Author Spotlight: Maya Banks

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.

Steve and Me by Terri Irwin

Last night I finished reading Steve and Me for the second time.  I was always a huge admirer of the Irwins and their message of conservation.  Reading the book was bittersweet.  I loved reading stories shared  by Terri about their life together. They packed more into their short time together than most will experience in a lifetime.  The love for each other and their family shines brightly through the book.  Steve had a deep love for Terri and the kids that could only be matched by his love for  wildlife.

I was deeply touched by her words about how animal cruelty broke Steve"a heart.  He literally felt it soul deep.  The passion for conservation that he shared on camera was real.  It wasn't hype for a camera.  He was truly driven to bring his message home to those who watched the documentaries and the shows filmed for Animal Planet. 

Steve was compassionate and took his role as a Wildlife Warrior seriously.  He was driven to have an impact on making the world a better place.  He knew that the way to touch the heart's of others was to present the wildlife in a way that made it personal.  He often said that if you can give others the experience to know more about the so-called unlovable animals, such as his beloved crocodiles, the people would start caring about the animal's plight.

In the final chapters, I read about his heartbreak over the death of his Mom, Lyn Irwin, and the change it made in him.  Through the pain of his grief, he found a deepened determination to do more to bring the conservation message to the forefront.  Terri shared the story of how she learned of his untimely death and how she had to tell their kids.  Her inner strength in the midst of her very world being turned upside down was humbling to read in those pages.  Steve had always been her rock and now she would have to step into that role for their children.

Throughout the book, I laughed and I cried.  As she described those painful days days following Steve's death, I felt the grief again that I had experienced when I first heard the news. 

Seeing Terri, Bindi, and Robert today, you see a strong, living family unit that would have made Steve proud.  As they continue the work Steve had started, along with Terri, his legacy lives strong.

Terri has my utmost respect for what she has accomplished as a single Mom.  Though she openly admits that she still grieves for her beloved husband, she has not allowed the grief to overshadow her life.  The love and devotion of her and the kids towards each other and for furthering the conservation message is a testament not only to Terri's strength but Steve's legacy.

Review: Devil and the Deep, by Julie Ann Walker

Devil and the Deep is the newest installment in Julie Ann Walker's Deep Six series.  It is currently on pre-order status for it's July 5, 2016, release date.

On Ms. Walker's website, she offers the following description for Devil and the Deep.

A COVERT MISSION…

Maddy Powers’s life revolves around cocktail parties, political fundraisers, and charity events – but she can’t forget the daring former SEAL who appropriated her father’s yacht a few months ago … or the scorching kiss they shared before he disappeared into the deep blue sea.

SPARKS A FLAMING DESIRE…

Bran Pallidino carries a dark secret behind his lady-killer eyes – one that keeps him from pursuing a serious relationship with Maddy. But when she’s taken hostage during a trip to the Dry Tortugas, the men of Deep Six Salvage drop their treasure hunt for a sunken galleon and embark on a dangerous mission to save Maddy.

WITH EARTH-SHATTERING REPERCUSSIONS.

As they fight her merciless kidnappers, they discover this isn’t a simple hostage situation, but something far more sinister. Passion boils between Bran and Maddy, but what good is putting their hearts on the line if they don’t survive the dawn?

This book delivers.  It is action packed and keeps you on the edge of your seat.  The story is engaging and it was hard to put it down, once I started reading.  I loved the way the story gripped me from page one.  Unlike many books out there, Ms. Walker wrote the heroine to be a strong, independent woman who knows how to take charge when necessary.  Even in the face of danger, she is no shrinking violet dependent on her man to come rescue her.  She faces her fears head on and with the fortitude that could rival that of the SEAL team.  I loved this strength.  It is a very welcome departure from the dainty, weak, women that often are portrayed in books of this genre.  Though Maddy has been dealt a raw deal in her life, she doesn't fall apart and become helpless.  

Bran is a warrior through and through.  He is as rock steady as they come when in the heat of battle.  He has crack in his armour though - Maddy Powers.  While he wants her, the secrets of his past press on him.   His character is another fine example of why I love books by Julie Ann Walker.  Her heroes are very strong and able to fight the battles they face without blinking an eye.  Yet, she gives up glimpses of the man behind the warrior.  We see their inner struggles presented in a way that doesn't take away from their strength.  In fact, their very weakness is a huge part of why they are so strong.

If you are looking to add to your summer reading list, this book is a must-have.  Though a part of a series, Ms. Walker writes her books in a way that they can be stand-alone.  You never feel lost if you read the books out of order.

Chance Carter's Bad Boys series - Review

It is funny where you learn about new-to-you authors. Recently, I had a sponsored ad on Facebook show up on my timeline for an author named, Chance Carter. My first thought was, “A man writing romance?” Okay, I was curious. I love reading romance novels with a HEA style ending. Going to Chance's page, I read that he writes Bad Boy stories that are stand alone and always have the HEA ending. I looked at the covers and saw pictures of ripped guys with tattoos. Definitely, they looked like the bad boys the story description promised.

The next thought that intrigued me was the idea of reading a romance story that was written from a man's perspective. Let's face it, men have a completely different way of seeing relationships. I knew that reading these books would be a fresh point of view. I wasn't disappointed. I absolutely loved the books.

I will say here though, if you are not one who can handle a more rough and raw dialog, then be warned. The bad boys in these stories are more liberal with dropping the F-bomb that any military operation. Likewise, there is a deeper rawness to the sex scenes. They play out like a man's fantasy. It isn't the most graphic that I have read, compared to some erotica stories that I have read in the past, but it is much more graphic than a sweet romance book.

The story lines in the books are solid. Don't let the self-published status of the books fool you. Chance Carter writes like a seasoned published author and his books deliver. The four books he has available are each a stand alone. They are also a part of a series. I love the way one book seamlessly flows into the series, yet you could read them out of order without feeling lost.

Once I started reading the books, I ended up reading all four books in just two days. They are quite literally books that were hard to put down.

The reading order of the Bad Boys series:

Faith is a woman on the run.  With her live in danger, she turns to the only man who is capable of helping her.  Jackson has the skills that Faith needs to ensure her safety, but it comes at a price.  Jackson will protect Faith - if she has his baby.

Grant has always had a thing for Lacey.  The chemistry between them in undeniable.  But deny it, they try.  Faith is on the hunt for a husband, a man willing to be strong enough to claim her heart and soul.  Will Grant stand by and watch as Lacey plans a wedding with another man?  Or will he finally make a claim that he has wanted for nearly 2 decades?

Forrester is a emotionally wounded man trying to overcome his past.  A broken soul, he finds himself reaching out to Elle, a cute waitress at the small town diner.  Elle and Forrester feel the sparks between them fly as they tentatively get to know each other.  Elle has some painful secrets of her own to content with. When demons from their pasts come back to haunt them, will they have the strength and courage to stand and fight? 

Hunter is a man with a price on his head.  He is the ultimate bad boy and doesn't give a crap what others think.  Secure in his strength and fighting skills, he only knows how to do one thing,,,,,win.  Kelly is a young woman with a heavy responsibility.  Being guardian of her little brother since the death of their parents, she struggles to cope with the daily challenges.  When some wanna-be players decide to make Kelly the focus of their torment, Hunter steps in to rescue her.  The chemistry flies between these two.  Hunter knows that being with him could spell danger for Kelly and her brother.  Can they take a chance for happiness?  Or will the reappearance of Hunter's dangerous past destroy everything that Hunter holds dear?

What's on Your "To Be Read" Shelf?

It seems that my favorite authors all have the same release schedule.  They come out in batches.  It is exciting when several authors release a book about the same time.  It also can bring up a case of "which do I read first?"

I haven't been reading Christine Feehan's Dark series recently and she has another one coming out soon.  I love to re-read a couple of the books in a series that lead up to the new one being released.  It gives me a continuity, reminding me of where the series is going.  When you read the number of books that I do, this is very helpful for me to keep a series fresh in my mind so that things mesh together more easily.

I am currently re-reading Dark Storm.  It is funny that no matter how many times I have read the book, I find new things that I didn't catch the first time.  I am also re-reading the Black Knight series by Julie Ann Walker, in preparation of her newest book that she is finishing right now.

I think this story by Julie Ann is one of my most awaited for.  The main character is one that I have enjoyed in the earlier books of the series.  I have been looking forward to his story being told.

What books are you reading?  What is in your "to be read" stack?  

Spider Game by Christine Feehan

I hadn't realized how long it has been since my last post.  My Kindle died on me and I still haven't been able to repair it.  So, back to the low-tech methods.  I purchased a book that I have been waiting for.  Hopefully, you will enjoy it as well.

Spider Game is the newest title in the Ghostwalker series by Christine Feehan.  The main couple, Trap Dawkins and Cayenne, were introduced in the previous story, Viper Game.

Trap is a member of Wyatt Fontenot's Ghostwalker team.  Now living in the Bayou to help protect Wyatt's family, Trap also finds another reason to stay.  At the time when he aided in the rescue of Wyatt's daughters from the man who held them captive, Trap met Cayenne.

Cayenne was another captive held in the same building as the Fontenot girls.  Cayenne is set to be terminated.  Much feared by those who created her, she is powerful and a danger to all.  She has learned to not trust in anyone.  Trap helps her to escape and she repays the favor by helping in the protecting of the girls.

Trap and Cayenne have a chemistry from the very beginning.  Trap understands the attraction.  Not only is Cayenne beautiful and alluring, he realizes quickly that they have been genetically paired to be mates.  Now, the challenge is to get past Cayenne's distrust and fear.

Cayenne has been genetically altered, now carrying the DNA of a black widow spider.  Her venom can kill in moments.  Can Trap and Cayenne join as a couple and have a life together?  Or will her black widow's bite be a risk too great for their love to take?

Melting Point, by Kate Meader

Melting Point, by Kate Meader

Melting Point is a short e-novella in the Hot in Chicago series by Kate Meader. This story is one that I was surprised to find myself looking forward to. I don't generally read a lot of books dealing with same sex relationships, but this one got my attention.

Gage Simpson is one of the Dempsey foster kids. These kids grew up together in the home of Sean & Mary Dempsey and found a family. The foster Dad was a firefighter and all of the children followed in his footsteps. Together, the kids work at the same firehouse.

We first met Gage in the first book of the series, Flirting with Fire. He is the most happy-go-lucky guy I have ever met in a book. He was also a bit of a man-whore. With a great physique and an over abundance of charm, he has no trouble finding another guy to hook up with. That is, until he meets Brady Smith.

Brady Smith is a chef and owner of the Smith & Jones restaurant. He is a brooding, former Marine, with a complete dislike of being touched. When Gage is taken back to the kitchen to meet Brady, the sparks flew instantly.

Brady is a wounded soul. Having been captured and tortured while serving in the Middle East as a Marine, he has scars both inside and out. He avoids people as a much as he can. What he didn't count on was the persistence that Gage has as he pursues Brady.

Their relationship isn't easy. Each has past issues that they are dealing with. The biggest obstacle however is the effects that Brady's time as a captive has on his perceptions of self worth. Gage is patient and understanding of what Brady is dealing with up until an event challenges that steadfast support.

There is a lot of sex involved in the story. For the amount of it though, it didn't seem too over the top. I found that overall their story was one that felt so natural. Unlike some stories that make same sex relationships look like two people in constant heat, this story really had a strong emphasis on the relationship over the physical side of things.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was good to see these two have a happy ending.

Advance review copy provided by Simon & Schuster publishing for review.