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Fractured Connections #4
Taken With You
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan comes a new story in her Fractured Connections series…
It all started at a wedding. Beckham didn’t mean to dance with Meadow. And he really didn’t mean to kiss her. But now, she’s the only thing on his mind. And when it all comes down to it, she’s the only person he can't have.
He'll just have to stay away from her, no matter how hard they’re pulled together.
Running away from her friend's wedding isn't the best way to keep the gossip at bay. But falling for the mysterious and gorgeous bartender at her friends’ bar will only make it worse. Beckham has his secrets, and she refuses to pry.
Once burned, twice kicked down, and never allowed to get up again. Yet taking a chance with him might be the only choice she has. And the only one she wants.
It all started at a wedding. Beckham didn’t mean to dance with Meadow. And he really didn’t mean to kiss her. But now, she’s the only thing on his mind. And when it all comes down to it, she’s the only person he can't have.
He'll just have to stay away from her, no matter how hard they’re pulled together.
Running away from her friend's wedding isn't the best way to keep the gossip at bay. But falling for the mysterious and gorgeous bartender at her friends’ bar will only make it worse. Beckham has his secrets, and she refuses to pry.
Once burned, twice kicked down, and never allowed to get up again. Yet taking a chance with him might be the only choice she has. And the only one she wants.
ebook
First published January 28, 2020
About the author
Carrie Ann Ryan
290 books5,411 followersCarrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Talon Pack, Promise Me, and Elements of Five series, which have sold millions of books worldwide. She's the winner of a RT Book of the Year and a Prism Award in her genres. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.
The Montgomery Ink World contains the following series, though each series is a stand alone and can be read in any order. Feel free to hop around:
The Montgomery Ink Series
The Gallagher Brothers Series
The Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs Series
The Whiskey and Lies Series
The Fractured Connections Series
The Montgomery Ink: Boulder Series
The Less Than Series
The Promise Me Series
Her Elements of Five Series is her Young Adult Romance series while her other series are all adult.
Her Talon Pack series is set in the same world as the Redwood Pack series, only 30 years later.
The Dante's Circle, Holiday, Montana, and Branded Packs series are all individual series as well.
The Montgomery Ink World contains the following series, though each series is a stand alone and can be read in any order. Feel free to hop around:
The Montgomery Ink Series
The Gallagher Brothers Series
The Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs Series
The Whiskey and Lies Series
The Fractured Connections Series
The Montgomery Ink: Boulder Series
The Less Than Series
The Promise Me Series
Her Elements of Five Series is her Young Adult Romance series while her other series are all adult.
Her Talon Pack series is set in the same world as the Redwood Pack series, only 30 years later.
The Dante's Circle, Holiday, Montana, and Branded Packs series are all individual series as well.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
April 5, 2021
Perfect new start at life novella!
I really enjoyed this 1001 Dark Nights Novella which detailed a new start to life for two separate people that just happened to come out of the same MC. They didn’t know each other at the time they were involved in the Motorcycle Club but both of them got out of the life in their own way and ended up in the same place. Each has their own story and wants to keep it a secret.
Meadow grew up in the MC life as the daughter of an MC President. She lived a charmed life as an MC princess when she was younger but as she started to grow older, her fathers club go more into guns and drugs and her father started to beat her mother, and her mother began taking it out on her with body image issues. They eventually basically sold her to Coby, the son of a rival MC and she was considered his property.
At first she thought she was in love with him but he abused her more and more, even going so far as to share her with other members of the club. She eventually got out and put herself through college and now has friends. She attends the wedding of one of her friends and is asked to dance by a man named Beckham who used to be in the same MC as Coby and knew of Meadow. He is attracted to her but doesn’t reveal he knows about her past and doesn’t tell her about his past.
Beckham and Meadow begin to date and like each other and the romance is steamy but they are heading for a fall Because they have a shared past that neither is telling each other about. I really enjoyed the story. It was sweet and steamy and had all the right parts.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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I really enjoyed this 1001 Dark Nights Novella which detailed a new start to life for two separate people that just happened to come out of the same MC. They didn’t know each other at the time they were involved in the Motorcycle Club but both of them got out of the life in their own way and ended up in the same place. Each has their own story and wants to keep it a secret.
Meadow grew up in the MC life as the daughter of an MC President. She lived a charmed life as an MC princess when she was younger but as she started to grow older, her fathers club go more into guns and drugs and her father started to beat her mother, and her mother began taking it out on her with body image issues. They eventually basically sold her to Coby, the son of a rival MC and she was considered his property.
At first she thought she was in love with him but he abused her more and more, even going so far as to share her with other members of the club. She eventually got out and put herself through college and now has friends. She attends the wedding of one of her friends and is asked to dance by a man named Beckham who used to be in the same MC as Coby and knew of Meadow. He is attracted to her but doesn’t reveal he knows about her past and doesn’t tell her about his past.
Beckham and Meadow begin to date and like each other and the romance is steamy but they are heading for a fall Because they have a shared past that neither is telling each other about. I really enjoyed the story. It was sweet and steamy and had all the right parts.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
January 13, 2020
Taken With You is a novella in the Fractured Connection series but could be read as a stand alone. I loved it and devoured it in one sitting. I have loved Beckham and am thrilled to finally have his story.
February 5, 2020
I have thoughts but I just finished a few hours ago so standby but I will say that fractured, no pun intended but maybe lol, is a very appropriate word to describe this book, in my opinion. But later ...
I’m not going into a lot of my thoughts on this story because, the story did not work for me at all and who needs all that negativity in their lives. It could very well be a case of it is me and not the story, but my biggest problem wasn’t about liking this or that, it was that I was utterly lost for over 45% of the story. I don’t think that’s a <>me thing but maybe *shrug*
So, I didn’t like that feeling. It was borderline despair. Before the big reveal on who these two were in the past there were constant references back to this past but never in a concrete way that lets the reader know anything. That just frustrated me to no end, and it took me out of the story and I just didn’t understand it.
There’s an emotional story/journey here. I am sure of it. Because I read to the end, so it is there, buried deep. Too deep for me to say that I liked this book. *shrug*
I’m not going into a lot of my thoughts on this story because, the story did not work for me at all and who needs all that negativity in their lives. It could very well be a case of it is me and not the story, but my biggest problem wasn’t about liking this or that, it was that I was utterly lost for over 45% of the story. I don’t think that’s a <>me thing but maybe *shrug*
So, I didn’t like that feeling. It was borderline despair. Before the big reveal on who these two were in the past there were constant references back to this past but never in a concrete way that lets the reader know anything. That just frustrated me to no end, and it took me out of the story and I just didn’t understand it.
There’s an emotional story/journey here. I am sure of it. Because I read to the end, so it is there, buried deep. Too deep for me to say that I liked this book. *shrug*
January 29, 2020
Beckham and Meadow have always had an attraction towards one another although they didn't let anyone know about it, they are also both hiding secret pasts. Pasts that come to light in this story and have you understanding why Meadow is the way she is. What threw me was Beckham's past, and I won't spoil anything about saying anymore about it.
You can read my full review along with an excerpt HERE
You can see this and other Reviews I have written along with various cover reveals, excerpts, and giveaways here Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can read my full review along with an excerpt HERE
You can see this and other Reviews I have written along with various cover reveals, excerpts, and giveaways here Nadine's Obsessed with Books
January 23, 2020
If your emotions can survive the storm, it will lead your heart to a rainbow. Beckham and Meadow are destined for heartache, but wish for so much more. Trapped inside of secrets that are rapidly bleeding them dry, can they find happiness away from the shadows of the past? Taken with You seduces with heartache, inspires with hope and heals with redemption as it lures you into love. There's no temptation like a Carrie Ann Ryan novel.
January 26, 2020
This was a quick Novella that lacked for nothing. Which I knew would be the case when it comes to anything Carrie Ann Ryan writes. She has the ability to pull me into a story and keep my attention from start to finish and Taken With You did exactly that.
This is a spin-off featuring to characters from the authors' other books in the series and two people I did not expect would get together... Meadow and Beckham. Meadow was at her friends' wedding when Beckham, the Bartender ask her to dance and what started as a dance turns into so much more and neither of them saw it coming... What you would think would be a perfect happily ever after soon turns into anything but that. These two share a past but only one of them knows that it's actually shared.
Once I got deeper into the plot, the more answers were revealed and the more hooked I got to these two. It's not easy for them, but they try and make their relationship work. But can they? Can they get through their past? Can they rise above their past and move forward and create a future for themselves together? or will their past come back and tear them apart.
You will have to read to find out.
These two had a connection from the beginning and the chemistry was through the roof. I could tell they were made for each other. At first, I didn't expect it. They were a very unlikely couple but as always Carrie surprised me and I found myself cheering these two on.
This book was awesome. I loved the side characters and revisiting the Connelly brothers. I also can't wait to see what Ms. Ryan has up her sleeve next.
A definite must-read!
5 Stars!
This is a spin-off featuring to characters from the authors' other books in the series and two people I did not expect would get together... Meadow and Beckham. Meadow was at her friends' wedding when Beckham, the Bartender ask her to dance and what started as a dance turns into so much more and neither of them saw it coming... What you would think would be a perfect happily ever after soon turns into anything but that. These two share a past but only one of them knows that it's actually shared.
Once I got deeper into the plot, the more answers were revealed and the more hooked I got to these two. It's not easy for them, but they try and make their relationship work. But can they? Can they get through their past? Can they rise above their past and move forward and create a future for themselves together? or will their past come back and tear them apart.
You will have to read to find out.
These two had a connection from the beginning and the chemistry was through the roof. I could tell they were made for each other. At first, I didn't expect it. They were a very unlikely couple but as always Carrie surprised me and I found myself cheering these two on.
This book was awesome. I loved the side characters and revisiting the Connelly brothers. I also can't wait to see what Ms. Ryan has up her sleeve next.
A definite must-read!
5 Stars!
February 4, 2020
Meadow has a past she's not proud of, a past she has yet to reveal to her new friends. Then she meets a gorgeous bartender who's been adopted into her new friend's family circle, and has a connection with him. Unfortunately for her, Beckham not only knows about her past, but he has ties to it. Will Meadow ever forgive him when she finds out he knows her secrets and didn't tell her?
Although I haven't read any of the other stories in this series, I found Taken With You easy to read and get into, and fell in love with Meadow and Beckham and their extended circle of friends and family. Although short, as this is a novella, it is fully developed and their connection is as strong as a full novel length love story. Can't wait for more of this world!
ARC via InkSlinger PR for an honest review.
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April 11, 2021
I LOVED Beckham and Meadow! I wished their story was longer, I wanted more of them! I have been intrigued by these characters from the start of the series, as we knew very little about them and it was good to finally get their back stories and figure out what brought them into the Connelly family. Just like with Violet, Sienna and Melody, Meadow was also friends with Allison and was affected by her death. She is also hiding some big secrets about her past.
Beckham is the bartender of the Connelly bar. He had a connection to Meadow, he knew some of her past but kept that to himself, he has told himself that she is off limits, and kept his attraction to her to himself, until the night of Brendon and Melody’s wedding. The moment he asks her to dance and feels her reaction to being up close to him all bets are off. He tells himself he will stay away but it soon becomes impossible and their chemistry was electric, and addicting.
My favourite character from this series from the very first book is Dillon! The youngest Connelly brother that is wise beyond his years and we have so much more to learn about him. I am excited that his story is coming out next week, in My One Night.
Beckham is the bartender of the Connelly bar. He had a connection to Meadow, he knew some of her past but kept that to himself, he has told himself that she is off limits, and kept his attraction to her to himself, until the night of Brendon and Melody’s wedding. The moment he asks her to dance and feels her reaction to being up close to him all bets are off. He tells himself he will stay away but it soon becomes impossible and their chemistry was electric, and addicting.
My favourite character from this series from the very first book is Dillon! The youngest Connelly brother that is wise beyond his years and we have so much more to learn about him. I am excited that his story is coming out next week, in My One Night.
January 29, 2020
Thank you Inkslinger and the author for an advanced copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Taken With You
A Fractured Connections Novella
By: Carrie Ann Ryan
*REVIEW* 💋💋💋💋
I've become a fan of the 1001 Dark Nights Collection, and I'm always glad to read a new addition. Taken With You is a story of redemption for Meadow and Beckham, both of whom escaped less than ideal situations. They each have something to hide and would like to keep these dark unpleasant things under wraps. Will Meadow and Beckham trust enough to reveal what they left behind and why? Moving on, starting over and building a new place for yourself is tough and emotionally scarring but not impossible. Both characters know this and are coping well, but if the past comes calling, what would you do? Run or confront it? Meadow and Beckham have hard choices to make with reprercusions either way. This novella is a quick but compelling read with flawed sympathetic characters you'll be rooting for and drama you don't want to miss. I recommend picking up a copy today!
Taken With You
A Fractured Connections Novella
By: Carrie Ann Ryan
*REVIEW* 💋💋💋💋
I've become a fan of the 1001 Dark Nights Collection, and I'm always glad to read a new addition. Taken With You is a story of redemption for Meadow and Beckham, both of whom escaped less than ideal situations. They each have something to hide and would like to keep these dark unpleasant things under wraps. Will Meadow and Beckham trust enough to reveal what they left behind and why? Moving on, starting over and building a new place for yourself is tough and emotionally scarring but not impossible. Both characters know this and are coping well, but if the past comes calling, what would you do? Run or confront it? Meadow and Beckham have hard choices to make with reprercusions either way. This novella is a quick but compelling read with flawed sympathetic characters you'll be rooting for and drama you don't want to miss. I recommend picking up a copy today!
February 2, 2020
Taken With You by Carrie Ann Ryan
Taken With You by Carrie Ann Ryan is part of the 1001 Dark Nights’s series. In this series, various authors write various love stories that are always short but hot. This novella is part of Carrie Ann Ryan’s series called Fractured Connections about the Connolly Brothers and their bar.
Beckham is the bartender at Connolly's bar. He has had a troublesome past and has moved on to his new world at the bar. A woman named Meadow has shown up, a woman who he recognizes from his past. She is friends with the wives and girlfriends of the Connolly's. Beckham has had a crush on Meadow since he first saw her, but with their past, he knows that it would be a very bad choice to pursue a relationship. Sometimes you make a bad choice and everything turns out all right... maybe?
As with all Carrie Ann Ryan books, the novella contains great characters and is hot. I also liked the little twist from the background and was very happy with the ending. Taken With You by Carrie Ann Ryan was a great read.
Taken With You by Carrie Ann Ryan is part of the 1001 Dark Nights’s series. In this series, various authors write various love stories that are always short but hot. This novella is part of Carrie Ann Ryan’s series called Fractured Connections about the Connolly Brothers and their bar.
Beckham is the bartender at Connolly's bar. He has had a troublesome past and has moved on to his new world at the bar. A woman named Meadow has shown up, a woman who he recognizes from his past. She is friends with the wives and girlfriends of the Connolly's. Beckham has had a crush on Meadow since he first saw her, but with their past, he knows that it would be a very bad choice to pursue a relationship. Sometimes you make a bad choice and everything turns out all right... maybe?
As with all Carrie Ann Ryan books, the novella contains great characters and is hot. I also liked the little twist from the background and was very happy with the ending. Taken With You by Carrie Ann Ryan was a great read.
January 27, 2020
Although it hasn’t been easy Meadow managed to escape the only life she has ever known. She has created a new life for herself and been embraced by the Connolly family, but she doesn’t want anyone to know about her past or the woman she used to be. She never expected that one dance with the bartender at her friend’s wedding would change everything.
Cameron has a past of his own that he wants to ensure stays where it belongs. He is friends with the Connolly’s and works at their bar and has watched Meadow from afar. One dance has him wanting more but will the past that they share, that she doesn’t remember, destroy the relationship that they have been building?
I really enjoyed watching the relationship between Meadow and Cameron unfold and it was great to catch up with characters we know and love. I liked how the one man that everyone goes to for relationship advice is the youngest Connolly, Dillon.
Cameron has a past of his own that he wants to ensure stays where it belongs. He is friends with the Connolly’s and works at their bar and has watched Meadow from afar. One dance has him wanting more but will the past that they share, that she doesn’t remember, destroy the relationship that they have been building?
I really enjoyed watching the relationship between Meadow and Cameron unfold and it was great to catch up with characters we know and love. I liked how the one man that everyone goes to for relationship advice is the youngest Connolly, Dillon.
January 28, 2020
I fell for Beckham and Meadow. They do not have it easy, but their hearts are pulling them closer. There is a lot of secrets. In a blink of an eye, I was devouring every word. Before I knew it, the story was over and I found I spent a few hours lost in their world. Meadow has a heart breaking past. A past she will never return and keeps it locked away. Little does she know Beckham has some secrets of his own. I was on the edge wondering what would happen when the skeletons come out of the closet? Taken with You will hold on to you tightly and take you on the ride of your life!!
January 31, 2020
Taken With You is a novella in the Fractured Connections series by Carrie Ann Ryan. It can be read as stand-alone and since my experience with the series is a little rocky, I would say read it as such.
My biggest issue with the book is that while I was reading it, I got the feeling that I was reading parts of the story and not something cohesive. We jumped from date one to dating for 4 months for example and that felt off. The book, in my opinion, needed to be full-length and not a novella. We got Meadow's past that was explained somewhat satisfactory, and then you got Beckham's past which was like "Once upon a time this happened" and that's it. This is one of the cases where the characters need more room to tell their stories and develop. Everything seemed rushed and was not as well written as I was expecting from Carrie Ann Ryan. Usually, I love her books, but this one was surprisingly a big miss for me. I would not recommend it.
My biggest issue with the book is that while I was reading it, I got the feeling that I was reading parts of the story and not something cohesive. We jumped from date one to dating for 4 months for example and that felt off. The book, in my opinion, needed to be full-length and not a novella. We got Meadow's past that was explained somewhat satisfactory, and then you got Beckham's past which was like "Once upon a time this happened" and that's it. This is one of the cases where the characters need more room to tell their stories and develop. Everything seemed rushed and was not as well written as I was expecting from Carrie Ann Ryan. Usually, I love her books, but this one was surprisingly a big miss for me. I would not recommend it.
February 4, 2020
A quick and good read. This novella revisits an already developed world as it is book four of the series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. I have not read the first three books and still followed the story and characters easily.
This are some secrets and mysterious backgrounds that end up connecting between Beckham and Meadow. They both have scars and bad memories of their past and want to move on from their previous lifestyles. The novella covers the development of their romance and their HEA as they eventually face their truths. The other couples are entertaining and this novella did spark my interest in reading their stories.
Thank you for the chance to read this book and share my opinions!
This are some secrets and mysterious backgrounds that end up connecting between Beckham and Meadow. They both have scars and bad memories of their past and want to move on from their previous lifestyles. The novella covers the development of their romance and their HEA as they eventually face their truths. The other couples are entertaining and this novella did spark my interest in reading their stories.
Thank you for the chance to read this book and share my opinions!
January 28, 2020
This is a short story and though I haven’t read any of the previous stories in this series, it’s easy to follow along. It helped me fall in love with those previous characters and the love of their family; one they chose, even if it’s not the one you were born with. Beckham and Meadow come from dark pasts and trying to move from them. I love how they realize that they’re not their pasts or mistakes and move forward together to forge a new future.
February 2, 2020
This was the first book that I have read in this series and I really enjoyed it. Quick read that will leave you wanting more of the Fractured Connections world. Loved Meadow and Beckham. They were so good together. I can’t wait to go and read the other books because I need more of this series.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 29, 2020
5 TAKEN WITH YOU STARS!! Another great book by this amazing author. I loved Beckham and Meadow, they sucked me into their world. This book had all the feels and a great ride. Looking for a great read...here you go.
January 23, 2020
I really enjoyed Beckham and Meadow’s story. They both are so damaged and just want to be loved but feel that they don’t deserve it after what they have done in the past. It was sweet and readers will be thrilled with this story.
February 1, 2020
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
This is the fourth book in the Fractured Connection series. You can read it as a stand alone it won't interfere with the other stories in the series thus far.
Harmony and Beckham finally get their due! I was so excited to see what would happen with these two characters. What their secrets were. Why they held back. Before this book we know virtually nothing about their backgrounds and what caused them to withdraw from opening up to those that considered them friends.
Ironically Harmony & Beckham's backgrounds mirror each other pretty closely. It comes back to haunt them in this story but with the help of their friends they're able to push past.
I wish there was more in this book for these two. The book is only 118 pages so it's short. Their story quickly unfolds. You'll get to see a bit of their hopes, fears and then their HEA.
This is the fourth book in the Fractured Connection series. You can read it as a stand alone it won't interfere with the other stories in the series thus far.
Harmony and Beckham finally get their due! I was so excited to see what would happen with these two characters. What their secrets were. Why they held back. Before this book we know virtually nothing about their backgrounds and what caused them to withdraw from opening up to those that considered them friends.
Ironically Harmony & Beckham's backgrounds mirror each other pretty closely. It comes back to haunt them in this story but with the help of their friends they're able to push past.
I wish there was more in this book for these two. The book is only 118 pages so it's short. Their story quickly unfolds. You'll get to see a bit of their hopes, fears and then their HEA.
January 28, 2020
Short and sweet, I loved getting to learn more about Beckham and Meadow. I loved seeing glimpses of the other couples as well. I look forward to Dillion’s story as well.
January 30, 2020
Phenomenal
Much love for Carrie Ann Ryan! This book was amazing, I love the romance of this story. My only complaint is that it was to short.
Much love for Carrie Ann Ryan! This book was amazing, I love the romance of this story. My only complaint is that it was to short.
January 27, 2020
Wowza! I am always amazed at how much story Ms. Ryan can pack into a novella. I have been waiting impatiently for Beckham and Meadow's story and boy oh boy did the author deliver. This story was excellent.
The connection between these two has been slowly building throughout some of the earlier stories. We know they both have secrets but things have been pretty hush hush until now as to what those secrets actually entail. I enjoyed watching them overcome their past and find love along the way.
As for Dillon, that kid is wise beyond his years and I cannot wait to read his story.
The connection between these two has been slowly building throughout some of the earlier stories. We know they both have secrets but things have been pretty hush hush until now as to what those secrets actually entail. I enjoyed watching them overcome their past and find love along the way.
As for Dillon, that kid is wise beyond his years and I cannot wait to read his story.
January 22, 2020
Carrie Ann Ryan can take flawed characters and make them perfect for each other. Beckham and Meadow are both trying to live under the radar, escaping their individual pasts. When they finally come together, sparks fly. Working through their tortured pasts, they find the HEA!!
October 13, 2022
Meadow and Beckham...met through mutual friends, both with tragic secrets. One night at a wedding, he kisses her, in order to survive, she knows she must maintain a low profile.
Meadow was once a MC princess. She embraced the lifestyle. Her father was the President and her mother accepted the abuse as part of the lifestyle.
Ultimately catching the eye of Coby, the resident bad boy from the another club. His father was the president of that MC, and Coby had committed many felonious acts.
She looked down at her hands, at the tiny scars on her wrists and fingertips. She’d fallen off a bike—or, more accurately, been pushed off. “Back then, I was an old lady. I’d watched my mother climb through the ranks along with my father until he became the president of their MC. And I was the princess. The one who finally fell in love with the prince of another club. Thankfully, they weren’t rivals. At first, I was only a teenager. Then I became an adult who made her own choices—ones that I regretted to this day”.
When Coby hit her the first time she accepted her fate, her father had beaten her mother warning her of ruining his chances of advancing in the club would result in regret. Recognising that she and her mother did not deserve the abuse, they still stayed. Their lifestyle was literally a lifetime commitment.
“So I hadn’t walked away the first time Coby hit me. Hadn’t left the second, either. I stayed because I had nothing else. It was only when he got drunk enough to bring a friend into our bed to see what I would do that I tried to fight back. He didn’t force me, neither of them had, but they didn’t leave me standing in the end, either. No, they left me bleeding, a broken shell of myself. I tried to crawl away, attempted to run. I still had the scar on my back from the knife—a cut to prove that I was his. That there would be no leaving him…ever. When my parents heard about what I had done, that I’d tried to leave, my dad took me in hand to make sure that I never attempted to run away again. The scar on my left knee was proof of that. I made a move to run one more time, but they didn’t let me. I had scars on both ankles from that incident. Rope burns from when they tied me up so I’d learn whose property I was. It wasn’t until I ran with evidence of their drug-running that I felt even remotely safe.
I snitched.
Her mother was unconscionable. Teaching your daughter skills worthy of a strumpet. She wanted her to get a breast enhancement at 15 to entice the club members. Her parents periodically contact her for money and to berate her for being a disgrace and an ingrate.
Her mother slapped her when she said things off script and pinched her where the bruises wouldn’t show. She forced her to throw up if she overate at dinner and forced her to wear skin-tight jeans, leather skirts, bustiers, and other barely-there outfits to be attract the men’s attention.
Beckham lived a similar past, a life of regret. He’s now a bartender, maintaining a low profile...until his past comes knocking. His parents abandoned him when he was young and he replaced his parents with the club. “I didn’t care about anyone’s feelings. Did what I was told at the time when it came to the club business. Then they started moving into harsher things, and I didn’t want to be a part of it anymore”. They didn’t let me walk away freely, Scars on my back because of what they’d burned from my body.
Nothing further has been heard from either of their clubs. Her mother would probably ring again, eventually. They’ve left them alone to discover a new life. Together.
Meadow was once a MC princess. She embraced the lifestyle. Her father was the President and her mother accepted the abuse as part of the lifestyle.
Ultimately catching the eye of Coby, the resident bad boy from the another club. His father was the president of that MC, and Coby had committed many felonious acts.
She looked down at her hands, at the tiny scars on her wrists and fingertips. She’d fallen off a bike—or, more accurately, been pushed off. “Back then, I was an old lady. I’d watched my mother climb through the ranks along with my father until he became the president of their MC. And I was the princess. The one who finally fell in love with the prince of another club. Thankfully, they weren’t rivals. At first, I was only a teenager. Then I became an adult who made her own choices—ones that I regretted to this day”.
When Coby hit her the first time she accepted her fate, her father had beaten her mother warning her of ruining his chances of advancing in the club would result in regret. Recognising that she and her mother did not deserve the abuse, they still stayed. Their lifestyle was literally a lifetime commitment.
“So I hadn’t walked away the first time Coby hit me. Hadn’t left the second, either. I stayed because I had nothing else. It was only when he got drunk enough to bring a friend into our bed to see what I would do that I tried to fight back. He didn’t force me, neither of them had, but they didn’t leave me standing in the end, either. No, they left me bleeding, a broken shell of myself. I tried to crawl away, attempted to run. I still had the scar on my back from the knife—a cut to prove that I was his. That there would be no leaving him…ever. When my parents heard about what I had done, that I’d tried to leave, my dad took me in hand to make sure that I never attempted to run away again. The scar on my left knee was proof of that. I made a move to run one more time, but they didn’t let me. I had scars on both ankles from that incident. Rope burns from when they tied me up so I’d learn whose property I was. It wasn’t until I ran with evidence of their drug-running that I felt even remotely safe.
I snitched.
Her mother was unconscionable. Teaching your daughter skills worthy of a strumpet. She wanted her to get a breast enhancement at 15 to entice the club members. Her parents periodically contact her for money and to berate her for being a disgrace and an ingrate.
Her mother slapped her when she said things off script and pinched her where the bruises wouldn’t show. She forced her to throw up if she overate at dinner and forced her to wear skin-tight jeans, leather skirts, bustiers, and other barely-there outfits to be attract the men’s attention.
Beckham lived a similar past, a life of regret. He’s now a bartender, maintaining a low profile...until his past comes knocking. His parents abandoned him when he was young and he replaced his parents with the club. “I didn’t care about anyone’s feelings. Did what I was told at the time when it came to the club business. Then they started moving into harsher things, and I didn’t want to be a part of it anymore”. They didn’t let me walk away freely, Scars on my back because of what they’d burned from my body.
Nothing further has been heard from either of their clubs. Her mother would probably ring again, eventually. They’ve left them alone to discover a new life. Together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2020
Vous le savez, il y a des auteures US que je lis quasi systématiquement dont Carrie Ann Ryan, que ce soit en Vo ou en VF (même si je zappe généralement ses romans avec des ménages ou trio car je n'aime pas ça) mais ici, il s'agit d'une série que j'ai suivie "Fractured Connections" et cette novella est le dernier tome qui clôt la série. "Taken with you" est sorti le 28 janvier chez "1001 dark nights" et je l'ai reçu, comme les précédents, en service presse VO via Inkslinger Pr que je remercie une nouvelle fois.
Cette série mettait en scène les trois frères Connolly (ils sont 4 mais le dernier, Dillon, est âgé de 19 ans dans cette novella et même si l'on rêve de lire son histoire, Carrie a dit que pour le moment, il était encore trop jeune et qu'on la lirait plus tard) Donc, ici, nous avons celle du barman de la brasserie familiale des trois frères, Beckham, et d'une des amies de leurs femmes ou compagnes, Meadow... Bien que tous deux présents depuis le départ, on les sentait très réservés voire discrets sur leur vie privée et là, on va enfin comprendre pourquoi. Vous rajoutez une romance par dessus... et voilà ^^ C'est une jolie conclusion à cette série à part dans son univers.
Mon avis : Je l'ai dit, j'ai bien aimé cette novella mais elle est un peu courte pour moi : dommage car il y avait matière a... Je ne développerai donc pas beaucoup pour vous laisser l'effet de surprise, si vous la lisez. Nous découvrons qui sont Meadow et Beckham et pourquoi, ils ne se faisaient pas remarquer.
L'histoire commence au mariage des héros du tome 2 "Brendon et Harmony" et l'on découvre que Beckham essaie de résister à son attirance pour Meadow mais il finit par l'inviter à danser et l'embrasse : et elle s'enfuit! Or, il semble qu'il la connaît d'avant (elle, en revanche, ne semble pas le connaître) et se dit qu'il n'est pas pour elle (mais pourquoi, si elle ne le connaît pas...) mais il finit par l'inviter à sortir avec elle (leurs amis les poussent aussi) et les choses s'emballent. Mais tous deux ont des secrets, un passé qu'ils taisent et tant qu'ils ne seront pas francs l'un envers l'autre, leur histoire n'est vouée qu'à provisoire, non? surtout si ce passé les rattrape... Je vous invite donc à aller lire cette histoire et découvrir si ils ont un avenir ensemble...
Beckam est un homme plutôt discret : on le croise depuis le départ, il tient parfois tête aux frères Connolly, comme si finalement il appartenait à leur famille : il les soutient quand ils ont des problèmes, se réjouit pour eux quand ils sont heureux : bref, on avait envie de le connaître davantage.
Il y a une part de mystère qui va perdurer dans cette nouvelle et l'on se demande pourquoi il se cache et surtout ce qu'il a caché et attendez-vous à être surpris. En revanche, notre intuition est assez bonne, même s'il y a fait des erreurs, c'est quelqu'un de bien et il ne nous a pas trompés. En revanche, il a tort de ne pas dire la vérité à Meadow et notamment le fait qu'il la connaissait avant qu'elle n'arrive dans leurs vies à tous. Elle ne peut donc que se sentir trahie... J'ai adoré sa relation avec Dillon à qui il demande (comme ses frères avant lui) conseil pour obtenir la femme qu'il aime.
Meadow est une jeune femme très introvertie et l'on se dit qu'il a dû lui arriver quelque chose d'affreux pour qu'elle se terre autant et évite la compagnie des hommes surtout. Mais progressivement, au fil des tomes, elle a su trouver sa place auprès des filles et fait partie de leur vie. Elle est donc devenue logiquement la 4ème mêmes si elle n'a pas remplacée leur amie décédée. Toutefois, elle est l'une des leurs et si elle souffre, elles souffrent avec elle et la soutiennent. C'est elle qui vont la pousser à affronter ses peurs et son passé. Une fois libérée, on ne peut qu'espérer le bonheur pour cette jeune femme. Or, quand elle est confrontée à ce passé, c'est là que l'on aurait pu espérer davantage : en effet, son ennemie ne la voit pas et c'est dommage car dans un roman, cela aurait créer plus de suspense et de péripéties.
Enfin, j'ai aimé retrouvé les trois couples précédents, voir ce qu'ils deviennent et comme dans tous les tomes, j'ai adoré Dillon, le plus jeune des frères : là encore, ce personnage est très prometteur et j'ai hâte de lire son histoire : entre son passé délicat, le fait qu'il doute de faire partie de cette famille (malgré tout ce que l'on peut lui dire) et même si ses frères viennent le voir pour chercher conseil et l'inclut dans tout, on se dit qu'il cache son jeu et seul Beckam semble avoir décelé cet aspect fragile de Dillon : vivement vivement son histoire.
C'est une jolie conclusion, une histoire de rédemption qui conclut cette série un peu à part et on n'a qu'une hâte, lire le prochain roman de Carrie Ann Ryan.
Cette série mettait en scène les trois frères Connolly (ils sont 4 mais le dernier, Dillon, est âgé de 19 ans dans cette novella et même si l'on rêve de lire son histoire, Carrie a dit que pour le moment, il était encore trop jeune et qu'on la lirait plus tard) Donc, ici, nous avons celle du barman de la brasserie familiale des trois frères, Beckham, et d'une des amies de leurs femmes ou compagnes, Meadow... Bien que tous deux présents depuis le départ, on les sentait très réservés voire discrets sur leur vie privée et là, on va enfin comprendre pourquoi. Vous rajoutez une romance par dessus... et voilà ^^ C'est une jolie conclusion à cette série à part dans son univers.
Mon avis : Je l'ai dit, j'ai bien aimé cette novella mais elle est un peu courte pour moi : dommage car il y avait matière a... Je ne développerai donc pas beaucoup pour vous laisser l'effet de surprise, si vous la lisez. Nous découvrons qui sont Meadow et Beckham et pourquoi, ils ne se faisaient pas remarquer.
L'histoire commence au mariage des héros du tome 2 "Brendon et Harmony" et l'on découvre que Beckham essaie de résister à son attirance pour Meadow mais il finit par l'inviter à danser et l'embrasse : et elle s'enfuit! Or, il semble qu'il la connaît d'avant (elle, en revanche, ne semble pas le connaître) et se dit qu'il n'est pas pour elle (mais pourquoi, si elle ne le connaît pas...) mais il finit par l'inviter à sortir avec elle (leurs amis les poussent aussi) et les choses s'emballent. Mais tous deux ont des secrets, un passé qu'ils taisent et tant qu'ils ne seront pas francs l'un envers l'autre, leur histoire n'est vouée qu'à provisoire, non? surtout si ce passé les rattrape... Je vous invite donc à aller lire cette histoire et découvrir si ils ont un avenir ensemble...
Beckam est un homme plutôt discret : on le croise depuis le départ, il tient parfois tête aux frères Connolly, comme si finalement il appartenait à leur famille : il les soutient quand ils ont des problèmes, se réjouit pour eux quand ils sont heureux : bref, on avait envie de le connaître davantage.
Il y a une part de mystère qui va perdurer dans cette nouvelle et l'on se demande pourquoi il se cache et surtout ce qu'il a caché et attendez-vous à être surpris. En revanche, notre intuition est assez bonne, même s'il y a fait des erreurs, c'est quelqu'un de bien et il ne nous a pas trompés. En revanche, il a tort de ne pas dire la vérité à Meadow et notamment le fait qu'il la connaissait avant qu'elle n'arrive dans leurs vies à tous. Elle ne peut donc que se sentir trahie... J'ai adoré sa relation avec Dillon à qui il demande (comme ses frères avant lui) conseil pour obtenir la femme qu'il aime.
Meadow est une jeune femme très introvertie et l'on se dit qu'il a dû lui arriver quelque chose d'affreux pour qu'elle se terre autant et évite la compagnie des hommes surtout. Mais progressivement, au fil des tomes, elle a su trouver sa place auprès des filles et fait partie de leur vie. Elle est donc devenue logiquement la 4ème mêmes si elle n'a pas remplacée leur amie décédée. Toutefois, elle est l'une des leurs et si elle souffre, elles souffrent avec elle et la soutiennent. C'est elle qui vont la pousser à affronter ses peurs et son passé. Une fois libérée, on ne peut qu'espérer le bonheur pour cette jeune femme. Or, quand elle est confrontée à ce passé, c'est là que l'on aurait pu espérer davantage : en effet, son ennemie ne la voit pas et c'est dommage car dans un roman, cela aurait créer plus de suspense et de péripéties.
Enfin, j'ai aimé retrouvé les trois couples précédents, voir ce qu'ils deviennent et comme dans tous les tomes, j'ai adoré Dillon, le plus jeune des frères : là encore, ce personnage est très prometteur et j'ai hâte de lire son histoire : entre son passé délicat, le fait qu'il doute de faire partie de cette famille (malgré tout ce que l'on peut lui dire) et même si ses frères viennent le voir pour chercher conseil et l'inclut dans tout, on se dit qu'il cache son jeu et seul Beckam semble avoir décelé cet aspect fragile de Dillon : vivement vivement son histoire.
C'est une jolie conclusion, une histoire de rédemption qui conclut cette série un peu à part et on n'a qu'une hâte, lire le prochain roman de Carrie Ann Ryan.
February 5, 2020
Taken With You begins with everyone from the Fractured Connections series attending Brendon and Harmony's wedding. Beckham finds himself trying to not look at Meadow, but finds himself almost helpless when it comes to her. Meadow is in the same boat. She tries to keep her distance, but when Beckham asks her to dance, she plans to say no, but accepts much to her surprise. As the two of them dance, their attraction to each other can't be denied by either of them. Both have solid reasons why to stay away from each other, but when Beckham suddenly kisses her, and she kisses him back and immediately runs away, they both vow to themselves to stay away.
A few days later, Beckham sees Meadow in the bar with their mutual friends. Again, he is not going to approach her, nor she him. However, when she goes to the restroom and runs into Beckham, the sparks fly. Even though they are both wary of the other for various reasons, they start down the path of seeing where this thing between them will go. When closely held secrets come to light, on both sides, each of them thinks that there is no going back and that they can't be together. Until they both realize how truly 'taken' they are with each other.
Taken With You is a great addition to the series. Both characters have been in the background throughout the entire series. Beckham is the bartender at the Connolly's bar and Meadow is friends with the Connolly women. We find out very early in Taken With You that Beckham knows who Meadow is, but she doesn't know him. They both have backstories that intertwined and they both broke free from that life. Once the truth came out, you truly felt for both of them, but Meadow's history will leave you a little heartbroken. Add to that the fact that she has truly been on her own and made her own way endears her even more to the reader. The chemistry between the two of them is scorching and raw. Taken With You is ultimately a story of redemption and self-awareness that leaves you wishing for more. Well done, Carrie Ann Ryan! Very well done!
A few days later, Beckham sees Meadow in the bar with their mutual friends. Again, he is not going to approach her, nor she him. However, when she goes to the restroom and runs into Beckham, the sparks fly. Even though they are both wary of the other for various reasons, they start down the path of seeing where this thing between them will go. When closely held secrets come to light, on both sides, each of them thinks that there is no going back and that they can't be together. Until they both realize how truly 'taken' they are with each other.
Taken With You is a great addition to the series. Both characters have been in the background throughout the entire series. Beckham is the bartender at the Connolly's bar and Meadow is friends with the Connolly women. We find out very early in Taken With You that Beckham knows who Meadow is, but she doesn't know him. They both have backstories that intertwined and they both broke free from that life. Once the truth came out, you truly felt for both of them, but Meadow's history will leave you a little heartbroken. Add to that the fact that she has truly been on her own and made her own way endears her even more to the reader. The chemistry between the two of them is scorching and raw. Taken With You is ultimately a story of redemption and self-awareness that leaves you wishing for more. Well done, Carrie Ann Ryan! Very well done!
January 21, 2020
I really enjoyed this story! I was really happy to get both Beck and Meadow's story! They are part of the group in the Fractured Connections series and we see them throughout. While they become part of our main groups there is a lot we don't know about them and their pasts. It is obvious that there are large stories for them that have made them who they are but until this book, the reader really doesn't know much. I really enjoyed getting to know them and their backstories, while getting to see them come together. They are connected in ways that they were not expecting and have more in common as well. I loved getting to see both of them overcome their past and become the people that they wanted to be. This is a shorter story so of course not everything has as many details as I would have loved to have had but this story is well written. So while I would have loved more, I didn't feel like I was missing something out of the story. This definitely fits in the series regarding the amount of depth that this book has. These characters kinda went through hell in order to come out the other side to where we meet them. I liked getting part of that story and of course, watching them work it out between them that yes, they did deserve a happy ending. I loved getting to come back to this series and the other characters as well, as we get to catch up with them some in this one. I really hope that we get Dillion's story at some point!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
January 28, 2020
If you have read the Fractured Connections series you have been waiting to find out Meadow and Beckham's backgrounds. Taken with you is a really good read about over coming your past and making life better.
Meadow is a self professed loner, its easier to be by herself than with others. Luckily she has a job writing textbooks and she works at home. Growing up in a biker MC was rough, she was a commodity not a person, everything was for the good of the MC including her life. Her father was the president and her mother was always on meadow to look her best, be skinny, etc. Meadow left that life and is not going back.
Beckham, was a vice president of an MC but left when they started going to far outside the law. Its true you can never leave so he has more or less been on the run ever since. Trying to make up for his past mistakes he lives a very quiet life, always trying to do the right thing. When he first saw Meadow he knew who she was and thought his past had come back to haunt him. Meadow however didn't seem to know who he was.
This is a new beginning for both Meadow and Beckham, secrets are revealed, will they still be welcome with their friends when their past comes to light.
Meadow is a self professed loner, its easier to be by herself than with others. Luckily she has a job writing textbooks and she works at home. Growing up in a biker MC was rough, she was a commodity not a person, everything was for the good of the MC including her life. Her father was the president and her mother was always on meadow to look her best, be skinny, etc. Meadow left that life and is not going back.
Beckham, was a vice president of an MC but left when they started going to far outside the law. Its true you can never leave so he has more or less been on the run ever since. Trying to make up for his past mistakes he lives a very quiet life, always trying to do the right thing. When he first saw Meadow he knew who she was and thought his past had come back to haunt him. Meadow however didn't seem to know who he was.
This is a new beginning for both Meadow and Beckham, secrets are revealed, will they still be welcome with their friends when their past comes to light.
January 31, 2020
What happens when a dance at a friend's wedding leads to a kiss? Meadow is friends with the Connolly women. Meadow is a textbook writer who works from home and loner. Meadow has secrets from her past that she wants to keep hidden. Beckham works as a bartender for the Connolly's and is part of their inner circle, along with Meadow. Beckham has his own secrets he is keeping hidden, but his biggest secret is that he knows who Meadow really is. Beckham and Meadow both know they should stay away from each other, but the chemistry and attraction is too strong for them to ignore. What happens when Beckham's past comes walking into the Connolly's bar? Will Beckham lose Meadow when he tells her about his past and that he has always known who she was? Will Meadow walk away from Beckham when she learns the truth? Can Beckham and Meadow find their happily ever after? I LOVED Taken With You by Carrie Ann Ryan. Taken With You is a fantastic book with great characters. Taken With You has hot chemistry, secrets, family, love, and a happily ever after. I LOVE Carrie Ann Ryan, and she is a MUST read author for this reader. I would highly recommend getting Taken With You and the other books in the Fractured Connections series. I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest review.
January 29, 2020
TAKEN WITH YOU by Carrie Ann Ryan is bk 4 in the Fractured Connections Series. This is Meadow and Beckham's novella read. They are part of the group in the Fractured Connections series and we see them throughout the series and now this is their story/novella. I did have hope that they would get a full book but hey, a novella will work.
Meadow was once the daughter of an MC President but that MC became a bad place when her dad started beating her mom then she ended up was abused by the MC. She was sold to a rival MC group. Her life was horrific until she escaped. She doesn't want people to know how bad her life was so she keeps that secret. She starts her life over , fresh and it's at a wedding that things changed.
Beckham is this broody, hot, sexy, sweet bartender that is an honorary member of the Connolly family.
The wedding changes the dynamic of their relationship and the chemistry between them is sensational. Yet they both have secrets that will change things. Can they overcome their past and will they be able to get their much deserved HEA ?
A great novella that has the heat, feels, romance and heart.
My Rating: 4.5 stars ********
Meadow was once the daughter of an MC President but that MC became a bad place when her dad started beating her mom then she ended up was abused by the MC. She was sold to a rival MC group. Her life was horrific until she escaped. She doesn't want people to know how bad her life was so she keeps that secret. She starts her life over , fresh and it's at a wedding that things changed.
Beckham is this broody, hot, sexy, sweet bartender that is an honorary member of the Connolly family.
The wedding changes the dynamic of their relationship and the chemistry between them is sensational. Yet they both have secrets that will change things. Can they overcome their past and will they be able to get their much deserved HEA ?
A great novella that has the heat, feels, romance and heart.
My Rating: 4.5 stars ********
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