About the Book
New Adult Paranormal Romance
Date Published: 3/6/2014
Taken By Choice (Taken Trilogy #3)
They failed. They have been taken by P.A.G.E. again and this time Stan and Martha are prepared for them. They've made it impossible to escape. They have no choice but to stay in line and behave.
New friendships are made, relationships are put to the test and answers about their abilities are revealed.
Is it possible that they can still take down P.A.G.E. but this time trying from within?
Or will the choices they make endanger the future they were tasked with protecting?
Only time will tell. Unfortunately, it might mean having to give up everything for the chance of ending this once and for all.
EXCERPT
“I know we failed getting out of here. I don’t know what happened, but it was our best shot and we failed.”
“I know. I know this will kill Rose, but I think we need to stop fighting this place, at least for a while. We can’t risk them breaking us up. I thought for sure we would be split up after this.”
His statement breaks my heart because that’s exactly what is happening to us. “That’s not what I meant. I just think we need to have that talk, the one where we talk about if one of us makes it out of here and the other one doesn't.”
“Don’t say that. We leave here together, got it?” Charlie pulls on my arm to stop me walking and grips my face so that I see the certainty in his eyes. It takes every bit of mental power to not cry or break down and tell him that it isn't going to happen that way.
“I know, but being in that room for so long, I realized that, if you got out and were free, I’d want you to do something for me.”
“Do what?” he asks me cautiously, biting his tongue on arguing his point that we will get out together again.
“I’d want you to check on my mom and Drew. Make sure they’re coping okay. Tell them how sorry I am over Dana and how much I love them.”
“Did you have a dream I should know about?” He narrows his eyes at me, sensing I’m hiding something. I blink away more tears, knowing the only way I can get out of this is to lie. I have to lie to him. I’m a horrible person.
“I haven’t dreamt since the hospital. I just had a lot of time to think. I thought that if I was to die in that room, what would happen to my mom and to Drew? I know I can trust you to look in on them. I just needed to say those words, to know that if something happened to me, that they’ll be okay.”
“Nothing is happening to you, I promise.” He brings me forward, hugging me to his chest.
My heart must be completely shattered now. There can’t be anything left, and yet, I can still feel it breaking. I can’t have him making a promise there is no way he can keep. I can’t do that to him.
“Don’t promise me that. Sometimes, things are just out of your power. Fate put us together and it could just as easily pull us apart if it wants to.”
“I’m not going to—”
“Just promise to love me forever. That’s what I need to hear from you.”
Without any reluctance, he answers me, “I promise to love you forever.”
“And I promise that I will love you forever, too.” I finally make a promise I know I’ll keep.
Em's Review
Bitter Sweet...I've gotten to know Zoe, Charlie, Rose, Will and all the others over the past few months reading the Taken series. I was so excited to finally get to read it and find out what happens, but it was so sad to see it end as well. If you're a reader, you know what I'm talking about! Taken by Choice starts up in the middle of action and keeps you on the edge for the rest of the book. Turmoil, longing, fighting, anger, love, friendship, sacrifice...all things Ms. Frances does well to keep you right in the story. I was so frustrated right along with Zoe sometimes I want to put the book down because I could just feel it oozing off the page.
This book answers all the lingering questions left from page one of the first book. It's all wrapped up in a nice little package by the end. Though I still think there may be subtle openings for a spin off possibly...or maybe that's just wishful thinking.
One thing I've been waiting for since the beginning is to see Zoe take care of herself and grow a little. Ms. Frances doesn't disappoint and I'm please with the character's development.
Charlie and Zoe light up the page with their passion and oo-la-la, so definitely NA to Adult type stuff without being raunchy though. There is lots of violence, blood, and death but not so much as say a horror novel. Sensitive readers just need to be aware.
There were a few things that fell a little short for me. The final stand off was not what I expected. I won't give any spoilers but it just did not build the way it could have. Still trying not to give spoilers, what happens right after the climax and Zoe's reuniting with Charlie seemed forced and unrealistic for the way the relationship had built up.
And once again I had to laugh at American characters using words like 'lift' for elevator. It's endearing.
Overall, definitely worth the read and couldn't put it down once I started. Jessica Frances has created an amazing trilogy for her debut novels and I can't wait to see what she has planned next!
About the Author
Born and raised in South Australia, Jessica spends her days working in a bakery, afternoons catching up on lost sleep, and nights reading and writing. Writing has always been a passion of hers, however it wasn't until Zoe appeared into her head and wouldn't leave that she finally was able to put a story down and finish it. After writing three books, she is wondering if she should start charging Zoe and her friends rent.
BUY LINKS
itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/taken-by-choice/id826119251?mt=11
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/410549
