When one of your favorite authors comes out with a new book in your very favorite series, it’s incredibly hard to craft an honest review. The Kellys of Maya Banks’ KGI series feel like family to me. My paperback copies of the books are worn, the binding broken and the book are littered with highlighted passages and sticky notes altering me to favorite scenes. This rich, past history with the KGI world invades my thoughts every time I go to pick up a new KGI story. The eleventh installment of Maya Banks’ KGI series proved challenging to review due to this history but the content of this “reunion” book made an objective review even more elusive. Brighter Than the Sun is Joe’s story, but we also see a lot of the Kelly crew in this book. I would say about 40% of the book is non-Joe/Zoe related content. Thus, this book would be almost impossible to read as a stand-alone.



The good parts of this book were incredibly good, even ovary-exploding good. As always, the Kelly brothers are of a breed in which alpha men speak their mind. There are never any ifs, ands, or buts when any of the brothers tell a woman what they are thinking or feeling. These guys lay it out on the line in extensive dialogue with the woman they love, their family and the KGI crew. Joe is no exception. When Joe decides Zoe is his to protect he makes damn sure his family knows his feelings and just as soon as he can get Zoe alone he tries to make sure she understands without scaring her off. Since Zoe was a bit skittish for the majority of this book, we got to see a softer side of Joe in Brighter Than the Sun. Joe needed to woo Zoe (even though they had some instalove going on) and it was interesting to see that Banks chose to contrast this book with the past few KGI stories that were fast paced and incredibly danger-filled. Shawn and Rusty also had some significant page time in this book which made me giddy. Their story is coming in the future, but it was good to see how Rusty has developed and grown since we first met her.



Now there were some things I didn’t love about this book (shocker, I know)! First off, this book was WAY too reminiscent of Van and Eve’s book for me. The similar story lines, similar instalove, even similar “protect” language kinda drove me batty at times. I had a sense of deja vu while reading this book and I found myself wondering if it really was time for this series to retire. This book just felt a bit stale. As well, the person posing danger to Zoe was never fully taken down. There were just too many loose ends for me.



Taking into account the ways the series moved forward in this book, I’m rating Brighter Than the Sun at 4.5 stars. This was not my favorite KGI book by a long shot, but this one really did feel like a reunion book rather than a straight romance. As the series comes to a close, and all the Kelly brothers are now spoken for, I’ll be interested to see how Banks perseveres. We know Sky is getting a book next and I’m hoping Edge will get his own installment after that. It’s very clear

The Kelly brother's sister Rusty helps Zoe to create a new identity for herself. Rusty takes Zoe home to her KGI family where she is immediately accepted into the Kelly family as well as the KGI family. Her past will catch up to her and her life is in jeopardy. The last of the unattached Kelly brothers, Joe, is drawn to Zoe and he wants to do whatever he can to protect her. Zoe's self esteem is really low and it will take some convincing from Joe and his family to help her to see where she belongs. During all of this Rusty's heart will take a beating and some let down from her family. Another great KGI story!!!

The story was too face paced and felt unrealistic.

Brighter Than The Sun is the 11th title in the KGI Series where we follow the love stories of family of mercenaries both related by blood and by marriage (and by the crazy things that has happened to them). This is the last book for the brothers in the Kelly family. Joe is the youngest brother and his twin is Nathan whom we've already met a few titles back. I really wanted to love the entire KGI Series ever since I picked up and read Garrett's story I fell in the love with the family and the brothers. Yes I know I read the books slightly out of sequence but that didn't affect my enjoyment of the books. But somewhere after Cole and PJ's story my interest in the books fell. Each time another book came out from this series I would ponder maybe this one will get better.

Zoe is one the run she is the best friend of Rusty. My mind draws a blank as to what else happened in this book. Joe is less of a pod-person than Donovan (whom I fell in love with prior to his story being released) I feel that the titles that came after weren't good. It took me a long time to finish (Forced myself to finish) and after reading the book I can't quite recall much of what I read except maybe some of the bad things that I didn't like. Maya Banks is a good writer but I don't know what's been going on lately with her books. Donovan's story read like it was written by someone else and Joe's book sounded more like her writing but not completely.

I keep saying this is the last book I'm going to read from this series then I go and pick up the next book hoping it will have the same magic I've enjoyed in the first titles. I'm going to wait for Sean and Rusty's story before I make my final judgement of this series.

My 4 star review is posted on Goodreads and will be posted on blog and social media on release day and links will be updated then.

4 stars


This is a typical KGI book featuring the last remaining single Kelly brother, Joe. Joe is sure he is not ready to settle down like his brothers, and keeps trying avoid the good intentions of his mom and sister-in-laws. But he's a Kelly after all and it does not take long to realize that he has found his one.

Zoe Kildare is a girl on the run. She is terrified, insecure, unsure, and lacks self worth. Her best friend, Rusty Kelly, has helped her forge her new identity and brings her home to the Kelly compound to keep her protected. But the girls keep Zoe's secrets locked down. Zoe has always been under the influence of controlling men telling her what to wear and how to act, so she had developed an outward facade. But now she is shedding that image and letting the natural, sweet, beauty shine through as she is exposed to family, love, and freedom.

I was hoping Joe would put up a bigger fight, but he falls pretty fast...like going from anti-relationship to forever in a couple days. But this is pretty typical of the Kelly men when they find their "one" so it was not that unexpected, but I would have like to see the author build on it a little more or at least for Joe to have more confusion over it. Joe might not be quite as dynamic as some of his brothers. I did like them together. They had an easy going rapport and a sweet vulnerability to their interactions. But it was a bit tentative due to her hidden fears and him trying not scare her. And she had some serious issues with self worth and not being good enough making her wary and untrusting. But I did get frustrated with the secrets, and the fact that Joe did not know a lot about her made it even harder to buy their insta-love at times.

Of course, there is bound to be some drama, action, and a need to save the defenseless beauty that will involve all the teams. We get to spend time with many of our fave couples and the newer recruits, as well as the Kelly parents. I love the dynamics in this group, not only the humor, but also the care they show. They are truly a blended family who will do anything to support each other.

But I think during this book I was even more interested in the continuing side story of Rusty and Sean. The adopted Kelly sister and the sheriff have been circling around each other for years. Due to their communication issues, they have a tendency not to get their points across and end up just hurting the other or going into avoidance mode. And this time it finally all comes down to a situation that could finally be the breaking point one way or another. I have been waiting for their book forever, but looks like we will be waiting longer since Skylar is supposed to be next.

So fans of this series will get a book that follows the beloved KGI formula somewhat...the damaged hero in need of saving, the determined alpha who falls fast, fun, camaraderie, danger, and action. There is some comfort in being able to return to a world that you are so invested in after all this time and seeing progression of couples who you care about. This story all occurred close to home, so the action mostly came in one part of the book. Brighter Than the Sun was a comfy read for me despite it being full of tension, drama, pain and sacrifice. It was also full of love, family, and the idea of soul mates. Sure some things are over the top, but if you have been a fan of this series then you should already be prepared for it and be able to go with it. I am invested in this series, so I will keep reading them as long as she keeps writing them. And I seriously need Rusty and Sean as soon as possible.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
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The 11th KGI novel brings readers the story of the last bachelor Joe Kelly and Zoe Kildare. Though to be honest for me this book was all about Rusty, the adopted daughter in the Kelly clan. I can only hope that Rusty's book is coming soon and Maya Banks goes above and beyond to give Rusty the story that woman deserves. Joe and Zoe's path to happily after is rife with struggle and sensual fun. Maya Banks brings the romance, suspense, and trademark story telling that her fans expect and delivers on an emotional and satisfying Kelly story. Her characters are well developed and well written. If you are a fan of Lora Leigh, Sylvia Day, or J. Kenner then you should definitely give the KGI novels a try. Though I'd recommend starting with book one to get the best read experience.
Zoe Kildare needs to go into hiding, her past is riddled with heart break and she has one true friend who is willing to help her. Rusty Kelly, part of the KGI family, is the only person she can turn to and Rusty doesn't hesitate to help her set up a new identity and go into hiding until she can figure out what she wants to do next. When she comes home with Rusty to the Kelly clan she meets Rusty's older adopted brother Joe and for the first time Zoe is willing to risk her heart on a possible future with Joe. However Zoe's past is coming to catch up with her and she is going to need the skills of the entire Kelly clan to save her.

Joe Kelly, the last bachelor of the very large Kelly clan, has finally met his match when his foster sister, Rusty, brings her best friend, Zoe, home "for a much needed vacation." Joe and Zoe feel an immediate attraction to each other but, Zoe has spent her life being told what and who to be, how to dress and act and, how worthless she was for anything else. Joe doesn't realize why Zoe won't give in to the attraction they both feel or why she fights him every time he tries to show her how vitally important she is to him. When Zoe's ex-boyfriend kidnaps her, Joe and his KGI team manage to rescue her but then, Zoe refuses to talk to him and Rusty ends up disappearing because she believes that it's her fault that Zoe was taken. This book is classic Maya Banks. It is a story of complex characters, roller coaster emotions, classic dysfunctional family relationships that always end up working well and, most of all, never ending, all-consuming love!!!

Brighter Than The Sun is the eleventh book in Maya Banks’ KGI series. It can be read as a standalone but many couples from prior books make an appearance allowing you to continue their stories. This book focuses on Joe Kelly, the last bachelor in the Kelly family, and Zoe Kildare, Joe’s sister Rusty’s best friend.

Joe Kelly was not looking for a relationship but fell very easily into one when introduced to Zoe, who is on the run and very skittish. It takes all the patience Joe can muster to get Zoe to relax and believe in him. This book has all the emotional pull and action packed suspense for which the KGI series is known.

This is a solid addition to the KGI series that has the feel of some of the earlier books in the series. Joe’s sister Rusty plays a large role in the book and it appears her relationship with Sean will be the focus of the next book.

Joe Kelly's book is finally here, so many wanted his story. Maya Banks writes good books with lots of action and drama.

Oh Maya, how I love those Kelly men! Those tough, fall for their women hard and fast, men.... You did it again with Brighter than the Sun. I just spent the past few hours with Joe Kelly & the rest of the Kelly clan. What a treat.

If you have read any of the KGI books, then you kind of know what to expect. But with Brighter than the Sun, there was a bit of a change. Usually the KGI team is off and running and the entire book is full of action. With Brighter than the Sun, we are treated to a slow burn type of romance with action during the last 25% of the book.

In my opinion, you should not read Brighter than the Sun without reading the rest of the KGI series. We get the privilege to catch up with everyone in the past books! There is dialogue between characters that you cannot understand without their background stories. It truly is part of a series and not a standalone book.

So, now that we have that out of the way, let's get to the story.... I LOVED IT! Joe Kelly is the last single Kelly boy. He thinks that all of his brothers are crazy because of how sappy they are with regards to their wives and kids. Overall he thinks that all of the KGI team that has been bitten by the love bug are insane. That all changes when his sister brings home Zoe Kildare. When those Kelly boys fall, they fall fast and hard! Joe is no exception.

"I was ready the minute I laid eyes on her."
~ Maya Banks, Brighter than the Sun (KGI #11)

Zoe Kildare is running from her father and his world. Rusty Kelly invites Zoe to stay at the Kelly compound. She is reluctant to open her heart or trust anyone but Rusty. Little did she know that Joe was not going to let her get away. He was determined to break down her walls and convince her that she is loved.

"I would never hurt her. I'd never let anyone hurt her again."
~ Maya Banks, Brighter than the Sun (KGI #11)

Again, I am a huge KGI fan so this was a fun book to read. Thank you Maya for brining your characters into my world. Each and every time that I get to spend time with them is such a treat. It looks like Skylar's story is up next. Say what?!?! I need Sean & Rusty's story!!! Pretty please!!!

#Fishing&RockThrowing #DreamsComeTrue #GooeyMushySofty

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* I will be posting this same review on my blog page as well as Amazon on release day.
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Another winner by Maya Banks! Her novels are always entertaining and lively with just the right amount of suspense and romance. Her KGI series is full of action. The last, unattached male of the Kelly family, Joe gets his day in the sun with a love interest and a job to do. Learning more of his story with the lovely Zoe who needs the Kelly family's help was a terrific read.

Maya Banks writes one of my favorite series, the Kelly Group Inc or KGI. I love the family dynamic in the series and the stories are so compelling that I read through the night. I was waiting for Rusty's story and here it is. But what a huge disappointment. I don't know what happened but this book began with Rusty, all good intentions by trying to help a friend, turn into one long disertation on why her friend should just accept that she was a good person even if her ex boyfriend and family were not. The lecturing almost killed me. It sure killed the story. And could any one character be any more pathetic? "Zoe" was so unbelievably clueless and I don't mean that in a positive way.

I hate having to write a negative review about KGI and Ms. Banks but I have no idea why she though readers wanted to hear the incessantly relentant pep talk that went on for paragraphs and pages from Rusty, a formerly troubled young woman who lucked into a great family. A college-educationed, intelligent gal, for that matter.

I'm so sorry but I'm horribly disappointed in this book. And if this is the last of the KGI books, it's darn shame.

A woman running away from a lover/murderer. A commitment phobic but hunky commando. I wonder what could happen? They fall in love, imagine that. Maya Banks makes it interesting and sweet. And there's some fun and satisfying action adventure at the end.

However, it wasn't quite as successful for me as I had expected. There's not a lot of emotional depth. Although almost all of the book deals with relationship-building, the characters don't have much authenticity. Zoe and Joe know they are meant for each other after one date but we don't really understand why that is. Further, Zoe had been treated abusively. She has no confidence and a goodly amount of shame. And yet she suddenly becomes sexually confident with Joe. Then she goes back to her no confidence state. At times it read like a YA book with an adult sex scene.

Despite these criticisms, it is a fun book to read. It is light and tame but still enjoyable.

Six years ago we met the Kelly family and the six brothers that Frank and Marlene bore that run The Kelly Group International whose missions include hostage and kidnap victim recovery, Intelligence gathering and handling jobs the US government can’t. Along with the Kelly brothers we've had the stories of the men and women who run and are a part of the KGI teams. During this series we were also introduced to Rusty who was a teenager from a bad home life that Marlene accepted into her home as part of her family and eventually adopted. No this technically isn't her story – its the youngest of the Kelly brother's Joe story but Rusty plays a huge part in this book for which we all know is the set up to us fans finally getting her and Sean's long awaited book.

Rusty in all the years she has lived around the KGI guys has picked up some useful tricks of her own. She uses her hacking skills to help a friend in need with a new identity. Zoe is on the run from a man who wants to kill her because of her father who runs a criminal empire. Rusty gives her a new identity and then takes her home with her thinking the Kelly/KGI ranch would be the safest place for her to hide out.

Joe Kelly is the last single brother and he likes it that way. Problem is as soon as he sees Zoe both an attraction and warning bells go off in his head. He knows she is scared of something which also means she is hiding something pretty bad in her past. He first befriends her to try and find out what that is but ends up falling pretty hard for her.

Zoe is extremely insecure due to how she was raised. She believes she is the scum of the earth and not worthy of anything. She has never seen a family like the Kelly's and how they love unconditionally. These are things she has never experiences in her life so Joe's attention to her has her pretty skittish at first.

Through out this book we get to see all the previous characters along with Sean who is still at odds with Rusty. That finally comes to a head in this book with a not so happy outcome.

I stepped away from this series a couple books back but the author gives great recaps of all the couples and their stories through out so it was easy to ease back into things. I've been waiting for Rusty and Sean's story for a long time and had heard this book had some pivotal moments in their relationship in it and in part that was one of the main reason's I wanted to read this one – that and it was the last of the Kelly's brothers stories. I was not disappointed at all on that front. I hope its not a super long wait for till we get their story.

It is just an okay book. I know my patrons will read it because of the author, but it isn't the best plot. I feel like I have read this story before.

It will do well with a certain audience, but I was personally disappointed. The entire thing was so overwrought, it was like it was written in all capitals. I stopped caring about the characters pretty early on because of how Very Dramatic everything was.

Somehow Maya Banks manages to make each Kelly brother as interesting as the last, and Joe Kelly is no exception. The book does an excellent job of unfolding layers of Rusty Kelly as well and I cannot wait for the next installment. This book focuses more on relationships and less on KGI activities and still keeps you engaged.

Joe, the last of the Kelly clan not to settle down is met with Rusty's best friend visiting. Zoe (alias, due to stuff you'll understand when you read) is frightened from everything except of her own shadow. Maybe even that. She's been worked over mentally her whole life and it shows.Read more…
When she's brought to the compound with Rusty for a "visit", Joe, the forever bachelor who's not ready to settle down feels a connection and his instincts demand he reveals her secrets and protects her. They fall in love and just when Zoe is ready to share her secrets with him, his world is turned upside down.

I loved their story, I loved how Joe so delicately managed to slowly break parts of Zoe's wall and allowed her to feel comfortable enough to confide in him.

What I most loved, though, is Rusty. Rusty's story is getting closer and closer to a head, and it's going to be one of the most painful love stories I think I'll ever read in this particular genre. Heck, for the last few chapters of Brighter than the Sun I sobbed like an idiot feeling Rusty's pain.

Sean has some 'splaining to do, methinks. I just hope the brothers won't castrate him before he gets a chance to do so. And though rumors say the next novel isn't Rusty's - I really hope those rumors are wrong.

I loved Joe and Zoe so much. They were so genuine and relatable and their struggles so believable that the story just sucked me right in. I ended u staying awake until 2AM on a work night just to finish. And the friendship between Rusty and Zoe was just amazing. While the action in the book was not at the level of the previous stories, the emotional journey was just as heartwarming. And the ending just left me aching for Rusty and Sean's story.

3.5 stars

The KGI series is one of my favorite romantic suspense series, for one reason and one reason alone…the Kellys. I love ALL things Kelly. This family and their bond, from Ma Kelly and her cooking to Rusty Kelly and her spunk to Sam, Garrett, Ethan, Donovan, Nathan and Joe and all of their alpha has cemented the KGI series in my heart to be one of my faves.

And in Joe and Zoe’s story, I found satisfaction. This book was not all that exciting. However, Joe is so patient and Zoe is so broken and I still couldn’t put it down. The last 15% tugged at my heartstrings in so many ways. I think the suspense could have been bumped up a few notches but it doesn’t take away from my appreciation of the story. Brighter Than the Sun definitely falls into the LITE romantic suspense category but is still one the best in the series and it is all thanks to Joe.

The real scene stealer of the book is Rusty. I have loved Rusty from the beginning and now that we are on the cusp of reading her story, I am so anxious. She has had a lot of hurt in her life but thanks to the Kellys also a lot of love. I can’t wait to read her HEA.