What do you think?
Rate this book
Unspoken #1-3
Unbroken
All three of Maya Banks’s sexy novellas combined into one volume!
Understood
Jake Turner committed the ultimate mistake of falling in love with his best friend’s wife. The distance he puts between them costs both him and Ellie Matthews dearly. Jake will never forgive himself for not seeing what a bastard his friend was. Now that Ellie is free from her nightmare, Jake waits, needing and wanting. He’ll be there when Ellie is ready to spread her wings.
Overheard
Gracie Evans is a woman tired of the men in her life not satisfying her in bed. She’s had a string of boyfriends, but none of them have come close to satisfying the vivid fantasies she has. Two weeks before Valentine’s Day, she breaks up with her latest boyfriend after a night of lackluster sex.
When her best friend, Luke Forsythe, overhears her talking to their friend Michelle about what she really wants, he’s stunned. And very turned on. Gracie thinks there isn’t a man alive who can satisfy her in bed. Luke aims to prove her wrong.
Undenied
Wes Hoffman has a good life and good friends and firmly entrenched in his comfort zone. Until a blast from the past tilts his universe and gives him a healthy dose of something he isn’t used to experiencing. Insecurity.
Payton Ricci is surprised but not the least bit unhappy when she spies Wes Hoffman across the bar at a bachelorette party. He was her first many years before but the two have very different recollections of the act.
When Wes dodges Payton like a man with the hounds of hell at his heels, Payton realizes it’s going to take a whole lot more effort on her part to make him see the light. Better yet, see her. As a grown woman and not the teenage virgin he once made love to.
Understood
Jake Turner committed the ultimate mistake of falling in love with his best friend’s wife. The distance he puts between them costs both him and Ellie Matthews dearly. Jake will never forgive himself for not seeing what a bastard his friend was. Now that Ellie is free from her nightmare, Jake waits, needing and wanting. He’ll be there when Ellie is ready to spread her wings.
Overheard
Gracie Evans is a woman tired of the men in her life not satisfying her in bed. She’s had a string of boyfriends, but none of them have come close to satisfying the vivid fantasies she has. Two weeks before Valentine’s Day, she breaks up with her latest boyfriend after a night of lackluster sex.
When her best friend, Luke Forsythe, overhears her talking to their friend Michelle about what she really wants, he’s stunned. And very turned on. Gracie thinks there isn’t a man alive who can satisfy her in bed. Luke aims to prove her wrong.
Undenied
Wes Hoffman has a good life and good friends and firmly entrenched in his comfort zone. Until a blast from the past tilts his universe and gives him a healthy dose of something he isn’t used to experiencing. Insecurity.
Payton Ricci is surprised but not the least bit unhappy when she spies Wes Hoffman across the bar at a bachelorette party. He was her first many years before but the two have very different recollections of the act.
When Wes dodges Payton like a man with the hounds of hell at his heels, Payton realizes it’s going to take a whole lot more effort on her part to make him see the light. Better yet, see her. As a grown woman and not the teenage virgin he once made love to.
285 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2009
91 people are currently reading
1568 people want to read
About the author
Maya Banks
243 books21.5k followersMaya 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
May 6, 2009
I like the way Maya Banks writes. So I was happy to find "Unbroken", her latest, contains three (count 'em, three) interconnected stories. Obviously, none of them are too long, but then again that just makes them the perfect length for sneaking in a quick read when time is short.
Understood - Jake has waited for Ellie for what seems like forever! After helping her recover from her bastard of a former friend and husband, he intends to make her his own. Perhaps he's waited a bit too long? ***VERY hot and steamy with a sometimes silly heroine.
Overheard - When Luke overhears Gracie discussing her fantasies, he can't help but imagine how hot it would be to fulfill her desires; especially since he's had his eye on her for a while now. ***SMOKING hot with a temporary menage.
Undenied - Wes is having a problem. You see, the one sexual experience he'd most like to forget is now the one he can't stop replaying in his head and it's affecting him badly! Good thing Payton has no intention of letting a thing like that stop her. She'll just have to imprint some new memories. ***VERY hot and the sweetest of the three.
I could tell that these were some of Banks earlier works. They were still hot, but the heroines were weaker than normal. Didn't really bother me as I just concentrated on the sizzling hunks instead. Not much else to say except a warning regarding the content. WARNING: This title contains explicit descriptions of erotic sexual encounters including oral, anal, and vaginal sex with one and two partners. There is also some mild BDSM. If this bugs you...don't read the book!
Understood - Jake has waited for Ellie for what seems like forever! After helping her recover from her bastard of a former friend and husband, he intends to make her his own. Perhaps he's waited a bit too long? ***VERY hot and steamy with a sometimes silly heroine.
Overheard - When Luke overhears Gracie discussing her fantasies, he can't help but imagine how hot it would be to fulfill her desires; especially since he's had his eye on her for a while now. ***SMOKING hot with a temporary menage.
Undenied - Wes is having a problem. You see, the one sexual experience he'd most like to forget is now the one he can't stop replaying in his head and it's affecting him badly! Good thing Payton has no intention of letting a thing like that stop her. She'll just have to imprint some new memories. ***VERY hot and the sweetest of the three.
I could tell that these were some of Banks earlier works. They were still hot, but the heroines were weaker than normal. Didn't really bother me as I just concentrated on the sizzling hunks instead. Not much else to say except a warning regarding the content. WARNING: This title contains explicit descriptions of erotic sexual encounters including oral, anal, and vaginal sex with one and two partners. There is also some mild BDSM. If this bugs you...don't read the book!
May 16, 2009
This was one of those rare anthologies that reads like one complete novel, which made me very happy. The three stories flowed seamlessly right into the next. It was ultra hot, sexy, and romantic, and features three couples (as well as a fourth married couple who they all hang out with) who live and work in a small east Texas town. All the stories are related, and the characters recur throughout the book. I loved it, and I think most fans of Maya Banks will love it too.
In Understood, Jakes's an ex-pro football player, now working as a building contractor. He's been in love with his best buddy's (and current star quarterback) wife for years, but has worked hard to keep that love a secret. Ellie's recently ended her stormy marriage to her cruel, abusive husband, and is nursing some deep emotional scars. Jake knew nothing of the abuse until the night Ellie came to him, frightened and bloody. Jake would love nothing more than to protect and care for Ellie they way she deserves, but he doesn't want to rush her. But when he sees her in the local bar, all dolled up and seemingly ready for action, the time for waiting is over. He wants her and no one else is going to have her! Ellie had better be ready, because this big bad alpha is ready to claim her forever.
Whew! Smokin' hot as expected, with a dominant possessive alpha with a tender, protective heart, and a shy, but ready to be possessed heroine. Loved it.
In Overheard, building contractor Luke (Jake's partner) overhears a conversation between best friend Gracie and her friend Michelle. Gracie's been disappointed with past lovers. She wants a real man who could take her fantasies and turn them into reality. Gracie fantasizes about bondage, spanking, and menage. Luke can't believe it. Who knew that little Gracie harbors triple X fantasies? Luke is so turned on by the idea that he vows to make all those fantasies come true, and sets out to do so. When these long-time friends become lovers, they wonder why they waited so long. But will these beginning feelings of love be ruined when Gracie finds out about Luke's eavesdropping?
Oh wow, could it get any hotter? Luke and Gracie scorch the sheets, but when they add a third (their mutual friend Wes)--fire extinguisher alert! This was one hot, friends-to-lovers story. Loved it.
And finally, Undenied. This is local cop Wes's story. Wes's friends Jake and Ellie, Luke and Gracie, and Jeremy (his cop buddy) and Michelle, are all married and settled and seemingly happy, but carefree Wes doubts that's the life for him. He's perfectly content with his small time life, his job, and his good times with his friends. Until one day he meets up with a blast from his past--his sexual 'first' from twelve years ago, Payton. Payton seems happy to see him, and Wes can't understand why. He remembers their first time together as not being very good, and seeing Payton again stirs up feelings of inadequacy. Because of his larger than average 'member' and inexperience, he remembers hurting Payton, causing him to cringe with embarrassment. Of course Payton remembers things differently, and tries to help Wes get over the past, because the spark is still there, and she really wants to be with him again. Payton's seduction of Wes gets wickedly hot, and soon this commitment-phobe starts thinking of forever. But will Payton's successful career in Houston hinder their budding relationship? Will Wes be willing to sacrifice for the woman he's come to love?
Loved this one too. I loved how Gracie was there for Wes to help him and encourage him with his relationship. Actually I liked how all the friends were there for each other--they truly were like one big happy family. Wes was so worried about being, in his words, a 'pussy', that I found it comical. I loved how Jake and Luke set him straight and showed him how being a 'pussy' could be the best thing that ever happened to him.
To sum up: a very hot book with three related stories, great couples, no skimping on the sex, and three decent plots. Well worth the time and effort for any fan of erotic romance. 4 1/2 stars.
Warning: This book contains explicit language and sex, including oral and anal, a m/f/m menage, some spanking, and light bondage. Not for the faint of heart.
In Understood, Jakes's an ex-pro football player, now working as a building contractor. He's been in love with his best buddy's (and current star quarterback) wife for years, but has worked hard to keep that love a secret. Ellie's recently ended her stormy marriage to her cruel, abusive husband, and is nursing some deep emotional scars. Jake knew nothing of the abuse until the night Ellie came to him, frightened and bloody. Jake would love nothing more than to protect and care for Ellie they way she deserves, but he doesn't want to rush her. But when he sees her in the local bar, all dolled up and seemingly ready for action, the time for waiting is over. He wants her and no one else is going to have her! Ellie had better be ready, because this big bad alpha is ready to claim her forever.
Whew! Smokin' hot as expected, with a dominant possessive alpha with a tender, protective heart, and a shy, but ready to be possessed heroine. Loved it.
In Overheard, building contractor Luke (Jake's partner) overhears a conversation between best friend Gracie and her friend Michelle. Gracie's been disappointed with past lovers. She wants a real man who could take her fantasies and turn them into reality. Gracie fantasizes about bondage, spanking, and menage. Luke can't believe it. Who knew that little Gracie harbors triple X fantasies? Luke is so turned on by the idea that he vows to make all those fantasies come true, and sets out to do so. When these long-time friends become lovers, they wonder why they waited so long. But will these beginning feelings of love be ruined when Gracie finds out about Luke's eavesdropping?
Oh wow, could it get any hotter? Luke and Gracie scorch the sheets, but when they add a third (their mutual friend Wes)--fire extinguisher alert! This was one hot, friends-to-lovers story. Loved it.
And finally, Undenied. This is local cop Wes's story. Wes's friends Jake and Ellie, Luke and Gracie, and Jeremy (his cop buddy) and Michelle, are all married and settled and seemingly happy, but carefree Wes doubts that's the life for him. He's perfectly content with his small time life, his job, and his good times with his friends. Until one day he meets up with a blast from his past--his sexual 'first' from twelve years ago, Payton. Payton seems happy to see him, and Wes can't understand why. He remembers their first time together as not being very good, and seeing Payton again stirs up feelings of inadequacy. Because of his larger than average 'member' and inexperience, he remembers hurting Payton, causing him to cringe with embarrassment. Of course Payton remembers things differently, and tries to help Wes get over the past, because the spark is still there, and she really wants to be with him again. Payton's seduction of Wes gets wickedly hot, and soon this commitment-phobe starts thinking of forever. But will Payton's successful career in Houston hinder their budding relationship? Will Wes be willing to sacrifice for the woman he's come to love?
Loved this one too. I loved how Gracie was there for Wes to help him and encourage him with his relationship. Actually I liked how all the friends were there for each other--they truly were like one big happy family. Wes was so worried about being, in his words, a 'pussy', that I found it comical. I loved how Jake and Luke set him straight and showed him how being a 'pussy' could be the best thing that ever happened to him.
To sum up: a very hot book with three related stories, great couples, no skimping on the sex, and three decent plots. Well worth the time and effort for any fan of erotic romance. 4 1/2 stars.
Warning: This book contains explicit language and sex, including oral and anal, a m/f/m menage, some spanking, and light bondage. Not for the faint of heart.
June 18, 2020
Awesome series.
I loved this book and have read it several times. It’s three intertwining stories. Love how they are such good friends and they all got their happy ever afters. I highly recommend this book.
I loved this book and have read it several times. It’s three intertwining stories. Love how they are such good friends and they all got their happy ever afters. I highly recommend this book.
March 5, 2019
This is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITES! I couldn't tell you how many times I've reread this book! If you like Maya Banks, you'll enjoy these 3 stories
July 24, 2023
Crushes, Fantasies, and Second Chances
These are steamy hot reads that are also funnier than expected. I can't believe I let them languish on my shelf for as long as I did. I'm going to have to ferret out the rest of Maya's books that have gone unread. 😉
The stories are connected through a strong friend group. As you will trip over the same characters repeatedly, reading in order is recommended but not required.
I borrowed a copy of the individual audio books, but I also own a copy of the collection. The narrator is Elizabeth Livingston for Understood. It was my first time listening to her, and I really enjoyed it. (4 ⭐️ for narration)
For Overheard, the narrator is Chandra Skyye. The audio isn't the crispest, but I like her for the female contingent. She's OK for the guys. She's also the narrator for Undenied. That audio was of better quality, but my other comments hold true. (3 & 3.5 ⭐️ for narration, respectively)
Stories: 4 stars
Narration: 3-4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.5x
Here are my individual reviews for each book. Happy reading! 📚💋
Understood 🌟🌟🌟🌟 - Alpha Jake to the Rescue
Ellie Matthews and Jake Turner have a past that left marks on them both. Breaking free of the past may have been Ellie's goal when she walked into a bar, but what ends up happening is hot and comical as Jake shows his alpha. 🥵
I love that Jake makes his intentions crystal clear before putting the ball in her court. I appreciate that she gives it real thought before reacting.
For a novelette, it contains a boatload of heat, but also a storyline that had me grabbing for a tissue. 🔥❤️😥 When the past turns up... well, Ellie quickly learns who she can and can't trust.
I should have expected the turmoil and heart, as Maya frequently delivers those, but I guess it's been too long since I last read one of her books. Yeah, I'll have to (re)visit more of her books.
Overheard 🌟🌟🌟🌟 - Needs and Fantasies
I like how Gracie Evans and Luke Forsythe's story came along. Even though eavesdropping isn't cool, I really can't argue with the smoking hot results! Once the gears are in motion, their story is like a runaway train, moving very quickly. I do love that Luke realizes exactly what he wants and isn't afraid to buck convention to get it.
Yeah, I can imagine being rocked between Wes and Luke would do that to any girl. If they're looking for volunteers, sign me up! 🙋♀️
Undenied 🌟🌟🌟🌟 - Plan of Attack
Payton Ricci and Wes Hoffman have history. One that she's moved on from, but he hasn't. It's actually kind of comical. Fine, it's completely hilarious! 🤣🤣🤣 Her plan of attack leads to an extremely hot encounter.
These two get plenty wrong, but not, oh boy, do I like it when they get things right. 🔥🔥🔥 The romance and seduction are wonderful.
I like the friendships that Wes has with the prior characters in the series, who make frequent appearances. I love how Gracie takes him to task on a few occasions. I also love how they all accept Payton.
These are steamy hot reads that are also funnier than expected. I can't believe I let them languish on my shelf for as long as I did. I'm going to have to ferret out the rest of Maya's books that have gone unread. 😉
The stories are connected through a strong friend group. As you will trip over the same characters repeatedly, reading in order is recommended but not required.
I borrowed a copy of the individual audio books, but I also own a copy of the collection. The narrator is Elizabeth Livingston for Understood. It was my first time listening to her, and I really enjoyed it. (4 ⭐️ for narration)
For Overheard, the narrator is Chandra Skyye. The audio isn't the crispest, but I like her for the female contingent. She's OK for the guys. She's also the narrator for Undenied. That audio was of better quality, but my other comments hold true. (3 & 3.5 ⭐️ for narration, respectively)
Stories: 4 stars
Narration: 3-4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.5x
Here are my individual reviews for each book. Happy reading! 📚💋
Understood 🌟🌟🌟🌟 - Alpha Jake to the Rescue
Ellie Matthews and Jake Turner have a past that left marks on them both. Breaking free of the past may have been Ellie's goal when she walked into a bar, but what ends up happening is hot and comical as Jake shows his alpha. 🥵
"When I claim you, I'm not ever letting you go."
-- Jake Turner
I love that Jake makes his intentions crystal clear before putting the ball in her court. I appreciate that she gives it real thought before reacting.
For a novelette, it contains a boatload of heat, but also a storyline that had me grabbing for a tissue. 🔥❤️😥 When the past turns up... well, Ellie quickly learns who she can and can't trust.
I should have expected the turmoil and heart, as Maya frequently delivers those, but I guess it's been too long since I last read one of her books. Yeah, I'll have to (re)visit more of her books.
Overheard 🌟🌟🌟🌟 - Needs and Fantasies
I like how Gracie Evans and Luke Forsythe's story came along. Even though eavesdropping isn't cool, I really can't argue with the smoking hot results! Once the gears are in motion, their story is like a runaway train, moving very quickly. I do love that Luke realizes exactly what he wants and isn't afraid to buck convention to get it.
She screamed. She couldn't help it. She'd never ever had such a powerful orgasm, and it scared and thrilled her all at the same time.
Yeah, I can imagine being rocked between Wes and Luke would do that to any girl. If they're looking for volunteers, sign me up! 🙋♀️
Undenied 🌟🌟🌟🌟 - Plan of Attack
Payton Ricci and Wes Hoffman have history. One that she's moved on from, but he hasn't. It's actually kind of comical. Fine, it's completely hilarious! 🤣🤣🤣 Her plan of attack leads to an extremely hot encounter.
"Let me put it into terms you can't possibly misunderstand. You feel that? Nothing. I may as well be a fucking eunuch. You're a gorgeous woman. I should be a walking hard-on around you, instead I'll likely have to shove my finger up my ass to push my dick back out of hiding."
🤣🤣 bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha... 🤣🤣
These two get plenty wrong, but not, oh boy, do I like it when they get things right. 🔥🔥🔥 The romance and seduction are wonderful.
I like the friendships that Wes has with the prior characters in the series, who make frequent appearances. I love how Gracie takes him to task on a few occasions. I also love how they all accept Payton.
February 11, 2018
Not bad at all
It was a very easy read. I enjoyed the way it interlocked the stories. Would be interested in finding out more about Ellie’s ex and his thoughts on her remarrying..?
It was a very easy read. I enjoyed the way it interlocked the stories. Would be interested in finding out more about Ellie’s ex and his thoughts on her remarrying..?
January 2, 2023
Undenied ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overheard ⭐️⭐️
Understood ⭐️⭐️
First one was ok last two books, not my cup of tea
Overheard ⭐️⭐️
Understood ⭐️⭐️
First one was ok last two books, not my cup of tea
July 25, 2017
Great short stories
If you are looking for a good book with hot scenes and great friends, you've come to the right place. This book has three different stories about a group of friends who found love with each other. They are close (some closer than others). Wonderful stories for a quick getaway.
If you are looking for a good book with hot scenes and great friends, you've come to the right place. This book has three different stories about a group of friends who found love with each other. They are close (some closer than others). Wonderful stories for a quick getaway.
July 20, 2017
An abbreviated 50 Shades!
May 1, 2018
Already read this.
June 17, 2020
Love
I absolutely loved these three books. I laughed and cried. I love her books. I usually end up rereading them
I absolutely loved these three books. I laughed and cried. I love her books. I usually end up rereading them
July 20, 2020
It was an interesting idea of having the main story focused around seven best friends.
I loved the idea of three individual love stories that intertwine into one main story.
I loved the idea of three individual love stories that intertwine into one main story.
July 30, 2020
I don't read romance often but these were short, steamy stories that I enjoyed reading!
March 1, 2021
Loved all three of these hot sexy stories. 🔥🌟🔥🌟🔥🌟🔥🌟🔥🌟🔥🌟🔥🌟🔥🌟🔥
library
July 30, 20210
June 17, 2023
Amazing easy read with a great story. The consent and community build was perfect
Read
January 12, 2025Three great stories men that meet their match in the woman that they hook up with
June 26, 2017
Understood: The abusive ex's sexy-as-fuck best friend. Review over. :) Seriously though, I love this trope, why isn't there more of it??????? Gimme your recs, people.
Overheard: Your guy friend's giving your ultimate fantasy? Jealous. Falling in love with one of them? Even if you don't get to bang both after HEA? Still satisfied.
Undenied: Meh. This one wasn't as good as the first two. Positively boring. And I hate that they moved away:( Weird relationship between these two.
Overheard: Your guy friend's giving your ultimate fantasy? Jealous. Falling in love with one of them? Even if you don't get to bang both after HEA? Still satisfied.
Undenied: Meh. This one wasn't as good as the first two. Positively boring. And I hate that they moved away:( Weird relationship between these two.
March 11, 2017
Quick relationships
I didn't notice that it was there short stories so was bummed about that but the stories were quick build up with no let down. Loved the characters and their special bonds. Good quick read
I didn't notice that it was there short stories so was bummed about that but the stories were quick build up with no let down. Loved the characters and their special bonds. Good quick read
March 30, 2020
This is a collection of 3 stories, Understood, Overheard, and Undenied.
They are good stories. I did like the fact that the 3 stories revolve around a group of friends so, that makes each of the stories better. You get tidbits and updates of the all characters throughout. Of the three, I enjoyed Undenied the best.
In Understood, Ellie is ready to live again after her abusive marriage ended 2 years ago. Standing in the wings waiting for this moment is Jake, her ex-husband's best friend. Ellie is just coming out of her shell and living again within her relationship with Jake. He loves her but, when Ellie's ex-husband resurfaces and confesses the abuse of his wife in news conference, Ellie goes running. Jake gives her the space she needs to come to terms with her painful past and to heal. He just doesn't know how long that will take.
Overheard is the story of Luke overhearing Gracie tell her friend Michelle that she has dark sexual desires that she does not believe any man can fulfill. Luke, who is also one of Gracie's best friends begins to see her in a new light, one that he did not suspect. He makes it his mission to make Gracie's fantasies come to life. Through Luke's time and attention on Gracie, she begins to fall in love with him. How else would she interpret his actions? Well, when Gracie overhears Luke and their friend Wes talking (after their menage) she hears how Luke overheard her conversation with Michelle and therefore, realizes that Luke doesn't have genuine feelings for her. He was just doing her a favor.
The story of Undenied is about Wes, who randomly runs into Payton, the girl whom he was her first sex partner 12 years ago. He is wrought with guilt about how bad the experience was for her. He didn't have any finesse and an experienced lover and he becomes very uncomfortable seeing her again. Payton, on the hand, doesn't act awkward around him and is genuinely pleased to see him after all these years. Wes keeps his distance from her but, Payton needs to break him of his misconception of her first time. She seduces him and then they begin an affair. One of the problems is that she lives in Houston which is an hour and half away from Wes's small Texas town. After a truly romantic and thoughtful weekend Wes spends with Payton in Houston she doesn't call him during the week. By Friday with no word from her Wes is upset. He then realizes that he loves his life as a cop in his small town. Wes doesn't want to give that up if he and Payton continue their relationship. He blows her off when she finally calls. Payton is determined to see Wes after the blowup and decides to wait for him to finish working but finds him in a quiet corner with another woman instead. A lot of confusion and feelings are involved and Wes goes after Payton to make it work.
They are good stories. I did like the fact that the 3 stories revolve around a group of friends so, that makes each of the stories better. You get tidbits and updates of the all characters throughout. Of the three, I enjoyed Undenied the best.
In Understood, Ellie is ready to live again after her abusive marriage ended 2 years ago. Standing in the wings waiting for this moment is Jake, her ex-husband's best friend. Ellie is just coming out of her shell and living again within her relationship with Jake. He loves her but, when Ellie's ex-husband resurfaces and confesses the abuse of his wife in news conference, Ellie goes running. Jake gives her the space she needs to come to terms with her painful past and to heal. He just doesn't know how long that will take.
Overheard is the story of Luke overhearing Gracie tell her friend Michelle that she has dark sexual desires that she does not believe any man can fulfill. Luke, who is also one of Gracie's best friends begins to see her in a new light, one that he did not suspect. He makes it his mission to make Gracie's fantasies come to life. Through Luke's time and attention on Gracie, she begins to fall in love with him. How else would she interpret his actions? Well, when Gracie overhears Luke and their friend Wes talking (after their menage) she hears how Luke overheard her conversation with Michelle and therefore, realizes that Luke doesn't have genuine feelings for her. He was just doing her a favor.
The story of Undenied is about Wes, who randomly runs into Payton, the girl whom he was her first sex partner 12 years ago. He is wrought with guilt about how bad the experience was for her. He didn't have any finesse and an experienced lover and he becomes very uncomfortable seeing her again. Payton, on the hand, doesn't act awkward around him and is genuinely pleased to see him after all these years. Wes keeps his distance from her but, Payton needs to break him of his misconception of her first time. She seduces him and then they begin an affair. One of the problems is that she lives in Houston which is an hour and half away from Wes's small Texas town. After a truly romantic and thoughtful weekend Wes spends with Payton in Houston she doesn't call him during the week. By Friday with no word from her Wes is upset. He then realizes that he loves his life as a cop in his small town. Wes doesn't want to give that up if he and Payton continue their relationship. He blows her off when she finally calls. Payton is determined to see Wes after the blowup and decides to wait for him to finish working but finds him in a quiet corner with another woman instead. A lot of confusion and feelings are involved and Wes goes after Payton to make it work.
September 19, 2014
Steamy Collection of Novellas
UNBROKEN is a collection of three connected novellas.
UNDERSTOOD is the story of Ellie Matthews and Jake Turner. Ellie was married to Jake's former high school friend. Her marriage almost destroyed her and Jake blames himself for not seeing the abuse going on in the marriage. Jake has been in love with Ellie for years and he now sees the opportunity to make a move on Ellie.
This novella is hot and I was surprised at how much I liked the relationship between Jake and Ellie. Even though there is a lot of sex involved in this novella, there is an underlying tender relationship that elevates the very sexual story.
OVERHEARD is the story of Gracie Evans who is tired of the crummy men in her life. When she tells her friend about her sexual fantasies, they are overheard by Luke Forsythe. Luke and Gracie have been friends but Luke is surprised that Gracie's sexual fantasies complement his own.
This novella is extremely steamy and includes a menage scene. Unfortunately, I think this story could have benefited from a longer story because a reader has to take the prior relationship between Luke and Gracie as a given and the focus of the story is on sex rather than a relationship.
UNDENIED is the story of Wes Hoffman who runs into the woman who was his first sexual partner, Payton Ricci. Wes is embarrassed by his prior performance and tries to avoid Payton. Payton, however, remember the event in a more positive manner and is determined to have another try.
The beginning of this book is all about sex, but quickly develops into a relationship where each wants more. I thought this book was funny and I appreciated how Payton turns the table on Wes in being the aggressor.
These novellas are best in this format where they can be read together because the books work together to enhance one another. I enjoyed this book as a whole because each book enhanced the others. There is a tremendous emphasis on the sexual relationships of the couples and the book seems closer to erotica than typical romance.
I'd give this one a 3.75 stars.
UNBROKEN is a collection of three connected novellas.
UNDERSTOOD is the story of Ellie Matthews and Jake Turner. Ellie was married to Jake's former high school friend. Her marriage almost destroyed her and Jake blames himself for not seeing the abuse going on in the marriage. Jake has been in love with Ellie for years and he now sees the opportunity to make a move on Ellie.
This novella is hot and I was surprised at how much I liked the relationship between Jake and Ellie. Even though there is a lot of sex involved in this novella, there is an underlying tender relationship that elevates the very sexual story.
OVERHEARD is the story of Gracie Evans who is tired of the crummy men in her life. When she tells her friend about her sexual fantasies, they are overheard by Luke Forsythe. Luke and Gracie have been friends but Luke is surprised that Gracie's sexual fantasies complement his own.
This novella is extremely steamy and includes a menage scene. Unfortunately, I think this story could have benefited from a longer story because a reader has to take the prior relationship between Luke and Gracie as a given and the focus of the story is on sex rather than a relationship.
UNDENIED is the story of Wes Hoffman who runs into the woman who was his first sexual partner, Payton Ricci. Wes is embarrassed by his prior performance and tries to avoid Payton. Payton, however, remember the event in a more positive manner and is determined to have another try.
The beginning of this book is all about sex, but quickly develops into a relationship where each wants more. I thought this book was funny and I appreciated how Payton turns the table on Wes in being the aggressor.
These novellas are best in this format where they can be read together because the books work together to enhance one another. I enjoyed this book as a whole because each book enhanced the others. There is a tremendous emphasis on the sexual relationships of the couples and the book seems closer to erotica than typical romance.
I'd give this one a 3.75 stars.
March 22, 2012
This was a fun collection of stories about 3 friends that found the woman they have been looking for.
In the first one Jake has coveted Ellie for a long time, but had a hands off policy as she was married to his friend. To ease his hurt he stepped back only to be the safe place for Ellie to run to when she couldn't stand the abuse any more. Jake again stepped back giving her time to heal. That changed when Ellie walked into a bar on the prowl one night. Jake's reaction was great and it didn't stop there.
The second one was a little different, Luke and Gracie have been friends for years. Luke never thought about Gracie as anything other than a friend until he over hears Gracie and Michelle talking about guys and girl talk. This eavesdropping gave Luke some things to think about and he put a plan into action. Gracie hardly knew what hit her when Luke turned on the charm and swept her off her feet.
Then with Wes and Payton. They were each other's first, but they each went away with very different ideas. Wes thought he hurt Payton, while Payton remembered him fondly. A chance meeting years later makes Payton want to revisit their past and Wes is scared of what he did in the past. It was interesting to see them come to terms with the differences.
The common thread of friendship really made these stories connect.
In the first one Jake has coveted Ellie for a long time, but had a hands off policy as she was married to his friend. To ease his hurt he stepped back only to be the safe place for Ellie to run to when she couldn't stand the abuse any more. Jake again stepped back giving her time to heal. That changed when Ellie walked into a bar on the prowl one night. Jake's reaction was great and it didn't stop there.
The second one was a little different, Luke and Gracie have been friends for years. Luke never thought about Gracie as anything other than a friend until he over hears Gracie and Michelle talking about guys and girl talk. This eavesdropping gave Luke some things to think about and he put a plan into action. Gracie hardly knew what hit her when Luke turned on the charm and swept her off her feet.
Then with Wes and Payton. They were each other's first, but they each went away with very different ideas. Wes thought he hurt Payton, while Payton remembered him fondly. A chance meeting years later makes Payton want to revisit their past and Wes is scared of what he did in the past. It was interesting to see them come to terms with the differences.
The common thread of friendship really made these stories connect.
August 9, 2016
This is a book that has been sitting on my bookshelf for quite a while waiting to be read. In all honesty I don't know why it took me so long to actually pick it up since it was one that I really wanted to read when I got it, and Maya Banks is one of my favorite authors that I can always go to.
This book contains 3 different stories: Understood, Overheard, and Undenied. I based my rating on my overall feelings of all of the stories together. Overheard was probably my favorite of the 3. I definately liked the menage that this story included; plus I really liked Luke and Gracie. My second favorite was Understood. This story is about Jake and Ellie. Jake has the job of proving to Ellie that he will never let her get hurt again. Undenied was my least favorite of all the stories. I didn't really enjoy this story. I really liked Wes in Overheard, but in this story he seemed so cocky and different. Also while the other two stories focused more on the men realizing what they wanted and going after it, this one focused more on the man-Wes fighting what he wanted.
Overall, this was not one of my favorite books by Maya Banks. I would definately recommend Maya Banks if you are looking for a wonderful author who knows how to create a HOT, STEAMY romance, but this would not be one of the first books I would recommend.
This book contains 3 different stories: Understood, Overheard, and Undenied. I based my rating on my overall feelings of all of the stories together. Overheard was probably my favorite of the 3. I definately liked the menage that this story included; plus I really liked Luke and Gracie. My second favorite was Understood. This story is about Jake and Ellie. Jake has the job of proving to Ellie that he will never let her get hurt again. Undenied was my least favorite of all the stories. I didn't really enjoy this story. I really liked Wes in Overheard, but in this story he seemed so cocky and different. Also while the other two stories focused more on the men realizing what they wanted and going after it, this one focused more on the man-Wes fighting what he wanted.
Overall, this was not one of my favorite books by Maya Banks. I would definately recommend Maya Banks if you are looking for a wonderful author who knows how to create a HOT, STEAMY romance, but this would not be one of the first books I would recommend.
March 20, 2015
Three stories in one book. All are related. I liked the second two stories, but I had trouble swallowing the plausibility of the opening of the first. "Understood", the first story, needs to have the beginning re-written. Ellie starts the story by walking into the local watering hole and looking to get laid. Later, we learn that she recently divorced her former NFL husband because of domestic abuse. Now, from what I would guess of women who have been abused by previous husbands and boyfriends is that I would think they would be too scared to begin a new relationship with someone else, least of all, some stranger from a bar because their trust in men has been compromised. So the fact that Ellie is going into the bar to look to get laid is inconsistent with her character. This opening really needs to be re-written some other way for Ellie to get Luke's attention--maybe by going to some other social gathering where their mutual friends are in attendance and expose Ellie as being a bit too fearful of coming out of her shell until Luke decides to make this his mission.
The other two stories reveal very strong female characters, especially Payton in the final story who knows what she wants in life and isn't afraid to go after it.
The other two stories reveal very strong female characters, especially Payton in the final story who knows what she wants in life and isn't afraid to go after it.
July 24, 2012
Love MB writing, however will stick with her historical romance rather than her contemporary. Overall rating I give this anthology is 3 stars. I did love that each short read flowed effortlessly into the next, but the storylines for each just didn't grab me.
Book 1 "Understood" Jake & Ellie's story was a bit blah...loved Jakes character, Ellie's not so much. It was just ok
Book 2 "Overheard" Luke & Gracie's story was much better. Really enjoyed all the characters as well as the steamy sex...we should all be so lucky to have stamina like that
Book 3 "Undenied" Wes & Payton's story...while I enjoyed the story for the most part (absolutely loved Payton) and the angst between her and Wes (which was the most believable, I thought to a real relationship) I had a hard time grasping Wes's feelings for Payton while his feelings for Gracie were always being shoved to the forefront.
Book 1 "Understood" Jake & Ellie's story was a bit blah...loved Jakes character, Ellie's not so much. It was just ok
Book 2 "Overheard" Luke & Gracie's story was much better. Really enjoyed all the characters as well as the steamy sex...we should all be so lucky to have stamina like that
Book 3 "Undenied" Wes & Payton's story...while I enjoyed the story for the most part (absolutely loved Payton) and the angst between her and Wes (which was the most believable, I thought to a real relationship) I had a hard time grasping Wes's feelings for Payton while his feelings for Gracie were always being shoved to the forefront.
November 29, 2016
Understood- 3 stars
A somewhat lame short story. Started out pretty good, but kind of fell apart. The sex scenes were good, but the rest of the story needs work. It had potential to be good, but it felt rushed. Ellie's thought process in the end didn't match her personality. Jake was ok, but definitely an alpha. I thought he was a little to domineering for Ellie's personality.
Overheard- 2.5 stars
I originally listened to this story on audiobook. This review is from that. The narrator did a good job. This was a quick story and gets right down to the plot. If you want a quick, steamy, menage read then this is the book for you. I did like all the characters and will probably go back to book one when I am in the mood. Reading it, pretty much the same thought. Two domineering males, was a little much for me to connect to.
Undenied 4 stars
I enjoyed this story the most. Payton is a strong women who knows how to get what she wants. Wes is sexy and not afraid to release control. I enjoyed both characters and their story. The sex scenes were also gentle and erotic at the same time.
All in all, I do like the way Maya Banks writes. I love her KGI series.
A somewhat lame short story. Started out pretty good, but kind of fell apart. The sex scenes were good, but the rest of the story needs work. It had potential to be good, but it felt rushed. Ellie's thought process in the end didn't match her personality. Jake was ok, but definitely an alpha. I thought he was a little to domineering for Ellie's personality.
Overheard- 2.5 stars
I originally listened to this story on audiobook. This review is from that. The narrator did a good job. This was a quick story and gets right down to the plot. If you want a quick, steamy, menage read then this is the book for you. I did like all the characters and will probably go back to book one when I am in the mood. Reading it, pretty much the same thought. Two domineering males, was a little much for me to connect to.
Undenied 4 stars
I enjoyed this story the most. Payton is a strong women who knows how to get what she wants. Wes is sexy and not afraid to release control. I enjoyed both characters and their story. The sex scenes were also gentle and erotic at the same time.
All in all, I do like the way Maya Banks writes. I love her KGI series.
August 20, 2011
Understood was one of the best stories I've read in a long while. It was full of the traditional romance that you would find in a regular romance novels with the perks of the erotic romances. The passion in this story was a lot more realistic and down to earth. Jake and Ellie were great characters and again, much more realistic.
Overheard was a bit less realistic (at least to what goes on in my world), but still a great story. I thought Gracie was a great character with a lot of strength and a woman that knows what she wants. And of course Luke is that man to give it to her with a little help from Wes.
Undenied ties right in with the others. I love how all 3 stories come together and revolve around a circle of friends. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes erotic romances. Especially Maya Banks.
Overheard was a bit less realistic (at least to what goes on in my world), but still a great story. I thought Gracie was a great character with a lot of strength and a woman that knows what she wants. And of course Luke is that man to give it to her with a little help from Wes.
Undenied ties right in with the others. I love how all 3 stories come together and revolve around a circle of friends. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes erotic romances. Especially Maya Banks.
July 6, 2014
Understood - Ellie took two years to work on getting over her past to have it slapped back in her face. The one man that has loved her for so long is there once again to pick the pieces up. Will this be his shot at happiness?
Overheard - If over hearing a conversation can bring this much pleasure. Where the hell do I sign up. The club scene is one worth trying. I highly recommend it, if you have the chance and the balls. Gracie Evans most certainly gets Valentines she won't forget, all courtesy of Luke Forsythe.
Undenied - Wes gets his chance and like a typical male don't know what to do with it. The past is messing up his chance at a future with Payton Ricci.
Overheard - If over hearing a conversation can bring this much pleasure. Where the hell do I sign up. The club scene is one worth trying. I highly recommend it, if you have the chance and the balls. Gracie Evans most certainly gets Valentines she won't forget, all courtesy of Luke Forsythe.
Undenied - Wes gets his chance and like a typical male don't know what to do with it. The past is messing up his chance at a future with Payton Ricci.
September 14, 2014
Sometimes it's hard for me to review a Maya Banks book because I just love her writing style and haven't disliked anything she has written. This series is one I had overlooked. All three books are quick reads and very enjoyable. I felt everything Ellie felt un understood. All her pain and humiliation. But she is a strong woman and fought for her HEA. I liked Gracie's spunk and honesty. I was happy that she got her fantasy an forgave Luke for sort of tricking her. Poor Wes! Suck a difficult "problem" for a big guy to have. After several false starts, I was happy that he and Payton got together in the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews