Sandy M’s review of Theirs to Keep (Tangled Hearts Trilogy, Book 1) by Maya Banks
Erotic Romance published by Maya Banks 22 Oct 13
I’m always excited to read a Maya Banks book, and this one is no exception. Though part of the theme is similar to a number of other stories out there in romanceland – the heroine has blocked horrible memories so she doesn’t remember anything, including who she is – it’s the heroes who bring the story home and make this a warm and erotic read.
Cold, hungry, hurting from injuries received by someone she can’t remember, a woman breaks into a gun shop for warmth and hopefully food. But this blissful respite doesn’t last long when her breaking and entering triggers an alarm, alerting the men whose private security firm monitors the store and other like clients. Thinking it’s a thief after the guns, Cade and Merrick are stunned when they find a woman huddling and fearful in a cabinet. Respecting her wishes due to her frightened state, they forego calling the police and taking her to a hospital. There’s something about her that pulls at them both, though neither realizes the other’s feelings.
So taking her to their home where they hope she’ll feel safe, they call another best friend, Dallas, a doctor who also follows Merrick in his professional pursuit of Heavyweight Champion, if he wins his next fight. Despite her injuries and loss of memories, she’s lucky to be alive and grateful to these two men who believe her when her story comes out. Knowing she has to give herself and her body time to heal – the first memory to return is her name, Elle – the three fall into a routine. Elle helps out in the business, attends Merrick’s training, all the while oblivious to their feelings.
It’s Cade who speaks up first, knowing he and Merrick have to clear the air between them so their long-time friendship isn’t ruined when they discover they both have feelings for Elle. So why not propose she belong to them both and hope she’ll not run as fast as she can. Merrick agrees but goes one step further – he wants marriage, always has. So they come up with a way for Elle to carry both of their last names that includes marriage. And Elle jumps at this opportunity when these two handsome and sexy men tell her what they have in mind. She’s been wondering what’s wrong with her wanting both Cade and Merrick in every way possible.
In between all the new-found peace and happiness, however, things begin to go wrong when the guys run afoul of a local hoodlum, who wreaks revengeful havoc no matter who’s in the way. Merrick, Cade, and Elle begin the physical side of their relationship, learning their way around each other, what works and what doesn’t in the bedroom. Though I have to say, not much doesn’t work. I’d say these scenes write themselves for Ms. Banks, she’s so very good at it, but I figure even the best have to work at it some of the time.
I have only one nitpick – the amnesia issue. I’ve read this so many times in romance, and if Ms. Banks had given me something different concerning the way it came about, I would have been okay with it. But there’s nothing new in that vein; it even feels reminiscent of some of her earlier work. The mystery surrounding Elle is still ongoing, and the understanding, the patience, and the unconditional support and love from Cade and Merrick for Elle and her situation are all well done and you can’t help but love these men more for it. I also like the way they talk to each other about the relationship, both wanting it to work not only for Elle’s sake but theirs too.
This is not Maya Banks’ best, but it’s still a good start to what can be a terrific trilogy because it’s in her hands. If you’re a fan – heck, even if you haven’t read her before – this one will work for you. But if you’re just starting on your Maya Journey, pick up her Colter books for a taste of her menages and family. Then come back to this threesome. You’ll definitely be hooked by that time.
Grade: B
Summary:
When Cade Walker and Merrick Sullivan find Elle hiding in the cabinet of a gun store, they know they can’t just walk away from the fragile woman with no memory of who she is or who tried to kill her. Merrick is training for the title shot in the heavyweight division as a mixed martial artist and can’t afford distractions, but neither can he turn his back on the woman who tugs at his heartstrings.
Elle feels safe with her two protectors, and the longer she spends with them, the more she realizes that she has no desire to remember her past. Not when it could compromise her future with Cade and Merrick.
Cade has his own set of concerns when it comes to Elle, and it quickly becomes clear to the two men that for the first time in their friendship, a woman is coming between them. But what if they just kept her there? Between them. Where she belongs.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
Always Mine
Forever Ours
