Sandy M’s review of Forged in Steele (KGI Series, Book &) by Maya Banks
Contemporary Romance published by Berkley 25 Jun 13

I have a feeling a lot of fans of this series have been waiting for this book. As closed-mouthed, as focused, as dedicated to their jobs all of the other characters we’ve met associated with KGI are, none are as icy and deadly as Steele. I’ve wanted to watch that one woman who has what it takes to crack that exterior, to bring out his protectiveness, and mostly to show him the capacity of the love inside him.

That woman is one we’ve met a few times in the series, Dr. Maren Scofield. She’s patched up each and every team member at one time or another, and she’s even been on the receiving end of their rescue abilities. Maren isn’t one of those doctors in a large city in a nicely furnished office. Her calling is helping those who would otherwise not have help, so she’s carved a place for herself in Costa Rica, taking care of locals whenever they need her. Which is every day, all day. But she’s in her element.

Steele and his team have just come off a mission that was successful – to a point. There’s injuries and a stop by Doc Scofield’s is in order. She always gets under his skin, so he wants in and out of her place ASAP. But he’s injured too and Maren is insistent she take a look. And this is where the smoldering flame becomes a conflagration that neither of them can extinguish. Steele decides no more hands off, and, believe me, he’s very much a hands-on man with Maren. She even teases him he’s never spoken so much in his life, that she’s seen anyway. But this is where you can see his possessiveness and protective nature begin to take over, though he may not realize the impact of it yet.

They enjoy a few easy-going and lovemaking-filled days before Steele is called away for a mission with KGI. He promises to return as soon as it’s completed, because they’re definitely not finished with what’s between them yet. However, before he can make it back, the Kellys discover Maren is missing and when Steele is told, he’s about to move mountains to find out who has her, rescue her, and then kill the bastard who dares to lay hands on her. He’s talked into calming down so a mission can be planned, but it’s the hardest thing he’s ever done.

In the meantime, Maren has to do whatever necessary to stay alive, after being taken by a local criminal who needs her medical expertise. She has reason more than ever to make sure she gives Steele time to find her, and she knows he will. Months go by and her captor no longer needs her skills, now he’s looking for something more from her. An unexpected ally appears, reuniting Steele and Maren, and the further change in this alpha warrior is amazing to see. The dichotomy of hard and gentle intrigues the reader as well as Maren.

I still enjoy getting caught up with the rest of the Kelly family and their teams. There’s new additions, and my heart melts anew at the fathers these men have become, but also still love their intensity and alphaness. I’m ready for the next book, Ms. Banks!

Grade: A+

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 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.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: