Captured

The Duel #2

by Mary Lancaster

Awakening life and love…

On the sudden death of her oppressive father in a duel, the cool and distant Lady Hera Severne finds herself floundering in her new freedom, and instantly attracted to sardonic doctor, Justin Rivers. Determined to change her life, she travels incognito to Lincolnshire, to take up a post as companion to Lady Astley and learn about life.

But nothing is as she imagined it. Her cover is useless against Dr Rivers, whose family lives in the nearby village. Lady Astley appears to have little need of a companion. Rather she wants a carer for her husband’s strange but amiable adult ward. Noises in the night, mystery, suspicion, and locked doors eventually force her to flee with Justin’s help - and her charge.

Inevitable scandal follows them to Brussels, where Justin’s duty lies. But Justin, tortured by past failures and growing passion for the unworldly Hera, knows he cannot offer marriage to one so immeasurably above him in rank and fortune.

But can he resist Hera, who has other ideas and the courage to follow them through?

Genres: Historical Romance, Regency, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 18, 2023

About the author

Mary Lancaster is a USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance. She lives in Scotland with her husband, one of three grown-up kids, and a small dog with a big personality.

Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.
Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into Victorian mystery.

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Reviews

[Pooja Peravali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Freed from her constrained life by the death of her autocratic father, Hera decides to take up a companion position where no one knows her. But as her assignment turns increasingly sinister, she turns to Justin, the doctor who attended her father before he died, for help.

This is the second book in Mary Lancaster's The Duel series, which follows the aftermath of a duel in which an army officer kills the cold-hearted Duke of Cuttyngham. Hera is the duke's daughter, and Justin the friend of the man who fought the duel. I enjoyed the first book a great deal, and enjoyed this one too - but in a different way.

This is primarily the story of Hera, who decides to go undercover as a lady's companion in an effort to discover herself outside the constrained role of duke's daughter. I enjoyed seeing her blossom, gaining both confidence and love. Her relationship with Justin is endearing, and I liked how he supported her and saw through her cold facade right away.

However, I did feel that the B-plot of George's imprisonment and escape rather stole the show. He's easily the most intriguing character in the book, and his flight is what the story is focused around. I almost wished this was a different book, in which George is the hero (though his heroine certainly couldn't be Hera). With so much of the action being devoted to his side-plot, we are left with less of a focus on Hera and Justin's romance than I would have liked.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can't miss by reading this series.
I recommend reading ENTANGLED first since characters and events continue in this book. The mystery of the Duke of Cuttyngham's death from a duel is still questioned by Dr. Justin Rivers when he knows Major Butler's shot was not aimed at the Duke. Justin meets the dead Duke's daughter, Hera. Drawn to each other for this moment in time, they know they will never see each other again. Fate says otherwise, when they meet in the village where Justin's father is the vicar. Lady Hera has run away from her home, taking a job as a companion to Lady Caroline Astley. It seems she's not a companion to the lady, but to a family ward. Only he's not a child. Definitely a mystery. As Hera and Justin solve the mystery, they are on the run to right a wrong. Kisses and a clean romance. What a rush to the end!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Olga Godim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a vibe of a gothic novel. The heroine, while on a journey of self-discovery, stumbled upon a mysterious man locked in the attic. Of course, she had to help him. And of course, her love interest had to become involved too. No depth to this story, but lots of tension and many exciting events. And some lust and sex, of course. Not a bad combination, in my view.

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book continues with the characters and mystery surrounding the death of a duke which began in book 1 of this series. It centers around the duke’s daughter, Hera, and the doctor who attended the duel in which her father died.

Once again, the author has written an interesting story and a nice romance. Once again, the author glosses over details. At least once, the author propels the action by having a character make a decision so blazingly stupid the mind boggles.

And once again, the mystery surrounding the dueling death of the duke remains unresolved and continues into the next book. I continue to hate that device.

And this book is also littered with printing errors. But, in spite of all this, I am entertained and intrigued enough to move on to book 3.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh, I love, love, LOVE where this series is going!
The characters tug you in, wrap you up and make you care!
Hera and Justin have this warmth and chemistry that makes you think they have known each other forever, not days. With this underlying deep curiosity about the other that shines through and compels them to mutual like, inspite of society dictate, honour and a fear of irredeemably falling.
The plot flows so fluidly, glows with slow burn romance and keeps surprising you until you never quite know where the tale is heading next or what's around the corner, yet, you are just so happy to be swept along for the ride.
With the added mysteries surrounding the facade of friendly smiles, from family and staff, in Hera's new role as companion and niggling suspicions permeating the air, with a touch of gothic intrigue, regarding the dubious circumstances encircling the endearingly intelligent and deliciously charming George, you will be emotionally hooked and thrumming with tension until the end.
Where the common thread surrounding the duke's death - emblazoned in The Duel of the series' title - continues in the background from book one and becomes ever closer to being solved. However, you don't need to have read book 1 to become fully submerged and enjoy this one. Despite, me highly recommending you do as it will also allow you to fully appreciate the comfort and joy of familiar, adored characters as they sprinkle a spot of levity and heart into the mix.
A great read that left me eagerly anticipating the next. Where I wholeheartedly hope a future romance is in the cards for George now too!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

Whereas the first book in this series was responsible for setting up the premise Captured was able to get on with things without a lot of exposition. The first book also had the extra plot problem of the main characters not really being in a situation where they could move forward with their romance without creating quite a bit of scandal, that is not so much of an obstacle for Hera and Justin. Having gotten a little hint that Hera was not as cold as originally thought by her stepmother it was great to get to learn more about her. I also really enjoyed the few scenes she had with her brother and am very much looking forward to getting to know more about him. This book overlaps with the first book giving us the opportunity to see what Hera was up to while Rosmund and Giles were on their own adventure. The extra mystery surrounding George added just the right amount of extra drama to the story. It was also a clever way to have Hera and Justin to cross paths again - a bit of a coincidence that she would take a position in the same village he was in while visiting his family, but not so far outside of the realm of possibilities to seem too convenient. Justin's backstory with his family and his own war scars was interesting as well and developed him more as a character. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, partly for the next romance and partly for more clues as to what Hera's uncle has been up to.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second installment of The Duel series. Some events from the prior book carry into this one, so to get a full understanding of the story, I think it would be best to start with the first book, Entangled, if you haven't already read that. Dr Justin Rivers still questions how the Duke of Cuttyngham passed, since during the duel he took part in with Major Butler, the shot was not aimed directly at him. He meets with the deceased duke's daughter, Hera, and is instantly drawn to her and she to him. Hera, however, later leaves for Lincolnshire, hoping to change her life after her father's sudden death. She doesn't expect to see Dr Rivers again, but he lives in the nearby village where his father is the vicar. Hera left her home to become a companion to Lady Astley, but realizes when she gets there that something is not right. Hera is surprised to see Justin the same parish, but when she needs help, she is relieved she has someone she can trust to turn to. Suspense and intrigue surround the two in this latest installment that continues the mystery of the late duke's death. The characters are well-developed and the story is well-paced with plot twists that had me turning the pages. An absolutely riveting read and exciting addition to the series. I am looking forward to reading the next one!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This intriguing and suspenseful novel makes interesting reading as the late Duke of Cuttyngham dies during a duel that he instigated, but whether he actually died from a bullet wound or some other mysterious reason is up for debate. The doctor who attended to her father after the shooting finds his way to the Duke's estate to ask questions that needed answering and he is intrigued by Lady Hera who together with her brother, does not mourn their father with any sign of sadness. Hera takes the opportunity to escape her family home and applies for a position as a companion, but quickly realizes that not all is well in the new household. Dr. James Rivers turns up in the same parish, and Hera is beyond miffed by the turn of events, but when she needs help, she knows whom to turn to. Hera's charge would probably be considered a savant in our era, but little was known about the condition in 1815. Nevertheless, when it would appear that both George and Hera are in danger, it is George's special skills and Justin's sense of foreboding that result in their escape. The novel comes to a dramatic conclusion with some amusing moments as various parties arrive in Brussels, just prior to the final battle at Waterloo. I receive a copy of this well-written and entertaining romance through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke of Cuttyngham dies in a duel & his daughter Lady Hera Severne finds herself floundering in her new freedom, and instantly attracted to sardonic doctor, Justin Rivers. Determined to change her life, she applies to be the companion to Lady Astley and learn about life & so travels incognito to Lincolnshire. Who should she meet there? Yes you’ve guessed it Justin whose family lives in the nearby village. Lady Astley appears to have little need of a companion. Rather she wants a carer for her husband’s strange but amiable adult ward George. Noises in the night, mystery, suspicion, and locked doors eventually force her to flee with Justin’s help - and her charge. Inevitable scandal follows them to Brussels, where Justin’s duty lies.
The second book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own there are threads running through the series. Another wonderful read from the author, the characters have depth, the pace is good, there’s not only ongoing mystery about the duel but also the mystery surrounding the lovely George who stole the book. I loved both Hera & Justin the chemistry between the couple just grew & grew plus they worked together as a team. A riveting read & I'm now eagerly awaiting the next book
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hera is the unhappy daughter of the Duke of Cuttyngham, who was killed in a duel in book 1. There is no love lost for her cruel and oppressive father. She has spent the past two years in London with her aunt and uncle, initially excited to be free from her father's restrictions, but soon bored with the constant parade of suitors. She returns home for the funeral, with plans to escape the confines of her position. When Dr. Justin Rivers arrives to question the survivors about the duke's health, the attraction is instantaneous.

Justin is the son and brother of clergymen in Lancashire, conveniently in the same town as the family that hires Hera as a companion. Included in her duties is George, the family's ward, who is clearly on the autism spectrum. The Astley family keeps him locked up, to the extent that other village inhabitants know nothing of his existence. As Hera and Justin unravel the mystery of George, their mutual attraction grows.

There is a pattern in this series. Class distinction wars with attraction, secret identities are part of the plot, an escape is required, a kidnapping is involved, and the hero saves the day. Both book 1 & 2 are very entertaining.

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a captivating story! It has romance, suspense, many surprises, intrigue, at times funny banter and nasty villains.

I feel this will be more enjoyable if you read book 1 first. The author does a nice job with backstory but this story builds from the first one. I remember in my review in book 1, I asked if all the books were going to have a Duke in a duel (by title). Well, that is not the case at all. What this shows is by the Duke dying in a duel, how his death has affected so many people in different ways.

Oh, how I loved the character George. What a sweet, and misunderstood man. How he looks at life is a lesson in kindness and wanting to take care of someone. Also, Victor is another man who has been mistreated and is finding his way too.

Lovemaking just outside of marriage with bedroom door closed.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romantic and passionate kisses. So many interesting secondary characters too. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some extra tidbits to decide to purchase. (ljb)

[Mary Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

An excellent continuation of the series. Dr Justin is still trying to solve the mystery of whether the Duke was ill before he took part in the duel. He meets Hera, the duke's daughter and finds that she is going to become a companion because she wants to become useful. Hera pretends she's an ophan without any relatives and then finds out she's not going to be companion to the lady of the house but their "Ward". The ward is a man treated poorly and kept under lock and key. Justin's vicar father lives in the next village and becomes suspicious about "George". Hera and George have to escape and join Justin on his way to Waterloo. He's going to provide medical assistance. I really enjoyed this book and am now really keen to read part 3.

I really recommend this series as well as other Mary Lancaster books.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jeanie Gaslin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Hera has learned of the death of her father the Duke. With little grief, she breathes a sigh of relief at the passing of the overbearing cold man. She hardly knew her father but is finally free of his dominion. Her brother is the new Duke and her is much more compassionate, at least to her. Seeking to explore the world without the restraints of being the Duke’s daughter, Hera applies for a position as a companion. She takes the position away from home but before she can leave she meets Dr. Rivers. The attending physician at her father’s duel. He feels her father died too quickly from a wound that should not have been fatal. He seeks permission to further explore her father’s health prior to his death to prevent Major Butler from being charged with murder.
Once Hera reaches her new employer, she discovers a ward being held as a prisoner in the home. With the help of Dr Rivers, they unrivaled who the ward is, why he is being held and how to free him.

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed reading this book and as usual, Mary Lancaster weaves a story that will capture your imagination and make you feel so many emotions. Hera and Justin are such wonderful characters in each their own way and together they make such a powerful couple. I was absolutely captivated with the story, especially the mystery surrounding "George".

Hera, a Duke's daughter who is tasting freedom for the first time in her life, takes on a job as a companion but she soon discovers that all is not what it seems to be. Justin, a doctor who attends to the wounded in the war against Napoleon, is completely entranced by Hera but thinks himself beneath her. When circumstances puts them together, love soon won't be able to be ignored.

Well written and quite riveting!!

[Tina Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was utterly delightful to read. I admit to not taking a much of a liking to Hera in the first book but she turns out to be a wonderful person. Dr Rivers, Giles best friend, always seemed like a terrific person and Lancaster develops his character to be just like that. I really liked him.
There is an interesting mystery at the heart of this book which Hera and Justin work hard to solve. Of course along the way there is a growing love between Hera and Justin, cumulating in a very happy HEA.
The only thing I would’ve liked would be more love scenes since Lancaster has a lovely way of writing tender yet passionate scenes.
And how fun is it to get an epilogue so we can rest easy knowing what the future holds for them.
Definitely recommend this book.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Hera Severne has been looking for an escape from society pressure.  The sudden death of her father seems to give her that.

Dr. Justin Rivers is a surgeon who has seen too many deaths on the battlefield.  

This historical romance has lots of family drama . It's the second book in a series. While I have read the previous one, and think it makes this one better. You don't "have" to have read it to enjoy this one. This is not the story that I personally thought would be second. Now I'm not sure what I thought would happen, is going to. There are lots of twists and turns. I'm hoping for books for Victor and George.  

A great series and I can't wait for the next book. 

I loved it.

[Katja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hera is a duke's daughter who becomes a companion in a somewhat gothic house that has somebody locked in the attic. I enjoyed this adventure although it never made perfect sense to me why Hera wanted to become a companion. Anyway it's a good thing it did because she saves an interesting young man's life, and finds a companion for life.

The romance stands alone but it is best enjoyed as part of the series because there is an overarching duel subplot that started in another book and will continue in another. And the cast of other characters may make more sense if you read the first book.

Steam level: Something happened behind closed doors.

[DD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in this series, based around the aftermath of the death of the Duke of Cuttyngham in a duel, told from four different perspectives.
Book one was Rosamund, the widows story, this book is the Dukes daughter Hera. Pretty much ignored by her father Hera wants more from life than being a trophy wife, so after her father's funeral she throws off her mourning and takes a job as a companion.
On her journey to her job she meets Justin again, (the doctor who was at her father's duel and believes he wasn't killed by the bullet wound which was minor).
Fast moving and interesting. Well worth a read.

[Fredine Purvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captured (The Duel Book 2) Mary Lancaster

This story is about Here Severn, daughter of the deceased Duke and sister of current style Victor. Trying to find a place in the world, she applies for the position of companion to a woman. She is also intrigued with the doctor who treated her father at the dual. The story continues, from on situation to another, nothing is boring in her life. The story is well written, exciting, danger at times with enough heart to let the characters grow from doubts about what to do to courageous decisions about their lives and happiness. I am sure you will enjoy this book and series.

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting and different story. At the heart is the romance between a duke's daughter and a doctor who thinks he isn't good enough for her. Then we have the mystery of George who turns out to be such a delightful and key character to the story who is imprisoned for being a little different which was handled in a very touching way . I haven't read the first book but this didn't affect my enjoyment of this story highly recommended. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable book with a huge injustice to be righted necessitating a grand adventure. Though I did feel Book 2 had a rather improbable plot I read it in one sitting and am looking forward to the next instalment in the series. Best read after book 1 as time periods and characters overlap.
Note: unsure how a special licence was obtained by Justin’s father when a) he didn’t know her true name and b) she was underage and needed permission of her parent or guardian to marry.
Read in Kindle Unlimited.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sister of a duke, Hera grows restless and takes a companion job. Taking care of a mysterious adult ward, she and Justin, a doctor, realize that all is not right. They capture the ward and take him away from his cruel relatives until everything can be sorted out. Justin is too afraid to admit his growing love for Hera. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

[June Calvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, serious, ever so slightly Gothic.

Captured (The Duel, Book 2) , by Mary Lancaster, is an excellent romance, mostly nonsexual (one consummated sex scene that was by no means blow-by-blow). It started a bit like a Gothic romance, although it wasn't the heroine who was in danger and locked in a tower. It is not necessary to read the first book in the series to enjoy this one, but it does enrich it. I very much enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am totally enjoying this series by Mary Lancaster. For your full reading enjoyment I would read Entangled, the first book in the series before this book.
Justin and Hera were great characters, and from different social classes that showed how easy it is to fall in love. To me, George was such an important character in this story. Thank you Mary for adding George's story.
I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Rainelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is entertaining. I found some very quite moments between the main characters. The promise of romance is definitely a slow burn through the book, The book is engaging for people who love every single detail to a blossoming romance. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Me Meshelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captured by Mary Lancaster

I could not wait to read. As always the characters are wonderful. She is looking for an escape from the pressure of social and finds it when her father is killed in a duel, so she thinks. This book will keep you intrigued and not wanting to put down.
I received this for giving an honest review.

[Janiece Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

I have always enjoyed reading this author's work. She has interesting characters both good and evil. The good always win!
She always keeps the reader interested and her story always fascinating! I will be recommending this book to both friends and family. Read and enjoy!

[Cynthia Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captured

I thoroughly enjoy Mary's books and always look forward to reading her next book! This was no exception; A very good reading experience. The characters are entertaining and engaging.

[Susan Czaja · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd in the series

I gave it a four but it really is a 4.5. This one was a bit spoiled for me by a couple of spoilers in the beginning teaser. The story was line was a bit erratic but in general was very enjoyable.

[Susi Koornstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful adventure!

I love all the novels I’ve read of Mary Lancaster but some of them a just a cut above the rest. This was one of them. I’m off the read the next one in the series!