Dual Review: Taking It All by Maya Banks

TAKING IT ALL
Book Three of the Surrender Trilogy
Maya Banks
August 5, 2014
Berkley Trade
320 pages

Synopsis:

   Chessy and Tate have been married for several years. In the beginning, their relationship was everything she wanted. Passionate. All consuming. She offered her submission freely and Tate cherished her gift with a tenderness that made her feel safe. Content. Wanted. And loved beyond all measure. But as the years have gone by, Tate has become more immersed in making his business the success it has become, and Chessy has taken a back seat to his business obligations. Growing unhappier with the status of their once blissful marriage, Chessy knows that something has to give. Or they stand to lose it all

Tate loves his wife. Has always loved her. Providing for her has always been his number one priority. But lately she’s seemed unhappy, and he’s worried. Worried enough that he arranges for a night together that he hopes will reignite the fire that once burned like an inferno between them.

But a business call at the wrong time threatens everything. Chessy’s safety, his concentration, his wife’s faith in him as her husband, a man sworn to love and protect her above all else. Gutted with the realization that he’s going to lose her—has already lost her—he readies for the fight of his life. Whatever it takes, he’ll get her back. And prove to her that nothing is more important than her love. And that if she’ll allow him to prove himself one more time, he’ll take it all. Everything. But he’ll give far more back. Himself. His undying love.

Tanya's Review:
  This is the third and final book of the Surrender series and I must say it's the one I liked the most. In the first two books of the series we caught glimpses of the unhappiness in Chessy and Tate's marriage and I was eagerly awaiting this third book. Chessy and Tate have been married for a while and as anyone that is married or has been in a long term (5 or more years) relationship knows , things change/ evolve over time and it's hard work to keep a relationship strong. It's incredibly easy to take people for granted and just get used to a routine that you don't even realize what went wrong or where it went wrong. Chessy is unhappy and wants her husband/lover/dominant back. Tate has been overwhelmed at work, trying to build a company all by himself that he forgets what's really important, his wife. After having a talk, Tate said he didn't realize how unhappy Chessy was and he would try harder but one very unfortunate event broke Chessy's heart and she realizes her marriage is over. 
   Story was good and having been with my husband for 15 years, 7 of them being married, I felt the story was more realistic as I could totally relate to relationship changes over time. However I will say this is not my most favorite Maya Banks book or series. One of my all time favorite series is The Sweet Series by Maya Banks.She actually has some of the characters from that series in this Surrender series, specifically Damon Roche, owner of The House, as The House plays an important role in this final book of the Surrender series. I enjoyed the book overall and any fan of Maya Banks will enjoy it as she most definitely know how to write some dominant men and smexy scenes. 

Taking It All:  3/5  stars
       
Laura's Review: 
I completely agree that this was the best of the three books of the Surrender series. In romance novels, you don't often see what happens after the vows are said, especially years after, and it was refreshing to get that glimpse into a more realistic marriage. But, with that said, it was also a little heavier than your typical book in the genre, and at times felt uncomfortably bleak to read, even knowing the situation most likely would improve. But, it did improve and I enjoyed watching Chessy and Tate reconnect and fight for what they both truly wanted. In the end, a story of second chances and the value of marriage.

Taking It All: 3/5 stars. 

Note: A copy of this book was provided in exchange of an honest review.