When Day Breaks (A KGI Novel)

I love the series, love the book. The next story in how Swanny finds his soul mate!
Who wouldn't love this?

Typical action packed Maya Banks KGI Series Novel! I am a long time reader of her novels; I enjoy each and every one of them.

I love this series and how each of the stories that are played out.

I really liked this book except I got really annoyed with how much Swanny said "I'm not good enough." Jeeze La Weeze stop already! I also felt that the dialogue between Swanny and Eden was very repetitive. BUT all together the book was fun and entertaining to the very end and I would recommend it.

Very disappointed. I loved all the KGI books but this one was so boring, there was no action really and Swanny and Aden where lame. The first two chapters start off good then it was down hill from there. I was happy when i was done but mad I paid for this. The next book I hope better be alot better.

The last time we checked in with Kelly Group International (KGI) team, Donovan “Van” Kelly had taken charge of an orphaned family in After the Storm. Now it’s Swanny’s turn in When Day Breaks by Maya Banks, the ninth book in her KGI series.

From the first moment that I “met” Darryl “Swanny” Swanson in Whispers in the Dark, which tells of the months of captivity, abuse, and torture that both he and Nathan Kelly suffered in the mountains of Afghanistan after their mission went very wrong. With their miraculous escape and Nathan’s subsequent search to find and help his practically angelic whisperer, I also wanted to know more about Swanny - this strong, resolute, self-effacing, and quiet man. One could say he epitomizes the romantic “tortured” hero, with Banks careful and affectionate depiction of his inner and outer scars.

It was definitely a celebratory red letter day for me when Swanny's story, When Day Breaks, was delivered to my Kindle.Now this solid protector would have the chance to shine. And he does.

Only Banks would have the creativity and sensitivity to pair Swanny, who wears the signs of his torture both glaringly on his scarred face and body as well as within his soul, with top model and golden girl, Eden Sinclair, who at one time was named the most beautiful woman in the world. At first glance this might seem to be the most disparate “Beauty & the Beast” pairing possible. Swanny, whose self-image seems irrevocably damaged, and Eden, whose beauty has the the world at her feet.

But Eden isn’t superficial or in love with her looks, instead she is refreshingly nice and down-to-earth, finding the most enjoyment during the time when she’s at home in jeans and a hoodie playing with her non-yip-yap dog, an English mastiff. Plus her entire family is made up of the same alpha warrior caste that populates KGI. Her father is a retired military special ops commander, her one brother Ryker served in Afghanistan with Swanny, Nathan, and Joe Kelly, while her other brother Raid is a cop. So Eden well knows - and can deal with - her alpha men.

Swanny, since his rescue, has closed himself off from most interactions with women - aside from his KGI teammates and their families. Yes, he’s a big, strong, alpha warrior, but he prefers to reside in the background. Self-conscious about his scars, he’s afraid of having women react in horror when they see his damaged body. And frankly, he can’t imagine any woman wanting him with his scarred face. But that just proves he hasn’t met the right woman and is also blind to his own attraction, which his KGI teammate Skylar explains to Eden. Yes, he’s one of those alpha warriors who attract women like mad, but even before his captivity it’s implied that he never took advantage of that. Oh Swanny, you are a fairytale hero for sure.

KGI is called in by Eden’s brother Ryker after she is almost killed by a sniper on the Boston streets. There's a perceived threat to her due to the last mission her father went on before he retired. Her mother's life was already forfeited through a prior retaliation, but Guy Hawthorne had taken that threat out - or so it was thought. (Yes, that Guy Hawthorne who keeps popping up, is back once again.)

Even before KGI is mobilized, Banks’ makes it immediately clear that Eden holds a special place in Swanny’s heart - even though they’ve never met in person. Swanny self-reflections on the importance of the letters from Eden and news about her (including some magazine covers) that Ryker shared before the mission went south are incredibly moving. However, Swanny doesn’t think that Eden will ever notice him, but is looking forward to finally seeing this woman - this ideal - that helped him through the darkest nights of his captivity through her very existence.

When Eden and Swanny meet in her Boston hotel, with all her family and his KGI teammates present, it’s quite clear that there is a strong mutual attraction between the two of them. No matter how much Swanny wants to disappear in the shadows. Eden won't let him and acknowledges to herself that she wants to know more about this man who has fascinated her for years, each time her brother discussed his teammates with her.

Now, you may notice from the above description that there is far more about a romance between Swanny and Eden than there is about jam-packed, thrilling action. That’s because although Eden does have a stalker/assassin after her, that really isn’t the focus of When Day Breaks. Instead, action takes a backseat to one of the most beautiful, compelling, and inspiring love stories that I’ve ever read.

Now, some of you may stop right now and say to yourself, that’s not the KGI I want to read. If you do that, I think that you’re doing a disservice both to yourself, Maya Banks, and a series and characters that, in my view, continually breaks and remakes the mold of a romantic suspense series.

Maya Banks is one of the most talented writers around and is able to create characters that set up home in our reader hearts. The KGI family - the Kellys and their teammates - have become, book by book, people to care about. Because of this, I realize that passions run high with this series and expectations about what the books should be like. All I can say is that the way Banks is envisioning and presenting KGI, her books will continue to be preordered and remain on my must-read shelf.

So please add When Day Breaks to your bookshelf if you’re looking for a title that is inspiring, passionate, populated by characters that one can truly admire. It is a story that I am proud to share with a younger relative for them to use as a sort of updated fairytale, with a hero and heroine to admire and fall a bit of reader in love with.

True beauty is drawn from the spirit within, and both the writer behind When Day Breaks and the story itself epitomize this.

Five stars

My requirements for an action/romance book are action and a build up of romance . However, the interaction between the two main characters was SO quick and unrealistic that I found myself rolling my eyes in disbelief most of the time. I couldn't wait for this book to come out since I've read all the others, but I have to say I was disappointed. There was no anticipation, no build up of their impending romance. They met and they were life-long partners.

I love Maya's talent for balancing sweet with steamy hot scenes. And baby, Swanny and Eden's story have these in spades. I always loved Swanny and his quiet hotness but Eden's tenderness, intelligence, down to earth ways and all around bad-ass attitude places her on one of my top heroine list. Can't wait for the next KGI book. Thanks, Maya.

Awesome, Excellent, Great, Good, intriguing, and that's just a few of the many words that I can say about this book!. I am always waiting on the next KGI Novel because I have no doubt that Ms. Banks will make you read it from the beginning to the end without stopping until you finish it! I loved it! Read it it is a great book!!!!(;)

After reading many of the negative reviews, I was surprised by how much I liked this book. First and foremost, a lot more story was devoted to relationship building. That was enjoyable. Swanny`s dialogue with himself was a little long, but all in all, a pleasant read

Maya always comes through with a great story. I love her books & the series are my favorite. It's so enthralling that you get caught up and it's almost like you are there. With TV shows going to the pot, reading is way better.

Loved this book. Swanky & Eden definitely captured my heart and attention. Great action as always. Love the KGI series. It only gets better! Now hopefully, Hancock joins KGI. That would be badass!!

Swanny and Eden's story was an incredibly sweet one. It was perfect for a quick, light read. It wasn't as passionate or raw like the other books in this series, but it was pleasant seeing this other side of Swanny. And both characters complemented each other wonderfully.

Once again Maya writes a fantastic KGI book. This series is absolutely excellent! I've fallen in love with the whole Kelly family and their friends. These books are so well written that there really isn't much to say, except read them and you will fall in love with them.

This book was sooooo hard to finish reading. The majority of the book was spent in Swanny's head as he went back and forth as to whether he was good enough for Eden. I've read almost all of Maya Banks's books and she is definitely one of my favorites, but this was a horrible book compared to the other KGI novels.

love this series and always love Swanny!! perfect match for him because he needed a female to take control. really enjoyed how Eden got her man and saw thru to the man. it's so true never judge a book by its cover because you just might miss the best story! great book!

Little disappointed in this one... 3/4 of the story seemed a bit fluffy and repetitive ... We learned three different times why and when the team lost a member.... Not up to the usual standard, but I love MB's writing, so I realize that everyone can have an off day!

Another good read from Maya Banks! In the beginning it got tiresome at how often Swanny talked about his scars and how he didn't know what she saw in him or how he wasn't good enough for her. But all in all the story was good. Great love scenes, as always with MB.

I normally love this author but this book I found left wanting. Too much inner dialogue with both main characters and not nearly the same action and adventure that I expect with this series. I found my self skipping areas and was overall disappointed

Banks does it again. She delivers a fast paced, action packed romance that keeps the pages turning. Eden and Swanny accept each other for who they are and true love has never been better. If Banks writes it, I will read it. She delivers every time.

I love Maya Banks and the entire KGI series however I felt like this one was very sappy. Usually the heroes fall in love with the girl but this one was very fast and the man was very emotional I felt.

Banks does it again. She delivers a fast paced, action packed romance that keeps the pages turning. Eden and Swanny accept each other for who they are and true love has never been better. If Banks writes it, I will read it. She delivers every time.

I love Maya Banks and the entire KGI series however I felt like this one was very sappy. Usually the heroes fall in love with the girl but this one was very fast and the man was very emotional I felt.

I love this author and this series. That said, this story falls flat. The characters come across as two dimensional, and the action scenes lack any sense of urgency or anticipation. This story lacks the polish and fluid writing style that I've come to expect of Maya Banks.

This was such a wonderful follow up to "After the Storm". Finally getting to have Swanny's story, plus finding out a little bit more about Hansen was a great bonus. This series is one of Maya Banks best series. Really loved this book.

This was a good story; someone who thinks they are ugly on the outside maybe has a beautiful inside like in this story. Also some women who are beautiful on the outside; they don't have a beautiful inside but in this story she had it all. I would reccomend this to any lady who loves a good read.

and what a story it is. Although, the book itself lacked a bit of the more action packed adrenaline I've come to expect from Ms. Banks, it didn't take anything from the story and its characters. Love it and would recommend it to.everyone.

This book missed Maya Banks 5 star talent. Personally Swammy seemed a little wish washy for an Alpha Male. I relate this book to a home run hitter that just made it to second base. Maya Banks is a great writer & I recommend this book.

I know some readers might not enjoyed reading about the past stories but I did. Sometimes when you read a lot of series you need a little recap. It just made me enjoy when day more! Can't wait for the next KGI adventure.

I look forward to every book dealing with KGI. The characters are so clearly described that they come alive and the stories are always exciting. This is just the latest in a long line of wonderful stories. Ms. Banks, please keep them coming.

I have read this series since the beginning, and have anticipated each new release. To me, the last good book in the series was Shades of Gray. This one was too repetitive. If you never read a book in the series before you really wouldn't need to after reading this one. I was so tired of reading the same thing over and over! Also, I like a good balance of action and romance, and this one was a bit too heavy on the romance for my taste. I was bored and found myself skipping pages- not a good sign. If you've never read a book in this series DO NOT start with this one. It may turn you away from some really good books.

Enjoyed this immensely. Love to read the KGI novels. Swanny's story was a long-time coming, and while I really enjoyed this story, it lacked some of the heat of the previous from the series. There were times I wished things weren't quite so obvious. Both of the characters have a sweetness, which made their love immediately apparent very, very early in the story.

I have been loving this series since book 1. With this latest installment, it looks like I'm going to keep right on loving it. Swanny is amazing! I am so glad Maya devoted this book to telling his story.

The difference in quality between the first three books and the last two is so vast, it's led me to hypothesize that they've been authored by at least two different people. Maya on the first books, random ghostwriter on the last two...or vice versa? It's weird. The books don't read the same at all.
On the pro side of this book: It wasn't as disappointing as Van's story.Getting to know more about Skylar and Edge was good; babies scene was sweet and funny...
On the con side of this book: A disturbing lack of description of our hero. We were given almost nothing on which to base a mind picture--no hair color, eye color, skin--no physical context other than his scars. Weird. A disturbing lack of description of Paris. Paris! This story could have taken place anywhere for all we were shown. An even more unbelievable fall into love than usual for this type of book. Ugh.
I just may be through not only with this series, but with this author--whoever it is...

Awful. Write a paragraph about- how beautiful Eden is or how confused Sawnny is and repeat, OVER OVER OVERA OVEr and over again! Seriously NOTHING happens. just the same drivel over and over, not even reworded, just cut and paste.

AWFUL