Sandy M’s review of Tempted by Her Innocent Kiss by Maya Banks
Contemporary Romance published by Harlequin Desire 6 Mar 12

Every chance I get, I read Maya Banks. So I was happy to pick up her Harlequin Desire, Tempted by Her Innocent Kiss. While it doesn’t satisfy as much as Ms. Banks’ romantic suspense books, it’s still a fun and emotional read.

Ashley is one of those young, effervescent, happy people. She’s been sheltered, is still a virgin, and is in love with Devon, a business associate of her father’s. They’re engaged to be married, and life couldn’t be any better for her. What she doesn’t know is her father has basically pushed Devon into a corner concerning the merger of their two companies. Though Devon wants to tell Ashley the truth, her father insists secrecy is the way to go. He just wants his daughter taken of. So marry her or no merger. Not a very smart move, Dad.

Devon is also in that category early on. He doesn’t love Ashley. And he doesn’t have any problem telling her that, along with the things he doesn’t like about her, that she needs to change to fit into his world. Yes, you don’t like Devon very much at this point. But you have to realize – what he doesn’t realize yet – is that he does have feelings for her, and you see that in the way he makes love to her. Though he’s in change-Ashley mode, in private they do have chemistry, even if Devon doesn’t look at it that way. It took me some thinking after finishing the book to look at it like this, and, of course, his turnabout, as always happens with a hero, helps.

But before all of that, Ashley discovers she’s pregnant and also learns of her father’s and Devon’s deal. Devastated, she is determined to be the wife Devon wants. We lose the happy, young woman who we met at the beginning of this book. In personality, dress, attitude, everything about her changes, exactly what Devon wants. However, she can only do this for so long. Ashley knows she can’t be someone else for anyone. She’s happy with who she is, and if that isn’t enough for Devon, well, he doesn’t deserve her.

It’s when Ashley leaves him that Devon realizes he does love her. He actually misses all those things he’s told her wants to change about her. Her bubbly personality, her whimsical clothing, and her constant smile have been imprinted on his heart and he wants them in his life again. He also know he’ll have to win her back so they can start their family together. For some folks Devon might give too little too late, but sometimes that’s how it goes in romance. It’s the fact he knows what he’s done wrong and he wants to remedy that mistake, do what it takes to make it up to Ashley that counts in this instance.

I’m actually surprised I feel this way about the story. Usually a young character such as Ashley will rub me the wrong way. It’s an age thing. As the years go by I prefer older characters, but I know I’m not going to get them as often as I’d like. Ms. Banks saves the day for me in this case, her deft hand at creating likable and sympathetic characters is always a treat. So Ashley does work for me, especially when she tries to change as Devon wants, becoming the wife he think he needs. Those scenes are quite emotional when she’s at war with herself.  Devon does have to grow on you for most of the book. It’s his insatiable desire for Ashley that keeps him in a good light, because I know he’ll realize what he’s lost in the end.

This is not my favorite Maya Banks book, but it’s one that makes you think, makes you take a second look because of life’s mistakes and how you own up to those errors. A nice read for a couple of hours one afternoon.

Grade: B

Summary:

Devon Carter was her first; now Ashley wants their passion to last. But her dreams of true love are crushed by the discovery that their marriage is another of Daddy’s business deals. Her strategy: act the part of perfect wife and make Devon love her.

But Devon misses the bubbly, no-holds-barred woman his wife used to be. Who is this Ashley with the steely demeanor of a society wife? And will he find a way to rekindle the fire in her eyes…especially now that she’s pregnant?

Read an excerpt.

This is the second year in a row I’ve not been able to decide which of two terrific books should be my No. 1. So I have a tie once again. Last year it was two fantasies that made the top spot. This year one of those authors has maintained her position, but she’s now sharing it with an historical author who never lets me down in story or character. And who rounds out the rest of my list? Think I can surprise you? Hmmmmm. Maybe not totally, but I think a few of my picks just might!

10. A Forever Kind of Love by Shiloh Walker – emotion is going to be the word of the day for this list. Combined with an alpha hero and a romance to die for, an author has a life-long fan in me if she can pull that off. Shiloh Walker is definitely one of those authors. This book is chockful of emotion, pulling on your heartstrings so much you’re sure they’ll definitely break. Just what I’ve come to expect from her.

9. Saddled and Spurred/Wrangled and Tangled & Chasin’ Eight/Cowboy Casanova by Lorelei James – I’m not sure how she does it, releasing these four books, plus others, in one year, but I’m sure glad Ms. James does. I couldn’t leave any of these books off the list over another, they’re all so good. My favorite, I think, is W&T – I love Renner and Tierney, they’re such fun. Her cowboys from both of her current series will keep you hot and bothered long after you’ve finished reading them!

8. Hidden Embers by Tessa Adams – sigh. Dragons. I love’em. And this edition of Tessa Adams’ Dragon’s Heat series is right on target for me with the emotion the hero goes through and all those alpha dragons breathing fire everywhere. The aerial fight scenes are as intense as the lovemaking, and with a mysterious disease that could end their clan, this is one all-consuming read. And how can you not lust over that cover, for heaven’s sake?

7. Touch of Crimson by Sylvia Day – I so enjoy an author who can write in more than one genre, and Sylvia Day is a master. I love her paranormals every bit as much as I love her historicals. This new series featuring angels is spectacular. ToC is the perfect opening, and I can’t wait for more, especially since next up is a werewolf hero. Shifters do it for me every time.

6. Pride and Pleasure by Sylvia Day – this is the first time an author has made my list in two different genres. Doesn’t surprise me it’s Ms. Day. Both hero and heroine in this book are fascinating characters, something this author excels at like no other. I can’t imagine anyone reading this list hasn’t read Sylvia Day before, but if so, you have to pick up one of her books like yesterday. Seriously.

5. Breaking Point by Pamela Clare – another author who writes alpha heroes and gives them the perfect heroine for our reading pleasure. And who can insert emotion that breaks your heart and then shows you action until you’re ready to collapse with exhaustion. You get everything in a Pamela Clare book. The hero in this story goes through hell, but his heroine, of course, helps pull him through.

4. Hidden Away by Maya Banks – If you’ve read my reviews of Ms. Banks’ KGI series books, you know I love these Kelly boys. They go through hell to find love, but that makes it all the more sweet and pleasurable in the end. It’s also the family aspect of these stories that I love. You mess with one Kelly, you mess with them all. The brothers tease and fight like boys do, but they back each other up no matter what. Heroes, every one of them.

3. The Many Sins of Lord Cameron by Jennifer Ashley – more brothers that have burrowed into my heart. This book is my second favorite so far, right behind The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie. We find out what drives Cam, how his past has shaped him. And what a past it is. I also like the father-son aspect of this book. I was hoping that would be a good part of it when we met Daniel in earlier stories, and Ms. Ashley gave me that hope in spades, and then some.

2. Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh – there’s not a thing about Ms. Singh’s Psy-Changeling series that I don’t like. I like/love certain books over others, especially the ones that made me cry – but every one of them calls to and satisfies the paranormal/shifter fan in me. Hawke and Sienna live up to the expectations in my mind, I loved every single word.

1. Waking Up with the Duke by Lorraine Heath – all three books in this trilogy are wonderful, but this one, this one was the most emotional of all, and that’s saying something after the very talented Ms. Heath turned a not-so-nice character into a hero you couldn’t help but love on the very first page of his book. The untenable situation in WUwtD, the characters who live it, and the love they share is what puts this book in the No. 1 position for me.

1. Haunting Desire and Haunting Embrace by Erin Quinn – this series has been, well, haunting to read. Ms. Quinn has given this reader a whole new lo ok at Ireland and paranormal stories the like of which I’ve never read before. So beautifully written.

The series has ended with Haunting Embrace, so if you’re looking for something different, these books will hit the spot perfectly.

I always give a few honorable mentions, because it’s such a difficult time whittling down the list of all the great books I’ve read in a year’s time. So I want to share those with you too. Here they are in no particular order:

Second Chance at the Sugar Shack/Any Given Christmas by Candis Terry – what fun these books are! I’m glad I discovered Ms. Terry. She’s a joy to read. Great sense of humor and a mama ghost. You can’t go wrong!

A Light at Winter’s End by Julia London – I’m so glad this book was written. I was very upset at the ending of Summer of Two Wishes. The heroine picked the wrong man, as far as I’m concerned. And when he walked off into the sunset, so to speak, with no other information about where he went, what he did, how he coped, well, I wasn’t happy at all. Here we find out. And now I’m happy. (You should read SoTW first!)

The King’s Mistress by Sandy Blair – it’s nice to have a new book by Sandy Blair on the shelves. And she’s done one heck of a job weaving her hero and heroine into Scottish history to give readers a wonderful romance. No one does it better.

Making Waves by Tawna Fenske – I enjoy an author who can make me laugh out loud. There aren’t many out there who can. Tawna Fenske is a new voice on the scene, and she knows how to write humor. Her characters and storylines are just plain old fun! I still chuckle thinking about that black thong…

What I Did for a Duke by Julie Anne Long – this was my first Julie Anne Long book and I can certainly say I’m hooked. I really enjoyed these characters and just had fun with them. I look forward to reading a lot more of her books in the future. With all of the historicals on my list this year, this one didn’t miss the cut by much at all. So very close!

Well, now we go from my Best of the Year to my Worst of the Year reads. I’m teased by some of the reviewers here at the Pond that I like everything I read. Well, that’s not technically true, because there are those books that sometimes don’t do it even for me. So I have a few. One doesn’t surprise me, one does, and the others just surprised me as I read them. And the biggest surprise is they’re all Scottish historicals, which I love to read. Now you know really how painful these were for me!

~ Must Love Kilts by Allie Mackay – I always try to give an author a second chance when one of their books doesn’t work for me. I believe I’ve given Ms. MacKay a third and fourth chance. I doubt there will be another chance in the offing any time soon. So this one didn’t surprise me at all. And that’s really too bad, because I wouldn’t mind getting a look at the covers on her books. Those I love. You can see my review here, if you’d like.

~ In Bed with a Highlander by Maya Banks – needless to say, this one surprised the ever livin’ hell out of me, as much as I love Ms. Banks’ romantic suspense novels. Honestly, I’m still flabbergasted at my reaction to this book. I expected to love it, every last word. But something went horribly wrong for me. I didn’t grade it super low just because of who the author is – at least the characters worked for me – but I just couldn’t get past other things. I feel another tear coming on. My review is here.

~ Captured by the Highlander/Claimed by the Highlander by Julianne MacLean – I’ve not read Ms. MacLean before these books, and I now know I shouldn’t have started here. I have a lot of her books in the TBR mountain, so it definitely surprised me during reading that these books just don’t work for me on any level, except maybe her characters. Despite their sounding like modern-day people and the books being nearly mirror images of each other, I do like the heroes and heroines. It’s everything else that needs work. I have yet to try the third book, and I don’t know how soon, if at all, that’s going to happen. My reviews can be read here and here.

So how do your 2011 reads stack up to my list? Any you agree with? How about vehemently disagree with?

Sandy M’s review of Whispers in the Dark (KGI, Book 4) by Maya Banks
Romantic Suspense published by Berkley 3 Jan 12

Hi, my name is Sandy. And I’m addicted. To Maya Banks’ Kelly boys. Hooboy. I was a goner with the first book, and now with the fourth? Needless to say, I’m not coming up for air anytime soon.

This time it’s Nathan, one of the two youngest Kellys, twin to Joe, who goes through hell to find love. As we learned in the previous book, the twins were finally leaving their military service to come home and join their brothers at KGI. Before that could happen, they are both severely injured, Nathan taken hostage in Afghanistan. He’s beaten and tortured, forced to watch his brothers-in-arms also being tortured, even ultimately killed to try to force him to talk. It’s during a rare moment of solitude that an angel comes to his aid. She soothes his soul, takes his pain away, boosts his spirits – all in his mind, of course. Which can’t be. Has he finally gone around the bend?

Shea is telepathic and has been on the run for a year now. Separated from her sister by necessity of protection – information concerning each other that they don’t have can’t be shared – from those who want them both for their powerful abilities. But when she hears a man in pain, needing comfort, she can’t leave him to suffer alone. Stealing into his mind, she bolsters him enough to give him that extra spark he needs to keep going, enough hope that he’ll make it out alive. Shea stays with Nathan until he’s able to escape his captors and his brothers arrive to take him home. Then she’s gone. Totally. No matter how he calls for her, Shea doesn’t answer.

Bereft at the loss of his angel, Nathan is back home, healing. At least physically. It’s his spirit and mental capacity that he doubts. Was she real? Or just his imagination, a way his brain needed for him to survive his ordeal? And though it was thoughts of his family that kept him going while in captivity, now that he’s with them, he seeks solitude more and more, confusing and worrying his loved ones even further. Then everything changes when Shea reappears, her lovely voice echoing through his mind. But just as quickly her pain and fear overwhelm him, and Nathan knows he has to get to her soon. Wanting to include his brothers but knowing that will take too long, he commandeers a KGI jet, but even that seems to take forever to find Shea.

Once Nathan has Shea in his arms, he knows she’s the one for him. They share a bond like no others. They’ve seen and felt each other’s pain and fear and hopelessness, given each other the will to go on. Shea feels the same, she trusts Nathan and it’s heaven to trust someone again. She’s been on her own for far too long. Now her only concern is to find Grace, her sister. But Grace has gone silent after one last, very cryptic telepathic communication, and now Nathan and Shea are on the hunt to bring her to safety.

Maya Banks is another author for me who makes me feel everything her characters go through. Nathan’s pain and anguish in the beginning are palpable. Shea’s connection with him screams of hope. The love between them when they finally meet in the flesh is electric and soul deep. Then there’s all the intermediate emotions of the Kellys when Nathan’s fate is unknown, Shea’s fear for her sister, and then her own terror when all their plans are thrown into the wind by someone they thought they could trust. There isn’t a page in this book that doesn’t radiate with some type of feeling, even laughter, which is always a must when the Kelly family is together.

While the emotion in these books is what draws me back to them – well, besides the alpha, sexy heroes anyway – the heart-pounding action of ambushes and rescues and the like is also habit-forming. The scenes at Shea’s family home with the panic room never slow down until you’re about to jump out of your skin. There’s a few scenes like that, in fact. The helicopter scene later in the book is the same. It’s shorter but packs the same punch. I also enjoy Nathan and Shea’s telepathic communication with each other, especially in a car full of his brothers and other team members. There’s plenty of surprises throughout this story, fun and otherwise.

We’re now down to two Kelly brothers, Donovan and Joe, and this series will be over. Withdrawal will then be imminent for me. I’m not sure what I’ll do after that. I know I will be lost for a time. Maybe the Kellys have some cousins or other relatives – long-lost brothers? – who will save me. Yes, reaching for straws is a bad sign. I know I don’t want this addiction to come to an end.

Grade: A+

Summary:

She came to him when he needed her the most

She came to him at his lowest point. The voice of an angel, a whisper in the dark. She’s the only thing that gets Nathan Kelly through his captivity, the endless days of torture and the fear that he’ll never return to his family. With her help, he’s able to escape. But he isn’t truly free, because now she’s disappeared and he’s left with an all-consuming emptiness as he struggles to pick up the pieces of his life. Did he imagine his angel? Or is she out there, needing his help as he’d once needed hers?

Now he rushes to save her before it’s too late

Shea has been on the run from people who will stop at nothing to exploit her unique abilities. She never wanted to drag Nathan, who’d already suffered so much, into danger, but she doesn’t have a choice so she reaches out to him for help. Finally face-to-face after having already formed a soul-deep bond in hell, their emotional connection is even more powerful than their telepathic one. Nathan refuses to consider ever letting her go again, but she worries they can never have a life free of the dangers that dog her every step. He’ll protect her with his every breath, but can he convince her that they are meant to face these threats together?

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of In Bed with a Highlander (McCabe Trilogy, Book 1) by Maya Banks
Historical Romance published by Ballantine Books 30 Aug 11

I have anticipated reading this book for a while now. I have had the best time reading Maya Banks’ KGI series and her Colter series. So when I learned she’d be writing a Highlander trilogy, well, needless to say I was in heaven. Highlanders by Maya Banks? How could you not love that???

So imagine my surprise, my amazement that I don’t love this book. I like it. I just don’t love it. In Bed with a Highlander doesn’t have the emotion that I’ve come to expect from Ms. Banks after reading the first three books about the Kelly family, and even the Colters wrung more feeling out of me than Ewan and Mairin do. Now, all that isn’t to say this is not a good book. Maybe my expectations aren’t fair in comparing IBwaH to those other, but what’s a reader/reviewer to do when faced with such a dilemma?

Mairin is the bastard daughter of the long-deceased King Alexander. She’s been hidden away at a convent the last ten years to keep her out of evil hands, due to the very large dowry that would go to her husband should she marry. Her pleasant and uncomplicated life is about to have a total turnaround. There’s always one laird who can figure out how to get what he wants, and Mairin is abducted from the convent and forced to marry said laird. But with some unexpected help, she escapes his clutches only to end up in the hands of Ewan McCabe, another laird but one who doesn’t beat women and children. He will, however, marry her to keep her riches for his clan.

The McCabe clan has been through hell and back, when an attack on them years before nearly decimated their numbers. Ewan has worked hard to rebuild, and this boon of having Mairin land in his lap will cement the future of his people. He quickly learns his intended has a willful streak, disobeying him at every turn. That only makes her more attractive to him, despite the frustration he goes through each time she acts on her own. Mairin begins to love not only her laird but his clan as well. She’s never belonged anywhere before, and what she finds with these people is just what she needs to blossom and grow.

In the midst of all of this, there are attempts on Mairin’s life. Ewan and his brothers work to find the culprit, even accusing a neighboring laird of the dirty work, which tosses their peace talks into chaos. In the bedroom, however, all is right with world. Mairin learns fast and discovers her sexual power over her husband, who fiercely enjoys giving himself over to his wife. These scenes aren’t as steamy as in Ms. Banks’ others books, but they work here. In fact, one time I do feel the emotion I mentioned before is the scenes where Ewan is scared spitless he may lose Mairin and also when they finally admit their love to each other, but this is very late in the book. And I do like the relationship between the brothers. They have each other’s backs no matter what. I also enjoyed the scenes with Crispin, Ewan’s son. He takes to Mairin immediately in their dire circumstances and welcomes her as his mother, no questions asked. The scenes between father and son are also one those of few emotional times in the story.

What I didn’t care for is the dialogue throughout most of the book. Most of the time these characters sound like modern-day folks. Yes, there’s a “’twas” and a “nay” and a few other words thrown in here and there, but there’s no brogue to be found anywhere. Not even a “verra.” Which I would have been happy with even used sparsely. I want more of a feeling of the Highlands in the story and it’s just not there.

We do get a nice setup for the next book in the series, Seduction of a Highland Lass, and I have to say that I’m intrigued after learning that Alaric’s story is not going to go as you think once you’ve finished this book. So that alone will keep me reading. I’m even intrigued after reading the blurb for Caelen’s book, Never Love a Highlander, which isn’t what I expected either. I’m hoping for the unexpected to keep driving me along, since I have to assume the dialogue won’t change in either of those books.

So In Bed with a Highlander has its up and it has its downs. It’s still Maya Banks, and if you’re a fan, give it a try. It may be for you. You won’t know till then.

Grade: B-

Summary:

Ewan McCabe, the eldest, is a warrior determined to vanquish his enemy. Now, with the time ripe for battle, his men are ready and Ewan is poised to take back what is his—until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust upon him. Mairin may be the salvation of Ewan’s clan, but for a man who dreams only of revenge, matters of the heart are strange territory to conquer.

Though the illegitimate daughter of the king, Mairin possesses prized property that has made her a pawn—and wary of love. Her worst fears are realized when she is rescued from peril, only to be forced into marriage by her charismatic and commanding savior, Ewan McCabe. But her attraction to her ruggedly powerful new husband finds her craving his surprisingly tender touch; her body comes alive under his sensual mastery. And as war draws near, Mairin’s strength, spirit, and passion challenge Ewan to conquer his demons—and embrace a love that means more than revenge and land.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

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:

Ash’s review of Hidden Away (KGI Series, Book 3) by Maya Banks
Romantic Suspense published by Berkley 01 Mar 11

After reading the first two books, I was a little worried that Hidden Away would be more of the same thing with different people. I’m very happy to be wrong.

I never had a favorite Kelly brother, until Hidden Away. In the first two books, the focus is so much on each hero that the other brothers are kind of in the background. I have found a favorite, and I wish I could read this book all over again just for him. Garrett is just plain awesome. I wish more heroes are like him. He is the perfect alpha male without going overboard. He does what needs to be done and he won’t apologize for it. I didn’t expecting to enjoy him so much. He is just what Sarah needs after all she has gone through. Sarah is the typical heroine for this series, damaged and in need of protection. She at least tries to save herself, which I appreciate. So while she does need to be saved from physical threats, emotionally she doesn’t need Garrett to save her. I like Sarah, and I like Sarah with Garrett.

Hidden Away is less emotionally driven than the previous two books, and I love that. There is more action, violence, and I really wondered how in the world they would overcome the obstacles in their relationship. Sarah loves her brother and to her he isn’t a bad guy. Seeing him through her eyes makes him more human and not just some villain to be killed off. I almost want there to be some way for him to redeem himself.

As for the secondary characters, I don’t usually like when books switch POVs, but it works here. We get just enough of everyone to want more, and we get to see what is going on with Ethan and Rachel and Sam and Sophie.  Also, the Kelly brothers finally figure out what they should be doing with Rusty, their new sister. I love the scenes with her. Rusty is someone I can relate to in a way and I want her to be happy. I am hoping this series will be sticking around long enough for her to get her happy ending.

My only complaint is that I feel like the ending came together a little too neatly. After all the stress of wondering how Sarah would handle the truth and what would happen with her brother, it all feels rather anti-climatic. A little too much ‘they rode off into the sunset’ for me.

Hidden Away is the best so far, and this is still a series that I am eager for more of. I’m grateful there is no shortage of people to write about and I can’t wait to see who’s next.

Grade: A-

Summary:

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 here.

Other books in this series:

When anyone asks me what I am waiting for, there is really only one book that I immediately think of. I am pretty blinded to anything else, so I had to look at what’s coming out. These are what I found, which I mostly knew about, but they just got shoved into the back of my mind.

Lover Unleashed by J. R. Ward

I don’t think anyone else could write a world like this and get away with it.

The Darkest Secret and Dark Taste of Rapture by Gena Showalter

I love her books. I can’t say I’ve ever read one I didn’t like. She is an auto buy for me, no matter what the book is.

The Vampire Voss by Colleen Gleason

I’m really looking forward to all her books that are coming out this year.  I love her Gardella Chronicles books, so I am excited for this one.

Ghost Story by Jim Butcher

Every April, it’s not spring that I am looking forward to, it’s Harry Dresden! My favorite Urban Fantasy man will be back again and I so cannot wait. This is my 2nd most wanted book this year.

Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh

This is the book I have been waiting years and years for! Hawke is just….well, words cannot describe how badly I want this book right now. I don’t think I have ever been so anxious for a book that wasn’t Harry Potter.

Naked City anthology

Jim Butcher and Patricia Briggs, it doesn’t get much better than them in urban fantasy.

Hidden Away by Maya Banks

I think this is my favorite contemporary series. Maya Banks knows how to write amazing emotional love stories.

I am going to stop here, there are so many books coming out this year, this list could be pages long.

I always have such a hard time pulling out the books I really like from a previous year. Yes, there’s too many, but it’s also difficult because sometimes you can’t choose because you can’t compare books in different genres. Though I read mostly historical and paranormal, I also enjoy contemps and romantic suspense a lot. Thus, I poured over my entire 2010 review list, chose those that I really loved, and then the difficulty began in whittling it down. My biggest hurdle is books from a series, if an author released more than one book in the year. Sometimes one of many stood out. Sometimes I couldn’t choose one over the other and sometimes I could. In that case, I’ve cheated and listed all the books I loved in that series.     It’s my list and I can do what I want!

So here they are:

10.  The Taming of the Wolf by Lydia Dare

While I’ve so far enjoyed all of the books in this series, it’s the hero, Dashiel, who stole my heart and has ended up my favorite of the series. Lydia Dare has stayed true to her characters and given readers solid, consistent, and intriguing stories. See my TTotW review here.

9.   Lessons From a Scarlet Lady by Emma Wildes

As I said in in my review of this book, it’s a breath of fresh air. Emma Wildes writes a terrific couple who I loved to read about. They kept my interest the entire book, and I wanted more of them when I was done reading. I’m a new fan for sure.

8.   Broken by Shiloh Walker

It would be surprising to me if a Shiloh Walker book didn’t make my Top 10. She’s become a favorite very quickly and she’s never once disappointed me. Though I also enjoyed Fragile, it was Quinn who caught my interest and I anxiously awaited his story. I love a broken, tortured hero and Quinn fit the bill to a T. Read about him here.

7. The Fire Lord’s Lover by Kathryne Kennedy

I became a huge fan of Kathryne Kennedy from the first book of her Relics of Merlin series and was really disappointed when I found she’s not been able to write more it at this point in time. But with her imagination, I shouldn’t have worried at all. Ms. Kennedy has given us another series that is simply awesome. The Fire Lord’s Lover is a perfect start and I can’t wait for more. My review is here.

6.  Raising Kane by Lorelei James – Shoulda Been a Cowboy, Cowgirls Don’t Cry & Slow Ride short story

I can never get enough of Lorelei James. Her stories are real, as are her characters. She doesn’t pretty up a book if tragedy is called for, and in doing so she tugs so hard on your heartstrings it ain’t funny. Her cowboys walk the walk and talk the talk. Her love scenes range from intense and raw to fun and lighthearted. You get everything in a Lorelei James book. Every book she released in 2010 is a Top 10, but Raising Kane is my fave. See my RK review here.

5.   Pleasures of a Notorious Gentleman by Lorraine Heath

Lorraine Heath has been a favorite of mine since I read her Texas trilogy and nothing changed when I read her first Regency. She’s simply and truly wonderful. I loved this entire London’s Greatest Lovers trilogy, but it’s Stephen’s story that I really remember. I had my doubts about him, as I said in my review, but he turned out to be one of those heroes you’ll never, ever forget.

4.   Moon Craving by Lucy Monroe

You know those books you wait for? And wait for? Forever, it seems? Moon Craving is one of those for me. I fell in love with Lucy Monroe’s werewolves in her first book, Moon Awakening, in her Children of the Moon series, and I wanted more. But it took a few years for that next one. The wait was worth it, however. Another terrific story for Monroe and paranormal fans. Read my review here.

3.   The Darkest Hour by Maya Banks – No Place to Run

I have so fallen in love with the Kelly Family in Maya Banks’ KGI series. Especially those Kelly boys. They’re alpha and yummy and they still obey their parents. And they fall hard when they find their heroines. So, hell, what’s not to love?? Read about those Kelly boys here.

2.   Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh – Play of Passion & Blaze of Memory

Nalini Singh is one of those authors who you’re going to love no matter what she puts on the page. I can’t imagine anyone arguing with that, if they’ve read any of her books. Bonds of Justice takes the No. 1 spot – by a very narrow margin over Play of Passion – for me of her books in 2010 because I sobbed reading this book. I very, very rarely cry when reading. It takes something so very special for me shed a tear while reading, but when it happens, I remember it. So due to my full-out sobbing near the end of BoJ, I’ll never forget Max and Sophia. Read my review about them here.

Now for my No 1. pick, I couldn’t decide between these two books, so they’re co-winners. They win not only for the story, the worlds the authors have created, but also for the beautiful, lyrical, haunting writing these authors possess. It takes an awesome author to be able to keep momentum and creativity and imagination in a series going, to make the next book better than the last. Both of these authors have those things down pat. I never have to hope the next book will disappoint me because it won’t be as good as the first or the one just prior. I know the next book will be even better.

1.  Haunting Warrior by Erin Quinn & Crown of Crystal Flame by C.L. Wilson

Erin Quinn’s Haunting series is just that, haunting. In storyline. In characters. In writing. Absolutely stunning all the way around. I am breathlessly waiting for the next installment this April. I will have myself locked in my room until that book is finished.

C.L. Wilson’s Tairen Soul series was a treat and a treasure to read. This last installment brought everything together for an absolutely stunning ending that left readers gasping. The way this woman strings words together is just amazing. I’m sad this series is now complete, but readers of the series know that their favorite characters will be featured in future books. That’s worth waiting for.

Notice I used “absolutely stunning” for each of these authors. Wasn’t a mistake. Completely intentional. Cuz it just is.

Because I had a huge list picked out before I cut it down to my Top 10, I do want to give mention to those that just barely missed the cut.  So here are my Honorable Mentions in no particular order :

Drink of Me & Stealing Kathryn by Jacquelyn Frank – An imagination that is just awesome!

Shadows at Midnight by Elizabeth Jennings – I know Ash didn’t care for this one, but it’s on my keeper shelf!

Taming the Highland Bride & The Hellion and the Highlander by Lynsay Sands – I love Lynsay Sands! I need to start reading her vamps…

Legend of the White Wolf, Seduced by the Wolf & Wolf Fever by Terry Spear – Yuuuuuuuuuuumy werewolves!

A Highlander’s Homecoming by Melissa Mayhue – Time travel. Scottish Highlanders. One of the best at both!

Marked & Entwined by Elisabeth Naughton – Zodiac warriors to die for! Also try her Stolen series.

Naked Edge by Pamela Clare – Hawt love scenes! Oh, and a great mystery and thrilling suspense too!

A Kiss to Kill by Nina Bruhns – Oh my! I want more, more, more!

Infamous by Suzanne Brockmann – I love her romances within a romance. And I love this cowboy!

The Chief by Monica McCarty – I love this concept of Highlander Special Ops! Fun, intense, and so romantic!

Shadow Bound by Erin Kellison – Debut author done good. Terrific and dark!

Shut Up & Kiss Me by Christie Craig – Only humorous book on my list. There’s a reason for that. She’s one of the very best!

Destined to Last by Alyssa Johnson – Beautifully written with such engaging characters. Can’t wait to see what she does next!

The Treasure Keeper by Shana Abe – Dragons! ‘Nuff said.

And even I have a few books that didn’t make the grade for me in 2010. Mikey really doesn’t like everything!

4.   Mad, Bad and Blonde by Cathie Linz

Waaaaaaaaaay too much snipping and sniping and insulting going on between the hero and heroine for me. It went on and on. And on. And on. And on. And that’s too bad because the first part of the book is good. Right up until the heroine went blonde. See my review here.

3.    Time Storm by Samanta Winston

Sigh. Even the time travel didn’t help this book. We only get to know the characters through their fucking. Pirates and danger and all that goes with it was okay, as was the time travel, but it just wasn’t put together to keep my interest. I remember being glad it’s a short story. My review can be read here.

2.   Tomorrow is Another Day novella by Sandra Hill in the Ladies Prefer Rogues anthology

Even the play on Gone with the Wind didn’t save this novella. The characters didn’t work for me either all because of their attitudes. At least the time travel element worked. Guess I should be grateful for that. My review is here.

1.   Passionate Pleasures by Bertrice Small

This book is just a mess all the way around. The characters are likable but that’s about it. It felt like Ms. Small just tried too hard to write erotic romance. I think her niche is historicals and she should stick with that. You can read my review here.

So it seems I read more good books than bad in 2010, which is pretty great. These are the ones I loved most of all and that I now want to go read right this minute.

10. When Blood Calls by J. K. Beck – This book has one of my favorite heroes. I absolutely love Luke and I can see myself re-reading this again for him alone.  There is lots of great potential with this series, so I might be willing to overlook the second book. More on that one later, though. See my review here.

9. Bitter Night by Diana Pharaoh Francis – It’s hard to find an urban fantasy that stands out. I read so many books that if I don’t write down my thoughts I quickly forget what I love or hate about it. Bitter Night has stayed in my head and the next book, which just came out, is in my needs to be read soon pile.

You can read my review here.

8. The Darkest Hour by Maya Banks – Maya Banks has become a favorite author of mine when it comes to romantic suspense. Even though these don’t feel very much like romantic suspense to me, it has everything I usually want out of the genre. My emotions get involved and I’m hooked. I love the Kelly family and I hope I get to spend a lot more time with them in future books. My review is here.

7. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare – This book and series for me is like Twilight all over again. The staying up late, anxiety over what could happen next, wanting the couple to overcome their seemingly insurmountable problems and be together. For some reason young adult books turn me into the stereotypical romance reader. I become a teenage girl again and these books are like crack to me. I’m sure there are flaws in this book, but I get sucked in and I can’t see beyond the page I’m reading.  Also, I would pick Jace over Edward any day.

6. Enemy Within by Marcella Burnard – I don’t read sci fi romance nearly as often as I’d like to. It seems to be a genre that I forget how much I like it until I’m reading another book. I probably wouldn’t have thought to read this book unless it’s been sent to me to review. It really would have been a shame if I had missed this book. It’s fun and exciting, everything I could want from the genre.

5.  Mocking Jay by Suzanne Collins – This is a hard book to read, a hard series to read, but it belongs on my best of ever list. My review of it says it all, and I’d rather not get into the emotions of it all again. There are some books I just have a hard time moving on from once the final page is done, and this is one of them. I just hope the movie based on this series can live up to the book.

4. Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips – I wish I could read this book again for the first time. I’m not a huge contemporary fan, I’m picky with them and I think it’s because paranormal is my first love. After reading about vampires, demons, and angels, real life books just seem a bit dull. Not at all the case with Kiss an Angel. This is the only contemporary book that is on my keeper shelf, which itself is not very big, I don’t tend to keep many books. I’m very tempted to go start this book again, just from typing this.

3. Silver Bourne by Patricia Briggs – This is one of my favorite series that I can honestly say I have enjoyed every book. Briggs knows how to write a story and keep it fresh. Mercy and Adam are on the top of my favorite characters list. If you haven’t read this series, then you are missing out.

2. Archangel’s Kiss by Nalini Singh- Of course I couldn’t make this list without having a book by Ms. Singh on it. She can’t really do any wrong to me, and I can add any of her books here. I love Elena and Raphael and the rest of the characters in this world. It’s angels and vampires, a must read for anyone.

1. Changes by Jim Butcher – I can’t think of anyone who tops Harry in the urban fantasy world. I can’t even express how much I love Harry, this world, and Jim Butcher. This is the 12th book in the series so I can’t really say anything without giving everything away. If you aren’t reading it, you should be.

And now…the bad. There aren’t as many, which was good for me.

5. Evermore by Alyson Noel- I don’t think this book would be so well liked if it wasn’t the ‘in’ thing right now. It doesn’t stand up to the really good paranormal young adult books. It’s boring and underwhelming.

4. Tempted by a Warrior by Amanda Scott – The characters are uninteresting and the plot is predictable. I couldn’t stand the heroine and I ended up skimming the book. Not sure I plan to bother reading any more by Amanda Scott.

3. Finding the Lost by Shannon K. Butcher – This book is just bad. It’s a series that I can’t seem to stop reading, even though I don’t like it very much. I do have to say the latest book in this series is a bit better, but not a great read by any means. Finding the Lost is my least favorite and I still don’t really care what happens to Andra and Paul. In fact, in the latest book, I hate Andra even more. She isn’t the type of person I could ever like, and because of her, I couldn’t find anything to like about Paul. See my review here.

2. When Pleasure Rules by J. K. Beck – What makes this so bad is not even the fact that it’s a bad story, but that I enjoyed the first book so much. I don’t understand how one book can be one of the better ones I’ve read and the next is almost the worst. I still don’t know if I will read the third book, I don’t want to waste time on what could be another bad book. I hate that what I thought would be a great new series has turned out to be such a dud. You can read my review here.

1. Shadows at Midnight by Elizabeth Jennings – My review pretty much says it all. I kind of wish I never had to read this. If I was one to throw books, it would have been this one.

]]> http://goodbadandunread.com/2011/01/10/ash-reviews-the-good-and-the-bad-of-2010/feed/ 1 http://goodbadandunread.com/2010/12/22/review-no-place-to-run-kgi-series-book-2-by-maya-banks/ http://goodbadandunread.com/2010/12/22/review-no-place-to-run-kgi-series-book-2-by-maya-banks/#comments Wed, 22 Dec 2010 07:00:17 +0000 Sandy M http://goodbadandunread.com/?p=12843

Sandy M’s review of No Place to Run (KGI Series, Book 2) by Maya Banks
Romantic Suspense published by Berkley 7 Dec 10

No way was I missing this second book in Maya Banks’ KGI series. These Kelly boys have burrowed their way under my skin and into my heart. This time it’s Sam’s turn to fall, and amidst steamy lovin’ and betrayal from different directions, he definitely falls hard and he falls fast. Just the way I like it to happen.

During a KGI mission Sam meets Sophie, a waitress at a local restaurant in Mexico. They hit it off more ways than one and enjoy an intense affair until Sam gets the lead that tells him he won’t be seeing Sophie again. Walking away is the most difficult thing he’s done. But that doesn’t last long. The mission doesn’t go exactly as planned, and he heads back to their motel room, only to find the woman has taken off with no clue left behind.

Five months goes by and finally Sophie gets her chance for freedom from her father and his dispassionate, evil ways. Surprised the hell out of me the way that happened. She’s on the run as long as possible and knows the time has come to find Sam. She can’t make it on her own any longer and keep her baby safe at the same time. Surviving one last attempt by her uncle’s men, Sophie is found by Sam and his brothers as she floats unconscious down the lake by his home.

Finding the woman he hasn’t been able to forget is amazing. That she’s carrying his child is even more so. But doubt floats around in Sam’s head and heart. Why is Sophie here now? Why didn’t she come to him five months ago? And what’s she still hiding from him? From this point on, this book moves and it moves fast. In between the doubt and the secrets, Sam can’t stay away from Sophie, she’s that stuck in his system. And I’m glad, because these two combust every time they’re together.  ‘Course, I think it’s just because he’s a Kelly. Those men are burnin’ up, sizzlin’ hot!

Danger hits very close to home and Sam finds himself having to protect not only Sophie and the baby, but the rest of his family too. The surprises also keep coming. Ms. Banks throws us a good one, making both Sam and Sophie freeze in their tracks, tossing doubt out for all once again.

I’m glad we get to catch up with the other Kellys. There’s a lot of emotion in this book that matches what we read in the first in the series. I love Sam, of course, and Sophie is one strong woman, a survivor like you wouldn’t believe. I think all of the heroines for these Kelly men are going to be such; Rachel, from The Darkest Hour, lived through hell and is better for it. Same goes for Sophie.

Garrett’s book is next, Hidden Away, due out next year, and I’m already past anxious to read it. I know Ms. Banks will wow us again and again, so I can patiently wait for now.

Grade: A+

Read Ash’s review here.

Summary:

Sam Kelly was her first love.

The last person Sam Kelly expected to pull wounded from the lake was Sophie Lundgren. Once they shared a brief, intense affair while Sam was undercover and then she vanished. She’s spent the last months on the run, knowing that any mistake would cost her life and that of her unborn child—Sam’s child. Now she’s resurfaced with a warning for Sam: this time, he’s the one in danger.

Now he’s her last chance.

Sam has too many questions to let her slip away again—like why she disappeared in the first place. This time he vows not to be seduced. But one look in her eyes, and the passion burns again, and Sam knows he’ll do anything to keep her and his child safe. However, Sophie’s dark past is more dangerous than he imagines, and the only way for either to survive it is to outrun it.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Ash’s review of No Place to Run (KGI Series, Book 2) by Maya Banks
Romantic Suspense published by Berkley 07 Dec 10

I have been waiting for this book since I read the last page of The Darkest Hour. My expectations were pretty high and while I enjoyed it very much, it wasn’t as great as the first.

I started reading saying I would read a little before bed, and I ended up reading straight through to the end. Maya Banks knows how to draw you in, and in No Place to Run we start with Sam and Sophie together, before he leaves to finish his mission. Right away the chemistry between them is strong and I was excited to see what would happen. I won’t say it’s downhill from there, but it’s a choppy ride.It’s as if everything that happens is because it’s supposed to happen in that order. For example, when Sam and Sophie finally come together after she comes back into his life, it didn’t feel like the right time, but that it’s expected. Things are going good and then there has to be conflict, so one of them does something to cause drama. It just didn’t flow.

By the end, I really didn’t like Sam much.  I do have to say, however, that even though it felt formulaic, Maya Banks gets the emotions dead on.  When Sam and Sophie have moments together to talk or comfort each other, I’m in it with them. My heart hurt for Sophie, especially when she is surrounded by his family. I felt her pain, and all Sam seems to do is add to it.

I loved this family in The Darkest Hour. I loved reading about their relationships, seeing how close they are and how they pull together to help each other. In No Place to Run, I just want to smack them. I understand that they are suspicious of Sophie, and it makes sense for them to be, but the up and down gets old fast. One chapter they like her and she is family,  next they are suspicious and don’t trust her. Sam especially gets on my nerves. He doesn’t trust her, but he can’t keep his hands off her. I feel it’s unfair to Sophie, and I want her to get mad at him. She would see him and forget that he’s being a jerk. The worst is at the end, minutes after he admits to himself that he loves her, he turns and believes that she has betrayed them in the worst way. He never had faith in her, and if I was her I would have made him work hard to get me back.

So, I guess this doesn’t really seem like a B review, but Maya Banks knows how to write. I think the problem is I’m too connected to Sophie. I get mad for her. But I just could not put this book down and I want to read a book for every brother and KGI team member there is. It’s not often my emotions get so wrapped up in a book, but I feel what these characters feel; not just Sophie and Sam but also the other characters. Even Rusty, the teen Sam’s parents have taken in. She isn’t in the book much, but when she is, she is just as strong as anyone else.  I really like how Maya Banks is able to have the right amount of emotional and action.

I can’t think of another romantic suspense series that has given me exactly what I want out of it. For those reasons alone, this series is a must read for me.

Grade: B-

Summary:

Sam Kelly was her first love.

The last person Sam Kelly expected to pull wounded from the lake was Sophie Lundgren. Once they shared a brief, intense affair while Sam was undercover and then she vanished. She’s spent the last months on the run, knowing that any mistake would cost her life and that of her unborn child—Sam’s child. Now she’s resurfaced with a warning for Sam: this time, he’s the one in danger.

Now he’s her last chance.

Sam has too many questions to let her slip away again—like why she disappeared in the first place. This time he vows not to be seduced. But one look in her eyes, and the passion burns again, and Sam knows he’ll do anything to keep her and his child safe. However, Sophie’s dark past is more dangerous than he imagines, and the only way for either to survive it is to outrun it.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of The Darkest Hour (KGI, Book 1) by Maya Banks
Romantic Suspense published by Berkley 2 Sep 10

Oh my. This series is right up my alley. Alpha heroes who are brothers, stories full of emotion, loyalty and betrayal, danger and mystery, and love and romance. And it’s all written by Maya Banks. I’ve been in reader’s heaven the last day or so.

Ethan has been mourning his wife for a year. It’s the anniversary of her death, he’s tied a good one on, but not even that good drunk helps him through the pain and the guilt he’s felt before and after he lost Rachel.  In the middle of his current anguish, he receives a package that bring at first disbelief and then a miracle.

Going to his brothers to ask for their help in extracting his very-much-alive wife is both the first thing and the last thing he wants to do. Ethan knows they’ll think he’s crazy, but how can he not check out the information that Rachel’s been alive all this time, held captive in a Columbian shithole? And that’s where he knows his brothers will support him and they’ll help him forge a rescue.

All of this happens early in the book, so I knew right away, and especially in light of the emotion Ethan has already gone through to this point, that I would be in for a very emotional ride. And was I ever right. Rachel has been kept doped up during her captivity, so her memories are jumbled and mostly forgotten. She doesn’t know what’s real and what’s not a lot of the time. Except for her guardian angel. He’s always been with her and she’s knows  he will finally come for her to take her home.

But she’s going to a home and family that she can’t remember, friends whose faces don’t come to mind, and a marriage that she’s grateful for when in Ethan’s arms but one that also rises up to haunt her in her dreams. Between Ethan’s guilt and Rachel’s sublime memories and dreams, we know something had been very wrong in their relationship before her ordeal. Ethan is determined to make it right, even if he has to beg. He loves his wife, he knows he was wrong with his assumptions and accusations in the past, and he’ll do anything necessary to show Rachel he wants her and their life together.

Having to deal with so many thing at once isn’t enough for these two, though, and attempts on Rachel’s life that come out of the blue add to an already full plate for them and their family. There is a bit of a side story with a stray homeless girl Ethan’s mother takes in. I’m not sure at this point why that was done. She only makes things worse for the Kellys, so maybe that’s her purpose. Or maybe Ms. Banks has something in mind for her in future books.

But that isn’t enough to dampen my love for this story and this family. These men were raised right by their mama, taught to play hard and fair by their father, and they have turned out perfect as far as I’m concerned. The banter and arguing among them is fun to read. They act just like brothers do, flipping each other off, getting in one another’s face when necessary, but loving each other and supporting each other just the same.

The scene in which Ethan’s father shows him exactly how much he loves his son, how much losing his son – any of his sons – would cost him is one of the most moving scenes in the book. Of course, when Rachel is finally face to face with these parents of her heart, the tears flow freely along with smiles that won’t quit.

Sam’s book is next, the oldest brother. I am so looking forward to that. There’s six Kelly brothers and I hope, wish, pray that Ms. Banks writes about each one of them!

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…

It’s been one year since ex-Navy SEAL Ethan Kelly last saw his wife Rachel alive. Overwhelmed by grief and guilt over his failures as a husband, Ethan shuts himself off from everything and everyone.

His brothers have tried to bring Ethan into the KGI fold, tried to break through the barriers he’s built around himself, but Ethan refuses to respond… until he receives anonymous information claiming Rachel is alive.

To save her, Ethan will have to dodge bullets, cross a jungle, and risk falling captive to a deadly drug cartel that threatens his own demise. And even if he succeeds, he’ll have to force Rachel to recover memories she can’t and doesn’t want to relive—the minute by minute terror of her darkest hour—for their love, and their lives, may depend on it.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Ash’s review of The Darkest Hour (KGI Series, Book 1) by Maya Banks
Romantic Suspense released by Berkley 07 Sep 10

The blurb for this book is a bit misleading. Rachel’s rescue is only a small part of the story, and the whole suspense aspect of was almost in the background. The Darkest Hour centers mostly on Rachel rebuilding her life, and her marriage. The relationships between all the characters were strong and they felt real. It was what immediately drew me in.

At the beginning of the story we meet Ethan and his brothers. Their interactions felt genuine, and it was like looking in on a real family. The brothers joke around, hit each other, and throw each other in lakes. It was nice to see a group of bad ass ex-military men doing something other than standing around and scowling at each other. As soon as that happened, I was hooked.

Off they go to save Rachel and I was worried about the amnesia plot. It is one of my least favorite plot lines and I read on with apprehension. Thankfully, Maya Banks does a wonderful job with it. Rachel remembers some things, and one of those things is Ethan. It is hinted to us by Ethan that their marriage was not the best before Rachel was presumed dead. We don’t really know the facts until the end, but Ethan’s pain is obvious. Their scenes together were heart wrenching and I was rooting for them to get their happily ever after.

The Darkest Hour was centered more on the relationships of the characters. The whole Kelly family is terrific, and huge. There are a lot of men but they all stood out to me. Maya Banks knows how to make a character their own person, and instead of being overwhelming, all these people just made the book richer.

There is also the side plot of the boys’ mother, Marlene, taking in a homeless teen girl, Rusty. It was one of the few things I had an issue with. When it switched to those scenes, it took me out of the book and it felt like it didn’t belong. Rusty seemed to be there to make a certain thing happen, and then it’s almost as if she was forgotten about. She was in the background after that. The guys don’t like her and she is jealous of Rachel’s return. I wanted more with her and Rachel. Rachel seemed to understand Rusty and I was hoping for a relationship between them. I thought a lot more could have been done with her, but I expect to see her in the next books, so maybe there is more to her.

The whole mystery of why Rachel was kept captive for a year was a bit weak. She is being hunted by this mysterious villain, and when we do finally find out what is going on, it seemed like an after thought. There wasn’t much suspense in this book, but I didn’t care. None of these issues bothered me at all because the rest of the book was so strong. Rachel is a heroine that you can’t help but like. She has been through hell, and she still struggles to get through the day. I liked that she wasn’t suddenly wonder woman. She fights back against her attackers, and saves her self, but in a way that seemed real. She also ends up hiding in a corner scared out of her mind, which was true to her.

Ethan was the perfect hero. He felt like a real person, not some cardboard cut out alpha male. He has emotions and he shows them. He isn’t scared to cry, even in front of his brothers. I could see why Rachel fell in love with him.

I can’t wait for the next book, featuring one of Ethan’s brothers. I hope this series continues on with all the Kelly men, and their friends. This is a family I don’t think I could ever get tired of reading about.

Grade: B+

Summary:

It’s been one year since ex-Navy SEAL Ethan Kelly last saw his wife Rachel alive. Overwhelmed by grief and guilt over his failures as a husband, Ethan shuts himself off from everything and everyone.

His brothers have tried to bring Ethan into the KGI fold, tried to break through the barriers he’s built around himself, but Ethan refuses to respond… until he receives anonymous information claiming Rachel is alive.

To save her, Ethan will have to dodge bullets, cross a jungle, and risk falling captive to a deadly drug cartel that threatens his own demise. And even if he succeeds, he’ll have to force Rachel to recover memories she can’t and doesn’t want to relive—the minute by minute terror of her darkest hour—for their love, and their lives, may depend on it.

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of Colters’ Lady (Colters’ Legacy, Book 2) by Maya Banks
Contemporary Erotic Romance ebook published by Samhain 1 Jun 10

Just a few weeks ago I finished Colters’ Woman, so I’ve been curious how Ms. Banks was going to handle the next generation of Colters and their lady. I’m glad to say she’s done a terrific job. While keeping the “tradition” of the Colters alive, we see it come to fruition in a totally different way from Colters’ Woman.

Though the current generation of Colter men grew up as their dads and their dads before them have done, with three fathers and one mother, Seth, Michael, and Dillon never even gave a thought to the fact they’d do the same when it comes to their love lives. They each have gone about their lives separate and apart from the other, not thinking about sharing a wife among them.

And then Seth comes face to face with the woman that will change all of that in an instant. Volunteering at the local soup kitchen, a pair of eyes grab him soul deep. He doesn’t want her on the streets any longer, so he follows her and convinces her to go home with him just for the night and then they’d go from there.

Lily has shut herself off from everything, living on the streets after walking away from an life-altering, soul-wrenching situation, not caring about much. When Seth offers shelter and protection for a night, she can’t keep herself from agreeing, all the while chastising herself for trusting a stranger, anything could happen. But it ends up he offers her a slice of heaven.

Then she meets Seth’s family, and they welcome her with open arms. But it’s his brothers and their reactions to her — and hers to them — that causes her more anxiety and a whole lot of pleasure. For Seth, Michael, and Dillon, it’s a lot of rearranging their lives and commitment to making a relationship with Lily work, especially because they never thought they’d be sharing the one woman that makes them each happy and complete.

When Lily decides she does want a life with these three amazing men, she knows she can’t move forward until she faces her past. And what a past it is. Filled with emotion, anger, guilt, it’s eaten at her for a long time. Even the confrontation she forces is emotion filled — and not at all what she expected.

Ms. Banks has given readers what they’ve come to love about the Colter family but in a very different way than what she’s done in Colters’ Woman. That difference kept me reading and loving these grown-up Colter men just as much as their fathers. And I like the fact she’s given us the entire family throughout the book, giving love and support to our heroes when needed.

I’m really looking forward to Colters’ Daughter, Callie’s book. It will be interesting to see what she does in finding Callie her love. Or loves? Oh, how I hope so. That will be really interesting!

Grade: B+

Summary:

Can their love give her the strength to overcome the tragedy in her past?

When police officer Seth Colter sees the delicate, shabbily dressed beauty in line at the soup kitchen where he’s serving, he’s gut shot over the idea of her being on the streets cold and alone. More baffling is the dark, possessive instinct that tells him she belongs to him.

For Lily Weston, home is a secluded nook in a back alley—until Seth offers her a place to stay. She’s wary of his offer, but even one night out of the cold is too much temptation to resist.

Seth is convinced Lily is his. The problem is, when his brothers lay eyes on her, the same primitive instinct comes roaring to the surface. The Colters never imagined they’d follow the unconventional path of their fathers, but they can’t ignore their mutual need to offer Lily their protection—and their love. But before Lily and the brothers can forge a future together, they must heal the deep wounds of her past.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Colters’ Woman (Colters’ Legacy, Book 1) by Maya Banks
Erotic Contemporary Romance published by Samhain 6 Apr 10

Though I keep reading erotic romance and I keep giving fairly low review grades on most of them, there are those few authors out there who know how to write them. Maya Banks is one of those authors. She gives a reader a complete story and doesn’t rely wholly on the erotic to carry her through to the end.

Adam discovers a woman nearly frozen to death on the side of the road near the mountain home he shares with his brothers. The moment he picks her up, holds her in his arms, he knows she’s the one he, Ethan, and Ryan have been waiting for, the one woman who will complete their lives, who will finally give them the family they’ve always wanted.

She’s run from the viciousness of one man into the arms of kindness, gentleness, and lustiness of three handsome men. Holly is afraid to let herself stay with the Colter brothers, knowing she’ll bring danger to their doorstep. But what woman can resist their plea for trust to take care of her, love for a lifetime, and hard bodies to keep her sated to her heart’s content?

Danger does come calling eventually and Holly takes control, resolves the issue her own way and the brothers must wait for the outcome, not knowing if their woman will come home again.

I have to admit I like the story idea behind this book. The Colters, as far back as two generations, have lived this life of three brothers sharing one wife. But it’s more than just sex that you get in most erotic books. You feel the emotions of each character, very distinct with each personality. Love is the main emotion this family has known for years, handed down from each generation, but they run the gamut of every other emotion in between, including, of course, lust and desire.

And these men are quite lusty indeed. This is the only area where I had a nitpick, however. Holly is a virgin. The Colter brothers have very, very healthy appetites in the bedroom. Granted, she goes in with her eyes wide open, but they go full bore with her the first night. One, she should have been exhausted much sooner than she was; two, she shouldn’t have been able to take everything and then some that they doled out to her the first time around with no problem.

But who am I kidding. Women, me included, drool over men like this because they’re well-rounded in all areas of a relationship. Because Ms. Banks gives an interesting story to go along with all that loving, I can overlook little nits like that.  And I certainly did.

I would have liked a little more history, though, on how this lifestyle actually began. We know the brothers’ grandparents lived this way, as well as their parents, but we’re never given anything as to why, how, when, where, and all those little details. It wouldn’t have to be much, just a tidbit or two of the genesis for something so unique that has lasted so long.

There is also a short story, Callie’s Meadow, included at the end of this book. It’s a follow-up eight years into the Colters’ marriage, letting us see how they’re getting along, what’s happened down the road, and a definite surprise for all involved, causing reactions aplenty when the news is revealed.

I enjoyed this so much that I’ve already started the next book in the series, Colters’ Lady. I just couldn’t wait, anxious to find out how the next generation gets through and deals with life and love in the Colter household.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Adam, Ethan and Ryan aren’t looking for women. They’re looking for a woman. One woman they know will share their lives and their beds. They’re losing hope they’ll find her, that is until Adam discovers Holly lying in the snow just yards from their cabin.

Adam knows she’s the one the minute he holds her in his arms, and as soon as his brothers see her, they know it too.  The only problem is convincing Holly of that fact—and protecting her from the danger of her past.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Limecello’s review of Sweet Temptation by Maya Banks
Erotic romance released by Berkley Trade 6 Apr 10

I’m going to tell you a secret. I didn’t think I’d like this book. First of all, I didn’t really like the excerpt I read in the end of the previous book, Sweet Seduction (which I did love). Second, I’m really not into the whole pain/BDSM thing that Micah and Angelina are into. Nevertheless, I did like this story. I felt that there was a strong emotional connection, and the angst was believable. And I do love me some angsty heroes who suffer for love.

Now my second confession is that… I don’t think I would have liked this book as much if I hadn’t read Sweet Seduction. Specifically, one scene that essentially explains BDSM and how/why the participants enjoy it and don’t feel degraded or anything. While it still doesn’t float my boat, I understand and accept it does others’, and the characters’.

I believe that I compartmentalized Sweet Temptation. Really, I have no other way of explaining it. There’s the scene in Miami, which I didn’t like. Then the scenes in “The House” – which is basically a BDSM club – which I’m also not into. I’m not into spanking already, and when whips and stocks are brought out? So, those parts to me are fuzzier, or factor as “gratuitous smexiness” and not really into the development of Micah and Angelina’s relationship. [But let me tell you - they are hot - especially later on in the book.]

Yet at the same time it does. Micah seeing Angelina at the house makes him realize that she’s grown up, is a woman, and a sexual being. I love the forbidden love story lines, and that’s at play here. Micah used to be in a ménage à trois [Dear God not a menage a trio - I want to smack anyone who writes that. Or cry when I see it] – and Angelina is the younger sister of the other male in the former relationship. Anyway, it’s the whole “she’s the kid sister of my best friend” type of unreachable woman story. Added to the fact that Micah’s wife and Angelina’s brother are dead… well, there’s survivor’s guilt as well. On both their parts, and that helps bring them together as well. (It’s also strange to think of Micah as a widower… yet fitting.)

I loved that Angelina had a “wake up” moment, wherein she realizes she can’t make Micah love her, and trying to integrate herself into his life if unwanted is not good. This really excuses so much of her other actions in the book which might have annoyed me otherwise. (What also helps is the fact that Micah is mad for her, and everyone knows it but him, so he  does need a bit of nudging.) Angelina also has some really stupid moments, but they weren’t too bad, and when it really counts she makes good choices.

Micah Hudson is… well, he’s a sexy bad boy that keeps himself removed from everyone. He’s a good friend but has secrets, even from those he’s closest to. Sweet Temptation also shows the network of incredible friends Micah has developed, which also makes him a dynamic character. I liked that he struggled with himself, and had to suffer the potential loss of Angelina. I love a tortured hero, and Micah does his fair share of suffering.

The plot and really smutty scenes (and there are a few of them – after all, this is Micah’s and Angelina’s story – it’s them, and part of them, and … almost necessary, in a way) were almost like different stories for me. I liked the plot, but wasn’t that surprised to learn who the villain was. (I also figured it out early.) Ms. Banks had mentioned a “huge plot twist”  – but I wasn’t blown away. In fact, I asked her if I had missed something. (I didn’t.)

I suppose I looked at what occurred as a rational and logical consequence or conclusion. Maybe it was a bit convenient but… then again, not – it was realistic. (And yes I’m being purposefully vague to avoid spoilers.) So in the end… I liked this book, and I plan on re-reading it. It’s still not my favorite of the series, but at this point it’s second on my “Sweet” list. I also have to give a “shout out” to the secondary characters. Most of them have gotten their own books, and I love revisiting with them, and seeing how their relationships are developing, both romantically, and then the friendship angle with the other couples. It’s fantastic.

I will have to say though, that I highly anticipate Conner’s book, and I expect to like it more than Micah’s. The question will be if I like it more than Nathan and Julie’s book (and as I said – I loved Sweet Seduction.) So if you’re a fan of Ms. Bank’s writing, and especially the Sweet series, I do recommend that you read this book. If you like a sweeter story, as opposed to something scorching hot… perhaps you might wait for Conner’s book. And as an aside… I really want Cole to get his story – so Ms. Banks, if you see this (or her publisher) … please give us Cole’s story!

Grade: B

Summary:

He was a by-the-book cop who broke the rules in the bedroom…

Micah Hudson has painful secrets he’s run hard from. He has new friends, a new life, but he’s about to be confronted with the one person who reminds him of all he’s tried to forget—Angelina, the sister of his oldest friend David. She knows everything about his past, including how he and David fell in love with the same woman, and how they decided the best way to prevent her from tearing them apart was to share her between them. But then a terrible accident left Micah alone…

She was willing to do anything to make him see the woman she’d become…

Micah lost the two people who meant the most in the world to him. Angelina lost her only family. And she kept her deepest secret close to her heart. Her love for Micah. No longer willing to wait, she decides it’s time to go after him and bring him to his knees. She knows his secrets, his desires, his kinks and fetishes, and she’ll use whatever it takes to reel him in. Behind the easy going, loves women exterior lies a man with dark needs and passions. She can give him what he wants. But will he decide she’s what he needs?

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Limecello’s review of Sweet Seduction by Maya Banks
Erotic romance released by Berkley on 6 Oct 09

Hands down, this is my favorite book by Maya Banks. It’s also the best book I’ve read in a while. I’ve been in something of a reading slump – well, all year- so I’ve been re-reading Sweet Seduction - parts – over and over, because I’m scared of what else I might find (or not find) in a book. It’s a well written, rather light romance – and at this point, I can’t say enough [good things] about books like this. Ms. Banks stories seem to be hit or miss for me – although I do like her Silhouette Desires – this may be my favorite of the Sweet series. (The first two books are Sweet Surrender, Sweet Persuasion, and Sweet Temptation follows this book.) Sweet Seduction is a pure and simple romance, in the best sense of those words. No crazy twists or turns, no excessive shock value, just good old fashioned great story telling, and relationship building. And you know, I really like the cover too. This book is the total package.

Julie Stanford is a fantastic romance heroine. She’s not only someone you’d like to be friends with, she’s someone you wouldn’t mind being. Julie knows her own worth. She’s comfortable with herself, and even better, likes herself. Julie is also true to herself, well adjusted, well developed, and steadfast. All seem like boring characteristics, perhaps, but be honest- it’s refreshing and rather unique for those words to fit a romance heroine. Julie doesn’t crumble like a house of cards at Nathan’s first sign of interest… but she also doesn’t cut off her nose to spite her face – in that she decides to try to have a relationship with him, rather than sticking to her plan simply because she made it. (Well that and she basically attacks him first, but that’s the kind of girl Julie is.)

Nathan Tucker is a terrific romance hero. He’s so… normal – and I mean that in the best way. Yes, he’s incredibly hot and sexy, smart, dependable, I could go on, but in short, he has all the requisite perfect romance hero characteristics. In a way, I feel like what he’s “missing” is more important. He doesn’t have a dark or traumatic past. He’s not emotionally broken and bitter, nor is he a misogynist. I didn’t miss it at all. I never thought Nathan wasn’t interesting enough, or bland. Yes, he’s a bit clueless at times, but I thought it just made him more realistic. I also love that Julie about makes his head explode, but he takes it in stride because he’s fallen for her. Nathan decides he and Julie have a chance at something real, and he goes after her – after letting her call the shots at first. (And I have to say Nathan’s fleeting uncertainty and bashfulness at feeling inexperienced because he doesn’t regularly engage in threesomes… amusing, and endearing.)

I think I’m also so excited about this book in general because of what “isn’t” there. The heroine wasn’t raped or abused in the past. Yes, she’s had a few bad relationships, but nothing out of the norm. Not something you’d see in the evening news. I love that. I also really liked that the book started in a way near the “end” of Julie’s plan. She’s been trying to get Nathan to notice her- but he doesn’t show any interest. Thus, she’s going to seduce him, but more as a kiss off, really, to show him what he’s missing, and to get him out of her system once and for all. And she does. (And it’s great!) Consequently, Nathan has a little light bulb moment, and realizes that Julie really is into him.

I thought it was cute that Nathan was unsure at times, and … I hesitate to use the word “vanilla” but understand I mean it in the best way. He’s basically had – and is into – having great sex with one woman, and one man being involved. No other people, no strange or kinky games, etc. I think that really helped with the focus of the story as well, and the emotional development between Julie and Nathan. Ms. Banks really lays out what each character is thinking and feeling, their concerns and fears, and she doesn’t have to lay the groundwork or explain some sexual sub culture. Although of course, she does get a few scenes in, showing Damon and Serena from Sweet Persuasion, and a bit of what Micah is into – which leads into Sweet Temptation.

Speaking of – I didn’t really like the ending of Sweet Seduction I felt that it had too much of a series feel, that the focus shifted to Micah, and his story, rather than really ending Julie and Nathan’s. Nevertheless, Ms. Banks incorporated the Sweet sentiment and series feel through the other characters. There’s the part where Micah goes on his annual “vacation” – and then a scene between Damon and Serena at Damon’s club. It may appear to be a gratuitous sex scene initially, complete with bondage and whips, but I think it’s actually a key scene and point. It allows Julie to see what appeals to her friends about that lifestyle – one that really isn’t for her – and also, to see the emotional connection and love between the couples. It’s at this point that Julie decides she only wants a real relationship.

I love that Julie recognizes that Nathan’s feelings are real and earnest, and even more that Nathan says “I love you” first. I felt the ensuing scenes fit perfectly as well. All of Julie’s actions are realistic, and fit her personality. She didn’t pull any too stupid to live stunts, and I never felt frustrated by what the characters were doing. And I don’t think I can properly write a review without mentioning the “hot” factor. Get a fan, friends, because the chemistry and heat generated in this book? Off the charts. I hope I haven’t given anyone the wrong impression that this book is bland, or the sex isn’t “up to par” – it’s quite impressive. And Julie gets to act out a fantasy (or two).

I’m going to stop before I start repeating myself [more], but to summarize… I really liked this book. Really. think more heroes and heroines should be just like Nathan and Julie. Just. Like. No unforgivable acts, or unnecessary cruelty. Just two people, figuring out they’re meant to be together forever. The secondary characters are all well written – most have shown up in previous books (if not had their story told) – so there are a lot of fun cameos. I think it also helped that Julie has a great relationship with her girlfriends, and Nathan has his own “guy time” as well. The tone is friendly, and engaging. Props to Ms. Banks. Aside from a few subplots I felt were a bit distracting, or not entirely necessary, I have no complaints. I definitely recommend this book if you like Ms. Banks writing, or enjoy erotic romances. Or hell, even if you’ve been wanting to try one. Here is your chance. (And one last thing… Ms. Banks has some great one liners you have to read – I can’t resist, but one is “drunken butterfly” and name calling with the word “heifer.” Priceless.)

Grade: A-

Summary:

He was the stuff erotic dreams are made of

Salon owner Julie Stanford wanted Nathan Tucker ever since she gave him his first massage. Getting paid to feel every inch of his body, stripped, oiled, and spread out in front of her? Stuff dreams are made of. But the sexy lug was oblivious to the signals she was sending—until she finished off his final rub-down with something extra. In fact, the best extra he ever had. Unfortunately, he came around too late. Now Julie’s moving on…

She was everything he’d dreamed of

The woman was driving him crazy. She lit fire to his insides then ran like a scalded cat. And now she’s going to someone else to have all her fantasies fulfilled? Over his dead body… He’s more than willing to give her what she wants, and as soon as he pins the little minx down, he’d show her his own brand of sweet seduction.

Read an excerpt here – and the *first three chapters can be downloaded here. (*Note: it opens as a pdf)

Limecello’s review of The Tycoon’s Secret Affair by Maya Banks
Contemporary romance published by Silhouette Desire on 11 Aug 2009

I’m a big fan of the category line Silhouette Desire, and I’m a fan of Maya Banks as well, so the logical conclusion would be that I should like The Tycoon’s Secret Affair as well. I’m happy to say logic once again prevails this day. The Tycoon’s Secret Affair is the third book in Ms. Banks’s Anetakis Tycoons series, and I felt that it fit in best with this line. This is my favorite Silhouette Desire book by Ms. Banks and I’m looking forward to her other books. Hopefully she writes more for this line.

Jewel Henley is an interesting character, and not your typical romance heroine, which is something I found refreshing. Yes, she gets screwed over (hey, it is still a Silhouette Desire, ok?), but the way she handles it and deals with it are very much different from your usual category heroine. Jewel falls in love with Piers well before most women would, but she doesn’t let that ruin her life. She takes a few missteps, but is more than able to competently handle any and every situation. Jewel is also willing and able to move on with her life after the fall out, and I have to admit that was one of the best parts about this book.

Piers Anetakis is an interesting character. He’s the youngest brother, but with the most baggage. I read about him in the previous two books, but I didn’t really know much about him until The Tycoon’s Secret Affair. Piers is quite likable, and very emotional. It’s almost as if he feels too much, which is why he’s now so reserved and unwilling to trust in people or emotions. Piers is entertaining, and I admit I really enjoyed his possessiveness and antics. He’s not controlling in a negative sense, just determined. He’s really sweet most of the time, and grovels admirably when he realizes he’s wrong, so I was able to forgive him his misdeeds with relative ease.

I found this book satisfying, especially with the characterizations. In terms of plot, I noticed I was ¾ of the way through or more, and I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Or at least, for the emotional conflict – I knew there would be more. It made me nervous. However, the way Jewel responded to each situation was perfect. Upon reflection, there was a lot going on in this book, but Ms. Banks lays it out in a way that the reader isn’t confused, and is constantly engaged. Piers and Jewel seem to travel all over the Western Hemisphere, which I enjoyed. The descriptions of each setting, and how they felt about it really helped develop the character’s personalities.

For once, I also like that the title is merely a hook, and the story line is based on so much more. There were a lot of great twists and turns, and I think something that stood out was that Jewel generally didn’t seem like a victim. Yes, Piers inadvertently mistreats her (well, a number of times), but Jewel is able to move past that. Extenuating circumstances are what bring her and Piers back together. Another fun aspect was the cameo appearances by the other Anetakis men and their spouses. There was a satisfying mix of romance and plot. It was nice also, that the secondary characters actually had a legitimate role in the book.

I think The Tycoon’s Secret Affair was my favorite out of Ms. Banks’s Anetakis trilogy. I’m definitely looking forward to her next new book, and I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading Silhouette Desire books, or categories. I can’t resist a hot Greek Tycoon, nor a heroine who is down on her luck, but still able to handle the situation with aplomb. While it helps to read the trilogy in order, I think each works as a stand alone story as well.

Grade: B+

PREGNANT BY THE TYCOON

She hadn’t known she’d slept with the boss. But the next morning Jewel Henley learned the exotic stranger who’d swept her off her feet was her new employer, Piers Anetakis. And before she could explain, Jewel found herself without a job…and pregnant.

After five months Piers had finally tracked his one-night lover down. Determined to explain the mistakes that had been made, he was confronted with an undeniable truth. Jewel was carrying his child. His Greek honor demanded he marry Jewel. But was there more between them than lust…and was it enough to make their marriage of convenience last?

Read an excerpt here.

Limecello’s review of The Tycoon’s Pregnant Mistress by Maya Banks
Contemporary romance released by Silhouette Desire on 13 Jan 09

I really like books in the Silhouette Desire Line. I also have a positive association with Maya Banks (even before I read her books, really). Thus it seemed natural that I like this book. And I did. I was very excited about this story because I know so many readers enjoy Ms. Banks’s writing, and I’m pleased with the result. The Tycoon’s Pregnant Mistress is Ms. Bank’s first harlequin romance, and she’s off to a great start.

One thing I’d like to get out of the way is… the title, and even more so the book blurb and premise, made me think it was a Harlequin Presents in disguise. (Yes, I like harlequin books and feel comfortable enough with certain lines that I feel I “know” them.) However, there was a part near the end that was much more in line with the SD books, and that helped a lot. The Tycoon’s Pregnant Mistress uses a lot of common harlequin plot devices – the mistress who doesn’t think of herself as one, the secret baby, the evil Jezebel personal assistant, and hero/heroine with amnesia, but Ms. Banks manages to put a fresh spin on it, and delivers an enjoyable story.

Marley Jameson while likable, is something of a typical romance heroine. She’s put her life on hold for the man in her life, and has those rose colored glasses taped to her face. Even so, she’s likable. She’s sweet, normal, and simply a bit stupid from being hit by the love stick. (Thus the reader knows her compliance and general door-mat behavior with the hero is abnormal.) I liked how Marley became a bit more spunky when she was “herself” – albeit with amnesia. In fact, I felt that Marley was well developed because Ms. Banks was able to highlight so many aspects of her personality due to her situation. I felt that Marley really came into her own near the end of the book, and the way she acted was entirely reasonable and believable.

Chrysander Anetakis honestly is your Harlequin Presents hero – but with a twist. Frankly, he’s a jerk. He denies his emotions because you know, real businessmen don’t fall in love. And being an asshole is the way to set things straight. However, in his defense, he does change throughout the course of the book. And he really does have a number of good qualities, he’s simply (really) not in touch with his emotions. It’s cute watching him realize how much he loves Marley. That, and I love his comeuppance when he finds out what really happened (no I won’t give away the plot). All in all, while many people might hate him, I liked Chrysander. I just wanted to smack him at times. But he really, truly does redeem himself.

One thing that did bother me was how Marley reacted to Chrysander after they got back together. She had some TSTL/door mat moments. The assistant, Roselyn was also too obvious. However, all the other characters were well developed – even amongst their less than stellar moments – and I am looking forward to the stories of the other Anetakis brothers. I recommend this book for Maya Banks fans, as well as Silhouette Desire, and in fact Harlequin Presents books. And for people who love to see the hero suffer just a bit. I’ve got a tiny sadistic streak, and Chrysander definitely goes through the wringer. The story is emotional, and there’s a endearing quality to all of it – especially the end.

Grade: B

Summary:

He had an heir!

Greek hotel magnate Chrysander Anetakis’s former mistress was pregnant? And had amnesia? That meant Marley Jameson didn’t remember betraying him by selling company secrets. Or that he’d thrown her out of his life. So he told her a little white lie: they were engaged. Then he swept her away to his Greek island to await the birth of his baby and enjoy her sudden devotion…before tossing her out.

But he didn’t count on Marley regaining her memory so soon.

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of Into the Lair (Falcon Mercenary Group, Book 2) by Maya Banks
Contemporary Paranormal Romance published by Samhain 1 Jul 08

I am so loving this series. Shifters are my favorite to read and I enjoy so much the different way Ms. Banks has given us these shifters.  And the fact that they’re all alpha to the core doesn’t hurt one iota.

Ian and Braden Thomas are brothers and part of the Falcon Mercenary Group which formed at the end of the first book in the series, Into the Mist, which I also reviewed.  They, along with other members of their team, have been forced into their shifting lives when they were sprayed with a chemical compound on a prior mission.  Ian is a jaguar and Braden is a tiger, and they do everything possible to keep from shifting, including injecting themselves with a sedative when a shift is imminent.  Their current mission is to track down the sister of a deceased comrade before the man who caused their plight finds her.  From the moment they make contact with Kate Buchanan, she always seems to have the upper hand and they can’t figure out how a slip of woman can give them such trouble.  Especially when they’re only trying to help.

But Katie trusts no one.  Her brother Gabe taught her that and taught her how to survive.  She’s been on the run for a while now, trying to stay a step ahead of the brother of the man she killed.  Thinking the two men who are now after her this time work for that slim, she runs and throws at them every trick her brother ever showed her.  Even when they finally catch up with her and they explain who they are and what they want, Katie finds it too hard to trust, especially when she learns the truth about their hidden animals.  However, being back in her enemy’s hands makes her realize that Ian and Braden are the lesser of two evils.  It’s not until they both love her that the barriers come down and she finds what she’s always been looking for.

Of course, my favorite part of this books is those brothers.  Sexy as all get-out and as dominant as their inner beasts, they still have that slight sensitive side and you know they love one another.  That shows each time one of them shifts.  They want to make sure they’re far enough away from each other so they can do no harm to the other when in their animal form, and that eventually includes Katie when their feelings for her begin to change.  The love scenes are sizzling, demanding, and tender all at once, and that’s my second favorite thing in this books.

The third would be all the action, and there is loads of it.  We also get to meet the rest of the Falcon team again, including Eli and Tyana from Into the Mist. Their story isn’t totally over and there’s some lovely scenes between them here.  I’m really looking forward to Damiano’s book, Ty’s brother.  He’s the worst affected by their forced shifting, the worst tortured so far, so his book should be full of emotion, which is something Ms. Banks is excellent at.

Two down and hopefully a lot more to come.  This is one series I don’t want to miss a thing on!

Grade: A

Summary:

It was supposed to be an easy mission. But nobody told her that.

Ian and Braden Thomas return to the U.S. to extract Katie Buchanan, the sister of the teammate who betrayed them. She could very well be the key to taking down the man responsible for turning Ian and Braden into unstable cat shifters. Unfortunately, they’re not the only ones after Katie.

Katie has no intention of going quietly or of offering her trust on a silver platter. She’s got troubles of her own that don’t include two pain-in-the-ass men who claim her dead brother sent them. She’s too busy trying to stay one step ahead of Ricardo de la Cruz, the brother of a man she killed.

As the bodies pile up, Ian and Braden are only sure of one thing: Katie makes them crazy. Something about her calls to their inner predator. They both want her, but she’s made a practice of making bad decisions and trusting the wrong men. And by the time she realizes that she can trust these two warriors, it might just be too late.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

LauraJ’s review of Reckless (Red Hot Summer) by Maya Banks.
Contemporary Erotic Romance short story eBook released by Samhain Publishing 3 Jun 08

Maya Banks is a new author to me, but one I have wanted to try for some time. So when this book became available, I thought it would be a good one to try. Short stories to me are a great way to see if you are going to like an author and their writing without investing a lot of time and money.

I’ll start off by saying that I like Ms. Banks writing style. She has a wonderful voice and the story itself flowed easily, but the characters in this story left me feeling flat and for me to like a book I have to like the characters.

Nikki annoyed me as a heroine. I wanted to like her motivation for some of her actions (like wanting the first time to be with the guy she loves) but the way she goes about it was immature. The hero, J.T. was marginally better, but still lacked some characteristics I like in my heroes. Even though J.T. is several years older than Nikki he seemed immature as well. I want my hero and heroine to show some intelligence (even though occasionally they screw up and do something stupid) and I really didn’t see much from either.

Since this was my first experience with Ms. Banks books and even though I wasn’t crazy about this book I’m going to try some of her other books. I don’t like to judge an author on one book along (especially since I’m reading a short story as a opposed to a category or novel length where the author has more time to develop the characters. Those who like her books will probably enjoy this one. The sex scenes were hot (even though, to me Nikki seemed a little to knowledgeable to be a virgin).

Grade: D+

Summary:

He can run, but he can’t hide.

Sheriff J.T. Summers promised to keep an eye on his best friend’s little sister. What could possibly go wrong? A lot. “Little” Nikki Durant isn’t so little anymore. She’s sex on a stick, and she’s pointed right at him.

Nikki has always loved J.T., and she’s through waiting for him to come around. The soaring summer temperature is nothing compared to the heat generated when she sets fire to his senses. With a take-no-prisoners attitude, she’s out to get her man. But no matter how many ways she offers it, J.T.’s not buying.

What’s it going to take to get him to realize her love for him isn’t a passing fling? Get herself arrested? Hmm…

Read an excerpt.

Limecello’s review of Stay With Me by Maya Banks
Contemporary erotic romance released by Samhain Publishing 6 May 08

Maybe it’s my mood, or my brain has melted, but this book just didn’t do it for me. I’m one of those readers that always wants more, more, more emotion. I wouldn’t mind if 90% of a book was just the characters developing their relationship. In fact, I prefer it. It’s why I read romance. I don’t need a sub-plot, no thriller or mystery, precocious child or serial killer. (Yes, an interesting list there.) While this book is all about Catherine’s angst and her relationship with her husbands – it didn’t grip me. The first 21 pages just said the same thing. A lot. Catherine is sad. She’s pregnant. She’s lonely.

I didn’t really relate to her, and I’m afraid I didn’t much like her. (Mind you I didn’t dislike her.) I expected Cat to be a “stands up for herself and knows her own worth” character. After all, she leaves her husbands on their fifth anniversary. However, a third of the way through the book, I realized… Catherine was flat. In fact, all of the characters were static. Cat’s neglected, the men are overworked, and they have really hot sex. Their personalities, quirks, mannerisms, all seem underdeveloped.

There was a distinct lack of depth, and I remain skeptical. The entire book – once the Cat Rhys and Logan meet up, is about them proving their love for Cat, and her believing they do. The words “I love you” are bandied about in what should be an extremely satisfying manner (I’m all for characters admitting their feelings). But… they felt a little empty to me. They were just words. In the most literal sense.

Inane things, such as actual procedure for an ultrasound, distracted me. Additionally, there were some minor gaps within the plot. The three characters would be together, then one would inexplicably disappear. There was one instance, however, that I clicked around to make sure I didn’t miss anything. I didn’t. He just vanished. For about 15 pages.

I love the premise of this story – a couple (group?) realizing their marriage has fallen apart, and working to make it succeed. The very heart and soul of romance. There’s also the added bonus of two men and one woman. What gal wouldn’t love to have two sexy and successful guys madly in love with her – enough to share her? What could be more exciting to read about? Sadly, this book was merely passable for me.

Grade: C-

      Summary: 

      Getting her back will be the toughest deal they’ve ever negotiated.

      On the night of her fifth anniversary, Catherine Cullen-Wellesley intends to break the news to the two men in her life. She’s pregnant with their child. It’ll be the perfect preamble to the vacation they’ve promised her: Two weeks on a Jamaican beach. No cell phones, no emails, no business.

     But when Logan and Rhys blow off the trip for yet another “business emergency”, Catherine faces some difficult truths. She hasn’t come first in her busy husbands’ lives in a long time. Defiantly, she packs her bags for her long-awaited vacation-alone. It’ll give her a chance to figure out what the hell she’s going to do with the rest of her life.

     When Logan and Rhys come home to an empty house, they realize two things: One, it was a mistake to take Catherine for granted. Two, they’re not willing to just let her walk out of their lives.

     Winning her back will be the most difficult battle of their lives-more important than any business deal they’ve ever negotiated.

     Warning: This title contains explicit sex, ménage a trois, a polyamorous relationship, graphic language, and sex near a beach (and in the shower).

     Read an excerpt.

You should burn right alongside me.  Lookie!  Be With Me by Maya Banks, releases 4 Nov 08 from Berkley HEAT.  Oh my goodness!  Sorry about the steam on your screen from that cover!  Just wipe it off, with the same tissue you used to clean the drool off, and read this hot, hot, hot EXCLUSIVE excerpt…

     Three men. One woman. Hutch Bishop, Cam Douglas, and Sawyer Pritchard were juvenile delinquents with a reckless and wildly sexy side. But they had more in common than that. They had Regina Fallon, a wealthy but lonely girl from the right side of the tracks who formed an unusual friendship with the boys. She felt protected. She felt needed. She felt loved… for the first time in her life. By all three.

     So much closer than just friends.

     Today, she’s a police officer, dedicated to her badge, and wary of reigniting her relationship with the hot trio after one night of passion left her confused—and stunned—by what they wanted from her. But when a mysterious attempt is made on her life, Hutch, Cam, and Sawyer jump in to protect her again. Now, Regina and her three lovers are forming an all-new bond. It’s more exciting, more intense, and—as a killer looms in the shadows—more dangerous than ever before.

 E-X-C-E-R-P-T

Dusk was falling when Cam pulled up to the house and parked. Sawyer drove in beside him, and they both got out.

Cam looked over to see Hutch’s truck parked and Birdie’s car gone. He reached into the back of his SUV for a suitcase then slammed the door shut.

“Let’s get all the office shit tomorrow,” Cam said as he walked around the front to where Sawyer stood.

“Yeah, good idea. I’m looking forward to a cold beer.”

They mounted the steps, and Cam reached for the doorknob only to find the door locked. He frowned and reached for the keys he’d shoved into his pocket.

“Hutch getting paranoid on us?” Sawyer said dryly.

Cam inserted the key and turned it. He opened the door, shoved his suitcase inside and set it down in the foyer. As he and Sawyer walked in, he glanced into the living room to see Hutch sitting on the couch. The television was on, but the sound was way down.

He walked further in, and it was then that he saw Reggie lying on the couch, her head on Hutch’s lap. Hutch’s hand was resting in Reggie’s curls, and she was fast asleep.

“Drugged her again?” Sawyer asked in an amused voice.

Hutch didn’t smile. There was a darkness to his expression that Cam didn’t like. Sawyer caught it too. Hutch held up a finger to his lips then nodded to the chairs beside the couch.

Sawyer slouched into the first armchair, and Cam settled on the couch at Reggie’s feet. He slid his hand up the leg of her sweats to rest just below her knee.

“What’s going on, Hutch?” he asked.

Sawyer leaned forward in his chair, his elbows propped on his legs, his fingers forming a vee at his mouth.

“Someone broke into the house while we were gone,” Hutch said in a low voice.

“What the fuck?” Sawyer immediately turned his head away to staunch the outburst then turned back again. “What?” he asked in a quieter voice.

“Reggie stashed Birdie in the upstairs closet and went after him with one of your baseball bats.”

“Christ,” Cam muttered.

“It’s worse,” Hutch said. He looked at both Cam and Sawyer. “They think it might be the same guy who attacked her the other night.”

“Who is they, and why would they think that?” Sawyer demanded.

Hutch scowled. “I spoke to Jeremy after Birdie took Reggie home to get her gun.”

Cam shook his head then dug his fingers into his hair. He could feel the beginnings of a headache plaguing him.

“Start over. I’m confused. Someone broke in. Cops show up and think it’s the guy who attacked Reggie the other night, and she went home to get her gun?”

Hutch nodded. “In a nutshell.”

Sawyer gave Hutch a look of understanding. “She held out on us, didn’t she?”

“Yeah. She did.”

“You going to fill us in then?” Cam asked.

“Jeremy said they think it’s personal, that Reggie was the intended target, not the woman he killed. Apparently he called her Reggie which is something no one but us calls her. While he had his hands wrapped around her neck intending to strangle her, he told her that ‘it was time to make him pay’.”

“Son of a bitch,” Sawyer growled.

“Do they know anything else?” Cam asked.

“All Jeremy said was that they think it’s possible it could have something to do with her father. Politicians attract nutjobs with agendas. Maybe he doesn’t agree with Peter Fallon’s politics. Who the fuck knows. But they think he was the one who broke in today. No fingerprints. Just shoe prints outside that match the ones at the murder scene from the other night.”

“And we left her here with only Birdie for protection,” Cam said in disgust.

“Where is Birdie now?” Sawyer demanded.

Hutch turned to look at Sawyer. “She’s at home. Reggie’s department and the county guys are alternating patrols by her house. She lives just a block from the chief, so he’ll be looking in on her too. I wanted her to come out here, but she insisted on going home.”

“I’ll call her in a little while to check in on her,” Sawyer said. “And I’ll run by there tomorrow morning to make sure her security system is working properly.”

Cam nodded. “That’s a good idea. We need to think about beefing things up around here. Obviously we can’t leave Reggie alone again. Not if this asshole is stalking her.”

He glanced down at Reggie again then frowned when he noticed the brace around her wrist was gone. Hutch followed the line of his gaze.

“She irritated it wielding that bat,” Hutch explained. “It swelled, and the brace was bothering her. I took it off and iced it down for a while and made her take a pain pill.”

Frustration beat at Cam. He wanted Reggie where she belonged. With them. But not like this. He wanted her to choose to be with them, not forced to remain because they insisted on protecting her.

He rubbed the back of his neck and stared up at the ceiling.

“What’s got you worried, Cam?” Sawyer asked. “You seem to be stressing a lot lately when you were the most confident going in.”

Cam looked at Sawyer and then at Hutch and found the same worry reflected in Hutch’s eyes. Yeah, he supposed to them he had appeared confident. He was always the one telling them it would work out. He was a goddamn fraud. The truth was, he was scared shitless.

“I’m worried that we won’t be able to make her happy. And now I’m worried that we can’t keep her safe. I’m worried that I’ll lose her,” he said truthfully.

“I think we all have those same concerns,” Hutch said. “But at some point we have to stop worrying about the what ifs and focus on only the things we can control.”

“And what would those things be?” Sawyer asked dryly.

Hutch turned to Sawyer with a dark stare. “We can’t control how Reggie feels about us. We can’t control her fears. All we can control is how we react to the situation. And we can damn well make sure we present a united front. This will never work if Reggie senses we’re divided in any way.”

“He’s right,” Cam said quietly. “We can’t convince her this will work if we can’t even convince ourselves.”

Sawyer’s hand skimmed over his bald head in agitation. Probably a damn good thing he kept it shaved or he’d yank his hair out anyway.

“We’ve been over this.” Frustration leaked from Sawyer’s voice. “Why do we have to keep going over it? I understand that we have to work together, but I won’t spend every goddamn minute of my time with her in a group setting.”

Reggie stirred beneath Hutch’s hand. Cam shot Sawyer a warning stare and held a finger up to his lips. Then his gaze dropped back to Reggie as her eyes fluttered open.

“Cam?” she whispered.

He smiled. “Heard you had some excitement while I was gone, Reggie darling.”

She made a face and tried to sit up, but she put her injured hand down to press against the couch. It folded beneath her, and she emitted a gasp. Hutch caught her and pushed her weight off her wrist.

As Hutch helped her sit up, Cam reached for her wrist. He turned it over in his hand and examined the swelling.

“That’s what happens when you try to play baseball with an injured wrist,” he murmured.

“It wasn’t baseball. I was planning to play tee-ball with his head.”

Sawyer chuckled. “I wouldn’t have appreciated blood on my stuff, Reggie. Which one did you use anyway? Tell me my Biggio bat isn’t now in police custody being logged as evidence.”

She glanced over and smiled at Sawyer, and Cam felt a pang of jealousy. As stupid as it was, as much as he’d just lectured the other two about presenting a united front, he was sitting here resentful of the way Sawyer could draw a reaction from Reggie. It wasn’t always a good one. Sawyer could piss her off in one breath and have her laughing in the next. But she wasn’t the least bit indifferent to him. Sparks flew between the two of them any time they were in the same room.

Hutch reached up and tucked a curl behind Reggie’s ear.

“Why didn’t you tell us the man was after you?” Hutch asked.

Her lips twisted in annoyance. “Because there’s no way to tell if he was. And there still isn’t.”

“Jeremy didn’t seem to think it was too much of a stretch that this guy was targeting you. Neither did your chief.”

She stared at Hutch, her lips drawn into a tight line.

“If there wasn’t enough evidence to support the idea before, there certainly is now,” Cam said. “He followed you here, Reggie. He broke into our home while we were gone. Which tells me he was watching. And waiting for his opportunity.”

Her gaze fell to her lap where she held her injured wrist with her other hand. Tension boiled off her body. Cam wanted to touch her, but even Hutch pulled his hand away from her hair.

“I can’t stay here,” she said. She kept her head down, refusing to meet any of their gazes. When she finally looked up at Cam, there was steely determination in her eyes.

Ice blue. It was a comparison he’d made often when staring into Reggie’s eyes when she was being a hard ass.

Cam glanced at Hutch and Sawyer. Neither seemed inclined to ask the obvious question. Or maybe they were simply ignoring it, telling her precisely what they thought of that particular statement.

While he could understand their frustration, it wasn’t the way to handle Reggie. There were times when he wished he could go all he-man on her, and she’d comply, but then she wouldn’t be the Reggie he loved so much.

“Why can’t you stay?” he finally asked.

As expected, Sawyer gave him a look that suggested he was a dumbass. Cam ignored him and focused his attention on Reggie.

“I would think it’s obvious,” she said in her oh-so-patient tone that suggested she didn’t have any patience at all. “There is someone who has a beef with me. Therefore anyone around me is also in danger.”

She cradled her injured wrist in her hand and rubbed her thumb lightly over the swelling. “Birdie could have been hurt or killed,” she said quietly. She glanced back up at Cam and then slowly turned to look at Sawyer and finally Hutch. “He broke into your house. Any one of you could have been here. He’s already killed one person. What’s another?”

“How did I know you’d say something like that?” Sawyer muttered.

“So you think a better alternative is for you to hole up in your house alone?” Hutch demanded. “You’re smarter than that, Reggie. Start acting like it for God’s sake. This martyr bullshit isn’t like you.”

She bolted to her feet and whirled around, her eyes flashing with anger. And to think, Cam had been thinking about how Sawyer could always elicit a reaction from Reggie. Cam looked at Hutch in a new light. The usually laid back, calm Hutch was teetering on the edge.

“No one said I was going to stay at my house alone, asshole,” she said in a near growl. “Just because I’d prefer not to put the people I care most about in danger doesn’t make me a fucking martyr.”

Hutch stood, shoved his hands in his pockets and hovered over her, staring down into her eyes. Anger rolled off him in waves.

Reggie didn’t back down an inch, and Cam wondered if he was going to have to get between them. Hell, what was up Hutch’s ass? It was usually Hutch getting between Reggie and Sawyer.

The irony wasn’t lost on Sawyer either. He regarded the two with undisguised amusement.

“Maybe,” Hutch said behind clenched teeth, “the people who care about you don’t like the idea of some asshole trying to kill you.”

Hutch inched forward until there was no space between him and Reggie.

Cam sighed. “Come on, you two. I swear you’re acting like a pair of pit bulls.”

Reggie and Hutch both rounded on him. Reggie glared, and Hutch’s brows drew together in an angry line.

“Nobody asked you,” Reggie snarled.

She turned back to Hutch and poked him in the chest with a finger. “I can damn well take care of myself. I don’t need you and the others hovering over me like nursemaids. Yeah, I got hurt. It happens in my line of work. But I’m not going to let it turn me into some goddamn girl.”

Sawyer broke into laughter. “Reggie, honey, I hate to tell you this, but you are a girl.”

“Shut up, Sawyer.”

Hutch shifted, and Reggie dug her finger back into his chest. “And so help me, if you kiss me or do something else to distract me, I’m going to hurt you.”

A slow smile worked at the corners of Hutch’s mouth. “Are you saying my kisses distract you, baby?”

She backed away and bumped into Cam. Cam reached up to steady her then pulled her down into his lap. She started to reach down and shove away, but he held tight.

“Damn it, Cam,” she hissed.

“Stop running,” he said calmly. “You tell us you aren’t afraid but every time we get close, you make tracks in the opposite direction.”

She trembled against him. There was a multitude of emotions in her body language. Fear. Anger. Confusion.

He caught her wrist in his hand, careful not to press too hard.

“This needs to be iced again, and then the brace needs to go back on.”

“Why do I feel the sudden urge to go beat my head against a wall?” Reggie muttered.

Cam smiled and stroked a hand through her unruly curls. “You’re stubborn, Reggie darling, however, I’m not sure you realize how stubborn I can be as well. Maybe I’ve given you the impression that I’m a pushover, but you’re about to find out that when it comes to you, I’m anything but.”

She turned to stare at him, her eyes bright with confusion. “Cam, I’ve never thought you were a pushover. When did I ever give you that idea?”

He cupped her cheek and rubbed his thumb over her lips. “I said I might have given you that impression. I do tend to weaken when you turn those blue eyes on me. In any other matter, I have no doubt you’d get your way. But this has to do with your safety, and I can be more of a hardass than you when it comes to that.”

Her lips turned down into a frown. He smoothed the corner with his thumb, coaxing it upward again. “I much prefer you smiling.”

She sighed. “You’re absolutely no fun to fight with. You’re supposed to keep pissing me off so I can stay mad at you.”

Cam chuckled. “If I kiss you, will that piss you off?”

Her breath caught then expelled in a jerky rush. A spark ignited in her eyes, and she ran her tongue nervously over her bottom lip.

“Or you could kiss me,” he said in a low voice.

Her hand came up to his cheek. He closed his eyes and leaned into her touch. When he opened them again, her lips were hovering just inches above his. Uncertainty glittered in her beautiful eyes, but to his satisfaction, there was no fear.

He itched to move to her, to complete the kiss, but he waited instead. He wanted her to come to him. It seemed like forever until she softly pressed her lips to his.

It was a gentle kiss, sweet, so incredibly sweet. The tip of her tongue feathered over the seam of his lips, and he opened for her, wanting her deeper inside so he could taste her, absorb her.

She pulled away, and it was all he could do not to groan his protest.

“I shouldn’t want this,” she whispered. She glanced over her shoulder to where Hutch still stood, and Sawyer sat just a few feet away. Then she turned her gaze back to Cam, and he could see the guilt in her eyes.

“Reggie, stop,” Cam said. “Enough with the guilt. Why are you tearing yourself up over this? We’ve been straight with you. Do you think Hutch and Sawyer are going to beat the shit out of me because I kissed you? Or does it bother you that they aren’t?”

He let the last question hang heavy in the air. Her eyes widened a fraction.

“No. I mean, no, that’s not what bothers me.”

“Then what is it?” Cam pressed.

Sawyer moved from his chair to the couch where he could see Reggie and where she could see him. He reached over to take the hand that was resting on Cam’s lap.

“Honey, we know what we’re asking is a lot. God knows it won’t be easy for you. But we’re willing to do whatever is necessary, whatever it takes to make you happy, to prove to you that this can work. None of us wants to be without you.”

“We’ve laid it out on our end,” Hutch said quietly.

Reggie turned to look at Hutch, and he stared back, his expression intense.

“What we haven’t talked about is how you feel about us, baby. We can sit here and tell you how we feel and what we want all day long, but it won’t mean shit if we don’t know what’s going on in your head.”

“What about it, Reggie?” Cam asked softly as he touched the curve of her neck. “Have you got the balls to look us in the eye and tell us what you want?”

This just in…

Get ready for more steam in your category romances. Maya Banks is a huge fan of Silhouette Desire and Harlequin Presents and her dream of writing for one of the lines has come true.

Maya has just recently been offered a three-book deal with Desire.

• The first book is written and is slated to release in January 2009.
• It’s called The Tycoon’s Pregnant Mistress and it features the oldest of the Anetakis brothers. Theron and Piers’ books will follow in 2009.
• Then the next two books will release at four-month intervals.

Consider yourself flashed.

THIS JUST IN from Maya Banks… 

You so thought it was gonna be like the plot of Be With Me, I am sure.  But, nope, she still won’t let me tell. And I am a good strong duck. Okay, I am just a whore and like having the shiny, shiny toys first. WOOT!

But this I will share: Maya Banks has just signed (like the ink is still wet) to do three books (said to be the FIRST of three… maybe there will be more ::bats eyes::) in an action/adventure romantic suspense series to Berkley for their Sensation line (think Pamela Clare) so she will be writing for both their trade line (HEAT – like BE WITH ME) and their mass market line.

WOOT! Congrats and squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee to you Maya. Can I have that one too

I now return you to your original BOOK ALERT post…

I am very sad to have to tell you I am not allowed to tell you anything about this book.

Really this pains me muchly.

I really wish I could tell you something. OH! I can tell you…

 mine mine mine… all mine….

You’re Welcome. It comes out in November from Berkley Heat

Sandy M’s review of Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks
Contemporary erotic romance released 4 Mar 08 by Berkley

I just discovered Maya Banks a few weeks ago when I read Into the Mist and absolutely loved everything about it. I was really looking forward to this book (Sweet), and while I liked it, I was a little disappointed because it didn’t all-out floor me like Mist.

I do enjoy Maya’s characters very much. I always feel like I really know them, I care about them, and that’s definitely the case here with Gray and Faith in this book. Even the secondary characters are great. I also like the commonality of family that I’ve found in the two Banks’ books I’ve read so far. Faith’s family — even the guys who work for her father are like brothers to her — look after her and protect her. Gray is following his heart when he goes after his partner’s killer because Alex was like a brother to him. Gray even comes to like the feeling he gets when he’s around Faith’s family, home or office. I loved the interaction among all of these characters. It was real, witty, fun, and it reminded me of family.

The storyline is a convincing one as far as Gray wanting to find Alex’s murderer. He even goes so far as to agree with Alex’s father to investigate on their own, which, of course, leads Gray to Faith. Faith is looking for something, too, though she’s not entirely sure what it is she needs. She knows what she wants, not what she needs.

Her desperation leads her into a situation that really doesn’t help, but it does get Gray riled up, and that’s when the light bulb begins to shine brightly for Faith. Gray is what she wants and needs, but she goes about getting him all wrong. At first I was a little skeptical about Faith’s desire to totally surrender to a dominant man, but it was Gray’s explanation of what he wants that brings it all together for Faith and the reader. He’s a control freak, yes, but he’s not looking for a slave.

Which leads to the sex scenes. I liked most of them, but the more sex there was in Gray and Faith’s pivotal week together, one scene just faded into another. I was looking for a little something more between them. Faith wanted a man to take care of her in bed as well as out.  We didn’t see as much of the relationship out of bed except for the preparation of a few meals, some cuddling (which was very nice), and the like. I wanted that something more between them on an everyday basis, to see Gray’s domination there as well as with the sex. Once the action started, though, we definitely see how his feelings for Faith have grown, but he’s pushed into it. Nevertheless, it is a great action scene, very tense, and the following repercussions are very moving.

Other than that one little blip, this is a good book.  The writing is wonderful. There’s always a nice flow and rhythm throughout the story. I never find myself tripping or stumbling over a phrase or any such thing. I know I’m feeling exactly what I’m supposed to in every scene. 

Maybe it’s not fair of me to continue to think about Into the Mist and compare Sweet Surrender to it, but that’s very hard not to do. I still liked this one, loved the characters, and look forward to my next Banks book.

Grade: B-

From the back cover:

Sometimes the first step in taking control is surrendering.

Under Faith Malone’s deceptively soft exterior lies a woman who knows exactly what she wants. A strong man who’ll take without asking-because she’s willing to give him everything…

Dallas cop Gray Montgomery is on a mission: find the guy who killed his partner-and bring him to justice. So far, he’s found a link between the killer and Faith-and if Gray has to get close to her to catch the killer, so be it.

Faith is sweet and feminine, everything Gray wants and desires in a woman, but he suspects she’s playing games. No way she would allow a man to call the shots in their relationship. Or would she?

Faith sees in Gray the strong, dominant man she needs, but he seems determined to keep her at a distance. So she takes matters into her own hands to prove to him it’s no game she’s playing. She’s willing to surrender to the right man. Gray would like to be that man. But catching his partner’s killer has to be his first priority. Until Faith is threatened and Gray realizes he will do anything to protect her.

Read ane excerpt.

Nikki’s review of Brazen by Maya Banks
Erotic romance ebook released 4 Sep 07, print release 29 Jul 08 by Samhain

I just love, love, love ménage stories. They are my weakness. They are the ones I finish even if they are bad. They are the ones that have me reaching for Buzzy, my B.O.B. Having read and enjoyed Bad Girl, I was thrilled to find a ménage story by Maya Banks.

Brazen is a different kind of ménage story. Most take the easy way out. Two guys are trying to get a girl to join, a girl finds a bi-couple and tries to join, etc. Brazen comes from the direction of a young lady trying to convince two straight men to share her. Ok, it’s loosened up a bit by the fact that the guys have shared women before but they weren’t relationships, just sex. This time they are facing the idea of sharing a wife.

The younger brother, Zane has been the most easy-going brother. For six years Jaz has been coming to him at night if she needed comfort. He let her snuggle in bed with him and it wasn’t sexual. He’s closer to her age and so it is more of a shock for him, when she comes home from a year away, to find himself getting hard for her. He tries to fight it, hide it, not realizing it’s exactly what she wants.

For older brother, Seth, it isn’t a new thing. He’s the more controlled, more conservative brother. And he’s wanted Jaz for years but hasn’t acted on his desire because she’d been through enough. She needed a place she could feel safe. A home. He doesn’t know she wants to change the dynamics of that home quite so radically.

Jasmine’s character is a good example of a young woman just coming into her own. She’s inexperienced and makes some judgment errors but nothing extreme. It was definitely in her character, not bad writing. She has determination and a lot of heart. She shocks them right away with in-your-face sexy dress and behavior that they can’t ignore. The fact that they both love her, already, definitely gives her an edge.

I love Maya Banks’ writing. I’m thankful every time I find an author who’s easy to read. There are just times in life when I need to sit down and enjoy a book without having to work at “getting into it”. You know that reading zone where you don’t see the words on the page anymore, you’re just in there? I get there with Maya’s writing from about the first page.

As for the erotic side, this book builds well. It is a romance and doesn’t just toss in sex where it doesn’t fit. Thank you. Nothing is, to me, as unsexy as sex that doesn’t fit.

Butt, on the topic of sex that doesn’t fit… The first dual-penetration scene was my only real problem. I don’t know if it was deliberately glossed over for more sensitive readers (though a ménage book probably assumes anal sex in most minds) or if it was unintentional. Jaz hasn’t done this before and it just wouldn’t be that quick and easy. Anal sex allows for some very tender, trust building interaction precisely because it takes so long to prepare for. The guys wouldn’t hurt her for the world, and anal sex shouldn’t hurt, but the way it was written would hurt. A lot. But maybe Banks just didn’t want to go into it for some reason. This was the only area I felt a little cheated.

Overall Brazen was a treat. Highly recommended.

Grade: B+

     One woman’s campaign to win the hearts of the two men she loves. Jasmine left the Sweetwater Ranch and the Morgan brothers, no longer able to bear the painful dilemma of loving them both. After a year away, in which she gains new perspective, she returns home with one goal. To make Seth and Zane Morgan hers. Jaz may have left an innocent girl, but she’s returned a beautiful, sensual woman. Seth and Zane aren’t prepared for the full on assault she launches and each battle an attraction they’ve fought for years.
     She wants them both, but Seth has no intention of sharing his woman. Its up to her to change his mind because she can’t and won’t choose between two men she loves with equal passion. For her, its all or nothing.

     Read an excerpt and an  excerpt (it’s a hot one).

Maya Banks offered up two amazing prize packs of awesomeness! And the winners are…

JANE: Prize #1 – A print bundle of a little of everything in Maya’s backlist. Some Samhain stuff, some Sharon Long stuff and some Berkley stuff:

• Her Majesty, My Love (Sharon Long) historical
• Seducing Simon (Maya Banks) Contemporary Romance
• Colters’ Woman (Maya Banks) Contemporary Erotic Romance
• For Her Pleasure (Maya Banks) Berkley HEAT

KATIE: Prize #2 – An ebook bundle (winner’s choice of format). It’s a hodge podge, as well:

• Beyond the Night (Sharon Long) Historical
• Long Road Home (Sharon Long) romantic suspense
• Brazen (Maya Banks) contemporary erotic romance
• Into the Mist (Maya Banks) paranormal erotic romance

Please email MAYA ASAP with your contact info! And PLEASEPLEASE put “TGTBTU Valenduckie Contest” in the subject line!

ENJOY, you lucky duckies!!!

Maya Banks’ idea of romance is “action speaks louder than words” and every day is the adventure.  Don’t miss Maya’s 4 Mar 08 Berkley release – Sweet Surrender.  And don’t miss the AMAZING prizes at the end.

My idea of romance

I’m of the opinion that actions speak a lot louder than words. So it’s not a surprise that my husband and I aren’t big talkers when it comes to love and romance. We don’t celebrate Valentines Day much to the horror of his secretary. It’s not that I frown on V-day. I just feel a little silly buying overwrought greeting cards and even sillier planning a “romantic” evening on a specific day of the year. What if I wake up in a bad mood on the 14th?

But this year I was thinking about romance and as a result, I drifted back over what I perceive to be the most romantic moments (or things) my husband has done or said over the years. And since I love lists, I made one. So here you have my list of top things romantic according to Maya Banks.

1. The day we got married, we went hunting afterward and enjoyed a spectacular sunset sitting together in a tree stand. It was a great day, and I think about it often.

2. He brushes my hair because he knows I love it.

3. I have a girlfriend in Washington D.C. that I only get to see once a year, often times less frequently than that, and he knew I was really missing her, so on the sly, he contacted her, set up a long weekend for me to visit and then surprised me with a plane ticket and cash to enjoy a girls get away.

4. He pledged himself to be my personal bitch for a weekend when I was running behind on promo stuff. He organized the kids into an assembly line and helped me put together 900 booklets.

5. I keep odd hours and am often up until the wee hours of the morning, but no matter when I go to bed or how sound asleep he is, he always rolls over, puts an arm over me and pulls me into his chest.

6. He’s blunt, non passive aggressive and doesn’t suffer a martyr complex (God I love that in a man).

7. He does the little stuff that he knows I’m more than capable of doing, but he knows how much they annoy me, and so he does it for me.

8. He splits kitchen duty, kid duty, house duty, laundry duty, etc., 50/50 with me. (God I love that in a man) And he doesn’t whine about it. (See number 6)

9. He reads my writing and doesn’t hesitate to tell me when it’s a piece of shit. (see 6.1)

10. When our daughter and last child was born (that was an ordeal), he put one hand on my knee and took my hand with the other and told me “Thank you” I’ll never forget the look on his face or the emotion in his eyes.

I won’t ask you to list ten, or even two, but search your memory and tell me what one romantic thing your husband, boyfriend, significant other has done that encompasses “romance” to you, even if it’s not the more traditional heart, roses and profuse “I love yous.” I mean, heck, I think the thing my husband said that brought the biggest smile to my face was the time he told me that he couldn’t imagine having anyone else to argue with

Comment here and win a chance at one of the following two prizes:

Prize #1 – A print bundle of a little of everything in Maya’s backlist. Some Samhain stuff, some Sharon Long stuff and some Berkley stuff:

• Her Majesty, My Love (Sharon Long) historical
• Seducing Simon (Maya Banks) Contemporary Romance
• Colters’ Woman (Maya Banks) Contemporary Erotic Romance
• For Her Pleasure (Maya Banks) Berkley HEAT

Prize #2 - An ebook bundle (winner’s choice of format).  It’s a hodge podge, as well:

• Beyond the Night (Sharon Long) Historical
• Long Road Home (Sharon Long) romantic suspense
• Brazen (Maya Banks) contemporary erotic romance
• Into the Mist (Maya Banks) paranormal erotic romance

Sandy M’s review of Into the Mist (Falcon Mercenary Group, Book 1) by Maya Banks
Paranormal romance released 5 Feb 08 by Samhain

Shifters. Alpha hero. Lust. Kick-ass heroine. Sizzling sex. Betrayal. Family. Action. Love.

You name it, this book’s got it. In spades. Maya Banks has a terrific start to her new series, Falcon Mercenary Group.

Tyana is first up from FMG, and her mission is a mission of the heart – to save her brother, Damiano.  From their very first meeting, the hero, Eli, and heroine, Tyana, heat it up something fierce. Ty and Eli don’t trust each other, but between the sheets it’s absolute perfection. Which confuses Ty because she usually can’t stand to be touched by anyone but family. But with Eli everything fades away except him and his touch, and that scares Ty because even her mission fades when she’s with Eli.

Eli blames himself when a man dies and two others suffer daily and he can’t help them. Meeting Tyana gives him a place to bury himself initially, but as he gets to know her and finds out her secrets, suddenly his world doesn’t look so bleak. Then, when her betrayal comes to light, he can’t believe he’s put himself and his men in the danger once again and that they may not survive.

The characters in this book grab onto you and never let go. Eli and Ty are perfect together. As they slowly give in to their lust for one another and share their secrets, they each have great epiphanies that heightens our pleasure learning about them.  I love Eli’s shifting into mist or smoke. The scenes when he roams over Ty’s body in this form are some of the sexiest and most erotic, all done with feeling and no graphic language at all.

The secondary characters – Ty’s brothers Damiano, Jonah, and Mad Dog, and Eli’s men Ian, Braden, and Gabe, who all now shift in varying ways – are all intriguing in their own right. Even FMG’s go-to man, Tits, is hilarious and just as lethal as the others. The emotion throughout the book for family is a wonderful element.  It doesn’t lessen one bit at the end when Eli and Ty realize they have more than lust to deal with, but also a growing love they never expected, and their “families” who are coming together for the good of them all.   The action is swift and heart pounding and it kept me turning the pages.

I’m hooked. The next book is out in May and I’ll be first in line. Come on, take a chance*. You’ll love what you read.

*pun intended

Grade: A+

Summary:

     One woman’s mission to bring down a sexy elemental shifter turns into a battle of wills…and hearts.  Hostage recovery specialist Eli Chance has a secret. He was born a shifter. A freak of nature.  While on a mission, Eli’s men and their mercenary guide are exposed to a powerful chemical agent, and suddenly his secret has become easier to hide. Now he’s not the only one with the gift. But for his men, this “gift” is becoming more and more of a curse.

     Tyana Berezovsky’s brother Damiano was the guide for Eli’s team and was the worst affected by the chemical. As he grows increasingly unstable, Tyana fears she’s going to lose him to the beast he is becoming.  Tyana will do whatever it takes to help him, even if it means using her body to go after the one man she thinks holds all the blame-and possibly the cure. Eli Chance.

     Read an excerpt.