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The Takeover #3
Due Diligence
A business trip to get away…
A trip to Seattle to help S.R. Anderson Consulting audit Singularity Storage takes Fazil Kurt’s mind off breaking up with his girlfriend, until he runs into his greatest regret: the boyfriend he ghosted on fifteen years ago.
Leads to a past love and plenty of regrets…
Todd Douglas never got over losing his best friend and first love. Seeing Fazil again lets them clear the air, reconnect, and forgive. The sparks of their youth heat into an inferno as adults, and neither man can say no to the other.
But their rekindled love threatens everything they’re building.
Fazil and Todd know they shouldn’t get involved on the job, especially with bigoted co-workers watching their every move. If their affair is uncovered, they could lose more than their jobs.
This ~92,000-word novel was previously published, and has been lightly edited.
A trip to Seattle to help S.R. Anderson Consulting audit Singularity Storage takes Fazil Kurt’s mind off breaking up with his girlfriend, until he runs into his greatest regret: the boyfriend he ghosted on fifteen years ago.
Leads to a past love and plenty of regrets…
Todd Douglas never got over losing his best friend and first love. Seeing Fazil again lets them clear the air, reconnect, and forgive. The sparks of their youth heat into an inferno as adults, and neither man can say no to the other.
But their rekindled love threatens everything they’re building.
Fazil and Todd know they shouldn’t get involved on the job, especially with bigoted co-workers watching their every move. If their affair is uncovered, they could lose more than their jobs.
This ~92,000-word novel was previously published, and has been lightly edited.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2016
39 people are currently reading
597 people want to read
About the author
Anna Zabo
25 books707 followersAnna Zabo (they/them) writes contemporary and paranormal romance for all colors of the rainbow. They live and work in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which isn’t nearly as boring as most people think.
Anna is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns and prefers Mx. Zabo as an honorific.
Anna grew up in the wilds of suburban Philadelphia before returning to their ancestral homelands in Western Pennsylvania. They can be easily plied with coffee.
Anna has an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, where they fell in with a roving band of romance writers and never looked back. They also have a BA in Creative Writing from Carnegie Mellon University.
Anna is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns and prefers Mx. Zabo as an honorific.
Anna grew up in the wilds of suburban Philadelphia before returning to their ancestral homelands in Western Pennsylvania. They can be easily plied with coffee.
Anna has an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, where they fell in with a roving band of romance writers and never looked back. They also have a BA in Creative Writing from Carnegie Mellon University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
June 14, 2016
I'm a huge fan of the Takeover series and Anna Zabo's writing. Her stories are angsty enough to be interesting but also romantic and so damn SEXY.
Due Diligence is a reunited-lovers story. I vaguely remember Fazil (pronounced like this per Anna) from the second book, Just Business. It turns out Fazil, who recently broke up with his girlfriend, is bisexual. When Fazil travels to Seattle with his boss Eli to consult with a struggling company, he is floored to see his former best friend and lover.
Todd and Fazil were inseparable in high school, but Fazil was young and insecure, and he left Todd behind. Fazil always thought his reasons were justified, but Todd remembers things differently. Todd no longer works in his dad's garage; he is an engineer, and a good one at that.
I absolutely loved the chemistry between Todd and Fazil, even if I do typically prefer slower-burn stories. Todd and Fazil can't keep their hands off each other from day 1. Todd is all bossy and rough during sex, and Fazil is all for that. There's a bit of role play and a ... wait for it ... dragon dildo. (I googled it incognito; you should too.)
While I loved Todd, Fazil drove me crazy with his insecurities and fears. He is just so wishy-washy. Even at the end, Fazil beats around the bush and doesn't directly ask Todd for what he needs. Todd blames himself, but I didn't think it was entirely his fault.
Todd is very forgiving and lets bygones be bygones, but Fazil drowns in guilt and then pulls away from Todd all over again. Fazil has a hard time with feelings in general. He misses Todd like crazy but instead of calling him, he wallows in self-pity. So frustrating!
I liked seeing Eli again, although I wanted to see more of Eli & Justin together. Eli is my favorite character in the series, so more Eli is always good. (Incidentally, I think this book CAN be read as a standalone, but you'll like it more if you at least read Just Business, Eli & Justin's story, first.)
I was fascinated by the whole consulting gig, although I had a hard time believing that employees could get away with spouting homophobic, anti-Semitic, and anti-Islam (Fazil's parents are Turkish, but he is a secular Muslim) slurs in a workplace without being fired on the spot. I'm not saying nasty bigots don't exist, but all of the above are grounds for a massive lawsuit.
I also could have done with fewer mentions of Fazil's ex-girlfriend. If my date talked about an ex as often as Fazil mentioned Kris, I would have walked away mid-sentence. But, hey, I'm one of those people who doesn't stay friends with her exes, so this may not bug you.
To recap: HOT SEX, great epilogue, interesting plot that doesn't overshadow the romance, and complex MCs.
The next book is Brian's story (he's the owner of the coffee shop the guys frequent), and I can't wait!
Due Diligence is a reunited-lovers story. I vaguely remember Fazil (pronounced like this per Anna) from the second book, Just Business. It turns out Fazil, who recently broke up with his girlfriend, is bisexual. When Fazil travels to Seattle with his boss Eli to consult with a struggling company, he is floored to see his former best friend and lover.
Todd and Fazil were inseparable in high school, but Fazil was young and insecure, and he left Todd behind. Fazil always thought his reasons were justified, but Todd remembers things differently. Todd no longer works in his dad's garage; he is an engineer, and a good one at that.
I absolutely loved the chemistry between Todd and Fazil, even if I do typically prefer slower-burn stories. Todd and Fazil can't keep their hands off each other from day 1. Todd is all bossy and rough during sex, and Fazil is all for that. There's a bit of role play and a ... wait for it ... dragon dildo. (I googled it incognito; you should too.)
While I loved Todd, Fazil drove me crazy with his insecurities and fears. He is just so wishy-washy. Even at the end, Fazil beats around the bush and doesn't directly ask Todd for what he needs. Todd blames himself, but I didn't think it was entirely his fault.
Todd is very forgiving and lets bygones be bygones, but Fazil drowns in guilt and then pulls away from Todd all over again. Fazil has a hard time with feelings in general. He misses Todd like crazy but instead of calling him, he wallows in self-pity. So frustrating!
I liked seeing Eli again, although I wanted to see more of Eli & Justin together. Eli is my favorite character in the series, so more Eli is always good. (Incidentally, I think this book CAN be read as a standalone, but you'll like it more if you at least read Just Business, Eli & Justin's story, first.)
I was fascinated by the whole consulting gig, although I had a hard time believing that employees could get away with spouting homophobic, anti-Semitic, and anti-Islam (Fazil's parents are Turkish, but he is a secular Muslim) slurs in a workplace without being fired on the spot. I'm not saying nasty bigots don't exist, but all of the above are grounds for a massive lawsuit.
I also could have done with fewer mentions of Fazil's ex-girlfriend. If my date talked about an ex as often as Fazil mentioned Kris, I would have walked away mid-sentence. But, hey, I'm one of those people who doesn't stay friends with her exes, so this may not bug you.
To recap: HOT SEX, great epilogue, interesting plot that doesn't overshadow the romance, and complex MCs.
The next book is Brian's story (he's the owner of the coffee shop the guys frequent), and I can't wait!
August 24, 2022
DNF. Should have read this one when I got it years ago. I can't connect with the characters/story.
October 7, 2016
4.5 Stars!
It's a close race between this book and the last as to which was my favorite.
This series is one of my favorite MM series. Each book features a different couple and I've honestly really liked all three books and couples.
This one was off the charts hot. That Mr. Dragon scene was hands down one of the hottest I've ever read.
Yeah I thought their original break-up was dumb. They were both idiots - Fazil more so. But they were also teenagers. Some of that is expected.
Plus we didn't have to experience it happening. Yeah it affected the current relationship a bit - of course Fazil would feel some guilt.
Another great addition to the series and I cannot wait for Brian's book!!!
It's a close race between this book and the last as to which was my favorite.
This series is one of my favorite MM series. Each book features a different couple and I've honestly really liked all three books and couples.
This one was off the charts hot. That Mr. Dragon scene was hands down one of the hottest I've ever read.
Yeah I thought their original break-up was dumb. They were both idiots - Fazil more so. But they were also teenagers. Some of that is expected.
Plus we didn't have to experience it happening. Yeah it affected the current relationship a bit - of course Fazil would feel some guilt.
Another great addition to the series and I cannot wait for Brian's book!!!
June 5, 2017
***3.5 Stars***
Two words, people. Two words. DRAGON SCENE.
I may or may not have fallen down the research rabbit hole after reading that. I admit nothing. Don't check my Google search history.
Fazil and Todd dated in HS and a whole bunch of misunderstandings/miscommunication ended their relationship with Fazil running away. Now, 15 years later, Fazil happens to come in to do consulting work at Todd's company. And right from the beginning, it's easy to see that the feelings and the attraction never went away.
These two were seriously hot together. SERIOUSLY HOT. We're talking toys, role playing....all kinds of good stuff.
And, I'm eternally grateful that Anna Zabo didn't drag out the two guys discussing what happened and caused their teenage breakup (which I have to admit, the ridiculousness of it was eyeroll inducing - I guess it's been a while since I was 17). However, I could have done without Fazil constantly bringing it up. Between that and his insecurities and low self-esteem, he was a bit of a downer in this book.
When it came to their relationship as adults, they fit well together....if you didn't factor in that Todd lived in Seattle and Fazil in Pittsburgh. When it came to the long distance issues, I was really frustrated with how pushy Todd was and how meek Fazil was about voicing what he really wanted.
Unfortunately, as was my issue with the first book, there was too much business stuff in the book. I could have done without all that. I wasn't interested in coding, computer systems or any other business related filler added. I felt like some of it overshadowed the romance.
I did love how much Seattle landmarks were used. I felt like I was a tourist right along with Fazil as Todd showed him all the sights. If I didn't already want to visit Seattle, this would have definitely added the city to my list of places to visit.
In the end, it's not my favorite in the series, but a really enjoyable read.
"No one's good with love...It's messy, horrifying, and wonderful. You leave pieces of yourself all over whenever you open your heart. It's a fight, a struggle and so much work. It's also the best goddamn thing in the entire universe. Love is bigger than everyone and harder than anything. You...You have to hope and hold on."
I'll end my review with a message to Eli, the scene stealer...
Read
October 26, 2015To be released June 2016. :)
This is another Takeover book, focusing on Fazil, who is not nearly as straight as Eli thought (in Just Business) and Todd, the high school boyfriend he never did get over.
Much much less kink in this one, FYI. A little playing with toys. No s/m or pain play. Rough sex? Yes.
This is another Takeover book, focusing on Fazil, who is not nearly as straight as Eli thought (in Just Business) and Todd, the high school boyfriend he never did get over.
Much much less kink in this one, FYI. A little playing with toys. No s/m or pain play. Rough sex? Yes.
dnf-not-4-me
May 31, 2016DNF at 22%.
This book is very different than the first two. Part of my love of the other books was the sexual tension and the men discovering what made the other tick. This book is two high school sweethearts reconnecting after 15 years apart. The reason for their breakup, which wasn't really a breakup, is 100% misunderstanding and miscommunication. I'm not going to rate since I didn't finish and hope there will be another book in the series. The first two are outstanding, but this one just isn't my speed.
This book is very different than the first two. Part of my love of the other books was the sexual tension and the men discovering what made the other tick. This book is two high school sweethearts reconnecting after 15 years apart. The reason for their breakup, which wasn't really a breakup, is 100% misunderstanding and miscommunication. I'm not going to rate since I didn't finish and hope there will be another book in the series. The first two are outstanding, but this one just isn't my speed.
June 8, 2016
4.5 Stars
Due Diligence is the third book in Anna Zabo's Takeover series. This book has a bit of a different feel to it, than Takeover and Just Business. One, this is a second chance story (and oh how I do love those!) and two, it isn't a BDSM themed story. Oh, it's kinky, and deliciously so, just not in that way.
Also, while you probably could read Due Diligence as a stand alone novel, I do feel you will get more out of it by reading the previous two novels first. Eli, one of the MC's of Just Business plays a pretty heavy roll in Due Diligence. You'll have a much better understanding of the dynamics of the company that Eli and Fazil work for and get a lot of background in the first two novels that will enrich your reading of this one. Plus, they're fantastic, too.
Fazil Kurt is a bisexual man who just got out of a relationship and he's trying to distance himself from his ex-girlfriend since she started dating someone from their circle of friends. Ouch. So he's happy to head to Seattle, with Eli, to try to straighten out this audit with Singularity Storage. The last person on planet Earth Fazil thought he'd see there was his high school boyfriend, whom he had not seen in 15 years.
Fazil was a good guy, but he tended not to think things through. His own insecurities fed his belief that he was never good enough for Todd Douglas, who was a gorgeous, popular, "bad boy". 15 years later, Fazil still has the same issues (and I admit, it got kind of old after a while). People make all kinds of assumptions about him based on his ethnicity assuming he is a practicing Muslim with all that comes with that. Fazil is pretty much a secular Muslim. He doesn't practice, he eats pork, drinks alcohol and is bisexual. The lesson here is that not everyone is the same.
Todd isn't perfect, either, though. He was blindsided when Fazil up and disappeared after high school, without a word and he never really got over his first - and most intense - love. He was very forgiving of Fazil for the disappearing act, which I thought was a good thing, because they were just kids at the time. But one thing that Todd and Fazil do very very well, is sex. Oh. My. God. I didn't even know what a dragon dildo was before yesterday. But then, I do kind of live under a rock on the internet. But, dayum! HAWT.
But Todd also held some of the characteristics of his younger self, like the idea that Fazil should uproot his life and move out to Seattle. For the longest time, he just wouldn't listen and he wouldn't bend. He was totally blind to Fazil's needs.
So, at least I wanted to smack them both, rather than just one of them. Spread the love, right? I definitely forgive them for their lack of communication and misunderstandings of their youth. They were just kids. And they did do better this time around, it just took them a bit of time to find their way.
I've also got to say just how familiar the whole audit thing with Singularity was. I work for a company that was bought out a few years ago, and there were so many parallels -- the undocumented processes, the 'shoot from the hip' mentality...we had some old school developers that thought that commenting code was a waste of time. So, for so much of what Eli and Fazil were doing, I remember our company going through something similar. Thankfully, our company didn't have the rampant racism and homophobia, but the rest was very familiar, so good job Anna Zabo for capturing that whole situation so very well!
Though I think that Just Business is my favorite of this series, so far, I did really enjoy Due Diligence quite a lot. It was hot and sweet and full of second chances, which I adore. I can't wait for the next book!!
------------------
ARC of Due Diligence was generously provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Due Diligence is the third book in Anna Zabo's Takeover series. This book has a bit of a different feel to it, than Takeover and Just Business. One, this is a second chance story (and oh how I do love those!) and two, it isn't a BDSM themed story. Oh, it's kinky, and deliciously so, just not in that way.
Also, while you probably could read Due Diligence as a stand alone novel, I do feel you will get more out of it by reading the previous two novels first. Eli, one of the MC's of Just Business plays a pretty heavy roll in Due Diligence. You'll have a much better understanding of the dynamics of the company that Eli and Fazil work for and get a lot of background in the first two novels that will enrich your reading of this one. Plus, they're fantastic, too.
Fazil Kurt is a bisexual man who just got out of a relationship and he's trying to distance himself from his ex-girlfriend since she started dating someone from their circle of friends. Ouch. So he's happy to head to Seattle, with Eli, to try to straighten out this audit with Singularity Storage. The last person on planet Earth Fazil thought he'd see there was his high school boyfriend, whom he had not seen in 15 years.
Fazil was a good guy, but he tended not to think things through. His own insecurities fed his belief that he was never good enough for Todd Douglas, who was a gorgeous, popular, "bad boy". 15 years later, Fazil still has the same issues (and I admit, it got kind of old after a while). People make all kinds of assumptions about him based on his ethnicity assuming he is a practicing Muslim with all that comes with that. Fazil is pretty much a secular Muslim. He doesn't practice, he eats pork, drinks alcohol and is bisexual. The lesson here is that not everyone is the same.
Todd isn't perfect, either, though. He was blindsided when Fazil up and disappeared after high school, without a word and he never really got over his first - and most intense - love. He was very forgiving of Fazil for the disappearing act, which I thought was a good thing, because they were just kids at the time. But one thing that Todd and Fazil do very very well, is sex. Oh. My. God. I didn't even know what a dragon dildo was before yesterday. But then, I do kind of live under a rock on the internet. But, dayum! HAWT.
But Todd also held some of the characteristics of his younger self, like the idea that Fazil should uproot his life and move out to Seattle. For the longest time, he just wouldn't listen and he wouldn't bend. He was totally blind to Fazil's needs.
So, at least I wanted to smack them both, rather than just one of them. Spread the love, right? I definitely forgive them for their lack of communication and misunderstandings of their youth. They were just kids. And they did do better this time around, it just took them a bit of time to find their way.
I've also got to say just how familiar the whole audit thing with Singularity was. I work for a company that was bought out a few years ago, and there were so many parallels -- the undocumented processes, the 'shoot from the hip' mentality...we had some old school developers that thought that commenting code was a waste of time. So, for so much of what Eli and Fazil were doing, I remember our company going through something similar. Thankfully, our company didn't have the rampant racism and homophobia, but the rest was very familiar, so good job Anna Zabo for capturing that whole situation so very well!
Though I think that Just Business is my favorite of this series, so far, I did really enjoy Due Diligence quite a lot. It was hot and sweet and full of second chances, which I adore. I can't wait for the next book!!
------------------
ARC of Due Diligence was generously provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2016
~3.25 stars~
I really struggled with my rating for this one. I absolutely love Anna Zabo's Takeover series but Due Diligence didn't work all that well for me. I'll settle with 3.25 stars, because the story had a lot of heart and emotion, and the writing is stellar, as always.
To begin with, I really dislike the misunderstanding/miscommunication trope. Even though I'm very forgiving and understanding when the MCs are teenagers, I had a hard time buying that Fazil acted so foolishly 15 years ago, no matter how insecure he was! This is the MOTHER of all misunderstandings! This stayed with me during the whole book and I never managed to let it go.
Things felt rushed. The misunderstanding clears up early on, but where is the slow burn? I loved how forgiving and confident Todd was, but how could he forget 15 years of heartbreak in a matter of minutes and jump in a "relationship" with Fazil?
Fazil's insecurities were understandable and I actually get why he couldn't stop feeling guilty. But after a while it got old and it seemed like he was moving in circles. Maybe because the book was pretty long. I think I would have liked it more if the plot was more tightened up.
Todd's workplace was Islamaphobia, anti-Semitism and bigotry central. My jaw dropped, not just with the nasty comments and actions (like burning a Quran!!!) towards Eli, Fazil, and Todd (Lord knows that the world is brimming with racist douchebags), but with the lack of repercussions for the perpetrators. Even a threat for a lawsuit would have made me feel better. It just felt OTT. Why would Fazil ever want to go to work in a place like this? Todd was unreasonable on this.
Despite my issues, the story kept me engaged and there was real chemistry between the MCs. There is plenty of smex and the ending was perfect for the story. I really liked it.
I'm still looking forward to the fourth book, Brian's story.
I really struggled with my rating for this one. I absolutely love Anna Zabo's Takeover series but Due Diligence didn't work all that well for me. I'll settle with 3.25 stars, because the story had a lot of heart and emotion, and the writing is stellar, as always.
To begin with, I really dislike the misunderstanding/miscommunication trope. Even though I'm very forgiving and understanding when the MCs are teenagers, I had a hard time buying that Fazil acted so foolishly 15 years ago, no matter how insecure he was! This is the MOTHER of all misunderstandings! This stayed with me during the whole book and I never managed to let it go.
Things felt rushed. The misunderstanding clears up early on, but where is the slow burn? I loved how forgiving and confident Todd was, but how could he forget 15 years of heartbreak in a matter of minutes and jump in a "relationship" with Fazil?
Fazil's insecurities were understandable and I actually get why he couldn't stop feeling guilty. But after a while it got old and it seemed like he was moving in circles. Maybe because the book was pretty long. I think I would have liked it more if the plot was more tightened up.
Todd's workplace was Islamaphobia, anti-Semitism and bigotry central. My jaw dropped, not just with the nasty comments and actions (like burning a Quran!!!) towards Eli, Fazil, and Todd (Lord knows that the world is brimming with racist douchebags), but with the lack of repercussions for the perpetrators. Even a threat for a lawsuit would have made me feel better. It just felt OTT. Why would Fazil ever want to go to work in a place like this? Todd was unreasonable on this.
Despite my issues, the story kept me engaged and there was real chemistry between the MCs. There is plenty of smex and the ending was perfect for the story. I really liked it.
I'm still looking forward to the fourth book, Brian's story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2022
I have really enjoyed this series from the very first book. I am especially fond of series where the characters from the previous books are a part of the future books. I hate getting to love these people and then never seeing them again. This one is the story of a second chance romance. I can't imagine a company like S.R. Anderson Consulting. What a great place to work. Misunderstandings and lack of communication in high school drove Todd and Fazil apart. Now, 15 years later, they accidently meet again and find that they still love each other. Fazil spends almost too much time blaming himself for his actions and what happened in high school. One of the things I really hated was the homophobia and racism at Todds workplace, To make matters worse the management treated it with unfair and inadequate discipline. Eli, who is Jewish, and Fazil were the subject of racist remarks and a Quran was burned and left for Fazil. What shocked me most, however, was the corporate leaders attitudes that Todd had to face when the ugliness was trumped by unspoken homophobia. This is book three in the series and it can easily be read as a standalone without too much taking away from the first two books. I've loved meeting all these men but Eli and Justin remain my favorite couple.
June 30, 2016
5 Stars - This is a sexy and fun book --
This is book three in Anna Zabo's Takeover Series and I loved it!
Fazil works with Sam & Eli at S.R. Anderson Consulting. When Sam needs someone to go to Seattle to help Singularity Storage, a company they are trying to save, it's Fazil and Eli who are sent to The Emerald City. The last person Fazil expects to see is his high school boyfriend, Todd Douglas. Against all his better judgements the pull between Todd and Fazil is just too strong and the two take up an inner office affair that melts the keyboards! What happens when they are discovered and better yet what happens when it's time for Fazil to return home, across the country? Can these two get a second chance at happiness or do they just have too many obstacles in the way?
I really loved this book! I loved the Seattle history and scenery, it was awesome - being from the Seattle Area I really enjoyed this ride around The Emerald City. I was able to vividly picture the areas the author described and I felt like I was hiking up Mt. Rainier with Fazil and Todd. I loved the playfulness between Fazil and Todd, they are an awesome couple - and holy Hotness can they burn up the sheets! HOT. HOT. HOT! Loved it all! I can definitely recommend this book and the series!
5 Stars and a top recommendation from me!
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*ARC provided by The Publisher, Intermix in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
This is book three in Anna Zabo's Takeover Series and I loved it!
Fazil works with Sam & Eli at S.R. Anderson Consulting. When Sam needs someone to go to Seattle to help Singularity Storage, a company they are trying to save, it's Fazil and Eli who are sent to The Emerald City. The last person Fazil expects to see is his high school boyfriend, Todd Douglas. Against all his better judgements the pull between Todd and Fazil is just too strong and the two take up an inner office affair that melts the keyboards! What happens when they are discovered and better yet what happens when it's time for Fazil to return home, across the country? Can these two get a second chance at happiness or do they just have too many obstacles in the way?
I really loved this book! I loved the Seattle history and scenery, it was awesome - being from the Seattle Area I really enjoyed this ride around The Emerald City. I was able to vividly picture the areas the author described and I felt like I was hiking up Mt. Rainier with Fazil and Todd. I loved the playfulness between Fazil and Todd, they are an awesome couple - and holy Hotness can they burn up the sheets! HOT. HOT. HOT! Loved it all! I can definitely recommend this book and the series!
5 Stars and a top recommendation from me!
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*ARC provided by The Publisher, Intermix in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
June 3, 2021
3.5-4 stars. I... have no idea why I thought this was book 1. Time to start from the beginning of the series lol
July 21, 2017
~3 Stars~
This was the third book in the Takeover series, I think I may have made a mistake reading them back to back, but for some reason I really found myself struggling to finish this one. I had to force myself to read and overall I was pretty bored. I was even in Seattle while I tried to get into this book, I kept glancing out the window at Mt. Rainer, still didn't help. I think for me the struggle was silly, I didn't get why Fazil didn't just explain himself to Todd and ask him for what he wanted, I just didn't get it.
I'm looking forward to moving on to something new.
This was the third book in the Takeover series, I think I may have made a mistake reading them back to back, but for some reason I really found myself struggling to finish this one. I had to force myself to read and overall I was pretty bored. I was even in Seattle while I tried to get into this book, I kept glancing out the window at Mt. Rainer, still didn't help. I think for me the struggle was silly, I didn't get why Fazil didn't just explain himself to Todd and ask him for what he wanted, I just didn't get it.
I'm looking forward to moving on to something new.
November 21, 2016
4,5 stars.
April 7, 2021
I went in without reading the blurb because I wanted to finish the series and did a double take that this was Fazil’s story. Like Eli in the book, I was surprised he wasn’t that straight and is actually bi. Fazil and Todd had a lot of misunderstandings in their past and were the cause for them to drift away from each other.
I just felt Todd laid his heart out way early in the story while Fazil wasn’t that sure of his feelings yet.
It worked out after much heartache and uncertainty, the end was my favorite part. Moving on to the last book now, this time I’m reading the blurb.😁
I just felt Todd laid his heart out way early in the story while Fazil wasn’t that sure of his feelings yet.
It worked out after much heartache and uncertainty, the end was my favorite part. Moving on to the last book now, this time I’m reading the blurb.😁
October 8, 2016
4 *Dragon Dildo for the Win* Stars
RTC
But ponder for a moment if you will.....
RTC
But ponder for a moment if you will.....
May 20, 2025
Still want to know if the merger went through
June 26, 2019
Well, first and foremost, Iggy Toma did an outstanding job bringing these characters to life.
But, I don't know if I would have finished this if I was reading in e-book format. Why? Because this is a reunited story between Fazil, who works for Sam's consulting company, and Todd, his high school lover, who now works in Seattle for the company Fazil is assigned to consult with.
It was quite boring for quite some time. The men were both to blame for the breakup and both carried a lot of baggage. Then they got together, but of course, the company where they were working was full of a*hole homophobes and religious zealots who did some things that should not only have gotten them fired, but gotten jail time. And they only got a slap on the wrist. I suppose that can happen in RL, but it shouldn't happen in my "escape from reality" audiobooks.
So, yes, I liked Iggy Toma's voice and I wanted to know what finally happened so I made it. But it was not on a par with the first two, at all.
But, I don't know if I would have finished this if I was reading in e-book format. Why? Because this is a reunited story between Fazil, who works for Sam's consulting company, and Todd, his high school lover, who now works in Seattle for the company Fazil is assigned to consult with.
It was quite boring for quite some time. The men were both to blame for the breakup and both carried a lot of baggage. Then they got together, but of course, the company where they were working was full of a*hole homophobes and religious zealots who did some things that should not only have gotten them fired, but gotten jail time. And they only got a slap on the wrist. I suppose that can happen in RL, but it shouldn't happen in my "escape from reality" audiobooks.
So, yes, I liked Iggy Toma's voice and I wanted to know what finally happened so I made it. But it was not on a par with the first two, at all.
March 16, 2019
3,5 stars
"No one’s good with love, Z. It’s messy, horrifying, and wonderful. You leave pieces of yourself all over whenever you open your heart. It’s a fight, a struggle, and so much work. It’s also the best goddamn thing in the entire universe. Love is bigger than everyone and harder than anything."
It's the third book in the Takeover series but the first one I read and my first by this author. I had it for a while and was pretty curious about this new to me author. It can be read as a stand alone. After reading it I really want to read Sam and Eli's own stories. Especially Eli's!
Mostly I enjoyed the writing. But I think the characters talk too much about their past together, 15 years ago... And I wouldn't have minded if this book was a little shorter or if it would have been more focused on the present.
Fazil and Todd were extremely hot together. We get a lot of amazing sex scenes! But what really didn't work for me would be Fazil's actions. He complained too much. His insecurities... his guilt. I hated how he acted all those years ago!!! And I think Todd forgave him too easily!
This book deals with homophobia and some scenes were hard to digest.
But in the end I enjoyed the story and the epilogue! HEA and a dragon dildo with a brother 😅
"No one’s good with love, Z. It’s messy, horrifying, and wonderful. You leave pieces of yourself all over whenever you open your heart. It’s a fight, a struggle, and so much work. It’s also the best goddamn thing in the entire universe. Love is bigger than everyone and harder than anything."
It's the third book in the Takeover series but the first one I read and my first by this author. I had it for a while and was pretty curious about this new to me author. It can be read as a stand alone. After reading it I really want to read Sam and Eli's own stories. Especially Eli's!
Mostly I enjoyed the writing. But I think the characters talk too much about their past together, 15 years ago... And I wouldn't have minded if this book was a little shorter or if it would have been more focused on the present.
Fazil and Todd were extremely hot together. We get a lot of amazing sex scenes! But what really didn't work for me would be Fazil's actions. He complained too much. His insecurities... his guilt. I hated how he acted all those years ago!!! And I think Todd forgave him too easily!
This book deals with homophobia and some scenes were hard to digest.
But in the end I enjoyed the story and the epilogue! HEA and a dragon dildo with a brother 😅
February 3, 2017
Not even Iggy Toma could save this for me.
I just don’t understand the logic in this book at all. I don’t even know where to start on the wtfery.
I didn’t really like either of the MCs, the romance didn't have an authentic feel to it, the sex( and there was loads of it) I ended up skimming because I wasn't interested but the redeeming factor for me in this book was the secondary characters whom I love more now than I did in their own books. All that being said, the author writes well, and I like the Takeover world so of course I'll be reading the next book.
I just don’t understand the logic in this book at all. I don’t even know where to start on the wtfery.
I didn’t really like either of the MCs, the romance didn't have an authentic feel to it, the sex( and there was loads of it) I ended up skimming because I wasn't interested but the redeeming factor for me in this book was the secondary characters whom I love more now than I did in their own books. All that being said, the author writes well, and I like the Takeover world so of course I'll be reading the next book.
November 19, 2016
This was a mixed reading experience. The first 30% I didn’t care much for the characters, although I think that was probably a book hangover. Once I was over it, it was a compelling read, and the last 20% was couldn’t-put-down. I connected with Fazil, who is bisexual and not a stereotype. Hurrah!
I had a hard time liking Todd – I’m not sure I do even now. I must admit, I skimmed most of the sex – not the author’s fault. It’s well-written, but I’m sick of reading sex. That said, there were times when the sex went beyond mechanics and titilation, and enhanced the characters and their relationship. The secondary characters are great, especially Eli - I want to work in Fazil’s office – and even the ‘villains’ are nicely drawn.
Overall, this is a well-written story with a great plot. My only quibble with the writing style was the use of incomplete sentences as a narrative device for showing the character’s observations (eg. ‘Understanding there.’). This might be a character trait, or it might be author voice. Either way, I’ll read more by this author because I enjoyed this one.
I had a hard time liking Todd – I’m not sure I do even now. I must admit, I skimmed most of the sex – not the author’s fault. It’s well-written, but I’m sick of reading sex. That said, there were times when the sex went beyond mechanics and titilation, and enhanced the characters and their relationship. The secondary characters are great, especially Eli - I want to work in Fazil’s office – and even the ‘villains’ are nicely drawn.
Overall, this is a well-written story with a great plot. My only quibble with the writing style was the use of incomplete sentences as a narrative device for showing the character’s observations (eg. ‘Understanding there.’). This might be a character trait, or it might be author voice. Either way, I’ll read more by this author because I enjoyed this one.
November 4, 2019
This is my least favorite of the series and I have to say, it is absolutely because of Todd. I absolutely think both him and Fazil were at fault for what ended up being the conflict between the two of them, but I hated the way that it all seemed to be on Fazil's shoulders. It seemed like they both were willing to place the blame on Fazil and then try to move forward, but it just meant that Todd seemed to be blaming Fazil entirely when there were things he could have done to help the original situation too. And every time he mentioned how Fazil should move to Seattle so they could be together, and how he never thought about moving to Pittsburgh, really got on my nerves. And having it often coupled with how Fazil had messed up their relationship in the first place, oh boy was I angry. There were definitely things about this that I liked, but that ended up being so overshadowed by everything else.
All in all, not totally horrible, but so much of it made me angry that I was actually yelling at the book.
All in all, not totally horrible, but so much of it made me angry that I was actually yelling at the book.
September 15, 2022
GAH, another winner from Mx. Zabo.
"Due Diligence" was steamy, flirty, a fair bit more light-hearted than the previous book, but still deliciously angsty and heart-wrenchingly intense.
I absolutely adored the story: second-chance romances are slowly but surely becoming a favourite trope of mine. Plus, as I have come to expect (and love) from this author, it's KINKY. Not as much as Eli and Justin's story, but yeah: Fazil and Todd have a ton of chemistry and the steam was truly *chef's kiss*
I adored Fazil to absolute bits: yes, he's flawed and he enjoys running from potential heartbreak instead of talking about it, but I really, really loved him. He's lovely, and sweet and insecure and competent, and 100% relatable. I just wanted to wrap him up in blankets and keep him safe.
Todd, on the other hand... I spent half of the book thinking "meh, he's okay" and the other half absolutely despising him. I hated how controlling he was at times, and by the end of the book I was quite ready to strangle him: thank god he manages to get his head out of his ass, and redeem himself through a lot of groveling. I still hated the way he acted though.
So yes, I would have definitely given this book 5 stars, if only Todd hadn't been such a overbearing (and not in the fun way) dick.
But never mind, I still loved Fazil and I loved having Eli around, and I loved how protective the whole office got of Fazil by the end. It was beyond sweet, and also gut-wrenching: the stuff both he and Eli were subjected to was horrific.
(TW: anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, instances of racism and homophobia)
Anyway, Todd aside, I really adored this story. It was addictive and angsty and sweet, and now I can't wait to read Brian's story.
"Due Diligence" was steamy, flirty, a fair bit more light-hearted than the previous book, but still deliciously angsty and heart-wrenchingly intense.
I absolutely adored the story: second-chance romances are slowly but surely becoming a favourite trope of mine. Plus, as I have come to expect (and love) from this author, it's KINKY. Not as much as Eli and Justin's story, but yeah: Fazil and Todd have a ton of chemistry and the steam was truly *chef's kiss*
I adored Fazil to absolute bits: yes, he's flawed and he enjoys running from potential heartbreak instead of talking about it, but I really, really loved him. He's lovely, and sweet and insecure and competent, and 100% relatable. I just wanted to wrap him up in blankets and keep him safe.
Todd, on the other hand... I spent half of the book thinking "meh, he's okay" and the other half absolutely despising him. I hated how controlling he was at times, and by the end of the book I was quite ready to strangle him: thank god he manages to get his head out of his ass, and redeem himself through a lot of groveling. I still hated the way he acted though.
So yes, I would have definitely given this book 5 stars, if only Todd hadn't been such a overbearing (and not in the fun way) dick.
But never mind, I still loved Fazil and I loved having Eli around, and I loved how protective the whole office got of Fazil by the end. It was beyond sweet, and also gut-wrenching: the stuff both he and Eli were subjected to was horrific.
(TW: anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, instances of racism and homophobia)
Anyway, Todd aside, I really adored this story. It was addictive and angsty and sweet, and now I can't wait to read Brian's story.
September 29, 2019
Not my favourite of the series. I couldn't really buy the reasons for the break-up fifteen years earlier and while I quite liked the romance, it dragged in places and Fazil's beating himself up for what happened before went on a bit too long.
Also -
Iggy Toma is a favourite narrator and doesn't disappoint.
Also -
Iggy Toma is a favourite narrator and doesn't disappoint.
March 2, 2020
That was good although I have to admit I was getting a bit worried that Todd was never going to come to his senses but it was all good in the end and I have to say I think my favorite character so far is definitely Eli...he's hilarious and I'm on to the next and final book in this series...it's Brian and he owns the coffee shop...so you know I like him already.
June 22, 2016
Leigh's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Anna Zabo has quickly become an author that I know will write a book that is fantastic on so many levels. Each story in this series has been better than the last, and I eagerly await more from this amazing author.
In Due Diligence, we follow the story of Fazil Kurt as he travels to Seattle on a work assignment and runs into his first boyfriend, Todd Douglas. Many years, misunderstandings, and a lifetime of experiences have happened since the last time they have seen one another, but the affection and camaraderie and chemistry is still there.
I absolutely adored this couple and this book. I can’t say that enough. Both the characters and the story were smart, they were erotic, and I was completely pulled under the spell that was cast. And being able to make a book about engineering and coding come off as sexy? That is quite an impressive feat!
Anna Zabo managed to tell a story that pulled me in, complete with characters that were flesh and blood. Both Fazil and Todd were human and could have been people I worked with. I could see them, understand them, and nothing felt contrived or implausible. They were real people caught in real situations and I felt their struggles, their insecurities and their desires for things to work out despite blatant racism, corporate politics and inconvenient geography.
While I typically enjoy more of a build up of sexual tension, I did not miss it here. Fazil and Todd had a history that allowed the insta-lust-turned-love be believable. Rather than witnessing their foreplay, it was years in the making while they were apart, and I wanted this couple to overcome their pasts. I felt that the rapid speed of their romance was justified based on their history, and what they lacked in growing sexual tension, they more than made up for in touchingly erotic scenes between these two men.
I can’t express enough how much I loved this smart and sexy book and how much I enjoy reading this author. I struggled between rushing through to devour this treat all at once, and savoring the beautiful, emotional characters. I am somewhat mollified by the story having to end because there is a fourth book in the series to come, but it won’t be soon enough. If you have not checked out this series, start with Takeover. You will be brought into a world of business dalliances and sexy kinky men, by an author that can tell one hell of a story.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Anna Zabo has quickly become an author that I know will write a book that is fantastic on so many levels. Each story in this series has been better than the last, and I eagerly await more from this amazing author.
In Due Diligence, we follow the story of Fazil Kurt as he travels to Seattle on a work assignment and runs into his first boyfriend, Todd Douglas. Many years, misunderstandings, and a lifetime of experiences have happened since the last time they have seen one another, but the affection and camaraderie and chemistry is still there.
I absolutely adored this couple and this book. I can’t say that enough. Both the characters and the story were smart, they were erotic, and I was completely pulled under the spell that was cast. And being able to make a book about engineering and coding come off as sexy? That is quite an impressive feat!
Anna Zabo managed to tell a story that pulled me in, complete with characters that were flesh and blood. Both Fazil and Todd were human and could have been people I worked with. I could see them, understand them, and nothing felt contrived or implausible. They were real people caught in real situations and I felt their struggles, their insecurities and their desires for things to work out despite blatant racism, corporate politics and inconvenient geography.
While I typically enjoy more of a build up of sexual tension, I did not miss it here. Fazil and Todd had a history that allowed the insta-lust-turned-love be believable. Rather than witnessing their foreplay, it was years in the making while they were apart, and I wanted this couple to overcome their pasts. I felt that the rapid speed of their romance was justified based on their history, and what they lacked in growing sexual tension, they more than made up for in touchingly erotic scenes between these two men.
I can’t express enough how much I loved this smart and sexy book and how much I enjoy reading this author. I struggled between rushing through to devour this treat all at once, and savoring the beautiful, emotional characters. I am somewhat mollified by the story having to end because there is a fourth book in the series to come, but it won’t be soon enough. If you have not checked out this series, start with Takeover. You will be brought into a world of business dalliances and sexy kinky men, by an author that can tell one hell of a story.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
June 19, 2016
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this third installment of the Takeover series. Fazil has recently gone through a break up and he's excited to get away on a business trip. He and a co-worker head to Seattle to audit another company and Fazil is shocked to learn his high school boyfriend Todd works there. Todd and Fazil were best friends and first loves but circumstances separated the two young men and they haven't been in touch in years. Both men realize they have unresolved feelings towards each other and Fazil's business trip soon turns into something more.
Both of the characters were well done and I loved the reunited lovers theme. I always love stories about the "one that got away". The author did a great job of making you feel the connection between the two men. These two had great chemistry and their connection felt realistic. If you've read the prior books in the series you will recognize some of the other characters and I was especially excited to see so much of Eli.
Despite this being the third book in the series this works fine as a stand alone. You can definitely start with this book but you should probably catch the prior books as they were good too.
I really enjoyed this third installment of the Takeover series. Fazil has recently gone through a break up and he's excited to get away on a business trip. He and a co-worker head to Seattle to audit another company and Fazil is shocked to learn his high school boyfriend Todd works there. Todd and Fazil were best friends and first loves but circumstances separated the two young men and they haven't been in touch in years. Both men realize they have unresolved feelings towards each other and Fazil's business trip soon turns into something more.
Both of the characters were well done and I loved the reunited lovers theme. I always love stories about the "one that got away". The author did a great job of making you feel the connection between the two men. These two had great chemistry and their connection felt realistic. If you've read the prior books in the series you will recognize some of the other characters and I was especially excited to see so much of Eli.
Despite this being the third book in the series this works fine as a stand alone. You can definitely start with this book but you should probably catch the prior books as they were good too.
May 11, 2019
I'm struggling with the rating for this one. I enjoyed the book, but there were a few niggles. The reason I'm struggling is that I'm not sure it's fair to rate a book based on my feelings about one of the mcs, lol. After all, it takes an enormous skill to write a character that I can despise with a passion. So, I feel I'm doing the author a disservice by rating low, as that could seem to reflect on their skill. Yet, the story telling is great. The characters multi-dimensional and real. So real in fact that I truly just wanted to grab Todd throughout the book, shake him soundly and then give him a piece of my mind about how NOT to treat the man you claim to love...
So yeah, I've decided on a mid range rating, but don't let that put you off. It truly is a great book and part of a fantastic series.
So yeah, I've decided on a mid range rating, but don't let that put you off. It truly is a great book and part of a fantastic series.
July 17, 2016
Not my favourite of this series I have to admit. Too much sex [shock, horror..is that even possible??] and not enough storyline. Todd and Fazil, reunited lovers and second chances, homophobia, racism... all neatly intertwined, but it just sort of fell flat for me, hence why it took me 3 weeks to finish it. Won't stop me reading the next in the series (if there is one), and if it features that self-hating 'homophobe' Nathan, I may not be able to contain my comments in the review, but hey, all's fair in love and war, right?? Nice to see Eli and Justin, and Sam too in the story, and guys, if I were you, I'd give that asshole firm in Seattle a wide berth....just saying. 4 stars from me.
May 12, 2017
By now, I do now what to expect from this series.
It tries to be more than what it is, more socially relevant. But well the execution is not so good. It is not bad, not really. But it is also not competent enough to handle all those diversity, social, cultural, religion, race issues.
At least it tries, right?
Anyway, the series in general is two star at most.. So why do I keep reading it?
Because, it is damn fun and smexy. I am/and have been in the middle of a nightmare inducing DD project and let me tell you, there is no Todd here to entertain me irl.
So Kindle it is.
Also bad dragon :3
It tries to be more than what it is, more socially relevant. But well the execution is not so good. It is not bad, not really. But it is also not competent enough to handle all those diversity, social, cultural, religion, race issues.
At least it tries, right?
Anyway, the series in general is two star at most.. So why do I keep reading it?
Because, it is damn fun and smexy. I am/and have been in the middle of a nightmare inducing DD project and let me tell you, there is no Todd here to entertain me irl.
So Kindle it is.
Also bad dragon :3
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