Customer Reviews

Sweet Seduction

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you prefer stories that feature alpha males, then this definitely isn't for you. For stronger BDSM themes, try Sweet Temptation (rougher sex, pain play); for lighter S&M/pain play, try Sweet Persuasion (very strong dom/sub) and Sweet Surrender (light bondage, d/s). In the Sweet series, this book definitely stands out (and, in my opinion, not in a good way). That said, it's tough to find erotica authors who are actually skilled writers, and Maya Banks is definitely a member of that elite group. So if you're just looking for a romance with lots of hot sex, you'll probably enjoy this.

The Plot: The third book in Maya Banks's Sweet series tells Julie's story. A good friend of Faith's and Serena's, Julie is a local salon owner who is infatuated with Faith's colleague Nathan. Nathan is entirely oblivious to Julie's advances until she literally strong-arms him into submission.

Zelda's Take: This might be my least favorite of the Sweet series to date, but there's enough of a teaser in it of things to come that I just couldn't wait to finish it and move on!

Julie is a strong, independent woman that is very sure of herself and her big "tatas" and plump derriere. While I can more than get behind this kind of leading lady in most circumstances, I found myself just not understanding Julie's motives in this book. She says she's done with Nathan, but she's really not. She seems to be a bit more adventurous in her sexual endeavors, but she's really not. And, I gather that she's more dominant, but just don't see it fleshed out enough in her character; she's almost a switch in her actions, or perhaps she just can't make up her mind. Plus, I don't see it as a sign of stable confidence when a female persists after a man that seems to be dumb as rocks and unappreciative. Which brings me to Nathan.

Nathan's ex-military and that's pretty much all we get on him. That, and the fact that Julie has practically been throwing herself at him and he's either been too dense to notice, too meek to act on it or too macho to care. In the end, I think it may be a mixture of the three, which is so not a turn-on for me. Add to this that he seems to like calling females "heifers" as a term of endearment, and it just makes me want to vomit a bit in my mouth. Okay. Didn't like Nathan. Moving on.

What is lovely in this book is that we get to see a bit more into the tragic, tortured life of Micah. In every Sweet book, we seem to get just a little teasing taste of Micah, and he tastes better and better every time. From his threesome with Faith and Gray in book 1 to his lashing of Serena in book 2, book 3 brings us yet another threesome where he "assists" Nathan and Julie. Better yet, we get a true glimpse into Micah's past life and find that there is hope for him yet to truly love and be loved again. In one tender moment Micah submits to his pain (physical and emotional) and it just shocks me that more women aren't falling over themselves to take away the hurt... *raises hand to volunteer* !!!

The next title in the series, Sweet Temptation, is Micah's story, and after all of the teases over the last three books, I just can't wait to submit...

Salon owner Julie Stanford wanted Nathan Tucker ever since she gave him his first massage. Getting paid to feel every inch of his body, stripped, oiled, and spread out in front of her? Stuff dreams are made of. But the sexy guy was oblivious to the signals she was sending - until she finished off his final rub-down with something extra. In fact, the best extra he ever had. Unfortunately, he came around too late. Now Julie's moving on...

As far as Erotic books go, this is a decent entry. But I've read better one from Ms. Banks. The plot was pretty good, and the erotic scenes definitely deliver. But the problem is with the characters themselves.

Julie and Nathan appear pretty 2 dimensional. There's very little character development aside from being told that this is who Julie and Nathan are. This leaves the latter half of the book wanting. Still overall a good read and if all you're looking for is eroticism, this does deliver. Although I would consider this one a renter then a keeper.

Julie Stanford is a No-nonsense, Invincible, Free-Spirited, Hellcat. She's witty, basically saying whatever comes to mind at any given time; hilarious as hell; and undoubtedly a BAD-A** MOFO! MY KIND OF GIRL!!

ABOVE ALL SHE'S THE ULTIMATE CHALLENAGE TO EVERY SINGLE MALE WITHIN A 10 MILE RADIUS!!

However, she has decided to snare her claws into Nathan Tucker, by literally throwing herself at him (Sweet Persuasion). Unfortunately for her, he scattered like a scared animal with its tail firmly stuck between his legs.

Julie owns a salon and has been involved with the "Sweet Series" since the very beginning (Sweet Surrender) being Faith's best friend, and has been attracted to Nathan since she first laid eyes upon him. Being able to view his half naked body while giving him several messages was an ADDED BONUS. To rub her soft, gentle palms and outstretched fingers onto the dips and mountains of muscles along his massive back. To have him squirm for release with every electrified nerve ending lit ABLAZE, about to EXPLODE under her PERSUASIVE TOUCH.

Poor Nathan, for he has NO idea how seductive Julie could actually be, and he tries his damnedest to TAME THIS WILD SENSUAL MINX, to finally STAKE CLAIM to her as NO OTHER has done before. Yet Julie is NOT the passive obliged type, he's going to have to HOG TIE HER DOWN & STRAP HER DERRIERE to the bed before she'll ever SUCCUMB TO HIM.

Before entering the BEWITCHING WORLD that Ms. Banks has created with the "Sweet Series," I initially read the synopsis for this novel on the bookstore's website, and I was immediately convinced this was going to be a PHENOMENAL BOOK. Yet I was ONLY going to purchase this book and NOT the others; however, I'm extremely grateful I didn't make that boneheaded move. For I needed to discover the background of these dynamic characters, and uncover what they represented toward their own storylines. Each one of them willing to succumb to the LUSTFUL/SINFUL SATISFICATIONS their relationships provided. To be able to TIGHTLY BIND the EMOTIONAL CONNECTION as well, is UNDOUBTEDLY MAGNIFICENT & BEAUTIFUL!!

I was EXTREMELY INTRIGUED, and FASCINATED with this novel. I'm DYING to read Micah's Story, for he's literally been INVOLVED with EVERY WICKED, GRAND SEXCAPADE THROUGHOUT ALL THREE NOVELS THUS FAR. I'm CURIOUS to ascertain his WELL HIDDEN MYSTERIES & DEMONS, revealing what lies just above the surface.

WELL DONE MS. BANKS THIS NOVEL DESERVES WELL BEYOND A 10 STAR RATING!!

Blue-Eyed DevilRude AwakeningLaw and Disorder:Moving ViolationsJinxedTame Horses Wild HeartsTheir One and OnlySweet Persuasion

Julie Stanford has had enough. Owning her own salon is a dream, but giving Nathan Tucker massages is kicking up her libido. Doing everything but coming right out and saying it, Julie want Nathan. But since he is showing no signs of wanting her back, she is moving on and taking life by the horns and doing what she wants. Giving him his last massage with a parting gift, Julie goes off to live her fantasy of a ménage.

Nathan Tucker is what dreams are made of. A body women were made to love, but he likes to take things slow and respects all the women in his life. Shy, he wasn't able to get past it to ask Julie out. But her parting gift makes him want it all only to have her shut him out and avoid him.

When he learns Julie wants a ménage and to be blindfolded for it, he reluctantly agrees to be part of it. Not reluctant to make love to Julie, but reluctant to share her, even with a friend. But when it is all over, will they be able to become a couple or will everything keep pulling them apart?

This is a cute addition to the Sweet series by Maya Banks. I will admit, I have wanted to read this series for some time, but the price of the books is prohibiting me at this time. I started with book 1, but when I went to check out the rest of the series I found I already owned book 3. So I skipped book 2, but will be going back to get it when my book buying ban is up.

The descriptive detail Maya Banks goes to in these love scenes is phenomenal! You feel all the touches in your mind, the gentle slide of hands, the kiss that knocks your socks off and the hot men making her fantasy come alive. What I truly loved about the book was how the author makes Julie understand that what she really wants isn't exactly what she is going after.

The characters are a blast! Julie is a woman who isn't afraid to go after what she wants. She works hard and plays hard. But you want her to be lassoed and loved dearly and that is what she gets in Nathan. Nathan is the man of many women's dreams! He is build, tall, manly man. But he is also shy and extremely inept in letting Julie know what he is feeling. Welcome back Faith who gives him some hard advice, but she is also Julie's friend so not an inside info.

There is three side stories going on as well. You see Faith and Gray again as they are preparing for their wedding with some wrenches thrown in. Then there is Serena and Damon picking up where their story left off (I can't wait to read their story!). And finally we see Micah confronting his past each year. His story is next and it is bound to throw me for so many loops!

This series is a fun alternative to some normal contemporary romances. It has a lot of erotic twists. Bring a bottle of water when reading. You will need it.

This series has fallen into a soap opera worthy story line. I really like that. It's nice to read about the relationships from the prior books.

Sweet Seduction is story about Julie and Nathan. Their relationship is different from the previous ones.

Although some of the scenes in this book were outstanding, I really wasn't impressed. Don't get me wrong, I really like the author, Maya Banks. As with any writer, sooner or later they will create a book that just doesn't do it for me. It happens.

In my opinion, this is that book.

Julie is a fun and exhilarating character. She is a whole lot of women covered in curves and breasts that make a man drool. After suffering through her unnoticed attentions towards Nathan, she finally decides to hell with him and moves on.

But hey, girls' night out was sacred, and that meant nothing with a penis was going to be within ten feet.

Oddly enough, she turns to Damon and requests a two night spree of an anonymous threesome. Being blindfolded, she has no clue who her lovers are. Fun, right? And I'm so not telling!

Nathan is a sweet guy with hotness that leaves your toes tingling. Unfortunately, he's not too bright when it comes to women. Lusting after Julie but unable to approach her, the woman who flat-out does it for him turns away and leaves him in the dust. Fed up with their opposing magnetic due to fear relationship or lack thereof, Nathan finally grows a set of balls.

I recommend this book to adults only, and to those that have read the previous books in this series. Extreme sexual content. Mild delicious and consenting violence.

I adore Maya Banks...let me start there. But...

I started this series because it was D/s in nature - strong alpha males with submissive women. I knew even before this book began that I would not like it based purely on Julie's personality in the previous book. She is a loud mouth and obnoxious.

I did not want to read this book. I read it only because I wanted to get to the next in the series. I have a very difficult time with abrasive women in stories such as these...it leaves me feeling like the women should just learn to shut up...lol

In any event, it was decent but, not at all what I was looking for in a read.

I'm pleased its over....on to Micah!

Very kinky and very good! Playful, sexy and down right delicious! Even got to see some of my favorite character for other books. Can't wait for the next installment - Micah's story! Just the right blend of alpha male, domination, bondage and submission - Hot!!!!!

I enjoyed revisiting with past characters, but the story about Julie and Nathan just didn't quite do it for me. The first part of the book, with the two menages, were extremely hot. After that, the best part was finding out what was going on in everyone's lives, especially Micah. All in all, it was good if you are keeping up with the characters, as I am. I just wish that so many aspects of these stories didn't remind me so much of Lora Leigh's Bound Hearts series. Major portions of the stories are like deja' vu, or been there read that.

I thought it was very well written. I finished it is 1 day, enjoyed the love story part of it. I am becoming a big fan of Maya Banks. I just started reading her books, very good author.