When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.
Gabe has starred in Mia’s fantasies more than once, ever since she was a teenager with a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. So what if Gabe’s fourteen years older? Mia knows he’s way out of her league, but her attraction has only grown stronger with time. She’s an adult now, and there’s no reason not to act on her most secret desires.
As Gabe pulls her into his provocative world, she realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him or how exacting his demands can be. Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed—and vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected.
Review with spoilers!
I wanted to state, before I posted this, I checked the publishing history for both stories I’m mentioning in this critique. Also, I want to apologize if my review upsets any readers or fans of her work but I must say what’s on my mind. With that said, I will make sure and list some positive aspects of the story because I am NOT a heartless bitch. I understand writing is time consuming and handwork so praise should be given as well.
“Rush” – Berkley trade paperback edition/ February 2013
“Fifty Shades of Grey” by E L James – First published by The Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing House. Australia. 2011.
“Fifty Shades of Grey” by E L James – First published by The Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing House. Australia. 2011.
“Rush” is the first and only book I’ve read by Maya Banks. I went into it with high hopes because the author was suggested to me based on my taste of erotic romances.
I’m sorry to say I was more than a little disappointed with it. (No offense to those who liked it.) But, it is way too similar to book one of 50 Shades of Grey.
Let me list a few of those similarities to you.
1.) A billionaire guy, Gabe, asks a woman, Mia, to read and sign a contract before they engage in a BDSM relationship. (contract not present. Mia, the lead role, only mentions what passages say.) The two people meet to negotiate sections she has issues with before she signs it. (Must state that unlike 50 Shades, the Dom role is a friend of the family. In fact, it’s her brother’s best friend and business partner.)
2.) Gabe’s persistent Mia eats.
3.) There is a scene where she overindulges in alcohol and he’s there taking care of her. She can’t hold her liquor either.
4.) He drops to his knees and asks her not to leave him – ever.
5.) There is a male villain who uses personal information about the couple to meet his own agenda. He (the nutso) doesn’t win either.
6.) A friend discovers their relationship and is pissed at first. But then accepts it because it makes her happy.
7.) Gabe discovered he couldn’t sleep without her in his bed.
That’s all I can think of right now.
Positive remarks!
1.) I did discover Maya can write one helluva erotic scenes. Sorry E L James, but you can’t hold a candle to Maya on this one.
2.) I loved how Gabe showed Mia he loved her. Electronic billboard message was a brilliant idea – totally different. The marriage proposal was very romantic. Having a billion dollars at your disposal does have its perks.
3.) Ash intrigues me enough to stick with the series and find out what his future holds. Plus, I want to know his backstory.
Heart rating system:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)
Score: ❤❤
Purchase links
Glad to see you are going to stick around to check out more of Maya's work.
I'm very interested in the next 2 books.
Review of "Fever" will be up next week. 🙂
Thank you for your review. I actually hadn't given thought to the connection of similarities between books before, however, you make very good points. I am looking forward to your thoughts on additional Maya Banks books.