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He acts like he barely knows her.

But she knows he’s the one.

Matt Banks was ready to tell Harper Sanders that he loved her, that he’d always loved her and that even though they were young, she was his forever girl.

Then her brother stepped in, wanting more for his sister than a garage owner. Too young to stand up for himself, Matt made her brother a promise that he’s regretted every day since.

After years of being ignored by the guy she’s always loved, Harper is on a dating binge. No one is Matt, but a girl can keep on trying. Then she gets stranded on the side of the road, and she has no choice but to call the only mechanic in town.

Matt comes to her rescue, and then to her bed. It’s an idyllic, passion-filled weekend—but there’s still the matter of his promise. And a man’s word is his bond.

NOTE: Take Me Now is a never before published SHORT story in the Knight Brothers series.

38 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2019

284 people are currently reading
623 people want to read

About the author

Carly Phillips

399 books9,778 followers
NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips is the queen of Alpha Heroes, at least according to The Harlequin Junkie Reviewer.. Carly married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her crazy dogs who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram pages. The author of over 75 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters and is now an empty nester. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as her first romance club pick. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.

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5 stars
416 (45%)
4 stars
266 (29%)
3 stars
183 (19%)
2 stars
40 (4%)
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11 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,945 reviews172 followers
August 28, 2019
The girl he can't forget has become the woman he can't live without. When it comes to love all bets are off. Matt and Harper finally get what's been in their hearts and on our minds. Take Me Down introduced us to Harper, Emily's loyal friend and future business partner and Matt, the guy who held Harper's heart. Take Me Now is the catalyst of years of unrequited love. Will they or won't they becomes a thing of the past. The answers are finally revealed. Phillips proves that the best things come to those who wait.
Profile Image for Melissa  ❤️ bookaddict_fanatic .
1,129 reviews109 followers
August 25, 2019
This is Harper and Matt's story whom we met in Take Me Down. This was definitely a quick, fast paced read but one that had me inhaling page after page of chemistry. These two were denying themselves what would eventually be the best thing to happen to them..... each other! Definitely a story that you'll want to read!
Profile Image for Melody Cox.
1,502 reviews180 followers
March 18, 2020
This was a solid 3.5 Stars

This was a sweet book and I enjoyed the main characters. I was not thrilled with the interfering family member and all the years that were lost, wasted.
Profile Image for Kahea.
2,262 reviews123 followers
August 29, 2019
***5 Stars***

When this baby showed up as a nice little treat from the author, I was, of course, pleasantly surprised, but was a little confused since I’d heard nothing about it.So, I did a little searching and found nothing, but then I opened it and I did a little happy dance because after meeting Harper in Take Me Down I really wanted her to get a HEA and she has!

I loved Harper. Sweet, sassy, driven and loyal. She’s the total package. Matt...well, he had to work a little bit harder at getting to the same position as Harper for me, but he did by finally stepping up to the plate, coming clean and showing Harper just how much she meant to him.

While this is a short story, it gave me everything I was hoping for and a bit more and ended up being a fun, quick read.


~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
Profile Image for Zainab M..
188 reviews23 followers
August 26, 2019
Take me now by Carly was a short and sweet, possessive and sexy story about Matt and Harper who are crazy for each other yet too ignorant to actually admit.

It was fast paced. It had limited amount of intimate scenes but I loved the brawling scenes between the leads which often led to hilarious arguments and fights. I received a bonus arc copy for this book. Thank you Carly for your kindness. For everyone interested in trying the author out, this literally is perfect story to start with. Of course, she's beyond talented but one may get a quick summary of her writing style through this book.
Profile Image for Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase .
4,816 reviews177 followers
August 22, 2019
Harper has always loved Matt and no other man has ever come close to being what she wanted. When car trouble leaves her in desperate need of a tow truck, Matt comes to her rescue. But with close quarters comes hot passion and the two make up for lost time. When secrets are revealed will the couple be doomed to remain apart or will it be forgive and forget in order for a HEA? I have loved Harper from other books in the series and so happy to see her book. It may be short and sweet but it really increases you temperature. It was a great read.
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,206 reviews18 followers
August 26, 2019
This is the first book in a new series. Harper has always had a thing for Matt, but he keeps his distance from her. It had to be hard on Harper to see Matt all the time, want him, not understand why he doesn’t want her, and try to get over him. Matt is a good guy and will do anything for his friends. He looks out for Harper by taking care of her car. What is the reason Matt doesn’t give Harper the time of day? You will need to read the book to find out which I encourage you to do. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,589 reviews113 followers
August 31, 2019
***ARC Provided by the Author***

3.5 Stars

This was short, sweet, hot and fun.

There was enough here for you to feel like Matt and Harper's story was full length, even though it's novella length. It moves quickly, as novellas do, but not too quickly to lose the reader, which can be challenging for a novella.

Carly Phillips is a favorite of mine because I know that when I pick up one of her titles I am going to enjoy it...and this one was no different.

I enjoyed and recommend this title.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
August 28, 2019
Harper doesn't need to ask her man twice, he moves quick, “how about a quickie before we eat?” He picked her up and tossed her onto the bed..." Sometimes a girl just needs to let her man feel all macho, “okay.” From his curt tone of voice, she wasn’t about to argue." I loved this quick read, I loved Matt.
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,398 reviews622 followers
August 29, 2019
This may be a short story, but there is nothing short about the punch it packs! AND it didn’t even feel short! This was sexy and fun and also heartwarming. You’d think you couldn’t get much accomplished in a five chapter journey, but Carly managed to give us glorious sexy sparks, passion and emotion and even a little side mystery! It’s a total #win people!
Profile Image for Cheryl   Graham-Petit.
4,124 reviews26 followers
August 25, 2019
A quick, sweet, and fast-paced romance story filled with attraction, a bit of drama, secrets, regret, angst, love, and plenty of steam.

I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,257 reviews206 followers
October 17, 2022
TAKE ME NOW is an erotic short story (five chapters), told from third person perspective) found in Carly Phillips KNIGHT BROTHERS erotic, romance series. TAKE ME NOW focuses on childhood friends auto mechanic Matt Banks and coffee barista Harper Sanders.

Matt Banks has been in love with Harper Sanders for as long as he can remember but Harper’s brother Noah, an US Marine, has warned Matt to stay away but Harper needed help when her car broke down on the way to a weekend seminar, and Matt was the first person Harper called. Staying together at the hotel meant taking their friendship and relationship to the next level, a relationship that was about to turn into something more.

TAKE ME NOW is a story of family and friendships, and second chances of a sorts. The fast paced premise is entertaining; the romance is erotic and intense; the characters are charismatic and determined.
Profile Image for Megan.
666 reviews60 followers
August 26, 2019
This was a super fun, and sexy, short story to cap off this series. What a great bonus!

Harper Sanders has been in love with Matt since forever. They grew up together, and were friends, but she always felt something more. When she came back after going away to college though, he acted like they were strangers. She didn't understand, and it hurt her every time she saw him dating someone else. So, she decided to put herself out there and date too, hoping to forget about her feelings. But, it never worked. So, she's decided to just be alone, and to forget about dating, and her stupid heart, altogether. Now she just runs her business, a coffee shop/bakery, with her best friend, and business partner, and tries to ignore Matt right across the street every day.

Matt Banks owns the only car repair garage in town, and his shop is right across the street from Harper's cafe. He goes there every morning for his coffee, and tries to ignore all the dates she's been on lately. He's always had feelings for her, but her older brother made him promise never to pursue her. As a young man, he gave his word, though he didn't want to, and now he feels paralyzed by that promise. But, when Harper has car trouble heading out of town, and needs him. He has to be there for her. He needs her, and he decides he doesn't care about that promise any more.

Matt and Harper's chemistry was a blazing fire, and I loved watching them combust. During their trip, they really got to know each other again, and fell even harder. I loved their connection, and how it never died, regardless of the time and space between them. Their sexy times were super steamy, and I loved seeing that part of their connection forge so quickly. Since they weren't strangers at all, it didn't seem too fast the way they got together for good.

There was a bit of a mystery side plot here with someone messing with Harper's car, and it was resolved fairly quickly. Overall I really enjoyed this short story, and getting a final look into this world, with a HEA for 2 side characters that we loved throughout the series. As always, I can't wait for what's next from this author, the final Dare brother, Jason, getting his story in the first book of her new series!

ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
description description
Profile Image for Jo Reads Romance.
945 reviews66 followers
January 6, 2021


Seriously cute and hot
5 stars

I am obsessed with Carly Phillips. I am obsessed with The Knight Brothers series. And yet I was still confused how this story could be part of that series. Harper who? Matt who?

Ah right, they’re Em’s best friend and the town mechanic that we met in Take Me Down. I wasn’t expecting a story for them, even though there was definitely something brewing between the two. Although I’m not sure that this was the exact dynamic….but never mind that, onto the story.

Matt’s in love with Harper but can never let her know because of a promise he made. But he’s tired of being held to a promise made as a boy. Harper is in love with Matt but after years of being ignored, she’s ready to move on with her life. Cue frustration, lust and longing. My favourite kind of misery! And it couldn’t happen to a nicer pair!

Cue a perfectly timed auto-mechanical failure, an impromptu trip and a lack of available rooms, and we have an explosion of said lust and longing that’s been a long time coming. And yum, this got those butterflies in the tummy dancing for me. It was sweet and oh so cute but with a heavy dose of hot and sexy right alongside it. And t!tty f*cking? Yes, please!

Carly Phillips’ writing continues to shine through, and although this is a short story (only 38 pages that’ll take you about half an hour to read) it still packs a punch and tells a decent story from beginning to end.

Definitely a bonus for those interested in the Knight series, or just Carly Phillips in general. I think it probably works as a standalone, too. A quick, cute and dirty story - what could be better? 5 stars.


Profile Image for Liza.
1,403 reviews149 followers
September 22, 2019
I loved Harper from the moment we met her in Take Me Down. She is best friends with Emily, who is now married to Parker Knight. Harper has been in love with Matt Banks forever, yet he acts like he doesn't see her. Take Me Know is a short story, so it moves really fast and it was absolutely perfect to me.

OMG I loved Harper and Matt's story so very much! Let me just say when Matt finally decides he is going after the girl he has wanted forever, he holds nothing back. I had always wondered why he and Harper weren't together and have to say him being a man of his word, even when it messes with his happiness, only made me love him more. Matt finally taking a chance and going after Harper had me cheering. I knew they were perfect for one another the moment they appeared the page together and Take Me Know as like a surprise gift from Carly Phillips. It had all the passion, love, romance and family I've come to love and expect in a really fast paced story.

Rating: 5 Stars (A)
Review copy provided by publisher
Profile Image for Franci N (Franci's Fabulous Reads).
2,359 reviews102 followers
August 28, 2019
4 Finally Getting Their HEA Stars!!!

Finally, we get Harper and Matt’s story. If you’ve read the previous books in this series you know these two have been dancing around their attraction to each other for what seems like forever, given they grew up in the same town.

Things for them finally put themselves right when Matt has to help Harper with her car as she’s getting ready to head to Denver for the weekend. And let me just say, Ms. Phillips had be squirming while reading this bad boy on the treadmill this morning because holy moly their chemistry is ON FIRE!!! I’m talking burning up the sheets, the shower, the wall, you name it, they did it!! And I’m just fine with this!!!

Their story may be a quick read but it packs quite the punch. We learn so much about them and the why’s of Matt’s reasoning for not pursuing the woman he loves. I’m so happy Harper gets her HEA because she’s wanted it for so long and now that her bestie Emily is settled down with Parker it was time for her to have a forever love!

This book and series is a definite must read!
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews40 followers
September 22, 2019
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is a short story in the Knight Brothers series. It is short, but very enjoyable! Readers of the series will remember having met these two before and know all too well how much they dance around each other - now we find out why!

Matt has loved Harper forever, but a promise to her big brother before he went off to the army has had him holding back. Harper is currently dating madly in an attempt to forget how one-sided her love for Matt is ... finally the time has come to deal with all this secret love.

For a short story there is a lot going on, and thankfully Matt gets a chance to make everything right, and give us the story we wanted all along.


Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for 2kasmom.
1,448 reviews52 followers
August 28, 2019
This is book #5, in The Knight Brothers series. This book should be read in order, though it could be on its own. It makes more sense, and to avoid spoilers, you should read this sexy series in order.

Harper has lived a lonely existence. She is now looking to make up for it and move on - but her thoughts and cravings always lead her back to Matt. She has tried but, all she wants is him.

Matt hears Harper's car, and knows she will be needing him soon. He plans a way to be with her while out of town and finally tell her how he feels. It's time she knows she is his everything.

This short and sexy story has a HOT streak that nearly singes the book. These two finally get their story, and it is worth every word. I enjoyed it and am glad I made this author an automatic click to read.


***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,576 reviews26 followers
August 24, 2019
Harper Sanders and Matt Banks have always been drawn to one another, but timing has just never worked out for them. Harper's brother got involved where he shouldn't have when Matt was going to tell Harper how he felt and so he stayed away and now years have passed and neither of them is happy because they are pining for one another, but trying to move on.

When car trouble brings Harper squarely into Matt's orbit, he decides he's had enough and is going to tell her how he feels, and has always felt. They give into their feelings, but with other forces keep them apart or will they finally get a chance at their happily ever after?

While this was a short and sweet story, I really enjoyed it and there is definitely a heat factor! You won't be sorry if you pick this one up!
222 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2019
Matt Banks has always had feelings for Harper Sanders, and she has also always been in love with Matt. However timing has never been on their side. Just when Matt was going to tell Harper how he felt about her, her brother got in the middle and ruined his plans. So he has stayed away from her for years. Harper has been trying to get over her feelings for Matt by dating other men, but no one compares to him in her eyes. Then one weekend all this changes when Harper’s car breaks down and Matt comes to her rescue. He proceeds to show her the how he feels about her and he’s determined to make her his forever. This is a short story, but it’s filled with lots of chemistry and you don’t want to miss it.
Profile Image for Avid Reader.
1,752 reviews
September 24, 2019
Take Me Now (The Knight Brothers #3.5) by Carly Phillips
4 stars
M/F Second chance erotic romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.

Harper has loved Matt her whole life. But, when he refuses to entertain that idea, she knows she has to move forward in her life. Harper does her best, but she's disenchanted by all of the horrible dates she is sent on.

Matt has loved Harper for as long as he can remember. But, as a kid, he made a promise to her brother that she deserved someone who could offer her more than he could. When he sees her in trouble, he knows that he can't wait any longer, nor can he ignore his feelings.

This is a short, erotic second chance romance that tugs at your heart strings and sweeps you off your feet. It makes you believe in love.
Profile Image for Lissa.
222 reviews12 followers
August 27, 2019
Loved it! Couldn’t put it down! Fast paced, and they know what they want!!! Woohoo!! Matt and Harper have been “eying” each other for years! When Matt’s father passed away and he inherited the auto garage, Harper’s older brother, having seen the way Matt looked at his little sister, told him to stay away from her because he felt Matt wasn’t good enough for Harper. On the other hand, Harper has been hoping for a chance with Matt because she also feels that he’s the one! Will one of them break down and tell the other that they are meant for each other so they can have their HEA??? Loved it!!
Profile Image for Nisey Crossin.
84 reviews
August 27, 2019
Harper wanted Matt for as long as she could remember, but she didn't think he wanted her.

Matt wanted Harper forever, but promised her brother he'd stay away.

After years of fighting their feelings Matt is finally ready to reveal to Harper how he feels just as she is ready to finally move on. A weekend together to show Harper how much he loves her is exactly what Matt intends to give her. No more pretending he doesn't want Harper, Matt pulls out all stops to finally have the woman he's always wanted.

Great romantic, steamy story on a couple we met in previous Knight Brothers series you'll get to see them have their happily ever after.
545 reviews
August 26, 2019
Take Me Now is a sweet, steamy novella about Matt and Harper. Matt and Harper have known each other forever. He's always been there for her as a friend, but always wanted more to be between them. Unbeknownst to Matt, Harper has always felt things for him too. When Harper gets in a bind needing a date for a destination wedding, Matt is there to help her out. Can Matt and Harper keep things at arms length, or is the temptation between them too great to stay away from each other.

Take Me Now is a great addition to The Knight Brothers Series.
Profile Image for Nancy Ku.
1,496 reviews17 followers
August 22, 2019
Take Me Now (The Knight Brothers Book 5) by Carly Phillips.....Thanks to Carly for letting me preview this book....It is a short story that is not really "second chance" but more "it's about time romance". This fast pace story is Harper and Matt's and it has angst, laughs, lots of steam all getting them to their HEA.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Page-turner Steamy Happily Ever After Funny Wonderful characters Entertaining Romantic Easy-to-read Great world building
Profile Image for Jo-Ann Forrest.
2,938 reviews23 followers
August 29, 2019
Harper is tired of dating losers because she is in love with Matt. As far as she knows he doesn’t feel the same. Matt has been in love with Harper since forever, but he made a promise. He is tired of seeing her date all these losers and standing on the sideline. He is ready to throw in his heart in the game. The story is short fast paced with a little drama but so much loving. I honestly volunteered to review this book.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,094 reviews93 followers
September 1, 2019
* A review copy was provided by the author *

This was an enjoyable short story. I wouldn’t really call it a novella because it really will only take you about an hour to read.

I thought this was a great addition to this series and this cast of characters. It was great seeing Harper (Emily’s BFF from book 2) get her HEA.

If you have read this series then I would recommend you read this short story!!!!
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,540 reviews29 followers
September 8, 2019
ARC for honest review with no compensation

Take Me Now is book 3.5 in the Knight Brothers series by Carly Phillips.

Matt and Harper have always had eyes for each other but Matt made a promise to Nate, Harper’s Brother when they were young to leave his sister alone...

Short novella, steamy, promise made to be broken, integrity, quick read are all rolled up in this book!
Profile Image for Christine Jalili.
2,189 reviews44 followers
August 26, 2019
I loved this novella and devoured it in hours. Love how Harper has always loved Matt but is trying to get over him. Well, it sure steams up fast when he finally makes his move. There’s a reason he tried to resist her. The book left me feeling so happy for them in the ending. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book.
346 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2019
Want a great short story. The perfect book for an evening with a glass of wine or if you are stuck in a doctors office and of course they are running behind. Did not care, this book kept me riveted. Sexy man. Strong woman. Very nice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews

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