Sandy M’s review of Colters’ Gift (Colters’ Legacy, Book 5) by Maya Banks
Contemporary Erotic Romance published by Berkley Trade 5 Nov 13

I’ve been looking forward to this story. I felt for Lauren when we met her in previous books, discovering her horrible experience with someone who supposedly cared for her. Waiting to find out who it would be to help her heal and face the future has been worth it. Lauren, Liam, and Noah all embrace a way of life a family has held dear for decades.

Having been hired by Max Wilder, Lauren’s brother and who is married to Callie Colter, to find the scumbag who abused her, Liam and Noah are ready to see her again for two huge reasons. One, they’ve just found out she’s lied to them, thereby hindering their investigation and wasting their time. Two, letting her go before was the hardest thing they’ve ever done and they need to see her, touch her, make sure she’s okay. And come up with a way they can both be in her life.

Lauren has come home. Though there are residual effects of Joel Knight’s abusiveness, being with the Colters on their mountain has brought a sense of peace and tranquility to her. So much so she’s just now moved into her own place and has a job, all steps to begin her new life. But when Liam and Noah crash back into her world, the emotions that assailed her before concerning these two men overwhelm her again. How can she want both of them? Though she knows the Colters have lived quite successfully in such a way for so long, thinking it could work for her is nearly impossible.

While Lauren questions this idea, Liam and Noah – after a bit of honest, brutal discussion – feel such a relationship can work, because neither of them is willing to walk away from her. They grew up together as brothers, once Liam’s parents took Noah in when his own abandoned him. Liam absolutely believes because of their feelings for Lauren, and if she’s amenable, they’ll be able to pull this off. So while they get the truth from her, protect her, and find the asshole who hurt her, they have to find out how Lauren feels about their plan and figure out how to keep her safe. When Lauren is finally open with them about Joel and his business, the entire Colter family is ready to do what’s necessary to help the men take him down.

I like the gentleness Liam and Noah use when interacting with Lauren. They’re willing to take as long as she needs for whichever next step she’s ready for in their relationship, including sex. They’re open and honest with each other, even with trepidation running through the union as they go along. When Joel finally enters the picture again, well, all I can say is he’s something else. As is his right-hand man. Of course, they’re cowards to the max, but Joel is determined to keep what is his, both his prostitution business and Lauren. It’s nice to see Lauren is much stronger this time around when surviving him.

Of course, we see a lot of the Colters.  Holly is still the nucleus of the family, and she considers Lauren one of her children now. There’s nice scenes between those two, as well as the other Colter wives, giving Lauren advice on how to make her relationship work. The men, as usual, go into protective mode, but aside from being in the bedroom, that’s what I like best about them. What I also like about this family is how they welcome those who their loved ones need and love. No questions asked. I’ve enjoyed getting to know this family over the last few years. They’re unique, fiercely loyal, fun-loving, and have been a joy to read. This is their swan song, and they’re going out with additions to their family, romance that is still part of their lives, and love that is ever lasting.

Grade: A 

Summary:

Lauren Wilder fell for the wrong man, trusted the wrong man, and she paid a very dear price for it. Now broken and wounded, she’s retreated to the bosom of the Colter family and the unshakeable love and support they offer. But the man she once loved and trusted is not without his own power, and he’ll use every bit of his money and resources to make sure he gets Lauren back, no matter whom he destroys doing it.

Liam and Noah were hired by Lauren’s brother to watch over her. But with danger looming, they head to the Colorado mountains—where Lauren has found temporary sanctuary. In her wounded eyes, Liam and Noah see the woman she once was—and could be again. They’re determined to show her everything a man can be—someone who will love her, cherish her, satisfy her, and when the time comes, put their very lives on the line for her.

No excerpt available.

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