Sandy M’s review of When Day Breaks (KGI, Book 9) by Maya Banks
Romantic Suspense published by Berkley 24 Jun 14
Where to start. I’m a bit discombobulated about the fact this book doesn’t hit the mark with me like all the ones before it. I mean, this is my Kelly boys. And it’s Maya Banks. But the romance moves much too fast, thus leaving behind the connection between characters we usually see in this series, and there’s more missing on top of that.
First for me is the emotion I’ve always felt when reading about these characters. We know Swanny has been through so much to get where he is, so I expected a bit more from him when eventually opening up to Eden about his captivity and torture. But it seems like a regular conversation, matter of fact, not that big of a deal. Both Swanny and Eden are, of course, sympathetic to each other’s respective past and present, but with all of the emotion in previous books, theirs doesn’t measure up. Therefore, the connection between them isn’t as real to me as the other characters’ is.
Mostly because their “relationship” moves much too fast. Swanny is on his way to lust of Eden because he’s seen pictures of her when she was named the most beautiful woman. Eden has an immediate attraction to Swanny upon first glance, and she moves very, very fast to get into bed with him. Of course, Swanny tries to keep his distance; Eden is his current mission. But a man has only so much resistance. I have to say I’m very surprised at Eden’s surprise at the last minute, and I’m not sure it works. I’m still on the fence about that.
This is the second book in a row where the boys aren’t called up for a rescue or the like for a lot of action. Eden’s father is thinking an old enemy is now ready for revenge from years before during his military career. After a sniper takes a shot at Eden, which she doesn’t think is what happened, he and her brothers feel more protection is needed and call in KGI. Because of the attraction between them, Swanny basically takes over heading up their detail, staying with Eden in her suite. More temptation for the man. After that bit of action when the sniper hits, there’s no action at all until near the end of the book. I was hoping for more. In fact, some of the big action that takes place is off scene and we get only the aftermath.
But with that aftermath comes a surprise connected to Eden I didn’t see coming, and it’s a great surprise. It gives a whole new dimension to a previous character, and that’s the KGI-type story I’ve come to love in this series.
I do like Eden’s unconditional acceptance of Swanny, no matter what. He needs that, though his disbelief of that fact goes on a bit too long for me. Despite the fact their relationship begins so quickly, I do believe in it and them by the end of the book. The aforementioned action cements that, after all hell breaks loose and the team goes into rescue mode. This is the best part of the book. I wish there had been more scenes like it, instead of going through Eden’s day as a model.
I hate being negative in this review, but I’ve come to expect much more from Maya Banks. She’s a favorite, an auto-buy, and one of the best out there. I hope future books get back to the core of KGI as we first met them, learned about them, and fell in love with them.
Grade: C
Summary:
Eden is said to be one of the most beautiful women in the world. Her face has graced countless magazines and her body has sold millions of dollars of clothing. But her fame and beauty has earned her more than she ever imagined. Evil is stalking her, determined to extinguish the ethereal beauty forever.Swanson or “Swanny” as his teammates call him is always up for the next mission. He came back from Afghanistan wounded and scarred. Hardly the kind of man who even belongs in the same room with Eden. And yet there’s something about the quiet beauty that stirs his blood and makes him dream of the impossible. Because Beauty loving the beast only happens in fairy tales and KGI doesn’t deal in fairy tales. Ever.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
