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Showing posts with label Maya Banks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maya Banks. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Review: Fever by Maya Banks
Fever
Author: Maya Banks
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Breathless Trilogy #2
ISBN: 978-0425267066
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Format(s): paperback (416 pages), e-book
Book Source: Publisher / NetGalley
About the book:
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Jace, Ash, and Gabe: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Jace, it’s a woman whose allure takes him completely by surprise...
Jace Crestwell, Ash McIntyre, and Gabe Hamilton have been best friends and successful business partners for years. They’re powerful, they’re imposing, they’re irresistibly sexy, and Jace and Ash share everything—including their women.
When they meet Bethany, Jace begins to feel things he’s never experienced before: jealousy, and a powerful obsession that threatens him, overwhelms him—and excites him beyond control.
Jace isn’t sharing Bethany—with anyone. He’s determined to be the only man in her life, and it’s jeopardizing a lifelong friendship with Ash. Bethany will be his and his alone. Even if it means turning his back on his best friend.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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Maya Banks certainly left me Breathless whilst reading the second title in that trilogy! LOL. Couldn't resist... but, seriously. Fever certainly ratchets up the heat index with the turn of each page.
When we left the Breathless hunks, Gabe had proposed to Mia, Jace's sister. Jace & Ash were OK with the idea, and neither were threatening beat his ass any longer. We pick up the story, rather seamlessly, at Gabe and Mia's engagement party. The focus has shifted from Gabe and Mia to Jace and Ash, as well as the beauty in their sights for the night. I have to say, I was really surprised that we had a menage at the beginning. Yeah. Starts hot, stays hot! HEAT INDEX: 4 out of 5. (I need to blush to issue a 5!)
I knew that this story was about either Jace or Ash after reading the first chapter at the end of Rush. It was obvious from the beginning that Jace would be our focus, however. I'm not quite sure what drew me to Jace as a hero. It could be his intent focus, his selflessness, or his compulsion to 'possess' Bethany. Over time, I think that as we grow and we have to control so much in our environment, it's important to have someone that will simply take over and make sure that everything is 'taken care of'. Don't think I'm talking about a D/s lifestyle being the be-all, end-all for everyone. I think that, at times, everyone needs someone to call the shots so they don't have to in SOME aspect of their lives, in a controlled manner. I'm not sure, but Jace feels like he's more THAT type of person than the complete Dom. While he SAYS he wants to dictate every minute of her day, it doesn't seem to me that he really wants to completely control Bethany. He wants her safe. He wants her taken care of. He wants her to be happy. Rarely were we shown that Jace dictated what Bethany should wear, or activities she was to attend. We weren't privy to the concept that Bethany was less than amenable to anything that Jace suggested, and we learned through the course of the book that Bethany was not an over-all sub. Jace was constantly trying to please Bethany without completely compromising his own perspectives on life. He did things FOR HER HAPPINESS that he never would have considered, previously.
I do think, however, that Jace wins the award for biggest transformation in this book. He changed from someone that resisted making connections with people – except for Gabe, Mia, and Ash – to being completely enamored with Bethany. His connection to Bethany caused him to grow as a character, for me. He was no longer the dude that wanted to kick the shit out of one of his best friends because he fell in love with his little sister. He had transformed into the person that KNEW what it was like to be so wrapped up in another human being that he understood the changes in his friend and sister. Jace seems to be the 'love at first sight' kind-of dude in this book. Realistic or not, Jace does fall for her from square-one.
Bethany, formerly homeless, was living in the lap of luxury, under the 'protection' of Jace. We learn some truths about Bethany, and while they don't 'make a difference' to Jace, I don't think they're completely forgotten. We see Bethany asserting her independence while concurrently thinking that it would be nice to have someone take care of her, as she's been on her own for pretty much her entire life. This is a totally realistic mentality, BTW. I work with kids that have been in the 'system' for a really long time. I work with the 'troubled' kids. In reality, they need to learn skills, and they need someone to give a shit long enough to help them learn these things. Bethany totally needed someone like that in her life, and it wasn't Jack (more on him later). Bethany was a totally believable character for me. She wanted to be cared for, but not in a smothering, all-encompassing way. I'm not sure whether that was expressly stated during the course of the book – in her actions and reactions – or whether it's me reading into the text, based upon my own experiences. Bethany is a pretty complex character, and I feel we could have seen more from her. Maybe there will be a wrap-up with Bethany in the next book. I felt like she wasn't fully developed, and that leaves me with a 'meh' feeling.
There were a couple major conflicts in this title, and I was comfortable with them both. The first involved Jace's relationship with Ash, and ensuring that he involvement with Bethany didn't push them apart. He had to make it OK with Ash, or his relationship with Bethany would be tainted. The other conflict involved Jack, Bethany's 'brother'. That was a hum-dinger...you'll have to read to figure out THAT situation! I was satisfied with the resolution of both, and I felt comfortable that the resolutions would be OK with the supporting characters as well as the main characters.
Overall, I felt that Fever, the second title in Maya Banks's Breathless trilogy, lived up to it's name. It raised the temperature with it's hotness, and ratcheted up the intensity of the characters. Since I read both Rush and Fever, I can't wait to read Burn (August 2013 release), and anticipate the words will cause incineration to the pages. Ash, after all, is our central character!
VampBard’s Rating:
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Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
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Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Review: Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks
Highlander Most Wanted
Author: Maya Banks
Release Date: March 19, 2013
Publisher: Ballantine
Montgomerys and Armstrongs #2
ISBN: 978-0345533241
Genre: Historical Romance
Format(s): paperback (352 pages), e-book
About the book:
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In Highlander Most Wanted, a reclusive woman content to live in the shadows shows a Highland warrior the true meaning of love.
Genevieve McInnes is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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I love me a good brogue in a story. Dialectical writing. A strong hero saving a strong heroine from a really cruddy situation. It's easy to find those elements in Maya Banks' Highlander Most Wanted, book 2 in her Montgomerys and Armstrongs series.
Even though I haven't read book 1 in the series, Ms. Banks informs her readers of important evens from the previous book in a thorough, yet not-annoying manner. This title could be read as a stand-alone, but I'm pretty sure that more books in this series are in my future.
Storming the Keep. Mmmmhm. That's where our story starts. The Montgomery & Armstrong boys are looking to avenge the mistreatment of one of their own. Secrets that threaten to destroy our heroine, Genevieve, are rampant. How she manages to keep her sanity, after all she's endured, is completely beyond me. She and Bowen make a good couple. They seem to truly complete one another. HEAT INDEX: 3.
This is really a typical story of “dude saves chick from oppression.” Even though Genevieve McInnis has been severely abused during her year-long imprisonment by Ian McHugh, she is strong. Her self-esteem has been crushed; however, with the death of Ian and Patrick McHugh's hasty retreat from the Keep she is emboldened. Although, she repeatedly makes statements that let the citizens of the McHugh Keep off the hook for watching and not doing anything about her abuse. With only one friend that I was wary about through the story, Genevieve was truly on her own. She needed a champion.
Bowen Montgomery, chivalrous and gorgeous, totally falls for Genevieve. He's completely smitten and doesn't admit it to her for what seems like centuries. He is almost instantaneously her sorely needed champion. Genevieve saved his life, and then stitched up his wounds. That's when their time together began and when Bowen realized he was in love with her. Lots of chest-thumping and bellowing ensues. Protection from those that threaten Genevieve takes place. I wasn't too impressed by the acts of heroism. I did really like watching Bowen's feelings for Genevieve evolve, however.
For me, the characters were a little flat. The story seemed to happen. Even though I pretty much could have devoured it in a sitting, it was one of those titles that I like to have around just for enjoyment. I don't have to think like an English teacher while reading titles like this. The conflicts that take place were pretty easy for me to figure out in advance. Much of the description that took place in the book were of emotional states-of-mind that allowed me to see what the character was thinking, but I didn't feel as though I knew any of the characters well. That's OK sometimes, however. Sometimes, as a reader, I need just entertainment.
One of my favorite things about Ms. Banks' writing is that she has a ken for turning a phrase. My favorite quote from this title was: “'Tis glad I am of that, lass, for 'tis the truth that you are more beautiful to me than a thousand Highland sunsets.” Something inside me goes all squishy when I hear phrases like this.
I enjoyed Highlander Most Wanted. Enough that book 1 in the Montgomerys and Armstrongs, Never Seduce a Scot, has been added to my TBR. I like the characters, and the title seemed to be engaging for a ‘brain vacation.’ I am looking forward to reading book 3 in the series, Highlander Ever After, due out in 2013.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Review: Rush by Maya Banks
Rush
Author: Maya Banks
Release Date: Feb. 5, 2013
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Breathless Trilogy, Book #1
ISBN: 978-0425267042
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
Format(s): Paperback (416 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ NetGalley
About the book:
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Gabe, Jace, and Ash: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Gabe, it’s making one particular fantasy come true with a woman who was forbidden fruit. Now she’s ripe for the picking...
When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.
Gabe has starred in Mia’s fantasies more than once, ever since she was a teenager with a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. So what if Gabe’s fourteen years older? Mia knows he’s way out of her league, but her attraction has only grown stronger with time. She’s an adult now, and there’s no reason not to act on her most secret desires.
As Gabe pulls her into his provocative world, she realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him or how exacting his demands can be. Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed—and vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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While reading Rush, the newest offering from Maya Banks, I was driven – often – to the term 'Holy Hell'. I'm not gonna lie. I ran the gambit of, “I LOVE this book,” to “Um. Wow. Not sure,” to “this better resolve – quickly – or I'm outtie.” I finished. I pondered. I learned... and I quickly became thankful for my own life and relationships.
First and foremost: BDSM is prominent. The D/s roles are a central figure and major plot point. The sex is hot, intense, and PLENTIFUL throughout this book. It's not over-done. It's an important aspect of the main characters' relationship, although it's not the ONLY aspect of their relationship. There were a few things that made me uncomfortable while reading, and one situation that had the potential to be a deal-breaker (as in, I would have stopped reading), but this situation was handled, and the characters moved on. As the synopsis states, obsessive relationship. If you struggle with reading about these types of relationships, this book is NOT for you.
Secondly, I almost felt as though this was Ms. Banks' response to the FSoG bandwagon. Better writing, better plot, better execution...definitely. I loved the fact that we saw the good, the bad and the ugly. More realistic and less sunshine, unicorns and rainbows. This isn't a copycat of 50 Shades. I think we're seeing the work of a master author, and she's chosen to create in a popular genre for the public's consumption. ...And consume Rush, I did.
Lastly, there's all sorts of kink going on in this book. Pay attention to Jace and Ash. After Rush concluded, there was a chapter from the next book in the Breathless Trilogy, and I want to read it now! Although...I suspect it's going to focus on Jace, not Ash, one can never be sure where those two are concerned. **knowing nod**
I think one of the things that initially drove me crazy about Mia is the fact that she thinks that BDSM is bad. She demeans herself constantly through the first 40% of the book (at least) for enjoying the world to which she's been introduced. I LOVED watching her transformation! We live in a nation where a preponderance of women have low self-esteem, and seeing Mia grow into a more confident woman had me doing mental high fives with her. You GO, girl! **shakes pom pons** While Mia was the heroine, we heard from her perspective, and we watched as her character developed, matured, and evolved, she was a secondary character to Gabe, for me.
Gabe. He simply can't control himself. It's really telling for him to admit he doesn't HAVE control when it comes to Mia. However, at the 40% mark, Gabe pulls a beyotch move. He goes ballistic because Mia leaves a cocktail party. Yeah. I totally wasn't feeling this story at that point. Ms. Banks, however, makes me love Gabe. Even though he's totally gorgeous and filthy rich – coming from 'old money' – he has such a poor self-image that I feel badly for him. It's not like he couldn't and hasn't had his choice of beautiful women. He chooses to wait for Mia. There's a few things to watch for with Gabe's charater: the interactions with his ex-wife, Lisa – I hate her, but must admit she's intuitive. Also watch for interactions with his dad. THOSE are interesting!
Gabe gave me several Holy. Hell. Moments. I'm not gonna lie. The way he recovered, learned about himself, and doted on Mia had me entranced. Dude has himself some serious issues, but manages to turn things around for the win at the end. It's a romance. Y'all know there's a HEA.
**SPOILER ALERT**
The deal-breaker point I mentioned above was difficult for me to read. Gabe attempts to 'share' Mia, while he was present, with business associates to prove to himself that he doesn't love her. This almost caused me to DNF this book. If you can't handle this type of thing, skip this title.
<end spoiler>
Three best friends. The all grown-up 'little' sister. Secrets, passion and experimentation. I had a love-hate relationship with this book. Anytime the actions of a character can make you love AND hate the same story and characters, and then redeem both plot and peeps, the title is a keeper. Rush was one of those titles. I definitely look forward to future installments of the Breathless Trilogy.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Review: Colters' Promise by Maya Banks
Colters' Promise
Author: Maya Banks
Release Date: June 5, 2012
Publisher: Berkley
Colters' Legacy Book #3
ISBN: 978-0425258620
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): Paperback (256 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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When it came to overcoming the odds of a tragic past, Lily was determined to move on. The three Colter brothers helped her do it. They taught her new ways to love, new dreams to share, and offered her a new life that she never thought possible.
Now is a time for celebration, and what better way than with a long-awaited family reunion, a homecoming that will bring together the entire Colter family and a few surprises no one anticipated.
But first, there's still something from Lily's past she still needs to reconcile--even when all the while she is holding close to her heart a newfound secret that will change her future, forever enrich the Colter legacy, and make every promise come true.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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While I haven't read the first two books in Ms. Banks' Colters' Legacy series, I must admit that Ms. Banks did a pretty decent job filling in the blanks for readers new to her series. I didn't feel too lost, but there are some remaining questions.
I **really** liked Holly, Lily and Callie. The appear to be strong female characters, and y'all know how I like the strong women! Seems as though each of them have struggled through a rough time in their lives, they've come out no worse for wear on the other side. Looks like they're pretty competent at pulling others through rough times, as well. It also looks as though they really like to take care of their men. That's where it gets a bit non-traditional.
The Colter brothers – senior – appear to completely dote on Holly. They seem to be totally OK with the lifestyle they've chosen, which happens to be three brothers sharing one wife. Hrm. OK. Interestingly enough, their SONS share one wife as well. The Colter brothers – junior – also dote on their wife, Lily. These husbands seem to be very intuitive and nurturing when it comes to their wives.
So. The plot. The conflict seemed to center around Lily finding out she was pregnant, Holly's appendicitis, and Callie dealing with her sister-in-law's abuse at the hands of someone she loved. Nothing earth-shattering. Nothing that isn't normal, every-day life. I can relate to every one of these things, and while I may have lived through similar events in my own life, I don't want to see it in the fiction I read to escape. Maybe I'm not the right girl to read titles of this nature. Over-all, I wasn't impressed. In actuality, there's only 208 pages in the title; the last 40-ish are the first chapter of another book. Additionally, I love my sister to pieces, but there's no way in hell I'd share my man with her. While the singular sex scene was kinda hawt, in a porn-like way, it was tainted (for me) by the fact that the three guys were brothers.
I did like the sweet parts of the storyline, however. Holly learned to cook from Lily. Callie forced Lauren to return back to the mountain. Holly bonded with Lauren over their former relationships. Truth be told, it felt as though the men in this story were tertiary to the females and plot development.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Finished it - take it or leave it (C)
Purchase Info:
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