Forged in Steele

A KGI Novel, Book 7

By: Maya Banks

Narrated by: Adam Paul

Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

The next heart pounding novel in the KGI series from Maya Banks, the New York Times best-selling author of Rush, Fever, and Burn, the Breathless trilogy.

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

Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.

Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the US government can’t...

Steele, a KGI team leader, is an enigma not even his teammates understand. His emotions are tightly locked down and nothing can break that icy exterior. Nothing except Maren Scofield, a doctor on a mission, a woman who has gotten under Steele’s skin and threatens to crack that unflappable cool he’s legendary for. Steele is determined not to allow Maren past his carefully guarded defenses. But when she’s in danger, there’s no way he’ll allow anyone else to protect her. Maren’s hiding something. He’s sure of it. But he isn’t prepared for the shocking discovery her secrets reveal. Or how they will forever alter the course of his destiny. He has a decision to make. Hold tight and shut her out. Or take a chance on something more powerful than he’s ever faced: Love.

©2013 Maya Banks (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Incredibly awesome...I love Maya Banks and I love her books.” (Jaci Burton, New York Times best-selling author)

“[A] one-two punch of entertainment that will leave readers eager for the next book.” (Publishers Weekly)

Outstanding job for an outstanding book!

This is an excellent audio version of a great book.

Adam Paul brings the story to life, adding the right inflections to bring out the emotions not only of the dialogue but of the action.

His voices are excellent--though I thought his Sam Kelly was a bit high-pitched, bringing particular images to mind. He nailed Hancock, giving him that neutral voice that one would expect from such a man. His Southern accent is a bit more Texas than I would expect for characters who have grown up in Tennessee (I've lived in Tennessee most of my life), a bit too much drawl on occasion.

The only thing I did not enjoy about this audiobook--other than the fact it ended--was the soap opera music inserted at the end. It only added time to the book, nothing to the story and was of an inappropriate beat for the moment. Instead of enhancing the excitement and expectation of the moment, it offered a totally different mood and slowed down what was otherwise an exciting and emotional scene.

Overall, I enjoyed listening very much and will definitely be building more of my audio library.

If it's not broke .....

What made the experience of listening to Forged in Steele the most enjoyable?

You get familiar with characters though out the series, and start to look forward to their book.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

As I said If it's not broke don't fix it. Changing the narrator detracted from the flow of the series. The same characters with different voices ruins the experience.

Will she be able to count on Steele to protect her

5 star

The story has laughs, abuse, kidnapping, suspense, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
The Darkest Hour (KGI, #1)
No Place to Run (KGI #2)
Hidden Away (KGI #3)
Whispers in the Dark (KGI #4)
Echoes at Dawn (KGI #5)
Softly at Sunrise (KGI #5.5)
Shades of Gray (KGI #6)

This is Maren and Steele’s story. Steele is the iceman. Or so his team thinks. When he and a few of his men need medical attention he goes to Maren. He wants her and tries to stay away from her. He is no good for her. But after one night he just can’t stay away. After coming back to her in his downtime he is called away. Maren has a secret but is not completely sure she is expecting so she takes a test and decides that she will tell Steele when she gets the results. Only problem is when she gets the results she get kidnapped the same day. Now in the hands of a mad man who believes that he wants her she has to worry about him making the moves on her while she takes care of his medical needs. Steele has been searching for Maren for months. When one phone call brings her back to him he knows that the danger is not over. He moves her in and takes care of her but what happens when the danger comes for her. Will she be able to count on Steele to protect her or will he not want her or the baby?

I loved these characters and also the side characters. I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story in this series.

Another awesome read from Maya

Does not disappoint! Maya does it again with KGI! Can not wait to read the next in the series.

The Saga of Love and Justice continues

At first I was bummed with the change of narrator in this series but I love the gruff voice Paul uses for Steele. Banks does a great job of introducing characters she explores in future books. We got to know Steele a bit in the PJ/Cole saga of Shades of Gray Book 6 and Dr. Maren popped up in previous books as well as the KGI physician.
Steele is nicknamed "ice man" so no wonder the surprise of his love interest in Dr. Maren. If you've enjoyed the other books in the KGI series, you will definitely enjoy this one. Maren is tough in her own right. Steele falls for her hard and fast and the adventure takes off right away. It's also nice to hear about happenings of other characters from previous books. Worth the credit if you're into sexy mercenary men, action and love.

Steele

I really liked this book but it was not my favorite of the series. I did not like how things evolved with Maren. It seemed rushed and Steele just changed his personality too fast. Iceman to caring talking man. I just wish Ms Banks had made the change take a more natural course. As always I love Adam Paul who does a great job.

Love Steele & Marin

This is a great couple, a great story, huge suspense, huge love story, so much drama!

Best one yet!

I just love this series! Each book gets better and the characters are wonderful. I can’t wait for my drive each day so I can get my time with KGI

why??

The story of it self was good. the beginning when Steele and Maren first,get together was worth the whole book. After that the talking of how much they love each other was it too much.
The Kelly's voices sucked loved Harry better. This guy does better women and that's all I have to say about that. Steele sounded like he was constipated.

Cristian Bale Batman nightmare

I preferred the previous narrator- this guy sounds soooo Bad! It's reminiscent of Cristian Bale saying "I am Batman" Just awful. Ruins one of my favorite books in the KGI series.