Let me first say that I am new to the writings of Maya Banks and I very much looked forward to getting and reading this first book in her new trilogy. But, boy did I really not have a clue as to what I was getting myself into! This book gets an X rating from me. Now I do not consider myself prudish in any way, I love steamy romances, and can handle what I thought was some pretty hot stuff. Banks proved to me that I have been reading books that are definitely on the lighter side of BDSM erotica and I think that there is where I will pretty much stay. I honestly think that I almost got a case of the vapors!
The premise of the story is great and I found it sweet that Dash has carried a torch for Joss for so long and had patiently waited for her to mourn the loss of her husband for 3 years before he let Joss know in no uncertain terms that he wanted her. But the sex scenes were off the charts pornographic for me. I don't usually read other reviews after I read the book, but I wanted to see if other readers got the same shock factor that I did and the answer to that was a big fat "no". Granted, most of the reviews that I read were by people who were already familiar with Banks' other works and knew what to expect. There is even one review that said that the sex wasn't steamy enough and took too long to happen! What?! I don't know what these ladies are reading, but I know that I probably couldn't handle it. I could barely take what I was reading. There's no way I could have handled anything raunchier than what is in this book! If you are at all opposed to or uncomfortable with spankings, floggings, public sex, COMPLETE submission to a partner (which includes being naked around the house when they are alone), being fed while kneeling naked at a man's feet, or third party additions to couples during sex this is definitely not for you. Yep, it's all in there!
The premise of the story is great and I found it sweet that Dash has carried a torch for Joss for so long and had patiently waited for her to mourn the loss of her husband for 3 years before he let Joss know in no uncertain terms that he wanted her. But the sex scenes were off the charts pornographic for me. I don't usually read other reviews after I read the book, but I wanted to see if other readers got the same shock factor that I did and the answer to that was a big fat "no". Granted, most of the reviews that I read were by people who were already familiar with Banks' other works and knew what to expect. There is even one review that said that the sex wasn't steamy enough and took too long to happen! What?! I don't know what these ladies are reading, but I know that I probably couldn't handle it. I could barely take what I was reading. There's no way I could have handled anything raunchier than what is in this book! If you are at all opposed to or uncomfortable with spankings, floggings, public sex, COMPLETE submission to a partner (which includes being naked around the house when they are alone), being fed while kneeling naked at a man's feet, or third party additions to couples during sex this is definitely not for you. Yep, it's all in there!
I really did like the story. The characters are all well developed and the next book in the series, Giving In, is due out in May and will be the story for Kylie and Jensen. I want to read their story, I really do. Kylie is such a damaged woman with so many issues and Jensen is a strong dominant alpha, but goodness, I don't know if I can handle the sex scenes that I am sure will be pushing my boundaries even further. What to do, what to do...Letting Go is not for the faint of heart and I'm not sure if my heart can take it!
Happy Reading!
Monica
Happy Reading!
Monica
Synopsis
Josslyn found perfection once, and she knows she’ll never find it again. Now widowed, she seeks the one thing her beloved husband couldn’t give her. Dominance. Lonely and searching for an outlet for her grief and wanting only a brief taste of the perfection she once enjoyed, she seeks what she’s looking for at an exclusive club that caters to people indulging in their most hedonistic fantasies. She never imagined that what she’d find is the one man who’s long been a source of comfort—and secret longing. Her husband’s best friend.
Dash has lived in an untenable position for years. In love with his best friend’s wife and unwilling to act on that attraction. He’d never betray his best friend. And so he’s waited in the wings, offering Joss unconditional support and comfort as she works past her grief, hoping for the day when he can offer her more.
When he finds her in a club devoted to the darker edges of desire, he’s furious because he thinks she has no idea what she’s getting herself into. Until she explains in detail what it is she wants. What she needs. As realization sets in, he is gripped by fierce, unwavering determination. If she wants dominance, he is the only man who will introduce her to that world. He is the only man who will touch her, cherish her…love her. And the only man she’ll ever submit to.(less
Great review Monica. Good to know about the sexual nature of the book.
ReplyDeleteThanks Barbara Ann!
DeleteI love this review Monica because you were honest about your feelings towards the sex scenes and acknowledged they were pushing your boundaries. And even so, you were able to share your love for the characters and quality of Maya Banks writing skills. If I can say this, try to Let Go of your anxiety around the sex scenes so you can go on to read the next book in the series. You already love the characters, and next time it won't be quite as surprising as you will know what to expect. I have to say, I personally LOVE Maya Banks and every one of her series I have read and I am a fan of the depth and variety of her sex scenes. Good on you Monica for giving something new a go and sharing it with us! x
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I have continued the series and I am very much looking forward to book 3 Taking It All. Chessy and Tate may prove to be my favorite couple in this trilogy.
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