Hidden Away (KGI, #3)

Mar 05, 2011 Shawna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of gruff, hot, protective alpha military heroes who fall hard for their women!

Shelves: series-kelly-kgi, maya-banks, cop-bodyguard-govop-merc-military, romantic-suspense, im-a-cover-hottie-ho, brothers-sisters-cousins-family, favorite-romance-series, kindle, 2011-reads, angsty-dark-heavy-lotsa-drama, animals-matter, contemporary-romance, favorites, hero-abused-scarred-tortured-angst, hero-alpha‎, hero-i-wanna-marry, hero-im-gaga-over, hero-stalk-me-baby-possessive, hero-stud-mantel-hall-of-fame, heroine-abused-traumatic-past-rape, hh-disfigured-injured-scarred-ill, hh-post-traumatic-stress-disorder, hh-sweet-nice-paired-vs-gruff-cynic, hh-warrior, i-read-kindle, i-read-own-faves-keepers, made-me-cry, military-romance, revenge-deception-secrets-lies, sizable-packages, steam-3-hot, favorite-love-scenes, hero-brooding, pregnancy-fertility-baby-kids-drama, best-faves-of-2011, favorite-romance-couple-hh-pairings, 5-stars, hh-on-the-run-in-hiding, hero-military-war-veteran

5 stars – Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense

GAWD I love Garrett!

Favorite quotes:

**********Possible spoiler**********

"And just so you know, Sarah, I'm going to make love to you. I don't give a damn if it kills me in the process. I'm going to have you. You're going to sleep in my bed, in my arms, your skin against mine. I want the last thing you feel before you go to sleep is me inside you, and the first thing you know when you wake up."

"I want to savor you all night," he said in a rough, husk...more

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Mar 08, 2011 Mojca rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: cover-hunkiness, maya-banks, bodyguard-military-merc-gov-cop-leo, contemporary-romance, e-book, part-of-a-series, series-kgi, suspense-mystery-adventure-thriller, couch-potato-challenge, own, monthly-challenge-read-march, read-the-month-challenge-march, once-and-never-again

This was one of those books when you exclaim “What the hell happened?” when it ends. Because I didn’t get it. Well, I didn’t get where the blurb came from? Because the story and the blurb didn’t mesh.

But let’s start at the beginning. It was slow. Very slow. Very, very slow. Something happened in the first chapter, then we had chapter after chapter of nothing happening, then she disappeared, there was a birth (which had nothing to do with the main story, by the way), he found her again, something...more

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Mar 21, 2013 Susanne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-romantic-suspense, buddy-reads

You can say it, Sarah. You were raped. You were violated. You were attacked by someone you trusted.

You have to leave your reality-glasses in the other room while reading this book! Lol! After six Maya Banks books it is clear that she has a soft spot for broken and traumatized heroine. And so do I. But this was the third rape-recovery book I've read in a short time span, and I need a break from them.

I loved Garrett. I loved the part on the paradise island. Big swoon when he brought her a basket w...more

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Mar 12, 2011 Tam Herra rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: family-series, down-on-their-luck, romances-after-surviving-trauma, romantic-suspence

I just don't buy it. Not the book (I bought the book), the story.

It was a ridiculous concept and premise, but that's ok because this was suppose to be a romantic suspense. But it wasn't especially suspenseful. Garrett was suppose to be protecting Sarah, but there wasn't all that much protecting, just a lot of running away. So the whole thing ended up just being a big sort of let down. Was the threat as big as they were saying? It didn't seem to be, there wasn't enough drama. See? I don't by it!

N...more

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Feb 07, 2012 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2011

Favorite Quote: “He made her stupid. Completely and utterly stupid.”

Hidden Away is the third book in Maya Banks’ KGI series. This is Garrett’s book. In the first book, I loved Garrett. He was a total badass with a soft and sweet side. He was tender and loving towards his sister-in-law who had been kidnapped and left for dead. In the second book, Garrett was a bit of an arse. Okay, he was a total arse. I’ve been looking forward to his book so I could finally know who the real Garrett was. Well, i...more

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Mar 02, 2011 Bookaholics rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Hidden Away by Maya Banks
Romantic Suspense –March 1st, 2011
4 stars

Hidden Away is the third in the KGI (Kelly Group International) series about brothers who have formed an elite team that take care of ‘business’ the military cannot.

In this story, Garrett Kelly finds himself injured and he is asked to keep track of a woman named Sarah Daniels. Sarah is under suspicion because she is a witness to a murder and on the run. And the Kelly Group wants to find out what she knows. Soon they discover that...more

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Mar 01, 2011 Maldivianbookreviewer rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of Maya Banks, Fans of KGI series, Fans or romantic suspense

Shelves: maya-banks, contemporary-romance, fabulous-cover, part-of-a-series, romantic-suspense, abused-heroine, brooding-hero, dangerous-hero, creepy-villian, endearing-hero, endearing-heroine, ex-military-hero, favorite-alpha-heroes, haunted-by-the-past-heroine, haunted-by-the-past-hero, hot-as-sin-hero, larger-than-life-hero, loner-hero, loner-heroine, quirky-family-included, scarred-hero, shower-smexing, tortured-hero, tortured-heroine

3.5 Star Romantic Suspense

I couldn't go to sleep without posting the review, and its 1:45 am in the morning and I have work tomorrow *groans*

It feels like it has been forever since I picked up my first KGI novel, The Darkest Hour which shot Maya Banks right into the top of my favorite romantic suspense authors list. The second novel that came out entitled No Place to Run was equally intense as it was emotional and since then I have been on tenterhooks waiting for the release day of Hidden Away...more

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May 23, 2011 Pamela(AllHoney) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: rs-mystery-thriller, hiding-or-on-the-run, undercover-special-covert-ops, tortured-hero, tormented-heroine, my-4-star-romances, favorites

What is it about those Kelly brothers? There should be a law against so many hunky men in one family. I mean, come one, throw a little skinny nerd in there or something! LOL! JK! Great addition to the series.

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Aug 19, 2011 Crystal ♥ RBtWBC rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: best-of-2011, reading-challenge-sizzling-summer, all-time-favorites, genre-romantic-suspense, rating-5-star

My favorite of the series so far!

Series Review, Books #1-3
The Kelly/KGI Series is a dark and sinfully sexy romantic suspense series that centers on a tight-knit military family, the Kelly’s. There are six Kelly brothers, all of whom served in different branches of the military and together form a special private security agency called the Kelly Group International, which take on the missions that even the government can’t handle. These brothers are hard-bodied, sexy alpha males that will have yo...more My favorite of the series so far!

Series Review, Books #1-3
The Kelly/KGI Series is a dark and sinfully sexy romantic suspense series that centers on a tight-knit military family, the Kelly’s. There are six Kelly brothers, all of whom served in different branches of the military and together form a special private security agency called the Kelly Group International, which take on the missions that even the government can’t handle. These brothers are hard-bodied, sexy alpha males that will have you swooning in no time; and with each book featuring a brother’s own HEA you receive plenty of danger, sex and a roller coaster of emotions when these sensuous military men must fight for the women they love

The first book in the series, The Darkest Hour, centers on one of the younger Kelly brothers, Ethan Kelly. Ethan is an ex-Navy Seal grieving for the wife he lost a year ago. When he receives an anonymous package on the one year anniversary of her death, claiming that Rachel is really alive Ethan will do anything to find her and keep her, even if that means raiding a drug cartel’s camp in the middle of the jungle. The Darkest Hour is an emotionally intense novel all about second chances; with plenty of scorching hot romance, action and subterfuge that makes for edge of your seat perfection with a sizzling main couple and a dynamic cast of secondary characters.

No Place to Run continues the series with the eldest of the Kelly bothers, Sam. Being the oldest, Sam is extremely protective of his family and takes his responsibility over the whole Kelly crew very seriously. When a woman from his past washes up in his lake though, his protective instincts rise to a whole new level. On the run from her family, Sophie Lundgren’s only hope for her and the life of her unborn child is Sam, her baby’s father. Swift moving and heart stopping, No Place to Run is sexually charged and full of excitement providing non-stop entertainment as a superb addition to the series.

Hidden Away is the latest book in the KGI series and my favorite so far, centering on the second eldest Kelly brother, Garrett Kelly who insists on being on each mission and protecting his brother’s backs. After being injured on his last assignment though, taking a bullet for his newest sister-in-law, Garrett is forced into some down time. However an all-expense paid beach vacation courtesy of the US government isn’t so bad, especially since all he has to do is keep an eye on the lovely Sarah Daniels, who after witnessing a murder committed by her brother is in hiding. The possible capture of her murdering brother who Garrett holds a personal grudge against is just a bonus. As he gets closer to Sarah though and the more he learns about her the more he respects her and starts to fall for her. But when Sarah is caught in the middle of the only two men she has ever loved which one will she choose? Gripping, sizzling and breathtaking, Maya Banks weaves a riveting story of heart break, intrigue and trust. Banks delivers one hell of a ride with Hidden Away and I was enthralled from the first page. The first love scene was so intense, I didn’t even realize that I was holding my breath until it puffed out when he finally shouted her name!

These are my first Maya Banks reads and they will definitely not be my last! If you like contemporary romance, romantic suspense or even just plain old suspense novels then I recommend her KGI’s to you. I cannot wait for the next addition to the series, even though it won’t be Donavan’s who I am really looking forward to. Each character in this mind blowing series is smart, sexy and compelling; leaving me craving for more more more!

A without-a-doubt, a five-wine glass-must-read series! (less)

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Mar 21, 2011 Willow Brook rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary

Another enjoyable installment in the KGI series about the formidable Kelly brothers, though this one had enough things that bugged me to make it my least favorite book so far. My biggest issue was the heroine, Sarah. From the get-go, when she is described as having acquaintances but no close friends, I was shaking my head. Maybe because I just spent the past month not being able to spend time with my closest friends and it was driving me a little batty. I get that she was a foster child and has...more Another enjoyable installment in the KGI series about the formidable Kelly brothers, though this one had enough things that bugged me to make it my least favorite book so far. My biggest issue was the heroine, Sarah. From the get-go, when she is described as having acquaintances but no close friends, I was shaking my head. Maybe because I just spent the past month not being able to spend time with my closest friends and it was driving me a little batty. I get that she was a foster child and has issues, but she's a grown woman now and you'd think she would have figured out how to make a friend or two. She was too much the fragile victim for my taste, though obviously it worked well for the hero, Garrett, LOL. I did enjoy him, a grumpy tough guy who is a marshmallow inside when it comes to women, going into instant rescue mode. He was very sweet and considerate with Sarah who had some rough stuff to get over.

The story involves Sarah on the run because she witnesses her brother Marcus, her only family/support person committing a crime and does not want to be used against him. Turns out her bro is one nasty piece of work and she is the only person he has ever truly cared about (must be genetic). Many people want to take out Marcus, including Garrett for very personal reasons. His desire for revenge coincides with a request from the CIA that he keep an eye on Sarah to see if Marcus shows up where she is staying. So he hangs out at the same tropical island where Sarah is hiding and they find themselves drawn to each other. Garrett immediately wants to rescue, care for and protect fragile, haunted Sarah and she likes that just fine. The tricky part is he also wants to kill the one person she is close to and he must lie to her while trying to draw Marcus out and keep her safe from others who want to use and even kill her. So that was certainly a hurdle for our young lovers to overcome on their way to a HEA.

Interspersed through the story are scenes with the large Kelly family and it was nice to see them all again. Despite my carping about Sarah (and I could go on, I'm just short on time ), I enjoyed the story, found Garret very tender and sweet and had fun catching up with the various Kellys. A fun series. I look forward to the next installment, hopefully with a heroine who has a little more backbone and smaller tear ducts. (less)

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Mar 04, 2011 Amy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fv-review, 2read2

Sarah Daniels is trying to take her life back, along with her sanity after being raped by her former boss (Alan Cross) while his brother (Stanley Cross) restrained her and watched the attack.* Broken and afraid, Sarah confesses the incident to her beloved half brother, Marcus Lattimer, who is hell bent on exacting revenge against both of the Cross brothers. Before Marcus whisks Sarah away to a quite location to heal, he tracks down and murders Alan in cold blood. Sarah witnesses the aftermath of...more Sarah Daniels is trying to take her life back, along with her sanity after being raped by her former boss (Alan Cross) while his brother (Stanley Cross) restrained her and watched the attack.* Broken and afraid, Sarah confesses the incident to her beloved half brother, Marcus Lattimer, who is hell bent on exacting revenge against both of the Cross brothers. Before Marcus whisks Sarah away to a quite location to heal, he tracks down and murders Alan in cold blood. Sarah witnesses the aftermath of Marcus’ killing and flees the scene, running into Stanley on her way out. Knowing Stanley will soon learn of Alan’s murder, and wanting to protect her brother and herself, Sarah flees the country with no plan of action except escape. Long connected with various illegal organizations, Marcus’ killing does not escape notice. CIA contact Resnick calls a meeting with the KGI Team to inform them of Marcus’s latest murder and to enlist their help in tracking his whereabouts. Garrett Kelly, former military soldier and now member of the KGI Team is determined to take the job. It’s a personal mission for Garrett as Marcus double-crossed Garrett years ago and as a result two of Garrett’s teammates were killed. Garrett takes off to the remote Isle de Bijoux where Sarah is hiding out so he can watch and wait for Marcus to join her. What Garrett doesn’t count on is falling for the fragile and vulnerable Sarah in the process.

There were elements of the story which I continue to love in the KGI series, but I feel that Hidden Away fell a bit short. In the previous installments, we had strong and capable heroes and heroines. They were not without faults or tragedies, but they persevered. While Sarah had a traumatic event in her life, her neurotic paranoia and broken spirit exhausted me through much of the book. Garrett’s patience and sensitivity with Sarah was heartwarming, but their overall chemistry lacked the spark I expected. In The Darkest Hour and No Place to Run, Garrett was a broody, stoic and introverted man who, never-the-less was a hard core badass. A woman who brought out his primal passion and intensity, as opposed to appealing to his caregiver instincts would have made for a more satisfying pairing. I also think this would have aided the pace of the book. I understand the relationship had to develop slowly due to Sarah’s past, but I did not expect to wait over 200 pages for their relationship to progress to the next level and for Garrett and Sarah to become intimate. Also, for a romantic suspense novel, the slow build-up hampered the tension and was uncharacteristic of the series. My relative disinterest in the main couple made me more interested in the developments of the other Kelly brothers (I want Donovan’s book now!) and KGI team members.

What I always enjoy about this series is the family unity Ms. Banks portrays in each book. If I ever wanted to be adopted into a fictional family, it would be the Kelly’s. They protect their own and have a solid devotion to each family member. In Hidden Away, we reconnect with Ethan and Rachel as well as Sam and Sophie from the prior two books. There is also a great scene with the brothers and Rusty (Mama Kelly’s stray foster child) that will melt your heart and solidify how devoted each brother is to family. Blood or not.

While I didn’t particularly connect with Sarah and Garrett did not fully met my expectations, I am devoted to the Kelly brothers and am happy to report that Ms. Banks will be continuing the KGI series and releasing information about the next two books soon!

Favorite Quote:

“When she looked up there was a predatory gleam in Garrett’s eyes. A look that told her she was his and he planed to lay claim. Oh but she loved that look. No one had ever looked at her with such intensity. Like he dared anyone to take what was his anyway. Like he wanted to devour her in a single bite and savor the taste.”

* For those concerned readers out there, the rape scene is not spoken about in detail.(less)

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Apr 12, 2013 Miraphora rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romantic-suspance

Non sono 4 stelline piene per questo romanzo. Arrivata al terzo libro – di fila – dei fratelli Kelly comincio ad accusare la ripetitività della storia. Per carità, sono comunque 4 stelline anche se con un meno davanti e indicano ampiamente il mio livello di apprezzamento.
Io apprezzo i Kelly, su questo non ci piove, non posso schifare nemmeno uno dei personaggi maschili creati dalla Banks. Quello che ha causato il meno è – credo – il fatto che la storia di Garrett non mi era nuova. Lo avevo già l...more Non sono 4 stelline piene per questo romanzo. Arrivata al terzo libro – di fila – dei fratelli Kelly comincio ad accusare la ripetitività della storia. Per carità, sono comunque 4 stelline anche se con un meno davanti e indicano ampiamente il mio livello di apprezzamento.
Io apprezzo i Kelly, su questo non ci piove, non posso schifare nemmeno uno dei personaggi maschili creati dalla Banks. Quello che ha causato il meno è – credo – il fatto che la storia di Garrett non mi era nuova. Lo avevo già letto circa un anno fa, per cui il livello di novità era nullo. Mi è bastato iniziare la prima pagina per ricordarmi tutta la storia e perdere interesse nel continuare la lettura. L’ho fatto, finirlo intendo, perché ho tutta l’intenzione di iniziare a breve in quarto romanzo della serie e proprio non potevo saltare il terzo.
Anche perché bisogna dare a Garrett ciò che è di Garrett. Fin dal primo romanzo ci appare come il fratello dal cipiglio cattivo, quello che ti spaventa anche se sta muto e fermo, grande e grosso come Sam, ma senza dolcezza. Il suo essere in disparte, scontroso e duro con tutti ha creato un guscio piuttosto duro da superare ed è molto curioso vedere come la Banks abbia saputo creare due livelli ben distinti: c’è il Garrett di famiglia, quello dolce solo quando vuole e solo con le donne di famiglia, e c’è il Garrett che si sente fuori luogo e indeciso con le donne che non conosce. Se fino ad ora ci veniva presentato sempre come quello che tutti credono essere rigido e inflessibile, man mano che la Banks crea le varie situazioni, Garrett diventa rilassato, introspettivo e molto spiccio: niente finta durezza, solo buon senso e una buona dose di sincerità.
Mi piace che i personaggi maschili della Banks non si facciano tante pippe mentali e che non usino il passato che impedire che la storia si svolga. Certo, il passato di Garrett muove le fila di questa storia, ma non si lascia trascinare dal senso di vendetta, trasformando volontariamente il modo in cui vede le cose. Altro che rigido e inflessibile, Garrett è molto adattabile, molto docile quando si tratta di cambiare in base ai cambiamenti della trama. Per questo è molto dolce vedere come si adegui alle necessità di Sarah che, diciamocelo, ha dei seri problemi. Tutto quello che succede capita perché Garrett riesce a seguire il flusso, senza porre resistenza. La Banks ci fa entrare molto spesso nella sua testa e ci fa leggere la chiarezza dei suoi pensieri. Mi è piaciuta veramente molto la caratterizzazione del suo personaggio: è profondo, ma non troppo complesso, è pratico e –quasi- trasparente, ed è molto, molto dedito a Sarah. L’intensità con la quale si dedica a lei si sente dalla prima all’ultima pagina.
Sarah è un’eroina che rimane in linea con le altre finora create dalla Banks: le donne della serie sono sempre vittime di qualche violenza o di qualche situazione traumatica. Allo stesso modo Sarah deve fare i conti con il trauma di aver subito violenza sessuale, motivo da cui nasce poi tutta la storia. Anche se è chiaramente una donna con dei problemi, la Banks ha deciso di non lasciarla crogiolare nella depressione: allo stesso modo di Garrett guarda indietro solo quando ne è proprio costretta e si impegna molto per tornare ad essere una persona normale. La fatica si sente, la fluidità della sua trasformazione non risente di forzature e si arriva alla fine pensando che anche l’ultima scena rispecchia esattamente quello che ci si aspettava. Dalla prima all’ultima pagina è un susseguirsi di aspettative rispettate, di punti fissi ben sviluppati e di protagonisti che evolvono mantenendo il loro nucleo di base.
Credo che la ripetitività dello schema sia, in questo caso, una formula vincente perché la Banks sa come gestire un personaggio maschile alfa/militare, un’eroina vittima/in pericolo e una trama ricca di azione e di suspance. A questo punto sono curiosa di sapere cosa succederà nel quarto romanzo, dove il protagonista è uno dei due gemelli, Nathan.(less)

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Mar 10, 2013 D rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, romance, thriller

gah. this book. these cro-magnons. what could have been a fun airport read left me smacking my forehead.

why?
-multiple variations on "chocolate. women were supposed to like that, right?"
-various references to women being animals when angry
-various references to "pregnant bitches be bitches! heh!"
-this is how he knows he's in love with her: "he felt an overwhelming urge to protect her" and "she was coming back with him whether she liked it or not; there's no way he would let her get away from him...more

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Mar 04, 2013 Ari rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: non-mm

aww..me likey Garrett ♥

Garrett is the big-muscled guy of Kellys. "Shoot first talk later (or not at all)" is his motto. But he always have a soft spot for women. And who knows that he's a flirt and like to dirty talk ^,,^

Sarah Daniels witnessing his brother, Marcus, murder Allen Cross. Do not want to testify against his brother, Sarah decided to run. The government want her, Stanley Cross want her and Garrett Kelly sent to keep an eye on her.

And Garrett hadn’t counted on falling for Sarah. He’d...more

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Oct 05, 2012 Mary added it · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I REFUSE TO BELIEVE ANYONE COULD BE THIS NAIVELY STUPID. Okay so imagine if you've just seen a murder so you escape and relocate to a small island to stay off the grid. Sarah gets to the island with her real passport refuses to tell her special agent brother where she is USES HER REAL NAME TO INTRODUCE HERSELF TO PEOPLE ON THE ISLAND and within 5 minutes of talking to a COMPLETE STRANGER tells him that everything she has is on her laptop and that she is trying to stay off grid and not attract at...more

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Aug 16, 2012 Christy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: series-i-want-to-continue

I love this series, so I was slightly disappointed by this book. My disappointment might be the high expectations I was left with from the first two or from my desire for Garret's story to be epic, since I was particularly intrigued by his character. It's not that this book wasn't good; it was - just not as good as I had hoped. The opening chapters were awesome, but once Sara left the Isle it started to wilt to me. I became increasingly annoyed with Sara's naivety; she's on the run and someone b...more

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Jul 26, 2012 Katyana rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, ebook, girly-books, series, w-t-f

This one is reaaaally tough for me to rate. See, I love Garrett. I have loved him since the first book. And I thought Sarah was a fantastic heroine, a real survivor, and absolutely not a doormat.

But here's the thing...

(view spoiler)...more This one is reaaaally tough for me to rate. See, I love Garrett. I have loved him since the first book. And I thought Sarah was a fantastic heroine, a real survivor, and absolutely not a doormat.

But here's the thing...

(view spoiler)

The thing that makes it so particularly hard is... I really love Garrett. I think that as I was reading it, and becoming appalled, my brain kept trying to sweep away the details, rewrite the book in my head, to have him not be that guy. To have him be the *amazing* guy that he was in the first 2 books.

So I don't know. I can't, in good conscience, give this any kind of good rating, because that was seriously fucked up, and made any kind of HEA unbelievable to me.

But I love Garrett.

:(

Garrett and Sarah: A
Maya Banks: F

Best I can do.(less)

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Jan 28, 2012 Felicia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-read, kindlepurchase2011

Received from Publisher
Will be purchased as soon as it comes out on Amazon
This book is due to release on March 1, 2011

What I Loved: This is the best book of the KGI Series so far. This is the Kelly brothers at their best! Sam with Sophie, Ethan with Rachel, Donavan (Van) making you laugh almost every time he is on the page, and the love story between Garrett/Sarah being the icing on the cake. It was wonderful to see a lighter side to the grouchy Garrett and yet he was still that lovable grouchy...more

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Jan 18, 2012 KatiD rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have fallen in love with the Kelly Group International series by Maya Banks. And in all honesty, it shouldn't work for me. I'm not a huge fan of romantic suspense. The series is very evocative of Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooter series, which I stopped reading years ago, and it features enough sequel bait to choke an elephant. And yet by release day for each book, I've got it pre-ordered and shooting to my Kindle.

Hidden Away is book three in the series. And features Garrett Kelly, who is rec...more I have fallen in love with the Kelly Group International series by Maya Banks. And in all honesty, it shouldn't work for me. I'm not a huge fan of romantic suspense. The series is very evocative of Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooter series, which I stopped reading years ago, and it features enough sequel bait to choke an elephant. And yet by release day for each book, I've got it pre-ordered and shooting to my Kindle.

Hidden Away is book three in the series. And features Garrett Kelly, who is recovering from a bullet wound to his shoulder after being shot by Marcus Lattimer. Garrett is part of Kelly Group International, or KGI, and has a tremendous hate-on for Marcus. Not just because he shot Garrett, but because Marcus is a VERY BAD MAN. Marcus has one weakness, his half-sister Sarah. Marcus adores his sister. The CIA determines that the best way to get to Marcus is through Sarah. After Sarah confesses to Marcus that she was raped by Alan Cross, a previous employer, Marcus takes vengeance, murdering Cross brutally. Sarah, in a rush to unsuccessfully stop Marcus, is seen by the victim's brother, and now must flee. She runs to the Isle de Bijoux, a remote tropical island. The CIA , one of KGI's clients, sends Garrett after her to try to get to know her, and also keep an eye out for any sightings of Marcus.

Understandably, Sarah is incredibly skittish. She's been raped, witnessed the aftermath of a murder and knows she's being searched for both by her brother and Sterling Cross, the victim's brother. When Garrett takes a cottage near Sarah, he's not sure exactly how to proceed. She's obviously terrified, but taking naive risks that no one in as much trouble as she is should take. He decides to get to know her, and in doing so, gain her trust. What he doesn't count on is the strong attraction they seem to feel for each other. Over the course of a few days, Garrett softens Sarah towards him, by offering her wine and chocolate, taking her for a swim, and cooking her dinner - building a small measure of trust in her. Enough that when Sarah thinks someone has broken into her cottage, she runs for Garrett. Garrett offers comfort and a calming presence, and gets Sarah to finally fall asleep. But in the morning, Sarah makes a run for it, leaving Garrett furious, and terrified for this naive woman who has no idea how to protect herself from the monster that wants to kill her, and the monster that is her brother. As Garrett races after her, he realizes that the lies he's told to her are compounding and that he'll have to tell more to get her to trust him again. But when the truth comes out, will Sarah understand why he lied?

There are many things to like about this story. The deeper Garrett digs himself, the higher the stakes become for him. The more time he spends with Sarah, the more he admires her resilience, her determination and her strength. Plus, he's so attracted to her, he can barely think of anything else. But he knows that she's going to be crushed and furious when she finds out he lied to her. Even if it was to protect her. We get a ton of time in Garrett's head, so we understand his motivations and his growing feelings. But we also get *why* Sarah is going to be SO pissed at him.

The story features wonderful sexual chemistry between the leads, and a nice visit to past couples and the Kelly family, who I've come to adore. My only complaint with the story is Sarah is a recent rape victim, and she pretty much jumps right into bed with Garrett. Granted, he's gentle with her, but I can't imagine that as a victim of such a violent crime, she wouldn't be exponentially more skittish. I would have liked to have seen the author spend more time on Sarah's recovery from the rape, especially because she built the relationship between Sarah and Garrett so well. It would have been great to see them cover that ground.

Overall though, I really enjoyed this installment of the Kelly Group International series. Hidden Away offers high stakes action, fantastic sexual tension and a couple who I really wanted to see work it out.

Final grade: B(less)

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Nov 22, 2011 Shabby Girl rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: four-star-books

This series really is fun and wonderful to read. I've just read three back to back and am so glad I was able to. I love to be able to do that to get a real grip on what the series is about, not having to wait months and months for the next one. Although, having said that, as this is an ongoing series with many potential heros to come, yes, NOW I have to wait months and months for the next ones, LOL! But I don't mind since having read three really good ones in a row, it's good to take a break and...more This series really is fun and wonderful to read. I've just read three back to back and am so glad I was able to. I love to be able to do that to get a real grip on what the series is about, not having to wait months and months for the next one. Although, having said that, as this is an ongoing series with many potential heros to come, yes, NOW I have to wait months and months for the next ones, LOL! But I don't mind since having read three really good ones in a row, it's good to take a break and not get too overloaded. I will really be happy when the next one comes out, I think in about three months (Nathan) and then I think in about another six months after that (Rio). Not too long!

I can't speak highly enough of this series. As I said in the last one, it's got it all, for me. Great heros (alpha, and very caring and loving to their heroines - just how I LOVE them) and the heroines are feisty, but vulnerable, needing protection the hero gives them, but the good part, none of them are too stupid to live. None of them have stupid moments, thank goodness. The heroines are ladies I could be friends with, but with those heros, well, I just wish I were one of them! All the heros are so great I've fallen in love with each of them, although I have to say, Garrett is my fave. Gruff and a loner, but when he finds his heroine, look out, he's just superb. Where can I get me one of these blokes?!

The stories are good, with plenty of action to keep moving the story along, and there are plenty of secondary characters to get to know since you just know they're all going to have their own stories down the track. There really haven't been any dull bits in any of the three I've read so far. Just lovin' them to bits.

I think what makes this series so good, though, is the family dynamics. There's the mum and dad, patriachs, and the six boys, Sam (Book 2), Garrett (book 3), Donovan (no book yet), Ethan (book 1), Nathan and Joe the twins (Nathan is book 4 I think) and the strays they've taken in, Sean and Rusty, who came along in book 1. The family is just so close, you want to be a part of it, and the dialogue stands out between the guys. I've had quite a few laugh out loud moments with their banter, especially in book 3 which I'm reviewing. There are plenty of other characters as KGI has teams of soldiers working for them, and there is Steele, Rio (book 5), PJ (a girl sharp shooter) and Cole who are all very interesting. All together, the family and employees make a great group of people to read about. I believe this is one of very reasons I love this series so much, the author has really put together a group of people you want to read about.

All in all, all three books so far are top notch and I can't pick one above the other as favourite, they are all so good in their own right. I can't wait to read the next couple to come out in the next few months. They'll be right on my auto buy list.

I've noted some things said in other reviews which detracted from the story, such as that the other characters were in it too much, but from my point of view it's one of the strengths of these books for me. I love revisiting the previous characters and I love hearing about what everyone else is doing. For me this is NOT a detraction. Also it was said that Garrett's gruffness wasn't so present in this book. Well, if he's found the love of his life, he's not going to be so grumpy! I think we'll see plenty of his gruffness return in the next books. For me, seeing his loving side was so lovely as he is a bit of a loner. I think he still will be, but with a wife, he'll have someone to tone him down a bit. I think everyone evolves when they finally found happiness, and it's good that that's reflected in his story.(less)

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Nov 05, 2011 Kathy Davie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: action, romance, suspense

Third in the KGI romance-suspense series revolving around a family of brothers, the Kelleys, most of whom work for Kelly Group International, a private security firm that does contract work for the government based near Kentucky Lake in Tennessee. The couple focus is on Garrett Kelly and Sarah Daniels.

My Take
The central premise of KGI is rescuing people in distress; in Hidden Away, the initial theme is baiting a terrorist into the open using the love he has for his half-sister. A theme that so...more

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Jun 30, 2011 Sandy M rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, romantic-suspense

This is one of those series that turns me into a rabid fan who always asks, “When’s the next book?” “Can’t you write any faster?” You know, those types of questions that annoy authors to no end. I devour each book in turn and then get irritated when I read each one so fast, didn’t make any of them last. What’s a reader to do!

Garrett Kelly is recuperating from a gunshot wound when a new case comes along, only requiring relaxing on a beach while keeping tabs on a traitor’s sister to finally bring...more This is one of those series that turns me into a rabid fan who always asks, “When’s the next book?” “Can’t you write any faster?” You know, those types of questions that annoy authors to no end. I devour each book in turn and then get irritated when I read each one so fast, didn’t make any of them last. What’s a reader to do!

Garrett Kelly is recuperating from a gunshot wound when a new case comes along, only requiring relaxing on a beach while keeping tabs on a traitor’s sister to finally bring the man down. He’s tired of being sidelined, so takes this case on, despite his brothers’ disagreements. Garrett wants Marcus Lattimer, and if babysitting a young child is what it takes, he’ll do it. Little does he know the surprise that’s waiting for him at Sarah’s isolated getaway where she’s been holed up.

Trying to regain her life after begin raped by her boss, and then witnessing Marcus kill the man in revenge, Sarah hightails it to a secret location so she can’t be used against him for trying to protect her. She’s cautious and suspicious at every turn, but the handsome, wounded man on the beach turns out to be kind and generous. They begin to spend time together, learning about each other, and Sarah is halfway in love with Garrett after experiencing all the little things he does for her. Of course, a woman after my own heart, she knows a good thing when it’s staring her in the face and it doesn’t take long before hopping into bed with him. It wouldn’t have taken me nearly as long, though I don’t have the issues she does. Still. Garrett is worth it.

It takes a little longer for Garrett’s true feelings to surface, but there’s something about Sarah that brings out his alphaness and his willingness to go that extra mile for her. When he does learn her story, he’s determined she’ll never be hurt again, even though he’s first in line to do the hurting. He’s been deceiving her so far, wants to kill her brother if given the chance, but everything else between them has been honest. Not a lot there, he admits, but it’s something to build on once the shit hits the fan. Which happens sooner than he’d like. Suddenly Sarah is gone, running once again when things begin to close in on her. But Garrett is good at his job, finds her fairly easily, and you’d think things would start to get better for them. No chance. The bad has only just begun.

As usual, Maya Banks keeps the action and the intensity high and moving. I think the only point there’s any downtime is when Garrett and Sarah make love, but that’s pretty darned intense too. The scenes when they’re “detained” by fraudulent law enforcement wring the energy right out of you. And then the calvary shows up and the tide is about to turn for the good guys. I just love Rio’s hideaway sanctuary. I’d say he surprised everyone with his attention to detail.

And it’s always great to have the whole family together. The Kellys stick together no matter what, and it’s nice to see the boys finally agree that even Rusty is now part of their clan and they prove it to her too. They family also spends a lot of time in hospitals, this time around it’s Rachel bringing the newest Kelly into the world. There are great scenes from Marlene rounding up the daughters-in-law when all the men are in rescue mode to finally coming face to face with Lattimer, and so many others in between.

We have a long wait for the next book, Whispers in the Dark, which is Nathan’s book. It’s not out until February next year. I believe I will begin my stalking of Ms. Banks next week to see if she can write any faster. If not, at least she has a Highlander trilogy out this year, and I have a feeling I’m going to love those just as much as I love this Kelly gang. Can you imagine what she can do with Highlanders? OMG……

See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com (less)

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Jun 29, 2011 Jess the Romanceaholic rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: alpha-male, on-the-run, family-issues, military-or-special-ops, assassin-mercenary-or-bounty-hunter, betrayal, secret-identity, raped-or-abused, 2011-read, romantic-suspense, contemporary

This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceacholic.

Expected Release Date: March 1, 2011 (Available Now!)
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley
Author’s Website: http://www.mayabanks.com
My Source for This Book: Amazon.com
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 3, KGI
Series Best Read In Order: Probably, but works well as a standalone
Steam Level: Hot

Official Blurb:

The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super elite, top secret, family-run business.
Qualifications: High intelligence,...more

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Mar 16, 2011 Debbie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Hidden Away
Maya Banks
Berkley Sensation
336 pages
Hidden Away is the 3rd in the KGI series
Sarah Daniels is on the run, she was a witness to murder and not knowing who to trust she leaves the country and hope’s that she’s “Hidden Away”.
Garrett Kelly is recovering from a bullet he took for his beloved sister-in-law, but when the CIA tells him who they want him to track down, he wants the job. There’s only one problem, Sarah Daniels is a complication that Garrett doesn’t need, she seems innocent enoug...more

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Mar 13, 2011 Styles rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"I presume you know what the book is about, I'm letting you know what I liked or disliked about it.

Garrett and Sarah - Of course we've known Garrett throughout the series. Meeting Sarah, a new character was good.

The thing I not...moreI presume you know what the book is about, I'm letting you know what I liked or disliked about it.

Garrett and Sarah - Of course we've known Garrett throughout the series. Meeting Sarah, a new character was good.

The thing I noticed the most about this story is the di...more

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Mar 09, 2011 Kimberly Rocha~ Book Obsessed Chicks rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ok so, this is the third in the KGI series. Not as much action as the previous KGI but an awesome storyline. It's Garrett's turn to take on a mission and this ones leads him right to Sarah Daniels, who just happens to be the half-sister of bad guy, Marcus Lattimer. If you remember, Marcus Lattimer shot Garrett in Libya some time back. Well, Sarah is being pursued by a few people in this and Garrett is supposed to watch from afar... Oh come on, we know that never happens. Broody hot ex-military d...more

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Mar 01, 2011 Karielle Stephanie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: blog, books-that-deserve-a-trillion-stars

Blurb: The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, to secret, family-run business.
Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.
Mission: Host/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the U.S. government can't...
A man who shoots first and asks questions later...
Most people would take an all-expenses-paid trip to the beach in a heartbeat. Garrett Kelly only accepts to keep tabs on Sarah Daniels, who's in hiding after witnessing a murder by Marc...more

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Jul 03, 2012 Janne S rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As the third book in the KGI series, the author is definitely finding her voice with these guys. Love their interaction and relationships. The main character in this book was very real to me as have been all the others. I enjoy her style of writing as it is not real girly girl but what you'd expect from 6 brothers who are hard ass military dudes. There continues to be a slight rub with the fact that while she has captured their masculinity and sensuality, guys just don't talk about relationships...more

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Jan 09, 2012 ♡ Sassy ~ Amy ♡ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romantic-suspence, black-ops, part-of-a-series

Hmmm. Garret was my favorite until this book. Well. Sort of.

Garret was ok, and took things really slow with Sarah, who was a rape victim as well as the sister of Lattimer (arms dealer to terrorists etc.). Garrets character did not change, but this book was really boring.

There was no suspense. Nothing kept me on the edge of my seat. If I was thirsty, I got a drink. A good book has me bumping into counters while I read and search for a glass at the same time. Not this one.

It was mostly beach. H...more

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Aug 22, 2011 marlene rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

www.readwatcheat.com

Hidden Away, book three in Maya Banks' KGI series was a book I was really looking forward to. Garrett Kelly was always my favorite of the Kelly clan. It was fun watching him turn to mush with a woman that wasn’t going to end up being his sister in law.

Hidden Away stayed true to Garrett's big softy for a woman in distress nature. In previous books he is always described as being completely up tight and all around grouchy with his brothers and team mates. Then we see a second l...more www.readwatcheat.com

Hidden Away, book three in Maya Banks' KGI series was a book I was really looking forward to. Garrett Kelly was always my favorite of the Kelly clan. It was fun watching him turn to mush with a woman that wasn’t going to end up being his sister in law.

Hidden Away stayed true to Garrett's big softy for a woman in distress nature. In previous books he is always described as being completely up tight and all around grouchy with his brothers and team mates. Then we see a second later how incredibly compassionate and loving he is with the women in his life. With Sarah he had extra cause to be careful with her, and so we were able to see to a greater extent just how soft he could be with a woman regardless of his gruff exterior.

In this book we also got to learn a lot more about some of the members of Steele and Rio's teams. We have seen them brought in so many times but really know little about them. I am crossing my fingers that we get to see some of those characters have their own books or at least strong sub plots in the future.

This time around Rusty also got her due. I think that sometimes the brothers are a little hard on her. I think in the last book they started to come around to her a little bit and during this one things really came to a head. The family really circled the wagons for her when she needed it and I think that will reflect through some of her surly behavior. I am also a firm believer that the second she turns 18 Sean needs to just spend a good hour making out with her. Come on already. Its obvious to me that those two are just hiding the fact that they want to get naked with each other behind jabs and insults.

I like books that take you to multiple locations, and this one really does. We are pretty much all over the map. Maya really brought each setting to life and added some completely incidental characters in the settings for dimension.

There was so much going on by the end of this book, and it involved so many characters I really have no idea where the next book is going to go. That has me looking forward to spending some more time with the Kelly family! Hopefully some of their extended family as well.hi(less)

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Romance Lovers fo...: Hidden Away (KGI #3) by Maya Banks; Start Date: March 20, 2013	61	33	Mar 29, 2013 07:29am

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Hidden Away (KGI #3)

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