What It Takes

What a great book! I picked this up expecting your stereotypical romance novel, and I got so much more. I loved everything about it, from the storyline to the settings down to the secondary characters. I am eager to read more of Aschers work.

The glamour of Hollywood and the like home feel of a small town in the south makes for a perfect combination of friendship, heartache, love and even triumph in Kathryn Ascher's "What It Takes." After a heartbreak during her college years, Kelsey Morgan moves forward with her dream of being an actress. She has her big break when she co-stars with Hollywood's sexy playboy, Patrick Lyons. The attraction between the two cannot be denied, but Kelsey has been hurt before and judging by Patrick's reputation he's a "love 'em and leave 'em" type. Exactly what she doesn't need, or is he? Kelsey soon must face the consequences and reality of a secret she thought she had his a long time ago. Will Patrick be there to support her, or will he another one to turn the other cheek when trouble arrives? A definite must read! You'll laugh until you cry and cry your heart out too. Perfect!

I loved this book. It had great writing and while there were sex scenes they were tastefully written. So many authors want to get graphic and many of us "get it" and don't need all the girl parts described. Patrick was great. He didn't seem as torn up to leave behind all the other girls when he'd realized his affections were turning to love. There was plenty of side characters and some bad ones. The bad people were really bad. Nicely written.

I absolutely loved this book!! I hope there is a follow up book very soon. I would love to find out what the future has in store for Patrick. & Kelsey ! Great. writing & great story .

This is the first book I have ready by Ascher. It was amazing!! It was a beautifully intense story of love and trust. I also enjoyed the plot twists. This book kept me thinking and guessing up until the end. I look forward to reading more books by Ascher.

I read a copy from Net Gallery and I fell in love. I cannot believe its a debut novel, it was so fantastic. I loved our hero Patrick and heroince, Kelsey, both wonderful characters and very well developed by the author. I loved watching Kelsey as she hesitated about getting to know Patrick and how she eventually started trusting him and getting to know him. I loved Greyson her BFF and hope he gets a story someday. I loved her sister Janelle and her dad, not so much her mother and exBIL. The author really did a great job creating some really lovable characters.

The story follows Kelsey who is the love interest of Patrick in this movie they are making. They have to kiss and do a love scene in the movie, they are both very successful hollywood stars but for Kelsey this is her first major motion picture. She is very countryish and has a home in Virginia and she is afraid Patrick who she is very attracted to is a player because she has heard many stories about him. Eventually he gets her to let her walls down and become his friend.

For a majority of the book they do not have sex. Patrick is firmly in the kissing zone and friend zone. Kelsey has no idea what to do about Patrick because she is attracted to him but is afraid he will dump her for his next co-star.

What I really liked about this book is that it continued over a large space in time. Kelsey and Patrick really had time to get to know each other. At first when they were making the movie, then when she goes home and they just emailed and text, and when Patrick visits her, then thru the holidays of xmas and new years and then the following January which is when the movie has its premiere.

You can see how much they love each other, Patrick is like your dream guy. Handsome, studly and who only has eyes for Kelsey. Kelsey, on the other hand has secrets and eventually learns to trust Patrick completely and that was just beautiful to watch.

The book was wonderful I loved falling in love with Patrick and Kelsey and I could not put the book down for a single second.

There was only one thing that I wished had been different about the book and as I had a review copy, I don't know if the actual book ends the same way. But I felt the book ended too abruptly. I wanted to see the characters after. I wanted to hear how happy they were down the road. I really hope the author does a book 2 or sequel so we find out what happens after the last scene.

A totally wonderful book, hard to believe this is a debut book as it was absolutely fantastic.

This author is great, you can not go wrong with her books. This is a must read pick up your copy today

Kelsey has a broken heart that needs to learn how to trust in a man again and learn that all men are not like her asshat of ex-boyfriend.  

I was in the mood of reading a story that was heart-warming and that would take me into their world of sweet romance and I found that in this book.  When I started reading this debut book by Ms. Ascher it sounded perfect then as I was reading the prologue I wanted to kill someone well not just someone actually her current boyfriend.  I could not believe the hurtful things that he was telling her and she was actually thinking of forgiving him.  At that point I wanted to strangle her because she was not seeing things clearly.  She thought she was in love with him but if she would look deep into her heart she would see that she was not that happy and just maybe he wasn’t either.  So with finishing reading the prologue it was extremely moving and it drew me into her story and I wanted to see what happened, would she be able to love again and not be afraid that the next man she let in would not leave her.  

Kelsey Morgan was a bright, young, smart woman that went for her dreams.  She was an actress in Hollywood and now was her time to shine she was premiering in her fist motion picture movie.  Kelsey wanted to make sure that her private life was left private and didn’t want her family and herself in the tabloids.  Only that her co-star is known as a player and she needs to keep him at a distance but the way I saw it she didn’t have to be mean about it.  I didn’t think that was her I thought she was sweet and didn’t have a hateful bone in her body.  

Patrick Lyons is known as a playboy and known to sleep around with his co-stars.  There is something about Kelsey that has piqued his interest she treats him differently than the others.  Patrick is attracted to her and he can’t get her to talk to him.  He sees how she is with Greyson, the other co-star, and she laughs with him and they talk, they dance but the moment that he tries to converse with her she ignores him.  Patrick is getting a little tired of her attitude and maybe he needs to call her out.  

There is an instant spark between Kelsey and Patrick and she knows it.  Kelsey knows that she has been acting very hateful towards Patrick but she finally turns around.  Patrick can’t believe that Kelsey is being nice to him but to a point and he will take what he can.  There are times that she shuts down and he wants to know why.  They talk about their lives and she begins to open up but there is still something she is keeping from him.  I love how they get to know each other and little by little he starts to win her heart.  But there is something different in him also he is sweet, kind and just a gentleman.  I know that she is afraid that he is only playing with her but Patrick is serious about this and he wants to name their relationship.  I know it’s not all fluff and glamour there is one person that will do harm and remember there is a secret that sooner or later they come out.

This was a beautiful told story about life, love and a chance to mend her heart and find true love with an amazing man.  I was swept up in the lives and love of these two characters.  I loved the other characters like Greyson and Veronica but there was Janelle, her sister.  Her sister had a rough life and I hated how their mother treated them.  I love that this story was not full of sex scenes that took away from their time of getting to know each other.  I’m not saying that there was not some hot and heavy kissing but I love that they got to know each other first.  Patrick was a charmer with children, Zach and Zoe loved him.  The author did a fantastic job of pulling me into this story and love that I was able to get into both of the characters heads.  The pace of this story was perfect and the writing was clear and focused.  The story was descriptive and as I said earlier captivating.  I do have one problem with this story and that was it ended too soon.  I have so many questions and I really hope that the author has a second book planned out because I want to know what happens to Janelle and of course what happens after her secret is out.

This was indeed a beautifully written book and love how Kelsey was able to overcome her fear and find true love.  Pick this book up today and enjoy the journey of Kesley and Patrick to a happily ever after.  

ARC received from NetGalley for an Honest Review

This was a fast, sexy read for me. First time ever reading Kathryn Asher's book and I totally loved it. It's an unputdownable, page turner type of book. When it comes to chemistry, it's either there or it isn’t...I felt the chemistry between Kelsey and Patrick and the sexual tension was just as crazy as what you would think a push and pull type of situation. 

Kelsey moved to Hollywood, California after college and becomes a movie star.
Her first motion picture is the big hot actor, Patrick Lyons, also known as the "America's Playboy". He sleeps with his co-stars and moves on, like they are nothing. Being mesmerized by this hot actor and it made her feel something that she hadn't felt in a very long time.

Patricks wants Kelsey to let him in, to break down these walls that she has created. He is curious as to why she hasn't fallen at his feet or his bed, like any other actors he's worked with. Kelsey doesn't pay attention to him, doesn't acknowledge him when he is initiating a conversation with her. She's a private person. He  falls for her hard, but Kelsey keeps pulling away from Patrick. It felt so realistic that I thought I was the one chasing Kelsey. Patrick is one of those men that she's known her whole life and would avoid him at all caused.

The sexual tension between these two was just undeniable. When the walls, they built for each other were knocked down, they fall in love. Although the process was hard since Kelsey does not trust just anyone, it was a huge deal to change course. Falling in love with someone and risking your heart is something you can't just allow to happen on any given day. Taking this risk not knowing what happens in the next day and that's what Kelsey did, not knowing if Patrick will fall in love or move on to his next co-star.

WHAT IT TAKES is the first book in the Rocky Creek series, and I think Kathryn Ascher has a hit on her hands with her debut novel. Not only are the characters very likeable and engaging, they have a special appeal that makes you want to get to know them.

Patrick Lyons is pretty much the perfect man; sexy, romantic, determined - a famous actor and he loves kids. Kelsey Morgan is a damaged fledgling actress, terrified to love again. She has heard about Patrick’s legendary “love ‘em and leave ‘em” reputation with his leading ladies, and she does not intend to join those ranks. Kelsey has her heart shielded like a prison. It has been broken once, and it won’t happen again - ever. Patrick has this uncanny ability to tease her, making her feel safe in the shelter of his arms. He doesn’t try to push her. He doesn’t want to mess this up. Kelsey is different. She is special. How does he get her to understand this and trust him? This is new to him - and important. He wants to get it right. He coaxes her slowly, with true feelings. Is it a lethal seduction that will end in Kelsey’s complete surrender, or will she be able to resist his charms? There are two scenes that made my heart beat a little faster. While the sex scenes between Kelsey and Patrick were steamy and sensual, they were not overdone. She made me want more. I love that Patrick is an Alpha male, but is not afraid to show his vulnerability. Whew! A perfect combination for a book boyfriend!

Grayson and Veronica, fellow actors, steal every scene they are in. I LOVE that they are a major part of the story. They are fun. You just want to be friends with them…hang out and get to know them better - maybe in a future book?

Patrick and Kelsey's love story, and chemistry alone earn FIVE stars. BUT...WHAT IT TAKES is so much more than just a H/h falling in love. Ms. Ascher does a beautiful job of taking us on a journey of overcoming social issues, such as abandonment, alcoholism and abuse. There is more than one story here – which amps up the angst and drama, keeping those pages turning! Ms. Ascher’s voice works really well for contemporary romance. I think she could become one of my “go to” authors. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

ARC provided by NetGalley.

This was by far one of the best books I've read in a long time. It was one of those books that allowed me to be able to pick it up and jump into the story, and get hooked right away.  The writing was terrific.  I couldn't put the book down.  

Kelsey Morgan comes from a good home, unless you look through her Mothers' eyes, "Always please the husband in every and anyway.  No matter what his behavior is like."  Kelsey thought that was OK, until she saw the true colors of her college boyfriend, and she vowed never to trust or love anyone like that again, and to never let someone get close enough to hurt her as well.

Kelsey moves to Hollywood, California after college and becomes a successful movie star.  Her first major motion film is with a big actor, Patrick Lyons-- "America's Playboy", who seduces his leading ladies and moves on. Kelsey doesn't want anything to do with him, and avoids him at all costs when they aren't shooting on set.  

Patrick is intrigued that she's not falling at his feet (or in his bed), like every other costar of his has done in the past. She doesn't flirt back with him, she doesn't even talk to him when he tries to initiate conversations with her. She speaks to and hangs out with the 2 other costars Grayson & Veronica.  But that's the extent of Kelsey's social abilities.  She likes to keep to herself and keep her personal life private.  

Patrick tries to knock down her walls that she has erected around herself, especially her around her heart.  When her brother-in-law comes around the set and tries to blackmail her, she ends up leaning on Patrick for emotional support, having no one else to turn to.
With a Mother who never takes her side and has always blamed everything on Kelsey, and a Father who enables her Mother yet who is there for his daughters, she feels she has to protect her sister Janelle, her niece and nephew, and her secret.  Her leaning on someone, especially Patrick, is a huge thing.  Patrick is seeing a side of her he likes, and the more he sees, the more he falls in love with her. Will he run when he finds out about Kelsey's secret? Or will he want a HEA? 

Read and find out

This was a good read from the beginning to the end. A nice HEA with some intrigue thrown in for good measure. The mother was written to be a real "B" something of which I can totally understand. The main character, Kelsey, is a strong character who loves her family, falling in love with her co-star is something that you read about in the tabloids frequently, was portrayed quite cutely. Patrick having never been in love falling for Kelsey made for some rather comical moments. His coming to her rescue was an added bonus. Keep up the great writing, I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

I love finding Debut Novels that rock. “What It Takes” by Kathryn Ascher is one of these brilliant debut works that make me want for more.
This romance centers around Kelsey Morgan, a small-town girl with the ambition to make it big in Los Angeles. That premise alone invites trouble, and trouble there is plenty. Mostly in the romance department.
The build up between the two main characters was spaced perfectly, the background well enough established without disrupting the flow. Only the end of the book felt slightly rushed, the one negative aspect of the book.
New Adult romances and romance in general work within a certain formula, and Kathryn Ascher has used that formula to her advantage. A great read for a lazy summer day!
I am very much looking forward to reading more about this new Author. Wonderful debut!

I wasn’t sure of this book at first but ended up really enjoying the story and characters.  It concerns two Hollywood actors working on a movie together and their relationship as it develops.  Kelsey is a relatively new actress with an interesting backstory and a desire to stay out of the limelight and away from her charming co-star.  Patrick is a movie star and tabloid fodder for his romantic exploits.  He is charming, famous and handsome and has enjoyed the perks that come his way.  The relationship between the two characters progresses at a realistic pace and they are a good match for each other.   I found the ending a bit abrupt and would love to know more about how some of the issues were resolved, but as this is the first in a series it may be brought up in later books.   Overall, this was a solid contemporary romance and I am interested to read the other books in the series.  I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Kathryn Ascher's debut novel is quite strong. It looks to be the first in a series, which altered my opinion as I was left with questions at the completion of the book. I look forward to the subsequent books. Ms. Asher's characters are well drawn and multi layered (not always the case in new adul genre). The primary couple is multi dimensional and interesting. The secondary characters were strong as well. The story itself was well plotted, and the suspense aspect well woven. There was a nice balance between passion and suspense. The setting were detailed and the dialogue appropriate. I had a bit of trouble with the pacing at first, it started out a bit slow for me. I think that may be the result of having so many character and plot introductions for the series.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

Kelsey thought she had her future laid out in front of her. She’s going into her final year of college with the man she loves, the one she has spent the last three years with. But when she ends up pregnant, she soon learns that he’s not the man she thought he was and he wants nothing to do with her, or the baby. Knowing that she can’t go through with an abortion, she chooses to keep the baby, mapping out a future different from what she had originally planned. Kelsey, even with the bumps in the road, manages to see her dream of becoming an actress a reality, paying her dues in commercials, bit parts, and finally starring with one of the biggest names in Hollywood.

Patrick is a Hollywood A-lister and chronic manwhore, or at least that is what the tabloids would lead you to believe. Patrick has been cast in a movie with up and coming actress Kelsey, set to shoot in a small Tennessee town. Patrick tries to get close to Kelsey but she avoids him at all costs, assuming he is only after one thing, to be his latest conquest. But as Patrick gets to know Kelsey, he not only sees her as a challenge, but he also sees her as being the only genuine person he has ever come across. 

Kelsey is harboring some pretty dark secrets that she doesn’t want to see the light of day, much less see in the tabloids. She comes from a family that has a funny way of allowing the men to use women as they see fit and justifying it. Patrick however is willing to accept Kelsey, even with her secrets and is willing to do anything to prove it. When someone from Kelsey’s past comes back to threaten every things she has worked for, and put their lives in danger, will it be Patrick to save them all? Or will he bow to the pressure of his Hollywood persona?

What It Takes is a sweet story of finding love when you least expect it. Several times I wanted to smack Kelsey upside the head for not taking the chance on Patrick, for acting far less mature than she liked to put on that she was, but I did like the story. Patrick was a swoon worthy alpha with a sweet side and the cast of supporting characters made this a fun read. The beginning didn’t sit well with me, the way in which Tim reacted to Kelsey’s pregnancy was way over the top, not indicative at all of the way in which their relationship was set up, and the attitude of Kelsey’s mother was just way, way out there. Thankfully I did keep reading and was treated to a fun story.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆☆
Kelsey Morgan has been betrayed and now doubts her ability to tell good men from the bad. Working as an actor in Hollywood, she's vowed to keep her life there separate from her home life in Virginia. 

Patrick Lyons is intrigued by his co-star, Kelsey and likes the fact that she doesn't fawn all over him. What he doesn't understand is why she seems to dislike him so much.

Vowing to be her friend, Patrick lets Kelsey know that he's in it for the long haul – as friends, or if she would allow it, so much more.

This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Great character development and awesome story.

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is a lovely story, and a most impressive debut novel. That it is the first in a series makes me very happy, as I cannot wait to read more about this group of wonderful characters. My sincere compliments to Ms. Ascher.

It pulled me in from the very beginning, and I am still thinking about the plot, the characters and the romance, which together have created a very special story. The author has seamlessly drawn together two different worlds and made it difficult not to care about the protagonists. There is humour, drama, and sizzling attraction.

I highly recommend this book to you.

A nice contemporary romance.  I would recommend this book.

This story had and interesting build up.  It is a story about finding love when you least expect it. Kelsey had been burned in the past so when the right guy Patrick came along, Kelsey initially acted less mature than she really was, which was difficult to handle as you wanted to tell Kelsey to take a chance that he was worth it.  Patrick is swoon worthy with a sweet side to him. The beginning didn’t sit well with me, the way in which Tim reacted to Kelsey’s was not indicative at all of the way in which their relationship was set up. Additionally, the attitude of Kelsey’s mother was unexpected. I did keep reading though and I was very happy that I did, it"s a great story.