Rush

The Breathless Trilogy, Book 1

By: Maya Banks

Narrated by: Adam Paul

Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.

Gabe has starred in Mia’s fantasies more than once, ever since she was a teenager with a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. So what if Gabe’s 14 years older? Mia knows he’s way out of her league, but her attraction has only grown stronger with time. She’s an adult now, and there’s no reason not to act on her most secret desires. As Gabe pulls her into his provocative world, she realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him or how exacting his demands can be. Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed - and is vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected.

©2013 Maya Banks (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

MAYA - I KNOW YOU CAN DO BETTER WORK THAN THIS

It's all pretty much been said before - but this is the second MB download that has disappointed me.

This one could have been a tender hot love story but instead it seemed to be very degrading to Mia (beautiful but a doormat) who felt the only way to get her longtime childhood crush (on her brother's best friend and now business partner) and all the fantasies that went with him, out of her system was to sell herself to him and so BDSM enthusiast Gabe, who just came across as a rich, domineering and spoilt jerk, gets his evil contract signed. Unfortunately, for him (and us listeners) things eventually take a turn for the worst when he invites associates to share his toy.

To engage in stories you have to sympathise, empathise, understand and like the characters and their lives but this fell on the seedy side until Gabe finally sees the light and the romance kicked off at the end.

Worth a credit? This fell in my $10 rule so I bought it however in July/August I will download book 2 Fever which is Jace's story in the hope the saying 'things can only get better' will apply.

Rush is a good title

This story was like a modern romance on crack! There were too many major points to contribute to the story line but not enough build up. I felt like the story was like BAM point 1 then BAM point 2 then etc. The story was rushed! I guess modern romances now are trying to meet/ exceed the "50 shades" standards, but it took 3 books to tell that story. I don't want to read a book and think I'm getting the "cliff notes" version.

Also, the narrator was not that enjoyable to listen to. I think he gave a one note performance and even he rushed some of the dialogue. If a man narrates a romance, then he should narrate it in more of a sultry tone.

Hmmmmm....

After reading reviews on this I was skeptical, but, as a Maya Banks fan I thought I'd give it a try. I'm really happy I did, although I completely understand why many reviewers had some negative comments. I too felt a little dirty initially--the whole May/December relationship, accompanied by Gabe's (male lead) aggressive demands of Mia (female lead)--but, by the end I was loving both of them and rooting for their relationship. This is a sexy listen, with interesting characters. If you like 50 Shades or anything along those lines, you'll likely enjoy Rush. The narrator is average, but, he does a better job in the second book.

Why all the bad reviews? I LOVED IT!

What did you love best about Rush?

I loved the story, loved Mia and her strength, hated Gabe (and don't we love to hate the villain!!)

What did you like best about this story?

That Mia trusted Gabe even though it was tough to do and he misused it sometimes.

Have you listened to any of Adam Paul’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I haven't

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not really

"RUSH" to get back to the book. Do not disturb!

Loved it, hot steamy sex scenes. I love this author, you won't be disappointed if you like hot and steamy. ☆☆☆☆☆

Only male teller

I don’t like when the woman is read by a man and vice versa. Other than that story was ok

Good Story! Bad Narrator

I liked the story in this book yet little bit raw. The narrator did a poorly job with the voices of other characters and the love scenes just a flat note all together. He was reading the story fast. I decided not purchase the 2nd and 3rd book because of the narrator.

Good Story

I really wish Jim Frangione had been the narrator. His "Vicious" really would have been the voice for this story. That's all I can add to any of the reviews that are already out there.

Predictable but still good

I really liked this one, and the narration was good as well. The story itself was a little predictable, but not overly so, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Another great series for Maya Banks

Where does Rush rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was a very good book, goor romance with some interesting sex as well

What was one of the most memorable moments of Rush?

The hotel scene in Paris was memorable. I couldn't believe Gabe was going to be such an idiot.

Which character – as performed by Adam Paul – was your favorite?

Gabe was my favourite. I really enjoy a strong male voice to bring characters to life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Just about, I listened on a long road trip!