Captive Hearts

Deviant Hearts, Book 1

By: Ali Ryecart

Narrated by: Dan Calley

Length: 7 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

“Too young, too blond, too skinny. Billy Grace was everything my head told me I didn’t want. Too bad my heart had other ideas."

When Dashiell Slater uses his fists to stop a vicious assault, the last thing he expects is to be offered a job as reward for being a Good Samaritan. Out of work and short of cash, all he has to do is chauffeur Billy around. It’s easy money, so saying yes should be a no-brainer. And if the offer’s not quite legal, so what? Dashiell’s smart and savvy and knows how the world works. But there are strings attached, and Dashiell doesn’t want to get entangled. He’s ready to say no and walk away...until he sees the fear, despair, and fathomless sadness in Billy’s jade-green eyes.

“He was everything I wanted, but couldn’t have. What was the use in dreaming when I was already bought and paid for, the property of another man?”

Billy’s life is a daily round of fear and abuse. One wrong word or one wrong look can mean a beating, or worse. Dashiell’s everything Billy’s heart craves - a man who’ll love and protect him and who’ll keep him safe and catch him when he falls. But Billy can’t have what he yearns for, because, to give in to his heart means breaking a promise he’s vowed to keep at all costs.

A soul-searing kiss, a whispered promise, and the chance of a future together is there for the taking. But life is never that simple, and danger surrounds them at every turn. Imprisoned by devotion, duty, and obligation, Billy’s heart is captive, but can falling for Dashiell finally set it free?

Captive Hearts is the first book in the Deviant Hearts series.

©2018 A.E. Ryecart (P)2019 A.E. Ryecart

They Bodyguard

This is the story of Billy a gangsters property, and his bodyguard Dash. Dash knows right away something isn't right and is drawn to Billy. What is the hold Frank has over him, why won't Billy leave? Dash is patient and sweet, and poor Billy suffers such abuse at Frank's hands. The abuse is pretty much off page, so we just have the aftermath each case of it. I really liked seeing them fall for each other, though sometimes their decisions seemed a little too reckless.

Narrator was new to me, he is English so it did take me a little bit to get bast the strong accent, but after a few minutes I was good and had no trouble following.

enjoyed it

Did the story keep me engaged: yes
Were there any parts I found annoying: no
Did I feel an emotional connection to the characters: yes
Would I listen to it again: yes

The plot is dark, gritty and entertaining with a good pace. The characters interesting and are put through the wringer - not the type of book for someone looking for "light and fluffy" - but worth considering if you're not.

Dan Calley does a good job with the narration. I did find it took me a little while to become familiar with his accent and I would have liked more emotion in some places, but that is just me and didn't pull me from the story.

Overall I enjoyed it and will look for the next in the series when it is available.

Love and menace - on the edge of my seat!

When ex-army reservist, Dashiell, rescues Billy from being attacked, he never expected to get caught up in the world of a vicious London gangster. Once again, A.E. Ryecart has expertly woven a tale of romance and danger with strong characterisations which had me in the edge of my seat. The episodes of violence happen ‘off-screen’, so they were sinister but not gratuitous - this felt real. Dan Calley’s compelling London working class accent and strong narration kept me totally enthralled.

gutwrenching

Dark twisted and still some light shows through this one. Tough older Dash and younger jaded pawn Billy. What a couple!?!? My heart hurt for both men, but especially Billy the most. He selflessly used himself to barter for his grandma's care needs. Heartbreaking what Frankie put him through. I loved the ending and would love a story on Lee. The narrator's voice and expressions were great, and added to my enjoyment of this story. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this story and am giving an honest review.

Terrific Story & Listen🎧 Captivating & Intense!

This is my first A.E Ryecart book and it will not be my last. I enjoyed her writing style and the storylines she created, they were realistic and completely engrossing. Her characters are complex and well developed. Everyone could use a Dashiell Slater in their corner, especially Billy Grace. Dashiell came to Billy’s aid and Billy’s lover, Frankie, who winds up hiring him to be Billy’s driver and bodyguard. Frankie is not a nice guy, he is a twisted individual who is not only abusive to Billy but is involved in bad business and dealings in the underworld. Dashiell and Billy are drawn to each other and despite Frankie’s warning the two get closer and form a bond. Billy. As the story goes on we find out why Billy stays in this abusive relationship. There is never a dull moment in this book, there is plenty of drama, angst, twists, some thrilling suspense, heartfelt moments, hot romance as well as the start of a wonderful relationship. Thank you A.E. Ryecart for this great story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

I listened to the Audible edition, Dan Calley did a terrific job narrating and bringing the characters to life. He captures their passion and emotions which he projects into his performance. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this great listen🎧

Perfect even when it hurts

My friends, this is a tough book. The subject matter is hard. Abuse, even off page makes for an emotional read, but this story is also so beautiful and skillfully written. I chose to listen to the audiobook narrated by Dan Calley. The men quickly fall in love despite their dangerous and impossible situation. The hope in Captive Hearts begins as something so fragile, but Billy and Dashiell hold on believing against all odds they will find a way to be together. Worth every moment of hurt to get to the gorgeous end

Amazing!

I love Billy and Dash's story! I was rooting for them throughout this whole book. A.E. Ryecart has a way to make so amazing stories that I just love. Then Dan Calley does such an amazing job in bring everything to life. I couldn't stop listening. Absolutely amazing!

A Great Start to a New Series

Billy is a young man shouldering burdens that would crush people older than himself. His grandmother is sick, with no chance of recovery, but the cost of treatment is beyond his means. Until he makes a deal with the devil – himself for his grandmother’s treatment. The man Billy sacrifices himself to is cruel and dangerous, but Billy has no way out. Dashiell is out of work and trying to figure out his next moves in life. The last thing he expects is to find himself working for a man with shady business dealings and a cruel, sadistic streak. When circumstances bring Billy and Dashiell together, they can’t help but fall in love with each other – something that is not only forbidden, but deadly. Together they will need to figure out a way to survive, both physically and emotionally, when everything seems hopeless.

Captive Hearts is a wonderful start to a new series. The writing is well done and flows smoothly, and I loved the characterization of the main characters (even when they acted in ways that had me yelling at them). The major themes of the book are forbidden/secret love, hurt/comfort, and protective men willing to throw it all on the line for their loved ones.

The audiobook was performed by Dan Calley, and it was amazing. His voice is smooth and lovely to listen to. I also could differentiate between the characters due to the different and distinct voices he used. The only issue I had was because I’m an American, so it took me about five to ten minutes to get used to his lovely British accent, but that was on me, and I soon had no problems at all listening to the book. Overall, the audiobook performance was extremely well done.

Very Good

I listened to this book at 1.25x

The story starts off with one young man who was boughten be a boy toy for a crook and his newly gotten baby sitter and to drive him around places.

Just enough story to keep you listening, not to long not to short. Good story line.

Vocal actor Dan Calley did a great job. Will listen to more books he narrates.

Great

Liked the storyline and the way the story was told. The characters are amazing loved them . Great from start to finish.