Sometimes you need to go back to your past, in order to move on to your future.
Jax Hunter has spent the last ten years trying to forget his first love Nathan Steele—and the brutal betrayal that derailed everything he’d worked so hard for. Jax has finally gotten his life back together, when Nathan returns to deliver another blow – his company is set to bulldoze the bar he’s built from nothing.
Ever since that summer in high school, Nathan has been denying his feelings for Jax—the only person he’s ever loved. Nathan knows Jax might never forgive him, but when Nathan’s uncle is murdered and Nathan might be next on the hit-list, Jax is the only one he can turn to.
Jax still doesn’t trust Nathan—not with his bar, and for damn sure, not with his heart. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to resist the undeniable passion between them. Can they overcome their past hurts and learn to trust each other again? Or will another betrayal tear them apart forever?
***This is a steamy M/M romance with explicit scenes throughout.***
Cali MacKay is a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author. She lives in New England with her husband, two girls and their crazy mutt. When not tapping away on her laptop and getting her characters into trouble, she can be found designing book covers for other authors, wrangling her girls, and splicing DNA. She's also a decent potter, adventurous cook, and a horrible gardener.
**) .•.•*) .•*) (.• (.•`*Second chances took on a whole new meaning.
I don't know the last time a book caught me off guard. There so so much, ommmph, that I had to take several breaks, LOL.
Longtime sworn enemies Jax and Nathan were once high school lovers who lost each other due to Nathan's homophobic father's demise in their destruction. Now years later, Nathan is back and along with his father, is threatening Jax's well being and his livelihood.
I found Jax to be a bully at times and Nathan to be a unable to deny him anything. I get hating someone for being involved in costing you everything, but to not even want an explanation and then go all out on them? Not nice, but made an impact on the story.
When not trying to fight Nathan's father or being manhandled, there was so much sex that I thought it would come out of my ear, and trust me, man on man is hot!!! I was watching a talk show and one of the guest said she and her husband never had make up sex because it was addictive and you deliberately do stuff just to have it. A lot of issues could have been solved with just shutting up, getting rid of all the anger and LISTENING.
In the end, the guys got their HEA. One of the best lines in the book is: "Does it get tiring?" "Me always being right? It's exhausting darling."
There is a book two coming soon and THAT one features Jax's former lover and business partner. I expect a good read.
ARC provided by the Authors in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
This book starts out with quite a bang, and the emotions and drama continue throughout! Taken Back is a second-chance romance, one of friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers. Jax and Nathan take us on a wild ride once they reconnect, as they try to come to terms with all that had transpired between them 10 years ago, and all that is happening with them now.
It's hard not to root for these 2- they're both very vulnerable in their own ways, and while there is a lot of hurt, and some major trust issues, that they had to work through I really wanted them to just realize how much they both still loved each other! Underneath the anger and heartache, the mistrust and doubt, you can see how much they care about each other.
Taken Back is a emotional, suspenseful read, with 2 compelling and passionate characters that go through so much in the short amount of time they're back together, you just want them to be happy!
There was one saying and voice inside my head while reading Taken back. I heard Oprah saying: "Live your truth." There were many uncomfortable subjects faced in authors Julie Farrell and Cali McKay's latest romance. However the ability to be true to yourself was the biggest obstacle. Factor in murder, betrayal and Nathan and Jax's are not all that different from most couples. I received an ARC of Taken Back in exchange for an honest review. Though not my normal reading material, it lived up to the skill of each author.
Intense, emotional and a very hot read. Nathan's father is homophobic, he hated that his son had shown interest in Jackson years before at college, so set Jackson up. Having lost what little he had at the time including his best friend and only love, Jackson has spent years since hating Nathan and his father. Now the business he has struggled to build is under threat, again it is the Steele family trying to take it from him. These two guys were falling in love before, now Nathan wants nothing more than to put things right but his father is still the same. There is a murder amongst the turmoil and other events that happen in this story, there is a lot of sex as the guys despite everything are still attracted to each other and start to build some trust and develop their love. This is an M/M story so be aware if you don't like that subject matter, it is full on. I personally found it interesting both in how they work as a couple and the over all story, in fact I got quite warm at times. The plot as a whole contained some intrigue and mystery, it was fast paced with several things going on to keep you hooked. I found both main characters to be likeable, hot and very alpha. I loved that they were both trying to help each other, to understand and work at the relationship this time, that Nathan stood his ground. This is the first time I have read anything by Julie Farrell but I love Cali Mackay's books and have read almost all of them, this collaboration between the two really works well and I look forward to reading the next book.
Currently Free on Amazon (US - not sure about other locations). Book 1 Taken Back, is free "for a limited time." Book 2 Taken Again, is on sale "for a limited time" for .99cents.
All in all Taken Back was okay the writing is good and tge pacing is pretty good except at the end it kind of felt rushed out of nowhere.
My main problem had a lot to do with the MC Jax he is to put it bluntly a pretty big asshole and I found him really unlikable from about the halfway point to the end.
I did enjoy the character Carter so I might check out the next book.
love reunited. Jackson and Nathan were experimenting and finding love as teenagers until Nathan's Dad put it at an end. 10yrs later, and Nathan is trying to right the wrong of his Dad, trying to help Jax. It seems like time never stopped for them as the chemistry is stronger than ever. However to gain Jackson's trust, he will have to go against this father and the world. nice romance
When they were in high school, Jax and Nathan were best friends, they could have been much more if Nathan’s father hadn’t ruined Jax’s life, while Nathan did nothing to defend his friend, and Jax has resented the betrayal his whole life. He eventually made a relatively good life for himself, even though the incident prevented him to get a higher education. They meet again when the company Nathan works for, his father’s, intends to demolish Jax’s bar, and Nathan helps Jax when the latter is faced with a dangerous situation. Jax, in spite of being furious at Nathan, has never stopped loving him, the problem lies with Nathan: how does he really feel towards Jax, and is he prepared to face the consequences of his decisions, whatever they are?
TAKEN BACK is a male/male erotic romance with an excellent storyline, complex and intriguing characters, and very realistic sex scenes. TAKEN BACK is a very angry book: both Jax and Nathan are frustrated, for different reasons. I appreciated how the authors handle an interesting subject that Jax must deal with, and I don’t believe I have ever seen it before. My problem with TAKEN BACK is the writing: it is very masculine, very in-your-face, and there are a lot of four-letter words, a bit too much too my taste. It does fit the story and the characters, but the prose is very stark, very black and white, if I may say. Simply put: I did not bask in the prose.
I give in fact 3 ½ stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was ok. It was a simple read, with plenty of heat, but not much else. I'm not sure if it was down to the length of the story but it just didn't make me want to read it!
I have really tried with this book, because I love m/m romances, but I just haven't gelled with either the story or the characters. Jax and Nate broke up ten years ago and are suddenly brought back together because Nate's dad's company wants to buy Jax's bar to redevelop. Jax doesn't want to sell or see Nate again, as Nate's dad framed Jax for a crime back in uni and got him kicked out. Nate did not back him up and Jax was kicked up. Needless to say their fledgling relation also ended.
Roll on ten years and Nate and Jax meet again and immediately the are having virtually non-con sex and getting back together. Nate won't admit he is bisexual because he has only ever fancied one man in his life, Jax *rolls eyes*! Then hours later, Nate is suddenly putting everything in his life on the line for Jax when he is accused of murder, when he knows that Jax is already in another casual relationship. Anyway, not my cup of tea, sorry. I gave up at 53%. 1 star
Ok so I need to say this first.. I have never read a full fledged M/M book. I have read many genres but just did really think I'd enjoy it.
That being said.. Omgosh I loved this Book! It was intense and very erotic. I loved the storyline and I'm so glad I chose to read my first by this author. It was so tastefully written and the characters were so realistic. I admired the realistic adversity for the Gay Communities. This book really was inspiring and intriguing.10 +stars
I really liked this book and the interesting back story. The premise was an interesting one and the relationship dynamic intriguing though I found it a bit too easily resolved. I don’t think I could have been quite as forgiving as Jax was even if I still had feelings for Nathan. It was pretty obvious to me early on who the bad guy was and as thing developed and reached the climatic event it’s a little shocking that Nate or Jax did not even consider that outcome.
From the preview it sounds like we’ll go down a similar road with Carter in the next book.
There were so many errors in this book’s timelines. It was trite, painfully predictable, and the characters weren’t developed enough to make them seem like able. Though at one point the author is mentioning that the one character was loved by so many (after a week of barely knowing them). What kind of mushy, horny housewife is going to believe this crap? The author is seriously insulting the emotional intelligence of the readers.
There was a lot going on in this second chance at love story. There was a lot of hot and cold emotions going on. The sexy man on man time was definitely hot. So I'm giving it 4 stars just for that. The rest was just good, but some of the story to me felt forced it never flowed authenticity. I'm still gonna try book 2. I just realized there are two authors. Maybe that's why.
There was a good story here with interesting characters but the focus was more on the constant sex than on character and story development. This was close to porn with plot. The story was all there but felt rushed to me, especially at the end when it seemed they had hit their word count and were heading for the exit.
This was quite possibly one of the worst, most bland freaking "romance" novels I have ever read. The characters were interchangeable, the mystery was so back burner that it was trash, the people were so shitty. Everything about this was poop. I skimmed over half of it because obviously I hate myself.
The plot was just engaging enough to keep me reading despite the telling and stupidity. Seriously, these guys need to learn some new words other than eff. And, to be honest, the plot made little sense when it came down to it.
Guy whose life has been ruined by another guy and the guy's dad is approached by that guy several years later when he needs help. Mostly sex, threats, indecision, and violence.
Thus is one Sexy Read that will take you on quite a journey that toy won't want to end and I already can't wait to read it again and start on the second book
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
Nathan has never been able to forget Jax, the only person he's ever loved, even if he knows that after Nathan's father ruined his future when they were seventeen, Jax will never forgive him. Ten years have gone by, but when he realizes his company is set to destroy Jax's bar, Nathan has to at least let him know and try to help Jax. Nobody said it was going to be easy, though.
Jax has tried to forget Nathan, his betrayal having cut him deeper than anything before or after. Seeing Nate again brings forth the anger that has been his driving force since he was seventeen, and also the attraction he can't deny, and even if he can't forgive Nathan, he can't just leave him on his own to be killed like his uncle was, when it's obvious he's the killer's next target.
Proximity makes it harder to resist the overwhelming passion they feel for each other, but will Jax ever be able to trust Nathan again?
I really liked this book. It was fast-paced, intriguing, engaging and had some very neat twists and turns that kept my interest as Jax and Nathan tried to figure who was behind Nate's uncle's murder and potentially wanted to kill Nathan, too.
The authors provided us with enough background information, so we knew what had happened when Jax and Nathan were seventeen, but kept it short and to the point as to not let it overtake the present portion of the story.
I liked Nathan, I liked the GFY vibe the book had, since Jax was the only person he'd ever been able to love, even if he'd been with several women throughout the years they spent apart. I loved that he kept trying and trying to win Jax back and even when he wasn't too sure of the repercussions of some of his actions, in the end, he really showed Jax he was the first for him. I liked Jax, too. It was fun seeing him try to deny his feelings, even when he didn't trust Nate, he just couldn't stay away. Their chemistry was explosive and they had some very hot scenes, including one that bordered in non-con at first.
All in all, a great collaboration and a fantastic start to the series. I'll be looking forward to the next book, it sounds just about as amazing as this one!
Jax and Nate were best friends, but at the young age of 17 Nates father caught them together and set Jax up to get him expelled from the prestigious school they were attending, thus ruining Jax's dreams of going to college. Instead, he fought his way( literally through the MMA) to earn enough to open a bar. The Goat is his dream but also a place where the community knows they can come and be themselves. Now once again the Steele's are out to ruin him by buying the Goat and all the businesses in the area to tear down and make apartments for the wealthy.
Nate decides to be the one to talk to him, hoping he could make things right from the past. The chemistry is still there and though Nate is straight he can't help his feelings for Jax...the only person he has truly loved. He goes to his Uncle to try to talk them out of taking the goat from Jax and find his uncle dead, with Jax standing over him.( read the excerpt below. You get a taste fo what happens here. It may shock you.) Jax swears he isn't the murderer and when they find Nate's apartment ransacked they fear Nate may be next.
I loved both Jax and Nate. I liked the struggle between them and the chemistry. You could feel it crackle every time you read it. The mystery was OK. But I think the main purpose of it was to push Jax and Nate together. I like gay for you stories and this one was awesome and hot.
If you like, millionaires, bartenders, opposites attract, second chances, some mystery/suspense and some scorching man-sex this is for you. I cannot wait for the next book.
Jackson Hunter spent the last ten years trying to forget his first love Nathan Steele and the brutal betrayal that derailed everything he’d worked so hard for. Jackson finally has his life back together when Nathan returns to deliver another blow – his company is set to bulldoze the bar he’s built. Ever since that summer in high school, Nathan has been denying his feelings for Jackson, the only person he’s ever loved. Nathan knows Jackson might never forgive him, but when Nathan’s uncle is murdered and Nathan might be next on the hit-list, Jackson is the only one he can turn to.
***This is a steamy M/M romance with explicit scenes throughout.*** Jackson and Nathan are both in denial over their feelings for one another. Nathan is intimidated by his father and he is in the habit of allowing his father to run all aspects of his life, he knows no other way. Jackson is finally happy in his professional life, but is still deeply hurt by Nathan's denials from when they were teenagers. Neither have moved past even though they have not spoken since. They both must work through their feelings of anger. Nathan must decide what he wants in his life and whether or not Jackson's friendship, and maybe love, are worth finally standing up to his father. Jackson must decide if he will open up and trust Nathan and his feelings.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was given this book as an ARC for a honest review. A very good book. I recommend it if you like M/M romance and a good suspense. The story with Nathan going into the bar owned by Jax. Jax wants him to leave and Nathan is trying to with him. Jax grabbed him by his shirt and dragged him to the door. Nathan and Jax hadn't seen each other for 10 years. Nathan's father Uncle have been buying up the block and they want Jax's place. So Nathan is quilting association. Some time later Nathan finds his uncle on the floor bleeding from a gun shot with Jax standing there. Jax swears he didn't do it. Nathan calls 911 with Jax still pointing gun at him. Jax grabs the phone and wipes it with his shirt sleeve. He telling Nathan that they need to leave. They drive to Jax's cabin with Jax still holding the gun on him. They get to the cabin and Jax ties Nathan to a chair. After awhile Jax unties Nathan. After spending the night together they drive back into town to Nathan's home. They walk in to a torn up home. This starts the beginning of Nathan's and Jax journey.
What a great story! Loved Nathan and Jax! This is a M/M romance. Jax and Nathan found each other in high school, but due to unfortunate circumstances, they were torn apart. They have always loved each other and neither of them have really moved on. When Nathan shows up at Jax's bar, he knows that it will take a lot for Jax to forgive him but he can hope.
I loved the emotions in this book. Nathan has to deal with the fact that he loves a man. He has never thought of himself as gay or bi, but he does love Jax. As he struggles with who he is and what he wants, Jax learns to trust Nathan again. There is also a murder that they are trying to solve so that Nathan stays safe. He is in danger and jax wants to keep him safe.
Loved the emotion between Jax and Nathan and the humor of Jax's best friend Carter. We maybe could have seen a little bit more character development but overall I thought it was a great read.