This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
About The Book
The last person Sam Kelly expected to save was Sophie Lundgren. Once they shared a brief, intense affair while Sam was undercover and then she vanished. She’s spent the last few months on the run, knowing that any mistake would cost her both her life and that of their unborn child. Now she’s resurfaced with a warning for Sam: this time, he’s the one in danger.
My Review
First Impressions
This book *sigh* I don’t even know what to say about this one here. I think I even enjoyed it a bit more than the first one, and I really liked the first one. I won’t say that this is the best Maya Banks novel written, because I am not completely blown away by this series. However, I was delighted to be able to pick this one up here. Even if it has one of my least favorite tropes around. I didn’t know what to expect in this one because you know I just went into this one blindly and I rarely do that. I always like to know what I am getting into but I just trust that Maya Banks will work for me and you know she is one of those authors that can make the least likable tropes just work but it does combine with one of my favorite tropes as well, yeah it worked but also one flashback and that was in the very beginning and that is how I like my flashbacks to be implemented into a story. The plot as a whole was one rollercoaster ride and it’s a story that knocked my socks off.
Summary
Sam Kelly and Sophie Lundgren had a fling and they thought at the time that beautiful time they had together was it for them, that they moved on but it was so much more than that. And neither Sam nor Sophie have forgotten those special nights in each other’s arms. But now Sophie is in danger. She is five months pregnant, on the run from her father’s men who want to kill her, and they will stop at nothing to stop her from reaching the Kelly Family. When she finds Sam, their reunion isn’t what she planned on as she is injured and scared for her life and his family is none too happy to have her around. But Sam is determined to protect Sophie despite the misunderstanding and the fact that she could be seen as the enemy, as she is the daughter of the man who is out to destroy them. But finding a way to work past their challenges and find a happy ending won’t be easy and will be packed with hurdles that Sam and Sophie will need to overcome.
What I Loved
There were quite a few things that I really loved. First off, is the characters. I actually had a blast with both Sam and Sophie, they were both delightful people that I just wanted to indulge in more of. They have distinct personalities and while they may seem different on the surface, they are both strong as iron on the inside and both fighters. I also enjoyed seeing two reunited lovers come back together. And I also didn’t hate the “Secret Baby” trope that is found within this one here. It actually was written in a way that really worked for me. Normally I despise this trope, but Maya Banks really write this element so well within the story that it made sense. The way that the plot was built was done very intricately and I was impressed with the suspense elements that were immersed all the way through. It definitely offered a great balance between the complexities of the relationship with the intense keep you on your toes, storyline that keeps the reader engaged all the way through.
What I Struggled With
Well, there were a few things I think kept this story from a higher rating. I do wish that Sophie had come to Sam much sooner than when she is on the run for her life. I also wish she had been more honest with Sam from the get-go. There were parts of the story that felt a bit rushed and at times it seemed a bit unbelievable especially with the whole villain having a nuke bomb, out of nowhere.
The Narration
This isn’t my favorite narrator in the world, but he did a decent job in narrating this. I did feel like his voice could be too monotone at times and could have been more expressive especially in the more emotional of moments.
Overall View
No Place To Run is a fiery hot, keeps one on their toes, suspense romance. It’s a story that takes you into some intense moments of thrills and desires and family connection which will only delight the reader into delving deeper into this series…..A TRUE WINNER
Book Details
Title: No Place To Run
Author: Maya Banks
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Format: Audiobook
Source: Hoopla Digital
Length: 9 Hours
Book Links
Amazon| Barnes & Noble| Kobo| Goodreads| LibraryThing| Storygraph| Literal Club| Audible| Anyplay
Book Evaluation
Storytelling Quality: 4.5
Story Itself: 4
Character Development: 4
Writing Style: 4
World Building 4
Feels + The Romantic Heart 4
Pacing 5
Plot 4.5
Narration= 4
Cover Art 4
Ending 4
Book Ratings
Rating of the Book
Steam Level
Simmering cup of tea—soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin’ by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin’ up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Series Order
KGI
The Darkest Hour-Pub 2010 #1 in Series
No Place To Run-Pub 2010 #2 In Series
Hidden Away-Pub 2011 #3 in Series
Whispers In The Dark-Pub 2012 #4 in Series
Echoes at Dawn-Pub 2012 #5 in Series
Softly at Sunrise-Pub 2012 #5.5 in Series
Shades of Grey-Pub 2012 #6 in Series
Forged in Steele-Pub 2013 #7 in Series
After the Storm-Pub 2014 #8 in Series
When Day Breaks-Pub 2014 #9 in Series
Darkest Before Dawn-Pub 2015 #10 in Series
Brighter Than The Sun-Pub 2017 #11 in Series
Where You Are-Pub 2022 #12 in Series
About The Author
Maya Banks is the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today and international bestselling author of over 50 novels. A wife and mother of three, she lives in Texas.
I’ve had a mixed run with her books no matter what the series so I’m glad to know you enjoyed this one despite Sophie’s secrets and hiding.
I think i need to revisit this author and try this series. Wonderful review, you have me wanting to dive in!
I really enjoyed what I read of this series. Enjoyed your review.
I must admit… this sounds yummy! I’m going to take in the things you struggled with and give this a shot. Great review! <3
I haven’t read a Maya Banks book in forever. Glad you are enjoying!
It has been a while since I read this author. May need to take a look at her books again. Great review.
It has been a while since I read this author. I think I need to get back to her books. Great review.