Fever by Maya Banks

Title: Fever
Author: Maya Banks
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: April 2nd, 2013
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 416
Format: Paperback
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: Rush
Age Group: Adult

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

I have to say, I absolutely loved this story way better than the first one and that is rare! When it comes to series, I always love the first novel much better, but this book, I have to say, deserves all five stars.

First, we read about Gabe, and now we read about Mia's older brother Jace. Normally, his sexual behaviors involve his pal Ash (not together, but threesomes are something both men are use to), but this time things change. Bethany, a young homeless girl who walks into Jace's life, and he immediately takes control.

Both characters were extremely strong and developed greatly!

While Jace loves Bethany dearly, there is no getting around his jealousy and distrust towards her, and for Bethany, there's no letting go of something that ties her to the past. While I was irritated for a good large portion, I did slowly start to come around and found how much I loved these two.

Way more than Mia and Gabe, that's for sure.

Jace slowly introduced Bethany to his world, and adjusted her well. There were moments that he went too rough, not in the bedroom (even though a lot of that happened as well) but in the relationship as a whole. His distrust in her and the things that she had to face.

The novel sucked me in right away, and I found myself enjoying! I was sad to see it end so soon! Love this novel!

Rush by Maya Banks

Title: Rush
Author: Maya Banks
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: February 5th, 2013
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 396
Format: Paperback
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Age Group: Adult

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

So, at this point I have read more than my fair share of erotic literature. In fact, I think I've read enough to probably classify me as a pervert or someone who just really likes erotica. Anyways, moving on, I have already made it clear how much I love Maya Banks, this is not any different.

Honestly, this novel had me reaching for a glass of water when I read the scenes between Mia and Gabe. Those two. My goodness.

I am officially in love with Gabe, Jace, and Ash. All three men are hilariously sexy and they are wonderful!

The relationship between Mia and Gabe was steaming from the very first page. Like I said, they had me reaching for a glass of water things were getting just a little too steamy.

Maya Banks brought such romance into this novel. It was great.

A little awkward how things turned out, and I wanted to hurt Gabe, but I guess there had to be some sort of drama.

I'm happy though that this novel wasn't just about sex. There was a lot more that took place that brought the story full circle. And a lot of awesome story development.

Amazing story!

The only thing I didn't like, which I happily skipped because I knew it would be a train wreck the moment that it happened is what Gabe had done to Mia during Paris. I can't go too much into it, but all I can say is that if it had been me, I probably would have left him. I try not to dwell too much on that part, but I can't deny that it didn't happen. Gabe has issues and I was sorry to see that it was Mia to get hurt the way she did.

I feel like she should have punished him just a little more for what he did. Like I said, I'm not as forgiving as her. 

Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks

Title: Highlander Most Wanted
Author: Maya Banks
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: March 19th, 2013
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Pages: 352
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: Never Seduce A Scot
Age Group: Adult

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.

Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever

Like everything from Maya Banks, I loved this series! Another Highland novel that takes your breath away (and makes me fall in love with the Scottish even more!).

This is a continuation of the last book. As soon as the McHugh's have left their keep, leaving his people in the hands of the Montgomery and the Armstrongs. Distrust runs deep and loyalties are questioned at every turn. In the heart of the madness is Genevieve, a young woman who had been kidnapped a year prior to the novel. She is known as Ian's whore, and harassed constantly by the McHughs.

When Bowen arrives, desires begin between the two. But it is not that easy, especially because of the part that Genevieve plays in what had been his sister-in-law's kidnapping.

I found myself a liking Genevieve, and irritated with her at the same time. The things that occurred to her were obviously unfair, and she was a strong woman, but sometimes she showed a lot of weakness that brought her down a notch.

I was mainly irritated with the Armstrongs, and this might be because I didn't understand exactly the relationship that was going on with them and other clans, or just clan rules in general. I wish I could explain further, but that would be major spoiler alert. If only Maya explained the rules of the clans a little better, I could probably understand this novel in a whole new light.

Also, I didn't like how fast the relationship between Genevieve and Bowen developed. Prior to getting together they were just at odds with each other, and then he saves her, again after multiple times, but after that last one things changed drastically and they just sleep together. I raised my eyebrows, like really?! Sweetheart, he saved you from getting raped and you just willing give yourself to him? I found that just a little bit unrealistic.

Besides all the feels, because there was a lot of that, trust me! I absolutely found myself enjoying this novel. Maya Banks is amazing! She is a beautiful writer that brings her characters to life and has beautiful writing style.

I would recommend Maya Banks to just about anyone. And did I mention how she reenforces my love for Scottish men?

Never Seduce A Scot by Maya Banks

Title: Never Seduce A Scot
Author: Maya Banks
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: September 15th, 2012
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Pages: 352
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Interest: Series
Age Group: Adult

Eveline Armstrong is fiercely loved and protected by her powerful clan, but outsiders consider her “touched.” Beautiful, fey, with a level, intent gaze, she doesn’t speak. No one, not even her family, knows that she cannot hear. Content with her life of seclusion, Eveline has taught herself to read lips and allows the outside world to view her as daft. But when an arranged marriage into a rival clan makes Graeme Montgomery her husband, Eveline accepts her duty—unprepared for the delights to come. Graeme is a rugged warrior with a voice so deep and powerful that his new bride can hear it, and hands and kisses so tender and skilled that he stirs her deepest passions.

Graeme is intrigued by the mysterious Eveline, whose silent lips are ripe with temptation and whose bright, intelligent eyes can see into his soul. As intimacy deepens, he learns her secret. But when clan rivalries and dark deeds threaten the wife he has only begun to cherish, the Scottish warrior will move heaven and earth to save the woman who has awakened his heart to the beautiful song of a rare and magical love

I absolutely love Banks! Her last Highlander series I devoured in one weekend and I was excited for this book series! I wish I didn't have to wait until 2013 to get the next book!

Eveline in one word: Amazing! I would not know what I would do if I were in her shoes. I would have given up and never looked back, but this girl went into a position that was difficult and she made the best out of it. After being forced to marry the enemy of her clan, Eveline is humiliated and insulted at all ends. After suffering a past accident, being with the Montgomery's is not easy.

And Graeme is less than pleased, after rumors go around that his future wife could possibly be daft. The idea of never having children or a real marriage is a punishment he does not want to consider, but when he meets Eveline, he knows there is something more to this blond-haired, blue-eyed girl that never speaks a word.

I automatically loved Graeme and Eveline. Even when he thought she was daft, and even being the daughter of the enemy, he still supported her at every turn. Never once did he let her become victim of humiliation, and if she was, he would her champion.

Like most of Banks' work, she makes the reader feel the love that the two protagonist share. She does a wonderful job with character development and shows Eveline's progress throughout the novel.

Though what I don't like is how she always waits until something exciting happens. I almost felt like it was too fast, but I think that this is just to set up for the next coming books.

Another wonderful work from a wonderful author.

Never Love a Highlander by Maya Banks

Title: Never Love a Highlander
Author: Maya Banks
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: October 25th, 2011
Publisher: Random House
Pages: 327
Format: NookBook
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: In Bed With A Highlander & Seduction Of A Highland Lass
Age Group: Adult

Caelen McCabe's young, reckless heart nearly destroyed his clan. Now putting family loyalty above all else, he steps up to marry his older brother's jilted bride and salvage the uneasy alliance between two clans. While beautiful Rionna McDonald is a fit wife for any man, Caelen trusts no woman, especially not this sweet temptress who torments him with white hot longing.

As the sacrificial lamb in her father's power game, Rionna will do her duty but protect her heart and her pride from another man's humiliation. Despite everything, the heat in Caelen's touch melts her defenses and she craves the sensual delights of a husband who guards his emotions as fiercely as his clan. But when the ultimate battle for the McCabe legacy is upon them, Rionna's true warrior spirit emerges. She will risk the wrath of her father, the fury of her enemies, and her life to prove to Caelen that his wife's love is too precious to lose

This series was amazing. It had a spectacular beginning, a wonderful middle that moved the series along nicely, and now it had an epic ending. 

At first, I didn't like Rionna, just because I thought she might split Alaric and Keeley, and while she wasn't at fault, I still blamed her a little. But, near the ending I really started to appreciate it. She really did seem regretful at what almost happened. 

And like the other females, she's so strong. Finding out her dad's a jerk and sacrificing her freedom to marry the last McCabe brother that holds so much guilt on his shoulder for events that took place over eight years ago, and one who swore never to fall in love. 

Now, I really did have some issues with this book. First, because Caelen is holding something that happened long ago still haunt him to the day (but I get it because, I mean, his dad did die in that) but still, like, move on? Please? And I also found the issues with Duncan Cameron's reason for attacking the McCabe a little...eh, you can move on too, right? But, I'm guessing it all had to do with a pride thing, which makes me a little upset. I find that the Duncan Cameron being their enemy because of Mairin and what she'll inherit a little more believable, because its up to date and relevant.

But, anyways, back to this book. Caelen is given the McDonald clan, who are not very happy to have him as Laird and now he has to prove himself to them, as well as trying to take care of a wife who would rather be sword fighting than be a gentle lady. 

In this battle of both husband and wife trying to make each other into something that they're not, they learn from each other. 

I truly enjoyed this book and found the battle scene to be wonderful. The way things ended was surprising but very fitting to say the least. 

Banks proved to be a wonderful author from the very first book to the last. The brothers and their wives proving to be strong and stubborn and wonderfully romantic. I am so glad I was able to read this series.  

Seduction of a Highland Lass by Maya Banks

Title: Seduction of a Highland Lass
Author: Maya Banks
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: September 27th, 2011
Publisher: Random House
Pages: 343
Format: NookBook
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: In Bed With A Highlander
Age Group: Adult
Rating: 5 Stars

Fiercely loyal to his elder brother, Alaric McCabe leads his clan in the fight for their birthright. Now he is prepared to wed for duty, as well. But on his way to claim the hand of Rionna McDonald, daughter of a neighboring chieftain, he is ambushed and left for dead. Miraculously, his life is saved by the soft touch of a Highland angel, a courageous beauty who will put to the test his fealty to his clan, his honor, and his deepest desires.

An outcast from her own clan, Keeley McDonald was betrayed by those she loved and trusted. When the wounded warrior falls from his horse, she is drawn to his strong, lean body. The wicked glint in his green eyes ignites a passion that will follow them back to Alaric's keep, where their forbidden love draws them deeper into the pleasures of the flesh. But as conspiracy and danger circle closer, Alaric must make an impossible choice: Will he betray his blood ties for the woman he loves?

I absolutely positively love this series. The brother's are too much for me, but I cannot get enough of them. They are like everyone's Highlander addiction, though I am still loyal to Jamie Fraser, I still have to give a little love to these men. 

Alaric I always liked a little. Caelen was always fierce and Ewan was always off trying to make sure the keep was put together, but Alaric fell in between, which I guess makes sense since he is the middle child. Anyways, there was always something tender but fierce about him that I liked and wanted more of. 

I was surprised at the way this book was heading and biting my nails throughout the entire thing. I could not imagine what it must have felt like having to decide between loyalty and following his heart. I was a little upset it took so damn long for him to make the decision, but it would make for a short book. 

What I mostly like is how the main drama from the first book carried over. The threat of Duncan Cameron is still a gray cloud over the McCabe's and obstacles that these brothers face were not what they were prepared for. 

I love this series because of the witty humor, the short tempered lasses, the stubborn men, and romance to last a lifetime. These type of books are almost getting predictable, but like most things it's the way they occur that makes the reading worthwhile. Banks brings in a new twist to a Highland love story that will forever go on. 

The character's are strong and stay true to themselves. Nothing more could be ask from a great tale with a lot of anticipated drama and little digs here and there from both sides to remind the reader's of the greater threat, that when it comes to blows, will be very worth it.

In Bed With A Highlander by Maya Banks

Title: In Bed With A Highlander
Author: Maya Banks
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: August 30th, 2011
Publisher: Random House
Pages: 361
Format: NookBook
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Age Group: Adult

Ewan, the eldest of the McCabe brothers, is a ruggedly powerful warrior. With the time ripe for battle, Ewan is poised to take back what is his --- until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust into his life.

The illegitimate daughter of the king, Mairin possesses prized property that had made her a pawn --- and wary of love. But her attraction to Ewan McCabe makes her crave his surprisingly tender touch. Mairin's strength, spirit, and passion challenge Ewan to conquer his demons --- and embrace a love that means more than revenge or land.

Wow, when I first saw this book I knew I had to have it just because it had Highlander all over it. As most know, or should know by now, I just love Highland men, especially when I can peg those against Jamie Fraser, who somehow keeps coming back up on top. But, did Ewan come daringly close to stealing my heart. 

I love how the author shows both his hard and soft side. He's the type of man that will come at someone completely aggressive and threatening, but when getting on the right side he can be protective, loving, and like most Highland men I find in these romance novels he is also overbearing, stubborn, and in desperate need of a woman to break him out of his shell.

In strolls in Mairin. The illegitimate daughter of the deceased king she comes with a favorable dowry and land! Thus she has become the target for a very threatening and dangerous man, Duncan Cameron. Now, in order to escape his clutches, and in desperate need of money himself, Ewan takes Mairin.

But, she's about to prove to be the most difficult, uncooperative, and loving woman he has ever met.

The love between the two blossomed from the moment they met and reader's just can't help but smile at how cute they are. They aren't like couples who are in love that are just annoying; this is true, deep love that they share. I just how much Ewan wanted to throttle Mairin for being so difficult, yet if she were submissive I doubt he'd feel the same way about her. And is this woman bloodthirsty! She comes out with punishments that could make the strongest Highlander quiver.

Overall I love this story and I especially love how Banks drives her reader's crazy. I almost thought for a second the entire trilogy would take place for one thing, but apparently not.

And the love scenes between the two. Wow, Banks knows how to make love scenes like a mastermind.

I only wish this book had been longer, but I am so happy with the way events played out and how Banks showed Mairin's strong and difficult character throughout the whole thing. This will make for a spectacular series, I'm sure.