KEEP ME SAFE by Maya Banks

Slow Burn #1
Avon Books, October 2014
Paperback
Obtained via:  publisher
ISBN: 0062312464
ISBN13: 9780062312464
Romantic Suspense
*** 1/2



Maya Banks’ KEEP ME SAFE is a bit horror, a bit romance, a bit paranormal, a bit romance and whole lot of creepy fun. 

Ramie’s psychic abilities have her on the run from a killer when wealthy Caleb’s younger sister is kidnapped and he tracks Ramie down in a desperate attempt for help locate his sister.  When he realizes the pain that Ramie goes through when she connects with her target, Caleb’s guilt has him promising to return to make things right between them after he rescues his sister only to find Ramie gone when he does return.  Then, just when he thinks she has disappeared forever, she reappears looking for his help.  Now, he is willing to risk everything to help her.

Maya Banks really took a chance with her new Slow Burn series.  KEEP ME SAFE is one of those books that no question, readers are going to have really strong opinions about.  The characters are complex but very different.  Ramie is obviously stronger than she appears or she would have cracked from her “gift” by now.  However, when she goes up against the very rich and alpha Caleb, she just appears weak, broken and fragile and Caleb comes off as a bully for the most part as does his family, most especially the sister Ramie helps to save.  Caleb’s instant love for her might be mistaken for a mixture of pity and/or guilt leaving the ensuing sex scene feeling somewhat misplaced.

On the plus side, the suspense is strong throughout, the bad guy is super creepy and the pace of the book never slows down.  The minor characters are interesting with strong personalities and are bound to make for good stories of their own.  And then there was the abrupt ending, all tied up in a nice neat bow.  Really!?  Perhaps it is this last bit more than anything else that makes for such strong opinions one way or the other.  Whether you love it or hate it, you will definitely have a strong opinion after reading Maya Banks’ KEEP ME SAFE.  Pick up a copy and see for yourself.  Maya Banks’ KEEP ME SAFE is a whole lot of creepy.

Reviewed by T. Barringer
tammyLRM@gmail.com