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KGI #11
Brighter Than the Sun
Searing action and passion ignite the latest KGI novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Darkest Before Dawn.
The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business.
Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.
Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering.
Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t...
As the last unattached member of the Kelly clan, Joe is more than ready to risk life and limb on any mission he’s assigned to, but when it comes to love, he’ll keep his distance. He’s content to watch his brothers become thoroughly domesticated.
Zoe’s had nothing but heartbreak in her life, and she’s determined to start over with a completely new identity, thanks to her college friend, Rusty Kelly. But it’s the gorgeous smile and tender words of Joe Kelly that begin to weaken her resolve to never risk her heart again. And Joe will have to put everything on the line to save Zoe, when secrets of her past resurface—and threaten to tear them apart…
From the Paperback edition.
The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business.
Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.
Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering.
Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t...
As the last unattached member of the Kelly clan, Joe is more than ready to risk life and limb on any mission he’s assigned to, but when it comes to love, he’ll keep his distance. He’s content to watch his brothers become thoroughly domesticated.
Zoe’s had nothing but heartbreak in her life, and she’s determined to start over with a completely new identity, thanks to her college friend, Rusty Kelly. But it’s the gorgeous smile and tender words of Joe Kelly that begin to weaken her resolve to never risk her heart again. And Joe will have to put everything on the line to save Zoe, when secrets of her past resurface—and threaten to tear them apart…
From the Paperback edition.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2017
449 people are currently reading
4697 people want to read
About the author
Maya Banks
242 books21.5k followersMaya 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 601 reviews
March 17, 2017
I can't believe I finished this book!!!!
Brighter than the Sun is the 11th book in Maya Banks' KGI Series..........why I even bothered reading this one after the last two books being so MEH MEH MEH.....I have no idea!!
I liked the first couple of books in the series but I am just so ready to give up on continuing!!!
Let me note down some of the things that really really drove me to drink!!!!!!
* This is supposed to be Joe Kelly's story...but what we get here!!! We get pages and pages and more pages of the whole Kelly Clan.......the men, their wives, their kids, how much they love each other......
* Everyone in the Kelly world is wonderful...nice....kind....loving.....beautiful..........
* INSTA-LOVE............JOE, the wannabe bachelor forever sees Zoe aka Stella for the first time....and ZAP............It's love love love.......he thinks she's wonderful...beautiful......
And now we have ZOE aka STELLA running away from her very evil and criminal father and her boyfriend...who she discovers wants to do very nefarious deeds with her...and I don't mean lovemaking!!!! So, she runs away with the help of her best friend, Rusty Kelly and meets the Kelly clan and falls in love...not only with Joe but with all of THEM!!!
But, wait, there's a catch!!!
She doesn't think she's good enough for either Joe or his family!!!! Ooooh...so many tears......it was a total TEARFEST!!!
* And then there's the most absurd plot ever!!! Let's just say that we get nothing about the bad guys...who they are...how they find Zoe, despite the disguise...yes, the baddies find her but the Kelly guys and all their "tools" never ever guess that she's in hiding!!! And if you think that's the most absurd thing...it's not!!! When the Kelly men come to Zoe's rescue...we never get to find out what they do or did to the bad guys!!! The baddies just POOF off the pages!!!
I can't continue with my "rant" anymore!!!! Just let me show you how I felt when I turned the last page...........
What, not going to read Rusty Kelly and Sean, the local sheriff's story!!!! I DON'T THINK I AM GOING TO PUT MYSELF THROUGH ANOTHER PURGATORY MOMENT!!!!!
Brighter than the Sun is the 11th book in Maya Banks' KGI Series..........why I even bothered reading this one after the last two books being so MEH MEH MEH.....I have no idea!!
I liked the first couple of books in the series but I am just so ready to give up on continuing!!!
Let me note down some of the things that really really drove me to drink!!!!!!
* This is supposed to be Joe Kelly's story...but what we get here!!! We get pages and pages and more pages of the whole Kelly Clan.......the men, their wives, their kids, how much they love each other......
By Chapter 4.....I'm so like..........
But, I continued!!!!
* Everyone in the Kelly world is wonderful...nice....kind....loving.....beautiful..........
By Chapter 7.....I'm now beyond....
So, do I continue with this weird story???? Yes....I know, I'm a sucker for punishment!!
* INSTA-LOVE............JOE, the wannabe bachelor forever sees Zoe aka Stella for the first time....and ZAP............It's love love love.......he thinks she's wonderful...beautiful......
He takes her fishing and what happens....yes, he thinks she's more than just beautiful....
Yes, after two or three days....Joe is beyond smitten!!! He's found his soul mate!!! So what if he knows nothing about her life !!! Yes, folks, it's that inner feeling he has about perfection.......
And now we have ZOE aka STELLA running away from her very evil and criminal father and her boyfriend...who she discovers wants to do very nefarious deeds with her...and I don't mean lovemaking!!!! So, she runs away with the help of her best friend, Rusty Kelly and meets the Kelly clan and falls in love...not only with Joe but with all of THEM!!!
But, wait, there's a catch!!!
She doesn't think she's good enough for either Joe or his family!!!! Ooooh...so many tears......it was a total TEARFEST!!!
* And then there's the most absurd plot ever!!! Let's just say that we get nothing about the bad guys...who they are...how they find Zoe, despite the disguise...yes, the baddies find her but the Kelly guys and all their "tools" never ever guess that she's in hiding!!! And if you think that's the most absurd thing...it's not!!! When the Kelly men come to Zoe's rescue...we never get to find out what they do or did to the bad guys!!! The baddies just POOF off the pages!!!
I can't continue with my "rant" anymore!!!! Just let me show you how I felt when I turned the last page...........
So, if you're a fan of this series.....and you want to read this latest addition....and you're not bothered by having a total...........
..........then go ahead!!! At your own risk!!! ME......I AM DEFINETLY GIVING UP ON THE KGI WORLD FOREVER!!!
What, not going to read Rusty Kelly and Sean, the local sheriff's story!!!! I DON'T THINK I AM GOING TO PUT MYSELF THROUGH ANOTHER PURGATORY MOMENT!!!!!
October 31, 2019
I truly don't know why I bothered. I wasn't going to read anymore books in this series after the shit show that was Hancock's book. Hancock's book is the worst book I have ever read EVER! That is saying something seeing how many books I have read. I don't know what is going on with the KGI series or Maya Banks books, but this isn't the amazing love stories I fell hard for like the first part of the series. I was hoping against hope that Hancock was a crazy fluke and that this book would be better. I have been holding out trying to wait for Rusty's book, but I just can't do this series anymore. This was a cheesy, boring, flat book. I felt no romance, love or connection to Joe or Zoe. The plot was nothing. Truly I am wondering if MB is writing these books or just having a ghost writer do it. How could her early books be so epic and these last few suck such hairy balls? Where was the action? Where was the depth? Were was the sexy love story that sucks you in? Not here that's for sure. I just don't think I can do anymore of these torture reads. I don't guess I will get to Rusty's story because I can't take this crap anymore. I should have learnt my lesson with Hancock. That books was so bad I will be 90 and remember how sucky it was. It really sucks too as I loved this series so much when I first found it.
Read
March 1, 2015I hope this is going to be Rusty's and Sean Cameron's story. *heart*
February 6, 2017
3 Solid Stars for Stone Skipping
This newest installment of Maya Banks's KGI series was almost getting back that magic that was present at the start of the series. Those elements of military suspense and dangerous situations with passing fast intimacy were the keys to my love fest of KGI. Joe Kelly, the last brother standing finally finds his forever but not without a bit of hold your breath and life changing crisis.
Joe Kelly is content to work along side his brothers. He loves his family and enjoys his sister-in laws as if they were his own. While he is in no hurry to find a love match he still finds himself a bit envious at the end of the day when he returns to and empty home. He has no idea his forever is just miles away finding refuge in the home of Ma and Pa Kelly.
Zoe Kildare is on the run. Her life has been filled with ugliness and neglect. The only bright spot in her life is her best friend Rusty Kelly whose elaborate computer hacking skills have provided Zoe with a chance at something new, if she could just relax long enough to embrace it. Trying to make a new life is quite challenging when the sexy Joe Kelly staring you down and invading your space with his southern sweetness and sexy charm.
I found Brighter Than the Sun to be a quick easy read. I enjoyed the military talk and convergence of the KGI teams the most. I missed the tactical planning and old fashioned ribbing that was present from books before. I admit that I didn't quite get the connection of Joe to Zoe. I found his inner dialogue to be interesting as he was thinking "forever" awfully quick. Just 2 dates in the country and he was claiming her forever. Fairly fast moving for a self proclaimed bachelor. As for Zoe I found her more relatable. Having only bad her whole life, she could see the dream of goodness and was often emotional as to wanting it. Good thing for Joe was going to provide it...if she could stay alive long enough! So, yes...a bit of danger here but way to short and sweet especially with the build up of the situation.
In the end I think fans of KGI will be grateful for a better story and some of that Banks fire being present. I believe that she set up the Rusty and Sean's story quite well and it seems as if it will be quite angsty.
This newest installment of Maya Banks's KGI series was almost getting back that magic that was present at the start of the series. Those elements of military suspense and dangerous situations with passing fast intimacy were the keys to my love fest of KGI. Joe Kelly, the last brother standing finally finds his forever but not without a bit of hold your breath and life changing crisis.
Joe Kelly is content to work along side his brothers. He loves his family and enjoys his sister-in laws as if they were his own. While he is in no hurry to find a love match he still finds himself a bit envious at the end of the day when he returns to and empty home. He has no idea his forever is just miles away finding refuge in the home of Ma and Pa Kelly.
Zoe Kildare is on the run. Her life has been filled with ugliness and neglect. The only bright spot in her life is her best friend Rusty Kelly whose elaborate computer hacking skills have provided Zoe with a chance at something new, if she could just relax long enough to embrace it. Trying to make a new life is quite challenging when the sexy Joe Kelly staring you down and invading your space with his southern sweetness and sexy charm.
I found Brighter Than the Sun to be a quick easy read. I enjoyed the military talk and convergence of the KGI teams the most. I missed the tactical planning and old fashioned ribbing that was present from books before. I admit that I didn't quite get the connection of Joe to Zoe. I found his inner dialogue to be interesting as he was thinking "forever" awfully quick. Just 2 dates in the country and he was claiming her forever. Fairly fast moving for a self proclaimed bachelor. As for Zoe I found her more relatable. Having only bad her whole life, she could see the dream of goodness and was often emotional as to wanting it. Good thing for Joe was going to provide it...if she could stay alive long enough! So, yes...a bit of danger here but way to short and sweet especially with the build up of the situation.
In the end I think fans of KGI will be grateful for a better story and some of that Banks fire being present. I believe that she set up the Rusty and Sean's story quite well and it seems as if it will be quite angsty.
April 15, 2017
1 star – Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense
I don’t even know where to start or what all to say about this book because it was really cheesy, overly sappy at times, and honestly, just bad.
*The “romance” in this took insta-love to a new extreme! Joe is a satisfied bachelor proclaiming loudly and proudly one minute that he has absolutely no desire or plans to settle down and then BOOM! He does a complete 180 the next minute when he meets shy, insecure Zoe at a family barbecue. Joe knows absolutely nothing about her or her past except that she’s obviously eyeroll
*I HATED the heroine! She was one of the most annoyingly insecure and continually self-critical heroines, ever!
*The suspense plot was pretty pathetic, ridiculous, and poorly developed. Zoe’s felt like it was all just thrown in, and there weren’t any details, explanations, or resolutions given. It all just got swept up nice and clean.
*A significant part of this book seemed like it was setting up for Rusty and Sean’s story, finally, but their book isn’t the next one and will be #15 and the series finale, according to Maya Banks’s website. That’s still several books away and a long time to wait. I really hope the upcoming/remaining books are better than this one!
I don’t even know where to start or what all to say about this book because it was really cheesy, overly sappy at times, and honestly, just bad.
*The “romance” in this took insta-love to a new extreme! Joe is a satisfied bachelor proclaiming loudly and proudly one minute that he has absolutely no desire or plans to settle down and then BOOM! He does a complete 180 the next minute when he meets shy, insecure Zoe at a family barbecue. Joe knows absolutely nothing about her or her past except that she’s obviously eyeroll
*I HATED the heroine! She was one of the most annoyingly insecure and continually self-critical heroines, ever!
*The suspense plot was pretty pathetic, ridiculous, and poorly developed. Zoe’s felt like it was all just thrown in, and there weren’t any details, explanations, or resolutions given. It all just got swept up nice and clean.
*A significant part of this book seemed like it was setting up for Rusty and Sean’s story, finally, but their book isn’t the next one and will be #15 and the series finale, according to Maya Banks’s website. That’s still several books away and a long time to wait. I really hope the upcoming/remaining books are better than this one!
April 20, 2024
Review from 2017
You know how romantic suspense novels are supposed to be suspenseful and romantic?
I think Ms. Banks didn't get the memo.
I've given this a B- for narration and a D for content at AudioGals. This review may contain snark.
This eleventh book in Maya Banks’ KGI series of romantic suspense novels, Brighter than the Sun, would have been more appropriately titled Duller than the Dishwater. Honestly, I’m really glad I managed to listen to most of it while I was on the move, either around the house or in the car, otherwise I’d be suffering from the concussion incurred as a result of the number of times I’d’ve banged my head on the desk to keep myself awake.
I can’t believe this is supposed to be a romantic suspense novel. It’s a total misnomer, because it doesn’t possess much of either; the pacing is snail-like and there is NO action worth the name, NO suspense and NO romance, unless you count insta-lust as romance. And I don’t.
In a nutshell, the plot is as follows. Rusty – the youngest of the large Kelly clan – comes to the aid of an old friend whose life is in danger from her scumbag ex. Rusty creates her friend a completely new identity as Zoe Kildare and whisks her off to the Kelly family compound (yes, the entire family lives on its own vast compound, presumably to make sure that the guys can all get into action quickly, as well as for mutual protection) where she is immediately enfolded into the bosom of Rusty’s Walton-esque, oh-so-perfect family.
Poor Zoe has had a shitty life. Her dad is a big-shot crime-lord (but we never meet him or find out much about him) and dictated every single thing about her life, even down to her clothes, make-up, hair and accessories. (I doubt my Dad would know lipstick from mascara, but there you go.) Her scumbag ex was a guy trying to get close to Daddy, but who dropped her like the proverbial hot potato when he found out that Daddy didn’t give a shit about his little girl, and so any attempts to get to him through her were unlikely to work. Oh, and she also heard him on the phone plotting to do away with her, hence her reaching out to Rusty.
Our hero, Joe Kelly, is the youngest of the Kelly brothers and fondly known as the “last man standing” seeing as all his older brothers are now married with kids or kids on the way. No way is he going there, though. His brothers are all completely gooey-eyed over their wives and kids, but that’s absolutely not for him. Nope. Nuh-uh. Until, that is, he sees Zoe, when all that goes out the window and he’s suddenly and irrevocably smitten to such an extent that I could almost hear the violins playing in the background.
And that’s about it. Joe and Zoe’s relationship goes something like this:
The first two-thirds of the book is filled with meetings of the Kelly family, many of them in their company’s War Room which, I presume, is the place where this top-notch, high-tech, seriously kick-ass security firm plans its missions and organises its training. Yeah, well there wasn’t much of that going on. Those scenes feature pretty much every Kelly sibling – blood-related or adopted – and team members going on about how damn much they love their wives and kids, and how they could face down the most badass terrorist in the world or endure the worst torture, but how losing their wife and/or kids would fucking break them. Or how so-and-so (there are many siblings and team members, and I stopped trying to keep track somewhere around the third chapter) has become a basket case since he discovered his wife was pregnant. Oh, and you should never say anything even remotely amusing around a Kelly, seeing they have the propensity to fall into fits of side-splitting, asthma-attack-inducing laughter for no discernible reason. I think someone was supposed to have said something funny, but I didn’t hear it.
Around two-thirds of the way through, the pace picks up a little (yay!) only to fizzle out about two chapters later (boo!) and to go back into low gear with what is almost all set up for Rusty’s book, which I assume is going to be next up. The epilogue is sooooo draaaaaawn ouuuuuuut that I kept checking my player to see how long it had to run and is so over-the-top schmaltzy that I wanted to throw up.
And then there are the characters. Joe and Zoe (who would, perhaps, have been more aptly named “Wo-ey”) are completely nondescript. Zoe has been badly emotionally abused and is, naturally, incredibly insecure – I got that the first time and didn’t need it hammered into my head with a tea-tray every five minutes. And Joe… well, if he’s an ex-military dude who is supposed to have offed some serious bad guys in the past I’ll eat my hat. He’s about as interesting and dangerous as watching paint dry.
Oh, and I forgot to mention that Shay, who is married to Nathan, Joe’s twin, is TELEPATHIC. Yep. She, Nathan and Joe – because the guys are twins, natch – can communicate by the power of thought. That’s the part at which I started laughing like a Kelly. Romantic Suspense is often, by its very nature, intensely dramatic and over the top, but the best stories at least try to preserve some sense of realism. But that goes completely out the window in this story. It’s not just the telepath thing though; the idea that all these tough-guy, kick-ass former special services operatives sit around pontificating about love and family in language that is not the least bit masculine is laughable. Full disclosure – I’m not a bloke. But I’m pretty sure they don’t talk among themselves like these guys do. I almost expected them to start giving each other manicures and braiding one other’s hair.
Tad Branson does a decent enough job on the narration, but it’s really difficult to make a quality judgement of his performance given that the material he’s been given to work with is so incredibly poor. I listened to him a while back in May the Best Man Win and enjoyed his work there enough to have wanted to listen to him again; I’ve not read or listened to anything by Ms. Banks before, so it seemed like a good way to kill two birds with one stone – a story by a popular but new-to-me author, read by someone I wanted to listen to. But sometimes, the best laid plans… don’t work out.
There is a fairly large number of male characters in this book, and Mr. Branson does a good job of differentiating between them. Not being familiar with the entire family meant that I was lost sometimes, but that’s not the fault of either author or narrator; and in any case, Ms. Banks usually indicates who is speaking in the text, so there are no issues with confusing one speaker with another. The other technical aspects of the narration – pacing, enunciation, use of expression – are good, and I was particularly impressed by Mr. Branson’s performance in a couple of scenes near the end, which feature Rusty and Zoe (at different times) in moments of heightened emotion. On the subject of the ladies, his female voices are reasonably good, although sometimes the fact that his voice seems naturally to have a bit of a sharp “edge” to it, can make them sound a little harsh. Mostly, however, he portrays the women well through the use of changes in timbre and tone rather than any great shift in pitch.
As is obvious, I really can’t recommend this audiobook. Unless you’re a die-hard fan who simply MUST have everything ever created by Maya Banks, I’d strongly suggest finding another romantic suspense title to listen to. One that has some, you know, romance in it. And some suspense.
You know how romantic suspense novels are supposed to be suspenseful and romantic?
I think Ms. Banks didn't get the memo.
I've given this a B- for narration and a D for content at AudioGals. This review may contain snark.
This eleventh book in Maya Banks’ KGI series of romantic suspense novels, Brighter than the Sun, would have been more appropriately titled Duller than the Dishwater. Honestly, I’m really glad I managed to listen to most of it while I was on the move, either around the house or in the car, otherwise I’d be suffering from the concussion incurred as a result of the number of times I’d’ve banged my head on the desk to keep myself awake.
I can’t believe this is supposed to be a romantic suspense novel. It’s a total misnomer, because it doesn’t possess much of either; the pacing is snail-like and there is NO action worth the name, NO suspense and NO romance, unless you count insta-lust as romance. And I don’t.
In a nutshell, the plot is as follows. Rusty – the youngest of the large Kelly clan – comes to the aid of an old friend whose life is in danger from her scumbag ex. Rusty creates her friend a completely new identity as Zoe Kildare and whisks her off to the Kelly family compound (yes, the entire family lives on its own vast compound, presumably to make sure that the guys can all get into action quickly, as well as for mutual protection) where she is immediately enfolded into the bosom of Rusty’s Walton-esque, oh-so-perfect family.
Poor Zoe has had a shitty life. Her dad is a big-shot crime-lord (but we never meet him or find out much about him) and dictated every single thing about her life, even down to her clothes, make-up, hair and accessories. (I doubt my Dad would know lipstick from mascara, but there you go.) Her scumbag ex was a guy trying to get close to Daddy, but who dropped her like the proverbial hot potato when he found out that Daddy didn’t give a shit about his little girl, and so any attempts to get to him through her were unlikely to work. Oh, and she also heard him on the phone plotting to do away with her, hence her reaching out to Rusty.
Our hero, Joe Kelly, is the youngest of the Kelly brothers and fondly known as the “last man standing” seeing as all his older brothers are now married with kids or kids on the way. No way is he going there, though. His brothers are all completely gooey-eyed over their wives and kids, but that’s absolutely not for him. Nope. Nuh-uh. Until, that is, he sees Zoe, when all that goes out the window and he’s suddenly and irrevocably smitten to such an extent that I could almost hear the violins playing in the background.
And that’s about it. Joe and Zoe’s relationship goes something like this:
Joe: “Wanna hang out with me tomorrow?”
Zoe: (slightly freaking out) How can a guy this hot really want to spend time with me? I’m nothing. I’m so boring. I’m so screwed up. I’m SO not worthy. “Uh… okay.”
Joe: God, I hate that she looks so fucking scared. I’m gonna fucking kill the bastard who made her think that way. Doesn���t she know I’ll never hurt her? “Great!”
The first two-thirds of the book is filled with meetings of the Kelly family, many of them in their company’s War Room which, I presume, is the place where this top-notch, high-tech, seriously kick-ass security firm plans its missions and organises its training. Yeah, well there wasn’t much of that going on. Those scenes feature pretty much every Kelly sibling – blood-related or adopted – and team members going on about how damn much they love their wives and kids, and how they could face down the most badass terrorist in the world or endure the worst torture, but how losing their wife and/or kids would fucking break them. Or how so-and-so (there are many siblings and team members, and I stopped trying to keep track somewhere around the third chapter) has become a basket case since he discovered his wife was pregnant. Oh, and you should never say anything even remotely amusing around a Kelly, seeing they have the propensity to fall into fits of side-splitting, asthma-attack-inducing laughter for no discernible reason. I think someone was supposed to have said something funny, but I didn’t hear it.
Around two-thirds of the way through, the pace picks up a little (yay!) only to fizzle out about two chapters later (boo!) and to go back into low gear with what is almost all set up for Rusty’s book, which I assume is going to be next up. The epilogue is sooooo draaaaaawn ouuuuuuut that I kept checking my player to see how long it had to run and is so over-the-top schmaltzy that I wanted to throw up.
And then there are the characters. Joe and Zoe (who would, perhaps, have been more aptly named “Wo-ey”) are completely nondescript. Zoe has been badly emotionally abused and is, naturally, incredibly insecure – I got that the first time and didn’t need it hammered into my head with a tea-tray every five minutes. And Joe… well, if he’s an ex-military dude who is supposed to have offed some serious bad guys in the past I’ll eat my hat. He’s about as interesting and dangerous as watching paint dry.
Oh, and I forgot to mention that Shay, who is married to Nathan, Joe’s twin, is TELEPATHIC. Yep. She, Nathan and Joe – because the guys are twins, natch – can communicate by the power of thought. That’s the part at which I started laughing like a Kelly. Romantic Suspense is often, by its very nature, intensely dramatic and over the top, but the best stories at least try to preserve some sense of realism. But that goes completely out the window in this story. It’s not just the telepath thing though; the idea that all these tough-guy, kick-ass former special services operatives sit around pontificating about love and family in language that is not the least bit masculine is laughable. Full disclosure – I’m not a bloke. But I’m pretty sure they don’t talk among themselves like these guys do. I almost expected them to start giving each other manicures and braiding one other’s hair.
Tad Branson does a decent enough job on the narration, but it’s really difficult to make a quality judgement of his performance given that the material he’s been given to work with is so incredibly poor. I listened to him a while back in May the Best Man Win and enjoyed his work there enough to have wanted to listen to him again; I’ve not read or listened to anything by Ms. Banks before, so it seemed like a good way to kill two birds with one stone – a story by a popular but new-to-me author, read by someone I wanted to listen to. But sometimes, the best laid plans… don’t work out.
There is a fairly large number of male characters in this book, and Mr. Branson does a good job of differentiating between them. Not being familiar with the entire family meant that I was lost sometimes, but that’s not the fault of either author or narrator; and in any case, Ms. Banks usually indicates who is speaking in the text, so there are no issues with confusing one speaker with another. The other technical aspects of the narration – pacing, enunciation, use of expression – are good, and I was particularly impressed by Mr. Branson’s performance in a couple of scenes near the end, which feature Rusty and Zoe (at different times) in moments of heightened emotion. On the subject of the ladies, his female voices are reasonably good, although sometimes the fact that his voice seems naturally to have a bit of a sharp “edge” to it, can make them sound a little harsh. Mostly, however, he portrays the women well through the use of changes in timbre and tone rather than any great shift in pitch.
As is obvious, I really can’t recommend this audiobook. Unless you’re a die-hard fan who simply MUST have everything ever created by Maya Banks, I’d strongly suggest finding another romantic suspense title to listen to. One that has some, you know, romance in it. And some suspense.
February 27, 2017
4.5 Stars
I had to go through all of my books because I can't believe I have never read a book by Maya Banks before. Where have I been? Because as I was scrolling through her titles, which includes over 50, I realized that this hidden gem is one that needs to be further explored.
Her newest release is coming up quickly. It's a continuation of a series that includes suspense, romance and even a few tears.
I know what it's like to see someone and just know they are the one you were meant to be with. That's what happen with my husband and I. So when people scoff at stories that include instant connections, I not only understand them, but I crave them.
The author has a remarkable talent for crafting a story that completely draws you in. Weaving in people and situations from prior novels just makes me want to go back and read every one. They all seem include a magical connection with that special someone. With the love so profound, it's hard to imagine the depth of feelings the author pours into her writing.
Brighter Than the Sun is a beautiful story. With humor, wit, sarcasm, fun-loving, deep family connections, and even some bad guys, this book shines! To top it all off, it even offers suspense and a damsel in distress. We are also given an amazing HEA and the set up for the next story that I know is going to break my heart.
Now that Maya Banks has been put on my radar, I'm off to load up my wish list for more of her great reads.
I had to go through all of my books because I can't believe I have never read a book by Maya Banks before. Where have I been? Because as I was scrolling through her titles, which includes over 50, I realized that this hidden gem is one that needs to be further explored.
Her newest release is coming up quickly. It's a continuation of a series that includes suspense, romance and even a few tears.
I know what it's like to see someone and just know they are the one you were meant to be with. That's what happen with my husband and I. So when people scoff at stories that include instant connections, I not only understand them, but I crave them.
The author has a remarkable talent for crafting a story that completely draws you in. Weaving in people and situations from prior novels just makes me want to go back and read every one. They all seem include a magical connection with that special someone. With the love so profound, it's hard to imagine the depth of feelings the author pours into her writing.
Brighter Than the Sun is a beautiful story. With humor, wit, sarcasm, fun-loving, deep family connections, and even some bad guys, this book shines! To top it all off, it even offers suspense and a damsel in distress. We are also given an amazing HEA and the set up for the next story that I know is going to break my heart.
Now that Maya Banks has been put on my radar, I'm off to load up my wish list for more of her great reads.
February 6, 2017
Brighter Than The Sun is the eleventh book in Maya Banks’ KGI series. It can be read as a standalone but many couples from prior books make an appearance allowing you to continue their stories. This book focuses on Joe Kelly, the last bachelor in the Kelly family, and Zoe Kildare, Joe’s sister Rusty’s best friend.
Joe Kelly was not looking for a relationship but fell very easily into one when introduced to Zoe, who is on the run and very skittish. It takes all the patience Joe can muster to get Zoe to relax and believe in him. This book has all the emotional pull and action packed suspense for which the KGI series is known.
This is a solid addition to the KGI series that has the feel of some of the earlier books in the series. Joe’s sister Rusty plays a large role in the book and it appears her relationship with Sean will be the focus of the next book.
*ARC supplied by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Joe Kelly was not looking for a relationship but fell very easily into one when introduced to Zoe, who is on the run and very skittish. It takes all the patience Joe can muster to get Zoe to relax and believe in him. This book has all the emotional pull and action packed suspense for which the KGI series is known.
This is a solid addition to the KGI series that has the feel of some of the earlier books in the series. Joe’s sister Rusty plays a large role in the book and it appears her relationship with Sean will be the focus of the next book.
*ARC supplied by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
March 10, 2017
Thought I'd give this series one more try. I don't know why I bothered. Major Insta Love. The whole story was beyond unbelievable and it took place over about a week with the major part of the action (hah! action, not) taking three days. Not only was the romance unbelievable but the suspense element was laughable. If Rusty was so good at setting up a false identity for Zoe how did the bad guy find her? So they went and got her back, what happened to the bad guy? Did they kill him? Did he go to prison? What about the criminal father? Everyone in this series loved everyone else and would willingly die for them. Even the very first day they meet someone. So saccharine. Blah.
March 11, 2017
ARC Review
Originally posted at Scandalicious Book Review
It is FINALLY here! Joe Kelly’s story has arrived! If you are a KGI fan, you know that Joe is the last of the Kelly brothers who has yet to find true love (books 1 - 4 and 8 are the others). Along with his twin, Nathan, Joe is one of the youngest sons. It is so nice to have Maya Banks turn her eyes to Joe for book 11 in the KGI series.
The beauty of a long running series is that it is easy to form attachments to characters, and ones that feature families are the best. I will be honest, I am giving this book a higher rating due to my affection for Joe Kelly. Because I am familiar with his background and enjoy his past interactions with his family, I am predisposed to like this book. As a bonus, we also get a delicious little nugget in the long-running romance between Rusty and Sean. This part makes me happy. However, I will also say that this book makes me restless because I really want more. After finishing, I struggled to figure out what was missing. It bothered me so much that I went back to the beginning and again read the first three books in the series (Darkest Hour, No Place to Run and Hidden Away). After these re-reads, I know I am not wrong. The earlier books have more depth, more intrigue, more suspense. They are laid out so beautifully with the right balance of agony and tenderness. Maya Banks takes the time to build relationships and we are captured hook, line, and sinker. I really miss that aspect in this book.
Joe is feeling a little alienated. All his brothers and KGI team members are falling in love and are in committed relationships. He does not feel like he fully fits in. At a time when everyone is talking babies, diapers, anniversaries, and such, Joe is still the single guy and reveling in his bachelorhood. Oh, how the mighty fall.
Zoe is Rusty’s best friend from college. Zoe is not her real name. She is on the run from her former life as the daughter of one of the most powerful criminals in the country. She is racked with insecurity and feelings of unworthiness. Unfortunately, she has a lot to overcome and these feelings are relentless. For me, it overshadows whatever strengths she displays. It makes it difficult for me to see Joe and Zoe together. Their relationship comes across as one note. Joe is constantly acting in an over-the-top protective manner. This is not new for the KGI crew. Most of the other alphas exhibit an overwhelming instinct to shield and protect those they love, but this relationship lacks substance. Joe himself admits that he falls in love with Zoe within three days of meeting her. Time and time again he defends his insta-love for Zoe, but she does not display anything so remarkable to justify his deep and abiding affection except that she is a broken bird. Still, there are some tender moments: “[A]t the end of the day, no amount of superficial beauty could make up for a lack of beautiful soul. And beneath Zoe’s soulful eyes was a woman, though cloaked in sadness and fear, who was absolutely beautiful.” I see the initial attraction, but I am just not sure I buy-in to why he loves her so deeply and so quickly.
I was also hoping for more suspense. The story is simple, maybe too simple, and the pace seems off. The action stops before it really gets started and the bad guys are never fully established. Zoe’s father is Garth Cambridge, the head of the largest criminal empires in North America. He is purported to be very controlling and Zoe escapes from under his thumb. Unfortunately, nothing happens between Zoe and her father. He could have been a really standout villain. Zoe’s ex-boyfriend is also a manipulator and his character is also almost an afterthought. He could have been a much more menacing factor. It feels like a missed opportunity.
Nonetheless, one of the best parts of this book is a spotlight on Rusty and Sean. We get another layer to their highly-anticipated relationship. What the author gives us is heartbreaking. It brings me back to the feelings I have for Rusty in book one when she first accepts the Kelly clan. This alone is worth the investment of time and money.
A mixed bag, if you are a fan of KGI, you will want to read this book. As a standalone, it is good-enough romantic suspense, but does not fully live up to the standards established by Maya Banks.
Originally posted at Scandalicious Book Review
It is FINALLY here! Joe Kelly’s story has arrived! If you are a KGI fan, you know that Joe is the last of the Kelly brothers who has yet to find true love (books 1 - 4 and 8 are the others). Along with his twin, Nathan, Joe is one of the youngest sons. It is so nice to have Maya Banks turn her eyes to Joe for book 11 in the KGI series.
The beauty of a long running series is that it is easy to form attachments to characters, and ones that feature families are the best. I will be honest, I am giving this book a higher rating due to my affection for Joe Kelly. Because I am familiar with his background and enjoy his past interactions with his family, I am predisposed to like this book. As a bonus, we also get a delicious little nugget in the long-running romance between Rusty and Sean. This part makes me happy. However, I will also say that this book makes me restless because I really want more. After finishing, I struggled to figure out what was missing. It bothered me so much that I went back to the beginning and again read the first three books in the series (Darkest Hour, No Place to Run and Hidden Away). After these re-reads, I know I am not wrong. The earlier books have more depth, more intrigue, more suspense. They are laid out so beautifully with the right balance of agony and tenderness. Maya Banks takes the time to build relationships and we are captured hook, line, and sinker. I really miss that aspect in this book.
Joe is feeling a little alienated. All his brothers and KGI team members are falling in love and are in committed relationships. He does not feel like he fully fits in. At a time when everyone is talking babies, diapers, anniversaries, and such, Joe is still the single guy and reveling in his bachelorhood. Oh, how the mighty fall.
Zoe is Rusty’s best friend from college. Zoe is not her real name. She is on the run from her former life as the daughter of one of the most powerful criminals in the country. She is racked with insecurity and feelings of unworthiness. Unfortunately, she has a lot to overcome and these feelings are relentless. For me, it overshadows whatever strengths she displays. It makes it difficult for me to see Joe and Zoe together. Their relationship comes across as one note. Joe is constantly acting in an over-the-top protective manner. This is not new for the KGI crew. Most of the other alphas exhibit an overwhelming instinct to shield and protect those they love, but this relationship lacks substance. Joe himself admits that he falls in love with Zoe within three days of meeting her. Time and time again he defends his insta-love for Zoe, but she does not display anything so remarkable to justify his deep and abiding affection except that she is a broken bird. Still, there are some tender moments: “[A]t the end of the day, no amount of superficial beauty could make up for a lack of beautiful soul. And beneath Zoe’s soulful eyes was a woman, though cloaked in sadness and fear, who was absolutely beautiful.” I see the initial attraction, but I am just not sure I buy-in to why he loves her so deeply and so quickly.
I was also hoping for more suspense. The story is simple, maybe too simple, and the pace seems off. The action stops before it really gets started and the bad guys are never fully established. Zoe’s father is Garth Cambridge, the head of the largest criminal empires in North America. He is purported to be very controlling and Zoe escapes from under his thumb. Unfortunately, nothing happens between Zoe and her father. He could have been a really standout villain. Zoe’s ex-boyfriend is also a manipulator and his character is also almost an afterthought. He could have been a much more menacing factor. It feels like a missed opportunity.
Nonetheless, one of the best parts of this book is a spotlight on Rusty and Sean. We get another layer to their highly-anticipated relationship. What the author gives us is heartbreaking. It brings me back to the feelings I have for Rusty in book one when she first accepts the Kelly clan. This alone is worth the investment of time and money.
A mixed bag, if you are a fan of KGI, you will want to read this book. As a standalone, it is good-enough romantic suspense, but does not fully live up to the standards established by Maya Banks.
July 13, 2017
Brighter Than The Sun es el undecimo libro de la saga KGI de la autora Maya Banks y tiene como protagonistas a Joe, el ultimo hermano Kelly soltero y Zoe, un nuevo personaje.
Hace bastante tiempo que lei el libro anterior, asi que estaba padeciendo un poco de abstinencia de esta serie, a pesar de que no todas las novelas de esta saga me hayan gustado de igual forma, en general son lecturas con las que disfruto.
El suspence romantico es una de mis tematicas favoritas, sobretodo si la autora sabe sacarle partido, en esta ocasion me falto mas accion, la escritora desarrolla bastante mas la parte romantica.
Aun despues de leer once libros sigue sin convencerme al 100% el insta-love que caracteriza tanto estos libros, en esta pareja en concreto me parecio demasiado inverosimil, solo se conocian de cuatro dias y ya estaban enamorados y pensando en el futuro.
Reconozco que esta historia me parecio una de las mas flojas pero aun asi es entretenida y atrapante, no esta mal para pasar el rato, sobretodo si eres fan de la autora o de estas novelas.
3 Estrellas!
March 24, 2017
Again a disclaimer, Maya Banks is not my favourite author although I did enjoy the first books in this series and then just sort of kept going.
At least this one is an improvement from the trainwreck that was Hancock's book and I found it interesting that except for a cursory mention he was completely missing from this one. The main story line of the remaining Kelly brother Joe finding his HEA with a mysterious friend of his adopted sister Rusty was okay (hence the two star rating) although came with the the usual Maya Banks flaws of insta love and a damaged heroine who needs saving from a big and strong Kelly or associate. The story line that will keep me reading and earned the book another half a star is the love hate relationship between the above mentioned Rusty Kelly and her brooding sheriff, Sean Cameron. And yes, I'll still read on to get that Happily Ever AFter.
2.5 stars.
At least this one is an improvement from the trainwreck that was Hancock's book and I found it interesting that except for a cursory mention he was completely missing from this one. The main story line of the remaining Kelly brother Joe finding his HEA with a mysterious friend of his adopted sister Rusty was okay (hence the two star rating) although came with the the usual Maya Banks flaws of insta love and a damaged heroine who needs saving from a big and strong Kelly or associate. The story line that will keep me reading and earned the book another half a star is the love hate relationship between the above mentioned Rusty Kelly and her brooding sheriff, Sean Cameron. And yes, I'll still read on to get that Happily Ever AFter.
2.5 stars.
March 9, 2017
Link to full review below! I loved this book WAY more than expected. I tried a Banks book years ago and it didn't work for me, so I was hesitant. Now I have a lot to catch up on! See full review on The Book Disciple
September 20, 2020
Q:
“You’re my dearest friend, ... There’s no way I’d ever turn my back on you. Besides, I have mad skills. (c)
A nice angsty setting of abused gilrs / friends on a mission to get one of them way away from her former self and morph into something safer and more kick-butt. The rest is history.
Formulaic plot vehicles (-1 star),
character building - none (-1 star),
STEM gal doing nerd-stuff (+1 star),
stilted dialogue (-1 star),
world dumps when characters talk their setting at each other or the sci-fi plague (-1 star),
no virgins/slutshaming/male sluts/(+3 stars),
the 'very special telepathic bonds' (+-1 star),
no dancing goddesses (+1000000 stars, ok, kidding, only +1 star).
Marlene: she does look & sound nice & intimidating. (Q: She won’t be mean—God, that woman is a saint—but suddenly you’ll find yourself doing exactly what it is she wants and afterward you’ll be puzzled because you won’t even remember how she accomplished it, but you’ll find yourself falling into line, just as the rest of the family does, and doing exactly as she determines.” (c) Lovely matriarch.)
Poor Allie. And poor everyone on the receiving end of her temper.
So, overall: 3 stars.
Q:
... my brothers kick asses for a living (c)
Q:
They’ve done fugitive recovery, rescue missions, obliterated terrorist organizations, and that’s when they aren’t meeting their significant others while on a mission. (c) Busy guys.
Q:
“It’s a long story, and it’s not always pretty. But it’s definitely always beautiful.” (c)
Q:
I was on the other side of the fence growing up. White trash. Troublemaker. Loser. Pick your poison. (c)
Q:
My brothers give her shit about her propensity for collecting ‘strays.’ Strays being all the people she’s adopted into the family over the years. (c)
Q:
“If the morning meltdown is over, perhaps we can get to business?” That's about how I felt when reading this one :)
Q:
Her eyebrow went up and he could swear she sniffed at him in disdain. (c) That's Allie.
Q:
“Everything okay with you, bro? Why are you shaking your head looking like you want to go fuck up an entire terrorist organization?”
Right now taking down a terrorist group held more appeal than being subjected to the epic display of emotional meltdowns he’d just witnessed. (c)
Q:
Zoe considered herself an intelligent woman, even if current evidence proved that she was the dumbest woman to ever live... (c) Ok, this is lovely.
Q:
you never even set foot out of your apartment without makeup to conceal your freckles, because your father viewed them as an imperfection. (c) Daddy dreadful.
“You’re my dearest friend, ... There’s no way I’d ever turn my back on you. Besides, I have mad skills. (c)
A nice angsty setting of abused gilrs / friends on a mission to get one of them way away from her former self and morph into something safer and more kick-butt. The rest is history.
Formulaic plot vehicles (-1 star),
character building - none (-1 star),
STEM gal doing nerd-stuff (+1 star),
stilted dialogue (-1 star),
world dumps when characters talk their setting at each other or the sci-fi plague (-1 star),
no virgins/slutshaming/male sluts/(+3 stars),
the 'very special telepathic bonds' (+-1 star),
no dancing goddesses (+1000000 stars, ok, kidding, only +1 star).
Marlene: she does look & sound nice & intimidating. (Q: She won’t be mean—God, that woman is a saint—but suddenly you’ll find yourself doing exactly what it is she wants and afterward you’ll be puzzled because you won’t even remember how she accomplished it, but you’ll find yourself falling into line, just as the rest of the family does, and doing exactly as she determines.” (c) Lovely matriarch.)
Poor Allie. And poor everyone on the receiving end of her temper.
So, overall: 3 stars.
Q:
... my brothers kick asses for a living (c)
Q:
They’ve done fugitive recovery, rescue missions, obliterated terrorist organizations, and that’s when they aren’t meeting their significant others while on a mission. (c) Busy guys.
Q:
“It’s a long story, and it’s not always pretty. But it’s definitely always beautiful.” (c)
Q:
I was on the other side of the fence growing up. White trash. Troublemaker. Loser. Pick your poison. (c)
Q:
My brothers give her shit about her propensity for collecting ‘strays.’ Strays being all the people she’s adopted into the family over the years. (c)
Q:
“If the morning meltdown is over, perhaps we can get to business?” That's about how I felt when reading this one :)
Q:
Her eyebrow went up and he could swear she sniffed at him in disdain. (c) That's Allie.
Q:
“Everything okay with you, bro? Why are you shaking your head looking like you want to go fuck up an entire terrorist organization?”
Right now taking down a terrorist group held more appeal than being subjected to the epic display of emotional meltdowns he’d just witnessed. (c)
Q:
Zoe considered herself an intelligent woman, even if current evidence proved that she was the dumbest woman to ever live... (c) Ok, this is lovely.
Q:
you never even set foot out of your apartment without makeup to conceal your freckles, because your father viewed them as an imperfection. (c) Daddy dreadful.
February 7, 2017
Six years ago we met the Kelly family and the six brothers that Frank and Marlene bore that run The Kelly Group International whose missions include hostage and kidnap victim recovery, Intelligence gathering and handling jobs the US government can’t. Along with the Kelly brothers we've had the stories of the men and women who run and are a part of the KGI teams. During this series we were also introduced to Rusty who was a teenager from a bad home life that Marlene accepted into her home as part of her family and eventually adopted. No this technically isn't her story – its the youngest of the Kelly brother's Joe story but Rusty plays a huge part in this book for which we all know is the set up to us fans finally getting her and Sean's long awaited book.
Rusty in all the years she has lived around the KGI guys has picked up some useful tricks of her own. She uses her hacking skills to help a friend in need with a new identity. Zoe is on the run from a man who wants to kill her because of her father who runs a criminal empire. Rusty gives her a new identity and then takes her home with her thinking the Kelly/KGI ranch would be the safest place for her to hide out.
Joe Kelly is the last single brother and he likes it that way. Problem is as soon as he sees Zoe both an attraction and warning bells go off in his head. He knows she is scared of something which also means she is hiding something pretty bad in her past. He first befriends her to try and find out what that is but ends up falling pretty hard for her.
Zoe is extremely insecure due to how she was raised. She believes she is the scum of the earth and not worthy of anything. She has never seen a family like the Kelly's and how they love unconditionally. These are things she has never experiences in her life so Joe's attention to her has her pretty skittish at first.
Through out this book we get to see all the previous characters along with Sean who is still at odds with Rusty. That finally comes to a head in this book with a not so happy outcome.
I stepped away from this series a couple books back but the author gives great recaps of all the couples and their stories through out so it was easy to ease back into things. I've been waiting for Rusty and Sean's story for a long time and had heard this book had some pivotal moments in their relationship in it and in part that was one of the main reason's I wanted to read this one – that and it was the last of the Kelly's brothers stories. I was not disappointed at all on that front. I hope its not a super long wait for till we get their story.
Rusty in all the years she has lived around the KGI guys has picked up some useful tricks of her own. She uses her hacking skills to help a friend in need with a new identity. Zoe is on the run from a man who wants to kill her because of her father who runs a criminal empire. Rusty gives her a new identity and then takes her home with her thinking the Kelly/KGI ranch would be the safest place for her to hide out.
Joe Kelly is the last single brother and he likes it that way. Problem is as soon as he sees Zoe both an attraction and warning bells go off in his head. He knows she is scared of something which also means she is hiding something pretty bad in her past. He first befriends her to try and find out what that is but ends up falling pretty hard for her.
Zoe is extremely insecure due to how she was raised. She believes she is the scum of the earth and not worthy of anything. She has never seen a family like the Kelly's and how they love unconditionally. These are things she has never experiences in her life so Joe's attention to her has her pretty skittish at first.
Through out this book we get to see all the previous characters along with Sean who is still at odds with Rusty. That finally comes to a head in this book with a not so happy outcome.
I stepped away from this series a couple books back but the author gives great recaps of all the couples and their stories through out so it was easy to ease back into things. I've been waiting for Rusty and Sean's story for a long time and had heard this book had some pivotal moments in their relationship in it and in part that was one of the main reason's I wanted to read this one – that and it was the last of the Kelly's brothers stories. I was not disappointed at all on that front. I hope its not a super long wait for till we get their story.
February 10, 2017
I loved this latest KGI novel from the amazing Maya Banks.
Joe is the last of the Kelly brothers to lose his heart to a woman. He wasn't looking for it to happen but he didn't try to fight it for long either. Zoe is the perfect anguished heroine who is hiding secrets and running from her past. She is also Rusty's best friend and the tumult of this story rips open some old wounds. It was loaded with genuine raw emotion that pulled at my heart. I'm not ashamed to say that Maya Banks made me cry a few times during this one.
Brighter Than The Sun is another superb book in the KGI series. On the surface it's exciting, sexy and suspenseful. At heart it's about family, friendship and unbreakable bonds. It was perfectly delivered to keep the reader engaged from beginning to end. The highlight for me was the gutwrenching setup for Rusty's book. I can't wait to read the next KGI novel.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary Netgalley copy of this book.
Want to read
January 26, 2015#1 The Darkest Hour
#2 No Place to Run
#3 Hidden Away
#4 Whispers in the Dark
#5 Echoes at Dawn
#5.5 Softly at Sunrise
#6 Shades of Gray
#7 Forged in Steele
#8 After the Storm
#9 When Day Breaks
#10 Darkest Before Dawn
#11 Unknown yet
June 5, 2017
4/5 stars
I liked Joe and Zoe's story, but mainly i'm in it for Rusty and Sean now!
I liked Joe and Zoe's story, but mainly i'm in it for Rusty and Sean now!
October 10, 2018
omg to me the ending feels like a cliffhanger with Rusty and Sean....of course it is! I'm glad we are getting more pieces of them. The rest of the main story was good.
March 5, 2017
Joe Kelly doesn’t want to settle down. As the last Kelly holdout not living within the compound, he doesn’t want to settle down and is happy to watch his brothers settle down and avoid his mother’s matchmaking attempts and not so subtle hints. But, as typical with the Kellys, when they find their one any past declarations are forgotten in the single minded focus to make her his.
Zoe Kildare is reinventing herself, hiding with her college friend Rusty Kelly. She hasn’t had luck in any aspect of her life, and has some serious confidence issues and carries guilt caused by actions that are not her own. She is unsure about herself as she tries to find footing in her new life.
I loved watching Joe take great care with Zoe. He may not have known her past, but he knew she was skittish and needed someone to help her see herself. He is careful with her, and shows a great amount of patience as he waits for her to open up, but just as his brothers, when he decides Zoe is his one and only, he has to work to convince her of the same.
There was a great connection between Zoe and the other Kellys that fits, especially with Joe’s twin, Nathan, and Shea. I loved how quickly she was welcomed into the Kelly clan and how quickly she found at least some comfort in the large chaotic group.
The other fun part of this book is the amount of Rusty and Sean we get. As Zoe is Rusty’s best friend, she is involved in the story quite a bit, and though their story is not settled at all, it is so much fun to watch them interact. Sean and Rusty have not had an easy time, nor are their interactions new, but the setup from this book is a fantastic teaser for the possibility of more for these two.
As this is a long standing series and the Kellys are a large family, there are plenty of cameos by the previous characters, as well as the new team members that have been added to KGI over the years. There is a lot going on here, with teasers of Sean and Rusty, updates on all the other brothers and teammates, and of course Joe and Zoe’s beginning, but all that adds up to page turning action that keeps moving whether they are having a quiet moment on the lake or in the middle of danger.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Zoe Kildare is reinventing herself, hiding with her college friend Rusty Kelly. She hasn’t had luck in any aspect of her life, and has some serious confidence issues and carries guilt caused by actions that are not her own. She is unsure about herself as she tries to find footing in her new life.
I loved watching Joe take great care with Zoe. He may not have known her past, but he knew she was skittish and needed someone to help her see herself. He is careful with her, and shows a great amount of patience as he waits for her to open up, but just as his brothers, when he decides Zoe is his one and only, he has to work to convince her of the same.
There was a great connection between Zoe and the other Kellys that fits, especially with Joe’s twin, Nathan, and Shea. I loved how quickly she was welcomed into the Kelly clan and how quickly she found at least some comfort in the large chaotic group.
The other fun part of this book is the amount of Rusty and Sean we get. As Zoe is Rusty’s best friend, she is involved in the story quite a bit, and though their story is not settled at all, it is so much fun to watch them interact. Sean and Rusty have not had an easy time, nor are their interactions new, but the setup from this book is a fantastic teaser for the possibility of more for these two.
As this is a long standing series and the Kellys are a large family, there are plenty of cameos by the previous characters, as well as the new team members that have been added to KGI over the years. There is a lot going on here, with teasers of Sean and Rusty, updates on all the other brothers and teammates, and of course Joe and Zoe’s beginning, but all that adds up to page turning action that keeps moving whether they are having a quiet moment on the lake or in the middle of danger.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2019
A new beginning…
I’m a die-hard Maya Banks fan so any new book is immediately pounced on! Joe and Zoe’s story is the eleventh in this series so I got more of the Kelly clan (who are dynamite!) plus another romantic suspense to sink my reading teeth into!
Zoe is on the run and Joe senses it immediately. How she got here and why is a mystery he is determined to figure out, even as Zoe does everything to hide it. They click right away but with all the murkiness between them, and family hovering, their tentative steps in romance are shadowed by all that is unsaid…
Zoe and Joe had sparks galore right from the start. While I may have struggled with the slam-dunk devotion, and the almost too flowery prose that accompanied it, their courtship was really beautiful. Joe was clear that his support was absolute and didn’t hinge on anything in return. Zoe struggled with self-esteem and self-worth throughout which was understandable given her past but was so repetitive that it took away from an otherwise stellar storyline.
Another solid read from a fave author who has tantalized with Rusty’s story – which I hope is next! ~Diane, 3.5 stars
I’m a die-hard Maya Banks fan so any new book is immediately pounced on! Joe and Zoe’s story is the eleventh in this series so I got more of the Kelly clan (who are dynamite!) plus another romantic suspense to sink my reading teeth into!
Zoe is on the run and Joe senses it immediately. How she got here and why is a mystery he is determined to figure out, even as Zoe does everything to hide it. They click right away but with all the murkiness between them, and family hovering, their tentative steps in romance are shadowed by all that is unsaid…
Zoe and Joe had sparks galore right from the start. While I may have struggled with the slam-dunk devotion, and the almost too flowery prose that accompanied it, their courtship was really beautiful. Joe was clear that his support was absolute and didn’t hinge on anything in return. Zoe struggled with self-esteem and self-worth throughout which was understandable given her past but was so repetitive that it took away from an otherwise stellar storyline.
Another solid read from a fave author who has tantalized with Rusty’s story – which I hope is next! ~Diane, 3.5 stars
February 16, 2017
Running from a life she never chose, Zoe has created a new identity for herself with the help of her best friend Rusty. Never having been allowed to be herself, Zoe has no clue how to act without the barrier of designer clothing and a ton of makeup. Insecure and nervous of being found and forced back into a life she doesn’t want by an unloving father, Rusty takes her home to the family compound before her last journey to freedom.
Joe knows his mother wants him to find “the one” and settle down to make some more Kelly babies just like his brothers but that’s just not him. He loves being free from responsibilities outside of his KGI ones and has no need for a permanent woman in his life. Rusty’s new friend Zoe immediately triggers all his warning bells with her skittishness and vague background information. Telling himself he’s just protecting his family, he attempts to get close to her to learn her story.
Zoe knows she can’t tell Joe the truth about her past. She’s everything he stands against while fighting the bad guys. As they get closer and feelings get deeper, Zoe is either going to have to trust him……or let him go so she can protect him.
So here we are. Book 11 in probably my favorite series ever. The KGI series by Maya Banks. A series that has most definitely had its ups and downs. Several downs in fact. A few downs that had me almost quit reading the series. It took me a year to read book 9 because book 8 pissed me off so much. But I eventually came back and was pleasantly pleased with book 9. I read book 10 and gave it a solid 3.5 stars, even if the majority of the book I was seriously pissed off at the “hero”. That brings us to book 11, Joe’s story. The twin I wasn’t sure would ever get his own happy ending. The last remaining Kelly brother.
I found Brighter Than The Sun to be well done. Not too long like has been a problem in the past, full of engaging dynamics between characters and perfectly paced. I enjoyed the progression of the relationship between Joe and Zoe. I thought it was done with an honesty and an air of reality. It just felt real to me. Even with the weird paranormal thread that was introduced that I know lots of readers detested. I mean, at this point, there’s no taking it out, so I thought it was used well but not overly so. I think Banks realized her misstep in adding those in and has used them as little as she could since then. Zoe is terribly insecure and obviously nervous about her future but Joe manages to draw her out. I wish we would have gotten more backstory on her though. I understood the gist of her background but it felt a bit glossed over and unimportant, when it should have been highlighted more so readers could understand her character better.
The suspense aspect really doesn’t kick in until close to the end. Up till that point it’s a straight contemporary romance with some military/black ops aspects thrown in. However, it’s full throttle from then on out. It almost came out of nowhere. One minute nothing and then BAM, hit the ground running. I enjoyed the amount of characters in those scenes because there were a ton. This group of men and women who make up KGI, work so well together and I love to see their personalities mesh so well on the page. Even the new recruits were entertaining.
I think my favorite thing about this book though was Rusty and her budding relationship with the town sheriff. Her and Sean have been going round in circles since the beginning and I cannot wait for them to finally get a story. It appears I might get my wish soon since they got awfully close in this book. Fingers crossed.
Overall, Brighter Than The Sun got much, much closer to returning to the books I loved from earlier in this series. Providing there are no weird paranormal curveballs again or over the top, long drawn out story lines, I think Banks has returned to the author I love.
I give Brighter Than The Sun by Maya Banks 4 stars!
Joe knows his mother wants him to find “the one” and settle down to make some more Kelly babies just like his brothers but that’s just not him. He loves being free from responsibilities outside of his KGI ones and has no need for a permanent woman in his life. Rusty’s new friend Zoe immediately triggers all his warning bells with her skittishness and vague background information. Telling himself he’s just protecting his family, he attempts to get close to her to learn her story.
Zoe knows she can’t tell Joe the truth about her past. She’s everything he stands against while fighting the bad guys. As they get closer and feelings get deeper, Zoe is either going to have to trust him……or let him go so she can protect him.
So here we are. Book 11 in probably my favorite series ever. The KGI series by Maya Banks. A series that has most definitely had its ups and downs. Several downs in fact. A few downs that had me almost quit reading the series. It took me a year to read book 9 because book 8 pissed me off so much. But I eventually came back and was pleasantly pleased with book 9. I read book 10 and gave it a solid 3.5 stars, even if the majority of the book I was seriously pissed off at the “hero”. That brings us to book 11, Joe’s story. The twin I wasn’t sure would ever get his own happy ending. The last remaining Kelly brother.
I found Brighter Than The Sun to be well done. Not too long like has been a problem in the past, full of engaging dynamics between characters and perfectly paced. I enjoyed the progression of the relationship between Joe and Zoe. I thought it was done with an honesty and an air of reality. It just felt real to me. Even with the weird paranormal thread that was introduced that I know lots of readers detested. I mean, at this point, there’s no taking it out, so I thought it was used well but not overly so. I think Banks realized her misstep in adding those in and has used them as little as she could since then. Zoe is terribly insecure and obviously nervous about her future but Joe manages to draw her out. I wish we would have gotten more backstory on her though. I understood the gist of her background but it felt a bit glossed over and unimportant, when it should have been highlighted more so readers could understand her character better.
The suspense aspect really doesn’t kick in until close to the end. Up till that point it’s a straight contemporary romance with some military/black ops aspects thrown in. However, it’s full throttle from then on out. It almost came out of nowhere. One minute nothing and then BAM, hit the ground running. I enjoyed the amount of characters in those scenes because there were a ton. This group of men and women who make up KGI, work so well together and I love to see their personalities mesh so well on the page. Even the new recruits were entertaining.
I think my favorite thing about this book though was Rusty and her budding relationship with the town sheriff. Her and Sean have been going round in circles since the beginning and I cannot wait for them to finally get a story. It appears I might get my wish soon since they got awfully close in this book. Fingers crossed.
Overall, Brighter Than The Sun got much, much closer to returning to the books I loved from earlier in this series. Providing there are no weird paranormal curveballs again or over the top, long drawn out story lines, I think Banks has returned to the author I love.
I give Brighter Than The Sun by Maya Banks 4 stars!
March 23, 2017
Joe Kelly is the last man standing and proud of it. Up until the point he sees Zoe Kildare, because her timid, deer-in-the-headlights skittishness and the secrets she carries call to him like none other. So what is takes for the last, standing, confirmed bachelor in the Kelly household to go down apparently, is a very, very needy, flailing damsel-in-distress type who is wallowing in her sorry state of being unlovable while everyone in the Kelly family rallies to bolster that flagging self-esteem. I do prefer my heroines somewhat more gung-ho and more independent, so Zoe is in many ways, a huge surprise.
The KGI series has admittedly, been a mixed bag of tricks. I liked a few very much, felt lukewarm for the others and ‘Brighter than the Sun’ does bring back shades of Nathan’s book which is one of the better ones I do like, so wanting to know how Joe gets on here is an automatic draw. This book is in some ways, classic Maya Banks—long, expository dialogues from characters, full disclosure of feelings from both men and women and the fairy-tale-like set-up of the huge, loving family who rally around each other—and in other ways, it isn’t what I’d expected. It isn’t action-packed as paramilitary romances tend to be and a lot of the story is spent with Joe slowly coming to terms with his unenviable position as the man who suddenly falls (possibly inexplicably) head over heels for a damaged, frightened woman and can’t let her go, while Zoe continues to be timid, withdrawn and pretty much babied into coming out of her shell by everyone around her.
And like any Banks’s book, their journey is emotional, guilt-laden, sometimes melodramatic with an effusive happy ending with no details spared. Yet I couldn’t quite feel Joe’s and Zoe’s connection apart from his need to be gentle with her as one treats an abused rescue animal, so the declarations of love came out of the left field for me when this didn't really quite feel like a relationship of equals.
Unsurprisingly, the standout from this book is Rusty—and the continued, unrequited feelings she has for Sean Cameron—who finally breaks away on her own after being short-changed by her adopted family members, so the book definitely reads as though it ends on an unfinished note, with her story still waiting in the wings to take flight.
*ARC by netgalley
(always grateful, mind)
The KGI series has admittedly, been a mixed bag of tricks. I liked a few very much, felt lukewarm for the others and ‘Brighter than the Sun’ does bring back shades of Nathan’s book which is one of the better ones I do like, so wanting to know how Joe gets on here is an automatic draw. This book is in some ways, classic Maya Banks—long, expository dialogues from characters, full disclosure of feelings from both men and women and the fairy-tale-like set-up of the huge, loving family who rally around each other—and in other ways, it isn’t what I’d expected. It isn’t action-packed as paramilitary romances tend to be and a lot of the story is spent with Joe slowly coming to terms with his unenviable position as the man who suddenly falls (possibly inexplicably) head over heels for a damaged, frightened woman and can’t let her go, while Zoe continues to be timid, withdrawn and pretty much babied into coming out of her shell by everyone around her.
And like any Banks’s book, their journey is emotional, guilt-laden, sometimes melodramatic with an effusive happy ending with no details spared. Yet I couldn’t quite feel Joe’s and Zoe’s connection apart from his need to be gentle with her as one treats an abused rescue animal, so the declarations of love came out of the left field for me when this didn't really quite feel like a relationship of equals.
Unsurprisingly, the standout from this book is Rusty—and the continued, unrequited feelings she has for Sean Cameron—who finally breaks away on her own after being short-changed by her adopted family members, so the book definitely reads as though it ends on an unfinished note, with her story still waiting in the wings to take flight.
*ARC by netgalley
(always grateful, mind)
May 21, 2022
I quickly worked my way through the KGI books several years ago. For some reason, I never got around to this one. I was hesitant to start this knowing that there was no end in sight for the series.
Having read this book, either I've moved on from this this type of book or the writing has gone downhill throughout the series.
I was immediately annoyed by the repetitiveness of the writing. We get it. Zoe came from a traumatic background. She was scared. She didn't deserve love, according to herself. The instalove between her and Joe stretched the imagination and wasn't believable. Being willing to die for someone or go to the end of the world for someone you've just met is eye roll worthy. The villain in the story was flat and his actions were inconsistent.
Lastly, the language in the book grated on my nerves. I get that Banks is trying to write "manly" men but not all of them swear every other word out of their mouth. But in actuality, it just made these men appear as cavemen incapable of using alternate language.
With this book, I'm happy to put Banks's books behind me and move on from her type of books.
Having read this book, either I've moved on from this this type of book or the writing has gone downhill throughout the series.
I was immediately annoyed by the repetitiveness of the writing. We get it. Zoe came from a traumatic background. She was scared. She didn't deserve love, according to herself. The instalove between her and Joe stretched the imagination and wasn't believable. Being willing to die for someone or go to the end of the world for someone you've just met is eye roll worthy. The villain in the story was flat and his actions were inconsistent.
Lastly, the language in the book grated on my nerves. I get that Banks is trying to write "manly" men but not all of them swear every other word out of their mouth. But in actuality, it just made these men appear as cavemen incapable of using alternate language.
With this book, I'm happy to put Banks's books behind me and move on from her type of books.
March 9, 2017
I skipped the last few books of this series as I was utterly convinced they were not written by the Author herself as they were just horrendous. Since this was Joe's story and he is the last of the Kelly men to fall in love, I thought I would give it a go.....what a disappointment!!!
This is supposed to be a romantic suspense series. Where was the suspense part? It was rushed in to one chapter at the end of the book. The rest of the book was about Joe taking her fishing, skipping rocks and talking endlessly about his mother's home cooking. This used to be one of the best romantic/suspense series ever. The fist few books were phenomenal and now they simple just meh!!!
I can honestly say I will NOT be coming back for more until its Sean and Rusty's turn as I have wanted their story for so long....who knows maybe by then the writing and plot will be better!!!
December 20, 2016
Joe doesn't mess around when it comes to giving answers, "he drew away, a deep frown on his face. “That’s the dumbest question I’ve ever heard. Was it not you I was so deep inside that I could feel your every movement?” She blushed. “You are mine, Zoe. Make no mistake in that.” I liked this book, but I'm real eager for Rusty and Sean's book.
July 7, 2022
Recensione sulla mia pagina Bookstagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cftp6H4qi...
In questo undicesimo volume del KG Rusty è alle prese con la realizzazione di un progetto importante, ossia quello di aiutare la sua amica del college Zoe ad uscire da una situazione difficile che la sta facendo soffrire.
Per il suo benessere, ma anche per la sua sicurezza, decide di introdurla nel famoso clan Kelly, cioè in famiglia, dove l’unico scapolo rimasto, e si vanta di esserlo, è Joe.
Joe si è sempre divertito a prendere in giro i suoi fratelli, uomini forti e muscolosi, un passato nell’esercito e tante missioni pericolose portate al successo, ma che, secondo lui, sono rovinosamente caduti ai piedi delle proprie donne con troppa facilità.
Perché deboli, sempre secondo il suo modo di vedere le cose. E vulnerabili.
Ma lui no. Non avrebbe mai ceduto al potere seduttivo di nessuna donna, di questo era certo.
Riuscirà dunque la dolce Zoe ad abbattere i muri che Joe ha innalzato a protezione del suo cuore e a farlo capitolare, facendogli fare la “fine” dei suoi fratelli?
Non resta che leggere il romanzo per scoprirlo.
*Ringrazio la CE per la copia cartacea
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cftp6H4qi...
In questo undicesimo volume del KG Rusty è alle prese con la realizzazione di un progetto importante, ossia quello di aiutare la sua amica del college Zoe ad uscire da una situazione difficile che la sta facendo soffrire.
Per il suo benessere, ma anche per la sua sicurezza, decide di introdurla nel famoso clan Kelly, cioè in famiglia, dove l’unico scapolo rimasto, e si vanta di esserlo, è Joe.
Joe si è sempre divertito a prendere in giro i suoi fratelli, uomini forti e muscolosi, un passato nell’esercito e tante missioni pericolose portate al successo, ma che, secondo lui, sono rovinosamente caduti ai piedi delle proprie donne con troppa facilità.
Perché deboli, sempre secondo il suo modo di vedere le cose. E vulnerabili.
Ma lui no. Non avrebbe mai ceduto al potere seduttivo di nessuna donna, di questo era certo.
Riuscirà dunque la dolce Zoe ad abbattere i muri che Joe ha innalzato a protezione del suo cuore e a farlo capitolare, facendogli fare la “fine” dei suoi fratelli?
Non resta che leggere il romanzo per scoprirlo.
*Ringrazio la CE per la copia cartacea
January 24, 2018
Ugh! I am embarrassed that I fell for buying yet another one of these poorly written books. Another lame, repetitive, illogical, inconsistent, angsty, bodice-ripper-prose Banks book. I have spent years reading this series and the last few books have been real crap. 😵😵😵
March 8, 2017
4/5
Hot military alpha action read!
Safe read!!!!!
-insta connection and love comes very quickly after that!!
-action military themed
-No OW Drama
-H not a man whore
-Both not virgins
-H OTT alpha male!
-some pushing away from h
( her dads a crime lord and H is all captain America like so she does not feel worthy)
-But H never give up and is relentless on her not pushing him away
- some separation when she kidnapped and then she didn't want him to see her after she's saved ( she got beat up, no rape) so she stay at him moms house.
-HEA and great epilogue
Love catching up with this family!!
And OMG I need Rusty's book NOW!!!!! They have been building up her and Shane's chemistry for like the last 4/5 books!!!! So I'm hoping it's what's next!
Over all another must read!
Hot military alpha action read!
Safe read!!!!!
-insta connection and love comes very quickly after that!!
-action military themed
-No OW Drama
-H not a man whore
-Both not virgins
-H OTT alpha male!
-some pushing away from h
( her dads a crime lord and H is all captain America like so she does not feel worthy)
-But H never give up and is relentless on her not pushing him away
- some separation when she kidnapped and then she didn't want him to see her after she's saved ( she got beat up, no rape) so she stay at him moms house.
-HEA and great epilogue
Love catching up with this family!!
And OMG I need Rusty's book NOW!!!!! They have been building up her and Shane's chemistry for like the last 4/5 books!!!! So I'm hoping it's what's next!
Over all another must read!
March 7, 2017
Review & Giveaway: BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN (KGI Series Book 11) by Maya Banks http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-896
►Enter Facebook Giveaway (Paperback Copy of BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN) ➢ http://bit.ly/2mSazJr
Publication Date: March 7, 2017
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 5 STARS
REVIEW:
I could not put this book down! At first I wasn’t sure about Zoe and her ultra-self-esteem issues, but I’m glad I got past that. It was a heartfelt romance that showcased Joe’s romantic side, as well as his patience. It wasn’t a super sexy novel, but it was gratifying all the same. The Kelly family banter is always fun and showcases how close knit they are during the good times and the bad. The story didn’t hold as much danger as the others did, but it sure kept me riveted. I loved it.
*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.
FAV QUOTE: “Make love with me. Let me make love to you. Let me show you how very perfect it would be between us.”
~*~*~*~
Kindle http://amzn.to/2iMoxqz | Amazon Series Link http://amzn.to/2n0YtKD
✦THE KGI SERIES BY MAYA BANKS ✦
Series Blog Post: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2GV
✦ Book 1, The Darkest Hour ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1dZVOZx
✦ Book 2, No Place to Run ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/15Uj8Pj
✦ Book 3, Hidden Away ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/17UPIDO
✦ Book 4, Whispers in the Dark ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/18SL5cn
✦ Book 5, Echoes at Dawn ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/17WVWkp
✦ Book 5.5, Softly at Sunrise (Novella) ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1aovoww
✦Book 6, Shades of Gray ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/15UkVnv
✦Book 7, Forged in Steele ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/15hXOrx | Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-jh
✦Book 8, After the Storm ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/17i63lF | Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-Sf
✦Book 9, When Day Breaks ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1NE1x5D | Review 4.5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1nX
✦Book 10, Darkest Before Dawn ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1H6iNii | Review 3 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-3dV
✦Book 11, Brighter Than the Sun ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2iMoxqz | Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-896
►Enter Facebook Giveaway (Paperback Copy of BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN) ➢ http://bit.ly/2mSazJr
Publication Date: March 7, 2017
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 5 STARS
REVIEW:
I could not put this book down! At first I wasn’t sure about Zoe and her ultra-self-esteem issues, but I’m glad I got past that. It was a heartfelt romance that showcased Joe’s romantic side, as well as his patience. It wasn’t a super sexy novel, but it was gratifying all the same. The Kelly family banter is always fun and showcases how close knit they are during the good times and the bad. The story didn’t hold as much danger as the others did, but it sure kept me riveted. I loved it.
*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.
FAV QUOTE: “Make love with me. Let me make love to you. Let me show you how very perfect it would be between us.”
~*~*~*~
Kindle http://amzn.to/2iMoxqz | Amazon Series Link http://amzn.to/2n0YtKD
✦THE KGI SERIES BY MAYA BANKS ✦
Series Blog Post: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2GV
✦ Book 1, The Darkest Hour ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1dZVOZx
✦ Book 2, No Place to Run ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/15Uj8Pj
✦ Book 3, Hidden Away ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/17UPIDO
✦ Book 4, Whispers in the Dark ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/18SL5cn
✦ Book 5, Echoes at Dawn ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/17WVWkp
✦ Book 5.5, Softly at Sunrise (Novella) ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1aovoww
✦Book 6, Shades of Gray ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/15UkVnv
✦Book 7, Forged in Steele ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/15hXOrx | Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-jh
✦Book 8, After the Storm ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/17i63lF | Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-Sf
✦Book 9, When Day Breaks ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1NE1x5D | Review 4.5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1nX
✦Book 10, Darkest Before Dawn ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1H6iNii | Review 3 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-3dV
✦Book 11, Brighter Than the Sun ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2iMoxqz | Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-896
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