Title: No Take Backs
Author:  Kelli Maine
Publisher/Year:  Grand Central Publishing 1/8/13
Length:  150 Pages
Series: Give & Take #1.5

Overview

HIS PAST MAY DESTROY THEIR FUTURE

The man Rachael DeSalvo loves more than anything is suffering in silence. The grand opening of Turtle Tear Resort should be a time of celebration for Merrick Rocha. But he’s suddenly intent on selling off the business he built from the ground up-and Rachael’s hell-bent on finding out why. Only one man can give her the answers she seeks, but meeting with him would be the ultimate betrayal to Merrick. Merrick once asked Rachael to trust him against all odds . . . can he do the same? 

My Thoughts

We’re just getting settled back into the relationship between Rachael and Merrick when the hotel is set to open – at least for one weekend so family friends and crew can come and enjoy.  Rachael and Merrick have found their rhythm together, and they are in their blissful honeymoon stage – while everything continues to move around them.

If you remember from the end of book 1,  Merrick’s assistant now works for Beck – who is the hot foreman of the builders, and that’s a good and bad thing.  it gets her out of Rachael’s hair and into someone else’s bed.  It’ll be interesting to see if that friendship ever happens though between the girls.

At the same time, we’re reminded that Merrick has a very strained family relationship – his father is suing him for the company that Merrick took through the roof, and at the same time, he doesn’t have much of a relationship with his sister because her husband thinks that Merrick is a bad influence.

Bring these folks along with Rachael’s mom and aunt, and best friend Shannon to the island and things are going to get dicey.  Not only do we see tempers flare, but we see all sorts of sexcapades taking place, which is to be expected.

It’s kind of sad to say, but it’s the last chapter or 2 that really piqued my interest, and while fully expected given some hints and comments in book 1, it was still a nice surprise and lead in to the next installment.  Do you know what i’m talking about w/o giving away spoilers?

Anyhow, i’m off to book 2 in the hopes that this series will redeem itself from the half fail that i found in book 1.  Enjoy!