No Place to Run (KGI, #2)

Sep 17, 2012 Mimi Smith rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

2.5 stars

I have finally figured out what was missing in this book. It wasn't easy, but here it is...

Characterization

1.Quirks, hobbies, likes and dislikes

I don't know why I missed this so much, but I did. I missed little things like:What is their favorite colour? Do they like pets? Are they grouchy in the morning? Are they slobs? Do they have nervous habits? Something that would make them feel unique, that would make identify with them and like them.

2. A little Show and Tell

The best way to make...more

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May 28, 2012 Jacqueline rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: baby-child-involved, from-work-borders, romantic-suspense, seals-spec-ops-mercs

I liked this book. I did think there was a bit more bleed over from the erotic stories that MB writes than in the first of the series. I don't necessarily mind the word choices but I do think that love scenes in a romantic suspense should be kept to a minimum to allow more time for the actual plot. I was kind of 'yeah, yeah, move it along. What's going on meanwhile back at the ranch?' No real big surprises plot wise here.

I liked the heroine. She was a pretty strong woman. She was also smart eno...more I liked this book. I did think there was a bit more bleed over from the erotic stories that MB writes than in the first of the series. I don't necessarily mind the word choices but I do think that love scenes in a romantic suspense should be kept to a minimum to allow more time for the actual plot. I was kind of 'yeah, yeah, move it along. What's going on meanwhile back at the ranch?' No real big surprises plot wise here.

I liked the heroine. She was a pretty strong woman. She was also smart enough to know that she was getting to the point with her pregnancy that she would be physically unable to protect herself. I did not mind the mentions of her pregnancy. Maybe because I remember when I was carrying both my boys. A pregnant woman is very wrapped up in what is happening to her and the baby to the point that you really don't think about a whole lot else. So I think that was a pretty realistic portrayal.

I would like to have seen more about the heroine's childhood. It was this real big deal how she'd never had a normal life and yeah, what happened when she was 10 justified her actions at the beginning of the book, but what, exactly, did she do between the ages of 10 and 25? Did she go to school? Was she homeschooled? Was she illiterate? What? How did her father treat her? A few examples even in a mental musing would have helped pin down her character a bit.

Sam was a good character. I liked how he didn't spend a whole lot of time doubting her. It was more like he had some concerns but knew he wanted her so he didn't let them really concern him. Sort of a confidence in himself that no matter what she might or might not do or have done, he could handle it so why worry?

I like all the different characters here. They didn't have quite so much screen time here as in the last book. I think because we really had already been introduced to them in the last book. So they could just stroll in and out naturally in this one.

Looking forward to the next one, and the next, and the next...(less)

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Dec 14, 2010 Auntee rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of romantic suspense a la Cindy Gerard

Shelves: romantic-suspense, part-of-a-series, 2010_reads, maya_banks

This is developing into a pretty good series about the Kelly family --a group of ex-military brothers whose family run business specializes in hostage/victim recovery and intelligence gathering. I think I probably enjoyed it a little more than the first book, The Darkest Hour, and I expect I’ll like the next book, Hidden Away, about cranky Garrett Kelly, even more. With each book Maya Banks tells us a little bit more about the whole Kelly family (although still holding back just a little bit on...more This is developing into a pretty good series about the Kelly family --a group of ex-military brothers whose family run business specializes in hostage/victim recovery and intelligence gathering. I think I probably enjoyed it a little more than the first book, The Darkest Hour, and I expect I’ll like the next book, Hidden Away, about cranky Garrett Kelly, even more. With each book Maya Banks tells us a little bit more about the whole Kelly family (although still holding back just a little bit on the physical descriptions--I need more!) which works to help me connect with them.

While undercover with KGI (Kelly Group International) in Mexico on a mission to take down a despicable arms dealer, oldest Kelly brother Sam (36), engages in a torrid affair with blonde, beautiful waitress Sophie Lundgren. Circumstances cause them to reluctantly part, most likely never to see each other again. But five months later, who should turn up floating in the lake outside Sam’s house, shot and clinging to life? Yep. The same woman he had the affair with--Sophie. And she’s 5 months pregnant. And running for her life. Someone wants her dead. And someone wants Sam dead too. Sam needs some answers--how did Sophie know how to find him? How did she know his last name since he never told her. Why is her life in danger? And how is he connected to that danger? Is the baby she’s carrying his? Instinctively Sam wants to protect her, but he needs to know what he’s up against. Will Sophie trust him enough to reveal all about her troubled past? Can the spark that’s still there between them develop into something long lasting? And will Sophie’s connection to some very dangerous men bring trouble to not only Sam, but his extended family?

Sophie and Sam…

Good story, easy read, with a great opening chapter containing some hot sex and some surprising action that just grabs you and makes you want to read more, more, more…The heroine Sophie is courageous, strong, and a lot vulnerable, which brings out the protective instincts in the hero, oldest brother Sam. Sophie has some big trust issues, and who could blame her with the way she grew up? I won’t mention details, but she has just about the worst excuse for a father that I’ve ever read. I’m thinking that poor Sophie, after what she goes through in this book, is going to need a couple of years of therapy. Good thing she’s got Mama bear Marlene Kelly to offer her some mothering…

For some reason I think of Paula Deen as the image of Marlene Kelly…

If you like romantic suspense that is similar to Cindy Gerard’s Bodyguards series, you’ll probably enjoy the KGI series. It’s got some hot bedroom action, some great family dynamics between Sam, his brothers and his parents, and enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat.. I think Maya Banks is in the groove now, and I can’t wait to read the next book. 4 ½ stars.
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Jan 06, 2011 Blodeuedd Finland rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, romanticsuspense

Plot:
Sam was in town to spy on an arms dealer and while there he had a passionate fling with a woman. And 5 months later he her helps out of a lake, half-drowned and pregnant with his child. And he tells him that they both are in danger.

My thoughts:
I have not read much from this genre; make that 2 books that fit one way. But I like this romance sub-genre, because action is always good.

This is book 2 in the KGI series, but I could jump right in and did not feel like I had missed anything. It's ab...more

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Dec 11, 2010 ValerieC rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kgi-series, maya-banks, on-kindle

Loved this book 2 of the KGI series. I will likely read all of these again. I'm a sucker for these 'brother' series and this is probably the best of them I have read so far (I like it more than the Rough Riders, and that's saying a lot).

I appreciated the way Ms. Banks incorporated the action of the KGI operatives without making it too technical, the way many male action authors do (as if they are bragging about all of their military knowledge - no Tom Clancy stuff here). It was still just as bel...more

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Mar 31, 2012 Paige rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: i-own, 2012-books, all-time-favorite-books

NO PLACE TO RUN is an excellent addition to the KGI series. It’s also another difficult review to write with so much going on and much back and forth point of views happening. So here’s a shorter (hopefully!) review.

Sam Kelly was working undercover in Mexico going after Alex Mouton a mob typhoon is the possibility to go down dangerous paths. While down there he hooked up with Sophie Lundgren.

What he didn’t know was Alex is Sophie’s father who sent her to scope Sam out. However, Sophie not only...more

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

Shelves: reading-challenge-sizzling-summer, genre-romantic-suspense, rating-4-5-stars

4.5 Stars

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; a...more 4.5 Stars

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.

(view spoiler)

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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Jan 10, 2011 Literary Cravings rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-adult-romance

No Where to Run was an exciting story that had me on the edge. Sam and Sophie’s story was intense from the beginning. I was lead on a crazy ride throughout the story. Both Sam and Sophie were strong characters with unique vulnerabilities that they needed to deal and come to terms with.
The romance between the main characters was intense and lit up the pages. I enjoyed the struggle and work that Sophie and Sam had to go through in order to build a solid relationship. It made their love more reali...more

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Dec 10, 2010 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fv-review, 2read2, favorites

“I’ll be better when you’re naked.” When I read a statement like that on the first page of a Maya Banks romantic suspense novel, I know to hold on to my panties for a smokin’ hot ride! After delivering an emotionally gripping opener to the KGI series with The Darkest Hour, Ms. Banks continues her action-packed quest with the Kelly brothers in No Place to Run.

Sam Kelly, a former Army Ranger, is in Mexico staking out an undercover mission with his brothers and their private, special ops team, KGI....more “I’ll be better when you’re naked.” When I read a statement like that on the first page of a Maya Banks romantic suspense novel, I know to hold on to my panties for a smokin’ hot ride! After delivering an emotionally gripping opener to the KGI series with The Darkest Hour, Ms. Banks continues her action-packed quest with the Kelly brothers in No Place to Run.

Sam Kelly, a former Army Ranger, is in Mexico staking out an undercover mission with his brothers and their private, special ops team, KGI. He enters one of the local bars and is immediately attracted and distracted by a waitress named Sophie, who quickly becomes a regular visitor to Sam’s hotel room and bed. Their chemistry sparks with intensity from the start and while they know this is a fleeting moment of time with each other, they are determined to make the most of it. What Sam does not know is Sophie is only pretending to be waitress in order to get close to him and gain information for her father, Alex Mouton, who is the very man Sam and his brother’s are trying to take down. Fast forward five months. Sophie, believing her father is now dead, knows that her uncle has taken over her father’s business. Uncle Tomas is in hot pursuit of Sophie because she has the key that unlocks her father’s vault which contains his assets and secret information regarding his extensive arms network. Sophie is also five months pregnant…with Sam’s baby. She knows Uncle Tomas will kill her in order to recover the key and his men are closing in on her. Convinced she has no other option, Sophie runs to Sam, trusting that even though she has betrayed him, he will still protect his unborn child. Sam is dumbfounded when he finds Sophie floating in the lake outside his home, shot, pregnant and barely alive. His protective instincts kick in and he is determined to find out how and why Sophie found him along with the rest of the secrets she is hiding. After Sophie reveals that she is Mouton’s daughter and that along with herself, the Kelly family is a target for her uncle, Sam and his brothers derive a plan to take down the organization once and for all.

Ms. Banks gives us suspenseful, OMG moments with twists and turns you would not expect, but will keep you enthralled until the end. What really drives her stories (and are my favorite part) are the intense, compelling and endearing characters. Sophie has been through hell growing up under strict confinement and in fear of her ruthless and evil father. Never-the-less, she is fearless, brave and ready to endure whatever is necessary to protect her baby. Despite his tough exterior, Sam is a very tender and compassionate man. This is evident when he relishes Sophie’s pregnant body during sensual moments and when he rushes to his family’s side during a health crisis. But his protective and possessive nature takes a strong hold when he fights to protect Sophie and their unborn child. Also, I continue to be moved and impressed by the Kelly family, who once again unite to protect one another and are generous in their acceptance of outsiders like Sophie. Brothers Garrett and Donovan are initially skeptical of Sophie given her secrets and believing she was nothing more than a casual lay. However, they quickly learn that Sam’s feelings for and connection with Sophie is more than just a passing fling. They immediately love and treat her like a sister, willing to put their lives on the line to save her “because that’s what family does.”

Sam, Garrett, Donovan and the other Kelly brothers have a unique, enigmatic quality that will pique your curiosity to know more. With their robust sensuality and sex appeal, I am at an impasse as to which one I want to come after me! No Place to Run delivers everything I love in a romantic suspense. Anyone looking for a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat storyline with military brothers who know how to please and protect their women should definitely check out this exciting series!

Favorite quote:

“I love you, Sophie. I can’t tell you at what moment I fell in love with you. Maybe it was the first time I looked across the bar in Mexico and there you were. Maybe it was the first time we made love. Or maybe it was watching you fight for our child. And then for my mother. It doesn’t matter. I love you . That’s it. That’s all. I hope to hell it’s enough.” Her heart squeezed. She’d always tried to imagine what it would be like to here those words. To know that she was loved. Nothing had come close. There was so much joy. It hurt. It shouldn’t hurt, but she felt too small for her skin, like she’d burst right out of it.
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Apr 12, 2013 Miraphora rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romantic-suspance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Finito con Ethan ho dovuto ad ogni costo iniziare Sam, il fratello che mi intrigava di più nella cucciolata Kelly.
Sam il fratello maggiore, il fondatore della Kelly Group International e colui che prende come sua responsabilità la sicurezza e la protezione di tutta la famiglia. Di affascinante ha i modi fermi e autoritari tipici di un leader, di chi viene seguito senza paura. Sam ha quella presenza - o imponenza, considerando com'è fatto - che spazza via ogni elemento di disturbo: se c'è lui, s...more Finito con Ethan ho dovuto ad ogni costo iniziare Sam, il fratello che mi intrigava di più nella cucciolata Kelly.
Sam il fratello maggiore, il fondatore della Kelly Group International e colui che prende come sua responsabilità la sicurezza e la protezione di tutta la famiglia. Di affascinante ha i modi fermi e autoritari tipici di un leader, di chi viene seguito senza paura. Sam ha quella presenza - o imponenza, considerando com'è fatto - che spazza via ogni elemento di disturbo: se c'è lui, si fa veramente fatica a pensare ad altri.
Per me, che ho un debole per gli eroi tutti d'un pezzo, è stato colpo di fulmine.
Come tutti i fratelli Kelly, anche lui ha un background militare (ex esercito) con la differenza che la sua esperienza e la sua età lo hanno reso il punto fermo attorno al quale ruotano tutte le missioni della KGI. Non solo è un capo di fatto, ma tutti lo considerano tale. Sam riesce a comandare senza imporre il suo volere, sa essere elastico e comprensivo senza perdere autorevolezza e - soprattutto - sa dimostrare un lato umano quando la situazione lo richiede. In questo modo, unendo il suo carattere e il suo aspetto, abbiamo un protagonista maschile di grande impatto: autoritario ma mai negativo, protettivo senza scadere nel possessivo, deciso e raramente preda di dubbi e in quei pochi casi trova sempre il modo di non lasciarsi confondere dall'insicurezza.
Mi piace, si capisce. O meglio, dovrei dire che mi fa tanto tanto sangue, ma oggi mi sento troppo lady-like per dare libero sfogo all'ormone.
La storia si apre in un momento particolare, che crea i presupposti per ciò che succederà dopo. Sam è in Messico con il suo team e lo scopo della loro missione è di distruggere il sistema criminale di un uomo spietato, sospettato di trafficare in armi nucleari. Tra un momento e l'altro Sam trova il tempo per avere una relazione con Sophie, una cameriera locale di cui si invaghisce. I due non fanno solamente sesso per il puro gusto di farlo, ma hanno una relazione molto intensa e ricca di complicità che - per quanto poco duri - lascia il segno in entrambi. Sam, però, sa bene che a missione finita dovrà tornare a casa e non si permette di pensare a lei oltre a quel contesto. Lo stesso è per Sophie anche se lei si attacca a lui - direi proprio che si innamora - per svariati motivi oltre a quelli puramente fisici e passionali.
Sophie non è ciò che sembra. Infatti è la figlia del criminale a cui Sam dava la caccia ed è disperata. Il suo ruolo, nel sistema del padre, è quello di una semplice prostituta usata per rubare informazioni e Sam è stato uno dei lavori che il padre le aveva affidato, nella speranza di liberarsi della KGI. Sophie, suo malgrado, riesce a proteggere Sam e decide che per lei è arrivato il momento di giocarsi il tutto e per tutto. Non vuole più vivere con la costante paura del padre e con la certezza di non avere speranza così architetta un piano per liberarsi definitivamente del padre e scappare, ma le cose non vanno come sperava. Dopo il padre è suo zio a darle del filo da torcere e - incinta e disperata - si trova costretta a rivolgersi proprio alla persona che voleva difendere a tutti i costi. Sam, infatti, viene considerato dallo zio come l'esca per poter catturare Sophie: se va da lui può ucciderli entrambi. Fino all'ultimo Sophie rimane lontana, ma quando le ferite e la stanchezza della gravidanza la rendono lenta e goffa, decide che è arrivato il momento di rivolgersi al padre di sua figlia.
A questo punto la storia diventa un gioco di caccia e fuga: chi era la vittima diventa il cacciatore e viceversa e, con un ritmo serrato, abbiamo fughe, sparatorie, rapimenti e inseguimenti oltre alla storia d'amore di Soph e Sam.
La parte riuscita del romanzo è la coerenza con la quale si sviluppa il sentimento tra i due personaggi e con la quale entrambi pensano e agiscono. Sam, per buona parte del romanzo, è combattuto tra credere ciecamente a Sophie oppure essere totalmente scettico sulle sue motivazioni. Ovviamente il vero problema sta nel fatto che è innamorato, ma le circostanze rendono difficile avere totale fiducia in lei. Per Sophie, invece, ruota tutto attorno alla sua salvezza - e quindi a quella della figlia -, a quella di Sam e della sua famiglia. Ogni sua azione ha come obiettivo ultimo quello di liberarsi del passato e della sua orribile famiglia.
Rispetto al primo romanzo della serie, in questo c'è molta più azione perchè la trama si presta in modo particolare a scene anche piuttosto violente. Il tutto viene smorzato dalle continue incursioni dei membri della famiglia Kelly, che rallentano e addolciscono a intervalli regolari.
In generale il romanzo è riuscito sia dal punto di vista puramente romantico, sia per la sua classificazione di genere. Molto spesso, infatti, un romanzo viene definito romantic suspance anche se di azione ha veramente poco mentre in questo caso rientriamo pienamente nei parametri con tanto di lieto fine molto zuccheroso.
E poi Sam Kelly è un gran leggere. Lo devo dire, dopotutto: fa davvero molto sangue!(less)

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Apr 04, 2013 Jennie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, military, read-2013

Well I am deff a fan, just absorbed this book, while not as emotional as the first one, I thought this one had a bit more substance to it, but also to contradict myself because it doesn’t.. I am loving these but then there is just so much wrong with them too!!

This one follows Sam and Sophie. We meet while Sam was deep undercover in Mexico, they had a brief but passionate afar and after nether expected to see each other ever again, then 5 months down the line Sophie shows up half dead pregnant wi...more

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

Shelves: a-z-2012, series-i-want-to-continue

Overall, this was a great book. Possibly one of my favorites, though I want to read the whole series before I commit. I definitely liked it better than the first in the series, mainly because I liked Sophie's spunk more than Rachel's wounded-woman struggle. I had very few complaints here. The sex scenes were great; I loved everyone's attitude toward the pregnancy (including Rusty); I liked the balance of distrust and romantic connection between Sophie and Sam. I thought the action was great, and...more

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Jun 10, 2012 Patricia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I enjoyed this second book in the KGI series much better than the first. In the first book, I felt that Maya was striving to hard to create personalities for each Kelly male that often times made them seem ridiculous, not fierce, strong men of intellect and power,true Alpha's that will leave an impression. Their characters seemed to have manifested much better in the second book. Again, the premise of the story was fantastic, the writing smooth yet still I found it not over the top "wow". There...more

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

Shelves: 2011-read, kindlepurchase2011

Bought from Amazon for Book Club

What I Loved: I love the Kelly brothers, their mom/dad, and all the extended family. This continuation of their lives was even better than the first book. Sam was a good brother to feature in this book and Sophie is the perfect gal for him. As always, the action was fast paced and well thought out. The brothers interactions were fun, blunt, and at one point had me laughing out loud.

What I Liked: Maya is really good with detail. This really was like reading a mili...more

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Dec 13, 2011 Holly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Sam is on another mission with KGI, this time in Mexico. While there Sam has a fling with local Sophie, and he isnt completely honest about his identity or reason for being in Mexico. Sam has to leave quickly for his mission and has no way of reaching Sophie or knowing her real identity. Sophie hasnt exactly been honest with Sam either and her identity is one that would thoroughly shock Sam to find out. Sophie gets into a horrible position and kmows she has to turn to Sam to protect her and to w...more

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Nov 05, 2011 Kathy Davie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Second in the KGI romance-suspense series revolving around a group of brothers who have formed a private security company out to save the world. In this story, the couple focus is on Sam Kelly and Sophie Lundgren.

My Take
The central theme throughout the series so far has been love, loyalty, family, a theme harped on by Sophie as she sees the happiness Sam has enjoyed with his family and his men. A happiness she has always thought beyond her.

In No Place to Run, Sophie holds back information she...more

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Jun 30, 2011 RomReader rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romantic-suspense

Pregnant daughter of powerful sociopathic businessman has been on the run from her vengeful uncle for 5 months since she gunned-down her father & stole the only key to his valuable secret vault. She seeks the protection of former special-Ops Hero, who she had an affair with 5 months ago when he & his brothers were trying to find evidence against her father & she was pretending to be only a mere waitress to get info about H's group per her father's demands. When Hero learns about her...more

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Feb 06, 2011 Jess rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, maya-banks

This is the second book in the KGI series, I am still waiting for the first book but it didn't affect my understanding of this book.

The main character is Sam Kelly and Sophie. Sam meets Sophie while he is undercover in Mexico, they have a passionate fling for a few days but Sam is forced to leave when he has to complete an important mission. The book flashes forward 5 months and we find Sophie running for her life, while pregnant. She washes up on the shore near Sam's house warning him that he w...more

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Jan 19, 2011 Sandy M rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, romantic-suspense

No way was I missing this second book in Maya Banks’ KGI series. These Kelly boys have burrowed their way under my skin and into my heart. This time it’s Sam’s turn to fall, and amidst steamy lovin’ and betrayal from different directions, he definitely falls hard and he falls fast. Just the way I like it to happen.

During a KGI mission Sam meets Sophie, a waitress at a local restaurant in Mexico. They hit it off more ways than one and enjoy an intense affair until Sam gets the lead that tells him...more No way was I missing this second book in Maya Banks’ KGI series. These Kelly boys have burrowed their way under my skin and into my heart. This time it’s Sam’s turn to fall, and amidst steamy lovin’ and betrayal from different directions, he definitely falls hard and he falls fast. Just the way I like it to happen.

During a KGI mission Sam meets Sophie, a waitress at a local restaurant in Mexico. They hit it off more ways than one and enjoy an intense affair until Sam gets the lead that tells him he won’t be seeing Sophie again. Walking away is the most difficult thing he’s done. But that doesn’t last long. The mission doesn’t go exactly as planned, and he heads back to their motel room, only to find the woman has taken off with no clue left behind.

Five months goes by and finally Sophie gets her chance for freedom from her father and his dispassionate, evil ways. Surprised the hell out of me the way that happened. She’s on the run as long as possible and knows the time has come to find Sam. She can’t make it on her own any longer and keep her baby safe at the same time. Surviving one last attempt by her uncle’s men, Sophie is found by Sam and his brothers as she floats unconscious down the lake by his home.

Finding the woman he hasn’t been able to forget is amazing. That she’s carrying his child is even more so. But doubt floats around in Sam’s head and heart. Why is Sophie here now? Why didn’t she come to him five months ago? And what’s she still hiding from him? From this point on, this book moves and it moves fast. In between the doubt and the secrets, Sam can’t stay away from Sophie, she’s that stuck in his system. And I’m glad, because these two combust every time they’re together. ‘Course, I think it’s just because he’s a Kelly. Those men are burnin’ up, sizzlin’ hot!

Danger hits very close to home and Sam finds himself having to protect not only Sophie and the baby, but the rest of his family too. The surprises also keep coming. Ms. Banks throws us a good one, making both Sam and Sophie freeze in their tracks, tossing doubt out for all once again.

I’m glad we get to catch up with the other Kellys. There’s a lot of emotion in this book that matches what we read in the first in the series. I love Sam, of course, and Sophie is one strong woman, a survivor like you wouldn’t believe. I think all of the heroines for these Kelly men are going to be such; Rachel, from The Darkest Hour, lived through hell and is better for it. Same goes for Sophie.

Garrett’s book is next, Hidden Away, due out next year, and I’m already past anxious to read it. I know Ms. Banks will wow us again and again, so I can patiently wait for now.(less)

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Dec 25, 2010 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.

I'm enjoying the KGI Series very much. This book was a good addition but there were a few things about it that detracted versus added to the quality of the story.

I think there was a significant part of this story missing - Sam's inner dialog when he first saw Sophie. In fact, there is nothing that paints the picture of their beginning. I mean the first glimpse we have of this couple they're already...more I presume you know what the book is about. I'm letting you know what I liked or disliked about it.

I'm enjoying the KGI Series very much. This book was a good addition but there were a few things about it that detracted versus added to the quality of the story.

I think there was a significant part of this story missing - Sam's inner dialog when he first saw Sophie. In fact, there is nothing that paints the picture of their beginning. I mean the first glimpse we have of this couple they're already established lovers. I LOVE the song and dance of love as it begins and when it's absent... well, wait - I can't think of another instance where it has been absent...

Did anyone else notice this?

With Sam as the eldest son, the man that started KGI I think there was a whole lot more room for intensity and inner struggle of leadership, etc. There were moments of it towards the end but well I guess I see this as having been a chance to add significantly to the following of the series and think that was missed. Now, I don't know that for sure and I know it's very easy to be critical and very difficult to create so please know my intention is not to be overly critical.

Garrett's story should be interesting... Garrett, Garrett, Garrett - big bad scary Garrett. I sure hope there's more cat and mouse play between he and Sarah that Sam and Sophie. We'll see.

Oh, and new characters mentioned in No Place to Run - Kyle Phillips (very intriguing intro...) I can't help but connect him to PJ perhaps?....

Oh, and I really liked the way Sophie and PJ observed each other. It was a very positive exchange of observations between the two distinctly different characters. I also liked the way Ms. Banks kept distance between Rachael and Sophie's characters. It's an accurate reflection of the characters personalities. Very well done.

So, aside from being kept at arms length of Sam and Sophie's initial meeting this, for me was a neutral addition to the series. I'm a fan, I'll keep reading.

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Dec 24, 2010 Jane Stewart rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romantic-suspense

Yay 4 stars for chest hair! 3 stars for the story. It was ok but nothing special or different. Some weak logic.

CHEST HAIR:
I’d love to see more chest and abdomen hair on cover guys. I eagerly bought this book because there is a “little bit” if you look closely. They either airbrushed it on or airbrushed most of it off. I’m not sure if airbrush is the word, but something was done. Anyway, I’m tired of waxed guys on the covers. Please give me authentic men!!! If undecided about a book, I will buy i...more Yay 4 stars for chest hair! 3 stars for the story. It was ok but nothing special or different. Some weak logic.

CHEST HAIR:
I’d love to see more chest and abdomen hair on cover guys. I eagerly bought this book because there is a “little bit” if you look closely. They either airbrushed it on or airbrushed most of it off. I’m not sure if airbrush is the word, but something was done. Anyway, I’m tired of waxed guys on the covers. Please give me authentic men!!! If undecided about a book, I will buy it for the chest hair.

REVIEWER’S OPINION:
The story was pretty good for romantic suspense, but it felt like a copy of so many others. The plot, characters, and conflicts were generic and predictable. If you’re in the mood for romantic suspense with a bad guy chasing a smart woman, and a hero who helps her, you’ll probably like this. It’s what you expect from the genre. But I want something more. I want to be surprised, delighted and more emotionally engaged. This isn’t bad, but it was easy to put down. There were a handful of sex scenes that were pretty good, but again like most others.

Sophie tells Sam that her father’s thugs are after her and Sam. She does NOT tell him that she killed her father and took his vault key. This secret is used as a source of conflict for far too long. Sam knows she is keeping a secret and wonders if he can trust her. When Sam takes action to learn the secret, Sophie gets upset, makes inaccurate assumptions about Sam, and runs away. I saw no reason for her to keep this secret. When Sam learned about it later, it didn’t affect anything. It felt like a contrivance for conflict. This went on for half the book – or more. I don’t remember the exact page where it came out. I’m fine with conflict between a couple based on doubt or distrust. But in this case, there wasn’t a good reason for it.

I wanted to know more about Sophie’s past, her interactions with her father, her childhood. All I know is that she is smart and brave.

I had a minor problem. When Sam first finds Sophie, she had been in the lake for several hours. Her hair smelled. She has a gunshot wound in her arm that Sam’s brother stitched. Sam fills a bathtub with water for her and then leaves her to bathe alone. I’m no doctor, but I’ve been told enough to know you keep your arm out of water for at least a few days. And how is she supposed to wash her hair with one wounded arm? Sam should have washed her hair and helped her with soap and washcloth. That didn’t fit.

Another minor problem. A government agent told Sam that the bad guys had a small army at the Texas location. But when Sam and his group went there, only a few men (of the bad guys) were mentioned. Nothing was said about the small army. I was confused.

STORY BRIEF:
Sam is on an undercover mission in Mexico to catch Alex, an arms dealer. He meets Sophie who works as a waitress. They have a heated affair for a few days. Sam’s group is finished, and he has to leave. Sam doesn’t know that Sophie is the daughter of Alex. After Sam leaves, Sophie goes to Alex, shoots him, takes his vault key, and goes on the run. A few weeks later Sam comes back to find Sophie, but she’s gone. Sophie has now been on the run for five months. She is pregnant with Sam’s baby. She tried to stay away from Sam to keep him safe, but now she needs help and goes to him. Her father’s brother wants revenge and the vault key. His thugs have followed her and cause more problems.

DATA:
Story length: 332 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 5. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 21. Setting: current day mostly Tennessee with some Mexico, W. Virginia, and Texas. Copyright: 2010. Genre: romantic suspense.(less)

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Dec 22, 2010 Nicole rated it 3 of 5 stars

When reading "No Place to Run" I was expecting a story that would suck me in and leave me breathless, unable to put my Kindle down and thirsting for more-sadly, this book didn't do it for me. Having read a few of Banks' other series I was expecting a book that would emotionally strike a cord; the only way to describe the latest novel in the KGI series is lackluster.

I felt for the heroine, Sophie-she was taking a worst-case scenario and making the best of it. She had a good head on her shoulders,...more

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Dec 20, 2010 Marisa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romantic-suspense, series-i-love

I'm really enjoying this series. It’s easy to get caught up in the Kelly family and their adventures. They are the kind of fictional family that immediately endears themselves to the reader; and that’s a testament to the author. Maya Banks writes excellent action and is equally adept at writing romance. She combines the two to take you right into the heart of any scene. In the KGI series she also adds the element of characters that will become much beloved and favorites of the genre. She weaves...more

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Dec 09, 2010 Rebecca rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romantic-suspense

To say that I devoured No Place To Run would be an understatement. Once I started, I could not stop. Maya Banks packs No Place to Run full of action, suspense, romance and sensuality with characters the reader genuinely comes to care for – absolutely everything I must have in a romantic suspense for it to rank high on my book list. And she punched out some of the weak areas I found in The Darkest Hour, making this second book of the KGI series even better than the first.

Sam Kelly is another of M...more To say that I devoured No Place To Run would be an understatement. Once I started, I could not stop. Maya Banks packs No Place to Run full of action, suspense, romance and sensuality with characters the reader genuinely comes to care for – absolutely everything I must have in a romantic suspense for it to rank high on my book list. And she punched out some of the weak areas I found in The Darkest Hour, making this second book of the KGI series even better than the first.

Sam Kelly is another of Maya’s perfect heroes; in fact, the entire clan of Kelly men makes my heart palpitate – big bad-ass military men with a sensitive side and good family values – yum, yum, delicious. Sam is the quiet, steady and intense older brother, the responsible one the others look to for leadership, and the gentle and kind-hearted man who cares for those in need. Maya unveils a truly multi-dimensional hero with Sam.

While running an undercover mission to take down an arms dealer in Mexico, Sam uncharacteristically falls for Sophie, a waitress from the local bar. The sensual sex scenes and Sam’s need to claim her made me melt (and re-read this section a few times). It is clear that their relationship is more than just a fling as Sam and Sophie share these incredibly hot and tender moments, illustrating their developing feelings. But when his mission takes him away from Sophie, he leaves behind a surprise from a night of unprotected sex.

The book resumes months later when Sophie shows up at Sam’s home after being on the run from the arms dealer. Sophie is not who she had appeared to be and this revelation leaves Sam skeptical. Sophie loves him even though he lied to her about his identity, but Sam isn’t as willing to forgive her for her lie. Still they are held together by Sam’s need to protect Sophie and their baby against the arms dealer who wants what she has and is willing to kill to get it.

The best complement to a strong hero is a strong heroine. Sophie is a remarkable heroine – strong and vulnerable at the same time. Her courage and unwavering determination are amazing even in the face of doubt, unwilling to be bullied by the Kelly brothers when at first they don’t believe her story. She is fiercely protective when it comes to her baby. But what makes her most endearing is her need to belong, to be loved by someone, and to be part of a family. She is the perfect complement to Sam.

The Kelly family dynamics is a big part of this story as well. The woven storylines, including being able to visit with Ethan and Rachel from the first book and to see the developing interaction of Rusty within the Kelly family, made the book complete. The action and suspense surrounding their family as Sam and his brothers work to eliminate the threat of the arms dealer is tense and had me chewing on my nails with unexpected twists along the way. Maya has developed the entire Kelly family so well that she has whet the reader’s appetite for stories on the other characters. (Next book is scheduled for release in March 2011.)

Much more equal parts romance and suspense than her first in this series, No Place To Run hits the mark for top rating in the Romantic Suspense genre. Well done, Maya, the Kelly brothers and their family have a special place on my favorite books list, no doubt about it.

This review was originally posted at http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogs....
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Dec 07, 2010 Maldivianbookreviewer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: maya-banks, contemporary-romance, romantic-suspense, shared-past, pregnant-heroine, kick-ass-heroine, shower-smexing, ex-military-hero, emotional-wrangler, endearing-hero, endearing-heroine, explosive-passion, fabulous-cover, favorite-alpha-heroes, hot-as-sin-hero, hottest-sex-scenes-ever, sizzling-sexual-tension, tortured-heroine, unforgettable-hero, favorites

My likes:

1- Boy, where do I start? This book packs everything and I don’t mean that lightly, EVERYTHING that I look for when I pick up a novel of the romantic suspense genre. Action packed, highly sensual and emotional with enough character development that keeps the pages turning, I resented the time I had to spend away from the story after I started reading. Yes, Maya Banks has done a splendid job with this one and I can’t literally wait for Garrett’s (*sigh* there goes the knee shaky thing ag...more My likes:

1- Boy, where do I start? This book packs everything and I don’t mean that lightly, EVERYTHING that I look for when I pick up a novel of the romantic suspense genre. Action packed, highly sensual and emotional with enough character development that keeps the pages turning, I resented the time I had to spend away from the story after I started reading. Yes, Maya Banks has done a splendid job with this one and I can’t literally wait for Garrett’s (*sigh* there goes the knee shaky thing again!) story to come out in March 2011.

2- Sam Kelly. Oh boy! He is one yummy alpha hero, in fact I don’t know how Ms. Banks does it with the Kelly men, but the entire bunch just makes me salivate, sigh, drool and palpitate as the story unfolds. Even with the 1st chapter itself, Sam managed to knock my socks off, with his smoldering sensuality, the simmering need deep within him to claim the woman who is obviously meant for him which touched me in a deep, deep way. And as the story continues, I got to see so many sides of Sam, the responsible tough oldest sibling role he has to play, the gentle, kindhearted soul that comes out to play when he is around those who are weaker than him and the way he lays claim on his woman sealed the deal for me with this hero.

3- Sophie! She is one hell of a heroine. Vulnerable, beautiful and fiercely protective as a mother lioness with her cubs when it comes to her baby and Sam, she totally won me over because she is exactly what Sam needs in his life to make it complete. I loved her because she doesn’t take crap from anyone, not Sam, not Garrett and not even her formidably frightening father and still managed to touch something deep inside of my heart with her need to belong, to be loved and cossetted by someone who would love her unconditionally.

4- The family dynamics in the story. What pulled me in even from the very 1st book in the series is how well the whole Kelly family as well as other side roles within the series have been created, whetting the reader’s appetite for more from them. Apart from the obvious Kelly brothers whose stories every reader of this series must covet, I would love to read Rusty, Sean as well as P.J. and Steele’s story. It is a testament to how well the character development has been handled within the story that I as a reader have this deep, insatiable need to learn more about them, whom we just get to meet in a scene or two in the whole story. Kudos to Ms. Banks for a job well done!

5- As much as I coveted the emotional, sensual and action-packed moments in the story, I loved the humor-laced parts of the story, though they were few and far in-between. The scene that stands out the most is where Sam has to find underthings for Sophie, and it is to his mom he has to turn to, and the conversation between Garrett, Sam and Donovan just had me laughing out loud – making my husband a firm believer of the fact that I am stark raving mad! ^_^

6- And before I forget, I very much heart the man-titty cover! Would make a sensational addition to Pamela Clare’s MTM posts don’tcha think? ^_^

My Dislikes: Absolutely none! Just wish there was more of this stuff to read, is all!! ^_^

Full review with quotes from the story: http://bit.ly/fkfWJo (less)

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Nov 16, 2010 Bookaholics rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

No Place to Run (A KGI Novel) by Maya Banks
Contemporary Romance -Dec. 7th, 2010
4 ½ stars

No Place to Run is an action packed thrill ride from start to finish! Sam Kelly has always been quiet and intense and when he falls in love, he falls hard.

Sam had been working under cover to take down Alex Mouton, an evil arms dealer in Mexico but he couldn’t help his attraction to the innocent waitress named Sophie in the area. But new information forces him to desert her but not without a surprise from a...more No Place to Run (A KGI Novel) by Maya Banks
Contemporary Romance -Dec. 7th, 2010
4 ½ stars

No Place to Run is an action packed thrill ride from start to finish! Sam Kelly has always been quiet and intense and when he falls in love, he falls hard.

Sam had been working under cover to take down Alex Mouton, an evil arms dealer in Mexico but he couldn’t help his attraction to the innocent waitress named Sophie in the area. But new information forces him to desert her but not without a surprise from a night of unprotected sex….

It is months later and Sophie is not all that she appeared. Sophie was actually undercover and working for Alex Mouton to discover about Sam’s group, the KGI (The Kelly Group International- a family of elite men and one woman that handle jobs the government can’t.) But Sophie betrayed Mouton. Plus a new pregnancy and being on the run have forced her to ask Sam and his family for help. Sophie loves Sam and although he lied to her about his identity she knows he won’t be as forgiving that she lied to him. But the bad guys want what Sophie has and they are willing to kidnap and kill to get it. Can Sam keep Sophie safe and safely from his heart?

Sophie was an extraordinary heroine. I loved her courage and grit. The Kelly team is wary of her and she still pushes forward despite some of their prejudices and suspicion. She wants what is best for her baby and her commitment and her endurance were emotional to read. Sam also loves Sophie but he feels betrayed. He wants to comfort her but feel very torn. The tension between them was powerful! The only thing about the story that bothered me was that although Sophie loved Sam she didn’t really defend herself. I know it would have been difficult but I didn’t like that she felt she had to be a bit of a doormat because she lied to Sam. Sam also lied to her about his identify even if she knew and he didn’t. Otherwise, this was a fantastic read.

I can’t wait for the rest of the members to get ‘shackled.’ The author’s strong writing and amazing imagination make her books a force to be reckoned with. If you love action, adventure, and hot love then this is a series keep you wanting more!

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club (less)

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Jul 06, 2012 Jimena rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, favorites

I read the teaser chapter for this book in The Darkest Hour and my heart was stuck in my throat. So I knew I definitely needed to read this book. In the teaser chapter Sophie is five months pregnant and was roughed up, this totally made my blood boiling. What sick bastard does this to a lone pregnant woman?! When I picked up No Place to Run I hoped Sam Kelly would find Sophie and she and her baby would be OK.

This book starts out with a little history between Sam Kelly and Sophie. Right there wh...more

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Mar 01, 2011 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romantic-suspense

The second book in the KGI series. Sam and Sophie's story was faster paced and more action-packed than the first novel. We were less in the characters' heads here, more focused on their actions. Sophie and Sam have a brief, passionate affair in Mexico, where she works as a waitress. Sam is there scoping out an arms dealer with his group. Little does he know that Sophie is not who she appears. They are forced to separate due to circumstance, but she turns up on his doorstep 5 months later injured...more

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Aug 22, 2011 marlene rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

www.readwatcheat.com

I have been on a military smut kick for a few days now. It could always be worse. I could be back on a cowboy run. I read book one of Maya Banks' KGI series when it first came out. I think I delayed reading No Place to Run, book two, as soon I saw the word “pregnant”. Books involving pregnant women or babies just don’t appeal to me. At all. I sucked it up and read through this one anyway.

I will be perfectly honest and tell you that my thoughts on this book are entirely cloude...more

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Mar 20, 2011 Sarah Eiseman rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I’m not usually a big fan of romantic suspense because the dramatic element seems to go a little nuts, but this book had a good mix of everything and kept me very interested.

We first meet Sophie Lundgren and Sam Kelly during a passionate moment–we all know where this is going. Sophie ends up on Sam’s doorstep five months later, heavy with child, and massively in trouble. Trouble that only Sam can help with. He, and his family, are understandably skeptical, but the feelings between these two cann...more

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