Rush

Breathless #1

by Maya Banks

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.

Genres: Romance, Erotica, BDSM, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, Adult

396 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2013

About the author

Maya Banks is the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today and international bestselling author of over 50 novels. A wife and mother of three, she lives in Texas.

Reviews

[Georgia ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

I like sexy books. Y'all know that.





It is also well known, that I enjoy reading about damaged, hot, arrogant, alpha males.



But, huge BUT.... I like some plot too! Some real angst, feelings, connection, character development and in this case...


Cabe is in love with his best friend and partner's younger sister, Mia for years. He is older and he got burned by his crazy ex, so how he decides to approach the situation???
He breaks out a freaking contract!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Well, sure... That worked out for Christian I'm-fucked-up Grey, it will work out for everyone!

From there it is pretty much downhill. These two knuckleheads (more so Gabe) hide behind the freaking contract and just refuse to face reality...

Admittedly, this book is saved by the pretty good sex, a grovel to end of grovels and a fairytale marriage proposal.

My exact feelings during the book:
















By the way, I'm definitely reading the next! I know..

[Samantha · Rating 1 out of 5]

How do I hate thee? Let me count the ways:

“Eyes.” he snapped. “On me, Mia. Always on me. You don’t come with your eyes closed. I want to see everything you have when I’m inside you. You don’t ever shut me out.” 21%

“Say my name, Mia. Who owns you? Who do you belong to?” 21%

She should have run, and run, and run, and when she thought she ran far enough, she should have run some more. I guess this was where I was supposed to swoon at all his “alphaness” and “dominance” and just be a puddle of lust?

“I’m looking forward to fucking this sweet ass, Mia. And I will. You’re not ready yet, but you will be and I’m going to enjoy every second I’m balls deep inside your pretty ass.” 24%

Be still my heart.

“Then she glanced at Mia’s feet. “What size are you, Miss Crestwell?” “Six, Mia murmured.” 33%

*snort* Must have matched her little girl hands too. *gag*

Then at the 35% we have Gabe the “hero” rape her mouth, brutalized her with all his manly, manliness of beastly peen, some self-loathing ensued, he got over his feelings and decided he’d do it again.*sigh* …not.

At the 38% mark he goes all alpha-caveman (because we’re told that) but the truth is: he’s an asshole, control freak, bordering on abusive. She should have thrown him a dog bone and told him to fetch and made her escape.

At the 41% mark we were all “There was a difference between submissive and spineless.” and I was all “YEAH! There’s a difference between a dominant, alpha male, and a pretend, out of control wanna be alpha.” Then poor Mia is pouring out her feelings and he goes all “Me He-man Gabe, Master of the mantrum and I will kick and scream and belittle you and I’ll call bullshit.” And, in case you were wondering: he had no traumatic childhood, no emotional instability. Just suffers from asshole-itis and calls it kink. Then we are preached to about infidelity and who is naïve and how easy it is to wake up and leave your significant other and get a divorce. By this time, my eyes glazed over and all I could think was “who’s being naïve now?”

I have more pages highlighted on my kindle with notes but I’m exhausted. Needless to say. I really didn’t like this book at all. Every other paragraph is sex. "get your ass over here Mia, get naked Mia, on your knees, Mia, ass in the air, Mia. I'm going to spank you, Mia. Ugh.

*Edited to add* There was this crazy contract where he "owned" her body. I mean really? Seriously? What a twit for signing it. I also wanted to mention the scene where he has his business associates watch Mia give him head. Then ties her up and allows them to touch her NOT penetrate. Of course things go bad and he's all "I fucked up and forgive me." blech. Gabe treated her like a whore throughout 75% of the book. This book is billed as an erotic romance. I'm sorry, but there was nothing remotely romantic about this book. I won't even get into the portions of the book when they are at work and he makes her walk around with a butt plug all day ...

[KristenReviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

I struggled with portions of this book and had a very difficult time with the hero, Gabe, and his jerky and selfish behavior. I can honestly say, I don't think I've ever read a more jerky and selfish hero. There was nothing sexy or appealing about him or his behavior! That said, I ended up enjoying this story more than I thought I would. It's Maya Banks after all!

Note: I know some may compare this book to Fifty Shades, but this story is NOT a Fifty Shade's "knock off" in any way shape or form. Trust me, it's its own story and a brilliantly written one at that!

[Auntee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I liked this one a lot more than I thought I would...and I actually cried at the end. Don't know why I ended up with tears...Ms. Banks must be doing something right for me to get so emotionally involved!

This is the first book in a new trilogy (Breathless) for Maya Banks. The trilogy is about three rich, powerful best friends, all in their late thirties (Gabe, Jace, and Ash). Rush is Gabe Hamilton's story. Gabe is a wealthy real estate mogul/hotelier; a partner in HCM Global Resorts and Hotels. His two best buddies/partners are Jace Crestwell (Fever) and Ash McIntyre (Burn) . Gabe has had a rough time for the past few years--the sudden dissolution of his marriage and the publicity about it has left him feeling humiliated and betrayed; and the end of his own parents 38 year marriage has left him reeling. Apparently there is no such thing as everlasting love, and Gabe no longer believes in it or is looking for it. The few relationships he's had since the end of his marriage all start and end the same. No longer does Gabe trust--the women he's involved in all must sign a contract. There is no longer emotions involved for Gabe--no heart on the line or any real feelings are involved. He will not be blindsided again. Any woman he's involved with must now sign a contract, giving up total contol to him inside and outside the bedroom. Gabe makes all the decisions--the woman is his to command. Of course, all her physical and financial needs will be met, but don't expect Gabe to give you any more than that. His heart is no longer available.


Gabe...


Enter 24-year-old dark-haired beauty Mia Crestwell (Jace's sister). Mia has a special relationship with her overprotective brother. After their parents were killed in a car accident when Mia was young, Jace became like a parent to her, spoiling and protecting her. Now finally finished with her schooling, Mia works at a pastry shop, not quite ready to spread her wings but knows that she must put all that schooling to good use. Jace's friends Gabe and Ash have been like brothers to her growing up, but now that she's older, Mia can admit to herself that she's had more than sisterly feelings towards Gabe. The dark haired, arrogant, confident, sexy bad boy has always been her secret crush. Gabe wasn't available to her when he was married, but now that he's not...

Gabe has always had warm feelings for Mia. But he's pushed them aside because of their 14 year age difference. But now that Mia is "of age", the age difference doesn't matter to Gabe. She's all grown up and quite a stunner--and he has to have her! It's time she left that bakery job...maybe she could be his "personal assistant"? Of course she would have to sign one of his contracts (and will she be surprised with all that he expects her to do? Gabe has a healthy kink going on...), and they would have to keep their "relationship" a secret from her brother (he would kill Gabe if he knew he was involved with his Mia)...would Mia accept his "job proposal", knowing that most of her job would involve accepting him and his wants 24/7? Oh Gabe, is there any doubt?

Yowza! Gabe and Mia strike a deal, and once Mia reads the contract, her head says "You've got to be kidding", but her body has other ideas. She's wanted Gabe too long to give up on this chance with him, so she plunges right in. And oh boy...Gabe promises to ease Mia into his whole kinky desires...but he can't help himself! He's gotta have her--often, and hard! And Mia, bless her heart, is up for the challenge.:)

Now, I must admit, there came a time when I was getting just a wee bit bored reading about Gabe and Mia's sexual exploits. Go to work (in the same office), Gabe does a little work, looks over at Mia, locks the door, says "strip' or "On yours kness" or "Come here", and it's sex-in-the-office-time. Come home, eat a little dinner, Gabe says "Strip", "On your knees", "Come here", etc., and it's have wild sex at home. Where was this all leading? Will Mia get bored with this? Doesn't she crave something more? Will Gabe's reputation as a "beast" in bed be enough for her? Will Gabe ever want Mia for anything more than sex? Will he finally develop some cracks in the wall around his heart? Will he finally stop fighting his feelings and give in? Ah, yes, have a little faith, Gabe does display some emotional growth, and Mia isn't quite the doormat that I feared she would become. Maya Banks kicks the book into high gear eventually, when Gabe is forced to admit his feelings for Mia (but not until he makes a huge mistake that nearly costs him everything. This scene (in Paris) really made me dislike him, but it also made me understand him, and strangely enough, it made him seem more human. After that scene, I was really pulling for him, hoping he could get his act together and finally realize what Mia meant to him.

Their sex scenes? When I read the "contract", I feared that Gabe may be just a bit like Damon Roche (Sweet Persuasion). But fear not. Even though Gabe was a dominant lover and liked his women submissive, there was nothing too kinky. Yes, there was some bondage, a little crop-action spanking, some fast-and-furious sex, but thank god no "Master/Sir" or slave thing, no dog collar, no welts, no ménage. I found the most exciting scene was one where Gabe finally let Mia have her way with him--it was sensuous, exciting, loving and emotional. Well done, Ms. Banks.

So, off to a good start. Sometimes the first book in a series gets a bit bogged down in the details, but this one didn't. I think Mia and Gabe were both well-drawn characters. I will admit that I didn't quite understand Gabe's feelings about not wanting to get "involved' again. There were times when I thought he was kind of cowardly and needed to just admit his feelings and man up! But yeah, he did make me cry at the end, so I'm going to forgive him of his asshat moments. And Mia, I love what you did when you were being blackmailed! Thank god you didn't become a cliché and give in! And I especially love how you told off Gabe--yes, make him crawl! I was really happy with her character's growth in this one, and I could see her standing up to Gabe in the future!

This book entertained, kept me turning the pages, and make me tear up at the end. Not bad for a first in the series! 4 1/2 stars.

Warning: This book contains explicit sex (oral and anal); graphic language; some bondage and spanking; exhibitionism; and the use of some sex toys. Not for the faint of heart!

[Vikki ~ *squee* lite ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little nervous about this one. The last couple of the “dominating billionaire” books I’ve read have been so so for me, and Maya Banks can be a hit or miss author for me. I’m so glad I took the chance.
I really really enjoyed this one.


Gabe



Mia



I loved the set up (I am a sucker for the “in love with my brother’s best friend” thing)

Gabe was definitely your quintessential alpha male. Add to that a past which has left him with no ability to trust in a relationship, and an obsession with his best friends little sister, and sparks are guaranteed. I loved watching Gabe struggle with his real feelings for Mia. I wanted to smack him more than once and tell him to stop being such a blind fool, but I still loved him. When he would let himself go, and be sweet, he just melted my heart. He is lucky that Mia is more forgiving then I would have been in similar circumstances.

I have to admit, I was more than a little surprised, given how close he was to Mia’s brother Jace, that he had the balls to propose the kind of relationship he wanted to Mia.

“I’ll own you,” he said bluntly. “Body, soul. You’ll belong to me.”




The chemistry between Mia and Gabe was smokin’. The fact that they had mutually lusted after each other for years before finally coming together gave an edge of desperation to them that was seriously hot.

“Eyes,” he snapped. “On me, Mia. Always on me. You don’t come with your eyes closed. I want to see everything you have when I’m inside you. You don’t ever shut me out.”





Mia was a great heroine. Even though she was so much younger than Gabe, she didn’t let him walk all over her (outside of the bedroom). She was spunky, and smart, and sure of herself in ways I don’t think a lot of women her age are.

“Don’t fall in love with me, Mia,” he warned. “Don’t take this for anything more than it is. I don’t want to hurt you.”
…
“That’s awfully presumptuous of you, Gabe. Not to mention arrogant and assholish. You’ve been clear in your expectations of our arrangement. I’m not an idiot. Do you assume every woman you meet falls head over heels in love with you and can’t live without you?”

Oh, and the end. Nothing I love more than a alpha man on his knees.

I can’t wait for the next book. The teaser chapter just about killed me. Yum.

**and for those who like to know, this was BDSM light. Nothing hard core at all, and not proticol heavy (master/sir) etc.

[Emily May · Rating 1 out of 5]

All cold sex, absolutely no chemistry or sensuality.

The guy - Gabe - is an arrogant, selfish asshole who doesn't care about anything except fulfilling his control-freak needs and banging his best friend's sister. He whips out a contract before every sexual relationship so the women can't accuse him of abuse. And he is jealous to the point of being genuinely scary.

There is also nothing outside of the sex - no flirtations, no funny conversation or banter, just sex. It was boring and I hated Gabe.

[Mandi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maya Banks has a new trilogy releasing following three billionaires who run swanky hotels. Although I’m a little tired of the billionaire hero, the blurbs intrigued me so I thought I’d give book one, Rush a try.

Let me say this – sometimes having an asshole hero can be fun. Take Tack for example (Motorcycle Man by Kristen Ashley). He is initially rude to the heroine, arrogant, demanding in bed etc.. but she writes him in a way that his alpha behavior is coming from a good place. There is romance within all the assholeness. He was a sexy asshole. (and also no way as dominant as Gabe…)

Gabe from Rush is just a plain asshole. And before I go on let me make it clear I only read the first 50% of this book so you can argue that he may have changed his ways and redeemed himself. However, the way he acted the first 50% would take an amazing amount of redemption. Gabe has needs – he needs to be in control, he needs to dominate and he is extremely possessive. He has been lusting after his best friend’s sister, Mia for years and now that she is 24 (and he is 38 I think) he feels it’s time to make his move. Mia has been lusting after Gabe as well. There is mutual lusting. Mia is very spoiled and pampered and protected by her big brother so Mia fears telling him her true feelings for his best friend.

Because of Gabe’s intense needs when having sex, he got burned by a previous relationship, accusing him of abuse etc, so now before entering into any type of physical relationship, he makes the woman sign a contract. I roll my eyes at this, but the basis for it in Gabe’s case makes sense.

But here is where things go bad for me. Mia has a good education yet works in a bakery. Gabe thinks she is wasting her potential so he wants her to be his personal assistant. But the personal assistant position also means she would be having an exclusive sexual relationship with him. Just what every college graduate dreams of.

“The purpose of your working for me is so you’d be at my side at all times. And I’d have you when I want and how I want.”

Gabe and Mia start a physical relationship and it is just so cold. Gabe is such a jerk. Mia goes along with it all. There is no romance. There is nothing outside the bedroom. Gabe uses Mia hard and then has remorse after she leaves, just to do it again the next time. He is possessive and jealous not in a fun way. (And yes, there are some stalker, jealous heroes out there that work really well for me – hello Gideon Cross!)

He humiliates her and as the reader it made me feel bad. I don’t want to feel bad when I read. I want to experience situations that I may not like but dying to know how the hero/heroine will resolve the actions – but I don’t want to feel ill. Mia liked it (maybe?), but I didn’t.There is also a scene that I didn’t read but was told about in detail that really just makes me shake my head. No, no, no. I don’t care how much he asks to be forgiven or how well the author redeems him. No.

No interest in discovering how it all ends.

Rating: DNF/F

[P.A. Lupton · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is a DNF for me. I only made it 25% into the story and hated every second of it. I don't like the characters at all, and so far haven't been able to identify a plot outside of sex. And don't even get me started on the fact that it's exactly like 50 Shades. He presents her with a contract? What I loved about 50 Shades is that Ana fought Christian at every turn and refused to give up her independence. Mia is just handing it to Gabe. And when Gabe says he's going to give the contract to his lawyer I burst out laughing. No lawyer would do anything with a contract where a person signs away their basic human rights. It's illegal and unenforceable. As far as I know, slavery contracts were abolished in the early eighteen hundreds. Gabe could draw up any contract he wants, but it would be a formality, not a legality. SMH And, speaking of independence, Mia takes a "job" as Gabe's personal assistant and sex is a requirement of her job. Well, when a man pays you for sex there is a name for that. I don't like the characters or the story, not for me at all. And what a disappointment because I have liked Maya Banks in the past.

[Shawna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ½ stars – Contemporary/Erotic/BDSM Romance

Thoughts After Reading:

This was a decent erotic romance, but I didn’t really connect with the characters. Their “relationship” felt a bit trite, dull, and emotionless, and I actually got bored with the sex scenes. The angst and drama seemed needless and calculated, although it resulted in some good groveling by the hero. I love Maya Banks, but this didn’t quite live up to my expectations. Hopefully Jace’s and Ash’s books will be better.

Thoughts Before Reading:

I’m a big Maya Banks fan and really looking forward to her Breathless trilogy, but I’m not crazy about the covers.

What’s with this new artsy trend in romance/erotica covers anyway? Even previously released authors are having their book covers reimaged. I guess it’s yet one more thing we can blame thank Fifty Shades of Grey for.

Give me a hot cover with a yummy, chesttastic hunk of manflesh or of a couple in an erotic embrace over random, vague images of elements, jewelry, feathers, perfume, ribbons, smoke, flowers, ties, masks, etc. any day!

[Candace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells the story of Gabe, a billionaire Dom with a serious attraction to his best-friend's little sister, Mia. Of course, Mia is about as off-limits as a woman could be. She's sweet, young, innocent and coddled by her over-protective big brother. Gabe's sure he's going to hell for just thinking of the sex acts he wants to do with Mia.

Going to hell or not, he decides that he will have Mia. After seeing her at a grand opening party one evening, scantily clad and looking irresistible, he can't resist her any longer. Instructing her to meet him at his office in the morning, he startles her with a passionate kiss and sends her on her way.

Mia wasn't sure what to expect when she arrived at Gabe's office, as instructed. She'd lusted after her brother's best friend for years, but never really thought she stood a chance. She wants him, but she's thrown off-kilter by the contract he presents her with, outlining the details of their sexual relationship if she were to consent to having one.

Predictably, Mia chooses to agree to the relationship with Gabe. As part of their agreement, she will also begin working as his personal assistant. Little by little, Gabe introduces her to his world of kink.

The story slowly progresses with a few smaller climactic moments along the way. Eventually, everything hits the fan when Mia's older brother discovers their relationship in the most dramatic fashion. Then, every bit of progress that this couple had made seemed to evaporate.

I was disappointed in Gabe's behavior more than once while reading this story. His character didn't hold much appeal for me. I liked Mia, but without liking both of the main characters, this long story just got kind of tedious.

Overall, I liked it. It isn't a favorite of mine, but it was a decent story to pass some time. I've definitely read far worse. That being said, I've also read much better.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-rush-b...

Best friends since college, Gabe, Jace and Ash are now billionaires and the founders of HCM Global Resorts and Hotels. Gabe Hamilton has been lusting after Jace’s baby sister, Mia Crestwell for years now. It’s been an obsession and preoccupation for him and now that she is twenty-four and all woman, he’s decided he will no longer fight it. With the fourteen year age difference between the two, he has never acted on his lust until now. At age sixteen Mia had fantasies of Gabe and to this day his confidence and arrogance draws her to him like a moth to a flame. When Gabe sees Mia across the ballroom at the HCM grand opening, predator to prey, he decides it is time to make his move and take possession of the “forbidden fruit” known as Mia. Gabe sweeps Mia into a dance, then a devouring kiss, and finally demands that she meet with him in his office the following day. When Mia arrives to Gabe’s office, he quickly addresses the business at hand. Gabe proposes that Mia come to work for him at HCM as his personal assistant, but the position is only a mask. Gabe’s purpose of Mia’s non traditional working relationship is so she will be by his side at all times with the condition that he’d have her when and how he wants her; body and soul. Nothing but thorough, Gabe presents her with a contract that outlines everything he demands of their relationship. Ownership and possession, not emotion or intimacy with Gabe’s right to cancel at any time. The contract basically states that Mia will submit and cede all power to Gabe not only in the bedroom but in all aspects of their relationship. Mia knows that she is walking a fine line with not only her emotions but her heart. She agrees to sign the contract and so begins their journey of dysfunction.

“Hell, he’d all but mauled her. He’d raped her mouth, for God’s sake. He’d hurried her into his apartment, shoved her onto her knees and then forced himself down her throat. His self-loathing knew no bounds and yet he couldn’t regret it. Worse, he knew he’d do it again. And again.”

I went into Rush unaware that it would be Maya Bank’s knockoff of the well known Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy and sadly it was a huge disappointment. (I should have read the EW Article that stated Berkley Books had acquired a “Fifty Shades-esque” trilogy by Ms. Banks) Gabe Hamilton might as well be a clone of Christian Grey only he doesn’t have issues with touching or fucking. In fact that is all Gabe wants with Mia; a contract to fuck with a bit of kink thrown in for good measure. He’s cold, selfish, emotionless, and wants nothing but to own Mia’s body until he is sated and ends the contractual agreement. His desire for her has loomed for years yet he has no feelings for Mia other than obsession and possession. From the moment he initiated the contract of their relationship, I saw nothing but a cold-hearted bastard. Gabe has loving parents, no troubled past or abuse; only a messy divorce with his first and only wife. Yet he is void of emotion, calculated in getting his way and screw the consequences to anyone else.

“Made love. He wanted to laugh. That was a much softer term for what he’d done. Maybe he thought it in an attempt to make himself feel better. He’d fucked her senseless. He’d danced a very thin line in brutalizing her, and yet for all the remorse he felt, he knew that next time wouldn’t be any different no matter his intentions. He could say one thing all he wanted, but he was a damn liar and he knew it.”

The flow of the story lacks luster because it’s a continuous cycle of Gabe initiating rough sex with Mia, treating her like a whore, feeling remorseful in the moment, then repeating the behavior again. There is no romance that builds between the two. Their chemistry is all physical and frankly its hollow and unsexy. Mia frustrated me throughout the book because she was hot and cold with her emotions. One moment she is standing up to Gabe and then she is like a limp dishrag once he put his hands on her. The only real connection they had was through sex. At about the 70% mark I was ready to DNF the book after Gabe allowed a major violation to occur towards Mia. As the reader, I wanted to gag. If there was any evidence that Gabe had developed feelings for Mia, it was destroyed during that incident. The only reason I continued to the end was to see if Ms. Banks could work magic and deliver a believable happy ending for this couple and I’m sorry to say it did not happen. The only enjoyable part of the book was Jace and Ash’s characters. They both were fun, flirty and showed real emotion even though their time on the page was limited. Neither Jace nor Ash exhibited the harsh, asshole qualities that Gabe possessed.

If you are a lover of Fifty Shades and want a more mature, contracted version of a heartless relationship, this is your book. If you are like me and are over the Fifty Shades recreations and want romance with originality, then I suggest you quickly pass this one by.

[Allison ❤️Will Never Conquer Her TBR❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, it's absolutely blowing my mind that I'm rating this book four full stars but I've got good reason....so here goes...

Literally, the first two thirds of this book, I hated the main character, Gabe. I typically find uber rich, controlling a$$hole-ish guys really hot and I gravitate towards that... But Gabe was straight up dickhead. Sorry, no better word for it. It blew my mind that this young, sweet girl found any redeeming qualities in him other than looks... As long as he didn't open his mouth, which, unfortunately, he did. I'd readily reply to his demands with a hardy "F@ck you!" BUT, that being said, it made his metamorphosis from uber dickhead to sweet, loving, panty-melting hero that much more captivating. A book that gives me that kind of anxious, heart fluttery, excited feel deserves four stars for me. I actually wanted good things for this couple.....

"You're so fucking beautiful," he said in a rough voice. "In my bed, on your knees, hands tied behind your back so you have no choice but to take whatever I give you."

A little synopsis now that I've done my rant and subsequent rave.... Gabe is one of three partners who owns a very lucrative company, buying hotels throughout the world. His partner Jace has a hot little sister (24 year old Mia). Gabe has known Mia most of her life and never really looked at her as more than a kid sister. He's been married, divorced, and scorned by his ex. He has very controlling tastes in the bedroom and has made it a habit to form a contract with all his women so there's no legal fallback if things don't work out..so everyone is on the same page. Gabe suddenly realizes the beautiful sweet thing that Mia is and he wants her....if she will just agree to sign the contract and keep their relationship a secret. He will subsequently take care of all her needs, providing her with a good job as his personal assistant, buy her all the clothing and gifts she desires....and, most importantly, rock her world in the bedroom. But can Mia keep this contracted relationship just a sexual thing? What if feelings get in the way? What if Jace finds out and it ruins their business partnership? She'd never forgive herself.... Gabe is used to this lifestyle but she surely isn't.

I really need an deep emotional connection in my reads to feel good chemistry. I did not feel this until very late in the book. In fact, the scenes were really well written but they didn't capture me on a sultry level at all.... Until huge things happen on a trip to Paris and I start to feel their pull. It was a very captivating read from there. So, that being said, I can truly see why reviews are so one way or the other for this book. You either feel it or you don't (and I think the lack of feeling it is more from Gabe being a douchenozzle for so far into their story).

Overall, good read. Will be diving into Fever very soon. Looking forward to an Ash/Jace sandwich. Yuuuummmmy!

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Figuring Things Out Stars-Only $1.99
* * * Spoiler Free-An Early 2013 Review
As someone who is open to reading most types of romance, as well as other genres... I like to see what is out there and take a sample. I had read a book by Maya Banks before and although it wasn't something that totally clicked with me, I was open to what she presented. Her style of writing was clear and the experience was something I filed away as an ok read and to see what else is out there.

This series came out and I also was learning what I liked... what clicked and what not so much. This series was a little pricey for me so I really didn't give it too much thought.

Well, I do like a bargain, and Rush went on sale... deep sale. So I thought what the hell... you were interested but passed due to cost... go for it. This is how I am here writing this review.

The idea at the time of a rich wealthy guy- and the younger woman he watched growing up into this person sounded fine. There would be some hurdles due to her brother... there would be some wish fulfillment, great sex and then some emotional hiccup with him figuring out all along he loves her, and HEA... Right?

Well....this was all that and less...
It was everything like I stated but it didn't have any warmth of feelings for me to connect to FOR ME...and the way these guys were developed and who they were as men... didn't connect for me either...

The elements were there... Gabe loved his parents... took care of his mom after an ugly divorce from Dad who had a mid-life crisis after 39 years. Oh and had then the ugliest divorce himself from a woman he actually loved.

Jace, the brother of Mia, took care of her after her parents are killed in a car accident... so that shows his concern for her...

Ash the other guy in this book is flirty and fun but has an awful relationship with his family so he is the clown laughing on the outside with a broken heart ... so that has potential.

And Mia... she has been raised by her brother, yet all three have looked after her emotionally... but Gabe is the one who she has loved since 16. She is college-educated but a little lost not knowing really what to do...with this crippling desire for Gabe.

The story is Gabe finally decides to make his move on Mia, as she is 24 and old enough in his eyes and he is obsessed with wanting her.
The approach is made... they kiss and that kiss that means everything... and the next thing coming out of Gabe's mouth is a demand of Mia to be in his office the next day...All flustered... she goes only to have Gabe present a sexual contract to her to think about and decide on...

Ok...
It seems since he was burned so badly from ex... this is what he does with anyone he hooks up with..... really romantic...

Mia wanting him for so long is nervous, concerned but goes through with it anyway...cause it is GABE...He is all she has wanted, feels nothing ventured nothing gained.

Mia's character gave me problems too. She would seem feisty and then roll over for Gabe...
The moment Gabe hears her say yes... he is beside himself. He tells her he will take it easy on her and slowly work up to things he had laid out in the contract because the contract says... he owns her... Period. She is his to do whatever he wants...

I am not going to go into all the things about this book that takes place. You can read my journey with Gabe and Mia better through my updates.

What I am going to say is just when there might have been a breakthrough in Gabe's behavior and some real understanding of who he was, what he was feeling, and where this might go... the character does something which took me so out of any affection for him... it made it difficult for me to come back.

I also have issues when characters are supposed to be smart, educated, capable of making multi-million dollar decisions, and then don't act accordingly... not controlling as they would in business deals and situations as they should be. If I continue I will spoil the book for you...

It does end well for Mia...

I appreciate the effort the author took and for many, I am sure this book worked.

Rush, Book 1
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Fever, Book 2
Burn, Book 3

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Jayme · Rating 4 out of 5]

That is a book of the same type as the Fifty. Wealthy men in suits, possessive, dominant, wild hot scenes and a submissive women. Quite a ride, good to go back to this kind of a book.

“Some crushes just never went away. They built, instead, into something permanent, obsessive and all consuming.”

***Quick Review:***

Series: The first of three books in the Breathless series.
Grade: Erotic Romance.
Main characters: Gabe Hamilton, businessman, owner of hotels, thirty-eight years. Mia Crestwell, twenty-four, younger sister of Jace.
Secondary characters: We know here Jace Crestwell and Ash McIntyre, two friends, about whom will be the next parts.
Steamy: Yes. A lot hot scenes. There are all kinds of hot-bdsm-type scene. Binding, spanking, anal, sex toys and attempt to the menage.
Sensitive topic: Some scenes for some may be disturbing.
Love triangle: No.
Cheating: No.
Cliffhanger: No.
HEA: Yes.

For who I would recommend? Fifty Shades fans will be pleased, also those who are not afraid of hot scenes with elements of bdsm.

***

About the plot: Three wealthy men who came to this hard work and determination. Always supported each other even in difficult times. The time has come to test their friendship even more.

Gabe Hamilton is a man who has a tough rule. It life taught him that, failed marriage and divorce of parents. Everything had to influence how now he refers his relationship with women. His soft side has always been a younger sister's best friend, Mia. But he never let himself be tempted, he kept his distance, although with age becoming more and more attracted to her.

Mia Crestwell has always been in love with her brother's best friend. Never in her wildest dreams she thinks, that these feelings might be mutual. One evening Gabe decided to take a chance and invited Mia to his office. He gave her a job, which not only included her duties at work. Also, those in his bed. They have created an unconventional relationship confirmed by contract, and they kept it a secret.

Mia turned up very well in freeing given by Gabe. Even though he sometimes was brutal and a real asshole, he could also be attentive and caring. He gave her a growing challenge and learned her in his own world. When hot nights and increasing feelings had already begun to overwhelm, Gabe decided into something that could destroy them both.


Final thoughts: It did not go like I thought it would. I was surprised. It was not his outrageous practices and desire to domination to be their greatest test. So it was not entirely predictable. What is very good.

But something was missing to give five stars. Perhaps more time when Gabe returned to sanity and decided to fight for a woman. I would definitely read more of this. They were also not enough ties with secondary characters for me. Although I liked them and I'll be happy that I can continue to read the next part - perhaps most importantly, but what can I say, I would have wanted more interaction between the characters.

After all, the book was for me very positive. A lot of emotion and hot scenes. There's something very sexy about characters whose age difference is large. Forbidden fruit always tastes the best.

“The only thing I’m sure of is that I’ve waited entirely too damn long to have you.”

Next in the series? Yes! "Fever" about Jace Crestwell, the second of three friends.

[Laurie (barksbooks) · Rating 1 out of 5]

alpha-hole (courtesy of Broughttoyoubymybrain )

the alpha hole is very often confused with the alpha male. They have the same characteristics of the alpha male only they are assholes. The Alpha-hole always takes things too far. He often does and says unforgivable things, has a 'black out' temper, is possessive to the point of insulting, and never grovels. The alpha-hole is usually matched up with a nice doormat who'll take his shit with a smile.

********************************************************

Gabe the hero(?) is an alpha-hole. If you like that type of thing or are a forgiving sort you might be able to enjoy this book more than I did. If you don’t you should heed all warnings steering you away. I wish I had. I am not the forgiving type, it seems.

Many of my book friends warned me but I read it anyway. Unabridged on audio. In my car. Where there is no escape. I really enjoyed Never Seduce a Scot by this author and was holding out hope that everyone else was wrong. Deep down I sometimes like me an anti-hero. And like the sheeple I am I believed the reviews that said he gave good grovel at the end. I think I must’ve completely tuned out and missed that bit because I didn’t hear much groveling going on. Where was the pain? Where was the suffering? Where was the kick to the nuts? I wish I had DNF’d this because I didn’t enjoy any of it. By the end, I felt nothing at all besides a little lingering rage.

So here’s the gist. Mia has always been “forbidden fruit” but that didn’t stop Gabe from secretly wanting to take a bite. Now that she’s 24 and the fruit has ripened sufficiently Gabe decides it’s time to make his move on his best friend’s little sis. To hell with a lifetime of trust, friendship and important business ties. Gabe is 14 years her elder but the gap doesn’t seem quite so wide now. Though it might be when he’s done (ugh I’m sorry, this book has scarred me). Anyway, he can’t hold out much longer and he’s a man who always gets what he wants.

Gabe is a billionaire businessman who has been publicly burned by his ex-wife and he won’t ever let it happen again. Because of the public shaming where his kinks were revealed he has shut off his emotions and deals with his sexual needs the same way he deals with any business venture. Instead of putting up with messy emotional entanglements he writes up a contract that flat out says he will own Mia until he tires of her. He coldly admits that he does this with all of his lovers. It’s nothing personal. Mia must give up her life and work for him as his, ahem, “personal assistant” doing whatever he wishes, mostly while out of her undie pants and she cannot tell her brother. Her brother has raised her and he is the one person she feels closest to in the whole wide world.

Sound sexy to you?

Mia thinks so. She signs the contract after asking very few questions and getting very vague answers. He’s hot, he’s out of her league, he can have anyone and yet he wants her so she jumps at the chance to become a paid sex slave. Well, who wouldn’t, right?

Thus begins the border-line kinky sex and because there wasn’t any emotion tied to it I found it incredibly boring and started to tune out. During (or after?) their first time together I do believe I even heard him call her “little baggage” as in “get over here Little Baggage”. Ooo, now that’s how you woo a lover. I was hoping with everything in me that it was my imagination because I was only half listening but then I clearly heard him say “Keep your fucking arms where I put them” so perhaps my brain wasn’t unfairly putting ugly words in his mouth.

FWIW, at least he shows his assholish tendencies from the get go and stays true to character. Mia is just a little too forgiving and a little too bland for me to get behind though.

The rest of the book is filled with bossy sex, some silly dialogue “you’re a tigress. Ferocious!” and one scene that is truly unforgivable though it is very true to his character . . . There is spanking, butt plugs, anal sex and light bondage but it’s hard to find any of it sexy because Gabe was just such an angry prick. If you’re curious how this sort of scenario can be sexy and far more balanced you should check out James Spader and Maggie Gyllenhaal in Secretary.

Narration Notes: This book was narrated by Adam Paul. His voice rarely strays from bland-monotony except when Gabe is really angry (because honestly Gabe is always angry) and then the tone changes to bland-angry. At times he reads the words as if he’s in a hurry to end this gig as quickly as he can,which was fine by me because I pretty much felt the same way.

[RomanceAddict · Rating 1 out of 5]

50 Shades kind of book, but unfortunately, very disappointing! First of all, the hero talked like every other "damn" hero in Maya Banks contemporaries (save for her HQN Desires which ban the damns and the rest). He's supposed to be rich but sounds like someone who is not even very educated. Then, there's the way he treats Mia. Wow. Talk about a JERK. I love alpha heroes. I happened to love Gideon Cross and Christian Grey (up until the end of book 1). But this hero doesn't even get me a little interested. Completely selfish, out of the blue he decides its time to move in on his friend's sister, and the best time to do it is when his friend is away on a trip. Then, he can get the girl to sign a document and her life away, and go work with him so he can do her every time he wants. Selfish much? What a great, BUDDY, isn't he? Honestly, I can't believe he has waited so long to "move in" on the heroine and didn't plan it better by, say, talking to his friend instead. I mean, DUH. Did he think he wouldnt ever find out? He's supposed to be a SMART - oh yes billionaire! But moving on . . .
MORE SPOILER AHEAD *stop reading if you don't want to know!*
So after a lot of internal things and much telling by the author and not showing, we get to see total humiliation to Mia by her being caught by HER BROTHER Jace when she's being whipped by Gabe. As if that isn't humiliating enough, the scene in Paris made me want to VOMIT. It was not sexy. Even if the hero was all angsty about sharing her, he decides to share her, which is something the heroine never expected him to do at first. Honestly. If I'd wanted an orgy book I would have gone directly for that, but since this was marketed as 50 Shades or Bared to You, I did not expect it for this one. At all. This twist left me cold and ready to barf. Especially when Mia continues to forgive him and just goes right back to being a doormat. Ms. Banks completely fails to give us a complete BDSM relationship, which is something I believed we would be viewing in this book judging by the CONTRACT. So, we don't get any true BDSM dynamics, but the author also fails to deliver a normal delicious sexy romance. Honestly I don't even know how to classify this book, but when I finished it, I couldn't remember reading anything so hyped and so awful in the past year or even two. As another reviewer said on Amazon, Gabe wanted to own and command Mia to his will and selfish liking, but hold no responsibility to what comes with being a master. I feel COMPLETELY ROBBED of my money for this book - I can't imagine how the publishers feel if it tanks when they paid millions for this series. I won't be buying the rest at all.

[BookHeroin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS ****

Rush by Maya Banks .

The series :Breathless has Three books in it.
Rush ,Fever, and Burn .

Gabe Hamilton, Jace Crestwell and Ash McIntyre—who are best friends and business partners. The men dominate both in the boardroom and in the bedroom. Each novel in the trilogy will explore the relationship of one of the men as he discovers the woman he will love.

It all Started with a contract



Gabe Always had a certain taste when it comes to his private life. he didn't have a certain complex, and he didn't get abused as a child, so this is simply what he likes, what he needs, how he ticks.











"He had the look of the sinful bad boy all the women went wild for . He had a total “don ’t give a fuck ” attitude , and what Gabe wanted , Gabe always got . His confidence and arrogance were two things that drew her to him —had always drawn her to him . she was helpless to fight her attraction to him . God knew she’d tried for years, but her obsession showed no signs of waning ".



He wanted 24 Mia Crestwell- Jace's little sister. He lusted over her, and the feeling was very mutual,after a very bad divorce, he started all his relashionships with woman in contracts, and Mia is no exception.


I don't really have anything to say about this one, it wasn't original or wow in the story or the idea, but it was for sure hot and fun to read. I'm really very excited about reading the next two.

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOLY.HOTNESS.BATMAN.


Gorgeous alpha businessman lusting after best friend's younger sister.

Explosive sexual relationship.

Fan-f*cking-tastic grovel to end all grovels.





GO READ IT.

[Elle ✟ Søren's ♡ (i'm too old for this shite) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* STARS!

Plus:
+ Great plot and fast paced.
+ INTENSE. SEXY. HOT.
+ Cheap thrills.

Minus:
- Mainstream hero.
- Too obedient submissive wannabe
- Not really BDSM.

Overall: Maya Bank is one of my recommendation for sexy erotica books. I love her Sweet series and I think Rush is worth to try for you fans of Billionaire dominant :)

[Chelsea (chelseadolling reads) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was so dumb. Soz

[Seren Song ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel bad for Mia, and the end gave me the ick. 🥴

[Colleen Fauchelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this on the plane to Australia. Its a 'spicy meatball' book. I read it on my kindle, so I didn't have to hide the cover. I was hoping to buy the other 2 in the trigloy in Australia but couldn't find them anywhere. So I rang my daughter and she brought the next one online in New Zealand and I down loaded it. Technology is amazing.

About the book. Once I got into it I really enjoyed the story. It had enough story line along with the spice to make the book intresting. Gabe Hamilton works with Mia Crestwell brother but that dosn't stop him from hiring Mia to work with him and play with him. He gets Mia to sign a contract that sets out what exactly he wants from Mia.
Mia lost her parents when she was young and her brother has always taken care of her. She has always had a crush on Gabe and is both suprised and shocked by what is in the contract. She signs the contract with her eyes wide open.
So begins the spicy life of Mia and Gabe. Mia's brother comes back from a business trip to the suprise of his sister working for Gabe as a personal Assistant they don't tell him about the naughty bit. Untill mia's brother and friend come upon them in Gabe's lounge and she is tied up the s hits the fan as they say. ...
I was suprised at mia's choice she is a very sweet person and brave to sign the contract. She has a lovely friend Caro, who I hope turns up in the next two books.
A good start to a sexy time book.

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book sounded like it was going to be an awesome read! A man falling in love with his best friend's little sister. Not only is this guy his best friend but his partner in a million dollar company and a "little" protective of his little sister is an understatement!

I like the idea of this kind of love story. All my years of Jr. High and High School I had a HUGE crush on my best friend's older brother, and I think that is a common thing. So, heck this should be good, how it effects the friendship levels, how to balance friend and lover so life does not become awkward in any way! I may have looked into it more then it needed...

But sadly it didn't hold up to my ideas on what makes a good book! I didn't care for how the book started out, prologue - now, Chapter 1 - 4 days earlier. This however does not make or brake a book. (I don't care for when movies do that either but I live with it.) What I didn't like was the whole, "Relationship Contract." Really?! I have not read 50 shades yet and have been debating about it from what everyone keeps telling me, but now I feel like I have read it! I feel like this book is such a ripoff of that that I was wondering why I was reading this book over that one!

I have found that I fully HATE "Relationship Contract" romances. Though the whole book I keep wanting to throw it into the fire for her stupidity, his controlling ways and MANY other things! I yelled so many times at this book and the people in it, that I lost count.

If I could, I would of given negative stars if it wasn't for the last 20% of the book. Throughout the book the main girl KNEW this was nuts, so realization of her madness was a plus; if she didn't see herself as for what she really was, I think this book would of been a whole lot worse! But when it was finally drawing to a close and he made her leave him and she spent many days without him, THOSE emotions is what I was looking for in this book! I loved that she longed for him and she kept telling herself she DESERVES better! I may not have had that kind of relationship with my BF's brother but I have felt that way towards another. And from her hitting that spot I gave this book a star, making it 1.

I feel like this level of emotion could of been reached without that stupid paper and having that be a part of their life and why she never thinks nothing can come of this relationship. That kind of thinking will kill ANY relationship. Also, I have come to see that I HATE when men boss women around like they are nothing to them but a toy and I REALLY hate when those women LET THEM! If they like that sort of thing, then whatever. It just makes my blood boil!

Will I read the next one? Will the next one be more of what I wanted in this one? We. Shall. See.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had this on my shelf for a while waiting for the urge to read a controlling-billionaire-meets-innocent themed book to return. At one time this set up was in every book I read and I'd got more than a little jaded with it. This was one of the better examples, clearly heavily -ahem - influenced by Fifty Shades and Crossfire, but with just the right details changed to freshen up this well worn trope.

She's the little sis of his best friend and business partner. He's a self made billionaire who makes all of his women sign a contract giving him complete ownership. Yadda yadda.

The smut was hot, he was hot, she was sassy and the secrecy of their relationship kept things pretty interesting. At one point this lost me completely when he does something particularly vile to her when they go to Paris. And with business associates too...nope, just didn't get that at all, seemed OOC for someone who makes his women sign a confidentiality contract to suddenly start slinging his wiener around following a business meeting, but what do I know. It's possibly why I'm still not a billionaire, idk.

The other thing I hated was the PDA at the end. Just cringe...I know some people lap that shit up but it makes me want to lose my dinner. Just, no.

This is a complete story with the next book about his buddies. Good stuff.

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a hot, dirty, and slightly perverted romance with a totally predictable storyline, but which I really enjoyed!!

Rich billionaire businessman, Gabe, has been badly hurt by love. In order to protect himself from further heartbreak and humiliation, he keeps his sexual relationships strictly controlled, requiring all of his lovers to sign a contract which outlines all of his expectations.

The one woman he really wants to get his hands on is the younger sister of one of his best friends and business partners. He has known Mia for pretty much her whole life, but at 14 years his junior, he has only recently noticed her in ‘that way’ (he is 38, she is 24). And he has decided that their time is now.

Mia has always had a crush on Gabe, so when he offers her a job as his personal assistant, and then presents her with the chance to be with him in the way she has dreamed of for years, she is stunned. That shock only intensifies when he explains to her the nature of a potential relationship between them.

She was his to command … She was to give him whatever he wanted, whenever and however he wanted it.
In return, he guaranteed that all her needs would be met.

Slightly terrified, but also intoxicatingly curious, Mia signs herself over to Gabe, and he opens her eyes to incredible sex like she has never known it, and Oh. Holy Hell!!! Anywhere, anytime, anyhow, it’s all on - in full and explicit detail! Gabe is dominant and controlling with a filthy mouth, and he likes his kink. He is also so shockingly dirty, that I couldn’t help but laugh out loud (more than once) in a ‘Holy shit! I can’t believe he just said that / I can’t believe this is happening’ moment.

“Gabe!” she gasped.
“Shhh,” he reprimanded. “Not a word. I have a plug I’m putting in your ass. You’ll wear it for the rest of the day, and before you go home, you’ll come to me so I can remove it. Tomorrow morning when you come into work, the very first thing you will do is present that pretty ass for me so I can put it back in. You’ll wear it the entire time you’re at work and only remove it at the end of the day. Each day I’ll go up a size until I’m satisfied that you can take my dick in your ass.”

This sort of behaviour is going to turn off a lot of readers, but my thought is that Mia was accepting of everything that was going on between them, Gabe told her that if she ever said “no”, he would stop, and Mia genuinely enjoyed everything that they did. The one time that things got out of hand (REALLY out of hand!), he was genuinely distressed and apologetic, they discussed it, and he did the right thing by her afterwards, so I could deal with it.

The progression of the relationship comes as no surprise as Mia falls hopelessly in love with Gabe, and in return he is stunned at his emotional response to her. She is everything he has ever dreamed of, but he considers himself too damaged for a real relationship. He gives in to his need to protect and care for Mia, but he tries to ignore his stronger emotions. So they have their ups and downs and there are definitely some surprises thrown in along the way to test them, but even he can’t deny what is building between them.

“Tell me what you need.”
“You,” she said simply, that one word tearing to the very heart of him. “Just you.”

I really liked this relationship. They have issues that they need to deal with, but the stupid behaviour is minimal, with most of the conflict originating from outside of the relationship, and the two of them just deal with it. Gabe is, for the most part, surprisingly accepting of his feelings, and I was thankful that there isn’t a lot of back and forth between them. There is a bit of an angsty moment, but it’s short-lived and the follow-up grovel was appropriately satisfying.

I also really enjoyed Jace and Ash, Gabe’s best friends and business partners. They are great characters, and I loved their relationship with Mia. Jace is Mia’s older brother, and he practically raised her, and the bond between them is absolutely beautiful! And Ash is like a second big brother to her, and their protectiveness over her is gorgeous! I’m really looking forward to reading their stories.

This is an entertaining, low-angst read that is sizzling hot with a sweetly developing romance – complete with sappy HEA. Sure, it’s not the most original of storylines, and there’s not much going on outside of the relationship, but the dual POV keeps things interesting, and I really enjoyed the way it all played out. I listened to it as an audiobook (which was occasionally a little awkward while on the drive in to work in the morning), but I think listening rather than reading allowed me to get easily absorbed into the story, and I will be diving straight into the next one.

I really enjoyed it – 4 stars.

[Mo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate to give an author less than 4 stars. Especially Maya Banks - just went through some of her other books that I have read and they all got 5 stars. Need to rate the others that I have read like the Highland series but I know there were high stars also. I just felt I had read this before. Rich guy, best friend's younger sister, she is out of bounds, signed contract, keep it a secret.... I have read Fifty and some of the others of this genre. They all just seem to read the same old same old. OK, I like the sex scenes but after the Paris encounter just went off the whole book ... have enough of butt plugs also. Did I finish it? Yep. Will I get the next in the series - probably not, especially at those prices. Need to find something totally different to read now.

[gloria .☆ﾟ. · Rating 1 out of 5]

➥ 0 Stars *:･ﾟ✧

🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️my review contains sexual content 🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️

where the fuck do i even begin 🤨

okay.

if you thought fifty shades was bad bdsm representation and that HIS relationship was toxic and stupid (which yeah makes sense but christian can still get it) you aren’t even ready for this one 😍

okay. COUNT WITH DORA. m


🔫 NÚÚÚÚMEROOO UNOOO: 1

no safeword 🥺🥺🥺😍😍😍 that’s self explanatory. the little boy said she wouldn’t need one bc he’s just stop if she said so but there’d something called fucking verbal release which is- ok. *inhale* if you need an explanation i’ll give it to you 🧚‍♀️

🔫 NÚMERO DOS ☺️: 2
the plain toxicity of their relationship. bdsm partners are NOTTTT supposed to have toxic relationships and this takes it to a whole other level.

first of all, there is a HEAVILY PEDOPHILIC UNDERTONE. he talks about he was ALWAYS lusting after the girl even when SHE WAS A FUCKING CHILD. and he was like 18. oh but NOW it’s okay bc he can finally fuck her because she’s like 18 and he’s like 27. (don’t quote me on those exact numbers but it’s something similar).

soo with that, the way he SET OUT THE RELATIONSHIP 💆‍♀️💆‍♀️💆‍♀️lord- i need strength to not shift to this book and murder GABE (yeah like grape) IN COLD BLOOD BC THAT MOTHERFUCKER ISTG IVE NEVER KNOWN ANGER LIKE THIS.

he’s like the 16 yo guys who think they’re kinky and cool as shit bc they wanna stick sum dick up ass and have an excuse to be violent 🤗🤗🤗

okay. what i was saying. is that this poor little bitch was going about her day and this mf goes “work for me as my assistant so i can fuck you whenever i want anddddd quit your job and like, read it and then sign if i can own you and do whatever the fuck i want 💁‍♂️💁‍♂️💁‍♂️ hehe *giggles and blushes*

🔫NÚMERO TRES: 3
and idk if it’s bc if the age gap but the female protagonist is dumb as FUCK. 👩‍🦽👩‍🦽👩‍🦽👩‍🦽

zero character, doesn’t add anything and is honestly just being used as like a body or something idk. it’s okay to have SOME SPINE IN YOUR BACK, LADY 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️

🔫 say it with me now !! “NÚMERO QUUUAAATROO”🥳

the smut was absolute shit 😻😻✊✊✊

let’s start with GABES ASSHOLE OBSESSION. (no not himself, i mean an obsession with the holes people shit out of).

HALF OF THE BOOK WAS HIM TRYING GET HIS COCK UP HER ASS AND IVE HAD ENOUGH christ. 👩‍🍳👩‍🍳👩‍🍳👩‍🍳 i will wack him with my spatulas 🤗

i normally even joke about oOoo ASSPLAY 😍😍 BUT BROOOOO. 😭😭😭

i think (theoretically) i would require more mental help to recover from this book than den of vipers or club shadowlands. 😔😔😔🤲🤲🤲


if you don’t hate him enough (and vy, if you thought the dirty talk in THE DARE WAS BAD…….)

ANYWAYS 🎉 let the bullshit commence 🙏🙏

“Leave the shoes on. Just the shoes.” how creative and sexy 🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶

“you’re ass is beautiful” thanks i just shat out of it a couple mins ago babe 💗💗💗

“Say my name, Mia. Who owns you? Who do you belong to?”
“You,” she gasped. “Gabe. You. Only you”

oh MEN (🤮) so desperate to have their ego boosted by having a poor little girl say his name (don’t forget it’s GABE) while she finishes. also that dramatic shit is creepy as fuck. 😵‍💫chapter 55 ptsd flashbacks😵‍💫. like are you trying to conceive a child⁉️🚮🚮

“I can’t go easy, Mia,” he said, his voice strained and edgy. “I want to be inside you more than I want to breathe right now. I have to have you. Now.” OH MY POOR BABY 🤧🤧🥺🥺🥺🙁🙁 he can’t hold it in oh how ALPHA of him 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

“I want you too,” she whispered.
“You’ll have me, Mia. In every conceivable manner.”

she didn’t fuck you in the ass so shut up before i do bitchy boi 💝

[~V~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3 1/2 stars**


This first book in the Breathless series is centered around Gabe Hamilton and Mia Crestwell . Gabe is a hotel mogul..he, along with Mia's big brother, Jace and their other best friend, Ash, build and run hotels in the US and overseas. When Mia was a teenager, her's and Jace's parents died in an accident, so Jace stepped up to the plate and raised Mia. His two best friends, whom he met in college, have always been there for the both of them but apparently Gabe has always had a secret fascination with Mia but has never acted on his feelings because of the huge age difference (14 yrs). Mia has also secretly had a crush on Gabe but kept her feelings to herself because she always felt he was out of her league.

Mia shows up at a hotel opening one night and Gabe immediately spots her, she is now 24yrs old and Gabe is 38 and he's finally decided to act on his feelings toward her. He has been burned by women in the past though so he wants Mia but on his terms...what ensues is a very intense sexual relationship between the two and it's all done in secret so that Jace and Ash don't find out! Can you say...disaster waiting to happen!?

This was not my first experience with Maya Banks...I've read two series by her...her KGI series and her McCabe highlander trilogy and i've loved them both, so when i heard about this new series that she'd written and read the synopsis i was really excited! Unfortunately this one was just alright for me. The premise sounds really intriguing but the first 3/4 of the book is pretty much Gabe and Mia having lots and lots of sex! There was no build up or sexual tension at all...it was basically him demanding certain sexual acts and her conceding... every.single.time! She never once argued or rebuked a single thing...she just complied like a good little girl. It kind of made for boring page after page of sex scenes....and I LIKE SEX IN MY BOOKS! Yes, some were smokin' but too much of anything is never a good thing! ;)

There simply was no real story or drama or angsty anything to speak of and though HOT, Gabe was a cold and completely unemotional robot. It wasn't until the last 1/4 of the book that things actually got good, storyline wise, which is what i really enjoyed the most. Their relationship dynamic changed...it actually turned into something likeable, and drama, along with a little suspense, ensues..THAT is what i'd been waiting for throughout the entire book! It was a little bit of a bummer that it took so long to get there.

Even though this didn't end up being one of my favorite Maya Banks books, i liked it enough that i'll definitely be reading the other two books in this series.

[Ninoska Goris · Rating 1 out of 5]

No me gustó el tema

[Prachi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I do like a possessive hero, I am constantly looking for recommendations for the same. And friends to lovers, lusting since eternity, best friend's sister - these are all tropes which normally have me hooked. But this just didn't work for me. The fact I even finished it is a huge applause to Ms. Banks writing skills. I didn't want to, I just wanted to put down the damn book and cry for all the damage 50 shades and it's legacy is doing to feminism. But I did finish it nonetheless, and yes I still want to cry.

I didn't have any trouble believing that Gabe wanted Mia - I didn't even question that he loved her - but it's just not a relationship I'd endorse or want to be in. Gabe is born 2 or maybe 56 centuries too late - he definitely belongs in the caveman era. Maybe then, his story would be the stuff romance was made of- but sadly right now it isn't any such thing. It's a testament to how we can't let anybody treat us however they please in the name of desire, obsession and love. I didn't see Mia standing upto her convictions even once before the disastrous climax. Sure she tells him that she hated it that he sexually objectified her and bought three other men to their room- after one almost rapes her and after spending the next day with him romancing on the Eiffel tower. What really pissed me off about Mia is that she recognized being used- yet she didn't do anything about it. She speaks up, but the conversations- to my mind, hardly made a difference to Gabe's perception and treatment of her.

Yes he does grovel in the end, but to me that is hardly of significance. The worst for me was the fact that he can call himself on his bullshit. He knows he's fucked up - he knows he's acting out of anger - yet he does nothing about it. He accepts it, like he's really not himself just a bloody spectator.


And please girls - who dammit who signs a fucking contract before entering a relationship? Like where in the world does this happen?