Title: Taken
Author: J.C. Owens
Publisher: Etopia Press
Pages: 288
Characters: Kirith, Landon
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Action
Kisses: 5
Blurb:
Kidnapping the brother of a mob boss was madness. If only it had stayed that simple.
It had all gone wrong. Sent as a mercenary to kidnap Kirith Martinelli from his tropical island home, Landon finds himself on the wrong end of a job gone bad. But there’s more to Kirith than meets the eye – he’s the brother of feared mob boss Enzo Martinelli, and he’s taken Landon as his captive. Kirith makes Landon an offer he can’t refuse: stay with him for three months – until he tires of Landon’s body – and then Landon may go free.
Landon, fearing his own criminal family more than the man before him, quickly agrees. Three months will buy him enough time for his brothers to lose his scent, and then freedom will be his. But that freedom has a steeper price than Landon bargained for as he’s drawn into the secrets of Kirith’s past. He can’t ignore the sadness and loss behind his captor’s beautiful eyes, and Landon finds himself wondering if three months will be enough – for either of them…
Review:
Wow! Taken by JC Owens is a rollercoaster ride of angst, love, deception and romance. I truly experienced a range of emotions while I read this book. Honestly, I’m glad I had some tissues handy, because I needed it. This is not a light read and it was perfect for me, because I was in the mood for a darker, emotionally driven romance. This is the second book I’ve read by Ms. Owens and she’s already becoming a quick favorite of mine.
I think the blurb does an excellent job at describing the story and I don’t want to spoil it. What it doesn’t tell you is how on edge the story will make you feel, and how it made me feel almost desperate at times for the two heroes to find some happiness together. They are enemies at first, but despite themselves, they can’t help but fall for each other. Both men are stubborn and their communication skills aren’t always the greatest, which causes them pain and even a separation, but with some determination and the power of love, the ending left me with a smile on my face.
Both men are likeable heroes. Neither one of them are perfect, as a matter of fact, they are FAR from perfect. They’ve both done things in the past that they regret, but men have to live with the consequences of their actions, but even though they aren’t angels…there is definitely something likeable and redeemable about them that made me totally fall for both of them.
There is a lot of intrigue, action and suspense in this book and one of the heroes literally goes through his own personal hell because he is kidnapped and raped. (not by other hero) I know this alone will cause many readers to possible turn away from reading this book, and I certainly understand it. But, I will say even though I cried for him, I loved watching him rise above all of the terrible things that was done to him and once again start to heal and blossom with the man he loves. This book showed me that the power of love is strong and can work through many obstacles.
I highly recommend Taken to those who are in the mood for some heavy angst along with their romance. The heroes are fabulous and so good together; the story is fast-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. It’s a dark book with a definite bright light at the end, and I truly loved it.
Reviewed By: Gabbi
