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Surrender Trilogy #1
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 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.
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.
329 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2014
787 people are currently reading
8874 people want to read
About the author
Maya Banks
251 books21.5k followersMaya 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,120 reviews
February 13, 2014
Ok, let me start by saying this is killing me. Not many months ago I told every single friend I knew that enjoys romance, "BUY EVERYTHING MAYA BANKS WRITES". And now, I am slowly but surely losing faith I can keep buying her new material. Maya, as a fan of yours who LOVED your Sweet Series, who reread the McCabe Trilogy so many times I can quote it word for word, you need to slow down. I feel like Maya took too much on, and is releasing too much too fast. And Maya, your editor is letting you down. For a reader who often reads a book in one sitting, reading the same sentences - word for word - over and over is extremely frustrating. I get that one time Joss said it in her head, the next time out loud to Dash, the next time to Chessy, but it's annoying. You know when you are with your partner and have to hear them tell the same joke over and over? It doesn't matter that they are saying it to someone new - you've heard it. And it gets on your nerves.
This book is actually only 1/3 of the length you think it is. Why? Because the same things are repeated over and over. You read the same lines over and over. Have the same internal conversations over and over. These eBooks are not cheap at $12 (most authors sell eBooks for under $5) and that makes it hard to keep taking chances on them. Emotion is great, emotional conversations are great, but usually they occur after some kind of story, some interesting events. A book of just emotional conversations and bleeding hearts is boring. This was boring. The second historical trilogy (2/3 out now)? Not nearly as good as the McCabes. The characters even drop their brogue on and off throughout.
I know Maya Banks is a great author because up until this last six months or so, everything I have picked up that she wrote was gold. I don't know what is going on, but I hope she can get it back together soon before she loses more fans.
This book is actually only 1/3 of the length you think it is. Why? Because the same things are repeated over and over. You read the same lines over and over. Have the same internal conversations over and over. These eBooks are not cheap at $12 (most authors sell eBooks for under $5) and that makes it hard to keep taking chances on them. Emotion is great, emotional conversations are great, but usually they occur after some kind of story, some interesting events. A book of just emotional conversations and bleeding hearts is boring. This was boring. The second historical trilogy (2/3 out now)? Not nearly as good as the McCabes. The characters even drop their brogue on and off throughout.
I know Maya Banks is a great author because up until this last six months or so, everything I have picked up that she wrote was gold. I don't know what is going on, but I hope she can get it back together soon before she loses more fans.
February 10, 2014
Swept Away By Romance Joint Review For Letting Go
Kristen – 3 Stars
Kathleen – 3 1/2 Stars
What worked
Kristen: Surprisingly it was the light BDSM aspect of this story that I loved the most. It gives a good introduction into the intriguing world of BDSM. I finished this book with a better understanding of why people are drawn to this lifestyle.
I also loved that this book wasn't overly steamy. Letting Go is a character driven story and I appreciated that it wasn't bombarded with copious amounts of sex, which is common for many BDSM plots. The love scenes were some of the best I've read. They were so beautifully, sensually, and tenderly written that you could feel the emotions radiating from the couple. Love that.
Kathleen: The descriptive feelings between the many different characters throughout this book were excellent.
I thought the character development was very well done throughout this book. The friendship Joss had with her two best friends was absolutely marvelous. They were ALWAYS there to support each other. The descriptive information about all the characters made me feel like I really knew these characters. I loved how patient and caring Dash was with Joss. He never pressured her into do anything that made her feel uncomfortable. I really liked that Joss gave her full trust to Dash right from the beginning.
The way the whole BDSM theme was explained. It gave me a fantastic look into what a Dom/Sub relationship consists of. This part of the book was EXTREMLY well done.
The love scenes were SCORCHERS! Once again, I loved the feelings that were described during these scenes.
What didn’t work
Kristen: Unfortunately, there were a few issues with this book that considerably hampered my overall enjoyment of the story.
First, I was surprised at the narrative and how repetitive it was. The characters, especially Joss, spent much of the story internally musing about their feelings. It got to the point that I became bore and annoyed.
Which brings me to my biggest issue with this book: Joss reflecting CONSTANTLY about her relationship with her deceased husband, Carson. This reflection occurred throughout the ENTIRE story. Frankly, it overpowered the current love story. For someone who continually claimed she was ready to move on with her life, it sure didn't feel that way. To top it off, what happens toward the end made no sense to me. I was left a little flabbergasted and perplexed.
Kathleen:There was way too much repetitive and unnecessary internal dialogue throughout this book. I found myself bored at time, and I actually skimmed a few parts. I also did not buy into Joss’s claim that she had moved on with her life until almost the end of the book. For a woman trying to get over the loss of her beloved husband, it seemed to me that she thought about him WAY TOO MUCH throughout this book. At times I even rolled my eyes thinking, yeah right, moving on, NOT!
Best scene(s)
Kristen: My favorite part of this book was the vivid and palpable scene between Dash and Joss's at the BDSM club. I was blown away by it. I felt like I was there with Joss experiencing all the same emotions and sensations with her. I've never understood why someone would want to practice the BDSM lifestyle until that scene. Now I get it; well, almost. Lol.
Kathleen: The scene where Dash sees Joss at the BDSM club, The House, with another man. I loved how possessive he was with her during that part. Especially when he tells her that she will not be submitting for anyone but him.
I loved when Joss finally had the courage to tell Dash she loved him and when she finally told Dash what her dreams were really all about.
The epilogue! It was a wonderful scene.
Favorite character(s)
Kristen: I have two favorite characters: Dash, the hero, and Chessy, Joss's best friend.
I fell in love with Dash right from the start. He embodies what I consider to be the perfect hero–strong and dominant, with a tender and considerate side. My heart ached for the years he suffered in silence due to his feeling for his best friend's wife, Joss. The love and devotion he showed for her throughout this book was staggering at time. He won my heart completely.
I also loved Joss's best friend, Chessy. She was such a positive, confident, witty, and loyal friend. I admired her tremendously. I'm looking forward to the third book in this series, which is about Chessy and her husband Tate.
Kathleen: Both Joss and Dash. I can’t pick between them. They both did and said many wonderful things during this book, but they also did things that I did not care for either.
Overall Thoughts
Kristen: I liked this book for the most part. I love a story that is character driven and this book overflows with it. I especially loved the light BDSM aspect of the plot. Unfortunately, the repetitive nature and the constant musings about Carson were annoying, and, frankly, overshadowed the love story between Dash and Joss. It was frustrating. Still, this a Maya Banks book and I love the way she tells a story.
Letting Go set the stage for the next book in the series, and I'm counting down the days until it's released. ~ 3 Stars
Kathleen: Even though there was way too much repetitive and unnecessary internal dialogue throughout this book, and Joss’s constant thinking about her deceased husband made it feel like she never really moved on, I really liked this book. It was very well written and I felt a lot of emotion while reading it. I loved the epilogue and thought it added the perfect HEA ending. I also like that there was a set up for the next book in this series, Giving In. I’m very invested in these characters and I have a feeling that Giving In will be a spectacular read for me. This was a solid 3.5 star read.
ARC provided to Swept Away By Romance in exchange for an honest review
Kristen – 3 Stars
Kathleen – 3 1/2 Stars
What worked
Kristen: Surprisingly it was the light BDSM aspect of this story that I loved the most. It gives a good introduction into the intriguing world of BDSM. I finished this book with a better understanding of why people are drawn to this lifestyle.
I also loved that this book wasn't overly steamy. Letting Go is a character driven story and I appreciated that it wasn't bombarded with copious amounts of sex, which is common for many BDSM plots. The love scenes were some of the best I've read. They were so beautifully, sensually, and tenderly written that you could feel the emotions radiating from the couple. Love that.
Kathleen: The descriptive feelings between the many different characters throughout this book were excellent.
I thought the character development was very well done throughout this book. The friendship Joss had with her two best friends was absolutely marvelous. They were ALWAYS there to support each other. The descriptive information about all the characters made me feel like I really knew these characters. I loved how patient and caring Dash was with Joss. He never pressured her into do anything that made her feel uncomfortable. I really liked that Joss gave her full trust to Dash right from the beginning.
The way the whole BDSM theme was explained. It gave me a fantastic look into what a Dom/Sub relationship consists of. This part of the book was EXTREMLY well done.
The love scenes were SCORCHERS! Once again, I loved the feelings that were described during these scenes.
What didn’t work
Kristen: Unfortunately, there were a few issues with this book that considerably hampered my overall enjoyment of the story.
First, I was surprised at the narrative and how repetitive it was. The characters, especially Joss, spent much of the story internally musing about their feelings. It got to the point that I became bore and annoyed.
Which brings me to my biggest issue with this book: Joss reflecting CONSTANTLY about her relationship with her deceased husband, Carson. This reflection occurred throughout the ENTIRE story. Frankly, it overpowered the current love story. For someone who continually claimed she was ready to move on with her life, it sure didn't feel that way. To top it off, what happens toward the end made no sense to me. I was left a little flabbergasted and perplexed.
Kathleen:There was way too much repetitive and unnecessary internal dialogue throughout this book. I found myself bored at time, and I actually skimmed a few parts. I also did not buy into Joss’s claim that she had moved on with her life until almost the end of the book. For a woman trying to get over the loss of her beloved husband, it seemed to me that she thought about him WAY TOO MUCH throughout this book. At times I even rolled my eyes thinking, yeah right, moving on, NOT!
Best scene(s)
Kristen: My favorite part of this book was the vivid and palpable scene between Dash and Joss's at the BDSM club. I was blown away by it. I felt like I was there with Joss experiencing all the same emotions and sensations with her. I've never understood why someone would want to practice the BDSM lifestyle until that scene. Now I get it; well, almost. Lol.
Kathleen: The scene where Dash sees Joss at the BDSM club, The House, with another man. I loved how possessive he was with her during that part. Especially when he tells her that she will not be submitting for anyone but him.
I loved when Joss finally had the courage to tell Dash she loved him and when she finally told Dash what her dreams were really all about.
The epilogue! It was a wonderful scene.
Favorite character(s)
Kristen: I have two favorite characters: Dash, the hero, and Chessy, Joss's best friend.
I fell in love with Dash right from the start. He embodies what I consider to be the perfect hero–strong and dominant, with a tender and considerate side. My heart ached for the years he suffered in silence due to his feeling for his best friend's wife, Joss. The love and devotion he showed for her throughout this book was staggering at time. He won my heart completely.
I also loved Joss's best friend, Chessy. She was such a positive, confident, witty, and loyal friend. I admired her tremendously. I'm looking forward to the third book in this series, which is about Chessy and her husband Tate.
Kathleen: Both Joss and Dash. I can’t pick between them. They both did and said many wonderful things during this book, but they also did things that I did not care for either.
Overall Thoughts
Kristen: I liked this book for the most part. I love a story that is character driven and this book overflows with it. I especially loved the light BDSM aspect of the plot. Unfortunately, the repetitive nature and the constant musings about Carson were annoying, and, frankly, overshadowed the love story between Dash and Joss. It was frustrating. Still, this a Maya Banks book and I love the way she tells a story.
Letting Go set the stage for the next book in the series, and I'm counting down the days until it's released. ~ 3 Stars
Kathleen: Even though there was way too much repetitive and unnecessary internal dialogue throughout this book, and Joss’s constant thinking about her deceased husband made it feel like she never really moved on, I really liked this book. It was very well written and I felt a lot of emotion while reading it. I loved the epilogue and thought it added the perfect HEA ending. I also like that there was a set up for the next book in this series, Giving In. I’m very invested in these characters and I have a feeling that Giving In will be a spectacular read for me. This was a solid 3.5 star read.
ARC provided to Swept Away By Romance in exchange for an honest review
February 9, 2014
I think I'm just about done. Maya Banks was one of the first romance readers I read (The Darkest Hour, book #1 of the KGI series) and I was hooked. She could do no wrong so when I felt "meh" about her pregnancy & passion series, I brushed it off. I started off enjoying the historical fiction series until I ended up DNF'ing one (the second title in the second historical trilogy). I made it through Rush, endured Fever, but the insta love in Burn had me DNF'ing that. I wasn't thrilled with the fantasy turn in the KGI series but soldiered thru & was rewarded with Shades of Grey & Steele's book. Then I suffered thru After the Storm ( which I only finished because I'd waited SO LONG for Van's story). I think Maya Banks is writing TOO much & was about to write her off except for her sweet FB post acknowledging fans' disappointment & asking for another chance.
Well, Ms. Banks, I gave you another chance with Letting Go. I regret it. This book is just about all talk, unfortunately. The idea is interesting, but all the talking, repetition, and promise with very little real "action" make the book boring. Maya Banks is phoning it in and her editors aren't stepping in to save her, either. I ended up returning this book and now am SERIOUSLY reconsidering reading anymore Maya Banks. I'm sorry to say it. Messy break ups suck.
Well, Ms. Banks, I gave you another chance with Letting Go. I regret it. This book is just about all talk, unfortunately. The idea is interesting, but all the talking, repetition, and promise with very little real "action" make the book boring. Maya Banks is phoning it in and her editors aren't stepping in to save her, either. I ended up returning this book and now am SERIOUSLY reconsidering reading anymore Maya Banks. I'm sorry to say it. Messy break ups suck.
August 3, 2016
**I only rate a book a 1 if I DNF it however, this doesn't deserve a solid 2 either**
RATING: 1.5/5
Um yeah. I eventually gave up on this madness but then forced myself to finish the last two chapters, if for nothing but to prove I could.
This wasn't for me in any way shape or form and I honestly can't rate this one higher than this. It was just bad. The plot, the character development, and the actions and language of everyone were just lacking everything. A book intended to be about a new relationship formed from the Dominant/submissive side of things should have strong characters who know exactly what they want and desire and can make those choices without ever floundering or looking back. These two were THE MOST wishy-washy, insecure people I have ever come across. Inner thoughts can be present in either character but, for them to literally drive the slow pace of the plot forward into the revine, while sounding like a broken record repeating things that were covered in the beginning, doesn't work no matter how you word a sentence. Allow your characters to make a decision and stick with it!
I had no connection with any character and their actions and thoughts were nothing close to being realistic of a D/s relationship. This entire story was a disappointment and showed the author clearly lacks an understanding of this type of relationship or community. I won't even discuss the sexual situations that occurred because I fear carpel tunnel syndrome before I could finish it. Let's just say they were extremely unrealistic and no woman could tolerate these sex-capades, no matter how long the drought was.
I'd like to think I could attempt another Banks book, but my reaction to this one is enough to keep me from coming back. I read for pleasure and this was nothing close to it as I had many thoughts throughout that I would've preferred to have dental surgery instead of being neck deep in this sludge.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher for my honest opinion and review.
RATING: 1.5/5
Um yeah. I eventually gave up on this madness but then forced myself to finish the last two chapters, if for nothing but to prove I could.
This wasn't for me in any way shape or form and I honestly can't rate this one higher than this. It was just bad. The plot, the character development, and the actions and language of everyone were just lacking everything. A book intended to be about a new relationship formed from the Dominant/submissive side of things should have strong characters who know exactly what they want and desire and can make those choices without ever floundering or looking back. These two were THE MOST wishy-washy, insecure people I have ever come across. Inner thoughts can be present in either character but, for them to literally drive the slow pace of the plot forward into the revine, while sounding like a broken record repeating things that were covered in the beginning, doesn't work no matter how you word a sentence. Allow your characters to make a decision and stick with it!
I had no connection with any character and their actions and thoughts were nothing close to being realistic of a D/s relationship. This entire story was a disappointment and showed the author clearly lacks an understanding of this type of relationship or community. I won't even discuss the sexual situations that occurred because I fear carpel tunnel syndrome before I could finish it. Let's just say they were extremely unrealistic and no woman could tolerate these sex-capades, no matter how long the drought was.
I'd like to think I could attempt another Banks book, but my reaction to this one is enough to keep me from coming back. I read for pleasure and this was nothing close to it as I had many thoughts throughout that I would've preferred to have dental surgery instead of being neck deep in this sludge.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher for my honest opinion and review.
July 29, 2016
This book was just meh to me. And I usually love books by Maya Banks! I'm glad I wasn't the only one that thought the book was repetitive. OMG, we get it! Your husband is dead, you hooked up with his best friend, how could you do that? And the constant "I'll never find perfect love again". Come on!! There was too much wallowing for my taste. Lots and lots of inner dialogue about the same shit over and over again. AND how many more times can you use the phrases "fate is a fickle bitch" and "xxx, she said huskily". By like the 2nd or 3rd time of anything being said huskily, I could only hear some old guy trying to talk all sexy like. I finished the book but there really was no plot other than husband is dead and she got with his best friend. I hate being so harsh but this book did not do it for me. Let's hope the next ones are a little better.
September 8, 2016
Have you ever heard the saying, "If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all." Well for once, I'm not living by that creed. Seriously, did I just waste 2/3 days reading this crap? There is only one other book I can think of that I just plain couldn't finish. Unfortunately for me, I keep telling myself it has to get better so I instead punish myself by reading the rest! Carson, Carson, Carson. That's the only name I saw. Sentence after sentence calling out Carson's name. This story was supposed to be about Joss and Dash. Joss couldn't form one thought without Carson being in it. I'm not trying to be an unfeeling person. However, the books starts off with Joss visiting her dead husband's (Carson) grave and finally moving on. Yet every thought she has is about Carson and how he would feel about what she was doing. Then she starts a relationship with his best friend and business partner and constantly compares the two of them. Now remember I just said that. Dash and her talk for ages about how to handle this new relationship, he the Dom and her the Sub. Pages, and pages and pages of how to do this. Then they finally consummate the relationship and just before he has sex with her, while his face is between her legs (trying not to be too crude) he realizes he has no protection. Then the two of them start a conversation about protection and her being on the pill and why she is and what her and Carson were doing and on and on - two pages of talking and thinking - while he has his head between her legs. Really? Are you kidding me? Then Dash tells her he's always fantasized about this and she straight out tells him she's never fantasized about him! Again, really? OMG! Now remember what I said just above about "remember what I jus said." Then the climax is her calling out Carson's name in her sleep (for about the 3rd or 4th time, mind you) and all this time Dash has said he'd take her any way he could have her and that next morning he tells her he can't live with Carson in the bed with them too and to leave. Then Joss is telling Dash it's him that has held Carson between them this whole time. Again, REALLY?!?!? That's all she can think about and talk about is Carson and it's Dash dooming their relationship? OMG - did someone miss notes or forget the story when it came to the end? Of course the make-up section comes along and then Joss say's to Dash that they better hurry and get married because she doesn't want to be a "out-of-wedlock mother." What the heck is an out of wedlock mother. Seriously? In this day and age, for this phrase to even be spouted in a book is ludicrous. I swear that Maya Banks must have made a name for herself and now she just puts out crap. The last few stories I've read from her were absolutely awful. If there are any readers/reviewers that gave FSOG a bad rating and this book a good one - you are totally a hypocrite. This is bad writing at its worst! I have enjoyed other books from Maya Banks, let me be clear. But her novels in the last couple of years are either being written by someone else, or she just doesn't care because people read her stuff just cuz her names on it. Now call me a glutton for punishment, but I have got to find out how in the world she is going to handle this next book in the series by taking a Dominant male and putting him with Kyle who was emotionally, mentally and sexually abused by her father, is scared of life basically and totally timid. How in the world can you realistic put those two together. This next book will be as bad as this one. No doubt in my mind. All I can say is thank goodness I didn't waste my hard earned money on this book - I borrowed it from the library.
February 7, 2014
I'm a little torn on this one. On the one hand, I love Maya Banks' writing. She always produces quality work. On the other hand, this book is about a 24/7 D/s relationship. That's something that really doesn't appeal to me, and my inner feminist was screaming at Joss throughout much of this book. It just didn't sit well with me that Joss seemed to move from being taken care of one man to being taken care of by his best friend. Do something for yourself woman! Go back to school...your life is about more than just pleasing a man! Unfortunately, that's all I got...Joss wanting desperately to be taken care of and dominated. And Dash...I found him a little pathetic to be honest. For me, he was a Colter without a menage - and sickly sweet doesn't really play for me in a D/s relationship.
The one thing I thought was done well was the club scene. I thought that MB did a good job of putting her reader into Joss' head as she slipped into subspace. I felt like I was there with her.
3 stars
The one thing I thought was done well was the club scene. I thought that MB did a good job of putting her reader into Joss' head as she slipped into subspace. I felt like I was there with her.
3 stars
February 8, 2014
Kathleen and Krista's Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance
Joint Review by Kristen and Kathleen
What worked Kathleen: The descriptive feelings between the many different characters throughout this book were excellent.
I thought the character development was very well done throughout this book. The friendship Joss had with her two best friends was absolutely marvelous. They were ALWAYS there to support each other. The descriptive information about all the characters made me feel like I really knew these characters. I loved how patient and caring Dash was with Joss. He never pressured her into do anything that made her feel uncomfortable. I really liked that Joss gave her full trust to Dash right from the beginning.
The way the whole BDSM theme was explained. It gave me a fantastic look into what a Dom/Sub relationship consists of. This part of the book was EXTREMLY well done.
The love scenes were SCORCHERS! Once again, I loved the feelings that were described during these scenes.
Kristen: Surprisingly it was the light BDSM aspect of this story that I loved the most. It gives a good introduction into the intriguing world of BDSM. I finished this book with a better understanding of why people are drawn to this lifestyle.
I also loved that this book wasn't overly steamy. Letting Go is a character driven story and I appreciated that it wasn't bombarded with copious amounts of sex, which is common for many BDSM plots. The love scenes were some of the best I've read. They were so beautifully, sensually, and tenderly written that you could feel the emotions radiating from the couple. Love that.
What didn’t work Kathleen: There was way too much repetitive and unnecessary internal dialogue throughout this book. I found myself bored at time, and I actually skimmed a few parts. I also did not buy into Joss’s claim that she had moved on with her life until almost the end of the book. For a woman trying to get over the loss of her beloved husband, it seemed to me that she thought about him WAY TOO MUCH throughout this book. At times I even rolled my eyes thinking, yeah right, moving on, NOT!
Kristen: Unfortunately, there were a few issue with this book that considerably hampered my overall enjoyment of the story.
First, I was surprised at the narrative and how repetitive it was. The characters, especially Joss, spent much of the story internally musing about their feelings. It got to the point that I became bore and annoyed.
Which brings me to my biggest issue with this book: Joss reflecting CONSTANTLY about her relationship with her deceased husband, Carson. This reflection occurred throughout the entire story. Frankly, it overpowered the current love story. For someone who continually claimed she was ready to move on with her life, it sure didn't feel that way. To top it off, what happens toward the end made no sense to me. I was left a little flabbergasted and perplexed.
Best scene(s)
Kathleen: The scene where Dash sees Joss at the BDSM club, The House, with another man. I loved how possessive he was with her during that part. Especially when he tells her that she will not be submitting for anyone but him.
I loved when Joss finally had the courage to tell Dash she loved him and when she finally told Dash what her dreams were really all about.
The epilogue! It was a wonderful scene.
Kristen: My favorite part of this book was the vivid and palpable scene between Dash and Joss's at the BDSM club. I was blown away by it. I felt like I was there with Joss experiencing all the same emotions and sensations with her. I've never understood why someone would want to practice the BDSM lifestyle until that scene. Now I get it; well, almost. Lol.
Favorite character(s)
Kathleen: Both Joss and Dash. I can’t pick between them. They both did and said many wonderful things during this book, but they also did things that I did not care for either.
Kristen: I have two favorite characters: Dash, the hero, and Chessy, Joss's best friend.
I fell in love with Dash right from the start. He embodies what I consider to be the perfect hero–strong and dominant, with a tender and considerate side. My heart ached for the years he suffered in silence due to his feeling for his best friend's wife, Joss. The love and devotion he showed for her throughout this book was staggering at time. He won my heart completely.
I also loved Joss's best friend, Chessy. She was such a positive, confident, witty, and loyal friend. I admired her tremendously. I'm looking forward to the third book in this series, which is about Chessy and her husband Tate.
Overall Thoughts
Kathleen: Even though there was way too much repetitive and unnecessary internal dialogue throughout this book, and Joss’s constant thinking about her deceased husband made it feel like she never really moved on, I really liked this book. It was very well written and I felt a lot of emotion while reading it. I loved the epilogue and thought it added the perfect HEA ending. I also like that there was a set up for the next book in this series, Giving In. I’m very invested in these characters and I have a feeling that Giving In will be a spectacular read for me. This was a solid 3.5 star read.
Kristen: I liked this book for the most part. I love a story that is character driven and this book overflows with it. I especially loved the light BDSM aspect of the plot. Unfortunately, the repetitive nature and the constant musings about Carson were annoying, and, frankly, overshadowed the love story between Dash and Joss. It was frustrating. Still, this a Maya Banks book and I love the way she tells a story.
Letting Go set the stage for the next book in the series, and I'm counting down the days until it's released. ~3 Stars
*An Arc was provided for an honest review*
Joint Review by Kristen and Kathleen
What worked Kathleen: The descriptive feelings between the many different characters throughout this book were excellent.
I thought the character development was very well done throughout this book. The friendship Joss had with her two best friends was absolutely marvelous. They were ALWAYS there to support each other. The descriptive information about all the characters made me feel like I really knew these characters. I loved how patient and caring Dash was with Joss. He never pressured her into do anything that made her feel uncomfortable. I really liked that Joss gave her full trust to Dash right from the beginning.
The way the whole BDSM theme was explained. It gave me a fantastic look into what a Dom/Sub relationship consists of. This part of the book was EXTREMLY well done.
The love scenes were SCORCHERS! Once again, I loved the feelings that were described during these scenes.
Kristen: Surprisingly it was the light BDSM aspect of this story that I loved the most. It gives a good introduction into the intriguing world of BDSM. I finished this book with a better understanding of why people are drawn to this lifestyle.
I also loved that this book wasn't overly steamy. Letting Go is a character driven story and I appreciated that it wasn't bombarded with copious amounts of sex, which is common for many BDSM plots. The love scenes were some of the best I've read. They were so beautifully, sensually, and tenderly written that you could feel the emotions radiating from the couple. Love that.
What didn’t work Kathleen: There was way too much repetitive and unnecessary internal dialogue throughout this book. I found myself bored at time, and I actually skimmed a few parts. I also did not buy into Joss’s claim that she had moved on with her life until almost the end of the book. For a woman trying to get over the loss of her beloved husband, it seemed to me that she thought about him WAY TOO MUCH throughout this book. At times I even rolled my eyes thinking, yeah right, moving on, NOT!
Kristen: Unfortunately, there were a few issue with this book that considerably hampered my overall enjoyment of the story.
First, I was surprised at the narrative and how repetitive it was. The characters, especially Joss, spent much of the story internally musing about their feelings. It got to the point that I became bore and annoyed.
Which brings me to my biggest issue with this book: Joss reflecting CONSTANTLY about her relationship with her deceased husband, Carson. This reflection occurred throughout the entire story. Frankly, it overpowered the current love story. For someone who continually claimed she was ready to move on with her life, it sure didn't feel that way. To top it off, what happens toward the end made no sense to me. I was left a little flabbergasted and perplexed.
Best scene(s)
Kathleen: The scene where Dash sees Joss at the BDSM club, The House, with another man. I loved how possessive he was with her during that part. Especially when he tells her that she will not be submitting for anyone but him.
I loved when Joss finally had the courage to tell Dash she loved him and when she finally told Dash what her dreams were really all about.
The epilogue! It was a wonderful scene.
Kristen: My favorite part of this book was the vivid and palpable scene between Dash and Joss's at the BDSM club. I was blown away by it. I felt like I was there with Joss experiencing all the same emotions and sensations with her. I've never understood why someone would want to practice the BDSM lifestyle until that scene. Now I get it; well, almost. Lol.
Favorite character(s)
Kathleen: Both Joss and Dash. I can’t pick between them. They both did and said many wonderful things during this book, but they also did things that I did not care for either.
Kristen: I have two favorite characters: Dash, the hero, and Chessy, Joss's best friend.
I fell in love with Dash right from the start. He embodies what I consider to be the perfect hero–strong and dominant, with a tender and considerate side. My heart ached for the years he suffered in silence due to his feeling for his best friend's wife, Joss. The love and devotion he showed for her throughout this book was staggering at time. He won my heart completely.
I also loved Joss's best friend, Chessy. She was such a positive, confident, witty, and loyal friend. I admired her tremendously. I'm looking forward to the third book in this series, which is about Chessy and her husband Tate.
Overall Thoughts
Kathleen: Even though there was way too much repetitive and unnecessary internal dialogue throughout this book, and Joss’s constant thinking about her deceased husband made it feel like she never really moved on, I really liked this book. It was very well written and I felt a lot of emotion while reading it. I loved the epilogue and thought it added the perfect HEA ending. I also like that there was a set up for the next book in this series, Giving In. I’m very invested in these characters and I have a feeling that Giving In will be a spectacular read for me. This was a solid 3.5 star read.
Kristen: I liked this book for the most part. I love a story that is character driven and this book overflows with it. I especially loved the light BDSM aspect of the plot. Unfortunately, the repetitive nature and the constant musings about Carson were annoying, and, frankly, overshadowed the love story between Dash and Joss. It was frustrating. Still, this a Maya Banks book and I love the way she tells a story.
Letting Go set the stage for the next book in the series, and I'm counting down the days until it's released. ~3 Stars
*An Arc was provided for an honest review*
December 6, 2014
Letting Go
1 Star
As a fan of Maya Banks's romantic suspense and historical romance series, this book seemed a natural choice when I needed a BDSM book for a challenge. Let me preface this review with the disclaimer that BDSM is not a preferred genre, and as such my comments will more than likely not be in line with the many readers who enjoy this genre immensely.
As it turns out, the BDSM elements are not the reason for this one star review. Rather the writing, characters and story are so weak as to completely undermine whatever message the writer is trying to impart.
Banks spends an inordinate amount of page time attempting to convince the reader of the legitimacy of the BDSM sub-culture. This is completely unnecessary as consenting adults are entitled to their preferences; no one has the right to judge and those who enjoy the genre don't need to be convinced. The result is a tediously repetitive sequence of scenes in which the hero and heroine justify their choice of lifestyle.
Moreover, the characterization and plot also suffer as neither is sufficiently developed outside of the author's preoccupation with the characters dominant/submissive sexcapades. Regardless of the fact that I personally do not find anything remotely sexy or sensual about a relationship in which the woman is completely subjugated, neither Joss nor Dash are particularly interesting as individuals and their emotional attachment is unbelievable. The conflict that pops up at the end has potential and should have been the focus throughout the story, but ultimately falls flat because by that point who cares?
In sum, to put it simply this book is badly written with tepid characters, mechanical sex scenes and no plot to speak of.
1 Star
As a fan of Maya Banks's romantic suspense and historical romance series, this book seemed a natural choice when I needed a BDSM book for a challenge. Let me preface this review with the disclaimer that BDSM is not a preferred genre, and as such my comments will more than likely not be in line with the many readers who enjoy this genre immensely.
As it turns out, the BDSM elements are not the reason for this one star review. Rather the writing, characters and story are so weak as to completely undermine whatever message the writer is trying to impart.
Banks spends an inordinate amount of page time attempting to convince the reader of the legitimacy of the BDSM sub-culture. This is completely unnecessary as consenting adults are entitled to their preferences; no one has the right to judge and those who enjoy the genre don't need to be convinced. The result is a tediously repetitive sequence of scenes in which the hero and heroine justify their choice of lifestyle.
Moreover, the characterization and plot also suffer as neither is sufficiently developed outside of the author's preoccupation with the characters dominant/submissive sexcapades. Regardless of the fact that I personally do not find anything remotely sexy or sensual about a relationship in which the woman is completely subjugated, neither Joss nor Dash are particularly interesting as individuals and their emotional attachment is unbelievable. The conflict that pops up at the end has potential and should have been the focus throughout the story, but ultimately falls flat because by that point who cares?
In sum, to put it simply this book is badly written with tepid characters, mechanical sex scenes and no plot to speak of.
February 22, 2014
Letting Go (Surrender Trilogy #1)
This is the first book in the Surrender Trilogy. I am a big fan of Maya Banks. Her writing is exceptional, the story flows well, I loved all the characters that were introduced and learning who they all are makes you look forward to the next book in this series.
This is a story about a woman who has lost her first love in a tragic accident. Moving on after three years is a step in the right direction for Joss. Joss has some hidden desires and decides it time she takes a step forward in getting what she wants.
Dash who was her husbands best friends and business partner loves Joss from afar. Little does he know that who he is and what he desires in his life is something Joss is desperately seeking.
So what happens when their dreams and desires collide and they both find out they are what the other desires. Well you have to read Letting Go to find out these answers.
I have rated Letting Go 5 star rating.
I would definitely recommend Letting Go to anyone who reads my reviews.
Excellent beginning to what sounds like a great Trilogy.
This is the first book in the Surrender Trilogy. I am a big fan of Maya Banks. Her writing is exceptional, the story flows well, I loved all the characters that were introduced and learning who they all are makes you look forward to the next book in this series.
This is a story about a woman who has lost her first love in a tragic accident. Moving on after three years is a step in the right direction for Joss. Joss has some hidden desires and decides it time she takes a step forward in getting what she wants.
Dash who was her husbands best friends and business partner loves Joss from afar. Little does he know that who he is and what he desires in his life is something Joss is desperately seeking.
So what happens when their dreams and desires collide and they both find out they are what the other desires. Well you have to read Letting Go to find out these answers.
I have rated Letting Go 5 star rating.
I would definitely recommend Letting Go to anyone who reads my reviews.
Excellent beginning to what sounds like a great Trilogy.
September 29, 2021
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This was actually such a beautiful romance and I couldn't keep my hands off of it. Like literally this book kept me up all hours of the night reading it because I couldn't put it down. It was pure delight and I had a blast with this story and seeing this couple explore what they had together.
Its a story that features a widow, who has been grieving her loving late husband. But now she is ready for a fresh start and to explore her hidden desires. So she goes to a respectable BDSM club, and she sees none other than her husband's best friend and the man that has been her comfort and companion the last three years. And certain truths come out about his desires and his love for her that he has kept hidden even though her husband knew of his affections. And they agree to start a relationship including exploring her needs and desires.
This story was so epically beautiful, and so emotionally intune and I loved how much "heart" was in this book despite the BDSM focus in the sex scenes. Maya Banks definitely knows how to write her stories and she did wonders on this one. I just couldn't get enough of this couple and seeing this explore their connection to each other was a majestic experience. You can't go wrong until you pick this one up.
This was actually such a beautiful romance and I couldn't keep my hands off of it. Like literally this book kept me up all hours of the night reading it because I couldn't put it down. It was pure delight and I had a blast with this story and seeing this couple explore what they had together.
“This isn’t good-bye,” he said tightly. “Just because you think you no longer need me doesn’t mean I’m going to just disappear. Prepare yourself for that, Joss.”
Its a story that features a widow, who has been grieving her loving late husband. But now she is ready for a fresh start and to explore her hidden desires. So she goes to a respectable BDSM club, and she sees none other than her husband's best friend and the man that has been her comfort and companion the last three years. And certain truths come out about his desires and his love for her that he has kept hidden even though her husband knew of his affections. And they agree to start a relationship including exploring her needs and desires.
“It’s always been what I am. And let me tell you this right now. If this is what you want. If this is what you need. Then I’m going to be the only damn man you offer your submission to.”
This story was so epically beautiful, and so emotionally intune and I loved how much "heart" was in this book despite the BDSM focus in the sex scenes. Maya Banks definitely knows how to write her stories and she did wonders on this one. I just couldn't get enough of this couple and seeing this explore their connection to each other was a majestic experience. You can't go wrong until you pick this one up.
November 20, 2023
It was an interresting reading!!
February 10, 2014
I was a bit bored. I felt the dialogue was repetitive ,and found a lot of the scenes repeating themselves. I,also never really connected with the characters. This could have been a wonderful book but missed the mark. This is one of those times I wish gr had a point system. This was actually a 2.5 for me. I will read the next one because I have liked most of her books. Hopefully,this was a fluke...
May 15, 2019
Letting Go does not work for me. Its too cheesy and have no story. The whole story takes place in utopian BDSM world where everything is perfect, including the steak. I still tolerate Maya Banks cheesiness in Sweet series (hey, i like cheesey romance story if it is excuted very well).
Things that does not work for me:
1. The dialog is very stiff and cheesy.
2. There is no characters development. 1 dimensional character. And the dream about her dead husband is makes me cringe.
3. No story, no layer, no twist.
4. The BDSM is soft and not steamy.
2 stars
Things that does not work for me:
1. The dialog is very stiff and cheesy.
2. There is no characters development. 1 dimensional character. And the dream about her dead husband is makes me cringe.
3. No story, no layer, no twist.
4. The BDSM is soft and not steamy.
2 stars
February 13, 2017
2.5 stars
March 3, 2014
This book should have been entitled Carson because the entire book centered around him and what he would think, what he wanted and if he was ok with what was happening! The entire book!! I couldn't believe it!! I am sorry to say this because I love Maya Banks and her work, but her last three books, Burn, After the Storm and now this one, have not been up to par at all, and they almost read as the same exact story with a little bit of a twist in the names of the characters. The stories are very repetitive, the characters speak in these long drawn out paragraphs for pages upon pages, there is way too much inner dialogue, when a conflict occurs the guys are treated as though they have committed the ultimate sin and the woman's actions had no role in the cause of the conflict, and the guy is made to grovel and beg while the woman does not apologize at all, because she is perfect.
Ok, overall I liked the characters in the book with the exception of Kylie. I understand she has been through a lot but all of the nasty lashing out was just too much for me. No one needs to be that nasty to her friends. I also really hate that one of the characters is named Chessy. I'm sorry if that is anyone's name out there, but seriously, I really don't like that name at all. It didn't fit the character either. Why couldn't she go with Chelsea or Chrissy? Maya Banks had a Chessy in the Breathless trilogy. Time to get a new name. A real name. Sorry. However, I must say that Chessy actually ended up being my favorite character in this story.
Ok, as for the story itself, it was mediocre. I was not really a big fan of the premise from the get go, best friend in love with best friend's wife even before his best friend's death!! YOWZA!! However, I really felt for Dash because that had to be hell and I totally respected Carson for understanding and trusting his best friend. Yet, I did not like the way Dash, who is supposed to be a Dominant, was portrayed as so desperate to have Joss that he was willing to give all of that up. Umm...I'm no expert on being a Dominant, but what I understand is that it is innate and cannot just be turned off. Anyway, I felt like Dash's love was way too desperate and the whole "your mine" bit from the very beginning of the book was creepy. Seriously, all of the "honeys" really got on my nerves!!
As for Joss, I felt like all of a sudden she decided that she didn't want to be lonely anymore so anyone would do, so happened Dash was there. I thought it was absolutely ridiculously for her to respond to his declarations with "I didn't know." WHY WOULD YOU??!! YOU WERE MARRIED TO CARSON!! ARRGH!! Oh, and the Carson bit was way too much!! All though she declared she was letting Carson go when did it happen because I missed it??!!! I can understand that it is exceptionally hard to move on from your husband passing away, but Joss's every other statement or thought was about Carson! The entire book was about Carson!! Joss's every thought revolved around Carson. She would say I'm not going to compare them, and then would turn around and do just that!!! Not to mention she may have thought those things were going on in her mind, but they were not!! You were not the only person hearing your thoughts!!!
I did not get the feeling that the relationship between Dash and Joss flowed naturally. It felt forced. And when the conflict occurred and then as far as I am concerned, the resolution of the conflict did not take into account the story prior to the conflict. Dash had every right to be upset, the hospital scene however was over the top, but he has feelings to, and no man would have appreciated what was happening. Joss was not Miss Perfect. She owed him an apology too. I could not for the life of me understand how it was that Dash was made out to be this seriously insecure jerk and Joss at no point was informed of what she was doing every night while in the bed with Dash!! Are you kidding me??!! And then you have all of the friends taking Joss's side and behaving like Dash is this jerk who deserves to be treated as such. Come on!!
I'm sorry this review is so long, but I had serious problems with this book. It was way too repetitive, the relationship between the two main characters felt forced, there was so much internal dialogue that it was annoying and when the dialogue did occur it went on forever and it occurred at the most inopportune times!! Who talks that much during sex??!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!!!! I was so over the whole Joss is PERFECT meme!! It was so annoying. However, I am hoping the next 2 stories will be better in the trilogy because those books are where the real story lines lie. I believe this book was just the foundation for the next two books, and despite it not being a very good foundation, I will try again with the Surrender trilogy, because I am very intrigued by Jensen and very curious as to what is happening with Chessy and Tate. So, I shall forge on, and hopefully I won't be disappointed yet again!!
Ok, overall I liked the characters in the book with the exception of Kylie. I understand she has been through a lot but all of the nasty lashing out was just too much for me. No one needs to be that nasty to her friends. I also really hate that one of the characters is named Chessy. I'm sorry if that is anyone's name out there, but seriously, I really don't like that name at all. It didn't fit the character either. Why couldn't she go with Chelsea or Chrissy? Maya Banks had a Chessy in the Breathless trilogy. Time to get a new name. A real name. Sorry. However, I must say that Chessy actually ended up being my favorite character in this story.
Ok, as for the story itself, it was mediocre. I was not really a big fan of the premise from the get go, best friend in love with best friend's wife even before his best friend's death!! YOWZA!! However, I really felt for Dash because that had to be hell and I totally respected Carson for understanding and trusting his best friend. Yet, I did not like the way Dash, who is supposed to be a Dominant, was portrayed as so desperate to have Joss that he was willing to give all of that up. Umm...I'm no expert on being a Dominant, but what I understand is that it is innate and cannot just be turned off. Anyway, I felt like Dash's love was way too desperate and the whole "your mine" bit from the very beginning of the book was creepy. Seriously, all of the "honeys" really got on my nerves!!
As for Joss, I felt like all of a sudden she decided that she didn't want to be lonely anymore so anyone would do, so happened Dash was there. I thought it was absolutely ridiculously for her to respond to his declarations with "I didn't know." WHY WOULD YOU??!! YOU WERE MARRIED TO CARSON!! ARRGH!! Oh, and the Carson bit was way too much!! All though she declared she was letting Carson go when did it happen because I missed it??!!! I can understand that it is exceptionally hard to move on from your husband passing away, but Joss's every other statement or thought was about Carson! The entire book was about Carson!! Joss's every thought revolved around Carson. She would say I'm not going to compare them, and then would turn around and do just that!!! Not to mention she may have thought those things were going on in her mind, but they were not!! You were not the only person hearing your thoughts!!!
I did not get the feeling that the relationship between Dash and Joss flowed naturally. It felt forced. And when the conflict occurred and then as far as I am concerned, the resolution of the conflict did not take into account the story prior to the conflict. Dash had every right to be upset, the hospital scene however was over the top, but he has feelings to, and no man would have appreciated what was happening. Joss was not Miss Perfect. She owed him an apology too. I could not for the life of me understand how it was that Dash was made out to be this seriously insecure jerk and Joss at no point was informed of what she was doing every night while in the bed with Dash!! Are you kidding me??!! And then you have all of the friends taking Joss's side and behaving like Dash is this jerk who deserves to be treated as such. Come on!!
I'm sorry this review is so long, but I had serious problems with this book. It was way too repetitive, the relationship between the two main characters felt forced, there was so much internal dialogue that it was annoying and when the dialogue did occur it went on forever and it occurred at the most inopportune times!! Who talks that much during sex??!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!!!! I was so over the whole Joss is PERFECT meme!! It was so annoying. However, I am hoping the next 2 stories will be better in the trilogy because those books are where the real story lines lie. I believe this book was just the foundation for the next two books, and despite it not being a very good foundation, I will try again with the Surrender trilogy, because I am very intrigued by Jensen and very curious as to what is happening with Chessy and Tate. So, I shall forge on, and hopefully I won't be disappointed yet again!!
February 17, 2014
Sweet, Sweet, BabyJesus! I feel like one of those seagulls in Finding Nemo--"Mine! Mine! Mine!"
March 26, 2017
I read this about a year ago; it was one of the first BDSM books I read. I hated it then, and I still hate it. (So why did I read it twice?)
BDSM is fascinating to me at least in the realm of fiction. With female authors writing it, it runs the gamut of scintillating to gross to flat out stupid. Sadly, Letting Go falls under stupid category.
The sex scenes are okay (just what you want when you read a sex scene: okay), and the BDSM is fine, I guess, but the characters are blithering freaking idiots. No, no comma between "blithering" and "freaking" as it is all one noun.
Joss, widow to the H's best friend, is ultra feminine, in need of some sex with an edge, and apparently has the mind and personality of a fence post. Girl is dumber than dirt. She blithers around about needing something new; has never noticed that her husband's BF, a man she has known for years and seen every day since her husband has died, has adored her for-freaking-ever. Once in the BDSM relationship she selects ghost as her safe word then wonders why her new boy thinks she's still hung up on her husband. Okey dokey.
Dash, awesome name and totally wasted on a big whiney wuss of a Dom, is almost as bad. Pining after his dead BF's widow he wants to "cherish" and "protect" Joss. If he said "cherish" one more time, I would have reached into the book and paddled the crack out of his a$$. Sorry I''m being crude, but please.
I really like Maya B... I really like some of Maya Banks books. Her pregnancy and Greek tycoon series are lots of fun, most but not all of the KGI are awesome, the Sweet series will make you blush but, frankly stay away from the Rush/Fever/Burn and Colters as they are full of icky sex with more stupid characters. Of course, that is my personal opinion.
One thing I do like is that this series is set in Houston. I'm from Houston, and it was nice reading about the traffic. When traffic and hair ruining humidity are the positives in your erotic novel, you need to read elsewhere.
BDSM is fascinating to me at least in the realm of fiction. With female authors writing it, it runs the gamut of scintillating to gross to flat out stupid. Sadly, Letting Go falls under stupid category.
The sex scenes are okay (just what you want when you read a sex scene: okay), and the BDSM is fine, I guess, but the characters are blithering freaking idiots. No, no comma between "blithering" and "freaking" as it is all one noun.
Joss, widow to the H's best friend, is ultra feminine, in need of some sex with an edge, and apparently has the mind and personality of a fence post. Girl is dumber than dirt. She blithers around about needing something new; has never noticed that her husband's BF, a man she has known for years and seen every day since her husband has died, has adored her for-freaking-ever. Once in the BDSM relationship she selects ghost as her safe word then wonders why her new boy thinks she's still hung up on her husband. Okey dokey.
Dash, awesome name and totally wasted on a big whiney wuss of a Dom, is almost as bad. Pining after his dead BF's widow he wants to "cherish" and "protect" Joss. If he said "cherish" one more time, I would have reached into the book and paddled the crack out of his a$$. Sorry I''m being crude, but please.
I really like Maya B... I really like some of Maya Banks books. Her pregnancy and Greek tycoon series are lots of fun, most but not all of the KGI are awesome, the Sweet series will make you blush but, frankly stay away from the Rush/Fever/Burn and Colters as they are full of icky sex with more stupid characters. Of course, that is my personal opinion.
One thing I do like is that this series is set in Houston. I'm from Houston, and it was nice reading about the traffic. When traffic and hair ruining humidity are the positives in your erotic novel, you need to read elsewhere.
February 10, 2014
I am a HUGE Maya Banks fan. I buy every book she writes on release day. I find her incredibly stalk-worthy. Letting go is the first in a new three part series about three female friends. I guess the female version of the “Breathless” trilogy.
The first book is about Joss, (whose name was SO similar to Josie in Burn, I had to go back and double check that it wasn’t the same!) a young widow trying to move on with her life, three years after the sudden death of her husband. She has found love once, and she know she will NEVER find it again. Did I mention NEVER? Because if I didn’t, I promise, it is brought up many, many times in the book. Dash is Joss’s husband’s best friend, who has been quietly waiting for her to stop mourning. He has been in love with her for a long time, and waiting for his chance.
The one thing Joss wanted in her marriage, that her husband couldn’t provide was Dominance, that is where Dash comes in. Dash is a Dom. All kinds of sparks fly when Joss decides to move on, with a purely sexual relationship, because, did I mention she will NEVER find love again... and runs into Dash at The House (where we run into some old friends from The Sweet Series, reading this book was worth it just to see these old friends!!).
I think one of the most disappointing elements to me in this book was the portrayal of Dash as a Dom. I think he was weak and he displayed many poor qualities. I was really surprised, because Maya Banks usually does a really good job writing BDSM. Not a lot happened in a relatively long book, and it kind of dragged along. This was not one of my favorite books by her. While it was a good book, overall, I would rate it three stars.
The first book is about Joss, (whose name was SO similar to Josie in Burn, I had to go back and double check that it wasn’t the same!) a young widow trying to move on with her life, three years after the sudden death of her husband. She has found love once, and she know she will NEVER find it again. Did I mention NEVER? Because if I didn’t, I promise, it is brought up many, many times in the book. Dash is Joss’s husband’s best friend, who has been quietly waiting for her to stop mourning. He has been in love with her for a long time, and waiting for his chance.
The one thing Joss wanted in her marriage, that her husband couldn’t provide was Dominance, that is where Dash comes in. Dash is a Dom. All kinds of sparks fly when Joss decides to move on, with a purely sexual relationship, because, did I mention she will NEVER find love again... and runs into Dash at The House (where we run into some old friends from The Sweet Series, reading this book was worth it just to see these old friends!!).
I think one of the most disappointing elements to me in this book was the portrayal of Dash as a Dom. I think he was weak and he displayed many poor qualities. I was really surprised, because Maya Banks usually does a really good job writing BDSM. Not a lot happened in a relatively long book, and it kind of dragged along. This was not one of my favorite books by her. While it was a good book, overall, I would rate it three stars.
September 6, 2021
This one was just okay. The sex, when it happened, was steamy enough, but it took too long to get to that part, the dialogue was clunky and unbelievable, and the motivation for the Dark Moment pretty weak.
January 28, 2014
3.5/5 stars
Full Review (originally posted on Michelle & Leslie's Book Picks: http://booksandmakeup.blogspot.com)
Joss has been mourning her beloved husband, Carson, for three years. She loved him with all her heart but it was time to move on and live her life. And also seek the one thing her husband couldn't give her: Joss wanted a dominant man to her submissive. She never thought she'd find it in her husband's best friend and business partner, Dash.
I have enjoyed Maya Banks' novels in the past, especially her KGI series. I haven't read many of her spicier novels and I was a little apprehensive because I usually stay away from books with a Dominant/submissive relationship. But since I basically read anything and everything with a friends-to-lovers trope that I come across (it's one of my very favorites!), I eagerly picked up Letting Go.
The verdict? Pretty good!
Like I said, Letting Go has a friends-to-lovers theme. Joss and Dash have been friends for years--Dash was Carson's best friend and the person who held and comforted Joss since her husband's untimely death. Joss never suspecting that Dash has been in love with her for years.
Dash was the most... I want to say warmest Dominant I've read. I don't usually pick up books with D/s relationships because the hero comes across as too alpha and too cold and rub against my feminist sensibilities the wrong way (even with reassurances that in a true D/s relationships the female holds as much power as the male, etc., etc.). But Dash was loving and sweet and took care of Joss, who herself was such a sweetheart. The chemistry between them was hot. While the smexy times weren't anything that I haven't already come across before, they were steamy. You're going to want to read this one with a cold drink.
I also liked that both Joss and Dash had a very good relationship with Carson. Often in romance the deceased husband or the ex-husband is horrible human being. But it was the opposite in Letting Go, as both Joss and Dash both loved Carson. That gave the story a freshness for me.
My one big issue with Letting Go, though, was the dialogue. I did feel that the dialogue between Joss and Dash and their inner thoughts grew very repetitive in the first third of the novel. They did have some issues they had to work out in the beginning for their relationship to start on even footing, but having the same conversation many times over really slowed the pacing of the novel and my eyes glazed at some points.
Whilst I do have that one big issue with Letting Go, there were many things I liked about it and I enjoyed reading it on the whole. It is a great start to the series. I'm definitely excited to read the other two books featuring Joss and Dash's friends. Pick up Letting Go by Maya Banks for a steamy weekend read.
Full Review (originally posted on Michelle & Leslie's Book Picks: http://booksandmakeup.blogspot.com)
Joss has been mourning her beloved husband, Carson, for three years. She loved him with all her heart but it was time to move on and live her life. And also seek the one thing her husband couldn't give her: Joss wanted a dominant man to her submissive. She never thought she'd find it in her husband's best friend and business partner, Dash.
I have enjoyed Maya Banks' novels in the past, especially her KGI series. I haven't read many of her spicier novels and I was a little apprehensive because I usually stay away from books with a Dominant/submissive relationship. But since I basically read anything and everything with a friends-to-lovers trope that I come across (it's one of my very favorites!), I eagerly picked up Letting Go.
The verdict? Pretty good!
Like I said, Letting Go has a friends-to-lovers theme. Joss and Dash have been friends for years--Dash was Carson's best friend and the person who held and comforted Joss since her husband's untimely death. Joss never suspecting that Dash has been in love with her for years.
Dash was the most... I want to say warmest Dominant I've read. I don't usually pick up books with D/s relationships because the hero comes across as too alpha and too cold and rub against my feminist sensibilities the wrong way (even with reassurances that in a true D/s relationships the female holds as much power as the male, etc., etc.). But Dash was loving and sweet and took care of Joss, who herself was such a sweetheart. The chemistry between them was hot. While the smexy times weren't anything that I haven't already come across before, they were steamy. You're going to want to read this one with a cold drink.
I also liked that both Joss and Dash had a very good relationship with Carson. Often in romance the deceased husband or the ex-husband is horrible human being. But it was the opposite in Letting Go, as both Joss and Dash both loved Carson. That gave the story a freshness for me.
My one big issue with Letting Go, though, was the dialogue. I did feel that the dialogue between Joss and Dash and their inner thoughts grew very repetitive in the first third of the novel. They did have some issues they had to work out in the beginning for their relationship to start on even footing, but having the same conversation many times over really slowed the pacing of the novel and my eyes glazed at some points.
Whilst I do have that one big issue with Letting Go, there were many things I liked about it and I enjoyed reading it on the whole. It is a great start to the series. I'm definitely excited to read the other two books featuring Joss and Dash's friends. Pick up Letting Go by Maya Banks for a steamy weekend read.
March 2, 2014
Shadow‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Review copy provided for an honest review
4 STARS
While this was overall a good read, there were some aspects of it that really bothered me. It is a story about Joss, who has been mourning her dead husband for the past three years, and Dash, her husband’s best friend, who has supported her throughout her trials.
Joss finally decides she’s ready to move on and to seek what she couldn’t have with Carson-a man to dominate and own her. So she goes to the local BDSM club, only to be spotted by Dash, who takes her home.
For his part, Dash can’t believe that the woman he has loved and longed for since he first met her really wants a Dominant man. It is the culmination of his wildest dreams.
The two of them tiptoe into a relationship, and Joss is happy with her decision to turn over control to Dash. But Dash’s insecurities come to the surface and he lashes out at Joss, driving her away. Can these two move beyond their shared past to find a future together?
I really liked Joss; she was a strong woman willing to go after what she wanted. I had more problems with Dash, because when he finally got what he had dreamed about, he threw it away without talking to Joss about his fears and concerns. He was also extremely rough with someone who was new to the lifestyle.
In spite of these reservations, this was a hot, emotional story, well written and with well-drawn characters. The author can squeeze her readers’ hearts and leave them in tears, and she does that in this book.
Review copy provided for an honest review
4 STARS
While this was overall a good read, there were some aspects of it that really bothered me. It is a story about Joss, who has been mourning her dead husband for the past three years, and Dash, her husband’s best friend, who has supported her throughout her trials.
Joss finally decides she’s ready to move on and to seek what she couldn’t have with Carson-a man to dominate and own her. So she goes to the local BDSM club, only to be spotted by Dash, who takes her home.
For his part, Dash can’t believe that the woman he has loved and longed for since he first met her really wants a Dominant man. It is the culmination of his wildest dreams.
The two of them tiptoe into a relationship, and Joss is happy with her decision to turn over control to Dash. But Dash’s insecurities come to the surface and he lashes out at Joss, driving her away. Can these two move beyond their shared past to find a future together?
I really liked Joss; she was a strong woman willing to go after what she wanted. I had more problems with Dash, because when he finally got what he had dreamed about, he threw it away without talking to Joss about his fears and concerns. He was also extremely rough with someone who was new to the lifestyle.
In spite of these reservations, this was a hot, emotional story, well written and with well-drawn characters. The author can squeeze her readers’ hearts and leave them in tears, and she does that in this book.
March 2, 2014
Josslyn Breckenridge
Dash Corbin
I'm not going to lie, in the end I didn't really like Dash. He was kinda jerky, and not in the cocky alpha-hole way I've come to like. The way he flipped on Joss so easily bothered me. Now beyond that I did like Joss and Dash's story. And I like the overall cast of this trilogy. I'll really interested in seeing what is up with Jensen and Kylie.
On a random note did anyone else notice all the men, well the living men, have two first names. Dash Corbin, Jensen Tucker. Oh well just a personal quirk.
Overall 3 Stars
Dash Corbin
I'm not going to lie, in the end I didn't really like Dash. He was kinda jerky, and not in the cocky alpha-hole way I've come to like. The way he flipped on Joss so easily bothered me. Now beyond that I did like Joss and Dash's story. And I like the overall cast of this trilogy. I'll really interested in seeing what is up with Jensen and Kylie.
On a random note did anyone else notice all the men, well the living men, have two first names. Dash Corbin, Jensen Tucker. Oh well just a personal quirk.
Overall 3 Stars
August 18, 2016
The book itself was really good and the BDSM-aspect was actually kind of refreshing for this story. It did not seem over the top erotic or even painfully weird, just normal. The characters were held realistically and honest. Their relationship seemed romantic and passionate, which is maybe one of reasons i liked the book this much. Also the author kept the more dominant scenes pretty authentic. Dash and Joss were a strong couple. I can see myself reading more of Maya Banks in the future. I did not give the book 5 stars because i was missing something, at least it felt this way.
4/5 stars
4/5 stars
November 27, 2024
Meh, it was a disappointment. Fast read, but had no substance and the plot line was boring.
January 29, 2014
Joss accepting that she needed to move on with her life rang true to me. Three years is a long time to grieve for someone. That she would decide on the anniversary of his death to explore the parts of herself she's been denying held a bittersweet irony. Her journey back to herself was one of the better parts of the book for me.
I felt Dash's pain when it came to Joss. To be in love with your best friend's wife? Ouch. Especially when said best friend dies and the woman you love mourns him for 3 long years. His struggle to overcome his insecurities about his place in Joss's life since her husband is gone was realistic. I can see how the ghost of his best friend was between them.
What I found problematic were the BDSM aspects of the story. Dash didn't read as a Dom to me. He may have dabbled in the lifestyle, but he didn't come across as particularly dominating. She asked several times for him to take over her completely, in all aspects of her life (inside the bedroom and out). Yet he never did. There were times the sexual play got a bit kinky, but I didn't consider what they did BDSM (though I will say, again, I am not an aficionado. You can take my opinion or leave it).
I felt Dash's pain when it came to Joss. To be in love with your best friend's wife? Ouch. Especially when said best friend dies and the woman you love mourns him for 3 long years. His struggle to overcome his insecurities about his place in Joss's life since her husband is gone was realistic. I can see how the ghost of his best friend was between them.
What I found problematic were the BDSM aspects of the story. Dash didn't read as a Dom to me. He may have dabbled in the lifestyle, but he didn't come across as particularly dominating. She asked several times for him to take over her completely, in all aspects of her life (inside the bedroom and out). Yet he never did. There were times the sexual play got a bit kinky, but I didn't consider what they did BDSM (though I will say, again, I am not an aficionado. You can take my opinion or leave it).
June 29, 2014
Maya Banks es una autora conocida para mí. La he leído tanto en su faceta histórica como en la erótica, y en ambas me ha gustado mucho. Es una autora con personalidad, que sabe imprimirle su esencia a todo lo que escribe. Le gusta moverse dentro de ciertos parámetros (hombres dominantes, historias con una fuerte carga sexual y a la vez muy románticas), así que cuando te enfrentas a una novela suya, tienes bastante claro lo que te puedes encontrar en ella. Para quienes hayáis leído su anterior trilogía, Sin aliento (conformada por Éxtasis, Fervor y Frenesí), esta nueva trilogía, que comienza con Déjate llevar y sus títulos están protagonizados por diferentes parejas, mantiene la misma esencia: una relación BDSM, un protagonista intenso y posesivo y una trama ágil, erótica y romántica.
Reseña completa: http://loquequierahoy.blogspot.com.es...
Reseña completa: http://loquequierahoy.blogspot.com.es...
October 28, 2016
Between a 3 and a 3.5 for me. I enjoyed this book, but on the dominance and submission it was a little lacking.
July 28, 2025
mmmmmmmmmmmmm … the term “heavy with our baby” at the end really gave me the ick. no thank u. fairly unbelievable, really didn’t like any of the male characters.
July 18, 2022
gonna pretend i finished this
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