Thursday, June 26, 2014

Review & Giveaway: When Day Breaks by Maya Banks


When Day Breaks (KGI #9) by Maya Banks
Publication Date: June 24th 2014 by Penguin
Purchase Links: Amazon | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

About the book:
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…

Eden is said to be one of the most beautiful women in the world. Her face has graced countless magazines and her body has sold millions of dollars of clothing. But her fame and beauty has earned her more than she ever imagined. Evil is stalking her, determined to extinguish the ethereal beauty forever.

Swanson or “Swanny” as his teammates call him is always up for the next mission. He came back from Afghanistan wounded and scarred. Hardly the kind of man who even belongs in the same room with Eden. And yet there’s something about the quiet beauty that stirs his blood and makes him dream of the impossible. Because Beauty loving the beast only happens in fairy tales and KGI doesn’t deal in fairy tales. Ever.

My Thoughts:
Eden is a supermodel whose beautiful face has graced countless magazine covers.  But her life is about to be turned upside down when an attempt is made on her life which throws her into the protective arms of Swanny, and his teammates at KGI.

Swanny remembers Eden’s pictures and sweet, thoughtful letters her brother shared during their time in the military while stationed in Afghanistan.  The thought of Eden in danger brings all of his protective instincts to life.  When his team is sent in to guard her, Swanny takes point in the assignment even though he’s not technically the leader.  He just can’t help it.  Right away Eden zeroes in on him just as he’s focused on her, but he can’t fathom why.  He knows the facial scar he gained while held captive brings out pity in others, sometimes even disgust, so what could Eden, one of the most beautiful women in the world want with him?

This story is one of instant chemistry and attraction. Both Swanny and Eden felt an immediate magnetic pull between them, but both are plagued by insecurities and doubt. Both wonder if the other feels as strongly and as deeply, but that doesn’t hold them apart for long. 

I truly felt for Swanny, who felt like Beast to Eden’s Beauty:

“What could I possibly have to offer you? I feel like we’re caught up in a modern Beauty and the Beast situation. I’m not handsome. Most would consider me ugly. I’m scarred not just on my face but on my entire body. How could you want someone like me?”

He went through unimaginable horrors in Afghanistan while held captive, and so it’s not only scarred him physically, but emotionally as well.  Eden doesn’t see any of the scars when she looks at Swanny. She sees a completely sexy, honorable man. Eden is just as insecure with Swanny wondering if he thinks of her only as a superficial beauty. But Swanny sees Eden’s beauty inside and out.

I really enjoyed this story and Eden and Swanny had lots of chemistry leading to some pretty hot scenes.  This was an insta-love/lust situation and it didn’t bother me, because I get that. There are times I’ve met someone, and had an instant, strong connection, and just clicked, so I can totally relate.  The only drawback for me with this story was the repetitive inner thoughts from both characters.  Even so I wouldn’t mind continuing with this series because I do adore romantic suspense.


 3.5 Suns





Connect with Maya Banks:




The publisher graciously provided a Paperback Copy of When Day Breaks to one Waves of Fiction follower.  US Residents only.  Just fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win.  Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


6 comments:

  1. I love it! It's intense! It's a fast paced, emotional ride when the characters fall in love/lust instantly! I know it happens in real life so I don't mind it happening in my books :) Sometimes when the characters take so long to realize what they have is right in front of them, I want to throw the book at the wall and say all right already!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol! I feel the same way about some books, Suzanne! I'm sort of an impulsive, wear-my-heart-my-sleeve sort of girl so I can totally relate to insta feelings. :)

      Delete
  2. as long as the story flows well and sucks me in, I don't mind! thanks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, Erin, if the story is done right, I don't mind. :)

      Delete
  3. As long as it's well written into the story, I'm all for it. Love Maya Banks! Looking forward to reading this book.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think it could work. The story just has to have that flow that makes me interested to the last page!

    ReplyDelete