Captive Heart

Club Risqué #6

by Poppy Flynn

What is a psychologist supposed to do when a bruised and battered woman literally falls at his feet, unconscious, right outside the lifestyle club where he is the manager? Micah Flynn is torn. He feels drawn to Melody and wants to protect her from the horror she has escaped from. The trouble is he’s well aware that he has a bit of a saviour complex, and he’s not convinced about Melody’s motivation, either.

Melody has been held in captivity for years. When she finally manages to escape, she offers herself to Micah because being owned is the only thing she knows.

Haunted by his past, the last thing in the world Micah wants is a M/s relationship, but he reluctantly takes on the role of Master – in name only – until Melody is able to think for herself and stand on her own two feet.

Melody’s feelings for Micah grow as he shows her the first true glimpses of human kindness and respect. The trouble is he insists that her feelings for him are simply born of gratitude, and refuses her advances in the moral belief he would be taking advantage of her.

Is it possible for the two of them to make the transition from ownership… to love?
And what will happen if Melody’s captor discovers where she is?

Publisher's Note: This steamy contemporary romance contains elements of power exchange.

Genres: BDSM, Erotica, Abuse

251 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2019

Reviews

[Deanie Nelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've loved Master Micah since his first appearance in the Club Risque series, and wondered when he was going to find his true love. Apparently, she's going to show up on his doorstep, half-frozen and starving. Melody has escaped from involuntary slavery (who her "Master" kind of frames as BDSM, but it really isn't). She hasn't lived independently her adult life, which is problematic for herself and Micah (and the readers).

While I love the relationship between the two, I would have liked to see a bit more independence from Melody. While she does love Micah, I'm not sure how much of a psychological capability she has to make that judgement. She definitely needs therapy from outside sources. Otherwise, this is a good book dealing with a terrible situation.

[DD11 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of trigger warnings so be aware. Survivor story from abuse. Micah the best male character of the whole series. Best book of the series.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you been following this series? Are you as invested as I am in finding out all the juicy tidbits of the characters Poppy Flynn has introduced us to in her "Club Risqué" series? If you are, then like me you'll dive right into 'Captive Heart' to witness Micah's story. We've already witnessed his caring heat while trying to help Fluff, aka Laurel. There have been numerous hints at a sadness he carries but never talks about. And then there's the mutually agreed 'scratching an itch agreement' that was between him and Trinity. Now Ms. Flynn has brought the details forward of not only his past but the woman fate has literally dropped at his feet while he's been staying at the club. Melody had just been on the run from a previous M/s relationship when hypothermia, injuries, and exhaustion had her hiding outside "Club Risqué". Read the blurb carefully. Know there could be triggers within this story, her past is that intense but Ms. Flynn delivers a compassionate, chemistry-filled, awe-inspiring story that is remarkable.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Micah's story!

I have been waiting impatiently to read Micah's story. I was drawn to him from the first time he was mentioned in the series. It was worth the wait and I could have read this book a long time before now if I had made this series a a priority instead of reading other books instead. I even paused reading book 5 in the series, which is Trinity's story.

Micah will have to dig deep to not only help someone else in need but also to prevent himself from inadvertently hurting or possibly taking advantage of her. A heartbreaking story that might help him through his own skeletons, imagined or actual.

The cast of characters make their appearance in this book also, which makes the world Poppy had created feel even more real.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding BDSM novel

I love this book by this writer, it does a really job of featuring a character who is a psychologist as well the other secondary characters are real good as well. The h is a wonderful character that I really loved, she is very strong and I love the part of the story from her PO, there is a part of the story that is from Micah, the H's PO and that is great too. I am sure that you will like this story if you like a good BDSM story. Note that there is an excellent HEA as well.

[Teresa R · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s Free, But What of Her Heart

Melody has finally escaped the Brute and her horrific captivity and has been found by Micah. Will he be able to help her heal not only her body but her mind and soul as well? Will they be able to respond to the passion they feel without them both becoming lost again.

[Bluebyyou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compelling read.

I enjoyed the overall story, both the lead characters, the emotional relationship-building and the satisfying climax and conclusion.

But:

The first half had an oddly maudlin tone, the female lead was pretty sexually bold for someone who had been conditioned thru extreme physical torture for three years to be a docile slave and I was uncomfortable with some of the decisions the male lead made in regards to her, given that background.

Then the second half had a much more immediate feel and the female lead changed on a dime from scared rabbit to adventurous kitten. Also, she was suddenly good friends with a bunch of woman who had not been mentioned once before in relation to her.

So I am not sure if I would recommend it or not.

[Ｙｅｓｓｅｎｉａ · Rating 2 out of 5]

「🔒 2.5 stars 🔓」

Good beginning, bad ending. The story started off with a bang; the way Melody narrates the escape from her “Master” was heartbreaking, you could feel her fear. It was very engaging. After she ends up being caught by Micah living outside 𝒞𝓁𝓊𝒷 𝑅𝒾𝓈𝓆𝓊𝑒 is when this starts to spiral downwards. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t feel the connection between them. That was the main problem for me. Even when in the last chapter she says the L word, it’s not until the last paragraphs that he reciprocates. I just didn’t feel it. It didn’t help he kept thinking whatever she did was because of gratitude. It became frustrating.

Besides that, there were other things that bothered me. Like the protagonists spending more time in their heads than really doing something, especially Micah. That man! I know he’s a psychologist but he overanalyzed everything whether it came from others or from him. It made the story drag a little. And let’s not talk about when he refers to his voice as “Dom voice”; I know what the purpose was of calling it that way but it was kind of funny and sounded silly to me. Melody was more a case of mental rambling.

The story had potential but with that ending, it was like hara-kiri. I expected more seeing how good the book started. I don’t know if I’ll try again this author, we’ll see.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book. It was so well-written that it captured my mind and I was dragged along for the ride. Once I started reading I could not put it down until I read the last page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JD (on semi-hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I get to my review, I want to warn prospective readers that the h experiences domestic violence and rape (not at the hands of the H -- it bothers me that I even have to say this), which may be triggers for some. In addition, though this book takes place almost entirely in a BDSM club, ironically, there's very little BDSM action (though there is detailed sex). All the Club Risque books are actual stories with erotica (rather than erotica with stories) -- this one more so than the others.

Melody is a "slave" who runs away from a violent master and takes refuge with Micah, who is a dom. Together, the two explore a healthy D/s relationship that helps the h heal from her past physical and emotional trauma. This particular plot is one that I've seen other writers use recently: both Maren Smith and Cherise Sinclair do in Fearless and I Will Not Beg, respectively (I suppose some might also put Sophie Kisker's books in this category). To put it in more formal terms, this plot and character trope is now a sub-genre of the BDSM genre (as are DD/lg, RH, and mafia). I think I'll call it "Abused Slave" -- for want of a better term.

Below is what worked for me and what didn't work for me.

What Worked:

1) The opening scene: Is one of the most compelling of any book I've read in this genre. Because it starts at a particularly high point of tension (Melody's escape from her abusive master) and because it's particularly detailed and well-described, it works very well in A) Creating Suspense (will she escape or will her master catch her?), B) Eliciting Reader Empathy (our hearts ache for this young woman who has suffered so much), and C) Building Character (she displays a lot of strength, courage, and tenacity in escaping). Because I'd rather show than tell, here is the book's opening paragraph; you'll see what I mean:

The bitter wind enshrouded her with a bone deep cold while tiny shards of icy hail bit cruelly into her bruised body. Her fingers and toes had long since turned numb, and she had to wonder if the stinging pelt of the mostly frozen sleet against her bare skin was actually managing to aid her sluggish circulation. One thing was certain, if she didn't find a way to shelter and warmth, then she wouldn't need to worry whether or not the next beating might kill her because the biting cold surely would.

2) Micah: I've read all of Ms. Flynn's other books and my past criticisms have included this: "Most of her male characters, however, are idiots who make serious mistakes that cost them their lovers' trust, barely make up for them, and don't deserve the women they end up with." This is so not true here. Micah is wonderful! After finding Melody, he takes care of her -- physically and emotionally -- so devotedly, tenderly, and honorably (he resists sex at first, even though he wants it, because he's afraid he'll hurt her) that you root for them as a couple from the beginning. Though Micah, like the other books' male characters, has moments where he pulls away from her, it's more because he's afraid he'll damage her further than from any selfishness on his part. In addition, Ms. Flynn does NOT make the mistake that so many authors in this genre do by having the H insist the h trust him and do what he says even though the two have just met. Authors: please take note of what Micah says here and learn: "I know you don't know me and have no reason to believe what I'm saying right now, but I don't want to hurt you."

3) Theme: Globally, one in three women is the victim of domestic partner violence (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sh...). While there's no way of knowing how many BDSM/dd partnerships this includes (I would assume very few because -- statistically -- there simply aren't that many of them), I will say that, anecdotally, I've read BDSM/dd blogs where I've thought the women were being abused (I've also read blogs where I don't think they have -- I'm not saying that these relationships are more inherently abusive than any other). In any case, there's no disputing that violence against women is an international epidemic that isn't going away any time soon. Some of the reasons that women have a hard time leaving are all represented here (fear, no job, no income, no skills, no self-confidence). I appreciate Ms. Flynn's willingness to tackle such a difficult and important subject.

4) Diversity: In a genre that's overwhelmingly young, white, middle-class, and abled, Ms. Flynn introduces a disabled character (who we saw briefly in the last novel).

What Didn't:

1) The writing style. This is what I've said about it in my past reviews: "Ms. Flynn badly needs an editor or a beta reader. Her writing is repetitious to the point of boredom...I strongly suggest the author substitute dialogue for at least some of the endless internal monologues; this would make the writing more dynamic." And this is still true here. TBH: I skimmed a lot of this book (the main reason I didn't rate it more highly). While I enjoy the author's descriptions, there is a point where the detail becomes too much ("he was glad he'd had the forethought to protect the carpet with a plastic sheet and a towel"). And Ms. Flynn's trademark repetition is very much evident here (we hear the same things about Sara over and over again -- only at the end do we get more and different information; we hear about the mechanics of Melody's escape several times; we hear about Micah's concerns about getting involved with Melody over and over again). Tip: If we're not getting the information in a new way -- that moves the plot along or reveals something new about character -- take it out. And I really do suggest that you turn some of the endless inner monologues into dialogue as they are just drags on the book. If you don't use a beta reader, you may want to print out drafts of the book and hi-lite all the similar information; you'll be surprised at how much of it you'll find.

Finally, I had mixed feelings about Melody. On the one hand, I really did feel for her and I admired her resilience. On the other hand, there was something unreal about her in what is otherwise a realistic book. She seems almost otherwordly, with her violet eyes and her silver hair, and the fact that the long-term abuse doesn't have the effect on her you might imagine (you do have to suspend a lot of disbelief here). And Ms. Flynn lets Melody's "Daddy" off far too lightly: the age of consent in the US is 18 in many states (I realize that it's lower in the UK) -- "Daddy" was a pedophile.

3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4. I actually think that most readers not bothered by the writing style will more likely rate it as a four or a five because there's no question that you become emotionally invested in the characters. Looking forward to Xavier's story.

Note: While ymmv, I adhere to the ratings system as laid out by Goodreads: 2 stars = it was okay; 3 stars = liked it; 4 stars = really liked it; 5 stars = it was amazing. I gave this book 3 1/2 stars because I found Melody and Micah compelling even though the repetition and inner monologues were grating. I do not think that every book I read is "amazing;" further, I think that it cheapens the rating system to always assign 4 or 5 stars. If a book really earns the 4 or 5 stars (and I realize that this is, to some degree, subjective), I'll give them -- but it certainly shouldn't apply to every book. Again, ymmv, and everyone should enjoy/rate these books as they wish.

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captive Heart is dark, powerful, and emotionally riveting! This sixth installment in the BDSM series Club Risqué is my favorite so far. Micah is a psychologist by training and a passionate Dom with a very strong sense of self and a clearly delineated moral compass. Fighting through his past traumas, he has closed his heart to relationships that involve emotions. Intensely self-reflective and intellectual while also beautifully build both inside and out, he is a sexy and commanding lead. I really love how much his world is upended when he decides to help the poor woman he finds in shambles outside his club. She has experienced so much trauma of her own, and despite it all she is a fighter, a survivor, and a highly functioning thinker.

I absolutely adore how author Poppy Flynn pens her novels with compassion and empathy while also delivering the nitty gritty and the hard stuff eloquently. If there is one thing this book does really well, it is elicit emotions! This story focuses more on the emotional side and processing, and I love how we get to know each of our leads so well through this story. There are some action scenes that fit well into the plot, but the focus is on the building relationships and the gamut of emotions that come along with them. This book with rip you through your paces and keep you hooked from start to finish. I loved it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

WARNING: This book contains scenes that depict serious scenes and issues of sexual abuse, which are handled very well, that some readers may find disturbing or be triggered. For those who choose to continue, you won’t be disappointed!

While this is book 6 in the series, you can read this book standalone.

Something beautiful where there has only ever been ugliness. The world is full of what ifs. The shadows of both their pasts won’t stand between them.

Micah Flynn is a former psychologist and currently the manager of a BDSM club. Melody is a woman that he finds outside the club in dire need of help and protection. She’s just escaped from a horrendous nightmare that she’s been in for years. With Micah’s help she’s putting her life back together and the nightmare behind her until she’s found by her tormentors. Micah will do whatever it takes to find Melody and bring these monsters to justice.

This book really takes you on a ride of fear, guilt, and redemption. It starts off with a bang and doesn’t slow down as it takes you on the ride with these wonderful characters. I couldn’t put this book down and cannot wait to find out what happens next!

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captive Heart is the 6th book in the re-edited and re-published Club Risque series. It's Master Micah's long-awaited story and can be read as a standalone. Be aware that this is the most emotionally challenging book in the series, since the FMC, Melody is the survivor of the worst imaginable abuse. Told from both POVs, we get a front seat to both her actual thoughts and feelings as well as what he imagines them to be - and it's interesting to see how even an experienced psychologist and Dom can be so wrong about some of them and yet so right in the way he treats her. Add in his own troubled past and it's not an easy read, but a very rewarding one as in the end, they both grow stronger and help each other overcome past pain while finding the kind of forever-connection they never dreamt was possible.
I was lucky to have received an advanced copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Becky Dreyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captive Heart is the 6th book in the Club Risque series. This is a dark bdsm romance. The story does touch on some sensitive subjects so please read the trigger warnings before reading. To fully enjoy the storylines as well as the characters, it is highly recommended to read this series in order. This is Micah's story. Although Micah enjoys his role as club manager, he is still fighting demons from his past. This is proven even harder to do when he stumbles upon a broken shell of a woman outside the club. Melody's unfortunate circumstances and history make it even harder as it brings his demons and guilt even closer to the surface. Will Micah ever be able to let go of the guilt and demons of his past? I was hooked from the start to the finish. Then story is so well written it pulls you in and you can feel the characters emotions and anguish. Fantastic read and I can't wait to see what comes next!!.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Carey Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warped

This poor lady meets so many crazy men and best as I can tell only 2 are really good... but still they too have some issues to sort... the married men of the Club don't really count. I am hoping the duel Doms she was hoping to meet actually make it into the next book or two in this series. I kinda wish they had got to give her her spanking as she wished so her new Master could have got more involved with other club members... this whole book is at the club and a small part is at the place she was held captive and her escape route. It also involves a lot of thoughts, sometimes rethinking the same things in different ways. I didn't like the repetitive stuff but and the interaction with other people was far to limited for my liking that's why I only gave it 4 stars but it is a good story...it is completely different from the other stories in this series.

["They Did What?" · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about Micah, who because of his degree in psychology, has a habit of over-analyzing and has, because of his past, a fear of making a mistake. And Melody who is strong both physically and emotionally and is able to not let her past impact her happiness and future. The lessons that they teach to one another are profound and heartwarming. This book captures you from the beginning and just keeps pulling you in deeper and deeper until the very last page. The author writes with excellent descriptiveness, painting a vivid picture for the reader. Although this book works as a standalone, you do have an interaction with other characters from previous books in this series. I read this book first and will for sure go back to read the previous ones. A new favorite author for me to follow.

[Foodiegirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Poppy Flynn's writing and this is heartbreakingly wonderful story about a young girl who is taken from the system and turned into a slave. She has always lived a brutal life starved, raped, and caged like an animal, tortured beaten, and broken. Her struggle to escape, her strength to survive all the horror comes across. Finding Micah and Club Risque, you see her blossoming and how she slowly changes with their help and how she learns to trust and love.
There are definite Trigger Warnings in this highly emotional story. Melody and Micah's chemistry is so fierce but their pasts need to be overcome before they commit totally to each other. A story filled with a
love of life, hope and freedom. I highly recommend this emotional and fast paced book.

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness!! I was not sure about this book due to its darker themes but this book takes you into the BDSM kink world in a good way. This is a love story that heals both Melody and Micah since both have suffered from past traumas. Melody is innocent in many ways but her desires are pure. Micah is conflicted about his attraction to Melody. Their chemistry is insane and hoo-boy is it fan yourself hot!! Did not read the other books in the series but now I have to!! This book is a standalone but I feel like I would love it more knowing the stories of the other characters involved.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 6 of Club Risqué There are trigger warnings so read and heed them. Melody's BG is dramatic and tough to read. Also the book ends on a HFN ending. One aspect is left unresolved at the end of the book.
I loved Melody's character and her strength and development over the course of the book. Micah had growth to take to. I loved that aspect.
Loved the characters in the book and how they were written. Good storyline and kept me interested and glued to the pages.
Great book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Break Free

When Micah finds someone rummaging through the dumpster behind Club Risqué, he investigates. What he finds is Melody, malnourished, abused, on the run and basically unconscious. The start of this story is dark and challenging, with a description of Melody’s captivity, but the ending is a beautiful happily ever after. I enjoyed Micah and Melody’s story, as well as getting to see the rest of the Club Risque crew, and the strength of Melody’s character was truly a marvel to behold. A great read.

[Marcella · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are familiar with the Club Risque books, then you have probably wondered what kind of woman would indeed capture Micah's heart. The reader is immediately made to feel great sympathy for Melody and knows how blessed she is to have Micah discover her hiding from her cruel master. But it is a beautifully told story of how Micah battles his own past so that he can actually see a future with Melody. A lovely story.

I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.

[Linda Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow oh wow

Melody and Micah are two people that were damages, held captive in different ways but nonetheless restricted. Melody was captive by an abuser... Trigger warning.
After escaping she is found by Micah. The beauty of this book is the very carefully written dialogue as Micah tries to help Melody cope with what had been a very dysfunctional life.
Captivating, you will sigh, hold your breath and perhaps shed some tears.

[JM G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Captive Heart. Once I started reading this book, I didn't want to put it down. The characters are great and the storyline hooked me from the start. I don't want to spoil this book for anyone so I won't go into details. Please read the book blurb for some information. I recommend reading this book. I hope you enjoy it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmm...

That is complicated, is clear.
Micah is a therapist that Melody, a captive lands at his feet.
It is clearly unethical for him to assume the role of a master to her slave, as that continues the role she has been forced into for years. Talk about transference. But they both spiral into a most unhealthy relationship, though its clear Poppy Flynn has sone much research and handles the situations well.

[chris fike · Rating 5 out of 5]

We finally get Micah’s story … and it was definitely worth the wait.

Melody … what a life she has had. The beginning of this book was hard. But what a fighter she is and her self preservation leads her to Micah’s back alley.

He thinks he has to heal her BUT they end up healing each other.

What a ride this one was ,,.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[E. Leta Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story

All of the Club Tissue books have been excellent and this one was a really great read. It deals with horrible abuse and the recovery from that. As with the other books the Dom is also a mess dealing with something from his past but together these two damaged people find each other and love. A great read!

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredibly sad story about a young female who was abused and used. It was so emotional you couldn’t resist the tears. Once rescued, she thought of herself as unworthy as she totally thought of herself as only being good enough to be a slave. This is her story of recovering her emotional abuse.

[Helena Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story!! Micah and Melody meet in tragic circumstances as she is the recipient of violent behaviour. Micah finds her hiding and then he tries to heal her, physically and mentally. The story flows so well with twists and turns and kidnapping. Micah has bad memories which clash a bit with this new relationship but I think love conquers all. Such a great read.!!

[J H Beard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Club Risqué book by Poppy Flynn. It is Micah’s, the manager/psychologist turn. Who would have thought he would find someone? Or did she find him? How should he handle this? What should he do?
An entertaining book in this series. Read it and see if you enjoy it as much as I did.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two are both damaged in their own ways from happenings in their past. Micah and Melody somehow find a way through to the other side in this dark romance read with plenty of triggers, emotional scars, and plenty of kink and sexy steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.