Unfortunately, this is a DNF for me- a did not finish read.

I wanted this book to work, truly I did. I kept pushing at it because it has an intriguing storyline that made me extremely curious, but I felt no connection to the characters at all. I love dark reads like this, I love the abductions, stalkers, alpha men with attitude and all that is associated with dark erotica, but there were a few things that put me off:

The writing: Right from the beginning I was thrown by the point of view. I don't More...

He wants HER to take the lead romantically?
It's very UN-alpha male! It begs the question - "How do you have a NON-alpha male who kidnaps someone?"

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The only thing that saves this from being a Stockholm Syndrome story, is the fact that this is told in '2nd-person' narration and that the struggle to trust and forgive continues throughout the ENTIRE book. Literally. The ENTIRE book. After all the fucked-up-ness that 'Captive in th More...

Take Fifty Shades of Grey, stir in a little Captive in the Dark, add a dash of Comfort Food, sprinkle liberally with Bared to You, simmer gently for 300 pages …………. Hey Presto – TAKEN!

Sadly, it’s not as special as any of those books and it never quite came together for me. It’s too full of contradictions and I just felt nonplussed reading it – it never seemed to quite add up.

I think this book is trying to ride the crest of the Fifty Shades wave and it’s not quite working, at least not for me. It More...

Team Merrick! That man does IT for me!!

After reading this novel I feel a lot like this...



Must read!! Merrick is so damn sexy it hurts!

3.5 STARS
When I received Advanced Reader Copy of this novel for an exchange of honest review, I was not sure what to expect. But this erotic driven story surprised me from the very beginning. I was shocked by the unusual way it all started. I do not want to give anything away, but after reading first 2 chapters I was hooked and wanted to find out more and more about the characters. It took me some time to get used to the untraditional second person narrative. But while the story progressed, I al More...

This one was defintely a page-turner for me! Captivating from the start, a few unexpected twists and turns, and sooo steamy!!! There seemed to be no emotion left unturned by the time I was finished. Although I couldn't relate to what happened to Rachael, I could completely relate to Rachael, herself. She was someone you could root for-a good head on her shoulders, yet struggling to figure out her heart. I enjoyed the author's use of the 2nd person point of view. It gave great insight into why Ra More...

Yep, this sums it up!!


As a critique partner of the fantabulous Kelli Maine, I had the distinct pleasure of reading the mastery that is Taken before it was unleashed on the world. I was Team Merrick from the moment he locked eyes with Rachael in the club. I'm willing to do anything to see him unleash those dimples...as well as his other assets!

I'm also a big fan of Rachael. I feel a natural affinity with her after sacrificing for my own family. Unfortunately, a hot billionaire hasn't shown up More...

Team Merrick??? Yes, Please!

I loved the story line of TAKEN. The idea of a misunderstood abduction screamed must read to me. While I admit, at first I was like who is this Merrick creep and why in the heck did he kidnap her, I grew to understand him—just like the main character, Rachel did. The idea of a lonely billionaire with a closet full of emotional baggage may fit the same profile as my beloved Christian Grey, but Merrick’s skeletons were different. They were not as twisted as Christian’s, More...

I sent my DH a link for this book a few days ago, letting him know that hey, this is the book I'm reading right now.

A. He should have paid attention.
B. He should have NOT gotten mad last night because I didn't want to go shopping.
c. He should most definitely realize that I have just bought the short story that accompanies it.

His loss if he doesn't because hey, I'm a big girl and I don't need a guy to keep me entertained. *wink wink*

Needless to say this book was
HOT!
HOT!!
HOT!!!!

Kelli Maine weav More...

So back in the 1920s, when Florida used to host super-wealthy people who would come down and spend the winter months, there was this one really nice hotel kind of isolated on an island. Sadly, it was pretty much destroyed in the 1928 Hurricane and never rebuilt.

Until now. Merritt Rocha, Billionaire Real Estate Developer, has bought the place and wants it restored. So he interviews some candidates and settles on Rachael DeSalvo. He offers her the job... and she turns him down. She just wasn't rea More...

Oh how I adored this book! Kelli Maine's first book in the Give & Take series is one hell of a ride and boy is it HOT!!!!

Rachael is out with her best friend Shannon for a girls night out when "you" catch my eye. He's watching her with those dark-eyes and kick ass body! Rachel accepts the offer for a drink and thus begins her introduction, so to speak, to Merrick Rocha!

Rachael is with Merrick at the secluded Turtle Tear Hotel and fighting the the attraction she feels towards him is not going More...

Definitely better than Fifty Shades of Grey—from the plot to the romance to the steamy scenes. This book has it all and will leave you gasping for air.

When Rachael DeSalvo is drugged, abducted from a night club, and wakes up in an unfamiliar room, she’s immediately on high alert. Who could’ve done this to her? More importantly, why? Her kidnapper has a motive—and it’s not what you think. He previously spoke to Rachael on a business call, a call where she turned down his offer as project manager More...

Wow what a great story. Talk about a total misunderstanding. I really liked Rachel she stayed smart and listened. Understood but didnt change who she is and what she stands for. Merrick was sweet and troubled but deep down seems like a great person.I'm on to the next one.

All I can say is WOW!!!! I couldn't put this book down. I started reading it yesterday and read it straight through to the end!! It kinda gave me a Fifty Shades of Gray feel in a way and of course I loved that!! Merrick Rocha will do anything to get Rachel Desalvo to be the project manager on the renovation of a historic hotel he just bought. He knows she is the prefect person for the job and the perfect person for him. She turns down his job offer due to her mother not wanting to be left alone. More...

You can read more reviews at my blog, The Armchair Librarian.

Nenia: Hello, and welcome to Abusive Billionaire Boyfriend Bingo! I'm your host, Nenia Campbell. Today's guest is Merrick Rocha, CEO. Are you ready to play?

Audience: YEAH. SOCK IT TO HIM.

Merrick: Um, actually, I'd rather not...

NC: Too late! You should have thought about that before you signed the "creative commons" waiver. I'm allowed to do all sorts of delightfully nasty things to you in the name of satire!

So, everyone--get out your s More...

Reread

All I want to say is WOW. Taken by Kelli Maine is one of those rare books where I loved the plot, the characters, the setting, hell EVERYTHING about the book and let me tell you something that might surprise you - THIS IS A SELF PUBLISHED BOOK and one of the highest quality I’ve seen. So much so that it might not surprise you to know that it’s now been picked up by a publisher and a paperback version is in the works (I’m soooo getting it for the shelves). I cannot even begin to tell you how much More...

Ok I love this book!! I waited for what seemed like forever on it! The second person POV through me at first because I had never read a book like that but getting past that I loved it! I wanted to hug Merrick one minute and kick him in his balls the next! Haha But seriously it's an amazing book! I seen similarities from other story's that I've read but it didn't take away from Rachael and Merricks story. It helped to add to it I thought. I would recommend this book to anyone! I look forward to t More...

There is only one word to sum up this book-INTENSE! The dynamics between Merrick and Rachael are so beyond anything I have ever read. The way Kelli Maine was able to write this story with the inner monologue coming from Rachael was just amazing. I immediately finished this book and read her novella No Take Backs.

i didnt like how it was written like she is speaking to him instead of telling a story. i didnt get his feelings strong enough. otherwise the storyline was cleaver and interesting.

Hello Team Merrick! HOT HOT HOT HOT!

Can somebody kidnap me so I can develop Stockholm Syndrome? I mean seriously. HOLY HOTNESS! However, did he really kidnap her? I mean, sure he drugged her and tied her to the bed. Then, he let her go. Now, she's in control. I don't think the victim is ever in control.

Can not wait to read more about Rachael and Merrick.

I am totally digging the 2nd person narrative. I didn't think I would like it, but I do. It's like I am in Rachael's head. I know how she's fe More...

This is a quick read only 181 pages.
The writing style is nothing like I have ever read before. I really don't know how to explain it but it's all in Rachael's voice. When she talks about Merrick it's like she it telling their story to him. I know that doesn't make any sense but you will understand when you read it. It's not a bad thing just different.
I think I go Stockholm syndrome for Rachael at first I couldn't help but Love Merrick. He seemed lost and even know he didn't go about things the r More...

This book has been on my to-read list for a while. I seem to go through phases in my reading and I was holding this one for when I was in the mood for something dark with some dirty. It seems I misjudged. Merrick Rocha wanted Rachael DeSalvo after their first encounter of her telling him a beautiful love story. When she passes on his job offer he decides he’ll do whatever it takes to get her. So, he takes her.

By kidnapping her Merrick is trying to recreate the love story she first told him to wi More...

REVIEW ON: http://storiepieces.blogspot.pt/2013/...

Taken is a book about an abduction. A man that is used to have everything and a girl that cares more about others than herself. He kidnapped her to an abandoned island where they both start to connect.

This book did nothing to me. I was not surprised, shocked or did fan girl giggles at any point... Taken is my opinion was a very confusing book and a book that either you will Love it fiercely or Hate it strongly.

Rachel is a stereotype with a lit More...

3.5 Stars

I was looking for an awesome dark read, something like CITD or something really dark and messed up... I mean, it IS a kidnapping story right?!?! Well, thats not exactly what I got...

Merrick


Rachel


Merrick Rocha, 32 years old, is a billionaire CEO of his real-estate company. He is a good looking guy, but feels like no one really see’s him. Only the billionaire.

Rachel is a 25 year old new grad. She does an phone/video with Merrick for her dream job. Overseeing a project in the everglade More...

One of the worst books I've read in the last year! The first thing that annoyed me about this book was the way she wrote. You did this , you did that, you kidnapped me and brought me to a run down hotel on an island that you want me to manage the renovation for! And then well of course since you drugged and kidnapped me I can't even think of having sex with you but wait!!! You can feel me up and kiss me and we can have oral sex. How is that? Oh and let me run away from you and run home because More...

“Calling me a sex kitten implies that we are having sex.” -Kellie Maine,Taken

Rachel never took time for herself. After her Dad died her mother started depending on her for everything. When Rachel gets the chance to work her dream job, she turns it down to stay with her mother.

Merrick Rocha is used to getting what he wants; and he wants Rachel DeSalvo. Personally and professionally. Her enthusiasm and passion for the Turtle Tear project matches his own. He would do anything to get her..including More...

Okay so I think I just convinced myself that kidnapping and drugging me is a really quick way to my heart. I love the style that this book was written in. It was all Rachael telling you it all - like she was recounting every moment. It was a bit odd at first - but it just fit perfectly. And Merrick....wow.

I hated that I loved the Dark Duet series because it made me question my own sanity - I thought I would be wrestling with similar emotions here - but not in the least. This was not dark - this More...

More reviews available at my link text

This is a very difficult review for me to write. Firstly because I fear sending mixed messages, and secondly because I don't want to sound like a preachy writer. I had this book on my wishlist before it was released. The blurb drew me in immediately. I love a good captive scenario, and the cover... the cover sent shivers down my spine. There is something beautifully erotic about it without being vulgar.
For me this book failed to live up to the sensual promi More...

ABDUCTION.
You steal me away to a deserted island, to the one place I’ve dreamed of being—the one place I can’t go.

SEDUCTION.
You’re used to buying whatever you want, but you can’t buy me...how do I resist the magnetism of your body, the longing ache deep inside me? I want you to take me—on my terms.

DESPERATION.
Every attempt you make to love me only hurts me. How can we go on like this?

This is the story of how I was TAKEN.


Rachael DeSalvo cares for those she loves with no regard for what she needs More...