Taken

Barbara Freethy has fast become one of my favorite romantic suspense authors. The books are full of twists and turns and a multitude of threads, which she handles deftly, weaving them all together to make a believable and satisfying conclusion. I've been slowly collecting her backlist. In Taken, a young woman's decision to take a chance on love has disastrous consequences when her brand-new husband goes out for ice... and never comes back. Weeks later, she goes past his house, and finds another man living there, claiming to have the same name. A con artist, the FBI, a decades-old robbery and jailbreak, a 12-year-old grudge, people with hidden pasts and shadowy presents... and two people trying to unravel it all while becoming inextricably entwined with each other. Good book. I recommend it.

It's her wedding night but Kayla Sheridan's husband, Nick Granville, has walked out on her. Kayla only knew Nick for three weeks prior to their hasty marriage, but when Nick went to get ice on their wedding night, the last thing she expected was never to see him again. Nick Granville has just returned from spending three months in Africa engineering bridges. He discovers several messages from a woman named Kayla claiming that she is his wife and that he walked out on her. Nick also realizes after looking around his home that someone has been in it. Deeply concerned and puzzled, Nick calls the police while tying to figure out how to get in touch with Kayla. Getting in touch with her is easier than Nick thought though when she shows up on his doorstep. Now, Kayla and Nick team up to find out who the imposter is and why he's done it. The more they uncover, the deeper the trouble and all the while Nick and Kayla are slowly falling for each other. The suspense grows and the plot thickens on every page of Taken. Nick and Kayla are drawn on a roller coaster ride full of lies and deceit trying to solve the mystery. Nick is such a great guy, he's sexy and a strong protector. Kayla is tough and smart. I loved them together. Just when you think it's over, it's not. There is more to come in this story and I'm looking forward to reading it! Nannette reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

TAKEN is the first of two books and I read them back to back. The first story introduces con man Evan Chadwick, who was a great villain, a nice mix of evil and charming. Nick Granville is the hero and also shares a past with Evan. Kayla Sheridan is the woman Evan uses to take everyone on a ride. I liked the blend of romance and suspense in the story. And I thought it moved at a great pace. The story kept me guessing until the end.

From the moment I started the book until I finished it, I was intrigued and filled with anticipation at what would happen next. I feel the main character can relate to all woman in some way. It is a believable story that cathches on the triles and tribulations of different generations. Barbara keeps you on your toes and keeps her characters real. It is a fantastic book! I can't wait until Played comes out.

Kayla Sheridan marries, but instead of spending an evening of bliss, her groom Nick Granville vanishes. The stunned bride visits her spouse's home to confront him, but the man who greets her is not her husband though he claims and proves that he is Nick Granville. Both are taken aback as Nick, who has been overseas for months on a bridge construction project realizes someone has taken identity theft to a new level. The thief lived in Nick's home, spent his money, and married in his name. Already suspicious as to the identity of the conman, Kayla's description affirms Nick's believe that his college days' enemy Evan Chadwick pulled a stunt. He can understand why him, but neither Nick nor Kayla can figure out why her. As both know he still stalks them, the duo agree they need to comprehend why Evan picked her because he would not have used her if she did not fit into the equation. This is an exhilarating romantic suspense with the emphasis on the amateur sleuth investigation conducted by the two targets. Barbara Freethy leaves clues to what is going on especially the real link between Evan and Kayla, yet the fascination is trying to separate out those that provide information from the red herrings. The lead couple is a delightful teaming while the villain serves as a matchmaking cat toying with the two mice he brought together. Fans will enjoy this tense thriller. Harriet Klausner