Series Review (Books 1, 1.5 and 2.5): Give and Take – Kelli Maine

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 from them in return. When her father dies, her mother’s emotional dependency becomes overbearing. Unable to leave her distressed mother, Rachael turns down her dream job with Rocha Enterprises.

Billionaire real estate mogul, Merrick Rocha, knows what motivates people and what buttons to push to get what he wants. When the perfect project manager candidate turns down his job offer, it drives him mad. Three months of watching Rachael from afar has him more determined than ever to have her—for much, much more than an employee.

Merrick takes what he wants, but can he convince Rachael to give him what he needs?

Series:  Give and Take #1
Release Date:  August 20, 2012
Publisher:  Forever
Source:  NetGalley
Reviewer:  Karen

There was something I didn’t know.

Something that would change everything.

The grand opening of Turtle Tear Resort is a time for celebration, but the man Rachael loves more than anything is suffering in silence. Rocha Enterprises was Merrick’s life. Now, he’s been left with no choice but to sell off the business he built from the ground up, and Rachael’s hell-bent on finding out why.

I love you too much not to fight to get it back.

Even if you’ve given up.

“You’re hurting me, Rachael…You’re going to him…I can’t promise I’ll be here when you get back.”

My heart bleeds as you stride away from me. Last night you told me you love me, now you’re walking away because I’m fighting for you.

Rachael can forgive and forget the past, but can Merrick overcome her betrayal?.

Series:  Give and Take # 1.5
Release Date:  August 2012
Publisher:  Forever
Source:  NetGalley
Reviewer:  Karen

DESIRE THAT CAN’T BE DENIED

Rachael DeSalvo is haunted by the past. She’s come home to her beloved Turtle Tear Island, where she looks forward to happy days and bliss-filled nights in the arms of Merrick Rocha. But when she finds a trunk full of old photo albums and handwritten notes, Rachael soon realizes that the island has not given up all its secrets . . .

For long before Rachael and Merrick made Turtle Tear Resort their home, this historic island was a haven for sensual, forbidden affairs. As Rachael and Merrick work to restore the grand hotel to its former glory, they will be caught in the perfect maelstrom of conflict and desire.

Series:  Give and Take #2.5
Release Date:  June 4, 2013
Publisher:  Forever
Source:  NetGalley
Reviewer:  Karen

Series Rating:

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Reviewer’s Thoughts

Kelli Maine’s, Give and Take series are erotic romance novellas set on Turtle Tear Island in the Florida Everglades. Merrick Rocha, interviews Rachel DeSalvo for the position of project manager in charge of renovating historic Turtle Tear Hotel. During the interview, Rachel’s enthusiasm and knowledge impress Merrick, a billionaire real estate mogul and he decides she is the perfect candidate. However, Merrick’s unusual methods of persuasion, cause problems between them. The books chronicle the renovation and future of Turtle Tear Hotel and the relationship that develops between Merrick and Rachel.

I liked Rachel because she is sensible, logical and easy to relate to, although I didn’t always agree with her decisions. Even though she is attracted to Merrick, they have many obstacles to overcome. Most important, Rachel has to decide if she can forgive Merrick for his behavior and if she can learn to trust him. In the past, Rachel has always let people control her and has put everyone else’s needs before her own. She needs to learn to make herself happy.

Merrick’s behavior frustrated me. He could be controlling and other times he wanted Rachel to take control. He could be warm and caring and then he would do something outrageous and selfish. Although Merrick is a successful businessman, his personal life is a mess. Merrick has issues with his sister and father and secrets he doesn’t want to reveal to Rachel. All of Merrick’s issues have the potential to put a wedge in their relationship.

These novellas are written in second person, which I found confusing and distracting, especially when I first started the books. Once I became accustomed to this writing style, it didn’t feel as awkward. That being said, it’s an interesting idea for a story, Merrick is a hot, young billionaire and there are some sizzling scenes between Merrick and Rachel.