The story line is complex, pitting three gangs against each other. The characters are likeable: Haley is strong, dedicated, and caring, while Silas is a delicious Dominant. The two strike sparks off each other, all the while complementing each other’s weaknesses. The sex is hot, with mild BDSM, and the emotions run high. ~ Shadow, Guilty Pleasures 

Win a print copy of Kept by Maya Banks

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Description:
He can’t change who he is…

A horrific childhood has made Silas the man he is today: dangerous, distrustful, and demanding. He’s lived in self-imposed solitude, convinced that no woman could ever accept his need for absolute control—in business and pleasure. That is, until a young violinist walks into one of his buildings and into his life.

She can’t change what she wants…

Haley has been struggling to fulfill her father’s dying wish: to attend a prestigious music school in New York City. But even working two jobs, she can’t afford the tiniest of apartments. Seeing her hopeless and near tears, Silas vows to help and protect her, no matter the cost to himself. But when Haley meets his every demand with unwavering acceptance and love, he is overwhelmed by her goodness and gentle spirit. He knows that the dark stain on his soul can never be erased—and rather than risk destroying the most beautiful thing he’s ever experienced, he knows he’ll have to do the hardest thing he’s ever had to face. Let her go. But he’s totally unprepared for the lengths Haley will go to fight for his love and a future brighter than the sun…

Review copy provided for an honest review

This is the third book of three in the Enforcers series, It is a standalone, but is tied to the characters from Mastered and Dominated.

This is a much better book than the first two. Silas is a much more sympathetic character than Drake, and while he screws up, he does it for a good reason, unlike Drake.

Haley Winthrop has had a tough time of it lately. Cheated out of her late father’s life insurance money, she is struggling to hold on, working two jobs and going to school full time. When she comes to the attention of Silas Goodnight, he provides her with a place to stay, and then is captivated by her talent as a musician. He gradually starts taking care of her in other ways, not realizing that he was endangering her by showing his interest.

Haley isn’t at all sure at first that Silas has any romantic interest in her, but that quickly changes. But how can she offer her heart to a man who puts another woman, Evangeline, before her. In fact, she sometimes feels she is the lowest of his priorities. When Silas finds out she’s been targeted, can he protect her and his heart?

The story line is complex, pitting three gangs against each other. The characters are likeable: Haley is strong, dedicated, and caring, while Silas is a delicious Dominant. The two strike sparks off each other, all the while complementing each other’s weaknesses. The sex is hot, with mild BDSM, and the emotions run high.

While Maya Banks has been hot and cold, recently, Kept is one of her better reads. It is fine to read as a standalone.

4.5 stars

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Excerpt

Hayley sank further into the heated seat of the luxurious car as they sailed through traffic, and she smiled, unable to believe her good fortune. How fast things changed and how quickly she’d gone from desperation and resignation to excitement and optimism about her future.

Tears glittered and clung to her eyelashes.

I’m going to make it, Dad. Just like I promised. I’ve found a place I can afford to rent. I can continue school like you and Mom wanted. One day you’ll see me playing with a prestigious symphony. This is all for you, Dad. For all you sacrificed for me. I only wish you were here to see me the first time I play with a symphony.

A fierce ache besieged her chest and she rubbed, blinking furiously to rid herself of the tears that burned her eyes. It was hard to accept that her biggest—only—supporter was gone. First her mom, whom she’d lost when she was but a child, but Hayley still clung to the fleeting memories she had of her mother. Every time she looked in the mirror she saw her mother’s face. As her father often fondly remarked, she was the picture of her mother.

It was bad enough to lose one parent. Why did she have to lose both? The only two people she had in the world?

She leaned forward in the seat when she saw that they were approaching the street where her current residence was located.

“You can let me off at the corner,” she said to the driver, who hadn’t uttered a single word during the ride. “I’ll walk from there. It’s not far and the rain has stopped.”

The man glanced in the rearview mirror, obviously staring intently at her, though she couldn’t see his eyes behind the shades he wore despite the overcast day.

“I would feel better if I dropped you in front of your building,” the man said, surprising her with the firmness of his statement.

Hayley smiled. “No, it’s okay, truly. I’d like to walk so I can clear my head. It’s been an eventful morning.”

His lips tightened but he didn’t argue further as he pulled to the corner and glided to a halt. When she would have opened her door to duck out, he sent her a look of reprimand that froze her in her tracks. He got out and unhurriedly stepped around the car to open the passenger door not facing the street.

She smiled at him again, ruefully this time, and offered her thanks, squeezing the hand he’d offered to help her out. To her shock, the staid, somber man’s lips turned into a semblance of a smile, only the corners slightly tipping up.

“It was my pleasure,” he offered formally before once more returning to the driver’s seat.

Seconds later the car melted away into traffic and Hayley turned to walk the half block to her apartment, shaking her head at the most unexpected turn of events the day had offered.

 

About Maya Banks

Maya 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.

Posted by arrangement with Berkley, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin

Random House Company. Copyright © Maya Banks, 2016.

 

 

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