Limecello’s review of Taken by Lillian Feisty
Erotic romance released by Harlequin Spice Brief 1 Jun 08
I like books set in Vegas, and for an erotic romance, it’s almost a go-to place, isn’t it? The book blurb caught my interest – and really, who wouldn’t love a naughty encounter with two sexy men? I’m also always open to reading another Spice release – it’s still rather new to me, and I’m glad I read this brief.
It’s not the first thought most people have when reading about the lead in to a ménage a trois, but I thought the beginning was very cute. Although it’s short, the characters are likable, and you do get a sense of who they are. The fact that Chloe, Walker, and Joe are all chefs automatically gives you some sort of background about their persons.I think the story becomes more believable, when the reader sees Chloe’s uncertainties, and it makes her a likable character, that slight vulnerability when she’s deciding whether or not she wants to go through with the encounter.
One thing that distracted me while reading, and took me a bit out of the story was the fact that Joe and Walker are an established couple. While Ms. Feisty later explains that they aren’t exclusive, I did question the that I was expected to believe what I assumed to be a gay couple would be eager to have sex with a woman. Also, the fact that Chloe liked how Joe and Walker made her sound like a “possession.” Personally, that wasn’t really how I read it, and I felt that it served to isolate her from the two, rather than being sexy. Still, those weren’t huge issues, and the scenes and actions between Chloe, Joe, and Walker are quite enticing.
I am curious about one thing I read-how a hometown girl and her friends? Not being a resident of Vegas, I have no idea if a NV ID/license acts as a VIP of sorts. Otherwise, minor details in the book contributed to the warmth and believability of Taken – how the elevator was crowded, and people getting on and off heightened the anticipation and Chloe’s impatience.
The story took a slight twist with the connection between the characters I didn’t expect, but it was nice, and I hope that there will be another installment of the story. This is one Spice Brief I’ve enjoyed, and I think I will be looking for more of Ms. Feisty’s books.
Grade: C+
They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. But for Chloe, life in “Sin City” has been all business without a hint of the adventure and naughtiness alluded to in that slogan. Until now! With Walker and Jo in town, Chloe’s about to end her long dry spell and live her ultimate fantasy–a ménage a trois with the two sexiest men she knows. As the three of them plunge into wild sexual exploration with passion and inventiveness, Chloe soon discovers what new heights of sensuality can be experienced when so many hands, lips and organs work together to drive her beyond the limits of ecstasy.
