Review: 3.5 stars. Enjoyed more with Merrick and Rachael
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 4, 2013
"I have more than I've ever dreamed of...It used to be just me and a hotel in ruins on an abandoned island. I can't stop thinking I'm going to wake up and find all of you gone.""It's real, Merrick. Believe in us."Take Me Back is a novella continuing the relationship of Merrick and Rachael following Taken, No Take Backs, and Taken by Storm. They are settled at Turtle Tear Resort, but Rachael is still fascinated with the love story and history of Ingrid and Archibald. Their love story was what initially drew her to be interested in Turtle Tear in the first place and her account of their history started the chain reaction that led to their unorthodox way she came to the Island in the first place.There are strange occurrences happening at the Weston Resort Plantation House that MJ is renovating. Rachael becomes obsessed with finding out the secrets and trying to give peace to a ghost. But in the process she is in her own head, shutting people out, lying and shirking her responsibilities."Merrick has never understood why he...well, how we came together like we did, but I know why...Fate. He and I are supposed to carry on the tradition of Turtle Tear. Carry on what comes next."And Merrick and Rachael still have communication issues to work out. And feelings of doubt and uncertainty begin to creep back in. They still have hot chemistry and need for each other, but out of the bedroom they are struggling to find common ground and compromise."I love you...I'm sorry that I 'm not good at this. I've only had one other relationship...""There's nobody worse at relationships than me. You know that. You're our only hope."'We're in so much trouble."Can you really move on in a relationship if you have to hide what is important to you? And if you cannot communicate effectively, can a relationship survive?It is obvious how much they love and care about each other, but will love be enough?"You brought me here, remember? You can't just return me. I'm not returnable, Merrick."This was a short novella and a quick read. I enjoyed being back at Turtle Tear Resort with Merrick, Rachael, MJ, and Maddie....and even Beck. I really like Merrick and Rachael even when I want to slap sense into them. This one had some relationship drama, romance, sexy scenes, and a little paranormal twist. This is told in first person point of view from Rachael like Taken was so she refers to Merrick as "you." I still find that a little different initially, but I get used to it once I am involved in the storyline. I am invested in all of these characters and their stories and look forward to the next book Given.Thanks to Kelli Maine, Netgalley and Hachette Book Group,/Grand Central Publishing/Forever for allowing me to read this book for an honest review. Quotes are from ARC version and subject to change.