Fever

Written by Maya Banks

Narrated by Adam Paul

In the second novel in the Breathless trilogy, a woman's undeniable allure takes a dominant man completely by surprise...

Jace Crestwell, Ash McIntyre, and Gabe Hamilton have been best friends and successful business partners for years. They’re powerful, they’re imposing, they’re irresistibly sexy, and Jace and Ash share everything—including their women.

When they meet Bethany, Jace begins to feel things he’s never experienced before: jealousy, and a powerful obsession that threatens him, overwhelms him—and excites him beyond control.

Jace isn’t sharing Bethany—with anyone. He’s determined to be the only man in her life, and it’s jeopardizing a lifelong friendship with Ash. Bethany will be his and his alone. Even if it means turning his back on his best friend

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Apr 2, 2013
• ISBN: 9781469281940

Maya Banks

Maya Banks lives in Southeast Texas with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing, she loves to hunt and fish, bum on the beach, play poker and travel. Escaping into the pages of a book is something she’s loved to do since she was a child. Now she crafts her own worlds and characters and enjoys spending as much time with them as possible.

Reviews for Fever

[Denise Barnes · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Maya Bamks❣️ Great series so far! On to book ? 3. Can’t wait for Ash’a story ?

[melissia pate · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good story with lots of steamy scenes. Crazy twists and turns

[olga nyamakope · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I saw some readers didn't take it too well that Jace bought a collar but for people who are in that lifestyle of BDSM collars represent something they have significance. I will never be a Dom or Sub myself but that I do not judge- to each their own.

The disturbing thing was when he said he would want to control her other decisions outside of the bedroom????‍♀️ that for me was a NO NO.

Also the fact that there was a huge imbalance of power outside of the bedroom due to the significant age gap as well as the fact that Bethany was homeless makes one think that if Bethany was not in dire straits she may not have chosen BDSM. But in a way because Jace was much more emotionally involved than Bethany she kind of wielded immense power over him as well. In fact she also used that power a few times.

As for Bethany she is to me a lost cause I don't wanna lie. Her attachment to Jack who constantly puts her in danger is completely unrealistic. She said she would rather choose Jack who puts her interests jeopardy than Jace who took her off the streets wow!!

In real life this story has the true makings of a toxic relationship TBH but well in fiction HEA I guess.

This series is not boring in fact far from it however I am not sure if that if that was her intention or not but Maya Banks made the male characters sound like sleazy dirty old men who prey on younger naive women eish!

I think Maya Banks's historical romances are much more settling than her contemporary work?

[Zenise Robinson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If I had to pick between Gabe, Jayce and Ash it would most definitely be chase. He’s emotionally unstable as hell but I like it lol!

[Jennifer Paszkat · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

While the story was such a happy ending almost too good to be true the humor with the group made me smile and laugh. The sultry parts almost make me want to get my own pair of heels

[hanneri_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed the first novel in this series and was eagerly anticipating the second. Bit let down though. I couldn't really identify much with the female character or why Jace developed such an intense obsession over her. They really didn't progress in their relationship, it was all or nothing right from the start which lacked credibility in its genuineness. Bethany was this damsel in distress, but seemed so helpless throughout the novel, despite overcoming such traumatic events. Just never got sucked in like I have with other Banks novels.

[mermerjack · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4 starsThank you Maya for this book!I liked the connection I had with both Jace and Bethany. I am okay with Jace's lifestyle even though it makes me cringed but admittedly, to not love him is beyond will because he is actually a caring, loving guy. I'd love to have him but with minus said lifestyle and him in super Alpha mode. As for Bethany, I was sorry for a life she had before she met Jace. It was terrible, really. I am a sucker for damaged souls and Bethany is one, so I favored her. I am on board with Bethany about trust issue because I knew the feeling too well.Too bad, though that no matter what, I felt void between Jace and Bethany on romance department. Even though with scorching hot scenes, I felt nothing. I was so frustrated throughout my reading. But to my utter surprise, I felt chemistry sparks between Ash and Bethany at one scene where the two had a serious conversation. This is perhaps just me. Very biased on my part because Jace and Ash, I think I liked Ash more.There is Jack, too. Bethany's not-blood-related brother. When I read him, he reminds me of Trey Atwood in the O.C. I was truly sad for him. He and Bethany had been together for so long. Bethany loves him brotherly but he loves her as a woman. What must he feel to see her head over heels on Jace, knowing there is no way he could have her. Then, he did the unthinkable but it backfired. But still, I wonder about his true reason. Something about him got me curious and I wanted to know him! Thing is, it is unlikely for Jack to have his own story, he's a minor character but I'd love to have his.To conclude, I think I enjoyed more reading Fever than the previous one. I liked at some parts and was uncomfortable with other parts as well. I am looking forward Ash's story. I am excited. Hope it'll be good read.Read on your own peril.

[the_literary_jedi · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This is book 2 in the series and follows Jace Crestwell who usually shares his women with best friend and business partner Ash McIntyre. When Jace and Ash meet Bethany at a dinner, they take her to a hotel room to share between them but there's something about her and Jace decides he no longer wants to share. When Bethany disappears into thin air, Jace scours the city looking for her and finds her in one of the most unlikely of places.More dominate male perspectives. One of the things about this series I've noticed is the way the dialog is written. There's a distinct lack of pronoun usage. While it's more conversational, I keep expecting the character to say, "You don't have to do that." but they say, "Don't have to do that." when speaking directly to another in the scene.Spice scale 3/5, backseat worthy but not combustible for seasoned readers.

[vickimarie2002 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was pretty good too. I liked that this is Jace’s story but still includes Gabe, Mia and Ash.

[treehousereader · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

REVIEW: In the second novel in the Breathless trilogy, a woman's undeniable allure takes a dominant man completely by surprise... Jace Crestwell, Ash McIntyre, and Gabe Hamilton have been best friends and successful business partners for years. They’re powerful, they’re imposing, they’re irresistibly sexy, and Jace and Ash share everything—including their women. When they meet Bethany, Jace begins to feel things he’s never experienced before: jealousy, and a powerful obsession that threatens him, overwhelms him—and excites him beyond control. Jace isn’t sharing Bethany—with anyone. He’s determined to be the only man in her life, and it’s jeopardizing a lifelong friendship with Ash. Bethany will be his and his alone. Even if it means turning his back on his best friend.

[felicity1smith-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a very consistent continuation of the first book - still not sure it needed to be an actual trilogy and not sure if I will persist with the third one. It was all a bit samey for me and a bit too "pretty woman rescue story" but the writing was clear and concise and it was an easy read

[belles007-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The premise of the relationship in this book was bit flimsy.

[ladyisis_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is Jace Crestwell and Bethany Willis’s story and the second book in the Breathless Series. Ms. Banks is one of those authors that just can’t write a bad book. I loved the first book in this series and I looked forward to the other two. I loved this book just as much as the rest of Ms. Banks stories.Jace meets Bethany at his sister's engagement party. Bethany is one of the wait staff. Ash sees Jace's interest in the girl and propositions her for a threesome in exchange for dinner. Jace falls for Bethany hard but she slips away. When they finally get back together the two burn up the pages with their passion. There are some things that need to be overcome like Bethany being homeless and a reformed drug addict but the two try to make things work. The fly in the ointment is Jack. Jack and Bethany grew up together in foster care. They have taken care of each other most of their lives. Jack isn't willing to give up living on the streets and Bethany worries about him. Jack does some really stupid stuff and almost gets Bethany killed twice both he sees the light.Jace is a hot head that lets his mouth override his brain at times. However he is fiercely loyal and protective of those that he considers family. He is smart and charming and very good looking. There are few women that Ash and Jace haven’t had a threesome with. They have made it an art form almost. Neither of them have had any desire to settle down in a permanent relationship. It is a little amusing to see Jace fall so hard. It is also refreshing to see that the couple has problems and how they work those problems out over time. I came to like Jace quite a bit by the end of the story.Bethany has been working to try to make a better life for herself. She has cleaned up her act and gotten off drugs. It is hard to find a permanent job when you don’t have a permanent address and phone number. It is also hard to make things better when you best friend, the man you consider your brother is an idiot. Bethany is courageous and loving and she is a submissive. Which is good since Jace is very dominant. Bethany longs for friends and family and that is just what Jace gives her.I will warn everyone up front that there are scenes of bondage, spanking and kinky sex throughout this story. There are also some very sad scenes so keep the tissues ready. This story isn't going to be for everyone not just because of the Domination and submission but because there is some violence against Bethany. Not from Jace or Ash though. This is a realistic story of a whirlwind relationship and all the baggage that can come with it. This is also a harsh look at what being homeless can mean in the big cities.

[dawn772 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this erotic romance with plenty of action that moved right along. I liked the bond between the hero and his friends/business partners. I felt sorry for the heroine at first but just felt she was weak by the end. At a party Jace is attracted to bus-girl Bethany and asks if she is interested in a three-way.

[jkgrage · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Was there repetitive thoughts? Yes. Were there stalkerish tendencies? Yes. Is this a case of love too fast to be realistic? Yes.

Now that I have that out of the way, I adored Jace, and Bethany came across as a fairly strong female which is a must for me. If you like Cinderella stories with hot scenes, this one's for you.

[breakingbooks-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

For me, it was your average rich guy falls in love with girl who gives up everything for him story. Frankly, I'm sick of them. I would love to read a story about a strong female and male character who have an amazing love story. Sorry Ms. Banks, not my favorite.

[aliterarylion · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I liked this one better than the first one. The fourteen year age difference was a bit disconcerting, but the couple had a nice dynamic. The circumstances were completely unrealistic. I'm pretty sure that a homeless woman will never magically fall in love with a millionaire who changes her life forever. I'm reading the third one now and I enjoy rolling my eyes at every page for the sheer ridiculousness.

[bookstobreathe · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book has so much depth. More so than most anything I have ever read. Can't wait for the last one in the trilogy. Here's to hoping Ash gets his HEA!

[channellingcloretta · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Fever is a Warren Buffett mets a chick with bits of Pretty Woman in the story.

Jace is a man that normally does not get involved with woman long enough to have a relationship. But seeing Beth was lust/obsession at first sight. Due to the fact that he normally, only expresses his feelings with regards to his sister and his friendships, he did not know how to express his displeasure of sharing Beth with his (always tandem sexual partner) Ash.

The book was good. I was pleased that I was able to see an extended version of Gabe and Mia, I did enjoy their story. The great thing about the Author is that she can close out a book, not making you want more from the characters. In this book I was very content with the ending, as I was with Rush.

The book flowed well but I did have a logical concern but I believe it was explained well in the book "maybe"; why would Beth agree, with little knowledge other than past relations with Jace, to be with him. He was demanding and even if she was a natural submissive, she was very accepting of his dominance and ordering to stay with him or at his places and agree to have sex. The only justification I found in the storyline was that...I guess I got none. I am still baffled by this decision she made.

[thelustyliterate-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Jace is an overbearing, obsessive, possessive, foul-mouthed and controlling male. Bethany is homeless, desperate and needy. She's hungry and struggling to keep any shred of self respect that she has left. I felt badly for her. This "romance" was more like sexual predator and reluctant participant. Jace is upfront and clear of his need to dominate, dictate and control. His honesty is is ONLY positive quality. Otherwise his sexual vices and personality flaws ultimately skew him as creepy. Still curious? Borrow only or dismiss entirely.

[has_bookpusher · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Full Review to be posted soon:

Quick thoughts and mini review:

I definitely felt that Fever was a much better book compared to the first book in the trilogy. Jace is another alpha type hero who falls head over heels when he encounters Bethany at his sister's engagement party. Fever was like a Cinderella fairytalesque feel but I was a bit lukewarm on the heroine who felt one dimensional a few times and I wished she had some agency in the story because she was so passive. But overall I like the sweet tone, and I love a hero who is intense with his feelings even though I was lukewarm on some aspects of the story.

[staciele · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

FEVER is the 2nd in Maya Bank's Breathless Trilogy telling the stories of three powerful, rich, and demanding businessmen in New York City. Gabe, Jace and Ash are used to getting what they want in business and in relationships. The first in the series, RUSH tells the story of Gabe and his relationship with Jace's sister, Mia. In FEVER, the story focuses on Jace. Jace, like Gabe and Ash, thrives on power and control. He is used to sharing everything with his business partner and best friend, Ash, including the women they meet. Until he meets Bethany. Bethany changes everything for Jace and becomes his new obsession. But, Bethany has a past and is afraid if Jace finds out, everything between them will be changed forever.Even though this genre isn't my favorite type of book to read, I was quickly wrapped up in the story. Bethany's past and current struggles make her a very likable character and one you want to root for. Her story with Jace is very much a Pretty Woman/Cinderella story. The author's descriptions of Bethany's appearance and demeanor allowed the reader to capture the true essence of Bethany and how this whirlwind romance affected her. The twist at the end of the novel was a nice surprise and only reinforced how much you were hoping that Bethany would wind up with her very own fairy tale. If you are wrapped up in the erotic romance genre, this series will not disappoint. The third, BURN, comes out Tuesday, August 6th and focuses on Ash.

[mariaspete · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The writing is well done but I cant seem to believe this story line. Jace is like "stalker obsessed" with Bethany until he locates her after meeting her for the first time. I just find the story unrealistic. It has taken me over a week to complete but the first book I finished in a day. Story line for both individuals separately is good and believable.

[emigre_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The premise sounds kinda corny, a homeless girl meets a billionaire and they have a HEA? Somehow Maya Banks' emotional writing and characterization make this work. The secondary character, Jack, stayed with me, too bad he will not be a hero, given his mixed past. Book 2 of the Breathless trilogy.