Taken By You

Ryan Family Series Book #3

Romance - Contemporary
283 Pages
Reviewed on 11/28/2024
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Taken by You: Ryan Family Series Book #3 by Dorothy Elizabeth Love is the latest in a series revolving around the loves and losses of the Ryan family and friends. Reese McCoy, an ex-professional football player, is returning to his hometown to be the best man at his friend Parker's wedding. Leila Chamberlain, a strong, independent businesswoman, has been tasked by the bride, her best friend Chi, to pick Reese up from the airport and deliver him to the bride and groom’s house. The attraction between the two is instantaneous and electricity sizzles in the air, even from the first instant of shaking hands. Both Leila and Reese have been searching for their perfect love but each of them has issues from the past. For Leila, it is a domineering and controlling mother who disapproves of everything Leila does, despite her obvious success to date. For Reese, it is his past marriage, his possessive and obsessed ex-wife, and the complication of their little son, Keith. Can these two, so desperately seeking, find each other through the myriad of trials and obstacles they will confront?

Taken by You is unapologetically a steamy, racy, modern-day romance featuring successful people of color. As a sucker for a good romance, especially a spicy one, this fits my bill. Author Dorothy Elizabeth Love has taken a formulaic scenario and successfully developed a series of encounters and romances that will excite and thrill lovers of the genre. Reminiscent of the work of Tamara Ferguson, whose work I adore, the author has built her series around one extended family and friends. She has succeeded exceptionally well and this story is full of color, depth, steamy passages, and a series of fascinating conundrums thrown into the paths of the two principal characters. Yes, there are seriously spicy sex scenes in the story. Still, I am impressed at the author’s ability to excite, titillate, and stir emotions without crossing that fine line into crassness and vulgarity. What I appreciated were the quiet scenes where Leila and Reece openly discussed their feelings, fears, and doubts with each other, highlighting the immense importance of communication especially at the start of a relationship. The dramatic climax, although predictable, was well-written and filled with tension. For anyone who loves steamy romance mixed with the pitfalls and realities of daily life, this novel will greatly appeal. I highly recommend this read.

Mimie Odigwe

A wedding celebration brings Reese and Leila together in a whirlwind of love, affection, and desire. When Leila’s best friend asks her to pick up Reese from the airport, she is struck by how handsome he is and her fierce attraction toward him. When the chaos that comes with weddings forces Leila to house Reese in her spacious three-bedroom apartment, it is obvious the attraction between them is mutual. Too powerful to deny, Reese and Leila try to put their attraction on the back burner, but with the distance between where they live, controlling parents, and an obsessive ex-wife, can they build a relationship full of trust and care? Find out in Taken by You by Dorothy Elizabeth Love.

A fitting finale to the Ryan Family Series, Taken by You, will satisfy longtime fans with the reappearance of beloved characters. New readers will be drawn in by the camaraderie of this loving family, sparking interest in earlier books. Fast-paced, this book includes a father striving to connect with his son, a psycho, possessive ex-wife, steamy scenes, a chaotic yet comedic wedding, and a family bound by love, friendship, and protectiveness. The characters’ pasts deeply affect their approach to this budding relationship. Leila, shaped by her childhood spent trying to please both parents and witnessing their tumultuous marriage, as they kept coming back, brought doubt about Reese’s divorce. On the other hand, Reese’s previous marriage and the overwhelming attention he received from the racy calendar he posed for make him cautious about a relationship focused purely on physical attraction. Dorothy Elizabeth Love's Taken by You will appeal to fans of contemporary romance.

Rabia Tanveer

Taken By You is the third novel in the Ryan Family Series by Dorothy Elizabeth Love. The story follows Leila Chamberlain, a sharp and independent businesswoman, and Reese McCoy, a charismatic football star turned CEO. When Leila is tasked with hosting Reese, she expects a typical corporate encounter, but their undeniable chemistry surprises them both. As their professional interactions give way to personal entanglements, they must navigate the challenges of balancing their ambitions of a fulfilling career with their growing passion. Reese’s guarded past and Leila’s career-focused resolve set the stage for a love story filled with tension, vulnerability, and heart. Will the two of them give love a chance, or will they give it up for their career or the hurts of the past?

I love romance novels like this! Taken By You is a masterclass in combining sizzling romance with emotional depth. Author Dorothy Elizabeth Love’s depiction of Leila and Reese is rich and layered, making their chemistry stand out from the beginning. Leila’s strength and independence shine, making her a relatable and empowering heroine, while Reese’s internal struggles add a compelling complexity to his character. The author skillfully explores themes of trust, ambition, and personal sacrifice, creating a narrative that feels both authentic and deeply romantic. The moments of tension between the characters, fueled by their professional rivalry and emotional hesitations, kept me invested until the very end. The pace was fast, the narrative style was perfect, and the overall feel of the story was incredible. It is a heartfelt romance that will satisfy fans of the series and newcomers alike. I enjoyed it immensely and highly recommend it!

Doreen Chombu

Taken By You is a contemporary romance by Dorothy Elizabeth Love. After a messy divorce, Reese is not looking for love; he only wants to expand his business and spend more time with his son, Keith, who lives with his ex-wife. However, when he meets Leila at a friend’s wedding, he begins to reconsider his plans. Staying in her house and spending time with her allows Reese to open his heart to new possibilities. Their connection deepens as they bond over their mutual understanding of family dynamics and career goals. Leila's warmth and support provide Reese with a sense of comfort and companionship that he thought he would never experience again. Unfortunately, Leila’s overbearing family and Reese’s unpredictable ex-wife create obstacles that threaten their relationship. Reese finds himself caught between his desire for a stable future with Leila and the complexities of his past, as his ex-wife's antics complicate co-parenting with Keith.

Taken By You is a second-chance romance that explores themes of passion, family, and career. The story is straightforward, making it easy for readers to connect with the characters and their struggles. It delves into the emotional intricacies of rebuilding trust and connection after heartbreak and features relatable characters navigating their past and present challenges. The book contains a mix of comedy, action, steamy scenes, and thought-provoking moments about personal growth and the importance of communication. Reese and Leila share vulnerable moments that highlight the difficulties of opening up to new love while dealing with past traumas. Dorothy Elizabeth Love captivates readers from the first scene to the last with her engaging and immersive narration, making it easy to root for Reese and Leila. The suspenseful feeling that something is constantly at stake adds a thrilling element to their journey, keeping readers engaged throughout the book. Overall, Taken By You is a compelling tale that demonstrates how love can conquer all and leads to healing and transformation.

Luwi Nyakansaila

Taken By You by Dorothy Elizabeth Love is a romance novel that follows the story of Reese McCoy, a former football player now CEO of a logistics company, and Leila Chamberlain, a businesswoman who owns a school. The two meet at a mutual friend's wedding, where Leila offers him accommodation during the festivities. They are instantly attracted to each other but hesitate to start a relationship due to the distance between their homes in different parts of the country. Nevertheless, they decide to explore their connection and see if they can make it work. Their budding long-distance relationship tests their ambitions and reshapes their lives. Complicating matters, Reese’s clingy ex-wife begins to sabotage their relationship, using his son to manipulate him. This forces both Reese and Leila to confront their insecurities and make difficult choices about love and commitment.

Taken By You is the third book in the Ryan Family Series, and it's a beautifully written story that features a steamy romance with compelling conflicts. Fans of the series will enjoy reconnecting with characters from previous books while being introduced to new ones. Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. Readers will appreciate the exploration of themes such as love, ambition, friendship, family, and community. The story addresses the struggle between personal desires and reputation amidst external pressures, as well as the challenges of maintaining a relationship over long distances. This makes it a relatable tale for anyone who has faced similar obstacles in love. Reese and Leila’s journey is one of healing, mutual respect, and understanding. Dorothy Elizabeth Love’s writing is engaging, with well-developed characters and significant emotional depth. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves African American romances about overcoming challenges for love.