RECLAIM YOUR POWER
Taking Heat is the true story of relentless stalking, corruption, betrayal, and the fight to reclaim a life nearly destroyed by fear. It is a journey through intimidation, powerlessness, and profound loss—but ultimately, a story of healing, resilience, and learning to trust yourself when everything around you tells you not to.
In her debut memoir, Janielle Lucas—a finance professional, entrepreneur, and founder of Philly Hot Asana—shares the extraordinary chain of events that transformed her dream business into a nightmare. As the harassment escalated, she found herself caught in a system where the line between protector and perpetrator became dangerously blurred, forcing her to confront not only the people determined to silence her, but the limits of her own strength.
At its heart, Taking Heat is about far more than trauma. It is a story of reclaiming your voice, rebuilding your life, and discovering that our hardest experiences don't have to define us—they can become the catalyst for profound transformation. Because when we learn to trust ourselves again, even the impossible begins to move.
EARLY PRAISE
"Taking Heat is more than a memoir—it is a testament to the extraordinary strength that emerges when a woman refuses to be broken by those who sought to exploit her or silenced by the systems that failed to protect her or deliver justice."
-Kate Kelley,
Associate producer of the feature film Lilly, inspired by the life of Lilly Ledbetter
“Janielle’s victory over illness, betrayal, and injustice is driven by sheer
persistence, personal integrity, and striking intelligence. Every chapter pulls the
reader into her next challenge—and her next triumph.”
- Daniel T. Rubino, MD
Some stories entertain us. Others challenge us. A rare few have the power to
transform us. Taking Heat belongs in that rare category. Janielle Lucas has
written a courageous and deeply authentic account of what it means to endure
adversity without surrendering the very qualities that define us. This work rises
above the traditional memoir by connecting deeply personal experiences to
universal lessons in resilience, leadership, healing, and purpose.
- Kristoffer Doura,
Wall Street Journal best-selling author, vice president of American Capital Financial Group, and former NFL offensive lineman
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A PHILLY STORY
A major character in my memoir, Taking Heat, is the city of Philadelphia itself. The police, government officials, and everyday citizens all play a role in my story. Woven through my experience – and the experiences of so many others- is a disturbing pattern: a fundamental disregard for the safety and well-being of the people who call Philly home.
I’m committed to being part of the movement to confront and change the systemic issues that continue to harm this city I love.