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Taken by the Enemy
Emmie had spent her life pampered, sheltered, and mostly unaware of just how bad things were inside and outside of the city that she called home - but when reality comes knocking, Emmie must choose between staying and suffering, or running and breaking a promise that could break her heart.
After fleeing the city in the dead of night, Emmie expected the hazards of the forest, but she never thought she would run into real danger or be brutally taken by one of the raiders who had been banished outside the walls. She never thought she would be tied up and forced to submit to their rules, and she never planned to find herself kneeling before their leader - no matter how gorgeous he was.
Lucian had spent most of his adult life figuring out how to protect those banished by the corrupt men inside the city, but when he meets Emmie, he doesn't just want to keep her safe, he wants to claim her - body and soul. But once he does, and she despises him for it, how can he possibly show her what life can be like when she's really and truly free, and how can he show her that a good life might be possible with him?
In "Taken by the Enemy" readers are taken on a dark journey of discovery where the truths that Emmie has held close since she was a child are turned inside out, and she discovers that the enemy she's been raised to fear may just be her salvation. Will she be able to bend to Lucian's demands for obedience, and the harsh ways in which he enforces them, so she can discover a world where real peace is possible? Or will she turn away from the people who can save them all just to protect her heart?
After fleeing the city in the dead of night, Emmie expected the hazards of the forest, but she never thought she would run into real danger or be brutally taken by one of the raiders who had been banished outside the walls. She never thought she would be tied up and forced to submit to their rules, and she never planned to find herself kneeling before their leader - no matter how gorgeous he was.
Lucian had spent most of his adult life figuring out how to protect those banished by the corrupt men inside the city, but when he meets Emmie, he doesn't just want to keep her safe, he wants to claim her - body and soul. But once he does, and she despises him for it, how can he possibly show her what life can be like when she's really and truly free, and how can he show her that a good life might be possible with him?
In "Taken by the Enemy" readers are taken on a dark journey of discovery where the truths that Emmie has held close since she was a child are turned inside out, and she discovers that the enemy she's been raised to fear may just be her salvation. Will she be able to bend to Lucian's demands for obedience, and the harsh ways in which he enforces them, so she can discover a world where real peace is possible? Or will she turn away from the people who can save them all just to protect her heart?
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2016
About the author
Jennifer Bene
63 books1,949 followersJennifer Bene is a USA Today bestselling author of dangerously sexy and deviously dark romance. From BDSM, to Suspense, Dark Romance, and Thrillers—she writes it all. Always delivering a twisty, spine-tingling journey with the promise of a happily-ever-after.
Don't miss a release! Sign up for the newsletter to get new book alerts (and a free welcome book) at http://jenniferbene.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
August 3, 2018
3 STARS
Well I'm going to start with the good points I have for this before I mention my peeves, So I got this as a freebie which is always a bonus, so a big thank you for that it's always appreciated.
Also, I just want to mention that it wasn't the overall writing with this that made me mark this down, this was surprisingly good.
It was more the content itself which I found very rapey indeed.
Now just to clarify, I read a lot of dub-con and even non-con and I'm fine with that.
I really love my dark fiction but I think what I struggled with here was the total oppression of the female population.
I felt like I'd been dropped into a totally alternate reality where men are gods with the power to do what they please a male utopia outside the walls of the city. And the poor woman well they obviously didn't get the memo to steer clear.
Think this just about sums it up in a nutshell.
everyone in that village is totally batshit crazy.
Even the woman for as soon as there mated there all A-OK with all the punishments and lessons that their fellow sisters now need to conform with. very short memories indeed.
SPOILER ALERT!!!! SPOILER ALERT!!!!!
You still with me.
Well, this story is filled with more of the same joy throughout, from naked floggings to everyone must earn there place little bird.(on there back presumably)
Then the whole story went completely to hell in a handbasket as Emmie ends up back in the city with yet more awful things happening to her.
Now, to be honest with you Emmy was a bit dim at times, and you'd think she'd learn to shut her trap, all it did was constantly get her into trouble, but the poor girl really couldn't seem to catch a break at all.
Its no wonder she decided she want's Lucien as he was the lesser of all evils in every scenario.
Now I've skipped over a lot of this but just be aware there is a lot of Non-Con in this like loads, just so you know.
Besides my above gripes, this was actually well written, that is the reason I have given it three stars.
I did finish this and I enjoyed some parts much more than others.
So If you're just looking for some escapist fiction in this sort of genre well enjoy this is one of the better written offerings out there.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
Well I'm going to start with the good points I have for this before I mention my peeves, So I got this as a freebie which is always a bonus, so a big thank you for that it's always appreciated.
Also, I just want to mention that it wasn't the overall writing with this that made me mark this down, this was surprisingly good.
It was more the content itself which I found very rapey indeed.
Now just to clarify, I read a lot of dub-con and even non-con and I'm fine with that.
I really love my dark fiction but I think what I struggled with here was the total oppression of the female population.
I felt like I'd been dropped into a totally alternate reality where men are gods with the power to do what they please a male utopia outside the walls of the city. And the poor woman well they obviously didn't get the memo to steer clear.
Think this just about sums it up in a nutshell.
everyone in that village is totally batshit crazy.
Even the woman for as soon as there mated there all A-OK with all the punishments and lessons that their fellow sisters now need to conform with. very short memories indeed.
SPOILER ALERT!!!! SPOILER ALERT!!!!!
You still with me.
Well, this story is filled with more of the same joy throughout, from naked floggings to everyone must earn there place little bird.(on there back presumably)
Then the whole story went completely to hell in a handbasket as Emmie ends up back in the city with yet more awful things happening to her.
Now, to be honest with you Emmy was a bit dim at times, and you'd think she'd learn to shut her trap, all it did was constantly get her into trouble, but the poor girl really couldn't seem to catch a break at all.
Its no wonder she decided she want's Lucien as he was the lesser of all evils in every scenario.
Now I've skipped over a lot of this but just be aware there is a lot of Non-Con in this like loads, just so you know.
Besides my above gripes, this was actually well written, that is the reason I have given it three stars.
I did finish this and I enjoyed some parts much more than others.
So If you're just looking for some escapist fiction in this sort of genre well enjoy this is one of the better written offerings out there.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
April 9, 2018
This story was so different from the other books I've read by Jennifer Bene, I loved the setting, the world and unrestrained feel to the story. The writing was smooth and descriptive, really bringing to life the world and the characters in it.
Apart from certain dark aspects of the story, reflecting the society and the behaviours of the people that the author has created, I oddly felt that this was one of her lighter reads. (Either that or I've finally cracked and am immune now, which is a distinct possibility haha)
I could see slivers of Jennifer's favoured style and genre peeking through into this story, but it worked really well with the way she wrote it and adapated it for the setting.
Emmie was a very headstrong character, (to her detriment at times) but I liked how she stuck to her guns and didnt back down easily. This attitude and entitlement reflects well on her background and past, as a woman in a higher societal position.
Lucian, is spite of how we meet him I was drawn to him quite quickly as a character, he had a sort of dark charisma to him at times. I enjoyed how he dances on the edge of hero and villain throughout the story, and the uncertainty surrounding him and his motives.
I adored this dark fantasy/dystopia based story and hope to see more like this in the future, maybe with some of the other characters as the MC. It was a refreshing read and nothing like Ive read before.
Apart from certain dark aspects of the story, reflecting the society and the behaviours of the people that the author has created, I oddly felt that this was one of her lighter reads. (Either that or I've finally cracked and am immune now, which is a distinct possibility haha)
I could see slivers of Jennifer's favoured style and genre peeking through into this story, but it worked really well with the way she wrote it and adapated it for the setting.
Emmie was a very headstrong character, (to her detriment at times) but I liked how she stuck to her guns and didnt back down easily. This attitude and entitlement reflects well on her background and past, as a woman in a higher societal position.
Lucian, is spite of how we meet him I was drawn to him quite quickly as a character, he had a sort of dark charisma to him at times. I enjoyed how he dances on the edge of hero and villain throughout the story, and the uncertainty surrounding him and his motives.
I adored this dark fantasy/dystopia based story and hope to see more like this in the future, maybe with some of the other characters as the MC. It was a refreshing read and nothing like Ive read before.
March 18, 2017
**Triggers**
This book was recommended by a friend as a dark read, and oh god it was
Emeline or Emmie escapes her father's brutal clutches, only to be captured in the forest by exiles. The "little bird" meets their leader Lucian who takes interest in her, spanking and disciplining her while taking her virginity on the spot.
Soon she's lead to a world she was unaware of, where she sees the affect of her father's brutalities.
Initially resisting, soon she comes to love the people and their spirit, and also starts helping them to get revenge. In the meanwhile, she also learns to face her feelings for Lucian.
However a bitchy woman intervenes and somehow Emmie is thrown back into her cage and properly tortured.
It was a good read. I enjoyed the D/S subtones of h and H's relationship and they had pretty hot sex scenes.
(He didn't listen to her opinions often, but it's because the heroine was childish at times with her tantrums.)
Though I know it's common to expect rape and abuse from dark romances, the brutality she faces after going back was really heartbreaking.
If I can erase the trauma my brain faced in the 50 pages, it was a good read.
3.75/5
This book was recommended by a friend as a dark read, and oh god it was
Emeline or Emmie escapes her father's brutal clutches, only to be captured in the forest by exiles. The "little bird" meets their leader Lucian who takes interest in her, spanking and disciplining her while taking her virginity on the spot.
Soon she's lead to a world she was unaware of, where she sees the affect of her father's brutalities.
Initially resisting, soon she comes to love the people and their spirit, and also starts helping them to get revenge. In the meanwhile, she also learns to face her feelings for Lucian.
However a bitchy woman intervenes and somehow Emmie is thrown back into her cage and properly tortured.
It was a good read. I enjoyed the D/S subtones of h and H's relationship and they had pretty hot sex scenes.
(He didn't listen to her opinions often, but it's because the heroine was childish at times with her tantrums.)
Though I know it's common to expect rape and abuse from dark romances, the brutality she faces after going back was really heartbreaking.
If I can erase the trauma my brain faced in the 50 pages, it was a good read.
3.75/5
December 4, 2017
It was like reading one book bookended by another book. The beginning and the end had that light-dark erotic feel but the middle was almost sweet. It lacked consistency with the characters, she never submitted to the one she wanted, but out of fear submitted to someone else. One minute he was raping her the rest of the book he was practically kissing her feet. I would recommend this if you're not ready for a truly dark read.
hell-no
October 27, 2017Fuck NO will I read this book
March 19, 2017
This is not a happy-go-lucky romance where the hero rescues the maiden, sweeps her off her feet and makes sweet, gentle love to her. No, this is a story about violence, mistrust and lack of free will and the choice to try and escape it all. If that got your attention... then keep reading.
As a privileged girl from a wealthy and powerful family, Emmie lives the life people "think" they want. But things aren't always what they seem and power is just another way to coerce people and make them submit. With this knowledge, Emmie plans her escape from her father and from the city that he controls. Once she's over the wall she thinks that she'll be free and finally able to live life on her terms. She never expected to become the captive of another powerful and dominant man.
Lucian is a hero on his best day and the devil on his worst. When he and the other exiles stumble upon Emmie she brings out the worst in him. While his actions seem inexcusable and difficult to accept, they are the law of the new world Emmie has found herself thrust into.
After seeing other reviews for this book I feel it's only far to warn readers; there is violence, disturbing imagery and sexual abusive in this book. But it is not done in a gratuitous way nor is this the only author who writes such controversial material.
As a privileged girl from a wealthy and powerful family, Emmie lives the life people "think" they want. But things aren't always what they seem and power is just another way to coerce people and make them submit. With this knowledge, Emmie plans her escape from her father and from the city that he controls. Once she's over the wall she thinks that she'll be free and finally able to live life on her terms. She never expected to become the captive of another powerful and dominant man.
Lucian is a hero on his best day and the devil on his worst. When he and the other exiles stumble upon Emmie she brings out the worst in him. While his actions seem inexcusable and difficult to accept, they are the law of the new world Emmie has found herself thrust into.
After seeing other reviews for this book I feel it's only far to warn readers; there is violence, disturbing imagery and sexual abusive in this book. But it is not done in a gratuitous way nor is this the only author who writes such controversial material.
November 5, 2017
Literotica author evolution
I friended Jennifer many..many years ago after reading her very first instalment published on the erotica site Literotica.
Not long after the ending of her epic BDSM romance kicked the stuffing outta 50 shades of whatever (seriously such a better story by JB than anything in grey) she announced that someone was going to include the tale in an anthology. I rolled my eyes in a very "it's about dang time" way and made note out on my bog that someday soon this little girl was going to be on everyone's radar and top of the best sellers lists across the board. Well maybe not all the lists but those in this genre definitely.
I never doubted her talent. I did underestimate the general public and their abilities to recognize genius when in the presence of it. On that note I still stand firm as I finish this novel. WHY ARE YOU STILL MAKING CRAPPY MOVIES HOLLYWOOD WHEN THERE IS SOMETHING LIKE THIS IN EXISTENCE????
Seriously though, I fully intend to bug the hell out of everyone I know in the industry until I see this book and all of its perfection up on the big screen. I hope you all will join me in this.
I DID NOT receive a free copy of this book because I wanted to give you a review from the heart. Here it is, read the book with time o kill because you won't be able to put it down.
5 Marcus free stars Lol
XOXO Maliceon book reviews
I friended Jennifer many..many years ago after reading her very first instalment published on the erotica site Literotica.
Not long after the ending of her epic BDSM romance kicked the stuffing outta 50 shades of whatever (seriously such a better story by JB than anything in grey) she announced that someone was going to include the tale in an anthology. I rolled my eyes in a very "it's about dang time" way and made note out on my bog that someday soon this little girl was going to be on everyone's radar and top of the best sellers lists across the board. Well maybe not all the lists but those in this genre definitely.
I never doubted her talent. I did underestimate the general public and their abilities to recognize genius when in the presence of it. On that note I still stand firm as I finish this novel. WHY ARE YOU STILL MAKING CRAPPY MOVIES HOLLYWOOD WHEN THERE IS SOMETHING LIKE THIS IN EXISTENCE????
Seriously though, I fully intend to bug the hell out of everyone I know in the industry until I see this book and all of its perfection up on the big screen. I hope you all will join me in this.
I DID NOT receive a free copy of this book because I wanted to give you a review from the heart. Here it is, read the book with time o kill because you won't be able to put it down.
5 Marcus free stars Lol
XOXO Maliceon book reviews
June 1, 2016
This book was recommended in the Dark Erotica group and had a bunch of favorable reviews. It was an interesting story but it was definitely dark.
Kink: Spanking
Trigger issue warning: rape
This story is a little hard to classify. The setting is of a time when small villages had walls around them for protection. Women are definitely second class citizens and treated as chattel. However there were guns included in the story. I'm assuming black-powder/musket era.
I was unclear if this was supposed to be some version of historical Earth or a fictional world.
There is no paranormal component in the story, just regular people. The heroine is definitely a hot head and tantrums quite frequently.
The heroine is definitely abused by both good guys and bad guys. The hero at least regrets harming her.
HFN ending
Kink: Spanking
Trigger issue warning: rape
This story is a little hard to classify. The setting is of a time when small villages had walls around them for protection. Women are definitely second class citizens and treated as chattel. However there were guns included in the story. I'm assuming black-powder/musket era.
I was unclear if this was supposed to be some version of historical Earth or a fictional world.
There is no paranormal component in the story, just regular people. The heroine is definitely a hot head and tantrums quite frequently.
The heroine is definitely abused by both good guys and bad guys. The hero at least regrets harming her.
HFN ending
May 5, 2020
Emmie is trying to escape from an impossible situation. Her father is one of the leaders of their city and she has to get away. She sneaks out of the city and over the walls to hide in the forest. Emmie has done all the research she can and she thinks that she's ready to live out there and avoid the renegades. She does alright for a couple of days until she's treed by a boar. Then she runs into the leader of the renegades himself, Lucian. She gets turned over his knee and punished and taken back to his village where she has to suffer through some humiliating punishments and trying to come to terms with her feelings for Lucian.
Jennifer Bene is the queen of dark and twisted, and this fits. Some terrible things happen to Emmie, but she gets her HEA.
Jennifer Bene is the queen of dark and twisted, and this fits. Some terrible things happen to Emmie, but she gets her HEA.
March 18, 2017
Jennifer Bene is literally one of those authors I simply adore a lot. She always gives me stories that make my jaw drop and so excited that sometimes I feel like I am going insane. There is always something deep about her stories that make me so addicted and I certainly love the feeling she gives me. A feeling of euphoric. A feeling that sometimes settles in my soul and I feel its power. Taken by the Enemy is that story that totally blew my socks. It was brilliant.
Taken by the Enemy is a suspense and dark story with such a different edge that threatened to burst my seams. When you start the book, you are immersed in so much drama and adrenaline in the story that it makes my heart quicken with so much frenzy. It is high paced. It is fast paced. It is a book that causes a huge bang on your senses and you are left with only your body and no senses at all. It has so much layers that make your mind crazy and it certainly made my mind so crazy. Taken by the Enemy was written so well that everything clicked. There was enough dark undertones that gave so many shivers in my body. I loved that.
Taken by the Enemy introduced me to Emmeline, a spoiled aristocrat who I have to give a standing ovation. Thank you Jennifer Bene for giving me a heroine who has so much strength and fierceness that made me love her. She was not a doormat which I totally adored. She was feisty and sarcastic. I totally want to be friends with her. Enter Lucian. Sexy god with a dominant streak that had me melting. Seriously, I felt myself becoming a puddle of goo. i NEED A LUCIAN IN MY LIFE. Yess. Emmeline and Lucian had that back and forth chemistry that I simply could not get enough of.
Taken by the Enemy is certainly a book you got to read. You need to read it asap.
ARC provided by author Jennifer Bene in exchange for an honest review.
Taken by the Enemy is a suspense and dark story with such a different edge that threatened to burst my seams. When you start the book, you are immersed in so much drama and adrenaline in the story that it makes my heart quicken with so much frenzy. It is high paced. It is fast paced. It is a book that causes a huge bang on your senses and you are left with only your body and no senses at all. It has so much layers that make your mind crazy and it certainly made my mind so crazy. Taken by the Enemy was written so well that everything clicked. There was enough dark undertones that gave so many shivers in my body. I loved that.
Taken by the Enemy introduced me to Emmeline, a spoiled aristocrat who I have to give a standing ovation. Thank you Jennifer Bene for giving me a heroine who has so much strength and fierceness that made me love her. She was not a doormat which I totally adored. She was feisty and sarcastic. I totally want to be friends with her. Enter Lucian. Sexy god with a dominant streak that had me melting. Seriously, I felt myself becoming a puddle of goo. i NEED A LUCIAN IN MY LIFE. Yess. Emmeline and Lucian had that back and forth chemistry that I simply could not get enough of.
Taken by the Enemy is certainly a book you got to read. You need to read it asap.
ARC provided by author Jennifer Bene in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2018
This book is fast paced and had me engaged from the get go.
The storyline and plot are was very interesting and got my attention.
Lucien is a strong young man. He’s responsible for many lives.
So his life and routine is built around structure and rules.
That strict code is needed so that law and order can be maintained in the environment him and the other outcasts are in.
Emmie comes from a rich family. She’s pampered in clothing and food. But that’s where it stops.
Her father is a cruel man and only looks out for him self.
I loved Lucien.
I thought he was a fair man. He’s loyal and protective.
Emmie on the other hand I just could not stomach her.
She was immature and whinny. She was always anger over everything and throwing tantrums.
She never grew or matured throughout the book or learned from her mistakes.
The writing is impeccable.
The plot is intriguing.
It’s a dark romance and not for those easily offended.
I personally love dark reads.
I had no problems really with how dark the book was.
My main complaint would be the heroine. Who annoyed me to no end.
The storyline and plot are was very interesting and got my attention.
Lucien is a strong young man. He’s responsible for many lives.
So his life and routine is built around structure and rules.
That strict code is needed so that law and order can be maintained in the environment him and the other outcasts are in.
Emmie comes from a rich family. She’s pampered in clothing and food. But that’s where it stops.
Her father is a cruel man and only looks out for him self.
I loved Lucien.
I thought he was a fair man. He’s loyal and protective.
Emmie on the other hand I just could not stomach her.
She was immature and whinny. She was always anger over everything and throwing tantrums.
She never grew or matured throughout the book or learned from her mistakes.
The writing is impeccable.
The plot is intriguing.
It’s a dark romance and not for those easily offended.
I personally love dark reads.
I had no problems really with how dark the book was.
My main complaint would be the heroine. Who annoyed me to no end.
March 7, 2019
Be warned this read contain dark topics like abuse, BDSM, dub-con, non-con and taking captive.
So... After the warning, time to get back to the book. I can tell for sure it's not for every reader. As the world is VERY dystopian one. Where one person can decode about your destiny in a second. It shows that it has to be avoided at almost ALL COST. The setting was well provided - we get to understand how things work in this world. Even if we think it's not possible, but I think something like would be possible to happen with certain circumstances.
Emmie is a strong character, a girl from a good house, stubborn on the run. She was caught captive by the exiles and time in their village will be a hard time for her to endure everything that was going on - women have to do what men tell them to so (everything). But is it that different from her own home?
Lucian... I have a soft spot for that kind of men characters - even met like that there is something in him that draws you in almost immediately.
It's a great read for a fan of dubcon, enemies to lovers and captive stories.
So... After the warning, time to get back to the book. I can tell for sure it's not for every reader. As the world is VERY dystopian one. Where one person can decode about your destiny in a second. It shows that it has to be avoided at almost ALL COST. The setting was well provided - we get to understand how things work in this world. Even if we think it's not possible, but I think something like would be possible to happen with certain circumstances.
Emmie is a strong character, a girl from a good house, stubborn on the run. She was caught captive by the exiles and time in their village will be a hard time for her to endure everything that was going on - women have to do what men tell them to so (everything). But is it that different from her own home?
Lucian... I have a soft spot for that kind of men characters - even met like that there is something in him that draws you in almost immediately.
It's a great read for a fan of dubcon, enemies to lovers and captive stories.
November 6, 2017
I like Jennifer Bene book and this was no exception. I really like the story, which was slightly dystopian in nature. I loved the main character female character a ton. She was strong and smart and heroic, which you don't get to see as often as you should in romance. And I really liked the male lead character too. He was just a good guy and sweet and heroic. This book didn't feel dark to me, although there were a few scenes that will make the faint-hearted squirm, but it's a good romance for sure. To be honest, I think this book would have benefited from a different title, because the book is actually much better than I initially thought it would be. Taken by the Enemy doesn't exactly fit the book, so don't let it deter you. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
August 7, 2017
"Good quick read"
What did you love best about Taken by the Enemy?
I loved how a princess who lives a pampered life learns about the evil that she's taught about and the evil that lives right next-door.
Would you recommend Taken by the Enemy to your friends? Why or why not?
Yes, I would recommend this book. If you're looking for a quick easy listen. Minimal sexual encounters. Sassy heroin and alpha male. This is the book for you.
Which character – as performed by Andrew Ellis – was your favorite?
Lucian was my favorite character. Not only was he a sexy alpha but he was a teacher, friend, and leader.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes, I did make it a point to finish this in one sitting. It did keep me engaged, I only wish it was a little longer.
What did you love best about Taken by the Enemy?
I loved how a princess who lives a pampered life learns about the evil that she's taught about and the evil that lives right next-door.
Would you recommend Taken by the Enemy to your friends? Why or why not?
Yes, I would recommend this book. If you're looking for a quick easy listen. Minimal sexual encounters. Sassy heroin and alpha male. This is the book for you.
Which character – as performed by Andrew Ellis – was your favorite?
Lucian was my favorite character. Not only was he a sexy alpha but he was a teacher, friend, and leader.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes, I did make it a point to finish this in one sitting. It did keep me engaged, I only wish it was a little longer.
January 31, 2018
I was a little reluctant to read this book at first because of the low ratings on it. I am glad that I did read it. I liked the book. This is the first I have read from this author. I found the book interesting and kept me reading. I thought Emmie was a spoiled brat who through tantrums when she didn't get her way but that was how she was brought up. I liked Lucian and his personality. together I think they had chemistry together.
November 5, 2017
Very Good
This is a really good dystopian romance with a little bit of naughtiness thrown in. The ending felt a little rushed.
This is a really good dystopian romance with a little bit of naughtiness thrown in. The ending felt a little rushed.
April 8, 2016
This is a new to me author, who I will be reading again. The writing is strong and the story is engaging with more depth than usual in books of this sort. I liked that the heroine, Emmie, was neither overly stupid in her resistance to capture, nor is she a doormat. This book didn't pull many punches when it came to graphic and unpleasant scenes of abuse, but I'm not sure I should be calling it dark erotica either.
There is one part that bothered me a bit. This was unclear and ended up annoying me. Several of the village rules made little sense to me... but did lead to several entertaining erotic punishments.
There is one part that bothered me a bit. This was unclear and ended up annoying me. Several of the village rules made little sense to me... but did lead to several entertaining erotic punishments.
May 7, 2017
I love this author
There is nothing I love more than a great story that is summed up in one book. The scenes were hot. I found Emmie's feistiness to be annoying at times but it did save her in the end.
My only criticism of Taken by the Enemy is when is the story set? I was never sure if it was past, present or future. They travelled by carriage, color photos/cameras are rare. But Emmie was wearing a sweatshirt and pants (which I imagined as yoga pants) when she was in the forest. I think it was mentioned that the male villagers wore pants but I kept picturing either GoT or Mad Max. The people in the city wore tailored suits and elegant dresses (I kept picturing a Disney-like style.) Emmie mentioned history books and what life was like 1000 years ago. Needless to say it was all over the place. Lastly what was Clara's fate? Still loved it though.
There is nothing I love more than a great story that is summed up in one book. The scenes were hot. I found Emmie's feistiness to be annoying at times but it did save her in the end.
My only criticism of Taken by the Enemy is when is the story set? I was never sure if it was past, present or future. They travelled by carriage, color photos/cameras are rare. But Emmie was wearing a sweatshirt and pants (which I imagined as yoga pants) when she was in the forest. I think it was mentioned that the male villagers wore pants but I kept picturing either GoT or Mad Max. The people in the city wore tailored suits and elegant dresses (I kept picturing a Disney-like style.) Emmie mentioned history books and what life was like 1000 years ago. Needless to say it was all over the place. Lastly what was Clara's fate? Still loved it though.
November 1, 2017
Taken by the Enemy Book Review
This book is steamy but has romance too. I loved this book I live to read books that have spicy scenes in them. The main female character is sassy and spunky at the same time It causes her to get into trouble a lot!! The main male character could have been written as an older man. Which is how I like the main male characters to be. But I lived it never the less. He needed to show just a bit more hardness to him. So, if you live to read books that have spanking, like I do, you need to read this book. It just may get your motor off and running.
Thank you for writing these types if books.
This book is steamy but has romance too. I loved this book I live to read books that have spicy scenes in them. The main female character is sassy and spunky at the same time It causes her to get into trouble a lot!! The main male character could have been written as an older man. Which is how I like the main male characters to be. But I lived it never the less. He needed to show just a bit more hardness to him. So, if you live to read books that have spanking, like I do, you need to read this book. It just may get your motor off and running.
Thank you for writing these types if books.
November 11, 2017
Great book
I have read a couple of reviews of this book and they said it was hard core n the BDSM side but trust me I have read much worse this is tame considering. It has whole story behind the main two characters love story. But it all has elements of another book it's not the same no plagerisum but it has echos of it. And I have to say this one is better and not reached out into other books there are no cliffhangers and the guy gets the girl. I'm one happy customer great book
I have read a couple of reviews of this book and they said it was hard core n the BDSM side but trust me I have read much worse this is tame considering. It has whole story behind the main two characters love story. But it all has elements of another book it's not the same no plagerisum but it has echos of it. And I have to say this one is better and not reached out into other books there are no cliffhangers and the guy gets the girl. I'm one happy customer great book
November 28, 2017
I loved this.Emmie was such a strong woman with the attitude and strength of 10 woman and I admired her difiance and trying to fit into this whole different world where she is forced to stay where Lucien was like night and day but strict at the same time looking out for his people but did his best at controlling her and dished out his fair share of punishments.The characters were well defined and you never knew what was coming next with the drama and suspence and the sex scenes were hot and intense.
June 1, 2017
First, I want to say there is a Publisher’s Note at the end of the description and you should take it to heart, this read isn’t for everyone. That being said, I really loved this read, Emmie coming to terms with how horrible her father was and learning that things didn’t matter, people did. The story is fast paced with tons of suspense and drama, I was hooked from beginning to end. The dynamic between Lucian and Emmie is complex and steamy. I loved this read!
October 31, 2017
WOW! Dark and steamy.
I have never read a Jennifer Bene story before so this one set the bar high!
The story of Emmie and Lucian was extremely dark, quite emotive and thought provoking, very steamy and sensual.
I actually enjoyed it alot more than I thought I would, and just wanted to punch numerous characters in the throat or man berries by the end of it!
Well written, and surprisingly enjoyable.
I have never read a Jennifer Bene story before so this one set the bar high!
The story of Emmie and Lucian was extremely dark, quite emotive and thought provoking, very steamy and sensual.
I actually enjoyed it alot more than I thought I would, and just wanted to punch numerous characters in the throat or man berries by the end of it!
Well written, and surprisingly enjoyable.
March 30, 2016
This is fairly fast paced and a bit brutal. Even though Emeline appeared to come from a privileged background in reality it was a harsh existence. Emeline found it difficult to control her temper which made it difficult to avoid punishment/discipline for disrespecting the senior members of the group of outlaws. She redeemed herself in the end and won the trust and gratitude of the group.
May 8, 2016
Emmie, our heroine, escapes the walled city controlled by her despicable father to avoid a bad marriage. In the wild she is rescued by our hero and taken to his encampment. Lots of hot sex, some non-con/dub-con. A good premise for dark erotica. In the end, I never really cared about Emmie, who was selfish and bratty for most of the book.
October 28, 2017
I got this book as an ARC in exchange for a voluntary review. Emeline did the unthinkable, she ran. I believe, in order to be loved, you have to be respected and have respect for yourself too. In this story, Emeline has to learn the difference between love and lust and understand respect and boundaries. This love story does have a happy ending but it was touch and go at the end.
December 10, 2017
Fantastic book!!!
Taken by the Enemy is a phenomenal story!! This was my first book reading on this author and I can’t wait to check out the rest of her novels!! Definitely earned a new fan!! I hope 🤞🏻 this book can continue into a series with all the other characters and to see how their world turns out more about!! I really loved it!!
Taken by the Enemy is a phenomenal story!! This was my first book reading on this author and I can’t wait to check out the rest of her novels!! Definitely earned a new fan!! I hope 🤞🏻 this book can continue into a series with all the other characters and to see how their world turns out more about!! I really loved it!!
March 3, 2017
The worldbuilding for me was lacking. The story could have used more backstory. Emmie annoyed me.
November 28, 2017
3.5 STARS
A group of outcasts band together and form a new life, but they plan to one day get their old life back. Lucian the leader is a strong man. He has to be to lead the men and women of his village, to keep them safe. Running from her mean father and the horrible man he is forcing her to marry, Emmie leaves the "safety" of the city's walls only to be snatched up by Lucian and his village. It is a male dominated society where everyone starts on the bottom and earns their way up. Emmie has some trouble acclimating. She is falls for Lucian but is never quite sure if he is good or bad.
I really liked this story. There was a lot of suspense and mystery to keep me engaged and wandering what would happen next. Emmie is a very tough lady with almost no filter. She has a lot of pride but she also has a very good heart. There were a lot of things I wish Lucian would have handled differently but I still loved him. There was a lot of weight on his shoulders and he had to make decisions that affected a lot of people. Not all of those decisions were good ones but that is human nature.
I would have given a higher rating but there were 3 things that really stuck with me.
1. I can't believe I am actually saying this but I kind of wish this story did not have any spanking in it. Or maybe if it was just handled in a different way? Public spanking just isn't my thing and a lot of the time I just didn't agree with the reasons for the spankings.
2. Mathias. I get it he was a tortured soul. He has seen and been through a lot. He was an asshole. He seemed like he truly wanted to hurt Emmie not just spank or punish her. He never fully redeemed himself either. I just did not like him at all
3. Towards the end it seemed a bit far fetched even for the type of story it is. It felt as if the author started going for shock value rather than substance. The end was also a bit rushed.
A group of outcasts band together and form a new life, but they plan to one day get their old life back. Lucian the leader is a strong man. He has to be to lead the men and women of his village, to keep them safe. Running from her mean father and the horrible man he is forcing her to marry, Emmie leaves the "safety" of the city's walls only to be snatched up by Lucian and his village. It is a male dominated society where everyone starts on the bottom and earns their way up. Emmie has some trouble acclimating. She is falls for Lucian but is never quite sure if he is good or bad.
I really liked this story. There was a lot of suspense and mystery to keep me engaged and wandering what would happen next. Emmie is a very tough lady with almost no filter. She has a lot of pride but she also has a very good heart. There were a lot of things I wish Lucian would have handled differently but I still loved him. There was a lot of weight on his shoulders and he had to make decisions that affected a lot of people. Not all of those decisions were good ones but that is human nature.
I would have given a higher rating but there were 3 things that really stuck with me.
1. I can't believe I am actually saying this but I kind of wish this story did not have any spanking in it. Or maybe if it was just handled in a different way? Public spanking just isn't my thing and a lot of the time I just didn't agree with the reasons for the spankings.
2. Mathias. I get it he was a tortured soul. He has seen and been through a lot. He was an asshole. He seemed like he truly wanted to hurt Emmie not just spank or punish her. He never fully redeemed himself either. I just did not like him at all
3. Towards the end it seemed a bit far fetched even for the type of story it is. It felt as if the author started going for shock value rather than substance. The end was also a bit rushed.
September 5, 2018
Taken By the Enemy is a twisted fairy-tale, but oh what a wonderful twist author Jennifer Bene has taken with it. This novel has elements of a classic Cinderella story, along with other story and plot devices than many readers will be quite familiar with. What the author does with these, however, is to meld them into a story which gives us a much ‘spicier’ take on a young woman fleeing a preordained fate (a prearranged marriage by her father in this case), and then discovering her own sexuality when she falls in with ‘the enemy’. Throw in a ‘sister’ who is both jealous and slightly unhinged, a suitor (the one arranged by her father) who is an evil sadist of no small measure, and how this all plays out towards the happily ever after, and you have a novel which provides excitement, thrills, and the requisite love story, all with a dash of punishment and dominance which make it much more than the sum of its parts.
Emeline, the protagonist of this story, flees from her father’s controlling household, with the intention of living on her own, and finding her own way in life. As fate would have it, she instead falls in with a group of exiles from the city where she’s originally from, who live as freemen and freewomen outside of the city’s borders. She is captured by theses ‘raiders’, and while under their control she finds herself having attracted the attention of one of the groups leader’s, Lucian. The bulk of the novel deals with the growing relationship that builds between Emmie and Lucian, which includes Lucian bringing forth Emmie’s tendencies of enjoying being disciplined (particularly spanking), and his dominance over her. It is a slow, deliberate evolution, and there are some really wonderful scenes between the two as both discover the give and take that comes with this sort of dynamic. The burgeoning love that develops between them is wonderful, and honestly a lot sweeter than one may expect from a story like this. Emmie is definitely no push-over, but at the same time she realizes that there are things about her own sexuality that she had not realized while still under the stifling conditions of her upbringing, and Lucian recognizes these as they spar with each other, both physically and mentally. The progression that takes place, including Lucian’s realization of just how much Emmie means to him, andf to what lengths he’ll go to protect her, are what make this novel so good.
As with many fairy tales, there has to be the jealous ‘sister’, which in this case is another young woman (Clara) who lives in the camp where Emmie is, and in similar conditions. She watches as Lucian’s feelings grow for Emmie, and she for him, and given that Clara had hoped that he would have those feelings for her, when it becomes apparent that he doesn’t (and never will), she becomes infuriated with Emmie. During this time, the raiders are planning something, and Emmie makes a mistake in confronting one of the leaders which causes a schism between her and the others, and Clara takes this opportunity to have her revenge, and enhance her own lot in life. In doing this, Emmie finds herself returned to her original home, and the next section of the novel takes a dark turn.
Having been returned to the city, Emmie is given to the man she had been betrothed to by her father, and she must accept this fate to protect someone dear to her. The scenes in this section are dark; non-consensual sex plays very much into what Emmie must deal with, and her tormentor (Bastien), uses not only physical but mental torture on her. Emmie must endure all of this, coupled with the knowledge that she will probably never see Lucian again. This section does not have any of the lightness and romantic interplay as the larger portion of the novel does, and some readers may find this section to be off-putting. In the end, however, Emmie must endure this for the novel to come to its final conclusion.
There is so much about this novel that is so good, and so little to find fault with on the surface, and yet there are a couple of things which stick out. One is that the author sometimes has the characters seem to change emotional states rather abruptly. This is somewhat hard to illustrate without lifting entire sections of the novel out and placing them here in the review (which – of course – would be inappropriate to do), but other readers may find this to be the case also while reading the story. Each time it happens the change in emotion is warranted, it is just that the transition through the writing seems almost forced. As if the author wanted to advance the scene quickly, without necessarily providing the internal dialogue / external motivation for why the character/s are doing so. It is not consistent throughout the novel, but when it happens it can be a bit jarring.
Another slight complaint is that there are a few characters, esp. in the later quarter of the book, who are introduced somewhat hurriedly in each case to tie up loose plot points. While no one of these in and of themselves are detrimental to the story overall, the manner in which they are inserted seems, in some cases, rushed. They appear to explain a plot point that might otherwise have been left hanging (or left to the readers imagination), and then are quickly dismissed, having served their purpose. Since the previous ¾’s of the novel did such a good job of explaining and describing the characters who advance the story plot - even relatively minor ones - these inclusions as we are near the end seem almost as afterthoughts. As if the author wanted to make sure we understood the motivation / backstory behind what was going on, but not necessarily much detail into the people who were advancing these plot devices. Again, this is a relatively minor quibble, but having a character suddenly introduced who fleshes out a plot point / story arc with so little background about how they play into the overall story gave this reader a couple of moments pause, wondering “Shouldn’t we have known a bit more about this person before now?” There is nothing about these few instances which detract from the novel overall, so this in no way should deter any reader from the novel, but it is something that stuck out, at least to me.
A twisted fairy-tale’esque plot, a burgeoning love between a feisty young woman and the man who falls for her, the ‘evil sister’ who nearly ruins it all, and the dastardly bad guy who entraps the heroine until she can be freed; Taken By the Enemy is a novel which provides you all these elements into a wonderful story that will carry you along through it with ease and enjoyment. This is a novel I would recommend to anyone who might enjoy that style of story, and even to those who might not.
Emeline, the protagonist of this story, flees from her father’s controlling household, with the intention of living on her own, and finding her own way in life. As fate would have it, she instead falls in with a group of exiles from the city where she’s originally from, who live as freemen and freewomen outside of the city’s borders. She is captured by theses ‘raiders’, and while under their control she finds herself having attracted the attention of one of the groups leader’s, Lucian. The bulk of the novel deals with the growing relationship that builds between Emmie and Lucian, which includes Lucian bringing forth Emmie’s tendencies of enjoying being disciplined (particularly spanking), and his dominance over her. It is a slow, deliberate evolution, and there are some really wonderful scenes between the two as both discover the give and take that comes with this sort of dynamic. The burgeoning love that develops between them is wonderful, and honestly a lot sweeter than one may expect from a story like this. Emmie is definitely no push-over, but at the same time she realizes that there are things about her own sexuality that she had not realized while still under the stifling conditions of her upbringing, and Lucian recognizes these as they spar with each other, both physically and mentally. The progression that takes place, including Lucian’s realization of just how much Emmie means to him, andf to what lengths he’ll go to protect her, are what make this novel so good.
As with many fairy tales, there has to be the jealous ‘sister’, which in this case is another young woman (Clara) who lives in the camp where Emmie is, and in similar conditions. She watches as Lucian’s feelings grow for Emmie, and she for him, and given that Clara had hoped that he would have those feelings for her, when it becomes apparent that he doesn’t (and never will), she becomes infuriated with Emmie. During this time, the raiders are planning something, and Emmie makes a mistake in confronting one of the leaders which causes a schism between her and the others, and Clara takes this opportunity to have her revenge, and enhance her own lot in life. In doing this, Emmie finds herself returned to her original home, and the next section of the novel takes a dark turn.
Having been returned to the city, Emmie is given to the man she had been betrothed to by her father, and she must accept this fate to protect someone dear to her. The scenes in this section are dark; non-consensual sex plays very much into what Emmie must deal with, and her tormentor (Bastien), uses not only physical but mental torture on her. Emmie must endure all of this, coupled with the knowledge that she will probably never see Lucian again. This section does not have any of the lightness and romantic interplay as the larger portion of the novel does, and some readers may find this section to be off-putting. In the end, however, Emmie must endure this for the novel to come to its final conclusion.
There is so much about this novel that is so good, and so little to find fault with on the surface, and yet there are a couple of things which stick out. One is that the author sometimes has the characters seem to change emotional states rather abruptly. This is somewhat hard to illustrate without lifting entire sections of the novel out and placing them here in the review (which – of course – would be inappropriate to do), but other readers may find this to be the case also while reading the story. Each time it happens the change in emotion is warranted, it is just that the transition through the writing seems almost forced. As if the author wanted to advance the scene quickly, without necessarily providing the internal dialogue / external motivation for why the character/s are doing so. It is not consistent throughout the novel, but when it happens it can be a bit jarring.
Another slight complaint is that there are a few characters, esp. in the later quarter of the book, who are introduced somewhat hurriedly in each case to tie up loose plot points. While no one of these in and of themselves are detrimental to the story overall, the manner in which they are inserted seems, in some cases, rushed. They appear to explain a plot point that might otherwise have been left hanging (or left to the readers imagination), and then are quickly dismissed, having served their purpose. Since the previous ¾’s of the novel did such a good job of explaining and describing the characters who advance the story plot - even relatively minor ones - these inclusions as we are near the end seem almost as afterthoughts. As if the author wanted to make sure we understood the motivation / backstory behind what was going on, but not necessarily much detail into the people who were advancing these plot devices. Again, this is a relatively minor quibble, but having a character suddenly introduced who fleshes out a plot point / story arc with so little background about how they play into the overall story gave this reader a couple of moments pause, wondering “Shouldn’t we have known a bit more about this person before now?” There is nothing about these few instances which detract from the novel overall, so this in no way should deter any reader from the novel, but it is something that stuck out, at least to me.
A twisted fairy-tale’esque plot, a burgeoning love between a feisty young woman and the man who falls for her, the ‘evil sister’ who nearly ruins it all, and the dastardly bad guy who entraps the heroine until she can be freed; Taken By the Enemy is a novel which provides you all these elements into a wonderful story that will carry you along through it with ease and enjoyment. This is a novel I would recommend to anyone who might enjoy that style of story, and even to those who might not.
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