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Take to Heart
"Make her love us."
Perri Kane thought she was following her best friend out of the club, but instead she saw something she shouldn't have and stepped right into Neo Ryan's world.
He can't kill her, so he has to keep her, and keep her close, in order to protect not only his boss's secrets, but the future of their legitimate business.
The more Perri becomes part of Neo's life, the more boundaries they cross, and the more the line between pretense and reality blurs.
Will Perri survive the fight to gain Neo's trust?
Perri Kane thought she was following her best friend out of the club, but instead she saw something she shouldn't have and stepped right into Neo Ryan's world.
He can't kill her, so he has to keep her, and keep her close, in order to protect not only his boss's secrets, but the future of their legitimate business.
The more Perri becomes part of Neo's life, the more boundaries they cross, and the more the line between pretense and reality blurs.
Will Perri survive the fight to gain Neo's trust?
- GenresRomance
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2023
7 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 24, 2023
Can I say this is the most enjoyable Captor Captive I have read in awhile?
I don't know if I've read another book quite like this one. So hats off to Ashley Mack for that. I thought it was really genius how this Captor Captive and forced Fake Dating (that's right, you heard me, forced Fake Dating) played out.
Perri is in the wrong place, wrong time, and sees the wrong thing. This puts her in the cross hairs of Neo, who is a protector and friend to some very important people. So in order to get her to keep quiet, she is forced to not only pretend to be dating Neo, but to also live and work with him as well.
He is supposed to.. Make her love them.. and she surprisingly doesn't find that too hard.
She's always been searching for someone to love and to feel a part of something... things get blurry very quickly and it's clear that there are very real feelings on BOTH Neo and Perri's sides. But will their fragile feelings survive the reality of their situation?
Well, I think they did! And I had a blast with this story. I loved the found family we are introduced to and all their complicated relationships. There is an edge of darkness that kept me on my toes. There were questions on the bigger forces at play. Things that have me excited for more.
And of course... the SPICE! Yummy yummy! There are some very enjoyable and creative spicy times...
The 3rd act conflict was a little shaky for me, but it wasn't anything that didn't make sense. It's just my own personal preferences.
I continue to enjoy watching where Ashley Mack takes her writing career next and this one was a really cool step for her.
4.5 stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: Physical assault, child abuse, gambling addiction, kidnapping, captivity, parental death discussed.
I don't know if I've read another book quite like this one. So hats off to Ashley Mack for that. I thought it was really genius how this Captor Captive and forced Fake Dating (that's right, you heard me, forced Fake Dating) played out.
Perri is in the wrong place, wrong time, and sees the wrong thing. This puts her in the cross hairs of Neo, who is a protector and friend to some very important people. So in order to get her to keep quiet, she is forced to not only pretend to be dating Neo, but to also live and work with him as well.
He is supposed to.. Make her love them.. and she surprisingly doesn't find that too hard.
She's always been searching for someone to love and to feel a part of something... things get blurry very quickly and it's clear that there are very real feelings on BOTH Neo and Perri's sides. But will their fragile feelings survive the reality of their situation?
Well, I think they did! And I had a blast with this story. I loved the found family we are introduced to and all their complicated relationships. There is an edge of darkness that kept me on my toes. There were questions on the bigger forces at play. Things that have me excited for more.
And of course... the SPICE! Yummy yummy! There are some very enjoyable and creative spicy times...
The 3rd act conflict was a little shaky for me, but it wasn't anything that didn't make sense. It's just my own personal preferences.
I continue to enjoy watching where Ashley Mack takes her writing career next and this one was a really cool step for her.
4.5 stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: Physical assault, child abuse, gambling addiction, kidnapping, captivity, parental death discussed.
July 9, 2023
22-year old Perri Kane is not wealthy or influential. After losing her parents in a car crash, she used their life insurance money to attend a prestigious boarding school, trying to build a future for herself. When she sees something she shouldn't during a night out, Perri is thrust (with a bag over her head and in the back of a black SUV) into the dangerous world of the city's elite.
Neo Ryan has been Head of Security for his childhood friends for years. He knows their secrets. And has handled more than his fair share of scandals. But what the f*ck is he supposed to do with this girl? He can't "get rid" of her. The ever-present paparazzi made sure of that. But what she knows could destroy all that he's worked to protect. He can't let her go until he's sure she can be trusted. But as time goes on, Perri naturally finds her way into all their hearts...and it's not a contingency he planned for.
I wanted to slap Neo upside his big, handsome, buzzed head.
He was so obsessed with their arrangement having an expiration date. Thank God for Nim, who, I felt like, the author wrote specifically to have a book world conversation with this idiot. Saying all the things I was thinking.
The author writes relatable characters really well. Even if their circumstances are extraordinary, the people themselves are human. The situations they're facing are handled believably, and it makes it easy to connect with them. I love Perri. She's just real, unapologetically herself, and the relationships she builds with the guys are so special. And watching her and Neo living side-by-side? Yummy.
I know it's a captive/captor romance. But, it read more like a bodyguard romance to me. And while that's not normally my bag, I actually didn't mind. There were times throughout the novel that I would latch on to certain details, expecting them to come back around as part of the larger plot. But this isn't a mystery/thriller/action novel. Sure, the conflicts were life-and-death, but it wasn't a nail biter.
If I don't get a violent (but yet, somehow cozy), dark romance with Declan? I will revolt.
That's all.
3 ⭐ - I enjoyed the journey, and Perri will stick out in my mind as a great FMC. This is an honest review, provided in exchange for a digital copy of the novel.
1.5 🌶️ - There are a few explicit scenes, slightly more spicy than vanilla. Great balance between plot and spice.
WHAT TO EXPECT
• Insta-Lust
• Fake Relationship
• Opposites Attract
• Found Family
• Captor / Captive
• Forced Proximity
• Billionaire (adjacent) Romance
Neo Ryan has been Head of Security for his childhood friends for years. He knows their secrets. And has handled more than his fair share of scandals. But what the f*ck is he supposed to do with this girl? He can't "get rid" of her. The ever-present paparazzi made sure of that. But what she knows could destroy all that he's worked to protect. He can't let her go until he's sure she can be trusted. But as time goes on, Perri naturally finds her way into all their hearts...and it's not a contingency he planned for.
I wanted to slap Neo upside his big, handsome, buzzed head.
He was so obsessed with their arrangement having an expiration date. Thank God for Nim, who, I felt like, the author wrote specifically to have a book world conversation with this idiot. Saying all the things I was thinking.
The author writes relatable characters really well. Even if their circumstances are extraordinary, the people themselves are human. The situations they're facing are handled believably, and it makes it easy to connect with them. I love Perri. She's just real, unapologetically herself, and the relationships she builds with the guys are so special. And watching her and Neo living side-by-side? Yummy.
I know it's a captive/captor romance. But, it read more like a bodyguard romance to me. And while that's not normally my bag, I actually didn't mind. There were times throughout the novel that I would latch on to certain details, expecting them to come back around as part of the larger plot. But this isn't a mystery/thriller/action novel. Sure, the conflicts were life-and-death, but it wasn't a nail biter.
If I don't get a violent (but yet, somehow cozy), dark romance with Declan? I will revolt.
That's all.
3 ⭐ - I enjoyed the journey, and Perri will stick out in my mind as a great FMC. This is an honest review, provided in exchange for a digital copy of the novel.
1.5 🌶️ - There are a few explicit scenes, slightly more spicy than vanilla. Great balance between plot and spice.
WHAT TO EXPECT
• Insta-Lust
• Fake Relationship
• Opposites Attract
• Found Family
• Captor / Captive
• Forced Proximity
• Billionaire (adjacent) Romance
July 26, 2023
I love the was Ashley Mack writes relatable characters in outstanding situations. This was such an enjoyable story with so many great tropes and fascinating developments for both the plot and the characters. I love the intro and the build up, the chemistry and the banter. All of that really did it for me but I especially loved Perri's realness, her wit, and, and her stick-to-itiveness. That being said, again, I really loved all the characters, so please, Ashley, write more stories in this world!!!
August 24, 2025
Falling in love is easy, but sometimes, the past leaves you too jaded to accept that love
New to me author who I happened to follow on tiktok. This story definitely had a lot of twists and turns, but I love a found family story.
New to me author who I happened to follow on tiktok. This story definitely had a lot of twists and turns, but I love a found family story.
July 29, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/6.
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5.
Absolutely loved this! My favorite book of Ashley so far!
There was something "extra" missing for me to get to a full 6 Star but this was addicting and i LOVED it.
I was glued to my kindle from beginning till the end and i regret nothing.
The premise was riveting and everything from there just kept getting better.
I loved being in Neo & Perri's head. I just loved the story!
They were so good together but i loved that although they had an instant attraction and connection, they didn't gave in right away. They took their time learning each other and learn how to live with someone that is your captor and she was your captive. Although that was their circumstances, Perri was very understanding of her situation but also of Neo and what his job entailed.
I liked that both Neo & Perri knew to some extent what would happen once things started falling into place.
I liked that i wasn't expecting, AT ALL, what Neo would do in order to test her loyalty. He definetly crossed a line and it was painful. Perri stayed strong and resilient through it all and i loved that about her. She proved herself again and again.
I loved the fact that Perri took every men under her wing and treated them kindly and friendly. I loved reading that. She was all around very likable.
I also loved the people in Neo's world and i loved how Perri fit in without even trying.
I guess the little "extra" i wanted from this once it was over was the emotional conversations ( honestly one of these would have been it for it, i didn't need more than one) and i didn't get that, there was only mentions of it. I did love how ultimately everything was handled and how everything happened.
Definitely my favorite of the 4 books I've read so far of Ashley and i can't wait to read more and hopefully there's more in this series coming.
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5.
Absolutely loved this! My favorite book of Ashley so far!
There was something "extra" missing for me to get to a full 6 Star but this was addicting and i LOVED it.
I was glued to my kindle from beginning till the end and i regret nothing.
The premise was riveting and everything from there just kept getting better.
I loved being in Neo & Perri's head. I just loved the story!
They were so good together but i loved that although they had an instant attraction and connection, they didn't gave in right away. They took their time learning each other and learn how to live with someone that is your captor and she was your captive. Although that was their circumstances, Perri was very understanding of her situation but also of Neo and what his job entailed.
I liked that both Neo & Perri knew to some extent what would happen once things started falling into place.
I liked that i wasn't expecting, AT ALL, what Neo would do in order to test her loyalty. He definetly crossed a line and it was painful. Perri stayed strong and resilient through it all and i loved that about her. She proved herself again and again.
I loved the fact that Perri took every men under her wing and treated them kindly and friendly. I loved reading that. She was all around very likable.
I also loved the people in Neo's world and i loved how Perri fit in without even trying.
I guess the little "extra" i wanted from this once it was over was the emotional conversations ( honestly one of these would have been it for it, i didn't need more than one) and i didn't get that, there was only mentions of it. I did love how ultimately everything was handled and how everything happened.
Definitely my favorite of the 4 books I've read so far of Ashley and i can't wait to read more and hopefully there's more in this series coming.
August 1, 2023
SUCH A PERFECT READ!!!
If anyone needs a book to get themselves out of a book slump, then I’d recommend this book!!
Take to Heart takes us on this incredible journey that involves Perri and Neo.
Perri seems to have been in a wrong place, wrong time type of situation after mistaken someone and then seeing something she shouldn’t have seen.
Neo, being the head bodyguard there to protect his friend, decided to interrogate Perri to see if she can be trusted. It appears that a decision cannot be made so what does Neo do? He enters a fake dating arrangement. (AHH) 😭
One thing leads to the next, and with palpable tension between the two, Neo cannot contain his desire and becomes hesitant on whether he should believe his heart or follow the rules he’s set for himself.
I’ll have to say that the course of actions that Neo took really hit me hard, but I know it hit him harder.
There was tension, groveling, a overall conflict, romance, spice scenes, and even a turn of events with other characters that I was not expecting.
I genuinely tried to savor every bit of this book as much I could because I didn’t want it to end.
I’ve only read two other works by Ashley but I think this is one of the bests!! I can definitely recommend it to anyone!
Of course, there is a HEA for all characters involved but I would LOVE to see books from their points of view.
-eARC for honest thoughts and opinions.
If anyone needs a book to get themselves out of a book slump, then I’d recommend this book!!
Take to Heart takes us on this incredible journey that involves Perri and Neo.
Perri seems to have been in a wrong place, wrong time type of situation after mistaken someone and then seeing something she shouldn’t have seen.
Neo, being the head bodyguard there to protect his friend, decided to interrogate Perri to see if she can be trusted. It appears that a decision cannot be made so what does Neo do? He enters a fake dating arrangement. (AHH) 😭
One thing leads to the next, and with palpable tension between the two, Neo cannot contain his desire and becomes hesitant on whether he should believe his heart or follow the rules he’s set for himself.
I’ll have to say that the course of actions that Neo took really hit me hard, but I know it hit him harder.
There was tension, groveling, a overall conflict, romance, spice scenes, and even a turn of events with other characters that I was not expecting.
I genuinely tried to savor every bit of this book as much I could because I didn’t want it to end.
I’ve only read two other works by Ashley but I think this is one of the bests!! I can definitely recommend it to anyone!
Of course, there is a HEA for all characters involved but I would LOVE to see books from their points of view.
-eARC for honest thoughts and opinions.
July 30, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ .5 /5
Spiciness rating: 🌶🌶 .5/5
Kindle Unlimited [ ✕ ] YES [ ] NO
Stand-alone [ ✕ ]YES [ ] NO
POV: first person - dual pov
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes:
Fake dating
Forced proximity
celibate hero
Sweet + smart heroine
Found family
My thoughts : I recently read Take to Heart by Ashley Mack, which was my first time reading anything by this author. Although the book is categorized as a captive/captor romance, I didn't feel like it fit that definition very well. The writing was decent, but the characters could have had more depth and backstory so I could understand them better. Overall, I thought the book was just okay and didn't really stand out to me. However, I did finish reading it, so it was okay too. Some reviewers have rated it highly on the spice scale, but personally, I found it to be moderately spicy.
Spiciness rating: 🌶🌶 .5/5
Kindle Unlimited [ ✕ ] YES [ ] NO
Stand-alone [ ✕ ]YES [ ] NO
POV: first person - dual pov
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes:
Fake dating
Forced proximity
celibate hero
Sweet + smart heroine
Found family
My thoughts : I recently read Take to Heart by Ashley Mack, which was my first time reading anything by this author. Although the book is categorized as a captive/captor romance, I didn't feel like it fit that definition very well. The writing was decent, but the characters could have had more depth and backstory so I could understand them better. Overall, I thought the book was just okay and didn't really stand out to me. However, I did finish reading it, so it was okay too. Some reviewers have rated it highly on the spice scale, but personally, I found it to be moderately spicy.
October 14, 2023
I don’t even know how to put to words what I just read, the one and only reason this book ended up a 3 star was for the first 75% of the book the scene that happens once you hit that point ruined the entire book for me and if I hadn’t been that far into it I would have DNFd in a heartbeat. I read dark romance and really enjoy it and there is not a whole lot I can’t forgive in a character with a lot of groveling but I don’t know what in the holy Stockholm syndrome nightmare would ever make the fmc go back to Neo, I have never rooted for a couple to NOT have an Hea as much as I did this one
July 27, 2023
This one is going straight into my 2023 favorites 💯
I just love Ashley's writing style, it had me me captured after the first few words. Her characters are interesting and she takes her time, developing their story. I feel, there is not much worse in a book, other than being rushed through it.
Ps: her spice is delish😉😍
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3.4/5
I just love Ashley's writing style, it had me me captured after the first few words. Her characters are interesting and she takes her time, developing their story. I feel, there is not much worse in a book, other than being rushed through it.
Ps: her spice is delish😉😍
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3.4/5
August 16, 2023
It's been so long since I read a trashy romance novel, and this one was perfect for getting back into it! I finished it in two days, I couldn't put it down and I wish I had more to read! Love the characters and plot!
Is there a book about Harrison and Calliope? 👀
Is there a book about Harrison and Calliope? 👀
December 4, 2023
I too would take a dumbass man like that back if I was that dickmatized
July 9, 2024
Sweet and Spicy!
I love how mentally sound and logical the FMC is! Truly inspiring! I couldn't put it down and love the HEA!
I love how mentally sound and logical the FMC is! Truly inspiring! I couldn't put it down and love the HEA!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews