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Taken by the Billionaire
Inexperienced private investigator Sydney Sellars witnesses a murder while staking out Barton Hintz, a powerful businessman rumored to be into illegal activites. She fears for her life and turns the only person who can help her, who has always helped her, family friend and billionare Remy Merrick.
Brash and powerful, Remy had always been the ojbect of her desire. But the disparity in their statuses and Sydney's own insecurities had always kept them apart. Kept her from allowing herself to be taken. But now, with nowhere and no one else to turn to, Sydney gives in to her desire.
Length: 8300 words
Adult Reading Material (18+) This book is for mature audiences only and contains sexually explicit content.
Read an excerpt:
The enormous house was a bit chilly, Sydney wrapped the thin robe around her body. Her hips and bust had filled out in the five years since she’d last worn it, the front barely covered her decently. She hoped Remy still kept the soft, green afghan on the sofa in his study.
She heard the front door opening when she was still a good distance from the top of the stairs. She knew instantly it was him. An almost painful awareness washed over her. She froze, listening to the decisive click of his shoes on the tile entry. She moved forward to where the wall dropped away and she could see down from the impressive height of the second floor. Remy was shrugging out of his overcoat and tossing it onto a chair. Underneath he wore an immaculately fitted tuxedo.
Damn. He had been someplace important. She would bet the contents of her checking account Dot was somewhere fuming right now. A small part of her enjoyed the image of the tall blonde stamping her Manolo Blahnik’s in rage.
“Syd!” he called. He tilted his dark gaze up, scanning the second level. They caught her small form just visible in the corner. He visibly relaxed, as if a load of tension had lifted from his shoulders. Without breaking eye contact, he started up the stairs. “You aren’t answering your phone!” he accused as he climbed.
Oh, God, he’s gotten even better looking, Sydney despaired. For all his polished attire, his face could only be described as ruggedly handsome. His square chin looked carved from granite. Even from her perch she could see his jaw muscles clenching the way they did when he was frustrated. He frustrated more often than not. Many would call his eyes grim – they were gray and piercing. His slashing black brows were set low over them, perpetually frowning over a overlarge nose with a bump in the bridge. His face was one of extreme character. Though he was only thirty-one, it held lifetimes of experience engraved in the lines bracketing his mouth and ridging his forehead.
Remy, you should smile more, Sydney thought for the hundredth time. This was why she could hardly bear to be around him. She hated what he was doing to himself. She hated how he drove himself to be this paragon of achievement, because what did any of it mean if he wasn’t even happy?
As always, his bearing was erect and elegant, almost at odds with his broad shoulders and thick chest. He was built like a boxer, tall and roped in muscle. His physical prowess was intimidating to many, but to Sydney it just said security.
He reached the top of the stairs and started toward her. Suddenly, the invisible bonds holding her in place snapped and she found herself rushing down the hall toward him. Running, really. He picked up his pace, too, his face taking on an expression she’d never seen on him before, was it…urgency? Had he been that worried? Did he want to touch her to know she was really alright? She wanted to touch him for the same reason.
She threw herself at him, trusting he would save her from hurling down the staircase at his back. Her arms reached around his neck at the same moment his big hands settled around her waist. He lifted her and the room rotated as her momentum carried them in a circle.
Brash and powerful, Remy had always been the ojbect of her desire. But the disparity in their statuses and Sydney's own insecurities had always kept them apart. Kept her from allowing herself to be taken. But now, with nowhere and no one else to turn to, Sydney gives in to her desire.
Length: 8300 words
Adult Reading Material (18+) This book is for mature audiences only and contains sexually explicit content.
Read an excerpt:
The enormous house was a bit chilly, Sydney wrapped the thin robe around her body. Her hips and bust had filled out in the five years since she’d last worn it, the front barely covered her decently. She hoped Remy still kept the soft, green afghan on the sofa in his study.
She heard the front door opening when she was still a good distance from the top of the stairs. She knew instantly it was him. An almost painful awareness washed over her. She froze, listening to the decisive click of his shoes on the tile entry. She moved forward to where the wall dropped away and she could see down from the impressive height of the second floor. Remy was shrugging out of his overcoat and tossing it onto a chair. Underneath he wore an immaculately fitted tuxedo.
Damn. He had been someplace important. She would bet the contents of her checking account Dot was somewhere fuming right now. A small part of her enjoyed the image of the tall blonde stamping her Manolo Blahnik’s in rage.
“Syd!” he called. He tilted his dark gaze up, scanning the second level. They caught her small form just visible in the corner. He visibly relaxed, as if a load of tension had lifted from his shoulders. Without breaking eye contact, he started up the stairs. “You aren’t answering your phone!” he accused as he climbed.
Oh, God, he’s gotten even better looking, Sydney despaired. For all his polished attire, his face could only be described as ruggedly handsome. His square chin looked carved from granite. Even from her perch she could see his jaw muscles clenching the way they did when he was frustrated. He frustrated more often than not. Many would call his eyes grim – they were gray and piercing. His slashing black brows were set low over them, perpetually frowning over a overlarge nose with a bump in the bridge. His face was one of extreme character. Though he was only thirty-one, it held lifetimes of experience engraved in the lines bracketing his mouth and ridging his forehead.
Remy, you should smile more, Sydney thought for the hundredth time. This was why she could hardly bear to be around him. She hated what he was doing to himself. She hated how he drove himself to be this paragon of achievement, because what did any of it mean if he wasn’t even happy?
As always, his bearing was erect and elegant, almost at odds with his broad shoulders and thick chest. He was built like a boxer, tall and roped in muscle. His physical prowess was intimidating to many, but to Sydney it just said security.
He reached the top of the stairs and started toward her. Suddenly, the invisible bonds holding her in place snapped and she found herself rushing down the hall toward him. Running, really. He picked up his pace, too, his face taking on an expression she’d never seen on him before, was it…urgency? Had he been that worried? Did he want to touch her to know she was really alright? She wanted to touch him for the same reason.
She threw herself at him, trusting he would save her from hurling down the staircase at his back. Her arms reached around his neck at the same moment his big hands settled around her waist. He lifted her and the room rotated as her momentum carried them in a circle.
46 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2012
45 people are currently reading
488 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 3, 2015
4 taken stars
People say..that you are supposed to give people their freedom. If you love them set them free. But I think that's horseshit
there is so much going on in this that I think its actually hindered by being a part 1 because it just stops in well literally the heat of things.
this is a story about Sydney trying to find her place in the world and accidentally sees something that has her running for her life into the arms of the man who shes been in love with all her life
if you like a good suspense novel I think the full collection of this might be whats going to happen here.
it had my attention so thinking about continuing the series
People say..that you are supposed to give people their freedom. If you love them set them free. But I think that's horseshit
there is so much going on in this that I think its actually hindered by being a part 1 because it just stops in well literally the heat of things.
this is a story about Sydney trying to find her place in the world and accidentally sees something that has her running for her life into the arms of the man who shes been in love with all her life
if you like a good suspense novel I think the full collection of this might be whats going to happen here.
it had my attention so thinking about continuing the series
January 5, 2015
It ended before I could decide whether I liked it or not.. I am not sure whether I am going to read the next one yet or not. Though it is a little intrigueing
May 21, 2022
Where's the rest
Loved this story but where's the rest of the books..are they coming or just not on amazon..can't find them !!
Loved this story but where's the rest of the books..are they coming or just not on amazon..can't find them !!
Read
September 23, 2022Good
May 4, 2025
This book contains a good deal of hot scenes, but it lacks of a complete plot. That's why I give a lower rate. I do not feel like reading a second part of this story, really.
August 25, 2014
I grabbed this free at some point and needed a book to pass the time during intermissions at a show.
From the rate at which the percentages went up each time I changed pages, it was clear this wasn't going to be a lengthy story, which is cool in my book. However, I'd expected some sort of resolution. Not a cliffhanger...that isn't even really a cliffhanger. It's simply a full story stopped at a chapter break and served up in more expensive pieces.
The writing isn't good (as you can tell from the misspelled words in the Goodreads blurb).
The characters are annoying. The plot is super thin. Sydney witnesses a murder but instead of going to the police, she goes "home" (to the mansion she grew up at...with the family that all-but-adopted her) and calls Remy. The hero doesn't immediately call the police either. No, he screws her instead.
Remy is supposedly a playboy who dates supermodels but of course he drops all that so he can have Sydney, finally. The fact that Remy (who is basically her foster brother, so that introduces an element of faux-incest) proclaims he's going to have sex without a condom to prove the heroine is his, and has always been his, took this from a 2.5 star book to a 1.5 star or lower book. I suppose he's meant to be all Alpha and dominant, he comes off as ridiculous instead. His behavior isn't over protective, it's just plain abuse. I don't care to discover what else is in store for them.
Grab this one if you want juvenile prose and a creepy hero.
From the rate at which the percentages went up each time I changed pages, it was clear this wasn't going to be a lengthy story, which is cool in my book. However, I'd expected some sort of resolution. Not a cliffhanger...that isn't even really a cliffhanger. It's simply a full story stopped at a chapter break and served up in more expensive pieces.
The writing isn't good (as you can tell from the misspelled words in the Goodreads blurb).
The characters are annoying. The plot is super thin. Sydney witnesses a murder but instead of going to the police, she goes "home" (to the mansion she grew up at...with the family that all-but-adopted her) and calls Remy. The hero doesn't immediately call the police either. No, he screws her instead.
Remy is supposedly a playboy who dates supermodels but of course he drops all that so he can have Sydney, finally. The fact that Remy (who is basically her foster brother, so that introduces an element of faux-incest) proclaims he's going to have sex without a condom to prove the heroine is his, and has always been his, took this from a 2.5 star book to a 1.5 star or lower book. I suppose he's meant to be all Alpha and dominant, he comes off as ridiculous instead. His behavior isn't over protective, it's just plain abuse. I don't care to discover what else is in store for them.
Grab this one if you want juvenile prose and a creepy hero.
January 29, 2015
I didn’t realize this was one of those teaser books when i started reading it. Im still undecided if I like this book or not. The one thing that intrigues me was the location of the book. MY hometown of Syracuse NY was the location for this book and that kept me reading. I have always found that to be interesting when an author uses a place I’m so familiar with. I like to see if they throw in anything thats “real”from the area. Such as landmarks or streets ect. The characters were really hard to visualize in my head with the descriptive words the author used. They were lacking. I like having a clear pic in my head and this one didn’t give it me. So it made it harder to follow. Im sure this is only my perception of the book though. The storyline is some what promising because Sydney and Remy have secretly lusted for each other and were too scared to reveal this to each other , until that one phone call from Syd to him and he comes running and realizes time cannot be wasted. Then you remember in this mix that she just witnessed a guy get killed. How in the hell can you go and have sex after like “oh, no big deal ? I’m horny.” Really ? hahaha. I’m on the fence if i’ll download the rest of the set. My curiosity will probably get the better of me and i’ll read them.
February 6, 2016
Despite how short the story is, I honestly couldn't even finish it. From the over the top pace of the "plot," to the abuse of the male lead - say what you want, but a guy not using contraceptives just because someone has "always been his," is just fucking disgustingly problematic. I hate even saying it's problematic, but dude...STD's, pregnancy, just not fucking cool.
But seriously, the back story that leads into the romance between Remy and Sydney is the most contrived bullshit I've had the pleasure of reading this year, and it's only February. This has effectively determined for me that DuBois is not the kind of author I can enjoy on any level.
But seriously, the back story that leads into the romance between Remy and Sydney is the most contrived bullshit I've had the pleasure of reading this year, and it's only February. This has effectively determined for me that DuBois is not the kind of author I can enjoy on any level.
August 30, 2014
Meh...So basically this was another one of those books that have 'episodes'. I need to pay better attention when I get these books. I will not be hoping on the train with these kind of books. Why can't they just be all in one book instead of several minis? The first chapter was good and than it just kind of fell apart for me. I felt it was odd that they just automatically start having sex. It was almost like it was there just to have a sex scene and it mad everything just awkward. Wasn't into it :( And this is where I say goodbye to this mini series.
August 9, 2013
Ok this was a very quick read. It was ok, nothing really that stood out to me. It was so low because for one it just started and then it was over, the sex scene was just eh, and there was no connection that i felt with the characters. But it got 2 stars because i liked the potential it could have and also i like that it wasn't insta love they basically grew up together, they didn't just meet after a couple days and couldn't keep there hands off each other.
August 10, 2016
I know it was only 27 pages so I didn't expect an awful lot. She's his sisters BFF and she's loved him forever but she doesn't feel she deserves him because he's rich and she's poor. She's an amateur sleuth and witnesses something she shouldn't, now she's on the run knowing the killer is after her. Enter the protective H, they'll get it on...THE END please purchase the next one. We all know the drill with these serial offenders, I mean series.
February 21, 2015
I loved the story line but I hated the huge cliffhanger of an ending. I am not a serial book kind of person and when the blurb on goodreads is almost as long as the book I am pretty glad that the book was free. It was well written and I think that it has the means to be a great book but for the price of all the books I probably will not be finishing the series.
November 22, 2013
2,5 stars
It was an acceptable short read, yet there was hardly enough time to relate to the characters, so the ending was quite abrupt.
It had nothing but an expectable romance element, with the protective guy, innocent girl formula at work and a common background plot. Nonetheless, I was left with a feeling of curiosity towards the following volumes.
It was an acceptable short read, yet there was hardly enough time to relate to the characters, so the ending was quite abrupt.
It had nothing but an expectable romance element, with the protective guy, innocent girl formula at work and a common background plot. Nonetheless, I was left with a feeling of curiosity towards the following volumes.
January 3, 2014
Great Start
This was a great start/intro to a new series. But....the cliffhanger! It just stops when the heat is reaching a boil. I love Sydney's spunk and her scattered mind. Remy is well...Remy is too much! The sexy, sultry and dominant heat that surrounds these 2 is palpable. This is a delicious and decadent read. Bring on more a of these two!
This was a great start/intro to a new series. But....the cliffhanger! It just stops when the heat is reaching a boil. I love Sydney's spunk and her scattered mind. Remy is well...Remy is too much! The sexy, sultry and dominant heat that surrounds these 2 is palpable. This is a delicious and decadent read. Bring on more a of these two!
November 13, 2013
Ugh nothing I hate more than 'volumes'. I wasn't a fan of this. The plot, the couple, and the sex was just eh. I wasn't able to connect to anything in the short time it took to polish off volume one. No interest in the other books, especially if I have to pay for them.
December 17, 2013
I literally read this in less than an hour. Was not a bad short story. Definitely ended at point where I actually wish I had the next part of the book. But this also means I am slightly disappointed because it left me the reader hanging until I can obtain that book. hahaha
May 27, 2014
Started good
it started off good, I was really into the story, then about three fourths the way into the book, I started to loose interest. not sure what happen, I normally really like the books by DuBois.
it started off good, I was really into the story, then about three fourths the way into the book, I started to loose interest. not sure what happen, I normally really like the books by DuBois.
October 7, 2014
I felt this book is easy to read and its short. The started good and ended well but the only thing I didn't like it's really short. I have hope they book all of these books together instead of 4 or 5 short story
March 7, 2015
wow...
So while the first half of the book it definitely picks up. I almost gave up on this book but I'm glad I didn't because it got really good. I can't wait to read the rest of the books.
So while the first half of the book it definitely picks up. I almost gave up on this book but I'm glad I didn't because it got really good. I can't wait to read the rest of the books.
June 25, 2013
Super HOT
Want to read
July 6, 2013Freebie 7/5
September 22, 2013
This review is based on books 1-5 Taken by the billionaire, running from the billionaire, found by the billionaire, escaping the billionaire, and married to the billionaire.
May 5, 2017
Great book!
July 29, 2016
The title alone should have warned me way, but it was free, so I tried it. It's on the overly dramatic side, and the hero is overly controlling. I guess I should be glad it ends mid story.
August 31, 2016
This is a great start to a new series! Can't wait to get the rest.
July 8, 2014
the story is good but I did not realise just how short this story was. the content of what I read was very good but its very very short.
April 26, 2015
Hot!
Excited beginning, great set up and fast to the hotness! Remy is delicious. Smooth and strong like his namesake. Syd a worthy partner.
Excited beginning, great set up and fast to the hotness! Remy is delicious. Smooth and strong like his namesake. Syd a worthy partner.
May 13, 2015
of course it was a cliff hanger to get you to get the rest in the series. Started off pretty good though.
June 13, 2016
Quick
Ok
Nothing special
Hate that its in parts...just like other reviewers I seriously need to pay more attention to what i'm downloading to avoid disappointment.
Ok
Nothing special
Hate that its in parts...just like other reviewers I seriously need to pay more attention to what i'm downloading to avoid disappointment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews