Sometimes,
it is nice to see a glimpse of the person behind the stories that we
enjoy. All books have a note about the authors, but being the
curious person that I am, I like to see beyond that introduction. It
is amazing to get to know more about these creative souls that bring
so much enjoyment and enrichment into our lives through their books.
In some
ways, it was hard to decide who to start this feature of my blog
with. There are so many wonderful authors out there who have written
books that I thoroughly enjoy reading. I honestly didn't know who I
would choose to write about first. Yet, in the midst of my
thoughts, one name continually came to the forefront......Maya
Banks.
My
introduction to Maya's books was Colter's Woman, the first story in
the Colter series. I had read books before that involved menage'
relationships, but this one has always stood out for me. Yes, the
story did contain the sex scenes, but they were secondary in my
opinion. Like all of Maya's books, the relationships are always the
central focus. She doesn't write sex scenes that are not a meaningful
part of a relationship. Of all of her books that I have read, I have
never rolled my eyes and thought, “Oh look. Those horny rabbits
are at it again.” IN her books, the sex and intimacy is written in a way that just flows naturally in the relationship of the couple. The story made me feel like I knew the family.
You just wanted to read more and I sought out the other books in the
series. Even after Maya ended the series, though I totally
understand her reasons, I will always long for another one to be
written. I found that Maya endeared herself to me more because
of her reasons to end the Colter series. She addressed the reason on
her Facebook page. The main Colter family members from the original
story, Adam, Ethan, Ryan, and Holly, that had endeared themselves to
readers were getting older. Maya didn't want to have to write a
story down the road that involved the death of any of them due to age
or other reasons. In honesty, I wouldn't have wanted to read a story
involving one of them dying and the rest dealing with the aftermath
of grief. I loved that she ended it in a celebration of
grandchildren and the joy and promises of the future for the entire
Colter family. Throughout all the trials and tribulations the family
went through in the series, the core remained that family is
everything! A family, pulling together and joining forces, can
overcome anything that life throws their way.
As the
Colter series was ending, I found Maya's KGI series. Again, the
series is based around a family that support each other. Like Holly
Colter, Marlene Kelly, is a mother who is strong and very nurturing.
She also shares the traits of gathering “chicks”, young adults
who are in need of the love and support of a family, which are
“adopted” into the family fold. Once Momma Kelly decides someone
is one of her chicks, they are forever considered a member of the
family. The KGI series is based upon the Kelly sons, who have formed
their own Black Ops type organization. They take on jobs that others
cannot do as well as side jobs for the government that the government
doesn't want to deal with themselves. Many of the jobs involving
the rescue of kidnap victims or hostage situations that span the
globe. There is a definite military theme, but at the heart of the
stories is a family that is so tightly connected that you just wish
you were one of the many “chicks” that Momma Kelly includes.
Maya has
written countless series and books over the years. She has stories
for nearly any romance genre that you could name. She is truly
gifted in her ability to create characters that engage you. You fall
in love with the family members, even as you want to knock sense into
some of the alpha males for the things that they say or do. Her
female characters are strong, even in their fragility. While the
women have a gentle side, when necessary they can be just as much of
a badass as their men. The men are strong in their belief that they
should be the protectors and providers of their women. They treat
their women with honor and respect. They are proud of the careers
and accomplishments of the women. They also take pride in the
strength of the women. I have never found a simpering weak woman in
Maya's stories. Even in stories where the woman is in a dangerous
situation, she is never portrayed as being unable to help save
herself. Each couple goes through a rough patch that would break
many. They come out of it stronger than ever. Through series, such
as the Colter's and the KGI books, Maya shows us what a family should
be. They have their ups and downs, but when it comes down to it,
family is everything. They support one another. They defend each
other. No matter what storm life throws at them, the family weathers
it together and comes out strong due to their tight family bonds.
Maya is
active on social media. Her posts gives such a glimpse into her
personality that I find refreshing. I've learned that she has
issues with laptops. I've laughed as she tells of an experience with
junebugs. I have cheered for her family as she talks of the
accomplishments of her kids. I have witnessed first hand the
generous spirit that she has and the total humility she expresses
towards her readers and fans. Maya is the real deal. I see Maya as
a real life Momma Kelly. She has the sweet spirit to nurture those
close to her and the steel backbone to defend them when necessary.
If I
were to write a bucket list of people that I would feel absolutely
humbled to meet one day, Maya would be at the top of the list. As a budding writer, I have to say that Maya is one of three authors that I admire over all others. She writes a quality of story that I can only hope to someday reach. She, along with Julie Ann Walker and Christine Feehan, set a high bar for me to work towards.
Thank
you Maya for all the great stories that you share with us all.
Through them, you teach us all what family is all about. Looking
forward to many more titles to come in the future.
