What do you think?
Rate this book
Captive in the Spotlight
Out of the limelight... Domenico Volpe has been a paparazzi target for years with his rugged Roman looks, glamorous lifestyle and, most recently, a family tragedy. Now that the woman at the center of it all is released from prison, he'll do whatever it takes to keep her quiet.
And into the fire!
Domenico ensures that Lucy Knight "accepts" his offer of refuge on his well-guarded offshore estate. While the media furor abates on the mainland, things are heating up on the island! Domenico is beginning to doubt Lucy's guilt as he uncovers the innocent, sensual woman behind the tough facade....
And into the fire!
Domenico ensures that Lucy Knight "accepts" his offer of refuge on his well-guarded offshore estate. While the media furor abates on the mainland, things are heating up on the island! Domenico is beginning to doubt Lucy's guilt as he uncovers the innocent, sensual woman behind the tough facade....
192 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2013
19 people are currently reading
551 people want to read
About the author
Annie West
916 books339 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Hello! I love writing passionate, intense love stories about sexy alpha men and the women who are their perfect match. Look out for my books with Harlequin (Presents) or Mills & Boon (Modern/Sexy) and for my indie stories, full of passion and intense emotion with a touch of glamour. My latest stories are my Hot Italian Nights series including 'Bound to the Italian Boss' June '17, 'The Italian's Bold Reckoning' July '17, 'At the Italian's Bidding' August '17 and 'Falling for the Brooding Italian' September '17.
Yes, I do like a dark, handsome hero!
You can catch up with my news at www.annie-west.com (where you can also sign up for my exclusive reader newsletter with giveaways and behind the scenes info). I'm on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/anniewest.au... and I adore hearing from readers. You can also contact me at annie(at)annie-west(dot)com
I live with my family at beautiful Lake Macquarie on the east Coast of Australia and my favourite things when not writing are good food, good company, great books, getting outside in nature and travel.
Bookwise, I'm a multi USA Today bestselling author with millions of books sold, in English as well as in lots of other languages. I've won the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and the Romantic Book of the Year (Romance Writers of Australia). One of my favourite review quotes is from Romantic Times which said in its review of The Sheikh's Ransomed Bride 'This is what a love story could be.'.
Hello! I love writing passionate, intense love stories about sexy alpha men and the women who are their perfect match. Look out for my books with Harlequin (Presents) or Mills & Boon (Modern/Sexy) and for my indie stories, full of passion and intense emotion with a touch of glamour. My latest stories are my Hot Italian Nights series including 'Bound to the Italian Boss' June '17, 'The Italian's Bold Reckoning' July '17, 'At the Italian's Bidding' August '17 and 'Falling for the Brooding Italian' September '17.
Yes, I do like a dark, handsome hero!
You can catch up with my news at www.annie-west.com (where you can also sign up for my exclusive reader newsletter with giveaways and behind the scenes info). I'm on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/anniewest.au... and I adore hearing from readers. You can also contact me at annie(at)annie-west(dot)com
I live with my family at beautiful Lake Macquarie on the east Coast of Australia and my favourite things when not writing are good food, good company, great books, getting outside in nature and travel.
Bookwise, I'm a multi USA Today bestselling author with millions of books sold, in English as well as in lots of other languages. I've won the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and the Romantic Book of the Year (Romance Writers of Australia). One of my favourite review quotes is from Romantic Times which said in its review of The Sheikh's Ransomed Bride 'This is what a love story could be.'.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 9, 2020
Twenty-four-year-old heroine Lucy Knight is released from prison. She served five years for a crime she didn’t commit. (She was convicted of manslaughter.) Waiting for her outside the prison is the paparazzi, which are hounding her, and hero Domenico Volpe. (His brother Sandro was the one Lucy was convicted of murdering.) Domenico offers her an escape, if she signs a gag contract. Lucy eventually goes with Domenico to his Mediterranean island to get away from the paparazzi, but she definitely won’t sign a gag contract, and she constantly proclaims her innocence. At first this angers Domenico. But then he starts to wonder if he was wrong about her. He is also very attracted to her…
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I thought Lucy was a great heroine. She was strong, kind, classy, and she stayed true to herself. Lucy loved children and had wanted to train to be a teacher, till her hopes were crushed when she was convicted of murder. And her family abandoned her. She always tried to put on a calm front, even when inside she wasn’t. Domenico was a good hero. He and Lucy had met briefly five years ago and shared a lovely day together. He had thought she was wonderful and special, that is why he was devastated that she could have been responsible for his brother’s death. But everything works out well in the end!
A compelling and romantic read by Annie West.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I thought Lucy was a great heroine. She was strong, kind, classy, and she stayed true to herself. Lucy loved children and had wanted to train to be a teacher, till her hopes were crushed when she was convicted of murder. And her family abandoned her. She always tried to put on a calm front, even when inside she wasn’t. Domenico was a good hero. He and Lucy had met briefly five years ago and shared a lovely day together. He had thought she was wonderful and special, that is why he was devastated that she could have been responsible for his brother’s death. But everything works out well in the end!
A compelling and romantic read by Annie West.
April 19, 2019
Innocent au pair heroine has been in an Italian jail for five years. She was convicted of manslaughter, killing the hero’s older brother in a struggle. Spoiler – she didn’t kill the brother. He was trying to protect her from his bodyguard who had entered her room to rape her. Brother’s wife was suffering post natal depression and was convinced the 18 year-old heroine had seduced her husband. The body guard used the wife’s paranoia and his contacts with the police department to set up the heroine.
To make matters worse, heroine’s father died right after the trial and her stepmother sold a story of lies to the tabloid press.
Before the incident, the hero had taken the heroine out for a day and had fallen for her. Heroine didn’t know of his connection to the brother’s family until the trial. Hero was so jealous the heroine had been with his brother that it never occurred to him that the heroine might be innocent.
The story opens with the heroine battling the press as she leaves prison. Hero offers her a bolt hole in the hopes of having her sign a gag order so his sister-in-law won’t suffer. Heroine won’t do it. H/h spend time together, fall in love, and hero finally discovers the truth so her name can be cleared.
This was a re-read for me and I found it just as intense the second time around. The author did a good job doling out the backstory and solving the mystery of the murder and balanced it well with the romance. Not an easy task.
To make matters worse, heroine’s father died right after the trial and her stepmother sold a story of lies to the tabloid press.
Before the incident, the hero had taken the heroine out for a day and had fallen for her. Heroine didn’t know of his connection to the brother’s family until the trial. Hero was so jealous the heroine had been with his brother that it never occurred to him that the heroine might be innocent.
The story opens with the heroine battling the press as she leaves prison. Hero offers her a bolt hole in the hopes of having her sign a gag order so his sister-in-law won’t suffer. Heroine won’t do it. H/h spend time together, fall in love, and hero finally discovers the truth so her name can be cleared.
This was a re-read for me and I found it just as intense the second time around. The author did a good job doling out the backstory and solving the mystery of the murder and balanced it well with the romance. Not an easy task.
June 2, 2018
Review on re-read:
Ummm I should bring the rating down but I'm in a good mood (?).
The H and h met and had the most wonderful day followed by h wrongly imprisoned for manslaughter... the H's brother being the victim. Five lost years later, the h is out and the H is on damage control because the press has nothing more interesting to cover.
He takes her to his island where she enchants everyone, saves a little girl from dying in a hole and is mob attacked by a hysterical woman, followed by the removal of her unicorn grooming license. Now he finally accepts she was innocent and wants to clear her name but the h only wants his love o when he finally has evidence against the actual killer she leaves. He goes for her some weeks later and HEA.
The H is awful but if the death of a beloved one is involved then I can't really blame him. I would have been plotting a big revenge had I've been in his place. Read when you're in the mood for h constantly suffering injustices.
Ummm I should bring the rating down but I'm in a good mood (?).
The H and h met and had the most wonderful day followed by h wrongly imprisoned for manslaughter... the H's brother being the victim. Five lost years later, the h is out and the H is on damage control because the press has nothing more interesting to cover.
He takes her to his island where she enchants everyone, saves a little girl from dying in a hole and is mob attacked by a hysterical woman, followed by the removal of her unicorn grooming license. Now he finally accepts she was innocent and wants to clear her name but the h only wants his love o when he finally has evidence against the actual killer she leaves. He goes for her some weeks later and HEA.
The H is awful but if the death of a beloved one is involved then I can't really blame him. I would have been plotting a big revenge had I've been in his place. Read when you're in the mood for h constantly suffering injustices.
June 14, 2025
לסקירה מפורטת בעברית, קישור לבלוג שלי -
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/אשמה...
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/אשמה...
March 16, 2013
4.5 stars
As always with Annie West's books, I was sucked in from the first page by the tension radiating from the pages and the intense emotions packed into the scenes.
Annie West creates a wonderful heroine. Lucy has inner strength, dignity and integrity. She knows she is innocent and she stays true to herself. She is toughened by injustice and years in prison. She hides her fiery passionate nature behind a calm facade.
Domenico is driven by loyalty to his family, by grief for his brother's death and disappointment for falling for Lucy's innocent act. But most of all he is struggling with an unwelcome attraction to his brother's killer, with the sympathy and the protectiveness she evokes in him. But getting to know her better, his instincts tell him Lucy is innocent and he ll move heaven and earth to prove her innocence and clear her name. But at the end of the day, all Lucy really wants is a declaration of love.
As always with Annie West's books, I was sucked in from the first page by the tension radiating from the pages and the intense emotions packed into the scenes.
Annie West creates a wonderful heroine. Lucy has inner strength, dignity and integrity. She knows she is innocent and she stays true to herself. She is toughened by injustice and years in prison. She hides her fiery passionate nature behind a calm facade.
Domenico is driven by loyalty to his family, by grief for his brother's death and disappointment for falling for Lucy's innocent act. But most of all he is struggling with an unwelcome attraction to his brother's killer, with the sympathy and the protectiveness she evokes in him. But getting to know her better, his instincts tell him Lucy is innocent and he ll move heaven and earth to prove her innocence and clear her name. But at the end of the day, all Lucy really wants is a declaration of love.
March 30, 2022
I read this one because it reminded me of a true story happened years ago in Italy where a young American woman, barely 20 at the time, spent 4 years in jail because she was charged with murder, then afterward she was free because she was innocent.
This one is quite similar, with the 19 yo heroine in jail for 5 years because she is charged with her employer's murder, then she was found innocent.
She was the au pair for a rich italian family and one of the bodyguards, an ex policeman, tried to rape her.
Her employer, the hero's older brother, saved her, but he fell and hit his head on a fireplace, and died.
The bodyguard said she had an affair with the man, they quarreled and she pushed him against the fireplace.
The heroine was pictured as a gold digger and a slut, and she was found guilty because the bodyguard had an alibi.
The day she's out of jail the hero takes her in one of his properties because she's hunted by the press.
He wants to protect his family from the nasty press and offers the heroine to stay there for some time.
He also wants her to sign a non disclosure contract where he offers her money if she promise not to talk about the accident with anyone.
The heroine is innocent and doesn't want to sign it.
Five years ago before the accident, they had met accidentally and had lunch once, but when the heroine was charged, he never tried to talk to her and he believed her guilty.
There's a strong attraction between them, but of course it's tainted by the past.
During their time together the hero understands she's not the woman he thouhgt she was and they have an affair.
The hero believes her now and helps her to prove her innocence.
After another misunderstanding he proposes and everyone is happy and reconciled. And thank god the villain is in jail.
The book was very angsty, the hero could look like a nasty man but I think it was obvious that, since he didn't know the heroine and he only met her once, when all evidences were against her, he believed her guilty.
It always happens, when a family had a traumatic experience they try to find a guilty part, and in this case the poor heroine had many evidences against her.
So he was not to blame too much, after all he didn't know her.
The heroine learned her lesson and was a very different person, no more naive and innocent, and the hero had some hard times with her.
He begged in the end, and apologized, because he realized that she was the offended part, and they all failed her, him, his family and the investigators that maybe had a soft spot for their ex colleague, the villain.
It was interesting because she was a poor foreign girl with no one but a cheap lawyer to defend her, while the hero's family was rich, well known, italian, and the villain was an ex policeman with many friends in the army and investigators, so of course her trial was anything but fair, and she really had no chance to save herself.
The hero realizes that, and he feels guilty because he should have known better, but I think that any other person would have done the same in his place.
The book was good, the angst very high and I liked it.
Very angsty reading, I enjoyed it.
This one is quite similar, with the 19 yo heroine in jail for 5 years because she is charged with her employer's murder, then she was found innocent.
She was the au pair for a rich italian family and one of the bodyguards, an ex policeman, tried to rape her.
Her employer, the hero's older brother, saved her, but he fell and hit his head on a fireplace, and died.
The bodyguard said she had an affair with the man, they quarreled and she pushed him against the fireplace.
The heroine was pictured as a gold digger and a slut, and she was found guilty because the bodyguard had an alibi.
The day she's out of jail the hero takes her in one of his properties because she's hunted by the press.
He wants to protect his family from the nasty press and offers the heroine to stay there for some time.
He also wants her to sign a non disclosure contract where he offers her money if she promise not to talk about the accident with anyone.
The heroine is innocent and doesn't want to sign it.
Five years ago before the accident, they had met accidentally and had lunch once, but when the heroine was charged, he never tried to talk to her and he believed her guilty.
There's a strong attraction between them, but of course it's tainted by the past.
During their time together the hero understands she's not the woman he thouhgt she was and they have an affair.
The hero believes her now and helps her to prove her innocence.
After another misunderstanding he proposes and everyone is happy and reconciled. And thank god the villain is in jail.
The book was very angsty, the hero could look like a nasty man but I think it was obvious that, since he didn't know the heroine and he only met her once, when all evidences were against her, he believed her guilty.
It always happens, when a family had a traumatic experience they try to find a guilty part, and in this case the poor heroine had many evidences against her.
So he was not to blame too much, after all he didn't know her.
The heroine learned her lesson and was a very different person, no more naive and innocent, and the hero had some hard times with her.
He begged in the end, and apologized, because he realized that she was the offended part, and they all failed her, him, his family and the investigators that maybe had a soft spot for their ex colleague, the villain.
It was interesting because she was a poor foreign girl with no one but a cheap lawyer to defend her, while the hero's family was rich, well known, italian, and the villain was an ex policeman with many friends in the army and investigators, so of course her trial was anything but fair, and she really had no chance to save herself.
The hero realizes that, and he feels guilty because he should have known better, but I think that any other person would have done the same in his place.
The book was good, the angst very high and I liked it.
Very angsty reading, I enjoyed it.
March 9, 2013
5 Stars ~ Five years ago when 18 year old Lucy met Domenico and spent a glorious afternoon seeing the sites of Rome, she'd fallen a bit in love with him. Seeing him again today on her release from the Italian prison all she can feel is horror. She'd been convicted of manslaughter in the death of Domenico's brother Sandro who had hired her as the family au pair. All Lucy wants is to go home to England and start her life again, but it seems the paparazzi doesn't want to leave her in peace. Domenico wishes Lucy would disappear off the face of the earth but he's promised his sister-in-law, Pia, that he'll protect the family from further scandal even if that means he helps her evade the press. When the press attracts a mob with a mood for vengeance, Lucy has no choice but to accept Domenico's protection and she allows herself to be whisked away. He offers her a safe haven with no strings. The woman in his care infuriates Domenico, still she refuses to confess to killing his brother, holding word for word to the story her clumsy public defender put forth. What puzzled him even more is why she wouldn't sign the gag contract -- in exchange to not a further word to anyone about the Volpe family, the trial, her ordeal in prision; she'd receive a sum that would ensure her a new life. As the days pass, he watches Lucy find a sense of peace on his Mediterranean island and the more he watches, the more he sees hints of that angelic young woman he had introduced to Rome one sunny afternoon. The uncomfortable feeling that Lucy may be innocent sits in his gut and he vows to learn the truth.
This is such a compelling read! From the first page with Lucy's release from prison, Ms. West had me eagerly devouring her words to find out what would happen next. There are such poignant moments where Lucy reflects on her experiences and all that she has lost that I felt my throat tighten and tears filled my eyes. But Lucy is not the typical wounded soul, she has a strength that she draws on and an integrity that is unshakable. Domenico struggles with his growing feelings for Lucy and doubts his certainty of the events that convicted her. I admired him greatly when he follows his instincts and fiercely protects her. This is a lovestory I shall not soon forget. Bravo to Ms. West!
This is such a compelling read! From the first page with Lucy's release from prison, Ms. West had me eagerly devouring her words to find out what would happen next. There are such poignant moments where Lucy reflects on her experiences and all that she has lost that I felt my throat tighten and tears filled my eyes. But Lucy is not the typical wounded soul, she has a strength that she draws on and an integrity that is unshakable. Domenico struggles with his growing feelings for Lucy and doubts his certainty of the events that convicted her. I admired him greatly when he follows his instincts and fiercely protects her. This is a lovestory I shall not soon forget. Bravo to Ms. West!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2013
Disappointing for an Annie West and missing the spark I've come to expect from her books. This was a thoroughly mediocre read. Perhaps it needed a longer book to do justice to this very ambitious storyline. Too much to be resolved in such a short book to flush out this doozie of a story to a satisfactory conclusion.
February 21, 2013
I don't know why I'm still trying to read an Annie West book. This particular author bores me to tears. I wonder how it's possible that her stories are published by Harlequin since I can never detect a romance there.
April 5, 2019
Very unusual story for HP but a beautifully told one.
February 13, 2013
I didnt realise until I closed the last page that I'd figuratively held my breath the whole way through the epic journey that Captive in the Spotlight took me on.
As a regular follower of Annie West's website and her many awesome blogs contributions Captive in the Spotlight shot to the top of my TBR list because I thought it sounded like an original, interesting and boundary-pushing plot line for a Presents story.
We meet Lucy as she's being released from Prison. She's overwhelmed by the paparazzi harassing her. When they corner her she's offered an escape route by Domenico. Lucy has no option but to accept. Lucy would do anything to forget her pas but she can't forget and relives every painful moment that caused her to end up in prison when Domenico takes his home, back to the scene of the crime. The paparazzi is relentless so they escape to a beautiful island.
Captive in the Spotlight had me at Hello. I was captured by the opening chapter. The story flawlessly flowed and I'm really happy with how everything was tied up at the end. I think Annie West did a fantastic job of keeping my interest because I couldn't guess how the happy ever after was going to come about but when it did it was neat and tidy and I closed the last page with a PHEW sigh! I conclude that it IS an original (for me), interesting and boundary-pushing plot. I loved it.
The behind the book section for Captive in the Spotlight is well worth the visit after.
Another top class read by the amazing Annie West. 5 bright and shiny stars!
As a regular follower of Annie West's website and her many awesome blogs contributions Captive in the Spotlight shot to the top of my TBR list because I thought it sounded like an original, interesting and boundary-pushing plot line for a Presents story.
We meet Lucy as she's being released from Prison. She's overwhelmed by the paparazzi harassing her. When they corner her she's offered an escape route by Domenico. Lucy has no option but to accept. Lucy would do anything to forget her pas but she can't forget and relives every painful moment that caused her to end up in prison when Domenico takes his home, back to the scene of the crime. The paparazzi is relentless so they escape to a beautiful island.
Captive in the Spotlight had me at Hello. I was captured by the opening chapter. The story flawlessly flowed and I'm really happy with how everything was tied up at the end. I think Annie West did a fantastic job of keeping my interest because I couldn't guess how the happy ever after was going to come about but when it did it was neat and tidy and I closed the last page with a PHEW sigh! I conclude that it IS an original (for me), interesting and boundary-pushing plot. I loved it.
The behind the book section for Captive in the Spotlight is well worth the visit after.
Another top class read by the amazing Annie West. 5 bright and shiny stars!
February 9, 2013
CAPTIVE IN THE SPOTLIGHT by author Annie West is a Mills & Boon Modern release for March 2013.
Domenico Volpe wants to keep the woman who was responsible for shattering his family kept out of the limelight. Because now she has been released from prison and doubtless would seek revenge.
Lucy Knight just wants to put everything which happened to her in the past few years behind and move forward with a new start. But would the paparazzi leave her? Then Domenico offers help, dare she accept his offer? After all, he is part of the enemy!
She is forced to accept Domenico’s help and he whizzes her off to a private island. But living in proximity with him, sparks fly. And old passions are awakened. Would they take action? And could Domenico trust his own instincts regarding Lucy’s guilt?
CAPTIVE IN THE SPOTLIGHT has all our favorite ingredient of innocent romance, guilt, revenge and emotional and sensual tension. Filled with strong characters, snappy and witty dialogue, it also has tender sweet and exciting moments. Author Annie West has written a warm, engrossing and fascinating romance story that kept my interest riveted from beginning to end.
Highly recommended and well worth reading!
Domenico Volpe wants to keep the woman who was responsible for shattering his family kept out of the limelight. Because now she has been released from prison and doubtless would seek revenge.
Lucy Knight just wants to put everything which happened to her in the past few years behind and move forward with a new start. But would the paparazzi leave her? Then Domenico offers help, dare she accept his offer? After all, he is part of the enemy!
She is forced to accept Domenico’s help and he whizzes her off to a private island. But living in proximity with him, sparks fly. And old passions are awakened. Would they take action? And could Domenico trust his own instincts regarding Lucy’s guilt?
CAPTIVE IN THE SPOTLIGHT has all our favorite ingredient of innocent romance, guilt, revenge and emotional and sensual tension. Filled with strong characters, snappy and witty dialogue, it also has tender sweet and exciting moments. Author Annie West has written a warm, engrossing and fascinating romance story that kept my interest riveted from beginning to end.
Highly recommended and well worth reading!
March 6, 2013
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Captive in the Spotlight by Annie West is an intensely compelling romance.
Domenico and Lucy have a bit of history, they met and spent one perfect day together 5 years ago with the promise of more to come before circumstances got in their way and their respective worlds feel apart.
Domenico feels betrayed and believes that his family has suffered enough at the hands of Lucy and her scheming, he offers Lucy a deal - refuge from the press for her silence. But Lucy will not be bought for silence means acceptance; she may have been wrongly incarcerated for a crime she didn’t commit but she will give no one the satisfaction of thinking she is guilty.
Hiding away from the media frenzy finds Lucy and Domenico in close quarters; and the spark of attraction between them is alive and burning but trust not so much. Domenico and Lucy have a tough road ahead of them. Lucy has learnt the hard way not to trust or rely on anyone and for Domenico will he let pride and duty get in the way of love and a relationship ?
Annie west has written a solid heroine in Lucy, fierce, strong and resilient the phrase beaten but never broken describes Lucy the best. The beginning of the book certainly captured my attention; very rarely in category romance do we come across a seemingly flawed heroine seeking justice and redemption. Captive in the Spotlight had it all intrigue, drama passion –all the makings of a great read. I would definitely recommend this book.
Captive in the Spotlight by Annie West is an intensely compelling romance.
For five grim years Lucy had imagined her first day of freedom. A sky the pure blue of Italian summer. The scent of citrus in the warm air and the sound of birds.The story begins with Lucy getting out of prison having just served a 5year sentence for manslaughter. No sooner is she out she has the paparazzi hot on her heels trying to get a piece of her. With nowhere to go and no one to turn to for support she is forced to take Domenico Volpe offer of a Safe haven.
Instead she inhaled a familiar aroma. Bricks, concrete and cold steel should have no scent. Yet mixed with despair and commercial strength detergent, they created a perfume called 'Institution'. It had filled her nostrils for years.
Lucy repressed a shudder of fear, her stomach cramping.
What if there had been a mistake? What if the huge metal door before her remained firmly shut?
Panic welled at the thought of returning to her cell. To come so close then have freedom denied would finally destroy her.
The guard punched in the release code. Lucy moved close, her bag in one clammy hand, her heart in her mouth. Finally the door opened and she stepped through.
Exhaust fumes instead of citrus. Lowering grey skies instead of blue. The roar of cars rather than birdsong.
She didn't care. She was free!
Domenico and Lucy have a bit of history, they met and spent one perfect day together 5 years ago with the promise of more to come before circumstances got in their way and their respective worlds feel apart.
Domenico feels betrayed and believes that his family has suffered enough at the hands of Lucy and her scheming, he offers Lucy a deal - refuge from the press for her silence. But Lucy will not be bought for silence means acceptance; she may have been wrongly incarcerated for a crime she didn’t commit but she will give no one the satisfaction of thinking she is guilty.
Hiding away from the media frenzy finds Lucy and Domenico in close quarters; and the spark of attraction between them is alive and burning but trust not so much. Domenico and Lucy have a tough road ahead of them. Lucy has learnt the hard way not to trust or rely on anyone and for Domenico will he let pride and duty get in the way of love and a relationship ?
Annie west has written a solid heroine in Lucy, fierce, strong and resilient the phrase beaten but never broken describes Lucy the best. The beginning of the book certainly captured my attention; very rarely in category romance do we come across a seemingly flawed heroine seeking justice and redemption. Captive in the Spotlight had it all intrigue, drama passion –all the makings of a great read. I would definitely recommend this book.
April 3, 2013
Imagine what it must be like in prison, being away from people you love, not having the every day surroundings most of us are use to, but if you have done the crime as they say it is time to pay by doing your time.
If however you are innocent I think being trapped inside four walls can be the worst experience of your life as you know that the truth is out there but there is nothing you can do to prove your innocence while being held.
In this read from the wonderfully talented Annie West I was taken behind the scenes of what one would need to face when finally released and what the impact on lives can be when the truth is finally revealed, and how truly awful it can be when having to face the paparazzi and their relentless approach at getting a story.
The characters of Domenico and Lucy were both pure delight. I loved that the author took a different approach to the love found at last, never before have I read about the heroine coming from prison and into the arms of the hero.
It is usually the they meet and fall for each other with spectacular fashion, but seeing the heroine as almost a tortured soul and blossoming into the woman that saves our hero was a brilliant new and exciting development.
The backdrop setting of a secluded estate was perfect for this book as it gave the characters the perfect change for things to get well and heated, think trapped with no where to go while being seduced by a sexy,ruthless man on a mission.
I also liked the idea that she returns to the scene of the crime it was the perfect touch from the author to take me as reader back to where it started and slowly letting it all unfold and eventually burst into flames of passion and truth.
The dialogue was classic Annie West, sexy, sexy, sexy ! I could feel the emotions bouncing off the characters, feel the insecurities slipping away and see the happy ending coming. I could not get enough of this read and I wanted it to go on forever, read it in one sitting.
I highly recommend this read for anyone and everyone looking for romance of a different kind,if you think all romance books are the same this is the one that will show you that not all is as it seems.
5/5 star review
" The truth will set you free and into the arms of the man of your dreams"
If however you are innocent I think being trapped inside four walls can be the worst experience of your life as you know that the truth is out there but there is nothing you can do to prove your innocence while being held.
In this read from the wonderfully talented Annie West I was taken behind the scenes of what one would need to face when finally released and what the impact on lives can be when the truth is finally revealed, and how truly awful it can be when having to face the paparazzi and their relentless approach at getting a story.
The characters of Domenico and Lucy were both pure delight. I loved that the author took a different approach to the love found at last, never before have I read about the heroine coming from prison and into the arms of the hero.
It is usually the they meet and fall for each other with spectacular fashion, but seeing the heroine as almost a tortured soul and blossoming into the woman that saves our hero was a brilliant new and exciting development.
The backdrop setting of a secluded estate was perfect for this book as it gave the characters the perfect change for things to get well and heated, think trapped with no where to go while being seduced by a sexy,ruthless man on a mission.
I also liked the idea that she returns to the scene of the crime it was the perfect touch from the author to take me as reader back to where it started and slowly letting it all unfold and eventually burst into flames of passion and truth.
The dialogue was classic Annie West, sexy, sexy, sexy ! I could feel the emotions bouncing off the characters, feel the insecurities slipping away and see the happy ending coming. I could not get enough of this read and I wanted it to go on forever, read it in one sitting.
I highly recommend this read for anyone and everyone looking for romance of a different kind,if you think all romance books are the same this is the one that will show you that not all is as it seems.
5/5 star review
" The truth will set you free and into the arms of the man of your dreams"
August 13, 2018
Unbelievable, the whole story line was just unbelievable.
Sweet innocent virgin h meets H who just happens to be her employers brother and they fall in love in a day. What?
Later she gets arrested for the murder of said brother and charged with manslaughter serving a 5 year sentence because her lawyer was totally inept. The H totally ignores her during this time and totally blames her for his brothers death. (of course shes innocent).
When she is released he comes for her and takes her away from the press on the flimsiest of flimsy excuses to get her to sign basically an ND agreement and he will pay her off. Our h aint down for that though and she has picked up some attitude while behind bars - all while keeping also her Cinderella like disposition.
As our h is innocent and the H doesn't believe her for 95% of the story I just couldn't believe the HEA for these 2 or his avowal of also falling in love with her on that first day too (even though he wasn't ready for it). Doesn't love mean trusting your h/H no matter what the evidence suggests?
This left me feeling rather MEH about the whole thing and if I were the h I'd be like hasta la vista buttmunch and sue the Italian government for millions of Euros for wrongful conviction and providing a clown defender.
Sweet innocent virgin h meets H who just happens to be her employers brother and they fall in love in a day. What?
Later she gets arrested for the murder of said brother and charged with manslaughter serving a 5 year sentence because her lawyer was totally inept. The H totally ignores her during this time and totally blames her for his brothers death. (of course shes innocent).
When she is released he comes for her and takes her away from the press on the flimsiest of flimsy excuses to get her to sign basically an ND agreement and he will pay her off. Our h aint down for that though and she has picked up some attitude while behind bars - all while keeping also her Cinderella like disposition.
As our h is innocent and the H doesn't believe her for 95% of the story I just couldn't believe the HEA for these 2 or his avowal of also falling in love with her on that first day too (even though he wasn't ready for it). Doesn't love mean trusting your h/H no matter what the evidence suggests?
This left me feeling rather MEH about the whole thing and if I were the h I'd be like hasta la vista buttmunch and sue the Italian government for millions of Euros for wrongful conviction and providing a clown defender.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2013
Another fantastic story by Annie West I so love her strong heroes Domenico is so focused on his family and life that falling in love with Lucy is an amazing adventure to read this one is sensual and very moving as Lucy fights to stay strong. The scenery is wonderful it made me feel like I was in Italy on the Mediteraian snorkling and swimming. Loved it
February 17, 2020
From the first paragraph, this really gripped my emotions. StMargarets has done an excellent review here . This is the first story in a 2-story volume. The second is "Blackmailed Bride, Innocent Wife".
April 5, 2013
After five long years, Lucy Knight walks out of prison and in to the life of Domenico Volpe. Lucy had served time for killing his brother, and he wants her silence to save the family name.
Lucy knew she had done nothing wrong, but having Domenico abandon her, then come back in to her life was something she could not trust. Even falling for him, loving him, was not easy.
Very touching story.
Lucy knew she had done nothing wrong, but having Domenico abandon her, then come back in to her life was something she could not trust. Even falling for him, loving him, was not easy.
Very touching story.
Read
December 29, 2014Category: Passion
July 13, 2013
Really enjoyed this one.
August 13, 2013
Nedense bu hikayeyi cok sevdim. Duygusal dramatik bir hikaye idi. Bes yılı hapiste gecen bir genc kızin iftiraya ugrayarak hayatinin bert yılinin elinden alinmasidi.
April 3, 2018
Rating: 3.8 stars.
Another one from Annie West! The beginning was a tad bit slow but then the story picks up pace and the anticipation was really high while I was reading the book! I was waiting what would happen next all the way till the last chapter.
Loved the characters. Lucy was a really strong character which I loved. Despite being falsely accused she stood her ground and throughout the story I got to see her grow stronger and stronger.
Another one from Annie West! The beginning was a tad bit slow but then the story picks up pace and the anticipation was really high while I was reading the book! I was waiting what would happen next all the way till the last chapter.
Loved the characters. Lucy was a really strong character which I loved. Despite being falsely accused she stood her ground and throughout the story I got to see her grow stronger and stronger.
July 2, 2019
Non ha brillato tra le mie letture, oltremodo fastidioso per il modo in cui viene dipinta la giustizia italiana, non solo per la superficialità nelle indagini, ma è quasi offensivo che l'autrice non si sia presa nemmeno la briga di leggere una pagina Wikipedia su come si fanno i processi in Italia, i gradi di giudizio, gli avvocati d'ufficio, le giurie di cittadini (wtf???) non funziona tutto come in Law&Order!
May 9, 2023
Ooookay. Very quick. And not alot of drama...considering EVERYTHING. And did they KNOW each other BEFORE? No? Not clear. Everything was resolved, what happened was never described, and a villain we never met got put away...so yeah. Skip.m
April 7, 2020
4 stars for how it made me emotional.
December 24, 2022
3.70***
Read
November 22, 2024Upto page 69
June 17, 2013
**I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads**
This was my first Annie West book, but it will definitely not be my last! This was a beautiful love story, but it also had an underlying law theme which was enjoyable. Plus, it took place in the romantic country of Italy!
Lucy was a strong but hurt young woman, only twenty-four at the time of the novel and eighteen at the time of her incarceration. She built a wall around herself to protect her heart from the outside world, something I know that we have all done to some extent at least once in our lives. But Domenico falls in love with her (even though it takes until the end for him to admit it even to himself) and makes it his mission to break through that wall and make the beautiful Lucy see the beauty in love and the world. There were so many times that Lucy and Domenico could have been together beyond just sex, but they could not admit to themselves, and therefore not to the other, what their true feelings were! It hurt me every time they came close to allowing the other into their heart and then quickly backtracked, misunderstanding a comment by the other and assuming that they were the only one to feel that way. It was enjoyable to see their romance develop though, and there was not a minute I was not wishing for them to be together forever.
I loved how the secondary plot was not pushed aside. Lucy's insistence of her innocence never swayed, and, once Domenico realized it was the truth, the book also kept its focus on his attempts at proving her innocence. One of my favorite scenes of the book was when Pia and Lucy reconciled; it was such a beautiful moment.
My only complaint could be that this were a longer book. I would love to have read further about what happened in regards to the case of Sandro's murder in the upcoming weeks/months. I also would have loved to read about their wedding, etc. But I really enjoyed this book!!
This was my first Annie West book, but it will definitely not be my last! This was a beautiful love story, but it also had an underlying law theme which was enjoyable. Plus, it took place in the romantic country of Italy!
Lucy was a strong but hurt young woman, only twenty-four at the time of the novel and eighteen at the time of her incarceration. She built a wall around herself to protect her heart from the outside world, something I know that we have all done to some extent at least once in our lives. But Domenico falls in love with her (even though it takes until the end for him to admit it even to himself) and makes it his mission to break through that wall and make the beautiful Lucy see the beauty in love and the world. There were so many times that Lucy and Domenico could have been together beyond just sex, but they could not admit to themselves, and therefore not to the other, what their true feelings were! It hurt me every time they came close to allowing the other into their heart and then quickly backtracked, misunderstanding a comment by the other and assuming that they were the only one to feel that way. It was enjoyable to see their romance develop though, and there was not a minute I was not wishing for them to be together forever.
I loved how the secondary plot was not pushed aside. Lucy's insistence of her innocence never swayed, and, once Domenico realized it was the truth, the book also kept its focus on his attempts at proving her innocence. One of my favorite scenes of the book was when Pia and Lucy reconciled; it was such a beautiful moment.
My only complaint could be that this were a longer book. I would love to have read further about what happened in regards to the case of Sandro's murder in the upcoming weeks/months. I also would have loved to read about their wedding, etc. But I really enjoyed this book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2013
For five years, Lucy Knight has paid for a crime that she didn’t commit. She is finally released, but she has nowhere to turn and the press is acting like a hoard of starving sharks scenting blood! Domenico Volpe is the last person that Lucy should expect to help her, but he will do anything to protect his family from further scandal – including harboring the very one who brought so much grief to his family years ago. Domenico soon discovers that Lucy shields more than he ever thought, and he finds that he can’t seem to resist that which tempted “others” before me.
Captive in the Spotlight was a heartbreaking story that came full circle to a wonderful HEA. From the beginning pages, Annie West, brought out the emotions and sympathy for Lucy and fully explained Domenico’s position, as well. I could not find fault for his stance when he finally revealed that which he fought in Captive in the Spotlight. His position was made clear and Lucy trusted him with his explanations. There were a few characters that got out of things a bit quickly and that bothered me a bit in Captive in the Spotlight. However, overall I enjoyed the love story between Domenico and Lucy, mostly because Domenico was fleshed out more and I felt I knew why he did things that he did in Captive in the Spotlight.
Lucy was certainly a strong character, but at heart, I think she was a forgiving person and that shell of hardness just needed to be cracked to get at her forgiveness. Perhaps if there hadn’t been a little history between Domenico and Lucy showing their attraction from the beginning, he wouldn’t have been able to breach her barriers so thoroughly in Captive in the Spotlight.
Reviewed by Vanessa for Joyfully Reviewed
Captive in the Spotlight was a heartbreaking story that came full circle to a wonderful HEA. From the beginning pages, Annie West, brought out the emotions and sympathy for Lucy and fully explained Domenico’s position, as well. I could not find fault for his stance when he finally revealed that which he fought in Captive in the Spotlight. His position was made clear and Lucy trusted him with his explanations. There were a few characters that got out of things a bit quickly and that bothered me a bit in Captive in the Spotlight. However, overall I enjoyed the love story between Domenico and Lucy, mostly because Domenico was fleshed out more and I felt I knew why he did things that he did in Captive in the Spotlight.
Lucy was certainly a strong character, but at heart, I think she was a forgiving person and that shell of hardness just needed to be cracked to get at her forgiveness. Perhaps if there hadn’t been a little history between Domenico and Lucy showing their attraction from the beginning, he wouldn’t have been able to breach her barriers so thoroughly in Captive in the Spotlight.
Reviewed by Vanessa for Joyfully Reviewed
April 17, 2013
Lucy Knight finally get her freedom after five years imprisoned in jail. She'd convicted for murder that she didn't do and she believed that her unfair trial were influnce by the Volpes, a powerful family in Italia. But now she already lost everything. Her future, family, friend, reputation, and first love. All she wants now is just a new beginning where nobody knows her and her past. But the Italian paparazzis won't let her escape from her involvement with murder of Volpe family's member.
Domenico Volpe didn't want to meet Lucy again. He believed that Lucy had killed his brother, Sandro and deceived him five years ago. But he had to make sure the paparazzis's interest in Lucy wouldn't hurt his family further so he took Lucy to his estate and offer her a contract to shut her mouth from the media.
But things heating up between them the more they spent time together. Makes both Domenico and Lucy realized that their attraction to each other never gone even after five painful years passed.
Wow I won this giveaway copy. I've never read the author's writing. But seems like she's quite famous.
I finish the reading in 24 hours. Yup..so fast. The book is an easy read. The story was quite cliche. But somehow it captured me. Well, love-hate relationship always interesting for me. And that's exactly how I describe the relationship of Domenico and Lucy. I love tough heroines like Lucy. And of course I adore Domenico. I love non-american hotties with thick accent. That's the only reason I'm crazy about Joseph Morgan, Ed Westwick, and the Hemsworths (yes, Chris and Liam, they're absolutely sexy with their astralian accent.
Domenico Volpe didn't want to meet Lucy again. He believed that Lucy had killed his brother, Sandro and deceived him five years ago. But he had to make sure the paparazzis's interest in Lucy wouldn't hurt his family further so he took Lucy to his estate and offer her a contract to shut her mouth from the media.
But things heating up between them the more they spent time together. Makes both Domenico and Lucy realized that their attraction to each other never gone even after five painful years passed.
Wow I won this giveaway copy. I've never read the author's writing. But seems like she's quite famous.
I finish the reading in 24 hours. Yup..so fast. The book is an easy read. The story was quite cliche. But somehow it captured me. Well, love-hate relationship always interesting for me. And that's exactly how I describe the relationship of Domenico and Lucy. I love tough heroines like Lucy. And of course I adore Domenico. I love non-american hotties with thick accent. That's the only reason I'm crazy about Joseph Morgan, Ed Westwick, and the Hemsworths (yes, Chris and Liam, they're absolutely sexy with their astralian accent.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews