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Slow Burn #4
With Every Breath
#1 USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Maya Banks continues her suspenseful and sizzling Slow Burn series with this fourth book—a mesmerizingly sexy tale of a strong, brilliant woman who encounters the one man who makes her lose all control.
Eliza Cummings fought free of a monster who terrorized her when she was an innocent teenager and helped put him away for good. She took a job with Devereaux Security Services and devoted every hour to taking down the very thing she’d nearly become. No one, not even those closest to her, know her darkest, shameful secrets. But now the killer has been set free on a legal loophole and it’s only a matter of time before he comes for her. Eliza's only choice is to run and lead the monster away from the people she loves.
Wade Sterling has always lived by his own rules, a law unto himself who answers to no one. He’s never professed to be a good man, and he’s definitely not hero material. Wade never allows anyone close enough to see the man behind the impenetrable mask—but one woman threatens his carefully leashed control. He took a bullet for her and the result was more than a piece of metal entrenched in his skin. She was under his skin and nothing he did rid himself of the woman with the courage of a warrior and who thinks nothing of putting her life before others.
But when Wade sees a panicked and haunted Eliza he knows something is very wrong, because the fool woman has never been afraid of anything. And when she tries to run, the primal beast barely lurking beneath his deceptively polished façade erupts in a rage. She may not know it, but she belongs to him. This time, Eliza isn't going to play the protector. She was damn well going to be the protected. And as long as Wade breathes, no one will ever hurt what is his.
Eliza Cummings fought free of a monster who terrorized her when she was an innocent teenager and helped put him away for good. She took a job with Devereaux Security Services and devoted every hour to taking down the very thing she’d nearly become. No one, not even those closest to her, know her darkest, shameful secrets. But now the killer has been set free on a legal loophole and it’s only a matter of time before he comes for her. Eliza's only choice is to run and lead the monster away from the people she loves.
Wade Sterling has always lived by his own rules, a law unto himself who answers to no one. He’s never professed to be a good man, and he’s definitely not hero material. Wade never allows anyone close enough to see the man behind the impenetrable mask—but one woman threatens his carefully leashed control. He took a bullet for her and the result was more than a piece of metal entrenched in his skin. She was under his skin and nothing he did rid himself of the woman with the courage of a warrior and who thinks nothing of putting her life before others.
But when Wade sees a panicked and haunted Eliza he knows something is very wrong, because the fool woman has never been afraid of anything. And when she tries to run, the primal beast barely lurking beneath his deceptively polished façade erupts in a rage. She may not know it, but she belongs to him. This time, Eliza isn't going to play the protector. She was damn well going to be the protected. And as long as Wade breathes, no one will ever hurt what is his.
355 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2016
675 people are currently reading
4590 people want to read
About the author
Maya Banks
243 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 379 reviews
April 10, 2020
Phew! I finally finish this book. Like the other book in the series, this book is truly slow burn. Like really no joke slow burn with so many undying declaration from Wade to Eliza. At the beginning they are cold then suddenly they fall in love without knowing why.
Anyway true to Miss Banks signature, there is a lot of cheesy over the top romance and courting. Some part is so cheesy and bit ridiculous.
I listen to the audiobook on a quite Easter. It is OK read for me.
3 stars
Anyway true to Miss Banks signature, there is a lot of cheesy over the top romance and courting. Some part is so cheesy and bit ridiculous.
I listen to the audiobook on a quite Easter. It is OK read for me.
3 stars
September 10, 2016
ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
“His words, each and every one of them, she committed to memory, savoring and holding them close to her heart where they’d all remain safe and untainted, touched by no one. No one could ever take them away from her. They were hers, given to her and they meant everything to her.”
A sizzling seductive slow burn romance that is brimming with so much intensity and all the feels!!!! Maya Bank just reminded me once again as to why I enjoy the Slow Burn Series with her newest installment With Every Breath as she tethers our hearts to one electric and palpable connection.
In this fourth installment, Banks slowly lures readers with her heartfelt prose as she takes us on a journey of a young woman rediscovering her strength, will, and fight to survive. Eliza Cummings thought she had experienced love but in a series of lies and tragic events, she learned that this love that she thought she had with Thomas was nothing but control and manipulation. When Eliza finally had the strength to leave that part of her life behind her, the monster that she once feared comes back with a vengeance but this time Eliza is ready for him or is she?
“You mean something to me. You. And that means all of you, not just the parts you want me to see while you hide the parts you’re so determined to be ashamed of and feel guilt over. You’re mine, Eliza. All of you. Every inch of you, body and soul. And it wasn’t just your body that I claimed when I made love to you and was inside you so deep that there will never be a time you don’t feel me. I also claimed your heart, your soul, your mind and everything that makes you the person you are and what you were meant to be. And what you were meant to be is mine.”
Wade Sterling is a man that answers to no one. He is arrogant, cocky, confident, and an enigma. There is nothing that can get pass his hard exterior and guarded walls that is until Eliza Cummings challenged him mentally, physically and emotionally. Eliza is the only woman who was able to get under his skin. So when Wade started to get suspicious of Eliza’s odd behavior, he knew something was wrong. Since Eliza didn’t want to let him in and tell him what’s going on, Wade decided to make Eliza’s problems his. When Eliza informs him of the truth, Wade will stop at nothing in protecting her. As Wade shows Eliza how rare and precious she is, what happens when Eliza’s ex tries to destroy her happiness?
With Every Breath was one of those reads that strips you bare as a heroine discovers how precious she is. Eliza is a relatable character in the sense that she wears her heart on her sleeves. As a child of the foster care system, Eliza craved and wanted love and so when she thought she found the right man who loved her, he destroyed her. He left her broken that is until the right man showed Eliza the most precious gift of all. The gift of real love. Wade Sterling is a man of few words but when it comes to Eliza Cummings, she is his everything. And so if you are looking for a love story that beautifully weaves psychic elements, friendship, family, passion, and raw emotions then With Every Breath is the book for you. Prepare to get lost in a magnetic love story that will awaken all your senses.
Maya Banks
“His words, each and every one of them, she committed to memory, savoring and holding them close to her heart where they’d all remain safe and untainted, touched by no one. No one could ever take them away from her. They were hers, given to her and they meant everything to her.”A sizzling seductive slow burn romance that is brimming with so much intensity and all the feels!!!! Maya Bank just reminded me once again as to why I enjoy the Slow Burn Series with her newest installment With Every Breath as she tethers our hearts to one electric and palpable connection.
In this fourth installment, Banks slowly lures readers with her heartfelt prose as she takes us on a journey of a young woman rediscovering her strength, will, and fight to survive. Eliza Cummings thought she had experienced love but in a series of lies and tragic events, she learned that this love that she thought she had with Thomas was nothing but control and manipulation. When Eliza finally had the strength to leave that part of her life behind her, the monster that she once feared comes back with a vengeance but this time Eliza is ready for him or is she?
“You mean something to me. You. And that means all of you, not just the parts you want me to see while you hide the parts you’re so determined to be ashamed of and feel guilt over. You’re mine, Eliza. All of you. Every inch of you, body and soul. And it wasn’t just your body that I claimed when I made love to you and was inside you so deep that there will never be a time you don’t feel me. I also claimed your heart, your soul, your mind and everything that makes you the person you are and what you were meant to be. And what you were meant to be is mine.”Wade Sterling is a man that answers to no one. He is arrogant, cocky, confident, and an enigma. There is nothing that can get pass his hard exterior and guarded walls that is until Eliza Cummings challenged him mentally, physically and emotionally. Eliza is the only woman who was able to get under his skin. So when Wade started to get suspicious of Eliza’s odd behavior, he knew something was wrong. Since Eliza didn’t want to let him in and tell him what’s going on, Wade decided to make Eliza’s problems his. When Eliza informs him of the truth, Wade will stop at nothing in protecting her. As Wade shows Eliza how rare and precious she is, what happens when Eliza’s ex tries to destroy her happiness?
With Every Breath was one of those reads that strips you bare as a heroine discovers how precious she is. Eliza is a relatable character in the sense that she wears her heart on her sleeves. As a child of the foster care system, Eliza craved and wanted love and so when she thought she found the right man who loved her, he destroyed her. He left her broken that is until the right man showed Eliza the most precious gift of all. The gift of real love. Wade Sterling is a man of few words but when it comes to Eliza Cummings, she is his everything. And so if you are looking for a love story that beautifully weaves psychic elements, friendship, family, passion, and raw emotions then With Every Breath is the book for you. Prepare to get lost in a magnetic love story that will awaken all your senses.
Maya Banks
August 20, 2016
With Every Breath by Maya Banks is a 2016 Avon publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
While the last book in the ‘Slow Burn’ series was pretty good, this one tops it, and is more on board with the type of romantic suspense I usually go for.
In ‘Safe at Last’, we met Wade, a close friend of Gracie’s, and it was clear something was brewing between him and Eliza, which provided some comic relief as the two traded barbs, until things got serious, with Wade proving his mettle and becoming a hero in his own right.
However, any hope the relationship might somehow continue is lost when Eliza receives a disturbing call that will alter the course of her life forever. Planning to free the world of a notorious killer, even if it means sacrificing her own life, Eliza puts a plan in motion, one that does not involve Devereaux security. But, Wade knows something is terribly wrong with Eliza and makes it his business to find out what it is and keep her from doing anything that would put herself in danger, even she fights him every step of the way….
Eliza’s foe is formidable and is one she must do face to face combat with in order to free herself of the ghost of the past. But, even Eliza will need help with this enemy and Wade intends to fight alongside her every step of the way.
I really enjoyed this installment in the series for a number of reasons. One, the bad guy is really creepy and has a backstory that actually links to Eliza in a personal way, instead of the vagueness the enemies possess in previous chapters of the series. This heightened the suspense to a whole new level and gives the story a sense of urgency that has never been present before now.
Another reason this book stands out from the others is because in previous installments the female protagonist has been so vulnerable they are perilously close to the 'damsel in distress' type, rescued by the ultimate alpha male. But, in this book we are treated to a strong woman, capable of holding her own in a male dominated field.
The only man who has ever penetrated the walls she built around her heart, is Wade, and as he chips away at her rough exterior, he exposes her deepest fears, her immense guilt, and releases a flood of emotions that carry them both away.
The romance is intense, hot and steamy, and I think the chemistry between Wade and Eliza makes them the better suited couple, so far. They make a great team and hopefully Wade will team up the Devereraux’s again someday.
The writing has also tightened up quite a bit as well, with much less repetition and the dialogue is sharper too, giving the story much more depth.
Overall, this is the best of the series to date and if the author continues to develop it in this same vein, it could become a ‘go to’ series for me, despite the rocky road we took to get to this point. It may not have been smooth sailing, but arriving to this destination was definitely worth the bumpy ride.
4 stars
While the last book in the ‘Slow Burn’ series was pretty good, this one tops it, and is more on board with the type of romantic suspense I usually go for.
In ‘Safe at Last’, we met Wade, a close friend of Gracie’s, and it was clear something was brewing between him and Eliza, which provided some comic relief as the two traded barbs, until things got serious, with Wade proving his mettle and becoming a hero in his own right.
However, any hope the relationship might somehow continue is lost when Eliza receives a disturbing call that will alter the course of her life forever. Planning to free the world of a notorious killer, even if it means sacrificing her own life, Eliza puts a plan in motion, one that does not involve Devereaux security. But, Wade knows something is terribly wrong with Eliza and makes it his business to find out what it is and keep her from doing anything that would put herself in danger, even she fights him every step of the way….
Eliza’s foe is formidable and is one she must do face to face combat with in order to free herself of the ghost of the past. But, even Eliza will need help with this enemy and Wade intends to fight alongside her every step of the way.
I really enjoyed this installment in the series for a number of reasons. One, the bad guy is really creepy and has a backstory that actually links to Eliza in a personal way, instead of the vagueness the enemies possess in previous chapters of the series. This heightened the suspense to a whole new level and gives the story a sense of urgency that has never been present before now.
Another reason this book stands out from the others is because in previous installments the female protagonist has been so vulnerable they are perilously close to the 'damsel in distress' type, rescued by the ultimate alpha male. But, in this book we are treated to a strong woman, capable of holding her own in a male dominated field.
The only man who has ever penetrated the walls she built around her heart, is Wade, and as he chips away at her rough exterior, he exposes her deepest fears, her immense guilt, and releases a flood of emotions that carry them both away.
The romance is intense, hot and steamy, and I think the chemistry between Wade and Eliza makes them the better suited couple, so far. They make a great team and hopefully Wade will team up the Devereraux’s again someday.
The writing has also tightened up quite a bit as well, with much less repetition and the dialogue is sharper too, giving the story much more depth.
Overall, this is the best of the series to date and if the author continues to develop it in this same vein, it could become a ‘go to’ series for me, despite the rocky road we took to get to this point. It may not have been smooth sailing, but arriving to this destination was definitely worth the bumpy ride.
4 stars
October 29, 2016
1,5 stars
You cannot say that I didn't give this series a chance!!!
After reading the first 4 books..........I'm so done!!
With Every Breath, the 4th book in Maya Banks Slow Burn Series.....well, you can say that this one was a little and I mean little bit better than the first 3 books......but really nothing to get excited about.
All the drama......all the internalization...all the inner monologue......and all that thing about the heroine being a total kick-ass .....man....I just want to grab something and throw it against the wall....
So, I have made a final decision..........this is the last book that I will read in this series.
Going back to the authors KGI Series.....so much better!!!
You cannot say that I didn't give this series a chance!!!
After reading the first 4 books..........I'm so done!!
With Every Breath, the 4th book in Maya Banks Slow Burn Series.....well, you can say that this one was a little and I mean little bit better than the first 3 books......but really nothing to get excited about.
All the drama......all the internalization...all the inner monologue......and all that thing about the heroine being a total kick-ass .....man....I just want to grab something and throw it against the wall....
The plot in each book have been pretty much the same.....the characters are like cardboard caricatures.......after a while, they all seem to be the same, say the same things................
So, I have made a final decision..........this is the last book that I will read in this series.
Going back to the authors KGI Series.....so much better!!!
August 27, 2016
Maya Banks did amazing job With Every breath! You got a real since of danger and mystery. The paranormal read was refreshing, different. I would have enjoyed seeing more of the psychic attacks and puppeteering, even gleaming background knowledge of previous victims. But overall loved the novel and the two finding one another. Sorta reminded me of La Femme Nikita on steroids!
She couldn’t control the panicked, deer-in-the-headlights look she knew flashed on her face and it only served to further annoy the fuck out of her that he could always get a rise out of her when her emotions and reactions were always tightly under control. They had to be in her line of work. “I’m taking that as a yes to the dance,” Sterling said with smug satisfaction.
She couldn’t control the panicked, deer-in-the-headlights look she knew flashed on her face and it only served to further annoy the fuck out of her that he could always get a rise out of her when her emotions and reactions were always tightly under control. They had to be in her line of work. “I’m taking that as a yes to the dance,” Sterling said with smug satisfaction.
September 4, 2016
I really want to love this book because the plot is pretty much my ultimate favorite; drama, drama and drama. But! I don't think it's going to be my favorite because the writing is.. I don't know, too much?
I was hoping for story that unfolds with the conversations between characters. In this book, the character's inside talk is dominating and I find them pretty boring. I enjoyed the drama, sure, but when it's too much and simply being "told" by the inside talk? Not so much.
But overall I enjoyed this book and I definitely look forward to read more from Maya Banks! ❤️
I was hoping for story that unfolds with the conversations between characters. In this book, the character's inside talk is dominating and I find them pretty boring. I enjoyed the drama, sure, but when it's too much and simply being "told" by the inside talk? Not so much.
But overall I enjoyed this book and I definitely look forward to read more from Maya Banks! ❤️
March 29, 2017
Este livro surpreendeu-me pela positiva, contudo senti que lhe faltou qualquer coisa para me agarrar da forma certa ao livro. Talvez o facto de ter descoberto que estava a ler o quarto livro de uma série sem ter lido os restantes não tenha ajudado muito.
Uma das coisas que destaco positivamente é a escrita da autora. Notei grandes diferenças e melhorias na mesma em relação a obras anteriores que já tinha tido oportunidade de ler. Desta vez ela conseguiu criar uma história e conteúdo com pés e cabeça, não se focando apenas na relação do casal dentro de quatro paredes de um quatro, o que para mim foi muito bom.
Classificação: 3 ★
Opinião: http://saboresedissaboresliterarios.b...
Uma das coisas que destaco positivamente é a escrita da autora. Notei grandes diferenças e melhorias na mesma em relação a obras anteriores que já tinha tido oportunidade de ler. Desta vez ela conseguiu criar uma história e conteúdo com pés e cabeça, não se focando apenas na relação do casal dentro de quatro paredes de um quatro, o que para mim foi muito bom.
Classificação: 3 ★
Opinião: http://saboresedissaboresliterarios.b...
January 5, 2018
3.5 stars
January 20, 2024
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
With Every Breath is the fourth installment in the "Slow Burn" series and this is Eliza's book. I didn't really remember her that much from the previous books, this is a series that if you want to remember the character connections to read them closer together. I will be honest in that this is my least favorite series from this author, I just don't seem to enjoy the characters as much as I would like to although the hero was delicious, man we don't see alpha males like this anymore. I miss them like crazy haha The heroine was the hard one to really enjoy, she was super unlikeable especially in the beginning and I almost set it aside because of her however, I am glad that I stuck with it because she does get better as the story progresses. But a solid suspense to enjoy.
First Line
Eliza came awake with none of her usual crispness and ready-to-take-on-the-world attitude.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Wade
Alpaa male, lives by his own rules, border line anti hero, skirts the law on the edge to get things done if needed. An acquaintence of the team but not super trust worthy with them and is as alpha as you can get.
The Heroine: Eliza
Eliza is a alpha female, she has been the co partner of the group and knows how to fight just as much as the others do. She has a past that tears her apart inside and keeps her secrets close and doesn't trust easily
Summary
Eliza is still recovering mentally and emotionally from almost being killed. She learns news that a man from her past is being released from prison and he will be coming for her for revenge and she can't put her friends at risk, she will do anything to save them. She slowly distances herself. Wade Sterling sees right through her and knows that not everything is as it seems. He took a bullet for her and there has been an angsty relationship between them, but a simmering chemistry. When Wade catches her running away with enough ammo to arm a third world country, he knows that circumstances are so much worse than he thought. He forces her to be real with someone and take care of herself and together with the Devereaux team they work to bring down one of the greatest enemies that they have faced...
What I Loved
The plot of this story really packs a punch. This is something that Maya Banks has always excelled at, she can really pull you into the story so flawlessly. Even if its not likeable in the beginning, I honestly was so swept away by the plot and just had to stick with the story because it was so compelling. We have our team of the Devereaux security and it was so fun getting back to this group again. I have just loved them all and they are such a delight to read and their friendship and commadarie is infectious. Then we have our hero, WADE STERLING. He is one piece of delicious meat that I just wanted to gobble up. A beyond sexy alpha male that will do anything to protect his woman. I love how dominant he is in this book, and will protect Eliza even from herself. She does get to the point where she is neglecting her basic needs, and he comes storming in, so alpha and commanding and making sure she learns the value in taking care of herself even to the point of kidnapping her to make a point BAWAHAHAHA its fabulous right? Yeah, I had a fun time with this hero. He really entertains and just his personality so easily will curl your toes.
What I Struggled With
I really had a hard time with this heroine, oh boy she was so hard around the edges and I had such a difficult time with her. She is one of those women that have to be so strong all the time, and never trusts anyone or relies on anyone or it makes her weak. So she was super unlikeable in the beginning and I had a hard time enjoying her character because she is so rough character wise and I just don't relate with heroines in any way like this. Even though she does get better, I almost DNF'd this book because of Eliza so she takes some growing and getting used to.
Narration
This narration was so beautifully done. I always do these books in audio because the narration is just right. Its compelling, engaging and keeps you wanting for more. They also bring out the tone of suspense that is just right to keep you intrigued with the plot.
Overall View
With Every Breath was a superb read that kept me engaged and while it was rough in some points, it delivered in the end and captivated my emotions in ways that I didn't expect.....a solid installment that has me intrigued to keep going with the next.
Favorite Quote(s)
“You mean something to me. You. And that means all of you, not just the parts you want me to see while you hide the parts you’re so determined to be ashamed of and feel guilt over. You’re mine, Eliza. All of you. Every inch of you, body and soul. And it wasn’t just your body that I claimed when I made love to you and was inside you so deep that there will never be a time you don’t feel me. I also claimed your heart, your soul, your mind and everything that makes you the person you are and what you were meant to be. And what you were meant to be is mine.”
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Alpha Hero, Alpha Female, Military (Commando)
Themes: Pining Hero, Psychic Abilities, Kick Ass
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Road Trip
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Shayla Black
Lexi Blake
Lori Foster
Song This Book Inspires
All for You by Amaria, Destin Conrad
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Narrators:
Jeffrey Kafer
August 23, 2016
☆ I received an ARC via the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆
Certainly an exciting series to get into, With Every Breath, is the latest release from Maya Banks' Slow Burn series, and was captivating from start to finish.
Having only recently delved into this series, I was pretty behind on all of the buzz surrounding this series even though I was already familiar with Maya's works from her Breathless Trilogy. While I won't lie and say that I've loved this series much more than Breathless, I will say that I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked it.
Book one was my favorite, bks 2 &3 were okay, and bk4 (this book) was my second bias from this series.
What I liked with Wade and Eliza's story was the huge conundrum of danger and suspense surrounding their relationship as well as Eliza's tumultuous past that has come back to haunt her with a vengeance.
It heightened the stakes of things--- their romance, their friendships, careers... basically anything and everything surrounding the two of them.
I had really been intrigued after being introduced to them both throughout the first couple of reads. Eliza seemed like a mystery and Wade seemed like a hard man to break through his cracks.
I definitely enjoyed seeing witnessing their story finally unfold with a lot of sudden thrills, chills, and a lot of pent up heat!!
Certainly an exciting series to get into, With Every Breath, is the latest release from Maya Banks' Slow Burn series, and was captivating from start to finish.
Having only recently delved into this series, I was pretty behind on all of the buzz surrounding this series even though I was already familiar with Maya's works from her Breathless Trilogy. While I won't lie and say that I've loved this series much more than Breathless, I will say that I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked it.
Book one was my favorite, bks 2 &3 were okay, and bk4 (this book) was my second bias from this series.
What I liked with Wade and Eliza's story was the huge conundrum of danger and suspense surrounding their relationship as well as Eliza's tumultuous past that has come back to haunt her with a vengeance.
It heightened the stakes of things--- their romance, their friendships, careers... basically anything and everything surrounding the two of them.
I had really been intrigued after being introduced to them both throughout the first couple of reads. Eliza seemed like a mystery and Wade seemed like a hard man to break through his cracks.
I definitely enjoyed seeing witnessing their story finally unfold with a lot of sudden thrills, chills, and a lot of pent up heat!!
August 23, 2016
Shadow's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
This book is a return to Maya Bank's background in suspenseful romance and is a much better book than some of her recent efforts.
Eliza Cummings has put her past behind her and is content to work at Devereaux Security Systems, where she is one of the top agents. But she is haunted by her actions as a teenager and keeps her emotions closed off from everyone. Wade Sterling sees past her facade and realizes what an amazing woman she is-and sets himself up as her protector-even from herself.
When Eliza learns the monster who tore her life apart is about to be freed from prison, she knows she has not choice but to take him out to keep everyone she cares about safe. Realizing she has something desperate planned, Sterling thrusts himself into her life and promises to keep her safe. Can he keep that promise when the monster has supernatural powers? And can he convince Eliza to take a chance on him in spite of his own less than stellar past?
I liked Eliza, although why she blamed herself for what happened as a teen is a little fuzzy. When she does open up, she is a warm caring person, stronger than anyone knows and with a set of values that refuses to budge despite the situation.
Wade Sterling is more problematic. For a closed off bada$$, he becomes positively whiny about being Eliza's protector. His refusal to leave her alone could also be construed as harassment. In spite of that, this is a satisfying romance, and a define page turner. It's good to see Maya Banks return as a quality story teller.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
This book is a return to Maya Bank's background in suspenseful romance and is a much better book than some of her recent efforts.
Eliza Cummings has put her past behind her and is content to work at Devereaux Security Systems, where she is one of the top agents. But she is haunted by her actions as a teenager and keeps her emotions closed off from everyone. Wade Sterling sees past her facade and realizes what an amazing woman she is-and sets himself up as her protector-even from herself.
When Eliza learns the monster who tore her life apart is about to be freed from prison, she knows she has not choice but to take him out to keep everyone she cares about safe. Realizing she has something desperate planned, Sterling thrusts himself into her life and promises to keep her safe. Can he keep that promise when the monster has supernatural powers? And can he convince Eliza to take a chance on him in spite of his own less than stellar past?
I liked Eliza, although why she blamed herself for what happened as a teen is a little fuzzy. When she does open up, she is a warm caring person, stronger than anyone knows and with a set of values that refuses to budge despite the situation.
Wade Sterling is more problematic. For a closed off bada$$, he becomes positively whiny about being Eliza's protector. His refusal to leave her alone could also be construed as harassment. In spite of that, this is a satisfying romance, and a define page turner. It's good to see Maya Banks return as a quality story teller.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
September 5, 2016
Ugh. So incredibly cheesy. Why did I even waste my time, when I'd hated books 1-3 in this series? Time to admit that I don't care at all for Maya Banks any more.
October 7, 2016
So cheesy .. !
August 29, 2016
FINAL DECISION: More personal journey than romance, I liked the suspense aspect of this book and for that give it 3 stars. I wish there was more romance but it reads more like a suspense book with some romance than a straight romance.
THE STORY: Eliza Cummings thought that she had left her past behind her when she discovers that the serial killer she knew when she was a teenager is getting out of prison. Determined to make sure that he never hurts anyone again, she is willing to leave all her loved ones behind to protect them. Wade Sterling knows that there is something wrong with Eliza and intends to find out all her secrets. Wade and Eliza are engaged in a dangerous game with a man who has psychic abilities and who can make people do, think and feel what he wants.
OPINION: This story is really about Eliza's dealing with her past and her plan for taking out a serial killer. While there is a romance, there is no buildup or real conflict other than Wade finding out about Eliza's past. I happen to like my stories flipped with more romance than suspense.
The story was good, but not as creepy or engaging as others in the series and so I was a bit disappointed. After the buildup, the confrontation with the "bad guy" was too quick. Also, unlike other books in the series where the psychic element was a big part of the story, here it felt more like an afterthought that had little impact on the story.
Despite that, I liked Eliza and Wade together. I just wish that more time had been spent on developing their relationship.
WORTH MENTIONING: No idea where the series goes from here as far.
CONNECTED BOOKS: WITH EVERY BREATH is the fourth book in the Slow Burn series. This book can be read as a standalone although there are references to events in the other books of the series.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
THE STORY: Eliza Cummings thought that she had left her past behind her when she discovers that the serial killer she knew when she was a teenager is getting out of prison. Determined to make sure that he never hurts anyone again, she is willing to leave all her loved ones behind to protect them. Wade Sterling knows that there is something wrong with Eliza and intends to find out all her secrets. Wade and Eliza are engaged in a dangerous game with a man who has psychic abilities and who can make people do, think and feel what he wants.
OPINION: This story is really about Eliza's dealing with her past and her plan for taking out a serial killer. While there is a romance, there is no buildup or real conflict other than Wade finding out about Eliza's past. I happen to like my stories flipped with more romance than suspense.
The story was good, but not as creepy or engaging as others in the series and so I was a bit disappointed. After the buildup, the confrontation with the "bad guy" was too quick. Also, unlike other books in the series where the psychic element was a big part of the story, here it felt more like an afterthought that had little impact on the story.
Despite that, I liked Eliza and Wade together. I just wish that more time had been spent on developing their relationship.
WORTH MENTIONING: No idea where the series goes from here as far.
CONNECTED BOOKS: WITH EVERY BREATH is the fourth book in the Slow Burn series. This book can be read as a standalone although there are references to events in the other books of the series.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
September 3, 2016
This series keeps pulling me in. The fourth book in this series, Ms. Bank features Eliza who is the only female at the company. She can hold her own and is a big defender of all women. One could say she is almost rabid in the defense of those she considers family and friends. When she was taken and tortured, her family and friends thought for sure she would lean on them. Instead, she seems to draw further in herself. When she asks for a vacation, this throws up red flags from her partner and the man interested in her.
The story moves luke an action flick with men who like to blow things up. Eliza has a secret from her past which shames her and pisses her off. She was tricked when she was 16, but now at 26, she is going to fight back. Whilst I like all the suspense and fighting, I find her age a bit unbelievable. 26 and able to do so much after starting at 16 is not realistic. Still, this story is moving and invokes emotion from me so I really enjoyed it. The characters in this story and admirable and do remind me of her KGI series. These men are all alpha and they believe they can fix all problems. It is amusing and whilst I would find them overbearing, Ms. Banks makes them charming and loveable. This romantic suspense is recommended to readers who like second chances to right the wrongs of the past.
*provided by Edelweiss
The story moves luke an action flick with men who like to blow things up. Eliza has a secret from her past which shames her and pisses her off. She was tricked when she was 16, but now at 26, she is going to fight back. Whilst I like all the suspense and fighting, I find her age a bit unbelievable. 26 and able to do so much after starting at 16 is not realistic. Still, this story is moving and invokes emotion from me so I really enjoyed it. The characters in this story and admirable and do remind me of her KGI series. These men are all alpha and they believe they can fix all problems. It is amusing and whilst I would find them overbearing, Ms. Banks makes them charming and loveable. This romantic suspense is recommended to readers who like second chances to right the wrongs of the past.
*provided by Edelweiss
December 16, 2016
I felt as if the author had a page count her teacher had demanded, and she was struggling to fill it. (The only thing missing was font size 18.) There was a staggering amount of repetitive statements, even said with the exact same phrases. And the inner monologues! I started to lol, it got so ridiculous. All the characters are over-the-top Shakespearian dramallama pseudo people, with blatant and simplistic profiling. Who, apparently, needed to explain their (unlikeable and unrelateable) personalities and feelings over and over to me.
August 18, 2018
Sooooo good! This is Eliza's story of why she distances herself from everyone and the man who loves her.
August 23, 2016
Suspenseful, engrossing and emotional are three words that come to mind to describe WITH EVERY BREATH and Ms. Banks sets up this story perfectly because I had barely made it halfway through the first page (!) and the words that jumped into my mind were, 'oh boy, buckle up'. Good advice because right from the beginning, I was sucked into the story as the suspense built up and up and up. I was halfway through the book and wasn't exactly sure what kind of danger Eliza was up against but I couldn't even look away for a minute because I didn't want to miss anything. One thing I can say is that giving up sleep to finish this book was worth it and makes it one of my top picks for this year.
Eliza Cummings has spent the last ten years putting the past behind her and trying to rebuild her but what little peace of mind she's found is gone because her worst nightmare has come to life and in order to protect her loved ones, she has to give them up and take the fight to a monster she thought would never see the light of day again, even if it costs her her life. But what Eliza doesn't expect is the tenacity of her friends and their dedication to her well-being which includes sending in help in the form of her nemesis, Wade Sterling.
Wade is an enigma, a self-made man who makes his own rules but his feelings for Eliza mean that he can be counted on to protect her from herself and her suicide mission and he'll do whatever it takes no matter the cost.
I loved this book for so many reasons, the first being Eliza. Unlike the heroines from the previous books, she is very tough, both physically and mentally, bad-ass all the way and holds her own against all the male operatives in the company. She is totally loyal to her friends and the family they have become to her and also hides a very big heart behind her tough facade. That her friends all rallied around her so quickly goes a long way to show the kind of person she is.
Wade is also another reason to love this book. He's pure alpha male and unapologetic about it. I love that he was so invested in Eliza, how he could read her like a book even when her partner and friends couldn't, and how he chipped away at the walls around her heart until she let him in.
The chemistry between Wade and Eliza is electric and the suspense is a nail-biter. This entire series is a must read and while this book stand alone, the references to past books and the cast of characters are such that I would recommend reading it in order.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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Eliza Cummings has spent the last ten years putting the past behind her and trying to rebuild her but what little peace of mind she's found is gone because her worst nightmare has come to life and in order to protect her loved ones, she has to give them up and take the fight to a monster she thought would never see the light of day again, even if it costs her her life. But what Eliza doesn't expect is the tenacity of her friends and their dedication to her well-being which includes sending in help in the form of her nemesis, Wade Sterling.
Wade is an enigma, a self-made man who makes his own rules but his feelings for Eliza mean that he can be counted on to protect her from herself and her suicide mission and he'll do whatever it takes no matter the cost.
I loved this book for so many reasons, the first being Eliza. Unlike the heroines from the previous books, she is very tough, both physically and mentally, bad-ass all the way and holds her own against all the male operatives in the company. She is totally loyal to her friends and the family they have become to her and also hides a very big heart behind her tough facade. That her friends all rallied around her so quickly goes a long way to show the kind of person she is.
Wade is also another reason to love this book. He's pure alpha male and unapologetic about it. I love that he was so invested in Eliza, how he could read her like a book even when her partner and friends couldn't, and how he chipped away at the walls around her heart until she let him in.
The chemistry between Wade and Eliza is electric and the suspense is a nail-biter. This entire series is a must read and while this book stand alone, the references to past books and the cast of characters are such that I would recommend reading it in order.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
Like my page on Facebook.
August 28, 2016
It’s no wonder Maya Banks is a best-selling author. She writes very well. The characters and plot were well thought out. The premise of a serial killer being released and Liza feeling the need to serve her own justice was interesting and unique. I liked that she was tough and capable. I always love a strong heroine. For these reasons, I’ll give With Every Breath four stars.
Unfortunately, I didn’t care much for this book though. Pages and pages were spent on Dane, Eliza’s long time work partner, being able to read her smallest facial or eye movement. That or his ability to detect with a wrong word or phrase her lies seemed farfetched to me. That her friend, Gracie, could read her mind was more plausible. I can accept a paranormal explanation more than a drawn out unrealistic human one. Less time setting up her departure from her too perceptive friends in a way to prevent them from trying to help or stop her and more action would have worked better for me.
Neither Wade nor Eliza was particularly likable. Banks spent so much time describing their inability to admit to themselves or each other that they cared that by the time they got together finally I almost didn’t care. That they are at last able to get past their crap and open up to one another was almost enough to redeem them to me but not quite. Without all the emo lead up, I think I’d have really enjoyed their time spent in his safe house finally exploring and embracing their relationship. I also couldn’t get over that a self-proclaimed and much documented Alpha male would be so mushy over a woman. I don’t doubt he can care but he seemed very less than Alpha toward Liza after finally getting her into bed. Guys who’ve never had nor welcomed love aren’t likely to suddenly be this emotionally open. Eliza is so closed off she can’t let the people she’s worked with for years, for whom she has utmost respect and affection help her and didn’t rely on Wade but she got overly mushy over Wade in some ways too. I couldn’t put those two actions together. Lone wolves turned fluffy kitties.
Perhaps, I’m just from the wrong generation. I want my alphas (male and female) to spend less time in their heads and more time kicking ass.
Unfortunately, I didn’t care much for this book though. Pages and pages were spent on Dane, Eliza’s long time work partner, being able to read her smallest facial or eye movement. That or his ability to detect with a wrong word or phrase her lies seemed farfetched to me. That her friend, Gracie, could read her mind was more plausible. I can accept a paranormal explanation more than a drawn out unrealistic human one. Less time setting up her departure from her too perceptive friends in a way to prevent them from trying to help or stop her and more action would have worked better for me.
Neither Wade nor Eliza was particularly likable. Banks spent so much time describing their inability to admit to themselves or each other that they cared that by the time they got together finally I almost didn’t care. That they are at last able to get past their crap and open up to one another was almost enough to redeem them to me but not quite. Without all the emo lead up, I think I’d have really enjoyed their time spent in his safe house finally exploring and embracing their relationship. I also couldn’t get over that a self-proclaimed and much documented Alpha male would be so mushy over a woman. I don’t doubt he can care but he seemed very less than Alpha toward Liza after finally getting her into bed. Guys who’ve never had nor welcomed love aren’t likely to suddenly be this emotionally open. Eliza is so closed off she can’t let the people she’s worked with for years, for whom she has utmost respect and affection help her and didn’t rely on Wade but she got overly mushy over Wade in some ways too. I couldn’t put those two actions together. Lone wolves turned fluffy kitties.
Perhaps, I’m just from the wrong generation. I want my alphas (male and female) to spend less time in their heads and more time kicking ass.
September 2, 2016
A strong, kick-ass heroine and the man who protects her…
I enjoy any and all flavors of romance and when a story brings together two equally strong individuals, for love and life, I can’t help but think this is what it is all about. And this author got it just right in the fourth instalment of this emotional and suspenseful series.
“His life would sure be a hell of a lot easier if he’d never met the blasted woman… Since when had he ever liked things easy?”
Eliza Cummings has been hiding for years. Not cowering in a corner, not at all. She is beautiful and smart, but has focused on honing her skills to be a valued asset to the security team. She is a protector of herself and especially the people she calls family. When her past frighteningly comes at her once again, her only recourse is to run, this time facing her worst nightmare… alone.
Wade Sterling may not be at the top of Eliza’s favourite people list but the chemistry between them has been sizzling for a good long while. He was dangerous, and a formidable enemy, but little did Eliza know she had him at her back, always. He saved her life but it was not all for her…
“You mean something to me. You. And that means all of you, not just the parts you want me to see…”
Be prepared for a roller coaster ride from the first page to the last! If you’ve read any of the series these characters are not new, but they are shown in a light that dives deeper into the heart of each character. Eliza is suffering, horribly so, but she hides it from everyone, even those closest to her. Wade can see what others have been sheltered from, and refuses to do anything but protect the woman he loves. Eliza is not helpless, far from it. Even when she faces her worst nightmare, she thinks only of atonement and protecting those she loves, doing whatever is necessary to remove the threat. Wade matches her determination with every skill and asset he has to fight for her, with her.
While the buildup was slow, the story was worth the wait. They argue, they fight but most of all, they love with equal fierceness. This story hit my heart hard and made it very, very happy… ~ Diane, 4.5 stars
I enjoy any and all flavors of romance and when a story brings together two equally strong individuals, for love and life, I can’t help but think this is what it is all about. And this author got it just right in the fourth instalment of this emotional and suspenseful series.
“His life would sure be a hell of a lot easier if he’d never met the blasted woman… Since when had he ever liked things easy?”
Eliza Cummings has been hiding for years. Not cowering in a corner, not at all. She is beautiful and smart, but has focused on honing her skills to be a valued asset to the security team. She is a protector of herself and especially the people she calls family. When her past frighteningly comes at her once again, her only recourse is to run, this time facing her worst nightmare… alone.
Wade Sterling may not be at the top of Eliza’s favourite people list but the chemistry between them has been sizzling for a good long while. He was dangerous, and a formidable enemy, but little did Eliza know she had him at her back, always. He saved her life but it was not all for her…
“You mean something to me. You. And that means all of you, not just the parts you want me to see…”
Be prepared for a roller coaster ride from the first page to the last! If you’ve read any of the series these characters are not new, but they are shown in a light that dives deeper into the heart of each character. Eliza is suffering, horribly so, but she hides it from everyone, even those closest to her. Wade can see what others have been sheltered from, and refuses to do anything but protect the woman he loves. Eliza is not helpless, far from it. Even when she faces her worst nightmare, she thinks only of atonement and protecting those she loves, doing whatever is necessary to remove the threat. Wade matches her determination with every skill and asset he has to fight for her, with her.
While the buildup was slow, the story was worth the wait. They argue, they fight but most of all, they love with equal fierceness. This story hit my heart hard and made it very, very happy… ~ Diane, 4.5 stars
July 4, 2017
C'est toujours la même histoire chez Maya Banks, même si la première partie m'a plue parce que l'héroïne est sarcastique et tient tête à l'homme de Néanderthal. Hélas, cela retombe dans le mode moi Cromagnon sauver femme parce qu'à moi, et trop de pleurnicheries.
March 29, 2017
$1.99. 3/27/17
September 24, 2018
I love this series so much and I recommend it from the bottom of my heart!!!
August 23, 2016
When the publisher offered me a copy of this book, my whole neighborhood heard me scream from happiness. I love Maya Banks books and I don't think I read the blurb before accepting. And I don't regret that. This might be the fourth book in a series, but I had almost zero problems with getting into the story. Aside from Wade and Eliza point of views we also get Danes and I thought for a second that Danes feelings for Eliza were more on the romantic side which worried me for a second. If I had read the previous books I might have understood that Dane's worry was based on a more brotherly love than romantic. I also got briefed on what happened in the previous book(s?) and while I felt sad for not reading the stories of the other couples I didn't have a problem getting into this story. To be honest I thought it would have more action, but after having read the whole book I can say that for me that worked better. Why? Because for me Eliza needed more time with Wade showing his love for her and making her feel like she had someone than having her chasing someone. That happens because Eliza also need to have a closure with her past.
I was surprised by the supernatural elements the book had. I wasn't expecting them, but they aren't a big part of the book so I can't say I minded them. I wonder if Maya Banks has watched Jessica Jones because the villain in the story reminded me strongly of Killgrave.
For the first time in forever I will focus only on the heroine. Wade was great, but Eliza won me over. After a series of bad heroines Eliza came to my life. She didn't try to hurt the people she calls family and actually did everything in her power to keep them away from harm. She might have some weak moments, but she ended up being stronger and more capable. It was nice to have a bad ass heroine for a change that knew what she wanted and didn't let the hero come and save her. I might not be a fan of the lone wolf tactic, but I understand her reason. I wish more heroines were like her.
Overall I liked this book a lot. I cannot say that I loved it, but it was better than some of the books I have read lately. For me the pace was good and the pages flew by so I will be recommending it.
I was surprised by the supernatural elements the book had. I wasn't expecting them, but they aren't a big part of the book so I can't say I minded them. I wonder if Maya Banks has watched Jessica Jones because the villain in the story reminded me strongly of Killgrave.
For the first time in forever I will focus only on the heroine. Wade was great, but Eliza won me over. After a series of bad heroines Eliza came to my life. She didn't try to hurt the people she calls family and actually did everything in her power to keep them away from harm. She might have some weak moments, but she ended up being stronger and more capable. It was nice to have a bad ass heroine for a change that knew what she wanted and didn't let the hero come and save her. I might not be a fan of the lone wolf tactic, but I understand her reason. I wish more heroines were like her.
Overall I liked this book a lot. I cannot say that I loved it, but it was better than some of the books I have read lately. For me the pace was good and the pages flew by so I will be recommending it.
September 17, 2016
* full review at www.anonymisses.com*
What do you get when two heavily armed and super sexy security professionals team up to take down a very bad bad guy?
Explosive chemistry!
Get it?! Explosive?! (I know, so bad! I’m sorry.)
Eliza knows that with Thomas out of prison, there’s no way that she can protect the people she loves—her co-workers and friends at the Devereux Security Agency—unless she destroys Thomas … and herself in the process. She leaves a note for her beloved colleagues and prepares to leave town. Her plan is ruined by Wade Sterling, the most annoying, most frustrating, most devastatingly sexy man Eliza has ever known.
I don’t want to give away all the details of the book—you’re welcome, future readers!—but I can tell you this: it’s intense. And it ends as it should—with Eliza and Wade safe in each other’s arms (and beds!).
This is my first Maya Banks book. In general I would say that I liked it well enough, but I don’t think it will ever be a favorite. Certain aspects of the story were quite good: the character of Thomas was super creepy and believable in his crazy-pants craziness and, of course, waiting for Eliza and Wade to get together put a nice hurtin’ on my blood pressure. But overall the writing felt rushed and often times repetitive, and some of the dialogue was downright silly.
I also wasn’t crazy about the narrative of ownership Wade expressed about Eliza. Don’t get me wrong: I love a good alpha male. The idea of a super hot, mega-muscled babe taking a bullet for me (and living to tell the tale) has a certain allure. The problem is when the alpha male gets too alpha, and Wade Sterling was a bit too alpha for me. I don’t really want my hero to own my heroine, or even want to own her, especially in a 21st century world. I could’ve done with a little less “you’re mine, baby” and a little more, “you’re your own very hot person and now let’s have some very hot sex.”
Criticisms aside, I think this book will still be a hit for lots of readers. I would recommend it to fans of thriller-y plots, lovers of super masculine heroes and the “enemies to lovers” trope, and those who care more about story than prose.
What do you get when two heavily armed and super sexy security professionals team up to take down a very bad bad guy?
Explosive chemistry!
Get it?! Explosive?! (I know, so bad! I’m sorry.)
Eliza knows that with Thomas out of prison, there’s no way that she can protect the people she loves—her co-workers and friends at the Devereux Security Agency—unless she destroys Thomas … and herself in the process. She leaves a note for her beloved colleagues and prepares to leave town. Her plan is ruined by Wade Sterling, the most annoying, most frustrating, most devastatingly sexy man Eliza has ever known.
I don’t want to give away all the details of the book—you’re welcome, future readers!—but I can tell you this: it’s intense. And it ends as it should—with Eliza and Wade safe in each other’s arms (and beds!).
This is my first Maya Banks book. In general I would say that I liked it well enough, but I don’t think it will ever be a favorite. Certain aspects of the story were quite good: the character of Thomas was super creepy and believable in his crazy-pants craziness and, of course, waiting for Eliza and Wade to get together put a nice hurtin’ on my blood pressure. But overall the writing felt rushed and often times repetitive, and some of the dialogue was downright silly.
I also wasn’t crazy about the narrative of ownership Wade expressed about Eliza. Don’t get me wrong: I love a good alpha male. The idea of a super hot, mega-muscled babe taking a bullet for me (and living to tell the tale) has a certain allure. The problem is when the alpha male gets too alpha, and Wade Sterling was a bit too alpha for me. I don’t really want my hero to own my heroine, or even want to own her, especially in a 21st century world. I could’ve done with a little less “you’re mine, baby” and a little more, “you’re your own very hot person and now let’s have some very hot sex.”
Criticisms aside, I think this book will still be a hit for lots of readers. I would recommend it to fans of thriller-y plots, lovers of super masculine heroes and the “enemies to lovers” trope, and those who care more about story than prose.
August 19, 2016
With Every Breath (Slow Burn #4) by Maya Banks
5 stars
M/F
Triggers: Murder, death row, violent trauma
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
I have read each book in this series and loved them all. However, this one, I felt, had so much more emotion packed in to the story. I cried and laughed all within the same chapters.
It was a roller coaster of running, plotting, hiding and loving. I loved how the entire group of DSS converge, support each other, love each other and create their own family.
Eliza is one hell of a woman. She is strong, both physically and mentally, has a wicked sense of humor and deep sense of loyalty. Not only will she fall on a sword for any of her teammates, she will fall on a sword for anyone in her family. I loved her sense of right and wrong, even if it was somewhat morally questionable at times.
Then you have Wade. He's just yum. I love how he is kind of a bully, but not really - how he wants to deny his attraction, but in the end, has to own up to it and then I love how fiercely he protects Eliza. His sense of loyalty, while it is different than the family of DSS, is just as intense. When he shows Eliza just how much he cares, he does it in an obnoxious way, but I think it's because he doesn't know any other way.
Overall, this has been on my favorite books in this series. I would recommend you read the others in the series, as it helps with character development. But, with that being said, it is not truly necessary to read them in order.
5 stars
M/F
Triggers: Murder, death row, violent trauma
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
I have read each book in this series and loved them all. However, this one, I felt, had so much more emotion packed in to the story. I cried and laughed all within the same chapters.
It was a roller coaster of running, plotting, hiding and loving. I loved how the entire group of DSS converge, support each other, love each other and create their own family.
Eliza is one hell of a woman. She is strong, both physically and mentally, has a wicked sense of humor and deep sense of loyalty. Not only will she fall on a sword for any of her teammates, she will fall on a sword for anyone in her family. I loved her sense of right and wrong, even if it was somewhat morally questionable at times.
Then you have Wade. He's just yum. I love how he is kind of a bully, but not really - how he wants to deny his attraction, but in the end, has to own up to it and then I love how fiercely he protects Eliza. His sense of loyalty, while it is different than the family of DSS, is just as intense. When he shows Eliza just how much he cares, he does it in an obnoxious way, but I think it's because he doesn't know any other way.
Overall, this has been on my favorite books in this series. I would recommend you read the others in the series, as it helps with character development. But, with that being said, it is not truly necessary to read them in order.
October 5, 2016
3.5 stars
It's been a while since I've read something by Maya Banks. She's still as good as I remember LOL She writes an amazing alpha hero and Wade Sterling fit that perfectly. He' over the top possessive, arrogant, a little smug, but put his woman in danger and he's ready to act. When Wade finally told Eliza how he felt, I melted. It was the sweetest, most loving thing I've read in a long while. There was no mistaking his feelings. It killed me that it took Eliza so long to believe him. Yes, she had a valid reason for not trusting herself, but he was there showing her with his actions, not just telling her with his words.
The characters were in their heads just a bit too much for my liking. I would have preferred to have the words or actions rather than just their thoughts. I loved the paranormal stuff that came into play here. Evidently, the whole series has some psychic stuff going on - I haven't read the other books, but I wasn't lost. That makes me want to go back and see what kind of powers the women of DSS have. And to see Eliza in action because obviously she's a badass ;0)
*thanks to Avon for sharing a copy of this with me in exchange for an honest review*
It's been a while since I've read something by Maya Banks. She's still as good as I remember LOL She writes an amazing alpha hero and Wade Sterling fit that perfectly. He' over the top possessive, arrogant, a little smug, but put his woman in danger and he's ready to act. When Wade finally told Eliza how he felt, I melted. It was the sweetest, most loving thing I've read in a long while. There was no mistaking his feelings. It killed me that it took Eliza so long to believe him. Yes, she had a valid reason for not trusting herself, but he was there showing her with his actions, not just telling her with his words.
The characters were in their heads just a bit too much for my liking. I would have preferred to have the words or actions rather than just their thoughts. I loved the paranormal stuff that came into play here. Evidently, the whole series has some psychic stuff going on - I haven't read the other books, but I wasn't lost. That makes me want to go back and see what kind of powers the women of DSS have. And to see Eliza in action because obviously she's a badass ;0)
*thanks to Avon for sharing a copy of this with me in exchange for an honest review*
September 10, 2016
This was not a great read for me and it's getting 3 stars because I got through the first two-thirds of the book and then it turned into a good read. There is so much inner dialogue that it surprises you when the characters actually talk to each other. The inner dialogue is repetitive throughout the book, so I'm saying to myself, "I know, I know already." After finishing it I was so exhausted from it that I had to wait a day to give my review. I get everything about the book. Eliza's past, her keeping it from the team. Her animosity / lust for Wade. I did like that they finally got together and who cares that he went from bad-ass to cute and cuddly. He still remained a bad-ass in my eyes. I was just sad that it took so long in the story to get there. It was a bear to get through, so much blah before you got to the meat of the story. Now give Dane a book and please make sure there is dialogue. I really enjoy when people actually converse in a book and not just to themselves.
August 23, 2016
Boy, the secrets that Eliza had were crazy. I can't imagine living through something like that and being "normal" I hated how she didn't let her family know her past, to give her support and be there for her like she has been for them.
I wasn't too sure about Wade as a match for her, but he was perfect. He bullied her when she needed it to not fall apart, was there for her when she fell apart and came up with a plan to help her put her past firmly in the past. I loved how Wade fought for her when she needed it, even it she wasn't aware she did.
The step they took at the end was perfect for them, loved that their friends were there, but also great that they were getting some time alone after.
I wasn't too sure about Wade as a match for her, but he was perfect. He bullied her when she needed it to not fall apart, was there for her when she fell apart and came up with a plan to help her put her past firmly in the past. I loved how Wade fought for her when she needed it, even it she wasn't aware she did.
The step they took at the end was perfect for them, loved that their friends were there, but also great that they were getting some time alone after.
December 27, 2016
Everytime I finish a book in this series I ask myself why do I keep reading this series? I'm always shocked that it's written by Maya Banks. It's not that I'm missing the sex scenes. It just needs more drama so the stories won't feel like they are dragged. The name of the series is perfect because it does burn you slowly.
I love the characters and I keep wanting to know what happens to them.
This book was worth 4 stars until the middle. Then she rushes the love story. One second they don't like each other and the next their pronouncing their love for each other really. If you love the other books in this series then keep reading.
I love the characters and I keep wanting to know what happens to them.
This book was worth 4 stars until the middle. Then she rushes the love story. One second they don't like each other and the next their pronouncing their love for each other really. If you love the other books in this series then keep reading.
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