Taken by the Baller

by River Laurent

When Reese Westwood smuggles herself into bad boy, Drake Kelly’s locker room to ask for his help, she never imagines she would be making a bargain with the devil himself.

His gorgeous green eyes pierce her to her very soul, but he will only agree to help her if he can collect upfront. And he wants her cherry…

The thing is… she wants to give it to him.

Genres: Romance, Sports, Contemporary, Novella, Erotica, Contemporary Romance

143 pages, ebook

First published August 2, 2017

Reviews

[Raine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instant attraction hits the QB

A short and very sexy story of an innocent girl finding this playboy QB in order for her to tell him his real biological mom (her stepmom) is dying and wants to see him before she passes away. He thinks she is trying too con him, but he plays along.

[Tai Nelson-Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reese and Drake have a great story to read. It is on the shorter side but is worth the time. Another great book by River💕💟

[Judy Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A DELICIOUSLY SEXY STORY THAT WILL TUG ON YOUR HEARTSTRINGS !!!
Title: Taken by the Baller
Author: River Laurent
Designation: Novella-Length Contemporary New Adult Sports Bad Boy Romance, Standalone, NO Cliffhanger(Ends approximately at 45%-Daddy's Girl by Laurent included as bonus read)
Reading Platform: Kindle Edition
My Rating: Four Deliciously Sexy Stars****
A few weeks ago, I read Dear Neighbor by River Laurent and loved it! It was my first time reading Laurent's work and decided it would definitely not be my last. I was truly impressed with her style and happily added her to my favorite-new-authors-to watch-list. Hey, don't laugh; I'm one of those people who makes lists for everything, but I digress. Naturally, I was eager to try another of her books and purchased two more, Taken by the Baller, and Cinderella.Com. I chose Taken by the Baller to read next and don't get me wrong, I liked it very much but didn't feel it was as fresh, original and imaginative as Dear Neighbor. Dear Neighbor is more of a romantic comedy whereas Taken by the Baller is a Contemporary New Adult Sports Bad Boy Romance. Unfortunately, I thought this story was a bit cliche and somewhat predictable but still a very enjoyable read. Now, having said that, let me tell you what I liked about this story. Taken by the Baller is a quick, fast-paced, well-crafted, easy to follow, novella-length standalone sports romance with a beautifully written first person his and her narrative. The dialogue was smart, snappy, well executed and flowed effortlessly. As I said, the story itself is a little predictable but the redeeming quality for this sexy romp is the cast of strong, engaging and captivating characters. I was immediately smitten with the two protagonists, handsome Drake Kelly and beautiful Reese Westwood. Drake is a cocky, conceited professional football player who is accustomed to all women falling at his feet, or more accurately to their knees, always ready, willing, and able to worship at the altar of Drake Kelly. Reese is a lovely, kind, selfless and very innocent young woman who only wants to fulfill her stepmother's dying wish: to meet the biological son she was forced to give up at birth. Have you connected the dots yet? Yup, Reese is Drake's stepsister, but that doesn't stop Drake from demanding sex from Reese in exchange for granting her request. Oh my! But in Drake's defense, he thinks it's all a scam. He had no idea he had a stepsister and worse, that his mother isn't really his biological mother. Oh my! What a twisted web Laurent weaves in this story! And I enjoyed every single word! But is it just a con? We'll see!
No more spoilers from me but I will say this.... Handsome, conceited football star who's accustomed to getting everything and everyone he wants and is determined to have it, no matter the consequences-check! Beautiful, selfless, and loving twenty-year-old virgin who is willing to do 'anything' to make her dying stepmother's final wish come true, even if it means sacrificing her virginity to a total womanizing player-check! Lies, secrets, and agonizing heartbreak-check! Undeniable attraction, fiery passion, steamy sex, and dreamy romance-you bet! That and a whole lot more!

Did I like this story? Very much! Would I recommend it? You bet and I am but only for adult readers since it does contain explicit language and steamy dreamy sex scenes. Will I read this author again? Absolutely! And finally, was I entertained? Completely! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!

[ViolinVixen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ended up being so much more than I expected. So much deeper than I expected. It was a really great twist on the cocky, football player/good girl romance. It added in angst, family drama and surprise twists, while maintaining extremely passionate chemistry between Drake and Reese right from the first moment they met.

The locker room scene right off the bat sets the tone for their scorching hot attraction and leaves him willing to do anything to see Reese again.

I loved this very sexy, emotional romance. It had a great storyline with a fabulous happy ending.

[April Symes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a quick and hot steamy novella instalove read. If you like your story full of emotions, erotic heat and insta love, then you have the read for you. My only negative with this book is that its too short. I wish it was a full book. Otherwise, awesome story!!


My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

[Sue Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this short story/ novella as a bonus book when I purchased Submitting to the Billionaire (Georgia Le Carre) from Amazon.
Was unaware this book was there (think it appears at something like 72%) so it was a pleasant surprise.
I really enjoyed it and read it in one sitting. Loved the story and the character development and the HEA. Will have a look for more from this author.

[Kirsty McCracken · Rating 2 out of 5]

Warning - rant ahead. No spoilers though.

Reese has a secret to tell Drake. She's concerned about how he will react when he finds out. His reactions when he meets here were more than she expected.

She should have been more concerned about how his reactions on meeting her! Let me tell you that! From the go I had issues. These two people move waaaaay too fast considering they don't know each other. At all. Complete strangers. This was love at first sight gone mad!

And that's a shame, because I felt this plot had potential, but that potential was thrown away in lieu of sex, some rather chauvinistic descriptions, and frankly inappropriate behaviour.

There was so much potential for boiling emotions to be investigated and described, for relationships to build and blossom, and for villains to plot. Instead it was a whambam novella that had sex in chapter one and missed so many opportunities for more plot and development and ugh I'm annoyed that the potential was missed. It could've been so much more - family secrets exposed, last chance meetings, a couple who are instantly attracted and attached to each other, two people who have never done the relationship thing before but wanting it with each other... the list of MISSED EXPANSIONS OPPORTUNITIES GOES ON AND MAKES ME SAD! It was all there, it was just so rushed and the guy's POV was so vulgar and sexual all the time. And I know it's a smutty book, I saw the cover, but it's possible to have both steamy sex scenes AND characters who don't need to be vulgar. He's a nice guy, a good guy, don't ruin him by making him think over the top bluntly vulgar things just to make him manly.
Oh, and if a guy is gonna say "she's mine." It damned well better be followed by at least an implication of "and I'm hers". Just for future reference.

[B. U. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! Hot and steamy read! Taken by the Baller is a fun romance story with ups and downs and will keep you up all night wanting to know what will happen next!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through freebooksy and this is my unsolicited honest review.

Holy crap this is most definitely a contemporary erotic romance. It pulls you in and is a fun yet endearing read. I did not want to out it down.
It may take you 40 minutes to read all in all and you will not want to miss out on this sizzling read.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little bit of everything but most importantly love.

I kind of loved this story. I’ve read it before but it’s definitely worth reading again. The story was entertaining and enjoyable even though it has some drama and heartbreak when a truth was revealed. The characters were interesting and for the most part. Drake’s family on his dad’s side were snooty and looked down on everyone that they felt didn’t have the right pedigree. Drake and Reese met when she went to see him to attempt to fulfill a last wish. Drake was attracted to Reese and thought she was just a fan at first. They have a steamy encounter that leaves Drake wanting to track Reese down which was a new thing for him. Reese had been attracted to Drake before she met him in person. Their relationship goes from zero to sixty in 2.5 seconds due to the intense situations that helped them bond as well as their strong attraction. There are plenty of steamy moments, romantic moments, and sweet moments. I loved their happily ever after. Of course I’m greedy so I wish there was an additional epilogue further out but I was happy with the way the story ended. I recommend reading this book.

[Viola · Rating 2 out of 5]

Вона прийшла до нього в роздягальню, щоб розповісти про те, що його біологічна мати помирає і хоче його побачити. А він вирішив, що ця дівчина, що прокралась в його роздягальню - якась шлюшка. І він змусив її роздягнутись перед ним, і ледве не згвалтував, але вона встигла втікти, залишивши йому клаптик паперу з адресою його матері.
Якимсь незрозумілим дивом йому здалось, що йому потрібна від тепер ТІЛЬКИ вона, тобто банально залізти їй в трусики, а точніше їх зірвати. Хоч він не повірив у її казку про вмираючу матір, але почав шукати цю дівчину: з готелю вона вже виїхала, тому він подзвонив по телефону, який вона залишила. І натрапив на якусь жіночку, яка типу має бути його кровною матір'ю, і типу вмираюча. Поки наша Попелюшка летіла додому в шоці від того, що майже зробила зі своїм так би мовити зведеним братом у роздягальні - цей братик вже летів за нею. І коли вона повернулась додому, то вони вже очікували і на нього.
І наступним днем він зустрівся з нею, зі своєю вмираючою матір'ю, із сім'єю цієї дівчини. І він повірив у всю цю історію.
Далі він дав прочухана своїм батькам, які жили майже по сусідству за те, що тримали все в таємниці. Далі він приволік цю Попелюшку в місцевий готель, трахнув її, а на наступний ранок вже вся її сім'я пакувала валізи, бо він вже домовився про лікарню у місті і спеціальне лікування.
Виявилось, що його матір не помирає, що його батько, який його виростив - козе��. Багато сексу, весілля, вагітність, хеппі енд.

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drake is a famous football player who just one a big game. After the game, he is changing in the locker room by himself when a gorgeous woman comes in. She is dressed like and old fashioned librarian and looks very out of place. She had pretended to be a reporter to get close to him but she just wanted a word with him. Reese then goes on to tell him that his birth mom was dying and just wanted to meet him before she died. She wanted to give Drake the contact information. Drake is angry because he wasn't adopted and believe that she is part of a scam. He then demands to see Reese naked before taking the information. Reese has never done anything like this before but she agrees and strips. Drake decides to follow up because he wants to see Reese again even if it was a scam.
Reese is doing a favor for her beloved step mother. Her stepmother had always kept track of her son and Reese grew up with a crush on Drake. Seeing him in person proved he was hotter than she imagined him. She is thrilled to see Drake visit her family. During the visit it is clear that Drake is starting to believe his mother's story. He is very upset and brings Reese with him to confront his family.
I really enjoyed this story with insta-love. The bond between Reese and Drake is strong and passionate. I voluntarily received a copy of this story and this is my honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of River Laurent over the last few months and this book doesn't disappoint. Drake is part of a football team and while he is in the locker room changing while all of his other teammates are gone, a young beautiful woman walks in. When he confronts her she's honest and says she needs to talk to him. How did she get in? Well she told security that she was a reporter and had fake credentials and everything. Reese is there to talk to Drake about her stepmother Morgan who is dying. She needed to see Drake because he is Morgan's first born and she was threatened to give him up all those years ago. There is an instant attraction between Drake and Reese and after an interesting first meeting, neither one of them can get the other out of their mind. What will happen to Morgan? Will Drake believe what he hears about her being his mother? He never knew that his "Mom" wasn't biological. There is so much going on within this book, it will keep you wanting to read. It's a well written story about family and two people who have the instant connection. You will not be disappointed with this read. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.

[Laila Viking · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read other books written by River Laurent and had my expectation for this one based on my experience with her writing.
It did not disappoint. I like very much that she always have a great story and hot scenes. But the hotness does not take over the story. It gives an edge to it. The book is very well written and has great described main characters and supporting characters in it.
Reese and Drake have a lot of chemistry and passion between them. Their emotions fly on every page of the story. The supporting characters such as Reeses stepmother is so well presented and gives the story a lot.
It is a short rather fast paced story that includes instant love and HEA. But it is not a boring overall story and caught me from page one until the last.
Both main characters has their issues with being together and their past. But they have to get through it to be together.
I can only recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed and advanced reader copy of this book.

[Vanessa Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was actually a descent read. It was short but I love how the author was able to put everything in it, I'm not even sure how that was possible lol.

It was a pretty short read so others may find it quite unrealistic with all those mushy stuffs going on left and right. And I don't think a lot of people appreciates love at first sight (or lust as first to be accurate, haha), because I never do lol, but I still think this one is reasonable enough. Plus, I really love stories that incorporates family love. And this one had me in tears in no time at all, that I was even a bit ashamed to admit, lol.

If you are looking for a story to read this "quarantined" season, you might want to give it a try.

But ofcourse, this one isn't Kelly Oram or Ilona Andrew's romance perfect (those authors are my definition of a perfect romance story), but I'm sure it will still entertain you ;)

[Meghann Alford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great, whirlwind of a romance story. Reese is going to confront a football star to discuss something she thinks he already knows about. Drake thinks its just a scam but finds Reese incredibly attractive. To be able to see her again, he plays along. And finds his life irrevocably changed. I really loved this story. Its a quick read that contains betrayl, instant passiin, heartbreak and love. Great read! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Hero, Drake = 5/5
Heroine, Reese = 5/5
Chemistry = 5/5
Sex = 5/5
Plot = 3/5
Mystery = 1/5
Action =  1/5
Darkness = 1/5
Humor = 1/5
POV = dual
Would I recommend this book = yes
Would I re-read this book = yes
Would I read future books by this author = yes

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say as I started reading this book and was getting through the locker room scene, I was thinking I was going to like this very much, but I was proven wrong.
Reese is a strong woman, even if she went against herself , but she was doing it for her stepmother.
Drake is a cocktail baller who just expects woman to fall for him always. Reese is different.
When Reese reveals a secret Drake had no clue about and then walks away Drake can't get her out of his mind. Maybe he found the one who will challenge him.
Reese is sweet and just wants to do whatever she can for her stepmother, while trying to deal with her overwhelming feelings for Drake.
Hot hot hot scene but also a nice storyline.
I received this book for an honest and voluntary review.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent contemporary football romance. Drake is a wealthy professional football player and a playboy as well. He loves his team and his reputation for loving women. Reese shows up in the locker room one day with life altering news. He feels a scam or joke is occurring and decides he wants a piece of Reese. Reese realizes that isn't what she wants or why she's there. Both their family lives and circumstances drastically change. Some people are against the changes and try to interfere in both their lives. In spite of a lot of family secrets, lies, and heartache there is also a show of how family should care and love one another. I received a complementary copy of this book and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Laurent in the future.

[Rachel Blomberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read of River Laurent, and even saying that she is very good young author. I believe that the more she writes the better her books will be for us readers.
Reese had to break the news to Drake that he was adopted and his birth mother is dying and request that she speak and meet him before she dies. Drake not believing this bit of news decides to meet with her and see what she had to say. Does Drake believe her and what happens when he confronts his father with this news, and what does the future hold for Reese and Drake. You will not be disappointed reading this short story.
I voluntary review this Advance Readers Copy of this book.

[Lori Shankle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very fast paced, easy to follow story told in first person dual POV from the two main characters. The story is a rom-com insta-love story with sizzling chemistry, misunderstandings, guilt, betrayal and secrets. A real roller coaster of emotions. The characters are strong and easily captivating. There is definitely an undeniable physical attraction with fiery passion, steamy sex and an over the moon romance. I loved this book. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a fast pace, page turning read with a HEA. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and this my honest opinion of this book.

[Jalea Kalke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The football player and the virgin. Oh yeah and they are step siblings.

I received an ARC for this book.

Drake is a hot shot football player. At 27 his world comes crashing down when this beautiful blonde sneaks into the locker room after a game.
Reese just came to deliver a message. Her stepmom wants to meet her son Drake before she dies.
Drake doesn't believe Reese but in order to find her again he must call the lady claiming to be his mom.

Lies have been told but you totally need to read along as Drake drags Reese on his journey.

I loved this book and the ending is beyond happy.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

*This book was a bonus story included in the Kindle Unlimited version of Dare Me

Dare Me was a fun read for me so I decided to give this book a shot when I noticed it was included. Taken by the Baller is more like a novella, it's super short and can easily be read in one sitting. After enjoying Dare Me, I was a little disappointed with this story. I felt that the plot was rushed and the characters were not well-developed, making it difficult to understand why they react the way they do.

I didn't hate or love this story, I think it has potential but since it was so short I didn't really connect with it.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drake is portrayed as your typical arrogant womanizing football player who is used to women falling at his feet. Reece is your sweet virgin who is selflessly trying to deliver her step mum's dying wish. These two have some very hot and steamy moments but face challenges in terms of the deceit and lies both are wrapped up in which leads to some very heartbreaking moments. River manages to give us a great tale that isn't really about sports but is about finding love and facing some hard truths in order to get your HEA.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book

[Kreela · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. It started from a horny point and got worse. Trite, overused phrases but strangely well-written. Sometimes I am in the mood for a sexy novel, but I like the characters to introduce themselves and form a connection before the words cock, tit, fuck, etc are mentioned. Also, the female starts out all prim and does a complete turnaround within the second chapter. Huh? Sorry, I am not buying that.

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this certainly was not what I expected from the book blurb. The storyline could have handled so much better. This one read like a Made-for-TV movie--and not a very good one either. We all like quick reads sometimes, but gee whiz...give us something that at least keeps us engaged. This one was just too little, too fast, not enough character development. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and was disappointed.)

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised at the twists this author added to the age old story of dominant alpha taking the sweet virgin. There were just enough twist and surprises and witty sarcasm to make me rate this a little higher. When he met her in the locker room he had no idea his world. . . his everything had shifted. This author writes a great story that is entertaining and sexy, with characters you want to see get their hea.

[CassieLC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

A quick and steamy read! This is the first book I've read by this author and now I am definitely going to be reading more. It's a fast-paced story and a lot happens but it's SOOO good!! I loved Reese and Drake! They had great chemistry and there was certainly an insta-love theme to their story. A great read!!

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great fast read. It has a lot of steamy moments. A great story that has you feel for the character...or punch some of the others..
If you don't like books you can read so fast, at least give this one a chance since it has a little bit of everything in it.
I received this as an ARC for my honest review.

[_booknerd.4ever_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book...

What a read! It's a story that will pull at your heartstrings! River Laurent pulls you in and won't let you go. Reese and Drake are great together. The plot was well-developed. The characters were well-developed. Overall, this was a great read!

[Shelly Celli · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story. Drake and Reese meet due to unexpected circumstances, but that doesn't mean they're bad ones. The truth about his life comes out and he meets the live of his life along with it. I love how he finally put his father in his place, what they did was so wrong on so many levels. I'm voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.