Sandy M’s review of Hidden Away (KGI Series, Book 3) by Maya Banks
Romantic Suspense published by Berkley 1 Mar 11
This is one of those series that turns me into a rabid fan who always asks, “When’s the next book?” “Can’t you write any faster?” You know, those types of questions that annoy authors to no end. I devour each book in turn and then get irritated when I read each one so fast, didn’t make any of them last. What’s a reader to do!
Garrett Kelly is recuperating from a gunshot wound when a new case comes along, only requiring relaxing on a beach while keeping tabs on a traitor’s sister to finally bring the man down. He’s tired of being sidelined, so takes this case on, despite his brothers’ disagreements. Garrett wants Marcus Lattimer, and if babysitting a young child is what it takes, he’ll do it. Little does he know the surprise that’s waiting for him at Sarah’s isolated getaway where she’s been holed up.
Trying to regain her life after begin raped by her boss, and then witnessing Marcus kill the man in revenge, Sarah hightails it to a secret location so she can’t be used against him for trying to protect her. She’s cautious and suspicious at every turn, but the handsome, wounded man on the beach turns out to be kind and generous. They begin to spend time together, learning about each other, and Sarah is halfway in love with Garrett after experiencing all the little things he does for her. Of course, a woman after my own heart, she knows a good thing when it’s staring her in the face and it doesn’t take long before hopping into bed with him. It wouldn’t have taken me nearly as long, though I don’t have the issues she does. Still. Garrett is worth it.
It takes a little longer for Garrett’s true feelings to surface, but there’s something about Sarah that brings out his alphaness and his willingness to go that extra mile for her. When he does learn her story, he’s determined she’ll never be hurt again, even though he’s first in line to do the hurting. He’s been deceiving her so far, wants to kill her brother if given the chance, but everything else between them has been honest. Not a lot there, he admits, but it’s something to build on once the shit hits the fan. Which happens sooner than he’d like. Suddenly Sarah is gone, running once again when things begin to close in on her. But Garrett is good at his job, finds her fairly easily, and you’d think things would start to get better for them. No chance. The bad has only just begun.
As usual, Maya Banks keeps the action and the intensity high and moving. I think the only point there’s any downtime is when Garrett and Sarah make love, but that’s pretty darned intense too. The scenes when they’re “detained” by fraudulent law enforcement wring the energy right out of you. And then the calvary shows up and the tide is about to turn for the good guys. I just love Rio’s hideaway sanctuary. I’d say he surprised everyone with his attention to detail.
And it’s always great to have the whole family together. The Kellys stick together no matter what, and it’s nice to see the boys finally agree that even Rusty is now part of their clan and they prove it to her too. They family also spends a lot of time in hospitals, this time around it’s Rachel bringing the newest Kelly into the world. There are great scenes from Marlene rounding up the daughters-in-law when all the men are in rescue mode to finally coming face to face with Lattimer, and so many others in between.
We have a long wait for the next book, Whispers in the Dark, which is Nathan’s book. It’s not out until February next year. I believe I will begin my stalking of Ms. Banks next week to see if she can write any faster. If not, at least she has a Highlander trilogy out this year, and I have a feeling I’m going to love those just as much as I love this Kelly gang. Can you imagine what she can do with Highlanders? OMG……
Grade: A+
Read Ash’s review here.
Summary:
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 US government can’t…
A man who shoots first and asks questions later…
Most people would take an all-expenses-paid trip to the beach in a heartbeat. Garrett Kelly only accepts to keep tabs on Sarah Daniels, who’s in hiding after witnessing a murder by Marcus Lattimer, her half-brother—and a personal enemy of KGI. This gig may be beneath a disciplined soldier like Garrett, but if he gets a shot at Lattimer, it will all be worth it…
…and the ultimate moving target.
But Garrett hadn’t counted on falling for Sarah. He’d considered seduction as a tactical maneuver, but when he glimpses Sarah’s dark past, he feels an urgent desire to keep her safe—even after she disappears on him. Garrett doesn’t know exactly who, or what, Sarah’s running from, but whatever it is, she’s running for her life…
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
