Captured by a Supervillain

Supervillain Romance Project #3

by H.L. Burke

Supervillains are NOT boyfriend material... right?
The youngest daughter of an established superhero family, Juliet Park is determined to prove her worth and become the heroine her last name promises she will be. Getting captured by supervillains was NOT part of the plan. Having one of them step up as her protector? Now that's just confusing.
When a mission goes south, Juliet finds herself a captive of the Black Fox Supervillain Syndicate, a dastardly assembly of the nation's worst villains. Juliet's anticipated un-alivening, however, is put on hold when one of their number, the taciturn but watchful Sandstorm, comes to her defense. While grateful to still be breathing, Juliet knows better than to trust a villain. Even one who looks super good in form-fitting t-shirts.
After Juliet uncovers the Black Fox's plan to hold cities hostage with doomsday devices in return for a king's ransom, escape becomes even more essential. However, with Sandstorm continuing to stand between her and his villainous associates, she wonders what motives this villain has. Could he be an ally in her cause or is he running his own, even deadlier game?

Genres: Superheroes, Romance, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Action

194 pages, Paperback

Published November 28, 2022

About the author

Born in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and was always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.

An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.

Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes that home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.

She is the author of a four part fantasy/romance series entitled "The Dragon and the Scholar," the Award Winning (2016 Realm Award for Young Adult Fiction) Nyssa Glass Steampunk series, and MG/Fantasy "Cora and the Nurse Dragon," among others .

Sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.hlburkeauthor.com

http://www.amazon.com/H.-L.-Burke/e/B...

Reviews

[Tricia Mingerink · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is an auto-read for me, and this series especially is so much fun! I've been so eager for this book ever since the teaser for this story in the epilogue of the final book in one of this author's related series.

This book didn't disappoint! Juliet and Sandstorm were so great together, and this author managed to pull off the "falls for kidnapper" trope in the best way possible, and that trope can get so icky fast, which wasn't the case here!

Now I really can't WAIT for the next book, and I REALLY hope we get a few reunion scenes that bring back favorite characters.

[H.L. Burke]

HEY! I wrote another book. Look at that. Yep. It's a book all right ...

this is book three in the Supervillain Romance Project but it hops siblings to focus on Juliet rather than Shawn Park so you can easily start here if you really want to.

[Sarah Ryder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!! Okay, call me weird or creepy (because it probably is a little bit) but I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of a kidnapper and kidnappe falling in love—I know, seriously messed up (I blame fan fiction for introducing this concept to me, lol). So I was very excited when this book first came out because this author writes really good, healthy relationships, so I was curious to see how she’d pull this off. Honestly I was skeptical at first due to Juliet and Sandstorm’s fighting (for the obvious “you kidnapped me, of course I’m going to try to escape!” reasons, but ya know…), but I had faith she’d pull them through in a believable way and boy did she! Also the “Juliet gets kidnapped” part was really well done in how she got in that situation without making the romance creepy, in case someone might be worried about that.

Juliet is a reckless firecracker, but not in an annoying “I know everything, so get out of my way” kind of way but more in a “take the moment by the horns only to realize whoops I probably shouldn’t have done that, but too late now,” kind of way, haha. But under all that she has a heart full of compassion and bravery and I think she’s now my favorite female superhero in this universe. Sandstorm I knew from the YA series (highly recommend reading that series first, by the way, though you don’t have to) but I ADORED how the author expanded on his character since he’s much older and has seen more and yet he’s still the same broken boy craving love and family and I just love him to pieces, okay? And the two of them together is absolute perfection, not to mention they are too cute. 🥰🥰

The action and maneuvering with the villain gang so, you know, Juliet doesn’t DIE!, was tense and really had me on the edge of my seat by the climax hoping everyone was going to survive despite knowing they would because, ya know, there’s another book so of course they do, but this is the hallmark of a good storyteller right here in making me think that way!

Totally adored this book and am super excited for the next one!


‼️Content‼️

Language: sucked/sucks; crap; dang; jeez; gosh; what the; go to hell; screwed up/screw-up; jackass; pissed/pissy/piss; BS; heck; hell; what the heck; smartass

Violence: fighting with superpowers and hand to hand (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed)

Sexual: mild suggestive hints/comments; kissing (not to semi detailed); characters sleep together (not sexually)

Drug/Alcohol: a character is injected with snake venom and nearly dies

Other: superheroes and supervillains; superpowers; a character is captured and held prisoner

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining fantasy listening 🎶🔰

This is a Kindle Unlimited novel 3th in a 5 book series.

I have enjoyed every H. L. Burke series and stand alone novel I have listened 🎶 to.

Juliet Park is determined to make a place for herself in the family. But she is captured by supervillains group. Sandstorm is one f the group but he protects her. With his help they bring the villains group down.

I would highly recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of family and friends relationships adventure mystery novels 👍🔰.

H. L. Burke has a number of free novels.

[M.H. Elrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliet and Sandstorm are the perfect couple

Juliet, the impulsive hero, gets kidnapped by supervillains. Who should help her but the enemy, and someone some may know well, and of course, they fall in love...in a good way.

[Selina Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read in April 2024 and just looked at my review, and was surprised to realize I'd given it four stars and that's all I'd had to say about this the first time? XD I love these too and the MMC especially is my fav character in the SVR-verse. The whole series(es) have become comfort re-reads for me, but this one and the sequel in particular I love. Bumping up to five stars for Feels and because I re-read it in a matter of hours.
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A fun, quick, and romantic superhero story with an impulsive hero and a villain with a heroic side. Fairly subtle and organic Christian faith elements.

[Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you liked the teen series with Jake & co, you will want to read this. Cute, sweet and a nice series crossover. If you haven't read those, read them first!

[Erin Dydek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continue to love this spin-off series! The Supervillian Romance Series follows the Park family so we get to see the ongoing development of their relationships and dramas. As the third book in the series, we get to follow Juliet Park as she gets her turn at romance. The first two books follow her older brother Shawn, so you get to see how he’s doing and what he's up to, but this story primarily belongs to Jules. It also involves another favorite character of mine that crosses over from the Supervillain Rescue Project series. Once you get involved in the Dosa-verse you’re going to love how many characters you get to see again and how their stories evolve and develop throughout the universe that Burke has created!

This book has a fantastic climax that once again got me all teary-eyed and I’m looking forward to part two of Juliet, AKA Zest’s, story in book four of the series, Engaged to a Supervillain. Zest is seriously the perfect superhero handle for this feisty flying sable (super abled person), and I loved getting to know her better in this story (she was first introduced in her brother’s arc).

I highly recommend to readers of clean romance. You’ll love the Marvel vibes and building tension in this action-packed story.

P.S. I swear I could hear Laleh laughing when Sandstorm uttered the phrase “itty-bitty pocket ferret” haha 🙂

[Jenelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

d'aww, that was cuute // weirdly enough, even though I've read almost every other book in this series so far, I didn't realize who "Sandstorm" was until a chapter or 2 in, so that was clever // Juliet is an impetuous little burst of dynamite and I enjoyed having her sit still long enough for me to get to know her better // Sandstorm... just... <3 // lots of wondering how they were gonna get OUT of this mess // excited to read the next one!

[Pucktricks6802 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew hints of this book from scenes in other books in this world, and getting to finally read this story gave me a giant grin.

Going to hit enter a few times, so I can write a bit more complex of a review with some spoilers that allow me to write it better, but if you don't want any spoilers beyond the back cover, just know, read the book, you'll enjoy it.

Okay, if you hit see more this is completely on you.

I have been waiting for this book since it was hinted at in the epilogue of Power Up. I loved seeing Sandstorm's (if you've read the epilogue you know who Sandstorm is) struggle with his place and accidental kidnapping of Juliet. The interactions between the two characters works really well.
I also very much appreciated the ending. I can't elaborate on this too much without it being HUGE spoilers, but it resolved part of the tension of the story while still giving the promise of a happily ever after.

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captured by a Supervillain is part of the expansive SVR universe of book series. This installment is third in the Supervillain Romance Project series, and it is chronology the latest in the universe, so reading the five Supervillain Rehabilitation Project books and the four Supervillain Rescue Project books is recommended but not a requirement.

I'm fact this book could honestly stand on its own since Juliet has only been a very minor character in the previous romance book.

The plot of this book is very well done. On the surface it may seem like you typical captive falling for her captor romance but everything is based on mutual consideration. And in the end the relationship feels less romantic and more like a friendship with room to grow (minus the passionate kiss which is obviously there for fan service.)

*The author gave me an e-copy of this book for review.purposes. this review is my honest and unbiased opinion of the provided.*

[Lj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both a superhero adventure and a sweet, clean romance this book has something for everyone. It is a really fun ride and short enough to read in one sitting. Or is it just addictive enough to read in one sitting?

This book is set in the same 'world' as Ms Burke's other superhero series' and technically part of the Supervillain Romance Series, this book works well as a stand alone. In fact it might be better if you haven't read Power Up before reading this one as the last chapter or so of Power Up is absolutely a spoiler for this entire book.

[A Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why is it over?

After meeting Juliet in the previous book I wanted her story. So glad we have it. Her recklessness was on par with her character and led to the meet-cute with the villain Sandstorm. While being held captive by Sandy, she gets to know him and see he's not like the rest of the gang. He still has some humanity and soul.
Mild violence and language. The romance was clean and not Stockholm. But if the two characters take the time to truly get to know each other then the relationship has a chance of being healthy.
I am excited to see that there is a book four and that it's a sequel to this one. Meaning we get a chance to see if the relationship is a good idea.
Definitely recommend ❤️.

[Amber Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies-to-lovers is one of my favorite tropes. I love all the books in the SVR universe, and this one is no exception! Juliet is a feisty but impulsive super-heroine, and Sandstorm is an enigmatic villain with carefully laid plans. When Juliet stumbles into his scheme, she puts both herself and his mission in jeopardy. A thrilling action-adventure romance with all the feels!

[Michele Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, this series! Love it so much. Snatched this book up and read it in one sitting, laughed aloud several times, and have the biggest grin on my face from THAT ENDING. :D I’m so happy every time another book releases, and this one did not disappoint. More, please!

[Karen Eisenbrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your tastes run to action romantic comedy, be sure to check this one out. This whole series plays with the idea that heroes and villains have more in common with each other than with the “normies.” And not all villains are in it for life.

Juliet Park AKA Zest has more to prove than most young superheroes: she’s the daughter of Verve, a living legend, and little sister of Surge, a rising star. So when a routine patrol catches known villain Sandstorm up to something sketchy, she goes after him on her own rather than lose him. When he uses a teleportation device to escape, she follows him through the portal and ends up in the hidden lair of a villain gang with her powers disrupted and no way to call for help. Sandstorm persuades the gang to keep her alive as an asset—they might be able to use Surge to get valuable intel in exchange for her life. Or is he protecting her for some other reason?

The chemistry between Juliet and Sandstorm felt genuine—they’re about the same age, they both have powers, and they both have a lot to prove to their teams and families. The other villains are used to good comic effect, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a credible threat. Without her powers, Juliet has to be clever, but she also has to trust Sandstorm to keep her alive and safe. I liked her various schemes to use what was at hand to escape or protect herself. Meanwhile, Sandstorm is hiding a secret that some readers will already know, adding to the enjoyment but not required to follow the story. And Burke continues a string of ingenious names for super-abled characters: Sandstorm can turn himself and anything solid into particles, Mentallica has mind-reading powers, and Diamondback has a venomous bite. It’s a tasty blend of comic-book action and humor with real, heartfelt emotion.

[CC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect if you're in the mood for something light, fun action and superhero(ine) related! Also - throw in a nice dose of redemption and justice and also a cute ship in there. ;) It's a short read that moves fast.

I would have liked a bit more distinctiveness and depth in terms of the MCs and relationships, but overall it left me feeling ~~good in a fluffy way~~ in terms of satisfaction (hey so much so that I bumped this from a 2.5-3 to 3.5-4 ;).

Wouldn't mind seeing more of Juliet Park + Sandstorm AT ALL in the future though! :D

Points for the MC's backstory-family dynamics as well.

Lastly, like probably everyone else who thought the story was good, I liked how the whole "hostage falling for the bad guy" (aka Stockholm Syndrome) topic was handled overall. Could have used a bit more development, but still, everything's fairly logical and realistic and well-handled and I APPLAUD the author for doing it in that short amount of time (word count).


Content: PG-13 for some language (not very frequent, but more than a few I think). And there are some suggestive content (also sorta "the bad guy imposing on girl") and kissing (not very descriptive, so quite clean overall).

Thank you to the author/publisher for giving me a free ARC of this book. I am under no obligation to write a review or ensure my review is positive in exchange, nor am I compensated in any way. All opinions in this review are my own.

Thank you for reading! Please like this review if you’ve found it helpful, and feel free to leave a comment with any questions/comments!

[Sharon Hughson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fun Romp

Kidnapper. Kidnapped. Stockholm Syndrome. Or is it something else?

This quick read gives lots of heart-pounding action with a moment of romance. Realistic, fully drawn characters as you can always expect from Burke.

If you’re a fan of the various superhero/villain series, you’ll be happy to see a couple familiar faces even if they’re in different roles.

[Maurice Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had fun reading....Liked the characters and world building, and the action was there.Also there was a lightness to it that made the novel easy to read and a night stand favorite.

[Annie Lima · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable story. It stretched my incredulity a bit, trying to imagine supervillains as accommodating to a prisoner as a couple of these ones were, but still a fun read.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again not as good as the first two and Juliet really annoyed me at times, but again still finished it and I liked the ending actually.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't love the ending, but overall beside the language, it was a pretty good book. However the next book has a little more in it them I'm up for so as a note to my future self, only read this one 🙃