Not a bad piece of fantasy fluff. The story was pretty much a fourway sex scene with a nice twist at the end. ( )

This is me, bucking the system once again. I found it to be rather cold and emotionless. ( )

Set firmly in the realms of total fantasy, that of elves, to be precise, this hot story about a human being introduced to their "special laws" is a mix between extended bondage and a sweet, if somewhat unconventional, ménage love story. Kim Dare, when given free reign in the world of fantasy and paranormal beings, is just as imaginative as when she's writing contemporary stories. And this variation on kidnapping she's come up with had me wondering what was going on for a long time – a very nice additional little tease of the mind on top of the allure of exploring a new world.

Maxen is a man who likes other men, which, in his world, is an offense punishable by death. His village, like many others, is ruled by a dictatorial tyrant who punishes anyone even suspected of a same-sex relationship or even affair. Maxen has only dared escape into the forest a few times, for a quick fumble, and has been totally brainwashed into believing wanting another man is evil. When he wakes up, surrounded by three beautiful elves, men who admit to kidnapping him and are clearly out to touch him and drive him crazy, he has no idea what to do. For the longest time he cannot even remember what happened before he was taken. And when he does he has a major decision to make.

The three elves are as gorgeous as they are devious. They clearly have their own agenda, and they hide it well, almost up until the end. They're very good at "torturing" Maxen, and each has a different role to play in the elven version of a three-way version of good cop – bad copy. I know it sounds complicated, but it's actually very hot.

If you like kidnapping fantasies, if you enjoy multiple teasing sessions with three against one, and if you're looking for a hot read with just enough background story to make the setting and world interesting, then you will probably like this free short story.
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What really appealed to me about "Taken" was the differences between the two cultures and the eventual bonding between Maxen and the three elves. The whole story was intriguing and I wasn't sure what was going to happen next. Plus, I really like it when someone finally gets to be accepted for who they are, so extra bonus points for that. ( )

Very erotic. Is it hot in here? 3.5 stars. ( )