Review and Giveaway: Letting Go

Letting Go (Surrender Trilogy - Book 1) by Maya Banks

Publication Date: 02/04/2014
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley Books
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
Pages: 352
ISBN-10: 042527294X
ISBN-13: 978-0425272947

(Received for an honest review from Berkley Books)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Indiebound

Maya Banks on the WEB: website, blog, twitter, facebook, goodreads

WARNING: Due to the graphic nature of the sexual content of this book, it is not recommended for readers under the age of 18.

Excerpt from, Letting Go, courtesy of the author's website.

Synopsis:

THE FIRST BOOK OF THE SURRENDER TRILOGY

In her sensational Breathless Trilogy, #1 New York Times bestselling author Maya Banks tested the boundaries of desire. In her new trilogy, there’s only one thing left to do: cross them. And never have the consequences of erotic exploration been so irresistibly inviting, so shockingly intimate, and so totally unexpected…

LETTING GO 

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, 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 would be 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 but 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.

Thoughts:

The new Surrender series by Maya Banks starts out with the book, Letting Go. This is a spin off from the Sweet series and fans of erotic romance will love it. Banks proves why she is considered one of the best in the genre with this book about pushing sexual boundaries and finding love in unexpected situations. Fans of Banks and new readers a like will be drawn to a new set of characters who are easy to relate to and complex enough to keep the reader guessing. A fantastic new book, from an all time favorite author!

What I liked:

I absolutely loved the characters in this one. Not only the lead couple, Joss and Dash, but also Joss's friends Kylie and Chessy. I thought that Banks created a great cast that flowed well and played off of each others strengths and weaknesses. She does an excellent job with characterization in all of her books, but this one seemed a cut above the usual. 

Joss was a great character she came across as very heart felt. She was emotional and poignant and ready to fulfill desires that she didn't even know she possessed. Being a widow, she has known grief and how devastating it can be to a person's self worth and esteem. But she knows it's time to move on and I thought she was courageous and daring to go against what she believed everyone in her life would think was best. She just didn't have any idea that she would find an ally in Dash, her husbands best friend. Banks did a great job with this character and I loved reading about her struggles and her triumphs as she started out in the BDSM culture.

Dash was the epitome of an alpha male. He was protective and dominant and he wanted his way. He had stood by for years watching Joss with his best friend and even after his death, as Joss grieved. When he figures out that she is finally ready to live again and in a way he never expected, he won't take no for an answer. She will be his and there isn't much that will stop him from having her. I don't usually go for that attitude, but on this character it really worked. He doesn't do things half way. It's all or nothing. When he wins, he wins big. When he loses, it's colossal. His passion was just palpable and Banks wrote him with complete abandonment. I loved how he cared for Joss and wanted the best for her, but also wanted what he wanted, when the wanted it. Very sexy!

The heat in this one could definitely keep a reader warm on a cold night. Spicy, spicy, spicy. Now I have read other erotic romances who not only pushed the boundaries of sexual exploration but basically ran them over. It wasn't that way with this one. Joss wasn't the kind of character who could have stood that kind of onslaught. She needed a deft hand and I was really glad that Banks gave one to Dash. He knew how hard to push and when to pull back. There is some light bondage, some flogging and that sort of thing, but nothing demeaning or out of context for a character who is just beginning in the culture. Well done!

What I didn't like:

This one was a treat. Not too overly daring, but just right for the cast of characters that Banks created. Very authentic and believable. Nothing bad to report although there was a bit of repetition that got on my nerves a little bit, but it was nothing that made me think the book deserved a lower rating. 

Bottom Line:

I have read steamier novels but not ones that I thought meshed so perfectly with these well drawn characters. I can't wait to read the stories of the other women in the series and I think Banks has created a series that will draw in a new set of readers to the genre. It's good! And don't you just love that cover... gorgeous!

Letting Go is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one a high 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Maya Banks is a #1 New York Times bestselling author whose chart toppers have included erotic romance, romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and Scottish historical romance.

She lives in the South with her husband and three children and other assorted babies, such as her two Bengal kitties and a calico who’s been with her as long as her youngest child. She’s an avid reader of romance and loves to dish books with her fans and anyone else who’ll listen! She very much enjoys interacting with her readers on Facebook and Twitter as well as in her Yahoo!

Giveaway Details:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Letting Go by Maya Banks.

~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, February 19th.

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