In love with his former best friend’s ex wife, Jake Turner bides his time until she is ready to join the dating world again.  Jake doesn’t want to scare her, but there is no way she is going to build a life with anyone but him.  He doesn’t want the here and now, he wants forever.  His wait comes to an end when across the crowded bar he sees her walk in and sit down.  As the men swarm around her, Jake makes his way through the throng, picks her up, and carries her out of the bar.

Ellie Matthews refuses to allow her scum bag of an ex husband to have control over her life any longer.  Coming to the decision that she needs to be with someone, she spends hours getting up enough nerve to walk into a bar in order to meet men.  When Jake picks her up and carries her out of the bar, Ellie knows she should be furious but can’t help but be grateful.  When Jake lets Ellie in on his plans, she doesn’t know what to say.  Scared of trusting but scared of losing Jake, Ellie asks for time and patience.

Jake and Ellie explore their feelings and just when things seem to even out and become more permanent, Ellie’s abusive ex husband shows up and things get ugly. 

Understood was magnificent.  Pure, reading nirvana.  I found myself immersed in the story and couldn’t put it down.  I love how Maya Banks takes your emotions, sets them free, and allows them to feel her characters thoughts, feelings, and needs.  The plot and storyline flowed and I found it very realistic.  So much so that when Ellie cried, I did as well.  I fell in love with Jake from the moment he rescued Ellie in the bar and could not wait for Ellie to love him as much as I did.

Understood is a must read for anyone wishing for a great story, emotional characters, and just out and out sensuality.  I have to say that Maya Banks is one of my new favorite authors to watch and read!