Forged

by Becky Banks

First loves, dark pasts, and fast cars collide in this high-octane adventure.

Eva Lynn Rodgers, the daughter of a mechanic, grew up with a need for speed. So did her best friend, and later boyfriend, Nathaniel Vellanova. But when Eva left the drizzling rain of Portland, Oregon, for a high-powered career in New York, she left both Nathaniel and her past behind.

Now Eva's back, and her BMW—like her life in general—could use a little love. Her new mechanic is the right man for the job, but he's got some scores to settle with the girl who peeled out for the East Coast when he needed her most.

It's time for Eva and Nathaniel to confront their demons. Passionate and dangerous sparks ignite as Nathaniel's brutal youth rises up and pulls Eva Lynn back to him—forging a bond that, this time, won't be denied.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Chick Lit, Adult

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2012

About the author

Becky Banks is a kama’āina from an Old Hawai’i family who currently lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and two children. She’s a graduate of Maui High School and Oregon State University and likes to dream about her next trip to Scotland, while writing and gardening.

Her first novel, The Legend of Lady MacLaoch, has won Top Pick from Night Owl Reviews, hit Top 10 on Amazon's romance bestsellers list and more. Her latest novel is the highly requested sequel to The Legend of Lady MacLaoch: The Legend of the Viking.

Reviews

[Cynjin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yep, that was me, reading this book. I cannot even believe how much I loved this story! I loved the anger, and the fact that they said exactly what was on their minds. Although their situation had to be worked out, this was not a book where there was a simple miscommunication that we, the reader, would roll our eyes about and shout at our readers, 'Just talk it out already!' The h was in error, and the H had to forgive, and that took some time, but, wow, the ride was worth reading. There was scene after scene, exchange after exchange that I highlighted and chortled over in delight; Nate pulled no punches telling Eve to hit the road, several times! And yet, they couldn't stay away from each other. (le sigh, lol)

The supporting cast was great as well, from the h's workmate, the h's father and his situation, the H's boys, the H's office manager (one scene but totally not a pushover, despite the h's best efforts), the H's villian of a father, to the cars!, cuz, yeah, oh boy, they were definitely supporting characters.

And speaking of rides, man, I have never been interested in the need for speed, but Banks wrote what was going on in the driving scenes so well, I was there! "If you're not slidin', you're not drivin'", indeed!

Best of all, this book is done. Finito. Caput. End of story. The End. No stupid trilogy, no cliffhangers, no unresolved angst or drama that we have to wait who knows how long for until the next book comes out. Nate and Eve will be characters that I will think about and wonder how they're doing in Bookland, but they got their HE at the end of this story. Of course, if Ms Banks should feel the need to give us more of Nate and Eve, there's definitely room to create some more happiness in Portland(ia). Cuz really, as hot-headed as these two are, there's more that could be pulled out of them.

All in all, what a way to kick off a whole new year of reading. Here's to more of Becky Banks soon! (Btw, the cover? Awesome!) :)

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait for this book to come out! Should be a high octane, combative, super sexy romance!!!
Below is a very early review of Becky Banks upcoming novel Forged. I am sharing with you what my initial reactions were to this amazing novel and what I would tell people so they immediately add Forged to their “to-read” list.


While author Becky Banks has remained a believer in the power of love, her upcoming novel Forged is a dark, sexy and gritty tale when compared to her debut novel The Legend of Lady MacLaoch. I was privileged to read the early unedited version of Forged and was blown away at how different it is in style from The Legend of Lady MacLaoch. Once again Banks creates characters and situations that are believable with descriptions that throw you into the scenes. Eva (our heroine) is a kick ass woman of our time, she is someone we all wish we could be at one point or another throughout our life. I am not going to get into too much of the story and plot (Banks still has work to do before Forged is released later this year), but I will say that it is about Nate and Eva; two characters who we meet separately only to learn that we have been dropped into their story years after it began. They grew up together, dated and their love just was not enough to survive the traumas of youth and murder. Forged occurs after all bridges are burned between these two. What lies ahead (for them and us dear readers) is the story of Nate and Eva’s reunion, which questions if what they had and what they will experience will be enough to forge their friendship into a love that will last lifetime.


Banks paints very visceral scenes with amazing descriptions that, while reading them, are like watching a play in my head. Forged is going to be one of those great novels that you find yourself invested in and do not want to put down. However, for our time management, I appreciated that Banks puts breaks with the ends of the chapters by switching to other characters perspectives or scenes. Trust me, this was essential for me while reading so I could get dinner on the table and sleep at night. I also found that Banks has created a real energy with the main characters, Nate and Eva, and their relationships/interactions with their friends and co-workers. It flowed seamlessly and had me feeling like one of the pals, talking trash, feeling concerned, and giggling at their inside jokes. I appreciated this quality because I find it helps when the secondary characters have personality.


Overall Forged is going to be a steamy, sexy, high octane adventure (in and out of the bedroom) with some suspense and grittiness thrown in, of the strength of love and forging the path to see if it is worth the heat of making it stronger or if it will remain a burned out lie.

For more check out my blog as we will be following this author- http://small-book.blogspot.com/

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

What the foo?!? This bk should have been titled Forged Light. A good thing this one was only $.99 because any more than that I would have felt even more cheated than I did. This bk has all the makings of a really, really good story with interesting characters and some fast and furious action, however, it turned out to be more like one of those shows you walk in and start watching 30 minutes after it started. The story is never fully developed nor are the characters fleshed out and there’s very little detail making me feel like I missed something. To top that off, the bk ended at the 78% mark. Couldn't believe it!!! There was 1% spent on acknowledgements and the last 20% was of the authors first bk. Not sure if the 266 pages meant just the main story or a sum of both bks. Yes, I’m p.o.’d (stamping foot), I really liked alpha Nate and Eva his girl from the past who had all the makings of a really strong h. Would have liked their fast paced story even more if I’d had more of it. There was an excellent car chase scene with the villain that had me all amped up and then it was over too soon. Oh well, (sigh)…..It was good and I thank Kati for the rec, I can see how you saw a bit of a KA connection here. I just was left wanting more.

[Angela]

25 November 2015: $0.00 FREE on Kindle

[Angelica Haney · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had great potential but unfortunately did not live up to it. I had some major issues with the writing style of this book which left me felling confused for most of my read and definitely inhibited me from enjoying this to the full extent. Main issue was the authors choice to switch not only between character pov’s but from first person to third person with that switch. It’s makes going from one chapter to the next a jarring experience. Eva’s chapters are told in first person and Nate’s chapters are told in third person. It was just really off putting and while the story was interesting I was never able to really immerse myself because of the authors writing choices.


I received this ebook from the author in return for my honest review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eva Lynn Rodgers has returned to Portland after running to New yorkfor college and a career! Eva has come back to care or her farther taken inthe job of Cheif editor of a failing magazine and to add to that she has a temperamental BMW that she can not seem to find a good service agent for it; until her assistant tells her about a new European car service station. Eva decides to give the station a test driv nd drops her BMW off to have a leaky door seal replaced when picking it up she gets a surprise th mechanic waiting for it is her x boy freind Nate , the same man who was her best freind growing up and he very same man she still loves. Nate however wants nothing o do with her, she left hm when he needed her most ,but for our handsome,sexy Nate trying to stay away is damned hard and harder still when he discovers she is back in Portland to care for her dad; Eva's father was and has been a better father to him then his own.

Tension and passions boom stronger when Nates childhood challenges come into the picture and put everyone Nate loves and cares for in Jeoardy.


Riveting story line ,could not put it down . This book had both a strong heroine but even a stronger hero, whom together share danger, intemacy and great sex!

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic novel by Becky Banks! Becky's first novel, The Legend of Lady MacLaoch, was a favorite of mine. Recently she informed me that a sequel is in the works, which she never thought she'd do. So, for all you Legend of Lady MacLaoch fans, there will be more!!

Forged is a again, an exciting romance with a strong heroine and a stern, alpha male hero. Which is how I like it. *winks* Both novels are unique and have a dark, thrilling theme, where you get sucked into the characters world and find yourself on the edge of your seat, routing for the couple.

If I had to sum up Eva and Nathaniel in three words each, I'd choose strong, smart and passionate for Eva. And stubborn, handsome and loyal for Nathaniel. I could also choose a few other choice words for Nathaniel at first, but it's plain to see he was only angry because he was still deeply hurting from his past.

With strong emotion and excellent writing, you can't go wrong with this thrilling romance. I can't wait to see what Becky comes up with next. I also can't wait to get my hands on The Legend of Lady MacLaoch's sequel! I highly recommend you check out her novels!

[Jodi Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't we all wonder what might have happened with the first love we left behind? When Eva once again meets up with Nate, we all get to be witness as their relationship re-ignites. Along with intense feelings and steamy sex scenes we get an action packed, suspenseful story full of colorful and entertaining characters. This book is a page turner for sure! I read it in one evening, I just had to find out what happened next. The only negative thing I can say is the book was too short! I want to know what happens next with Eva and Nate. Write us a sequel Ms. Banks. :)

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pick up, put down, pick up, put down book for me.

I just could not connect with the h, Eva. She was just so... hard... and the event that was supposed to blow off her hard shell wasn't convincing for me. There was just something missing. Nate... I believed Nate. I felt Nate. I barely felt a pulse from Eva. She just never thawed out, imo.

So while it was a fast paced interesting storyline, I kept thinking how incredible the story would have been if I could have connected with the characters as some of the other readers did.

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was sent this book for an honest review

I have so many complaints with this book. 

First being the chapter headings. Two of them state its Nates POV. All the other 40+ chapters don't. It gets very confusing to read. And why only those two? 

Second. The FMC is in 1st person POV and the MMC is in 3rd person. Its reads very odd. 

Third. Randomly in the middle of several chapters the POV will change without a chapter seperation and you're like woah what just happened. 

Fourth. This is marketed as a high octane romance. Or at least thats how it was to me directly from the author. Sure they talk a lot about cars but I expected fast and the furious vibes. That was not the case at all. 

This book is in need of some serious editing and different marketing. 

There were a couple redeeming qualities being the banter and Nate himself. Not enough to recommend this book though

[Stephs.bookshelf09 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast cars, hot as sin men, and speeds to give you ALL the tingles.

Nate and Eva were not what I expected. These two are a second chance romance. They were high school/college sweethearts, until Eva broke Nate’s heart and moved away to follow her dreams.

Nate’s hatred for Eva run deep. His trama from his past is a huge overcome he has had to make. He would seem on the outside to have moved on from it, but when Eva walks through his shops door, and he realizes it was her car he looses his shit.

Their whirlwind is something for the fast cars. Their connection over cars and love for speed will always bring them back together. Even with their past they realize they can’t extinguish the fire roaring.

[Kati · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little high octane book is perfect to help tide you over while waiting for the next Kristen Ashley book. While Eva is not your usual sweet heroine she is interesting and feisty, owning up to her mistakes and dedicated to the people she loves. Nathaniel is in the same league as KA's heroes. The side characters are interesting and I loved Becky Banks writing. The story and your understanding of Eva and Nate's complicated past is done in a really unique and interesting way. My one complaint? Wish it was longer!! Highly recommended.

[Aileen Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I love how she showed the different perspectives and ho she ended it to the imagination of the reader. Look forward to when it comes out...October 26!!!

[Delta]

Free on 05-23-14 (Contemp Romance)

http://www.amazon.com/Forged-Becky-Ba...

[The Reading Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, before I start my review I would like to thank Becky Banks for graciously sending me this copy to review. I love reading and reviewing new books from Authors I have never read before. Now into the review.

Overall, I this is a decent read. The story line itself is slow but steady build into a renewal of love between Eva and Nate. If you are into slow burns then this is definitely up your alley. This is lovers turned enimies, turned lovers again. Although, I did not absolutely love this book, it would not be a bad read for someone into slow burn romance storylines.

This book gets a 3 1/2 stars out of 5 from me. The story was lacking a little detail. Not enough to be lost throughout the book but enough to be wanting more. Eva came off as kind of grouchy for no reason and I did not like her character. Nate on the other hand was very much an asshole in the beginning but I could understand why he was the way he was.

On the spice level it gets a 3 out of 5. A couple of scenes, somewhat descriptive but nothing overly spicey or too kinky involved.

Trigger warnings:
Mention of rape, murder and some violent scenes.

[Author G.N. Darland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to first start off by saying thank you to @authorbeckybanks for sending me a copy of this book!! I was asked to read it and to leave an honest review.

I enjoyed this book a lot. I loved the characters and the character development. This book was an enemies to lovers and second chance romance love story. There were some crime elements to it as well. I particularly enjoyed that this book was based in Portland. I live in Portland and I found it fun to read about familiar areas. It made me feel connected to the book and the characters.

I enjoyed the development of the romance. I thought Nate was a really lovable MMC and Eva was a strong FMC. Their relationship was super fun to read about and I love their dynamic. This is a spicy book, so that’s something to be aware about. It is marketed as a dark romance. I’ll be honest and say I skipped the spicy scenes. I’ve been skipping spice a lot lately just cause I don’t want to read it anymore.

I think this book had a lot of potential to have a really good plot. I was enjoying where the story was going and this book held my interest. But the plot progression could have used some more work. There were times where I was left thinking “wait what?” I also felt like I was left waiting for more by the time the book ended.

There are also some formatting issues that took away from the story because I was left to figure out what I was reading. There’s random POV jumps and setting changes that have no indication for the change. It just got a little confusing.

Overall, I did enjoy this book and the characters. I though the plot had so much more potential. It’s a short read. If you’re interested, give it a go! 7/10

[Angie Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have from Becky Banks and I must say it is a 5-star book. Eve and Nate were an item when they were younger until Eve left to go to college and this upset Nate.

Now she is back home and Nate is not happy about it. He does not want anything to do with her, but she keeps getting in his way. Nate has problems with his father now that he is out of prison for killing Nate's mother. He is now after Nate. Nate's father grabs Eve just to get Nate to come to him. Things do not go as they plan and Eve is hurt and she blacks out.

Can Eve get past the walls Nate has put up?

Will Nate forgive Eve for leaving him and not calling him when he needed her the most.

This was a wonderful book that will grab you from the first page to the last. I would recommend this book to anyone.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forged was a surprise. I liked the cover but had never read anything by this author before. I couldn't put it down. I love/hate relationship between the main characters was maddening. Childhood friends turned high school sweethearts go there separate ways when Eva goes away to college leaving Nate behind. Ten years later, Eva returns to be near her father. A fateful meeting was going to happen but Nate is still carrying a ton of resentment and in no hurry to forgive Eva. I really enjoyed the story. It has it all! Romance, suspense, drama, and a very hot sweaty guy on the cover. Don't let the cover fool you, the story was fresh and exciting.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dcw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just received this book and am happy to provide a review. From the opening sentences, I was drawn into the book. It was a multi-level story, presented from both H and H viewpoints, and I understood where each was coming from. The only slight drawback was the unprotected sex but that was not a point much at the time period this was written and I can forgive that. Both lead characters were strong and both had baggage but both were also righteous in their beliefs. It took a while to get it all out and the process kept me glued to the story. I enjoyed the supporting characters who helped enrich the story. I recommend this as a great read.

[Annie Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read from start to finish, it pulled me in and kept me enthralled. Nate grew up in an abusive home but found a ray of sunshine in Eva. They became the best of friends of friends and then eventually fell in love with each other. Until Eva breaks his heart and runs away to build her life up while at the same time Nate’s crumbles under him. When she finally comes back after years away will they be able to let go of the past and survive their present to secure their future together?

I received this book as an arc and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly Rife · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some, life takes them back to their first loves and they wonder 'what if?'. Eva and Nate find themselves in such a quandary. Do they dare try again?

Their chemistry is off the charts and the love scenes —- Oh My Dog — they are sizzling hot!! The action in this between the cars and the plot and everything - just perfect!! I absolutely love that! I just wish there was an epilogue or more of an ending. It left off rather abruptly.

I received a free copy in return for a fair and non-biased review.

[CL Westbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new author for me a great book to read. I loved the characters in this book. Nate is the sexy business owner who just doesnt want Eva his life but unfortunately life isnt allowing that to happen. There life is entwined. Eva is a kick ass, sassy woman and Nate has met his match. A fabulous story that is gripping and just keeps you wanting more and not wanting to put the book down. Loved it xx

[Ty's Library · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uhhh

This book had potential but it fell flat. I didn't feel a connection to any of the MCs and the writing style had me confused half the time. The povs sometimes changed in the middle of a chapter and she often switched from 1st person to 3rd person. The fast and furious vibes were fun, apart from that I just didn't enjoy this at all.

[Brandi Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this book a solid 4.5. It took me a while to get into it as I felt that the first few chapters did not hold my attention. But I soon got fell into the story and could not put it down. I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read with an awesome storyline that has well developed and engaging characters that have lots of chemistry. The smooth flow of the storyline makes for a good reading time.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Meaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forged

I really enjoyed this second chance romance, Eva and Nate had great chemistry. They have a past they have to work through and some things come back to haunt them. This was a fast paced and easy read!

[Carol Mccallops gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author

Ms Banks is a very good story teller. I cannot wait to read more of her books. This is the second one.

[Diane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disjointed and immature and trying to get past that I just couldn’t keep reading and gave up. Not sure I read the same book as other reviewers.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/13/2023)! 🎁

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Becky Banks. I will read every story she writes. I fell in love with Nathaniel and Eva just as I did with their story and was hooked the entire way through. Banks had me second guessing myself and hangin' on tight for more. FORGED is for sure a wild ride but one full of passion from the first page to the end.

After years of living in New York, Eva moves back to her hometown of Portland only to be faced with a past she thought she buried a long time ago. When Eva and Nate run into one another again for the first time you can feel the tension, almost hear the sparks fly. Neither of them will take no for an answer and neither will back down. Eva is a strong confident woman and will have to learn how to loosen up again while getting re-acquainted with her former self. Her former life.

Nate will ask over and over if he should trust himself, trust how he really feels inside about Eva, the one woman he loved, the woman that broke his heart. As we go through the story and take a trip down memory lane we run into obstacles that each of them have to deal with while trying to figure out their present situation. They're always on high alert and always on the move. Something new to deal with every day. Nate wants so bad to forget Eva and block her from his life but inside his heart is crying for what is real. What he and Eva had before and after one night together he can't refuse it's there. The passion that erupts is like an earthquake and you definitely want more.

In this steamy novel you will experience heartache, fear, rage, crave and passion. You will take a first class ride through the past and see detail to detail all the way to their future. The ride is dangerous. It's steamy. It's love.