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rcrops's review against another edition
3.0
I have really mixed feelings towards this book. The writing and story was good but then there were too many and too over the top sex scenes which were totally not needed.
The book began good and I was really enjoying it until about half way through. The part in the book at the hotel room completely ruined the story for me.
All in all the characters were well written and likable to a certain extent but that one issue just stuck with me throughout the rest of the story. It is unlikely that I will read the other books in the Breathless series.
The book began good and I was really enjoying it until about half way through. The part in the book at the hotel room completely ruined the story for me.
Spoiler
The hotel scene was absolutely ridiculous. I understand that Maya Banks was trying to get across the loyalty of the characters and blah blah blah but it was just seedy and awkward and not very believable. Why would someone go along with getting naked and tied up in front of a group of men she has never met? I actually found that part of the book cringey and made it hard for me to carry on with the story.All in all the characters were well written and likable to a certain extent but that one issue just stuck with me throughout the rest of the story. It is unlikely that I will read the other books in the Breathless series.
courtsbooknook's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.75
I am always here for the best friend's little sister trope. Gabe and Mia gave me life and I loved how their story developed. This was also a book that was heavy on spice and not so much on plot, and honestly I was fine with it because I needed that type of book. I wish the ending of the book wasn't so quick. I feel like their relationship was really developing and then it was like end of book conflict, but right back to being together. The timing felt off and I wanted Gave and Mia to have more conversations with one another to figure out where they stood. I also liked that it was an office romance. This one also kind of built up Jace and Ash's stories that are coming next and I'm excited to see where those narratives go. Overall, this was perfect for something extra smutty and I enjoyed that!
livi22092003's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
jenngummo's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
nero1279's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.75
🎧AUDIO VERSION🎧⭐️⭐️⭐️& half /5 performance by Adam Paul
Written in 3rd POV.
ARTICULATION - clean, clear, precise
Written in 3rd POV.
ARTICULATION - clean, clear, precise
BREATHING – controlled, volume, consistent, project appropriate, relatively low mouth noise
DELIVERY – solid and in the spirit of the text and author’s intent. Timing and pacing is appropriate. Varied and not too predictable.
EYE BRAIN MOUTH CONTROL – accurate and effortless delivery.
CONSISTENT – high energy, good articulation, breath and pitch control
ANALYSIS – understands the story arc and characters.
CHARACTERISATION – attempts to bring to life. Distinct and majorly consistent in tone, attitude, age, accent. Voices match characters quite well.
SEPARATION- some spillover is evident between narration and character, which can be a little disconcerting.
INVESTMENT – the emotional connection is not as visual as it could be.
STORYLINE. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
If BDSM is your thing, then give this one a go. A cross between This Man by JEM and Crossfire by Sylvia Day. I lovely little combo. While the plot is simple, perhaps even a little weak and the characters rather predictable, the writing itself was good. Gabe and Mia make for a good raunchy romance novel.
STORYLINE. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
If BDSM is your thing, then give this one a go. A cross between This Man by JEM and Crossfire by Sylvia Day. I lovely little combo. While the plot is simple, perhaps even a little weak and the characters rather predictable, the writing itself was good. Gabe and Mia make for a good raunchy romance novel.
lariibalarini's review against another edition
3.0
[3.5](?)
Had some good parts, others that bothered me too much for just being there, really unnecessary.
Had some good parts, others that bothered me too much for just being there, really unnecessary.
notteaurora's review against another edition
4.0
This is my balance of 50 Shades and Crossfire!!!! To me this book was the balance I have been looking for. There is no great mystery as to why Gabe is the control freak he is. He likes his kink, no excuses or apologies. Some times with BDSM I find that authors are focusing on the psychological reason why their Doms are live the lifestyle, almost as if they are trying to make it ok for the readers. I don't need it to be ok, I know what I am getting myself into. The sex is steamy, the relationship is complex and the characters are endearing. Absolutely worth a read if Romance/ BDSM is you genre.
darkclothedmaiden's review against another edition
1.0
The writing style just wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean this book isn’t awesome. The story just didn’t grab me like others.
charms1976's review against another edition
4.0
Rush by Maya Banks is the first book the Breathless series. The main characters in this book are Gabe Hamilton and Mia Crestwell.
As I sit here contemplating with how to put my feelings of this book into words, I also have the urge to build a fence around myself because of all the mixed reactions that are being said about it. I just know people with torches are going to come light a fire and throw me to the flames. On the other hand, there might be enough supporters out there that would put the fire out and rescue me like a damsel in distress. Either way, I am going to share my thoughts and maybe I can make my escape before you grab the matches.
I will say that Gabe is one cold man for the first half of this book. He is demanding, emotionally closed off, and has the power to bring his enemies to the floor groveling with just one look. We do get little insights and the 'why' of his personality and the reasons behind the famous contract's he uses. I can understand his intense need to protect not only himself, but others that could be involved, even if it does seem a bit extreme.
Gabe is also a billionaire who is in business with two of his best friends. Ash has to be my favorite so far of the three even though this book focused on Gabe. Ash is the charmer and the man that explores the threesome's with Jace. Jace is the smooth talker and the one that will close a deal while having a little fun on the side with Ash.
Enter Mia Crestwell. She is Jace's little sister that he has spoiled and taken care of since the death of their parents years ago. He provides everything for her including an apartment, money and even paying for her college. While she appreciates everything Jace has done for her, she still doesn't know what to do with her degrees from college and is working in a bakery to try and stand on her own feet.
While their were plenty of naughty and intense scenes in this book, I loved the tender moments between Mia and Gabe the most. When Gabe would open up to Mia and share things that he hadn't shared with many others, you could feel his emotions and the struggle this Alpha-man was going through. While he is clearly a Dominant man in the all aspects of his life, you could tell that Mia was his soft spot and was going to be the one who would bring him to his knees. I especially loved her backbone when it came to the climax of her brother finding out. Of course, I was also appalled at the way her brother finds out -- and the scene was the only reason I lowered the rating from a 5 to a 4 rating. Only because of the abrupt way it happens when we are finally getting an emotional sexy scene from Gabe and Mia.
Now many people have mentioned a scene that happens around the 70% mark in this book. It is something that many didn't agree with and wanted to stop with the journey when they read it. While I won't spoil this scene in sharing the details of it, I will say that I am glad the author turned it around bringing Gabe back to his senses. If he wouldn't have changed halfway through that scene, I probably would have stopped as well.
While the ending had enough sappiness that I was looking for maple trees around me, I still enjoyed it. It was sweet and over the top, but it wasn't so bad that it made me want to dance around in a field of flowers. Personally, this a series I am already in love with and can't wait for the next books in the series.
As I sit here contemplating with how to put my feelings of this book into words, I also have the urge to build a fence around myself because of all the mixed reactions that are being said about it. I just know people with torches are going to come light a fire and throw me to the flames. On the other hand, there might be enough supporters out there that would put the fire out and rescue me like a damsel in distress. Either way, I am going to share my thoughts and maybe I can make my escape before you grab the matches.
I will say that Gabe is one cold man for the first half of this book. He is demanding, emotionally closed off, and has the power to bring his enemies to the floor groveling with just one look. We do get little insights and the 'why' of his personality and the reasons behind the famous contract's he uses. I can understand his intense need to protect not only himself, but others that could be involved, even if it does seem a bit extreme.
Gabe is also a billionaire who is in business with two of his best friends. Ash has to be my favorite so far of the three even though this book focused on Gabe. Ash is the charmer and the man that explores the threesome's with Jace. Jace is the smooth talker and the one that will close a deal while having a little fun on the side with Ash.
Enter Mia Crestwell. She is Jace's little sister that he has spoiled and taken care of since the death of their parents years ago. He provides everything for her including an apartment, money and even paying for her college. While she appreciates everything Jace has done for her, she still doesn't know what to do with her degrees from college and is working in a bakery to try and stand on her own feet.
While their were plenty of naughty and intense scenes in this book, I loved the tender moments between Mia and Gabe the most. When Gabe would open up to Mia and share things that he hadn't shared with many others, you could feel his emotions and the struggle this Alpha-man was going through. While he is clearly a Dominant man in the all aspects of his life, you could tell that Mia was his soft spot and was going to be the one who would bring him to his knees. I especially loved her backbone when it came to the climax of her brother finding out. Of course, I was also appalled at the way her brother finds out -- and the scene was the only reason I lowered the rating from a 5 to a 4 rating. Only because of the abrupt way it happens when we are finally getting an emotional sexy scene from Gabe and Mia.
Now many people have mentioned a scene that happens around the 70% mark in this book. It is something that many didn't agree with and wanted to stop with the journey when they read it. While I won't spoil this scene in sharing the details of it, I will say that I am glad the author turned it around bringing Gabe back to his senses. If he wouldn't have changed halfway through that scene, I probably would have stopped as well.
While the ending had enough sappiness that I was looking for maple trees around me, I still enjoyed it. It was sweet and over the top, but it wasn't so bad that it made me want to dance around in a field of flowers. Personally, this a series I am already in love with and can't wait for the next books in the series.