Taken by the Raider

by Dani Collins

The first time Aubrey Hargrave was “acquired” by corporate raider Griffen Woodlock, she was unable to resist his potent sexuality. She made the fatal mistake of mixing business with pleasure, but had to end their passionate affair to save her father’s reputation—and her heart.

At 20, Griffen pushed his abusive father out of his CEO position to take the chair himself. Aside from indulging his passion for beautiful women, Griffen hasn’t made an emotional decision since. When Aubrey cuts short their white-hot affair, he tells himself she can easily be replaced. Except she can’t.

Discovering Aubrey’s family secret gives Griffen the power to force a second take-over, but he intends to seize more than her business. He wants her.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance

79 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author Dani Collins thrives on giving readers emotional, compelling, heart-soaring romance with laughter and heat, just like real life.

Mostly she writes contemporary romance, but she has also writes Historical Western, erotic romance, and romcom.

Want to be notified of Dani's latest release along with getting sneak peeks, price drops, behind the scene's gossip and other special offers? Join Dani's VIP list. Join Now!

Reviews

[Joëlle · Rating 3 out of 5]

*** ARC kindly provided by the publisher Tule Publishing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. ***

When I requested this book on NetGalley I wasn’t sure if I really wanted to because the book wasn’t on GoodReads yet and this is a new author to me but I was pleasantly surprised ...

This books brings us the story of Aubrey and Griffen. Audrey is a caring person doing everything for her family. Griffen is a ruthless businessman going through great lengths to get his prize … Aubrey! I won’t tell more about the story since it already is a short one. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it had been longer… I also think Aubrey gave in a little bit to easily with Griffen. This book gets 3 stars.

[Tink Magoo is bad at reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arrr Griffen you adorable idiot.

I was a bit put out when I started this as you're thrown into the middle of Griffin and Aubrey's story.
But having said that I ended up enjoying how this was done. You get the story of them now, meeting again; trying to work together while dealing with the sexual tension and unresolved feelings. You also get glimpses back in time to see how things started and what went wrong. The way that was done worked really well for me. Griffen was such a clueless idiot when it came to feelings and Audrey was a strong heroine - yes she did give into him a bit quickly but she tried to keep it simple which ended up giving him some of his own medicine.

My only criticism would be that this would have been even better if it was longer or had an epilogue.

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hated hero for 98% of the book. I loved the heroine. She was strong and smart. He was a totally self serving jerk so why four stars? Because I felt that aah moment when I finished and he was celibate while they were apart. One star deducted for his story about his Dads wife. That was just gross and it really wasn't needed. We already knew he was a heartless jerk. And I didn't like the his internal thoughts about the h sometimes. And the way she overheard him talking about her to her half brother. Okay I better stop before I forget the aah moment and take away more stars. It was moving though when he finally told her about his feelings and that he loved her. All 2% of it.

[AvidReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short,entertaining, steamy satisfying read.

Aubrey and Griffen was in a secret relationship. But when Griffen felt things are changing from her side he did something that cut Aubrey deep.(which I disliked very much. But heroine’s answering reaction helped a bit). So when an opportunity was presented she left him and his company making Griffen realize the strength of his need and feelings for her. And there starts their epic battle.

Both the main characters were Alpha. I loved how bold and strong Aubrey was. The scene were she confronted the co-worker for his snide and shrewd jabs were fabulous. And I was cheering for her when she took back all the leverage Griffen held above her. She never showed hero how much he hurt her.
Griffen was stubborn and lonely hero. He respected Aubrey and valued her potential. I hated his confession in the last about an incident from past. Still he was smitten hero who didn’t realize that and I always love those idiots. They were both celibate during separation.

Recommended.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novella that packs a whole lot into a few pages It picks up 8 months after their relationship ended. We get details of what happened between them as we go along in present time. You get both points of view, which is great to understand what both are thinking and feeling. This is particularly helpful because getting into Griffen's mind helps you to sympathize and understand instead of only seeing the selfish jerkwad he shows everyone. Aubrey had a very cold and detached feel about her the entire book. It's understandable given her background as the daughter of a politician and keeping up appearances, as well as not letting Griffen hurt her more than he already has. When they were involved before, he let her believe he wasn't monogamous (she saw another woman kiss him - for a few seconds and he didn't return it) and he didn't clear up the misunderstanding in order to put distance between them. He didn't expect her to quit and never see her again. It's very telling he hasn't been with another woman since she left and how he reacts to her illness in the opening scene. His way of getting her back into his life is to take over her company. It takes him a loooong time to realize how deep his feelings go for her. My heart skipped for Aubrey's struggle and how she wanted him, but also felt cheap and believed he didn't feel more for her and everyone thought she was having sex with him to keep her job. It's angsty, but having Griffen's point of view helped to keep you on his side throughout the story.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from Tule Publishing for an honest review.

[Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tule Publishing's Bad Boy Shorts have become reads that I can rely on to bring me a quick injection of sexy and Taken by the Raider generally ticks those boxes.

"First day under the new boss."

Aubrey and Griffin are the type of couple who divide readers. For lovers of an alpha arsehole, Griffin is right up there; the arrogant, ruthless businessman, emotion plays no part in his life and he will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. Including Aubrey; they have a history and when it comes to him she has a knack of caving rather rapidly.



Dani Collins has brought her reader a well-developed, sexy novella, although I did struggle to warm to either Griffin and Aubrey until almost the end. Not my favourite of the Bad Boy titles but enjoyable enough.

Copy received courtesy of Tule Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.

[Sherin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A riveting short read, with a troubled alpha hero (Griffin) and a strong heroine (Audrey). Though she loved him, she dared to stand up against him and knew when to let go and accept his shortcomings. No one is perfect and we can't control who we fall in love with or when - the book clearly proves that. It was clear that he loves her and came for her though he was not willing to accept it and Aubrey did not understand that, but her stand is acceptable considering how he went about proving she meant nothing to her in the past. Though I would have liked the ending to have a bit more longer to relish in their HEA (a reason I gave four stars instead of five), I enjoyed the book and the way Raider evolved and expressed himself. If you love a troubled alpha male and a strong heroine, who loves with all her heart, and love a quick read, this is your book! I was kindly provided an ARC by Net Galley & the publishers and loved the book! Highly recommended.

[Cindy Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taken by the Raider by Dani Collins is book #4 in the Bad Boy Short Story series by Tule Publishing. This story is a quick paced, hot, sexy read.
Years earlier our heroine Audrey Hargrave found out that mixing business and pleasure does not work and Audrey leaves. Now, Griffen Woodlock who is our hero, wants Audrey back. Can mixing business and pleasure finally work? I suggest you read the this story to see how a determined man goes about accomplishing this, leading to a HEA, I am sure you will not be disappointed. Dani Collins' characters are great, Audrey is a family oriented, strong woman and Griffen a businessman who becomes more humanized. A enjoyable read.
I received an ARC from the publisher for a honest review.

[Ash P Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but quite intense read about Griffin who has been fighting all his life to prove his worth and Aubrey, who has had a life surrounded by love and support in everything. Though both are successful, their upbringing had turned one hard and calculating while the other has a compassionate but keen business sense. In spite of being rivals, together they are explosive, both around and on the conference table.

This time, Griffin has hit too close to home but it is the only way he knows how to get Aubry to come back to him. Can he get her to stay or will he lose her forever?

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short novella certainly packs a punch to your heart. Ms. Collins has given her readers a quick one two with unforgettable characters that reach for your heart and don’t let go. Somehow she manages to get in a fast paced but well thought out plot line that has you remembering why you love her writing style so much. The story is very clear and doesn’t leave you wanting, well for anything else than another one of her stories. Pick up this novella if you want something hot, something with a bad boy, and something quick to heat you up.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little thrown off at the beginning since the novel began in the middle of Griffen and Aubrey’s relationship. However, I liked how the author revealed their past throughout the book. At the beginning of the book I hated Griffen, I did not like his character at all. The way he wants and gets all without caring if he is hurting the people around him. When he comes to realize the person he is hurting is about to leave him for the second time, was a great moment in the book. The book would’ve been great if it ended with an epilogue.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story. Griffen was a VERY alpha male, almost too alpha for my tates at times. Aubrey was a good character though, strong and feisty but yet vulnerable. She is very loyal to her family and wants to be fair to everyone, where Griffen was all about money and the bottom line - and winning.
The more we learned about Griffen's past the easier it was to understand why he was the way he was. I still enjoyed the story, even if he got on my nerves at times.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
Hot and steamy. I liked the witty and really very smart dialogue. It was included for free with her "Blame the Mistletoe" Christmas story.
I was surprised by how different both these stories were but how much I liked both. This is an author I want to read a lot more of.

[Jeannine Wickliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aubrey Hargrave had stayed employed by Corporate Raider, Griffin Woodlock, and had even made the mistake of getting involved with him. In an effort to protect her father, Aubrey left her employment with Griffin and went to work for another business. Griffin realizes he misses Aubrey more then he thought but can he overcome his past and get Aubrey back. In the meantime, Griffin makes the move to buy the business Aubrey is working for thinking that she is dating the owner of that business. Then Griffin finds out all of Aubrey's secret and applies even more pressure. Can Griffin overcome his past to realize he loves Aubrey and can Aubrey realize the secrets she has been keeping needs to be confronted.

[K B · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
I purchased a copy of the novella Taken by the Raider: A Bad Boy Short Romance by Dani Collins and this review was given freely.
Short, conflicted, and steamy reformation of a bad boy romance. Jealousy, mistaken identity, and a strong attraction result in the callus corporate raider Griffen Woodlock losing Aubrey Hargrave when he mistakenly believes that ultimatums and control are the ways to protect her.

[GreenGal · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* rounded up
I really enjoyed the read.
For such a quick short read, it is packed with all the emotions. I cried, laughed has some s*xy fire scenes.... I loved the book and the characters.
Will probably go to my re-read in the future.... Half star less for no epilog... I wold have loved to read more about these characters and how they settled after they confess their feeling.

[Deborah Gebhardt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read about a corporate raider and the woman he meets in the line of business. A woman he can't get enough of, who reciprocates that urge, but, do they feel enough for each other to make it last?

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the author and have read so many of her books she is a clever writer and I always enjoy all her books. this book was a fun read short I found Griffen a bit of an arse and wished that Aubrey had more oomph to her guts and that she didn't give in so easily to him.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I could, I'd give 1/2 star instead of one star. Short, cruddy & crude novella. Sole purpose, in my honest opinion, was to see how many sex scenes Ms Collins could get in in less than 100 pages. I don't recommend.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really did not like this book as it sends so many really bad messages. Aubrey's company gets taken over by Griffin so that he can have sex with her. He wants to own her as well as her company and can only keep this position by sleeping with him. This book was just so wrong!

[Mandi Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. He’s rough. she loves him despite that. The journey to meet in the middle is riddled with strife. Good read.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

I normally don’t have a preference for which type of Point of View a story is written in. For the most part I accept what the author has given us, since it’s their creation. But I have to say that having both Aubrey and Griffen’s telling us their story made such a difference in how I viewed Griffen. It would have been so very easy to see him as an arrogant jerk with no clue how to treat a woman he cares about.

We also jump right into the middle of a relationship – one that has a past and a present, still working on the future though. As to the rest of the story, I’m going to be rather tight-lipped. You truly do have enough from the Cover Description to know the basics of this story. Because it’s so short, to say much more wouldn’t be fair, in my opinion.

I enjoyed Aubrey and Griffen’s romance very much. It is so easy to see how they came to cross-purposes during their time together. Yet there is always the feeling that this couple needs to be together, that they’d be better all around as a committed couple – if they can just get their act together and see reality. Watching Griffen go from hard and clueless to softer and devoted was a delight to me. I love when a hard man falls even harder.

Romance Lover? Then you’ll want to check this one out. The telling is a touch unusual, but the story is solid and enjoyable. I would definitely recommend it for any lover of Romance.

*I received an e-ARC of Taken By The Raider from the publisher, Tule Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Taken by the Raider by Dani Collins
A Bad Boy Short Romance
The first time Aubrey Hargrave was “acquired” by corporate raider Griffen Woodlock, she was unable to resist his potent sexuality. She made the fatal mistake of mixing business with pleasure, but had to end their passionate affair to save her father’s reputation—and her heart.

At 20, Griffen pushed his abusive father out of his CEO position to take the chair himself. Aside from indulging his passion for beautiful women, Griffen hasn’t made an emotional decision since. When Aubrey cuts short their white-hot affair, he tells himself she can easily be replaced. Except she can’t.

Discovering Aubrey’s family secret gives Griffen the power to force a second take-over, but he intends to seize more than her business. He wants her.
this is Aubrey and Griffen's story.
Audrey found out that mixing business and pleasure does not work.
Aubrey and Griffen meet when he acquired her company.
Taken by the Raider by Dani Collins is a 2 stars book.
Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Dani's Books with Tule:

HometownHero Hometown Hero
Homecoming

Blame the Mistletoe
A Marietta Christmas


The Bachelor’s Baby
Bachelor Auction


His Blushing Bride
Montana Born Brides


BestsellerII-300dpi Writing the Bestseller II: Romantic and Commercial Fiction
Non-Fiction
Taken by the Raider
Bad Boy Short Stories

[Francoise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short but intense read. Despite the novella format, I found that the author managed to give a lot of background information about the heroes. The way the plot was built made it interesting and a page-turner.

Griffen Woodlock, a ruthless corporate raider specialized in hostile takeovers, and Aubrey Hargrave, the classy daughter of a senator, have been lovers until Griffen pushed Aubrey away, refusing to commit. But his affair with Aubrey still feels unfinished and he could never forget her, even after several months.

Audrey and Griffen will be forced to meet again, as Griffen has taken over the start-up company Aubrey manages. His apparent intention is the usual for him : cutting jobs, restructuring the company and selling it with profit. But is he really the heartless bastard he seems to be, or it this takeover a business decision motivated by emotions running very deep ?

I enjoyed reading this story, though I regretted the absence of some form of epilogue. I will definitely follow this author in the future.

I received an ARC, courtesy of Tule Publishing, via NetGalley.

[Barbie Dickens lane]

Aubrey's life was perfectly average, that was until Griffen Woodlock entered her life via corporate takeover. Working under him, they couldn't keep their hands off one another. That was until she saw him kissing another woman. Aubrey quit her job and moved on with her life. But when Griffen enters her life once again via yet another takeover, she knows she won't be strong enough to resist Griffen again. When Griffen discovers her family's hidden secret, he uses that information it as leverage to get Aubrey back into his bed. Aubrey tries to stay strong against the powers of the man who drives her wild like no other, but woefully gives in at every turn. As she struggles to stay strong against falling for Griffen even more, she fights for the company she believes in even though Griffen fights her tooth and nail every step of the way.
But Griffen isn't safe either. Aubrey effects him like no other woman before and as he finds himself starting to feel things for her that go beyond sexual, he realizes that this time he can't let Aubrey go.

**I received an Advanced Readers copy from the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Kerry Croucier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aubrey came into Griffen's orbit when he acquired her company. She enjoyed an intense professional and personal relationship until a family issue gave her a professional opportunity and the chance to save her heart. Griffen let her go, but started working to acquire her new company figuring he can "reacquire" her with it. When he discovers the family secret, he uses it as leverage to get her back into his bed. All Aubrey can do is work hard to keep him at an emotional distance.
This was a short but intense story with an interesting story line and more emotion than you would expect with Griffen. As the story progresses, Griffen becomes more human, which is good, since initially he isn't very likable. Aubrey is a strong woman with professional and personal goals, who finally realizes she needs to stand up for herself. The two work and complement each other well.
I really enjoyed the story, but do agree I would like to see an epilogue.
**I received an Advanced Readers copy from the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taken by the Raider by Dani Collins is a rather short novella involving a corporate raider and the woman he wants. Griffen takes most of the story to get it through his thick head that he loves Aubrey, not just wants her. I get that Griffen had some past issues but he does seem a bit too ruthless for my taste in heroes. Aubrey is much more the type of character that I admire. Somehow the story worked for me, I think it is the balance that Aubrey brings to Griffen.

The story line seems unlikely but possible. It flows fast and smoothly giving insight into the characters as it progresses. Since these two characters have a history, the plot focuses straight from the beginning on their relationship which drive the entire story. Making this a quick read (seven chapters long) that holds your attention while the story lasts.

Copy provided by the publisher through Net Galley for an honest review.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

How far will a ruthless businessman go to be with the woman he desires?

Aubrey Hargrave and Griffen Woodlock had a professional and personal relationship until Aubrey decided to leave him and go to work for Cutting Edge. Griffen will do anything to get Aubrey back, even taking over the company Aubrey has invested a lot of time into. Once he has her back, he will have his way with her once again.

When Griffen discovers the family secret that Aubrey has been hiding, he has more leverage to get her to do as he wishes. How far will it go before Aubrey decides enough is enough and walks out for good? Will Griffen be able to get Aubrey back this time?

There was a lot of tension between Aubrey and Griffen and through a lot of the book I got where I didn't like Griffen. But he redeemed himself in the end when he told Aubrey his family secrets and why he was so persistent in all areas of his life. Great writing and a lot of steamy intimate scenes kept this book interesting.

[BookSnuggle · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Taken by the Raider" by Dani Collins is Aubrey Hargrave and Griffen Woodlock's story.

The story starts off in the middle of Aubrey and Griffen's relationship. They had more than a working relationship, but had split up. Griffen couldn't forget Aubrey. What means will he go to in order to get her back in his life?

Aubrey and Griffen come from two very different backgrounds. They have an intense sexual relationship. Is it just sex or is there more to their relationship?

I enjoyed the story, but it was a little hard to stay focused. The author did a good joy of where the reader could feel the emotional struggles that Audrey and Griffen both were experiencing. I guess we all in many different ways allow things from our past to prevent us from taking a chance on something in order to protect ourselves.

I received a copy of this book from Tule Publishing for an honest review. FYI, contains mature content.

[Rosemary K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Corporate raider Griffen Woodlock is use to getting what he wants. He's willing to use any means and he doesn't care who gets hurt in the process. Aubrey Hargrave is his target. No one leaves him. He will show her who's the boss. Griffen is a dominant personality. He's learned from a young age that might is right. His father was a good teacher. Aubrey cares for people and always does what she believes is right. She is drawn to Griffen and understands that he only wants her physically. Taken by the Raider was an intense story. I found it difficult to like Griffen. His uncaring attitude was hard to accept. The author did a wonderful job. Her writing made me understand Griffen. This story is a dark and emotional romance. I was pulled into the drama. It was amazing to see Griffen change as his heart opened to love. It was an incredible journey. My hat is off to Dani Collins!