Mastered By Maya Banks - Review

OMG!!!!!!!!!

I really have no other words or letters than that!  I just finished Mastered (The Enforcers) by Maya Banks.  And I am speechless....Well, almost.  ;)

Mastered reminded me a lot of the first series I ever read by Maya Banks, The breathless trilogy.  It was hot, steamy, shocking and romantic.  But this one has one difference and something I have never seen in any of her books.  Normally, I would have been mad, but this time I understand.  Curious? Well, I guess you will just have to read and find out. :) .

Synopsis:
Evangeline was a small town girl from Mississippi who moved to New York City in hopes to better provide for her parents.  Her parents depended on her to help them after her dad was injured on the job.  She shares a tiny apartment with three of her friends from home who work just as hard to make ends meet. After a disastrous relationship with a playboy named Eddie, her friends convinced her to make an appearance at very exclusive and "hard to get into" night club.  Her friends wanted her to get noticed and have Eddie realize what he threw away by dumping Evangeline after he slept with her. Shocking to Evangeline, Eddie was not the only one who noticed her that night.

Drake Donovon was the very successful, rich, gorgeous and dominating owner of Impluse.  He noticed Evangeline the second she reached the doors to his club.  Knowing she didn't belong in a place where she would be harassed and possibly taken advantage of, he made sure she was protected the moment she step foot in the club.  And her protection was something he would see to everyday after.

Reluctantly, Evangeline follows Drake's men to meet him. Drake doesn't waste any time showing her how she should be treated and worshipped unlike her Ex.  From that moment on Drake would worship, cherish and own Evangeline.  The naive, inexperienced and innocent Evangeline has to deal with the overwhelming new life set before her.


There is so much packed into this story and yet you feel like you need to know more.  I was very leery of Drake through most of the story.  Wondering if I could trust him and if and when he will make me angry. This is a romance book after all, of course he would.  But could I forgive him?  That has yet to be answered....  I did, however, fall in love with some of his men!  And I am happy to report there will be more novels focusing on two of them!  So I will be anxiously awaiting the release of each book in the series. Especially, Dominated: The Enforcers (The Enforcers series) that comes out next......

My Rating 4.5 

Darkest Before Dawn by Maya Banks - Review

Another great book by Maya Banks!!!!  Darkest Before Dawn (KGI series) is the latest release of her KGI series.  I think this one by far is my favorite Maya Banks book ever!  And I have read a lot of her books!  However, this is the first book for me in the series (not for long! ;) ) Like all of her series, each book is connected to the others, but can also be read as a stand alone.

As for the main male character or the story's "Book Boyfriend".  I HATED HIM!!  Well, at first.  Or maybe for the first half of the book.  But I kept an open mind and figured he would change my opinion once he redeemed himself.  He did and then I was rooting for him all the way!! :)

I'm not going in depth with a synopsis because I want you to get the whole experience like I did. Since I hadn't read any books in this series I had no idea what to expect.  And I was pleasantly surprised with how much I got into the action and adventure of the story.  It was like watching a movie.  A movie a guy would be interested in but with the sexy and romantic material that keeps us ladies wanting more!! Hmm.  Now that's an idea, someone needs to make this book into a movie!!

Very brief synopsis...

Honor Cambridge found her calling as a relief worker in the Middle East.  A terrorist group, A New Era, bombed the hospital where she worked and she was the sole survivor.  To avoid embarrassing themselves by allowing the only survivor, a woman, to escape, they would stop at nothing to capture her in order to uphold their reputation as ruthless killers.  Honor, strong and determined would not stop until she was safe and reunited with her family.  Little did she know the terrorist group was not the only one interested in her capture.....

Sounds good right??  And I didn't even mention the BBF Hancock :X  You'll just have to read the book to get acquainted with that hottie ;) I am warning you!!  You will think I'm nuts at first for loving him, but trust me, he won't disappoint!

Safe At Last By Maya Banks -Review

   

Zack Covington was a college athlete with a future in professional football when he met  Anna-Grace or his "Gracie".   He was completely devoted to her and dreamed of the perfect future together, that is until she disappeared.   He never stopped looking for her and never gave up hope that they would be reunited.  12 years later, a chance meeting while on the job at Devereaux Security brought them back together.  Zack was shocked and devastated that Gracie not only didn't want to see him but feared him as well.  Although heartbroken, Zack is determined to get answers on why and earn back her love and trust all while protecting her from the real enemies.  

Safe at Last: A Slow Burn Novel (Slow Burn Novels) was definitely an action packed story.  I normally don't gravitate to suspense stories but if you sprinkle in romance you got my attention.  And Maya Banks definitely got my attention!  The story unfolds with little bits of information here and there, like dangling the right puzzle piece just at the right time to keep you going.  Not only did I fall for Zack and his utter devotion for Gracie but I got sucked in, having to know what happens next and the need for so many questions to be answered.  Once I started this book nothing was going to distract me until I was finished.

Out of all the books in the slow burn series this was by far my favorite!  It not only had an intense story of its own, but it connected the first too and weaved all three stories together at the end.  And my favorite part.....(sorry slight spolier) was when the women in the story prove to be the true heroes. They may need and love their alpha males, but they were no damsels in distress and showed the men a thing or too about kicking some serious ass!!

My Rating:

4 Book Boyfriends

 

In His Keeping by Maya Banks -Review

Maya Banks has introduced me to a few hot brooding alpha males in the past, but I think I finally met  “The One”  Yep, once again I have fallen hard for a fictional character and this time his name is Beau Devereaux.   :x  WOW!!  He can make a girl feel cherished, safe, spoiled and loved and all after only knowing her for one day.   Yeah only in the fictional world can that happen but it is so fun living in the fantasy world at least for a little while ;)

In His Keeping: A Slow Burn Novel (Slow Burn Novels) is the second book in the slow burn trilogy and by far my favorite Maya Banks novel!  Like Keep Me Safe: A Slow Burn Novel (Slow Burn Novels), the first book in the series there is action, romance, suspense and mystery.  I never thought I was one to enjoy a thrilling "on the edge of your seat" story but I couldn’t put this book down! It was one of those books where it reads like a movie and I was hooked from page one! I so badly wanted to see how it ended but at the same time I didn’t want to finish!  Well, my desire to know the outcome outweighed my desire to make it last and I completely devoured this book. And now I have to wait till march for the next one Safe at Last: A Slow Burn Novel (Slow Burn Novels) 

One of my favorite things of this author is all of her books wrap up completely with no cliff hangers.  Each can be read as a stand alone if needed.  But why would you want to do that?  I suggest reading all and anything she writes.  I’d even read her grocery list!  :)  

Synopsis.

Arial Rochester is a miracle and gift to her parents.  Finding a beautiful baby left on their doorstep after they accepted the reality they would never have children of their own, Ari's parents made a vow that they would always protect her and go to great lengths to keep her safe.  After they discover she has a special gift, one that could put her in danger if the wrong people found out, she was told never to tell or show her special psychic powers.  That is until she has no choice and needs to use them in order to protect herself and her loved ones. When her parents go missing she reaches out to Devereaux Security in hopes they can help her find them and bring them home safe.  Beau, the head of Devereaux Security, always professional and solely focused on his job, has his work cut out for him after he lays eyes on the beautiful Ari.   He is quickly taken with her and makes it his personal mission to do anything keep her safe and bring her parents back alive.

I absolutely loved Ari! Despite being sheltered and naive she ends up being one bad ass chick! She doesn’t play the damsel in distress and she proves she is capable of holding her own.  She is just as strong and resourceful as the men. Throughout the book I cheered her on and enjoyed reading her triumphs and bravery!

My Rating: 4.5 Book Boyfriends

 

 

Want a chance for your own Copy of In His Keeping?  Enter the rafflecopter giveaway below.  The giveaway will run for a week and I will announce the winner next Tuesday.  Good Luck!

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KEEP ME SAFE by Maya Banks - Review

HOLY $#!*, OMG and WTF???  That about sums up my thoughts on Maya Banks’ new novel, Keep Me Safe: A Slow Burn Novel (Slow Burn Novels) that was released today.  I love all of her books but this one blew me away!  It was like none other I have ever read.  I’m kind of a creature of habit, always wanting the same thing.  The same romance story that I can predict, (which I still enjoy), the same type of plot and conflict and finally a similar expected resolution.  I am comfortable with those stories and I rarely read anything out of my preferred genre.  However, I’m thankful I took a chance on this and stepped outside my romantic, “Happily Ever After” comfort zone.  But don’t worry, this is a still a contemporary romance novel, it just has a whole lot more. There’s mystery, suspense, and action all wrapped up a perfect alpha male love story!

Synopsis: (This is will be brief so I don’t give anything away)

Ramie St. Claire is a young woman with psychic abilities.  She uses her “gift “ to help find victims of horrific crimes.  Caleb Devereaux’s sister has been abducted and he believes only Ramie can help.  Once, Caleb finds her and forces her to help him, he feels he's indebted to her, especially after what he witnessed.  Once Ramie has a connection to the victim, she then experiences the same torture and pain the victim endures. 

A year later Ramie continues to suffer and is stalked and tormented by a serial killer who was responsible for many of the crimes where she helped located the victims.  He has one goal, to capture Ramie and torture her until she begs for death.  Desperate, she turns to Caleb for help. 

The problem I had with this story is that I couldn’t read it fast enough.  I caught myself more than once reading too quickly and skimming the pages to find out what was happening.  I had to force myself and go back and re-read.  I’m glad I did, because I almost missed some really important details!!!

In true Maya Banks writing form, she leaves me wondering how the story can possibly wrap up when there is only a few pages left,  but she does it again and I finished with a sigh and a satisfied grin. :)

Oh and I forgot to mention, this is still the steamy story that we all come to expect form Maya Banks. ;) And this book one of a series! YAY!  I can't wait for In His Keeping: A Slow Burn Novel (Slow Burn Novels) which comes out in January!!

My Rating:

4.5 Book Boyfriends

 

 

Taking it All by Maya Banks

I just finished the last of the surrender trilogy, Taking it All (The Surrender Trilogy) by Maya Banks.  It was a perfect end to a great series.  Not only did it focus on Chessy and Tate, who you got to know briefly in the first two books, but it also continued with the lives of the other couples.  And I must say it wrapped up all three couples stories nicely.

Of course it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows the entire book.  What fun would that be?  No, it was a rollercoaster ride with a lot of "WTF???" in between. J  But you will have to read the story to find out.  No spoilers here!

Chessy and Tate have been married for five years and Chessy is Tate’s world.  He cherished her and vowed to give her everything she wanted and needed.   That is except for his full attention.  After his business partner bailed, he was left with the sole responsibility to make his business a success.  That meant being at the beck and call of his clients at all hours of the day.  Chessy, knowing, how important it was to Tate to be able to provide for them, she let it slide until his distraction put her in a dangerous situation.  After losing her because he failed in his role as her husband and dominant, he was prepared for the fight of his life to win her back.

Of course this is a Maya Banks novel, so you know there are some steamy and "too hot to discuss on my blog" parts.  However, there was so much more in the story than just what happens at night.  (Ok, we all know in these books “it” doesn’t just happen at night.  Usually it’s all hours of the day and sometimes all day ;)) ).   Even though Tate messed up, he made up for it with his devotion and love for Chessy.   He is exactly what I love in a book boyfriend, gorgeous, rich, alpha male and madly in love with his girl.   Tate made me swoon.

If you haven't read the first two books in the Surrender trilogy I suggest you read them in order first for the full experience! :)  I included links to all three books below.  

My Rating:

4 Book Boyfriends

 

Book Of The Week and a GIVEAWAY!

I am so excited to read Taking it All (The Surrender Trilogy) by Maya Banks.  I have been a fan of her books and this trilogy in particular.  Taking it All is the final book in the series and I have been waiting what seems like forever!  I have received an ARC and will be starting it tonight!  But don't worry, you'll get your chance soon enough, the release date is set for August 5th.

Since the first book, I have been curious about Chessy and Tate and their unconventional marriage.   While you get to know the couple briefly in the first two books, you also get a small glimpse of the mystery behind their relationship and the problems they face.  It's been killing me to have to wait this long to find out what's going to happen with these two!  However, I get the feeling Ms Banks' is saving the best for last and I'm it will be worth the wait!

And to accompany this week's Book Of The Week,  I have a giveaway for one copy!! 

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Contest ends at midnight EST on 8/5/14

Open to U.S. Residents Only

Letting Go by Maya Banks - Review

Theirs to Keep By Maya Banks - Review

I should have known by the title what I was in for with Maya Banks' newest book, Theirs to Keep (Tangled Hearts Trilogy).   But no, it didn't register and I was beyond shocked!  It's a bit out of my comfort zone but intriguing nonetheless.

If I had to describe this book in one word it would be, interesting.   The plot was interesting.  The THREE main character's relationship was um.... Interesting.  And their romantic relationship was very INTERESTING!!  I may have blushed more than a few times as the story progressed.

I have read several books by Maya Banks and they all have been very hot with many passionate and sexy scenes.  This one took a bit of a different approach and developed the characters and the main plot before diving into the steamy parts.  Even though there were only a few, they were very hot!!!

The story begins with Merrick and Cade, best friends and business partners of a security company,  who find a frightened and severely beaten Elle after she breaks into their client's gun shop.  Elle remembers nothing about her past, who she is or why someone tried to kill her.

Once Merrick and Cade laid eyes on Elle, they have an overwhelming need to protect and care for her. And despite the appearance of the two intimidating men before her, she feels safe with them but struggles with remembering her past.  She is scared to remember all the pain and trauma that she endured, but feels lost not having an identity.

The story continues on a roller coaster of dramatic events while the romantic relationship between the three characters develop. Unlike other books by Maya Banks, this one ends with a bit of a cliffhanger. There is so much more to learn about Elle's past.  The next book in the tangled hearts trilogy continues with her story and introduces a new character.  Do I smell a foursome???  eeek!  I guess I'll have to wait until the next book is released.  And I am looking forward to it!!

My Rating:

3.5 Book Boyfriends

Burn by Maya Banks - Review

 

Since the first book in the Breathless trilogy, Burn (THE BREATHLESS TRILOGY), I have been dying to know more about the character Ash. He was the easy going, laid back one.  I knew there was more to him than that.  And boy is there.  Introducing, Ash the alpha male!!

After seeing his two best friends leave their playboy lifestyles behind and fall madly in love with their soul mates, Ash felt left out.  He was used to sharing his women with Jace and now he was on his own.  That is until he met Josie.

Ash was completely captivated by Josie while first noticing her in a local park.  He was determined to get to know her and make her a part of his life.  Josie, being an independent and strong women, she wasn't interested in a "knight in shining armor" type trying to sweep in and rescue her.  She wanted to have her own successful career as an artist and support herself.  However, she couldn't deny the effect Ash had on her and she had to see what this gorgeous intense man was all about. 

Ash respected her determination to succeed and be independent and he was supportive of that.  Well, as long as he was in control of her success and independence.  This proves to be a recipe for drama and disaster!

Ash really surprised me.  I liked how strongly he wanted to care and protect her.  He gave the impression he would be too over the top demanding and controlling.  However, he really showed his sweet and caring side with a dash of over protection.   Okay, it was more than a dash! ;)

The story started out slower than the first two books in the sex department, which surprised me.  I liked that the readers get to know the characters and watch the relationship develop before all the sexy heat begins.  But when it did, it was HOT!!!!

In all the romance novels that I read, I have come to expect drama and major hiccups in the relationships and I usually prepare myself.  When it came to that part of the story, I thought to myself  "That wasn't too bad".  I thought it was over and then BAM!!  I was way wrong! From that moment on,  I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't read fast enough to see how it ended.

Before I finished the series, I thought it would be easy to choose one of the three as my new book boyfriend.  I was pretty sure it would be Ash.  But now I don't think I can pick just one.  I think I take all three!  ;)

My Rating:

4 Book Boyfriends

Don't forget to enter to win your own copy of Burn!

See the previous post to enter.

BURN GIVEAWAY

To celebrate the release of Burn (THE BREATHLESS TRILOGY) that comes out this Tuesday August 6th, (Yippie!!!) I am giving away a copy to one lucky winner!!

I have been so excited for this book and can't wait to share my thoughts with all of you.

The contest will end at midnight on August 12th.

Good Luck!!

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This contest is for U.S. and Canada residents only

Fever By Maya Banks - Review

I was privileged once again to receive an advanced copy of Fever, the second book in The Breathless Trilogy, in exchange for an honest review. 

Fever (THE BREATHLESS TRILOGY)focuses on Jace, Mia's older brother.   He shares everything with his best friend Ash, especially women.  For the first time Jace wants one of their conquests all to himself.

Something happens to Jace when he sees Bethany for the first time, something he has never felt before and he is determined to find out why he has this pull towards her.

Bethany had a rough life on the streets, in and out of foster care homes, then homeless doing anything to survive.  The only one she has is her "brother" Jack who has tried to protect her since they were kids.  Unfortunately, Jack's own demons and struggles put Bethany's life at risk instead.

Once Jace meets Bethany, he is determined to protect her, cherish her and own her. Unfortunately, the "getting to know you" part of a relationship puts a strain on the couple when trust and anger issues start to surface.   And Jack's involvement in Bethany's life proves to make things difficult and dangerous.

My heart ached for Bethany and the hardships she faced throughout her life. And the same for Jace: watching him try so hard to control his overwhelming feelings for Bethany and not screw the first real relationship he ever had.  There were many times I wanted to scream at him for his lack of trust and then hug him for being so amazing.

It was a pleasant surprise that the storyline took on a different path than the first book. It wasn't the same story with different characters like other series I have read.  Of course there were similarities, but Fever takes you on a suspenseful and emotional journey very different from Rush (THE BREATHLESS TRILOGY).  You have no idea what to expect from chapter to chapter.  I was on the edge of my seat (or bed) for most of the story.  Once I felt comfortable and secure that all was good and happy, I was thrown back into a state of worry and panic.  At one point, I had to take a breather and walk away so I could mentally prepare for what was about to happen.  And that wasn't even at the worst part.  I was caught off guard when.......  Nope sorry, not going to spoil it ;)

As I have come to expect from Maya Banks, her books are STEAMY!!  Even after all the books I have read recently, she has the ability to surprise me, (ahem) educate me and make me blush!   Whew!  Rush and Fever are like the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy on steroids!  Seriously HOT!! 

The third and final book in the series, Burn (THE BREATHLESS TRILOGY), is set to release in August.  Ahhh!!!!!  I don't  know if I can wait that long!  Especially, since I think Ash's story is going to be my favorite.  I have been kind of falling for him since book one.  You know what they say, always save the best for last!

My Rating: 4.5 Book Boyfriends

Rush By Maya Banks

I was given an advanced copy of Rush (THE BREATHLESS TRILOGY) in exchange for an honest review and I was so excited to read it!  

Rush was one sexy, hot and steamy read!!  Whew!  I think I need to take a break from this genre for a while (and a cold shower!)   :)  Out of all the erotica/BDSM books I have read, this was by the far the most intense.   There were times I thought' "should I really be reading this?"  Uh, of course!!!  

Rush is the first book in the Breathless trilogy.  This story focuses on Gabe, the intense and previously scorned billionaire, who only has a relationship with a signed contract.  Unfortunately, the only woman that he envisions as his next contractual relationship is his best friend and business partner's little sister, Mia.

It just so happens that Gabe had been the high school and young adult fantasy of Mia's.  Although, she thought he wouldn't be interested in her since he always kept his distance and the 14 year age difference between them.  Until one night at Gabe's hotel's grand opening, he decided it was time and he made his move.

The story takes you through the journey of Mia and Gabe and their Dom/sub relationship.  At times it seems that Gabe is wonderful, caring and the perfect partner, and then suddenly he can't control his intense need for her and becomes selfish and at times animalistic.  The more time he spends with Mia, the more he needs her and can't be without her, which then scares him and he wants to pull away.  

Mia was a great heroine. She may have been Gabe's submissive, but she didn't take any of his crap.  And when a difficult situation was presented she did the right thing.  At 24 years old she was much more mature than 38 year old Gabe, just like a typical male/female relationship! ;)

For the majority of the book you see the progression of their relationship.  As I moved through the book I thought, "ok when is the s#!t going to hit the fan"  You know it is, It always does!  I thought it happened when they were on a business trip to Paris.  Did I mention he made her his Personal Assistant so he could have access to her at all times?  In Paris, Gabe's conscience gets the best of him and he decides on something that ends up being a monumental mistake (One, I would never have forgiven him for!).  I was so angry with him I had to put the book down, I couldn't look at him...or read about him.  Whatever, I was  so mad!  

I thought that was it, the big climax (no pun intended)  but nope!  The author got me again with a whammy!!  I looked to see how many pages were left and I thought, Oh no!  Is there enough time to fix this?  Without, spoiling the story, I will say that it wrapped up without a cliffhanger and I did not want to throw the book out the window.  ;)  I don't think I could of handled a cliffhanger or a disappointing ending.    

Of all the books that I have read in this genre, I can't pick a favorite.  I liked them all but for very different reasons.  This one was more.....informative.  Not that I will apply anything I learned to my real life!  Even though the story was very racy, it still had a sweet love story.  There were definite times where Gabe made me swoon!  Even control freaks can be sweet and romantic sometimes!   

I can't wait to see what's going to happen in the next book.  The second one, Fever (THE BREATHLESS TRILOGY), focuses on Jace, Mia's brother.  Jace and Ash (the other best friend and business partner) always share the same woman they "date".  It looks like Jace may not want to share anymore.  Interesting!! 

My Rating

4.5 Stars