I enjoyed implementing a new aspect in my book reviews, specifically noting how long it took me to finish each book. After completing my first book of the year, I swiftly delved into "Rush" by Maya Banks. I began reading at 6 AM on February 18th and wrapped up by noon that same day. This marks the quickest I've ever finished a book, taking approximately seven hours.
My goal for the year remains steadfast: to read 12 books, averaging one book per month. I'm pleased to report that I'm back on track with my reading schedule as of today, and my determination persists. With the exhilaration of finishing "Rush," I'm eager to dive into the next book awaiting me.
Rush
Spoiler alert: I loved this book! The progression of the story was captivating, though there was one aspect in the narrative that struck me as slightly offputting. However, this minor flaw didn't diminish my overall adoration for the book. Maya Banks skillfully portrayed the development of relationships and illustrated how individuals can find love even after closing themselves off emotionally.
If you haven't yet read "Rush" by Maya Banks, I highly recommend pausing here, grabbing a copy, and immersing yourself in the story. However, I must offer a word of caution for this particular book: be prepared to set it down and gasp a few times throughout before picking it back up. Once you've experienced the book firsthand, return here and join me as I delve deeper into my review.
Preliminary Thoughts
Maya Banks navigates the dynamics of a relationship with BDSM elements in her novel, "Rush." What sets this book apart is its ability to present these themes without succumbing to stereotypes, allowing the romance and vanilla aspects of BDSM to shine through.
This week, "Rush" emerged as a central theme in my reading, focusing on stories of obsession, denied romance, and the reluctance to surrender to emotional connection. Banks weaves a spellbinding tale that explores these themes while delivering plenty of steamy and passionate scenes that ignite the imagination.
One aspect that particularly resonated with me was the characters' struggle to maintain emotional detachment and treat their physical relationship as a purely logistical business transaction. Despite their best efforts, they find themselves unable to resist the pull of their emotions, leading to a beautifully complex exploration of love and desire.
Let's Dive into "Rush"
Rush Characters
Mia
Let's delve into the character of Mia, the protagonist of "Rush." Mia is portrayed as a young woman who, despite having completed her education, chooses to work in a pastry shop rather than pursue a career in her field. This decision is influenced by her brother, who provides her with financial support and encourages her to explore her passions. Mia's upbringing was marked by tragedy, as she lost her parents in a car accident. She was raised by her considerably older brother, who serves as both a figure of authority and a caretaker.
Mia's Relationship with Gabe
Mia grapples with her desire for independence while navigating a complex relationship with Gabe, one of her brother's best friends. Despite the significant age gap between them, Mia and Gabe enter into a submissive-dominant relationship. Mia willingly surrenders control to Gabe. She signs a contract relinquishing authority over her body and life to him. Demonstrating her readiness to submit to his commands without much resistance.
Mia's Assertiveness and Boundaries
However, Mia's character exhibits layers of strength and resilience. When she faces a situation in Paris where she is uncomfortable with Gabe's decision to involve others in their physical relationship, she asserts herself and stands her ground. This moment highlights Mia's ability to advocate for herself, even within the confines of a submissive role.
As the story progresses, Mia's relationship with Gabe evolves, revealing his vulnerabilities and emotional complexities. Despite her initial willingness to comply with Gabe's desires, Mia ultimately demonstrates her autonomy by walking away from the relationship when she feels undervalued. Her condition for reconciliation—Gabe must crawl back to her—asserts her agency and sets boundaries within their dynamic.
Mia's Inner Strength and Vulnerabilities
While Mia's readiness to comply with Gabe's wishes may suggest a degree of vulnerability, her ability to assert herself and prioritize her own well-being showcases her inner strength. Ultimately, Mia emerges as a multifaceted character who grapples with her desires for submission while maintaining a sense of self-awareness and autonomy.
Gabe
Gabe's Background and Emotional Struggles
Gabe is portrayed as a divorcee who has always been drawn to BDSM relationships and exerting control. However, his past marriage ended tumultuously when his wife falsely accused him of hurting her. This leads him to emotionally shut himself off and implement contracts to prevent further pain. When he initiates a relationship with Mia, his best friend's sister, he insists on a contract to establish boundarie. This ensures no emotional entanglements. Despite his initial intentions to keep their relationship purely physical, Gabe acknowledges that his connection with Mia is different from any other. He remains reluctant to embrace emotional intimacy.
Gabe's Internal Conflict and Self-Loathing
Throughout the book, Gabe grapples with feelings of self-loathing and guilt, feeling that he constantly fails Mia despite his infatuation with her. This inner turmoil is exacerbated by his fears of hurting Mia and his struggle to reconcile his desires with his ethical obligations as Mia's brother's friend. Despite his efforts to push Mia away, Gabe ultimately realizes that he cannot live without her and makes a grand gesture to win her back, culminating in a heartfelt proposal of marriage.
Gabe and Mia's Relationship Dynamics
The dynamic between Gabe and Mia is complex, with Gabe torn between his desire for Mia and his fears of repeating past mistakes. Mia's status as his best friend's sister adds an additional layer of ethical dilemma for Gabe, leading to moments of tension and uncertainty in their relationship. Despite their challenges, Gabe's unwavering determination to win Mia back underscores the depth of his feelings for her, ultimately leading to their engagement and the culmination of their love story.
Ash and Jace
Gabe, Jace, and Ash form a tight-knit trio, with Gabe being Jace's best friend and Ash playing a brotherly role to Mia, Jace's sister. Throughout the book, we gain insight into their dynamics and shared interests, particularly their enjoyment of certain kinks, such as sleeping with the same woman simultaneously.
Background and Dynamics
As the story unfolds, we learn more about Gabe, Jace, and Ash's background and their shared experiences. Their friendship is characterized by mutual trust and camaraderie, with a shared understanding of certain lifestyle choices and preferences. We learned that Jace and Ash enjoyed having intercourse with the same women at the same time.
Importance Towards the Climax
Towards the end of the book, Gabe and Mia's relationship is discovered by Jace and Ash in a compromising position. This discovery sparks anger and confusion, particularly from Jace, who feels a strong protective instinct towards his sister. However, as they come to understand the true nature of Gabe and Mia's relationship, they apologize for their initial reactions and stand by Mia, offering support and comfort during a difficult time.
Support and Redemption
Despite their initial shock, Jace and Ash stand by Mia, acknowledging Gabe's fault for not standing up for their relationship. They make efforts to cheer Mia up. They take her out to dinners and even accompany her on a trip to the Caribbean. Ultimately, Jace plays a pivotal role in ensuring Mia's happiness. He helps Gabe set up her engagement. Demonstrating the strength of their bond and the depth of their care for Mia's well-being.
Themes
Power Dynamics: The novel delves into the power dynamic between Gabe and Mia. Mia willingly submits to Gabe's dominance, illustrating the complexities of consensual relationships within BDSM dynamics.
Trust and Vulnerability: Gabe and Mia navigate their insecurities and vulnerabilities while building trust in each other. Towards the end, they learn to open up emotionally and embrace vulnerability to nurture a successful relationship. Instances of broken trust, such as Gabe's actions leading to Mia's hurt, highlight the importance of trust in relationships.
Family Dynamics: Family dynamics play a significant role particularly the bond between Mia and her brother Jace... as well as the familial-like connection between Gabe, Jace, and Ash. The characters' interactions with their families influence their actions and decisions throughout the story, revealing underlying dynamics and personal histories.
Communication and Boundaries: Effective communication and the establishment of boundaries are vital in navigating relationships. Mia and Gabe initially communicated clearly about their relationship and boundaries, there are instances of miscommunication and lack of disclosure, leading to conflict. The resolution of these conflicts underscores the importance of communication in fostering healthy relationships.
Redemption and Forgiveness: Redemption and forgiveness are themes explored as characters confront past mistakes and seek forgiveness from each other. Mia's forgiveness of Gabe and Jace's forgiveness of Gabe's lack of disclosure pave the way for redemption and growth, ultimately leading to a positive outcome.
Love and Sacrifice: Love and sacrifice are intertwined throughout the narrative, exemplified by Mia's willingness to sacrifice for her loved ones and Gabe's sacrifice of his friendship for his desires. These acts of sacrifice underscore the depth of the characters' emotions and commitments to each other.
Conclusion
"Rush" offers a compelling storyline with intricate themes that captivate the reader. With its well-developed narrative and engaging characters, the book receives a five out of five rating. While Gabe and Mia's story concludes in this book, the introduction of side characters hints at potential future developments, leaving readers eager for more.
Overall, "Rush" sets the stage for further exploration in Maya Banks's series, promising more enthralling stories to come.
Rating for this Book: 4/5
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