Sandy M’s review of Keep Me Safe (Slow Burn Trilogy, Book 1) by Maya Banks
Contemporary Erotic Romance published by Avon 7 Oct 14
I held my breath as I started reading this latest from Maya Banks, cautiously optimistic that the books I’ve come to expect from one of my favorite authors are back on track. With this new release, I can breathe a sigh of relief and let you know that good stories are here again.
I’ll get it out of the way first thing, since it’s been a sore spot for me – the repetitious nature that has threaded its way through Ms. Banks’ last several books is not present in this one, and that makes be happy beyond belief. I have hoped this anomaly would be short lived, and if all stays on track after this book, I think I’ll be safe in saying said anomaly is history.
Another huge selling point in the start of this new series is the suspense and paranormal aspects. Ramie is a psychic whose gift has nearly bled her dry of emotion and has put her in the sights of a sadistic psychopath. But these things, along with so much more, is what our hero doesn’t know about Ramie. Caleb wants only for her to locate his sister, who has been kidnapped. It’s taken much too long for Caleb to find Ramie, since she basically disappeared after her last case with the police. He’s a dog with a bone, however, and hasn’t given up. He finds success at an isolated cabin, where he has to force his way in and demand Ramie’s help.
Taking on all the victims’ pain and horror they go through when in sadistic hands over the years has taken its toll on Ramie. She just needs peace and quiet, but that’s not to be when Caleb pushes her “gift” to the forefront once again. Along with the violation Ramie goes through when she makes contact with Tori, she also discovers where the girl is being held. With Caleb’s promise to return to help her in any way possible, Ramie chooses to run again, toward the tranquility she never seems to find. But a year later it’s Ramie who decides to take Cade up on his promise, contacting him out of the blue, with the hopes he can keep her out of her stalker’s hands.
Since she hasn’t felt safe in so long, it takes a bit for Ramie to trust Caleb. But he’s a man who takes protection much more seriously than ever, and he and his family owe Ramie. There’s something more between them, though – something just peeking through the madness of the life Ramie has brought to them all. Finally there is trust between them, and that’s when the villain really strikes. You have to love this villain, he’s so evil, and it’s a marvelous twist Ms. Banks gives him in his triumph. Of course, just when you think he’s won…
This book is a very welcome and wonderful start to this new trilogy. I am so happy to have back the Maya Banks I’ve read and loved for years now. It’s almost like coming home.
Grade: B+
Summary:
When Caleb Devereaux’s younger sister is kidnapped, this scion of a powerful and wealthy family turns to an unlikely source for help: a beautiful and sensitive woman with a gift for finding answers others cannot. While Ramie can connect to victims and locate them by feeling their pain, her ability comes with a price. Every time she uses it, it costs her a piece of herself. Helping the infuriatingly attractive and impatient Caleb successfully find his sister nearly destroys her. Even though his sexual intensity draws her like a magnet, she needs to get as far away from him as she can.
Deeply remorseful for the pain he’s caused, Caleb is determined to make things right. But just when he thinks Ramie’s vanished forever, she reappears. She’s in trouble and she needs his help. Now, Caleb will do risk everything to protect her— including his heart. . .
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
