INNOCENCE MEETS HEDONISM: Emotionally scarred and embittered, Nick Banner knows he’s the wrong man for this job, but unless he gets a desperate friend’s daughter off-planet, she’s certain to be kidnapped. While it seems a simple enough task, experience has taught Banner that a female onboard will mean trouble. But a young woman accustomed to only the best? Purgatory.
Within the tight confines of Banner’s, Victorious, Tressa Loring battles a girlhood crush gone dangerous. As a sheltered teen, she secretly worshipped Banner from afar. Even his carnal reputation seemed romantic to her young eyes. But, now, she finds those old feelings unsettling. As wary of herself as she is of him, Tressa hides behind a cool façade and a feisty tongue.
Intrigued, Banner misses nothing: Her beauty. Her spirit…or her coy glances. Yeah, he’s noticed, and sexual tension smolders. As danger stalks them across the galaxy, Banner eventually finds himself falling for Tressa—the last thing he needs or wants. And when she ends up at a slave auction on Steel—a corrupt and depraved sanctuary for pirates, the notorious Nick Banner is willing to sell his soul to free Tressa.
♥ ♥ ♥
Banner's Bonus is a rousing adventure that delves into power, corruption, redemption and fear as well as the strength of the human spirit. I was drawn into the story's energy from the very first page.
Tressa is the perfect balance of confident woman and naïve little girl, with a little soft-heartedness and fierce warrior mixed in to make her complicated yet adorable. Nick initially sees her as a haughty princess-type, but she uses her cool facade as a cover for the carnal way the man affects her. Even though she is young and inexperienced in life, I found it so appealing how she is willing to take chances to do what is needed to be done, especially in the face of grave danger. I think her actions were even more engaging because she acts in defense of Nick, even before she thinks she likes him. This facet of the story — her coming to his rescue, more than once — enhances the build-up of the romance for me.
Nick is a buff, brawny, rogue type with bulging muscles and battle scars, both to his body and his heart. In my opinion, he's the quintessential hero — he is drop dead gorgeous, but becomes a shameless playboy after a bitter heartbreak in his youth. What woman wouldn't put her self on the line to teach him to love again? Even with his reputation as a rapscallion, I loved that his true friends recognize his loyalty, dependability and trustworthiness, all qualities I admire, and it supports his drive to protect Tessa even when she exasperates him. One thing I absolutely hated about him, though — he smokes, and frequently! I couldn't believe it — a hero that smokes?? Here is this luscious beefcake, and all I can think each time he lights up is, yuck, dirty ashtray breath. What a waste! Heroes should never smoke — smokers won't miss it if they don't but non-smokers may be offended if they do. (Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now.)
It does contain some violence but it is very well written. I winced in compassion as I read both the physical and mental affects of the many blows the recipient sustains during an intense scene. I enjoyed the complexity of the plot which includes many thrilling challenges for them to meet and overcome. The love story between Tressa and Nick is tantalizingly slow to mature but definitely worth the wait.
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Date: Sat, Jun 21, 2008 at 6:34 PM
Your Name: Carole Ann Lee
Your Comment: Hi Chamomile,
First of I want to thank you for taking the time to read BANNER\'S BONUS,
and for the glowing review you gave it. Grin...even in light of the fact
that the hero smokes.
I agree with you about smoking. It is stinky. BANNER\'S BONUS was first
published thirteen years ago by LoveSpell. Back then smoking (among guys in
particular) was more or less the symbol of being a tough guy. I suppose we
can blame Marlboro for that image. Though I don\'t smoke and never have, I
have dated my share of guys who did. I must have still been in that "tough
guy" mentality when I was forming Nick\'s character.
I would like you to know that in Clint\'s story, BANNER\'S RENEGADE, your
comments have encouraged me to have Nick quit smoking. He and Tressa have a
new baby by now and Nick has made the choice to quit. :)
Thank you again, Chamomile, for your review.
Sincerely,
Carole Ann Lee
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