Review of Rush by Maya Banks

I just finished up reading Rush by Maya Banks last night. This is the first book in the Breathless series that focuses around 3 rich business partners: Gabe, Jace & Ash. There are three books planned for this series so far, each focusing on 1 of the 3 partners. This first book centers on the story of Gabe and Jace's sister, Mia. Mia has grown up without parents, so the three business partners have been the only family that she knows - three very overprotective brothers. Gabe has admired her from afar over the years, watching her grow into a beautiful woman. He finally takes a chance and propositions her with a contract outlining just what kind of relationship he is looking for.

Now I got on this romance novel bandwagon after reading Fifty Shades of Gray, and there have been many novels that tried to recreate the magic that is the Eva/Christian relationship. I don't think Maya Banks quite recreated it, but you can't help but see the similarities between the two novels once you get deeper into the story.

I must admit, I had a really rough time getting through the first 50-60% of the book. I just wasn't connecting with the characters and no matter how hard I tried, I just wasn't liking the dynamic between the two of them. Yes, we all love those overly possessive and jealous, rich, handsome as ever guys in our romance novels. We also love the super steamy sex scenes that are scattered throughout books like this, but we also have to feel a connection to the characters. Both characters just weren't pulling me into this one.

Then came the controversial Paris scene... I had read a few reviews that readers were very upset at the supposed "menage" scene that happens in Paris. I am not intending to spoil anything here, just wanting to give my opinion on the scene. First, I did not consider the scene menage. Second, it was a huge turning point for Gabe & Mia's relationship. This scene was a pivotal part of getting the couple's relationship where we all wanted it to go - a HEA! I was a little scared going into this book after reading the reviews that this scene might ruin the book for me. I wasn't a huge fan of the scene and I can tell why it would turn some people off, but I am happy with what happened as a result of the Paris scene.

Speaking of the result, this may have the best groveling/take me back story that I have ever read. I really enjoyed where Maya Banks took their story, because it could have gone a lot of different directions. I am also very excited that she ended Gabe & Mia's story with this book and didn't try to drag it out into a longer series.

When I first saw all of the hype for this series I was very much looking forward to getting my hands on Rush and it didn't disappoint. Overall, I would give this story a 3.5-4 stars out of 5. As I said, the story seemed a little long and drawn out until the halfway part. After that point though, I couldn't put it down!

Maya Banks even put a teaser at the end of this novel for the next in the series, Fever. Fever is Jace's story, which will surely be a entertaining as he isn't known for solid relationships. The teaser at the end definitely left me intrigued on where things will go with Jace & Bethany.

 
Also - just look at these covers for the next 2 books in the series, aren't they just beautiful? I love the look of this and I am glad it isn't a piece of jewelry LOL.