Rating: 4.5 / 5

Maya Banks has a real winner with this series. I've enjoyed each an every book, including this one.

Series Note:
Fifth book in Banks's "KGI" series about a group of private security agents and the women they get involved with. I wouldn't necessarily say you have to have read all the other books first, but I would definitely recommend reading the previous book (Whispers in the Dark) first as it directly connects to this one, storyline-wise.

Summary:
The first time KGI agent Rio sees Grace Peterson on a security video, he knows he has to have her and that he'll do anything to keep her safe. So he and his team head out to rescue Grace, a healer, from the men who want to capture her and abuse her ability. Rio knows he'll stop at nothing to find her and protect her.

When Grace first sees Rio, she has no idea whether to trust him or not. But she's go little else to rely on so she has to trust Rio. And it ends up being the best decision she ever made. Because not only is he willing to keep her safe, but he also wants her, something she's never experienced before. Now as happiness looms for Rio and Grace, they'll have to find a way to keep her safe from the people who want her.

Review:
This book has a little different tone than the other books in this series. It's got more of a romance feel and a little less intense suspense. The focus of the story is definitely more on Grace and Rio as characters and on the romance that blooms between them.

And I didn't mind that. I really enjoyed these two characters. Poor Grace has been through hell in her life and she's lost almost all hope of ever being able to have a normal life. Then there's Rio, bad-ass mercenary who is trying to get past some bad decisions in his life. He sees Grace and is a total goner. Both were great characters to read about. And then had fabulous chemistry between them.

The romance moves a bit fast but I thought it fit the story. It's a sort of instant-attraction/love-at-first-sight kind of thing. But I just thought it was fitting for the type of story it was and the characters involved. I really loved the sweetness between them and how Rio turned into a big marshmallow when it involved Grace. There's something ridiculously sexy about a badass Alpha getting all gooey over a woman ;) And yeah, there's some hot scenes between them, too!

As for storyline, even though the suspense is a bit lower-key than the other books it's still there in that Rio and his team have to first rescue Grace and then find a way to keep her safe. The big battle scene in the end is intense and leaves you with mixed feelings over how it all plays out and what happens with some people. I thought Banks did an excellent job with that last scene. It came as a surprise to me. And I loved it.

And of course there's appearances by the Kelly brothers, their wives, and other team members. Great to get to visit with them again. I'm looking forward to the next book. Should be interesting!