Takedown

Tapped Out #1.5

by Cari Quinn, Taryn Elliott

I'm not giving up until she's mine, forever.

Walking away from being a SEAL—and the injury that led to my discharge—didn't scar me nearly as much as knocking on my estranged baby brother's door and finding my ex, Abby, on the other side. And naturally, she's every bit as beautiful as she was when we broke up a couple of years ago. I'd never wanted to let her go, and now that she's standing in front of me with the wreckage of my former life behind me, I'm ready to fight for my woman.

No matter what it takes.

But Abby is understandably gun-shy, though she claims she's only platonically living with my brother. Turns out I only have one weekend to prove that I'm the man she needs. Forever.

Good thing I'm up for the job. In every way.

Author’s note: Takedown is book 1.5 in the Tapped Out MMA series and is a novella with a happily ever after ending and no cliffhanger. Previously released by Cari Quinn in the Hot Ink anthology in 2014.

Genres: Romance, Fighters, Second Chance, Novella, Short Stories, New Adult

105 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 11, 2014

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Cari Quinn grew up wanting to be a singer more than anything else. When she realized she probably wouldn’t be hired as the opening act for the Foo Fighters, she stopped singing and started writing. Now she happily writes about rock stars, MMA fighters, suited heroes, bodyguards and everything in between. And she blasts her music as loud as the neighbors can stand, because hey, she’ll always be a rock star in her own head.

She's also half of the duo Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott, as well as one half of the USA Today bestselling author Taryn Quinn, who writes steamy small town romantic comedies (among other things.)

Visit Cari at www.quinnandelliott.com to sign up for her newsletter and visit the Word Wenches on Facebook, her fun, sexy reader group with Taryn Elliott! https://www.facebook.com/groups/34642...

Reviews

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew!!

This is a hot second chance romance that is a sure page-turner. Liam had left Abby behind “for her own good” when he joined the military. Two years later and he’s back to reunite with his family knowing that family is so important. Imagine his surprise when he goes to his brothers and finds out Abby is living with him!!

What a great fast paced book that had plenty of steam.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Universal

Liam's back home after having been medically discharged from the SEALs. He's determined to get his family (sister and brother) to start talking to him again, so he's at Slater's place. But it's not his brother who answers the door. Nope, it's Liam's only love, Abby, looking like as beautiful as the day he walked away from her. Suddenly his feelings that have never disappeared come rushing back. What is HIS Abs doing at his brother's?! Did he throw her into Slater's arms? He has all the time in the world to find out...

But it turns out he doesn't, because Abby is moving and if Liam wants a second chance, he'll need to prove to her he's sticking around before she leaves. Will she give him that second chance? Or did the way he severed their relationship hurt too much for her to let him back into her heart?

I liked this spinoff of Tray and Mia's story - Slater is Tray's best friend - it's short, hot, and sweet and I really fell for Abby's sweet personality and cool tattoos. Liam was a bit harder to connect to at first, but only because his past had really messed him up and he came across as a jerk at first. But he's the perfect opposite for Abby and I wish there were more coming about them.



ARC via authors for an honest review.

Series graphics via Cari's Facebook page.

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[Cinthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this novella we will learn about the love story of Slater's brother... a story of second chances, the return of a SEAL to the family, and the reunion of the love of his life.
When Liam knocks on the door of his brother, Slater, and Abby opens the door... A lot of things go through his head but it's hard to think or even talk properly when the attraction is overwhelming.
A hot short story of meeting and redemption of true love.

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew!!

This is a hot second chance romance that is a sure page-turner. Liam had left Abby behind “for her own good” when he joined the military. Two years later and he’s back to reunite with his family knowing that family is so important. Imagine his surprise when he goes to his brothers and finds out Abby is living with him!!

What a great fast paced book that had plenty of steam.

[Reading Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Takedown was a short novella set in the Tapped Out world. Liam is Slayter's brother (from Shadowboxer). Years ago he was in the military serving as a Seal and was in a relationship with Abby. Liam felt that it was better to break things off and let Abby live her life. Now much to his surprise he finds Abby living with his estranged brother in NYC. How did this happen? How did the quiet girl from California end up living with his surfer brother in NYC? Since this is such a short story I can't give away anything more without ruining Liam and Abby's story. It was a steamy second story told from dual POV and definitely stands alone.

[Maria Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this reunited lovers novella telling of the romance between Liam and Abby. The details of their previous relationship are enough to have the reader dive right into their story and experience the heartache Abby felt when Liam broke up with her feeling that the long distance military relationship wasn't fair to her. But it's obvious from their first meeting again that Liam didn't plan to hurt Abby, and was hoping that letting her go would help her find someone better than him. The sexual attraction between them never stopped despite their separation and the love scenes between them are sizzling. There are some interesting dynamics with Liam and his brother Slater that are well addressed in the story and readers who have read the first book in the Tapped Out series will appreciate visits from old friends. 4.5 stars!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby thought they had it all planned out, when Liam left her two years ago "for her own good".
Now he´s back, but to see his brother. That she´s living with him was an unexpected surprise.
Lots of unresolved issues between them, will they try a second time?
Quick read, a bit too short for me. I´d love if it was more of everything.
3,5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Deb Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takedown is a short novella where we get a little background to Slater and his family.

Liam Walsh ( Slater’s Brother) coming home after serving his country was harder then he imagined, now a retired SEAL Liam wanted one thing only. To get his family back.

Abby Sinclair had her dreams dashed two years ago when her heart was completely shattered, needing to heal Abby moved across country to New York.

Liam and Abby’s pass come racing back, as one door opens. Both had to work through their own stuff as well as to decide what was or not was between them. Even though Liam and Abby’s story was short, wow it packed a punch!

Supporting characters played a huge role in Liam and Abby’s story. I was shocked on how well it all played out. LOL! I did love seeing “Fox “ again.(yummy)

Takedown was a hot sexy short story with a huge amount of heart and family. Thank you Taryn and Cari for a look into who Slater is as well as Jen, Liam and Abby. Now on to the next book in the Tapped Out Series.

Rated 4.5 Stilettos by Deb!

[Pennie Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect second chance story of Slater's brother Liam who is a Seal. Liam has come to NYC after being medically discharged after an injury left him unable to serve and he wants to reconnect with his brother and sister. He starts with Slater but when he knocks on his door who answers but his ex-girlfriend Abby who he broke up with 2 years ago before heading overseas. How messed up is that. The chemistry is still sparking just as potent if not more and Liam cannot keep his hands to himself and Abby is not saying no. However, she is moving and he has only the weekend to convince her he still belongs in her life. Will he be able to do that? This was a fast paced and steamy addition to this series.

**Received this ARC for review**

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Takedown is a novella in the Tapped Out series and was originally published by Cari Quinn as part of the Hot Ink anthology and now includes Taryn Elliott, Quinn's writing partner. This was a quick but entertaining read about Liam Walsh (Slater Walsh's brother) and Abby Sinclair. He walked away from her two years ago, but an injury leads to a medical discharge from the military. Finding Abby at his brother's place is a shock to his system, and I appreciated his efforts in trying to convince her that he was going to hold on to her this time around. I'm not a fan of the whole I-left-because-it-was-better-for-you excuse, but I did like how everything played out in this second chance romance. Four stars.

[Michelle Quintana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how this story gives a small glimpse into Slater and his family. It's mainly about his mystery girl Abby and his older brother Liam. After being medically discharged from the SEALS, Liam shows up unexpectedly to make amends with his brother Slater and sister Jenna. However, the first person he comes across is the love of his life Abby. The fact that she is living with Slater makes him bound and determined to make her his again. Abby is shocked to see him but doesn't want to get back together with Liam because of how things ended. Her body, however, has other ideas. I enjoyed reading this book and wish that it had been longer. This book was sent to me by the authors for an honest review

[Hopelessly seeking Happily Ever Afters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liam & Abby

Dual POV. Book 1.5 is a novella in the Tapped Out series. This is an edited re-release in this author duo's incredible body of work. It was originally written and published solely by Cari Quinn in the Hot Ink anthology.

Here is the proper reading order of the Tapped Out series:
book 1: 'Shadowboxer' (Tray & Mia)
☆bonus 1: 'Takedown' (Liam & Abby)
☆bonus 2: 'Body Shot' (Carly & Giovanni)
book 2: 'Sneak Attack' (Tray & Mia, #2)
book 3: 'On The Ropes' (Giovanni & Carly)
book 4: 'Knockout' (Emerson, Lily & JC)

Liam and Abby star in this second chance romance novella.

Warning: This is a book about a romance within the illegal underground world of MMA fighting. JP

[Jean Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novella so it was a quick read about Liam and Abby. Liam is a SEAL and Slater's brother. Slater is best friends with Trey "Fox" Knox. Liam was just medically discharged from the military and returning home. He arrives on Slater's door but Abby answers the door. Abby was his girlfriend that he broke up with 2 years earlier. He had told her that he loved her but felt that splitting was better for her. Unfortunately he did that because she had started to become withdrawn and he thought that was because of him. However, Liam never got over Abby and Abby is still deeply in love with Liam. Will they be able to overcome the mistakes they made in the past? A quick fun read.

[Lisa Cahill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone deserves a second chance, especially smoking hot retired SEALS!
Liam has been medically discharged from the SEALS. He hasn't seen or heard from his brother Slater or his sister Jen in years. He is sure they both hate him for leaving for the military. Since he has no where to go, off to Brooklyn to try to make amends with his brother. Who he finds at his apartment was not what he expected. His love from his past, the girl he had to break things off with because he was going away. Abby, the woman he still loves. But what the hell is she doing in his brother's apartment!!!!!
This was a wonderful quick read. Liam and Abby are a very hot couple with an amazing second chance at love.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam oh Liam you naughty little boy, "you look so effing sexy in that tie-dye and those jeans. I know you can't wear a bra under this" - he slipped a finger between my breasts, bound up tightly in my bandeau top - "but what about those jeans? You got panties on, baby." I loved how Liam was all for his girl, "Liam's hand slid under my jersey to tease the lacy waistband of my panties. "You having a good dream about me, baby? You were moaning in your sleep. I couldn't take it anymore. I had to wake you up."

[Amaris Aramanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liam and Abbey are interesting. Miscommunication and misunderstandings took over the relationship they had and, thankfully, have been cleared up in try #2. While the relationships Liam has with his siblings can still use some work, it seems like he's going to stick around and make the effort needed to get the job done. I am glad that they are working through things together and that Liam can be friends with Tray, just like his brother, instead of being jeealous of him. I do look forward to seeing them develop.

[lovestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn! Right in the feels!  Liam comes home, to whom he's not sure, but is willing to find out.  What he wasn't prepared for was his ex opening the door at his brother's place.

So much lost time to make up for, and prepare for the future.  Slater, Jen, Abby and Liam make a wonderful family and I just love them all.  I really love Liam and how unsure of his brother and sister he is. How he never thought to see how they were feeling about him and his travels.  It's funny how you can steer yourself wrong by not talking.

[litljen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takedown is a short novella in the Tapped Out world by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott. It's a quick read and super hot and sexy. I'm talking totally smokin'!!! Liam and Abby reunite after a few years apart and their sparks jump off the page. This story is about repairing broken relationships and finding fresh starts after tragedy. Again, it's a quick read so you'll blow through it in one sitting. I loved it!

[Sandy Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a second chance story done at it's finest. It's a little short for my liking but it was still well worth the read. And now I understand Liam a little bit more. He and Abby split over a lot of misunderstandings, and now Liam has a chance to try to make her see that they belong together. I really liked how everything was handled and it was definitely a sexy story with a lot of steam! It definitely shows that second chances can happen, at least if you put the work in!

[Gab Mce]

Slater is a lovable best friend and to find out that he has a brother who storms into his life is a spectacular surprise.

Abby and Liam are meant to be, we are waiting to see if they will come to that realization sooner or later.

Set in the Tapped Out Series it is a burst into Slater’s world, who we came to love in Mia and Tray’s story.

What I love most about this novella is that we get a different point of view from the same world!

[Brigid Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chance perfection!

Oh man, this one really pulled at my heart strings!! Takedown is more than just a second chance at love, it’s a second chance at family. Liam Walsh is back and he is determined to get his family back....his brother Slater (Tray Knox's bestie) and his sister Jenna. Imagine his surprise when the one love of his life, opens his brother's apartment door. Oh boy do the sparks fly!!!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This was a great quick read and getting to know a little bit more about Slater was so worth it. Along with abs and Liam. The two of them are fire 🔥. I could not stop reading their story and to see what would happen. Can’t wait f0r the next part of the tapped out series. Cari Quinn and taryn Elliott never disappoints.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great quick read and getting to know a little bit more about Slater was so worth it. Along with abs and Liam. The two of them are fire 🔥. I could not stop reading their story and to see what would happen. Can’t wait f0r the next part of the tapped out series. Cari Quinn and taryn Elliott never disappoints.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takedown is part of the Tapped Out series and it's got everything you could want. It's a second chance romance with MMA fighting as the background. Liam and Abby are such a great story, and while this is a novella, it doesn't feel rushed or like it's missing anything. I love these characters and this series!

[Cindy Wiste · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but fun read. This story builds on Slater’s character from Shadow Boxer, a bit of his family history. The book has realty and truth built into the storyline. Liam (Slater’s brother) is a former Seal and the story involves the feelings associated with family members serving their country, leaving loved ones behind to worry.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great, quick read with a second chance for Liam and Abby. He's a former SEAL and you could feel that intensity rolling off of him. I was pulled into the story, and loved the emotions, the characters and that strong heat they have!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Donna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam and Abby have history. It’s not necessary good history but they had a short hot romance that changed both of them forever. Liam seeks out his family after his career as a SEAL is done and finds the woman who won’t leave his heart or mind. Liam has a lot to learn about what has happened to not only Abby but his family as well. This novella was packed with emotion and I loved it!!

[GMW · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short novella set in the MMA world about Liam, Slater's brother. Liam - now medically retired from the Seals wants to reunite with his family. He tracks down his brother's address & is shocked when his ex answers the door. Things progress quickly from there. It's a short, steamy, angsty reunion for Liam & Abby - and a sweet reunion for Liam with his siblings. Well written.

[Sue Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam and Abby had a past relationship so this is a second chance story. This short novella is steamy and a HEA. The group of friends all have links to Liam who is Slaters brother and Slater is Trey's best friend. Its nice to get some of the storyline of the supporting characters and this was a well written HEA.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liam and Abby were meant to be together but his job and her secret drove them apart. While this is their quick read story, it also gives us a glimpse into Skater's world.
This was a nice transition from Tray and Mia. Very steamy.
And these two prove what tge heart wants it gets. May also be a little bit of fate since Abby met Liam's brother, Slater, while trying to forget Liam and ended up moving across country with him. And sharing an apartment.