Review & Giveaway | "Taking It All" by Maya Banks

Taking It All by Maya banks
Adult Romance published August 5, 2014
Berkeley Trade
Author's website  |  Goodreads  |  Buy the Book on Amazon

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Chessy and Tate have been married for several years. In the beginning, their relationship was everything she wanted. Passionate. All consuming. She offered her submission freely and Tate cherished her gift with a tenderness that made her feel safe. Content. Wanted. And loved beyond all measure. But as the years have gone by, Tate has become more immersed in making his business the success it has become, and Chessy has taken a back seat to his business obligations. Growing unhappier with the status of their once blissful marriage, Chessy knows that something has to give. Or they stand to lose it all

Tate loves his wife. Has always loved her. Providing for her has always been his number one priority. But lately she’s seemed unhappy, and he’s worried. Worried enough that he arranges for a night together that he hopes will reignite the fire that once burned like an inferno between them.

But a business call at the wrong time threatens everything. Chessy’s safety, his concentration, his wife’s faith in him as her husband, a man sworn to love and protect her above all else. Gutted with the realization that he’s going to lose her—has already lost her—he readies for the fight of his life. Whatever it takes, he’ll get her back. And prove to her that nothing is more important than her love. And that if she’ll allow him to prove himself one more time, he’ll take it all. Everything. But he’ll give far more back. Himself. His undying love.

My Thoughts...

This was most definitely not my favorite book of this series.  In fact, it was my least favorite.  I gave it 3 stars on Goodreads, but I would say probably 3.5 and at least 1 full star was given because of how much I loved Jensen in this book.  He and Kylie play a significant part and that made me love the 2 of them even more.

I was a little hesitant about this book because I was worried how she would work it all out since Tate and Chessy have been married for 5 years.  I do think she set it up nicely in the first 2 books, but I do also think the set up was maybe a little misleading.  I was expecting the problems between them to be much bigger than what they really were.  Basically their only issue, at first, is neglect which because of her childhood, Chessy is use to.  He is spending all his time focusing on his business and not on her.  His intentions are truly good and in his defense, he doesn't really realize that it's gotten so bad.  They have their little blow up and then things are really going well when something happens that is just so bad that she is finally broken.  ** I will typically not post spoilers, but I think it's only fair to warn you that this "event" is quite graphic and I think that this book should come with some sort of disclaimer that warns readers that there is a violent BDSM scene that isn't exactly typical of even this genre. **

I will be the first to admit that this whole dominant/submissive thing is a mystery to me.  I don't understand it and honestly I don't care to.  It's not something I would ever be "in" to and because of that I don't particularly care to read much about it.  This book went way more into that world that I really cared to venture and when it all plays out it's clear why I don't care for it.  When it's all said and done I was a little disappointed that Chessy was still into it.  I realize that it's probably not something you get over, but sometimes you need to see when something isn't healthy for you and be done with it.

I did like how the book ended in most regards and especially liked the epilogue where we see how everyone is doing in the end.  I do think that Tate is a good man, he just needed to get his priorities straight.  I always liked Chessy and I love the relationship that she has with her friends.  Everyone should have people in their lives that they can depend on like that.  What I didn't like was the role that The House played in this book, I guess it's just not my thing!  There were a lot of sappy lines and I hated that he called her "my girl", there were times that an endearment like that fit, but most of the times it just sounded like he was talking to a child and it was annoying.  There was also a line in the book about him being a very private person and that just doesn't jive with someone who does what he does at "The House".

Overall, I enjoyed the series.  There were things I would change about it, but I did like the characters.  Keep reding for your chance to win your very own print copies of this entire series courtesy of the publisher!!
XOXO, Shelly

*Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book courtesy of the publisher in exchange for my honest review.*

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