What do you think?
Rate this book
Captivated: Echoes of Yesterday
A man with a dark past. A woman seeking a fresh start. Their collision will take you on an emotional rollercoaster of passion, danger, and redemption.
Chris
I thought I’d buried my past in Seattle, left behind the bloodshed, betrayal, and the choices that still haunt me. I’ve worked hard to build a life that doesn’t revolve around violence. But when old enemies resurface, I’m dragged back into a world I thought I’d escaped. The stakes have never been higher, and the last thing I need is a distraction. Then I met Stacey.
She’s everything I don’t kind, curious, and full of light. I should stay away, but the more time we spend together, the harder it is to let her go. If she finds out who I really am, I’ll risk losing the one thing I never thought I could have - a future worth fighting for.
Stacey
Moving to Seattle was supposed to be my chance to start over, to rebuild my life after heartbreak. But nothing could have prepared me for Chris - enigmatic, guarded, and impossible to ignore. I know he’s hiding something, but I can’t seem to stay away.
The deeper I fall, the more I realize his world is far darker than I imagined. There are shadows in his past that terrify me, and secrets that could destroy us both. I need to decide if risking my heart and my dream job for him is worth the danger - or if I’m better off walking away before it’s too late.
Jump into a world where love collides with danger and redemption comes at a cost.
~
This is the first book in the Captivated Series.
This book contains adult themes and is suited to readers 18+
Chris
I thought I’d buried my past in Seattle, left behind the bloodshed, betrayal, and the choices that still haunt me. I’ve worked hard to build a life that doesn’t revolve around violence. But when old enemies resurface, I’m dragged back into a world I thought I’d escaped. The stakes have never been higher, and the last thing I need is a distraction. Then I met Stacey.
She’s everything I don’t kind, curious, and full of light. I should stay away, but the more time we spend together, the harder it is to let her go. If she finds out who I really am, I’ll risk losing the one thing I never thought I could have - a future worth fighting for.
Stacey
Moving to Seattle was supposed to be my chance to start over, to rebuild my life after heartbreak. But nothing could have prepared me for Chris - enigmatic, guarded, and impossible to ignore. I know he’s hiding something, but I can’t seem to stay away.
The deeper I fall, the more I realize his world is far darker than I imagined. There are shadows in his past that terrify me, and secrets that could destroy us both. I need to decide if risking my heart and my dream job for him is worth the danger - or if I’m better off walking away before it’s too late.
Jump into a world where love collides with danger and redemption comes at a cost.
~
This is the first book in the Captivated Series.
This book contains adult themes and is suited to readers 18+
400 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2025
4 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 22, 2025
Firstly I would like to thank Ash Mitchell for allowing me the opportunity to receive an ARC copy of Captivated (the first book in the Echoes Of Yesterday series) and congratulate her on an AMAZING debut novel. As an indie author, it can be incredibly hard to get your name and work out and into the world but Ash has truly done an incredible job and as a result, she has graced us with a stellar book 🥰
I genuinely loved everything about this book and it had me hooked from the very first chapter. It was a real page turner and such an easy 5 star rating. I am going to be very patiently (yet impatiently 😂) waiting for book 2.
Chris and Stacey.. Wow!
Stacey (our NZ born FMC) moved to Seattle to better her career as a lawyer and create a future for herself. It wasn’t long before she landed her dream job and everything fell into place seamlessly. She was happy, successful and thriving.
Chris (our Colombian born MMC) fled his home country in the hopes of leaving his dark past behind. Escaping the cartel was something Chris knew would be hard, if not impossible, but he was determined to try.
Chris has one goal: keep his head down and live completely undetected.
It isn’t until Chris’ boss, Mr, Fidell, becomes a client at the law firm where Stacey works that their paths cross for the best first time.
It was instant electric energy, though both Chris and Stacey kept their true feelings very much under wraps.
Any form of relationship was strictly forbidden. Stacey is an employee, and Chris is a security guard of their very high profile client.
Of course, the no fraternising rule was a no brainer. So why was it so hard to stay away?…
When their two unlikely worlds collide unexpectedly, an explosion of love, fierce chemistry, secrets and heartache pour into Chris and Stacey’s lives, unraveling everything and everyone they thought they knew.
Can they make it? Or are the secrets of the past too big to remain hidden?
Tropes:
👀 | Dual POV
🔥 | Slow burn w/ explosive chemistry
❤️🩹 | Forbidden love
💀 | Touch her and d!e
🖤 | Dark action romance
I genuinely loved everything about this book and it had me hooked from the very first chapter. It was a real page turner and such an easy 5 star rating. I am going to be very patiently (yet impatiently 😂) waiting for book 2.
Chris and Stacey.. Wow!
Stacey (our NZ born FMC) moved to Seattle to better her career as a lawyer and create a future for herself. It wasn’t long before she landed her dream job and everything fell into place seamlessly. She was happy, successful and thriving.
Chris (our Colombian born MMC) fled his home country in the hopes of leaving his dark past behind. Escaping the cartel was something Chris knew would be hard, if not impossible, but he was determined to try.
Chris has one goal: keep his head down and live completely undetected.
It isn’t until Chris’ boss, Mr, Fidell, becomes a client at the law firm where Stacey works that their paths cross for the best first time.
It was instant electric energy, though both Chris and Stacey kept their true feelings very much under wraps.
Any form of relationship was strictly forbidden. Stacey is an employee, and Chris is a security guard of their very high profile client.
Of course, the no fraternising rule was a no brainer. So why was it so hard to stay away?…
When their two unlikely worlds collide unexpectedly, an explosion of love, fierce chemistry, secrets and heartache pour into Chris and Stacey’s lives, unraveling everything and everyone they thought they knew.
Can they make it? Or are the secrets of the past too big to remain hidden?
Tropes:
👀 | Dual POV
🔥 | Slow burn w/ explosive chemistry
❤️🩹 | Forbidden love
💀 | Touch her and d!e
🖤 | Dark action romance
July 5, 2025
Right off the rip this story had me engaged. I was SAT for entirety of the book. Chris & Stacey's story gripped me and honestly, I NEED THE SECOND BOOK STAT. Chris coming from a shady background. & Stacey is just trying to start new. Little these two know that they would not only have to worry about the cartel coming for them but Chris's boss looming in the background warning Chris not to engage with Stacey. But we all have a weakness right?
These two and the under the surface chemistry for most of the book then BOOM they crash into one another. Phew, the intimacy is through the roof and I loved how it wasn't the focus of the book. Captivated was focused on their relationship while working together as well as how they navigated difficult situations.
Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
PS. I'M SAT WAITING FOR BOOK TWO.
These two and the under the surface chemistry for most of the book then BOOM they crash into one another. Phew, the intimacy is through the roof and I loved how it wasn't the focus of the book. Captivated was focused on their relationship while working together as well as how they navigated difficult situations.
Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
PS. I'M SAT WAITING FOR BOOK TWO.
June 28, 2025
Read this book!
This is a slow burn, mixed with drama and topped with a little bit of spice.
Chris has a past that he’s trying to hide from. Stacey wants to focus on her career and enjoy the single life. Once their eyes meet, it’s all over 🥵 the sexual tension, the banter, the bad boy/good girl vibes, touch her and die, learning each other’s bodies… ooh give me more!
Oh that’s right, Ash has left us hanging. When is the next one coming, I NEED it NOW 🙋🏻♀️
This is a slow burn, mixed with drama and topped with a little bit of spice.
Chris has a past that he’s trying to hide from. Stacey wants to focus on her career and enjoy the single life. Once their eyes meet, it’s all over 🥵 the sexual tension, the banter, the bad boy/good girl vibes, touch her and die, learning each other’s bodies… ooh give me more!
Oh that’s right, Ash has left us hanging. When is the next one coming, I NEED it NOW 🙋🏻♀️
June 21, 2025
Stacey moves to Seattle for a fresh start after a heartbreak, and Chris is running from his violent past.
Together they find love with a backdrop of danger and suspense.
Stacey is originally from New Zealand, which I love, and the dialogue is on point for Kiwis - we do have a potty mouth. Chris, from Colombia running from the mafia brings darkness to Stacey’s light. Together, they need to fight in the shadows to survive the danger coming.
I throughly enjoyed this first book in the series.
Together they find love with a backdrop of danger and suspense.
Stacey is originally from New Zealand, which I love, and the dialogue is on point for Kiwis - we do have a potty mouth. Chris, from Colombia running from the mafia brings darkness to Stacey’s light. Together, they need to fight in the shadows to survive the danger coming.
I throughly enjoyed this first book in the series.
June 23, 2025
A great medium paced slow burn spicy romance. I couldn't put it down. A little bit of danger, a little bit of should I or shouldn't I, add a tad more spice. Mix in some cartel and some emotion. It's a great read.
June 16, 2025
Really enjoyed this book and how the characters interacted and made it a page turner. I’m looking forward to book to see this story continue.
June 20, 2025
Captivated is certainly what I felt as this story hooked me in and kept me captivated all the way through. Chris and Stacey's connection unfolded so beautifully. Their chemistry was stunning. This story had the perfect amount of action and drama to keep engaged throughout and I cannot wait until the next one!
June 29, 2025
ARC REVIEW:
Thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader 😍
After escaping the ruthless grip of a Colombian cartel, Chris lands in Seattle, ready to disappear into a quieter life. But “quiet” isn’t exactly what he gets. As the brooding, hyper-alert head of security for Mr. Fidell, he’s always watching, always calculating and totally not prepared for her.
Stacey is a lawyer, all confidence and perfectly polished edges… until she sees him. The moment their eyes lock, it’s like an electric shock. She doesn’t do reckless. But Chris? He’s a walking temptation with a dangerous past and a body built for sin.
Chris is more than a dark past 😎he’s loyal, lethal, and lowkey obsessed with protecting Stacey… even if it means crossing lines he swore he wouldn’t.
📷 Surveillance footage that turns into something extra
🍕 Pizza nights + emotional vulnerability = yes pls
💦 Whipped cream… and everything that followed 🫦
Thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader 😍
After escaping the ruthless grip of a Colombian cartel, Chris lands in Seattle, ready to disappear into a quieter life. But “quiet” isn’t exactly what he gets. As the brooding, hyper-alert head of security for Mr. Fidell, he’s always watching, always calculating and totally not prepared for her.
Stacey is a lawyer, all confidence and perfectly polished edges… until she sees him. The moment their eyes lock, it’s like an electric shock. She doesn’t do reckless. But Chris? He’s a walking temptation with a dangerous past and a body built for sin.
Chris is more than a dark past 😎he’s loyal, lethal, and lowkey obsessed with protecting Stacey… even if it means crossing lines he swore he wouldn’t.
📷 Surveillance footage that turns into something extra
🍕 Pizza nights + emotional vulnerability = yes pls
💦 Whipped cream… and everything that followed 🫦
June 29, 2025
Firstly, thank you so much Ash for the ARC and for bringing this book to life.
I really enjoyed this first book in the echoes of yesterday series. Its an easy read, dark action romance with our MMC Chris who is a gentle, soft golden retriever on the inside but a Doberman on the outside who’s been on the run after leaving the cartel and our FMC Stacey who is a laid back, small town kiwi woman in the big smoke trying to move on from her own traumatic past. She’s everything he’s needed, the light in the dark but no one just leaves the cartel and they are relentless.
Kept me intrigued all the way through, really enjoyed the characters and I’m really looking forward to learning more about their pasts and where they go to from here.
Great first novel and def one of the best I’ve read in the dark action romance genre.
I really enjoyed this first book in the echoes of yesterday series. Its an easy read, dark action romance with our MMC Chris who is a gentle, soft golden retriever on the inside but a Doberman on the outside who’s been on the run after leaving the cartel and our FMC Stacey who is a laid back, small town kiwi woman in the big smoke trying to move on from her own traumatic past. She’s everything he’s needed, the light in the dark but no one just leaves the cartel and they are relentless.
Kept me intrigued all the way through, really enjoyed the characters and I’m really looking forward to learning more about their pasts and where they go to from here.
Great first novel and def one of the best I’ve read in the dark action romance genre.
June 30, 2025
Thank you Ash Mitchell for an ARC copy of your first book. I really enjoyed seeing the relationship between the two main characters build and how they slowly allowed themselves to be vulnerable with each other. There is still so much for us to learn about them though and I hope we get to see more about their backgrounds in the next book. I also enjoyed seeing the little bits of New Zealand that were scattered throughout the book. After leaving us on a cliffhanger I hope we don’t have to wait too long for book two!
July 15, 2025
I absolutely loved the references to New Zealand, it felt iconic and refreshing, especially since we rarely get those in books like this. Chris instantly stood out to me as the kind of character who’s dangerously charming: a little bit naughty, a whole lot sexy, and somehow manages to play by the rules while still keeping things rough around the edges. He lived rent-free in my head the whole time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2025
An amazing ARC read by Ash Mitchell!! Holy cow, a great slow burn with awesome character building, i really felt like i was living the drama and turns on the pages! But damn! A cliffhanger! I really fell for the love story, the secrets and deception, you can tell there’s so much more to Chris than we first witness
June 23, 2025
Rounded off from 4.5 stars!
First off, I have to say—I spent the entire day reading this book in while battling fatigue, even with 2 naps in between. That’s how captivated I was (pun intended!) by Chris and Stacey’s story. I was hooked from the very first chapter.
This isn’t the kind of romance I usually go for, but I devoured every moment. The slow burn was so well done, and the chemistry between Chris and Stacey was electric. Their connection felt natural and intense from the start, and I couldn’t. get. enough!!
While it’s not a dark romance, it does carry some dark romance elements. It’s a great entry point for anyone curious about mafia or cartel stories without diving into anything too heavy. The book strikes a strong balance of action, drama, and romance. (That said, do check the trigger warnings to protect your mental health!!)
Thank you to Ash Mitchell for the ARC! I had such a blast reading this—it was a true page-turner!!! I can’t wait for the next book!
First off, I have to say—I spent the entire day reading this book in while battling fatigue, even with 2 naps in between. That’s how captivated I was (pun intended!) by Chris and Stacey’s story. I was hooked from the very first chapter.
This isn’t the kind of romance I usually go for, but I devoured every moment. The slow burn was so well done, and the chemistry between Chris and Stacey was electric. Their connection felt natural and intense from the start, and I couldn’t. get. enough!!
While it’s not a dark romance, it does carry some dark romance elements. It’s a great entry point for anyone curious about mafia or cartel stories without diving into anything too heavy. The book strikes a strong balance of action, drama, and romance. (That said, do check the trigger warnings to protect your mental health!!)
Thank you to Ash Mitchell for the ARC! I had such a blast reading this—it was a true page-turner!!! I can’t wait for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews