps you might wait for Conner’s book. And as an aside… I really want Cole to get his story – so Ms. Banks, if you see this (or her publisher) … please give us Cole’s story!
Grade: B
Summary:
He was a by-the-book cop who broke the rules in the bedroom…
Micah Hudson has painful secrets he’s run hard from. He has new friends, a new life, but he’s about to be confronted with the one person who reminds him of all he’s tried to forget—Angelina, the sister of his oldest friend David. She knows everything about his past, including how he and David fell in love with the same woman, and how they decided the best way to prevent her from tearing them apart was to share her between them. But then a terrible accident left Micah alone…
She was willing to do anything to make him see the woman she’d become…
Micah lost the two people who meant the most in the world to him. Angelina lost her only family. And she kept her deepest secret close to her heart. Her love for Micah. No longer willing to wait, she decides it’s time to go after him and bring him to his knees. She knows his secrets, his desires, his kinks and fetishes, and she’ll use whatever it takes to reel him in. Behind the easy going, loves women exterior lies a man with dark needs and passions. She can give him what he wants. But will he decide she’s what he needs?
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
Limecello, I think that you review was one of the best I have seen so far. I got an ARC of this one, as well as Sweet Seduction, and I think that both of us are pretty much in agreement on this book. I loved it, but I liked Sweet Seduction more. 1. Sweet Seduction 2. Sweet Temptation 3. Sweet Persusion and 4. Sweet Surrender. Sweet Seduction was just so much fun, and I knew that this one would be more dark and brooding. It is Micah after all. The scene that you are referring to in Sweet Seduction, is it the conversion between Cole and Julie as they are watching? I think that is what you are referring to. Anyways, I loved this book. Loved Micah and Angelina. I think that they are two mirror images of each other. However, I almost wish that there would have been less sex, heaven forbid, and more talking amounst them and their friends. I still not really figured out the point of the MP scene in the book. Why was it included and what was the point of the whole thing. Loved the garenteed menage, its Maya after all, and the those who were in it were who we expected. I give it a B+. I too hope that Connor is more like Nathan, I like that it will be. I heard that Maya might be working on getting us Cole too. She wants to do one more after Connor to finish it up, but it is up to the publisher at this time. What do you think? Marie
I have found this series to be so surprising. I never thought I would have liked the slave concept (for Damon and Serena’s book), but it was very intriguing and even moving at times. That’s why, based on your review and the series as a whole, I’m going to give this a chance despite not liking the pain/BDSM thing either. That’s really a testament to Maya Banks!
waiting, waiting and still waiting for the eBook!!!
Marie! Aweee thanks – you’re much too kind. *beams* I agree that the book and tone fit the character. It wouldn’t have worked or been right if his book was more like Julie & Nathan’s. And yes!!! I’m referring to the conversation between Cole and Julie 😀 I love Cole.
And I love how you described it – Angelina and Micah are mirror images, really.
I’m pushing for Cole’s story – but he wouldn’t really fit in the Sweet series so much… but I want him to get more than a novella! So torn!
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Kat – Yay! Well, I hope you do like Micah’s book – and I think it does help to know what you’re going to get going into it, if that makes any sense.
As in – you know you’re going to get kink and some stuff that you don’t go for in Micah’s story, but it’s his thing. So… it works. And agreed- Maya Banks does write it very well. (Although I’m still not sold on the slave thing :P)
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ShellBell – Sad! 🙁 Any word on when it’ll come out? The other ones are out in e, right? Hopefully this one will follow… I will say I’m beyond annoyed with the publishers and the stupid games they’re playing with ebooks.
Of the four, I’ve only read Sweet Persuasion, and really liked it. Good review. I’ll have to pick this up.
Jill, I would go back and also read Sweet Surrender, Gray and Faith, that started the series. It gives you backstory on everyone except Serena, who was introduced as an interest for Damon in Sweet Persusion with no introduction at all in Sweet Surrender. I loved it, and I also read Sweet Persuion first!! My sister had it and how I have them all. I have got advanced ARC’s of both Sweet Seduction and Sweet Temptation and I love how the story has progessed. If possible, I would recommender reading them in order from the start; it is great!!
Limecello, why do you think that Cole would not fit this series? I think that he is going to be featured heavy in Connor’s book. I know that she wants to do one for Cole, but is has not been sold of of this time. Connor’s book has been sold and will be released in April of 2011. I have seen no hint of who his lady will be and Maya said that as of Sweet Seduction, she had not been introduced. So I am assuming she will take the Serena route for Connor and introduce someone totally new or better yet someone that has known in his past. Maybe one of his crazy ex girlfriend’s? I do think that his book will be lighter. I am hoping that we get to see both Nathan and Julie and Micah and Angelina married and M/A awaiting their special event or maybe that it is already done and she moves us forward a few months or a year. So many ways she could go with Connor. He’s a sweetie just like Cole!! Again, I know she wants to finish it up with Cole and a 6th book, and he does intrege me. I have liked him since SP so here is hoping that he gets his own book!! Marie
Marie- I totally want Cole to get his own book as well. Am wondering who Conner’s heroine will be as well- kinda hoping it won’t be a crazy ex girlfriend since well, he was so… well everyone made fun of them so much. I’m not for the crazy girl.
Maybe a friend – love friend to lover stories.
As for Cole – yes he’d fit in this series or be connected to it more than any other, but he doesn’t work with any of the guys – which is how they have their connection, nor is his heroine one of the three best friends – which is where Damien comes in. Sooo…. but yeah – I WANT that story.
Still no sign of the eBook, but given the current debacle with eBooks I don’t imagine I’ll see it too soon. I currently have a list of books on order from the library that I haven’t been able to purchase as eBooks, and I have a new policy – if I get the library book before the eBook becomes available then the authors have missed out on a sale. I’m sick and tired of the publishers stuffing around with geographical restrictions, delayed eBook releases and overcharging etc so I’m not putting up with their crap anymore – more library books for me and less sales for my favourite authors. No sign of Sweet Temptation at my local library yet, but given that they have the other books in the Sweet series I imagine that they will be getting it at some stage. Now I just need to wait and which comes first – the eBook or the library book.
Shell Bell – I’m all for the library love as well. Maybe, if you like it enough after you get the book from the library, you’ll buy it 🙂
In fact, that’s generally/how I used to operate.
Limecello, I was not surprised, however, that she did decide not to introduce us to Connor’s lady. Micah and Angelina’s book was so intense, and that might have taken too much away from it. Also, she had to set up Micah and Angelina properly in Sweet Seduction or I do not think that Sweet Temptation would work. What did you think of the big event that come out at the end of this book? Kinda funny that it is Micah who wil be the first. I can see her putting a few of them in there for them and Micah and Angelina becoming the total oppisite; very family first orinated with a large family and some peace for them. Also, we have not had that whole bet thing between Julie and Micah resolved from Sweet Suduction; I wonder if that will play out in Connor’s book? I am hoping for a friend to lover for Connor; that would be great!! I want to see him get his. Do you think any other will get a family in this series? I think that Cole will get a book; I think that we have seen way to much of him for Maya not to end this him. His connection to Damon and how to pretty much everyone else; I think sets him up and paves the way but we will have to see. I have not heard from Maya directly in a long time, but I know that she is very busy writing. Best Wishes to all!! Marie
Have spotted the ePub version of Sweet Temptation at kobobooks.com, alas geographical restrictions apply to me in New Zealand
I saw on Twitter and in an interview with Maya that Connor’s book will be called “Sweet Possession”. In the interview, and I got to it from her Facebook page, at the libarary, she talked about this book and how that Connor’s book will not be anything like this book. Connor is totally different then the rest of the guys so the book will be totally different. From what we have seen, I do not think that Connor is into the BDSM lifestyle, like the rest of them are, and Nathan and Julie too but their’s is very light. Connor is not a sharer and is very possisive about his women. So he is like Damon in that regard. Micah is the King of the threesomes, Gray likes the kink, Nathan kinda got turned on a bit by it, but not Damon and Connor. Don’t know about Cole yet, and it might just be Angelina that sets him off. Per the interview, she is not started on his book yet, but might shortly. Again, it will be totally different then this one, but I loved Sweet Temptation. Also, she has a totally new website design coming online shortly and that we will be getting all kinds of updates soon once the new site is up and running. Lots of books being written this year and she said that 2011 will have lots of new books out. Her KGI books will debut this summer and fall and carry in to next year. Connor will be out and another new series of historical romances. Very busy Maya!!!
Update!! Cole’s story is now a done deal as well. It will be Sweet Number 6, and will be entiltled Sweet Addiction. Release date for Connor, Sweet Possession, and there is already a blub on her website, is April 2011. Release date for Cole is April 2012 and it looks like from what I can see that his book will wrap up the series. It looks like Connor’s h is the one who will be into the whole MP thing in this one, per the blub, but we know that Connor does not share. Will be interesting to see what she has Micah and Angelina up to as well as the rest of them and then she will be setting up Cole for his book the following year. Connor’s h looks to be a bit on the crazy side, but she is hiding alot of demons too and Connor is the man for the job to set her straight. I think that will not be as hard core as M/A, but expect that to go back up with Cole. We know he is a Dom, and we will have to see how hard he brings it. Wonder who she puts him with; still have an idea it might be Nathan’s sister, Tracey, but that is just my guess. She was mentioned a bit in Sweet Seduction and Nathan does not like Cole. It would be fun.