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Captive Hearts #1

Captive at Christmas

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After a particularly harsh break-up, Hannah Magnus decides to spend Christmas away from her Vancouver home, enjoying a little time for herself, and picking up the pieces of her broken heart. She crosses the border into Washington State and locates the idyllic cabin that will serve as her home for the next two weeks.

Mackenzie Dunlop is a man of action and reaction. A creation of his past and his profession. When he travels to the cabin he rented to stay in until the repairs on his house are complete, there is a surprise waiting...and Mac loathes surprises.

Thrown together in the least likely of circumstances, Mac and Hannah find solace in each other after a harrowing event. But the future holds no promise for either of them. Distance and circumstances stand in their way. Will love prevail? Or will Hannah and Mac remain two solitary souls sharing love and memories, living separate lives?

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 11, 2013

9 people are currently reading
426 people want to read

About the author

Danielle Taylor

29 books142 followers
Somewhat shy, though very silly, and rather cheeky once you get to know her, British born author Danielle Taylor writes stories with characters that tear into your heart and soul. When Danielle isn't writing or procrastinating, you can find her doing Mummy things; and if not for a funky pancreas, she'd eat cake at every meal.

Find Danielle on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authordaniel...
Website: http://danielletaylorbooks.wix.com/da...
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/114240287...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DTaylor_Author

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Tony.
103 reviews39 followers
April 8, 2013
I received this book free from the Author in return for an honest review, and Jesus H Christ am I glad I did.
Before I got this book, I'd never heard of the Author but now I'll be seeking out her work.
Danielle Taylor I Salute You.!!!

WARNING: REVIEW MAY CONTAIN PROFANITY OR OTHER ADULT CONTENT..

First and Foremost:
SMUTTERTAINMENT value = 10/10.
The sex scenes in this book were Hot, Sweaty, Slick and Sticky; in short: FANFUCKINGTASTIC.

The emotional journey of the love story in this book was, by turns, Warm, Sweet, Angsty and Intense.
The characters were beautifully described, well developed and easy to invest in. The captivity element of the storyline was somewhat unusual and not really what I was expecting, even though I'd read the blurb. However the enjoyment factor was far beyond my expectations. The plot just drew you in and immersed you in the scenario so that, regardless of a few continuity issues the pleasure of the escapism let the nagging of the rational mind be overcome by the drama.

THE REST OF THIS REVIEW CONTAINS PLOT SPOILERS:
If you don't want to know, read no further.
-----------------------------------

Hannah Magnus travels to a luxury cabin for a 2 week Christmas Vacation she WAS supposed to be sharing with her fomer boyfriend, Gary, who has abandoned her and proposed to another woman. Apparently she was boring and uninterested in sex.?? Yeah, we'll come back to that one later.
Mackenzie (Mac) Dunlop is a "Retired" Special Forces / Black Ops. Veteran who's paranoid; well, no, people really do want to kill him.
When a falling tree totalled his house, he worried it was a "Government" tree. He's off to hide out in a cabin till the house is habitable again.
Guess what, it's a double booking. Mac just knows its a set up; she's obviously out to assassinate him.
Hannah's got an ace, though. Her Brother was Special Forces in Canada. She knows the drill.
The problem is this multi kV attraction sizzling between them. Just when Mac lets down his guard, he thinks he's made his last mistake as he's convinced she's gonna kill him after all, but in another twist, she saves both their lives instead.
Well, that's pretty much the final catalyst so now they embark on a strenuous programme of Horizontal Lambada sessions, but Wait.!! There's something else we didn't know, hang on, lets go read chapter 1 again, Hhhmmmmmmm!!! Ok, that just about works??
Then, last day of the holiday, but guess what?? He's abandoned her too, but definitely NOT because of a lack of interest in sex, oh no, she's Hotter. Than. Hell in the sack, or the shower, or the kitchen.
Our boy has issues of his own. Assassins for one, the consequences of a former relationship for another, but hey, his past is finally gonna help him with his future. He's decided to reach for his HEA, but there's one more twist before he can touch it.

Novellas can be a problem format and, as all things are subject to fashion there is a plethora of them out there now. Rest Assured, this short book provides a complete story. We do get our HEA. The next book is a spin off not a completion.
I know that some commentators will criticise typos and the standard of editing. For me this is a FUCKTASTIC story. I can't wait for the next one.
In the meantime, Danielle Taylor is writing an outstandingly beautiful serial novel called Falling For You. The first ten chapters are on her Blog:

http://authordtaylor.wordpress.com/fa...

I can't tell you how good this is; why not? Because its not yet listed for review.
Read it now.k
Profile Image for Ionia.
1,471 reviews73 followers
May 28, 2013
I am not a huge fan of erotica. I'm not really a fan of erotica at all in fact, so for me to give an erotic novella a 4.5 star thumbs up it must be pretty impressive. In this case, it is.

Danielle Taylor has created characters that manage to capture your attention right away. I love when characters meet under unusual circumstances, and these two definitely do. There is no seen this, done this before in this novella and I liked the direction the author took the plot.

I was particularly fond of the female lead, as she is sassy and intelligent and yet also soft and feminine the way a good female main character should be.

There is a lot of steam in this book and there are some well written sex scenes, but it is not the average mindless sex of many writings that fall into the erotica category.

The dialogue was well done and felt like real conversation and in some cases it was my favourite part of the story. This is a relatively short read that can be easily managed in one sitting. I think it would be a nice escape any time of the year, not just at Christmas.

The reason for the 4.5 stars rather than five, is that I felt there were parts of this story that could have been fleshed out more. I would have liked to have known more about how the characters felt and what they were thinking in some of the situations. This may just have been because I found myself enjoying the story so much I didn't wish for it to end.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read with lively characters that never let me down. I would happily read another book by this author, she obviously knows what she is doing when it comes to love, romance and writing unforgettable characters.


Profile Image for Nadine Christian.
Author 6 books167 followers
December 10, 2013
I was given this book by the author to read and review, so I got it free, and what you read after this statement is not swayed by the author in any way or form. I also know Danielle, so I was prepared to bite my lip and write an honest review -- whether I liked it or not.

In saying that, I opened the book and read the first page and thought -- holy shite I love this book already. Soon I was engrossed into the story, Hannah's shock at first meeting Mac, his uncertainty about her...and then falling in love with the book as they fell in love. And Danielle wove every heartbeat and emotion into that sensation. They fell in love. I fell in love. Hard.

I'm sorry, but gushing now will ensue. The story line is one you can read over and over. Lovers meeting in odd circumstance. Misunderstanding and hearts breaking...then finally resolving all and dissolving into a mushy happy ending.... One you could -- if you wanted to -- flip to the end and not feel as if you missed anything.

Well...not with this book. I sat down meaning only to just start the darn book, and ended up stuck in my chair. My own heart beating hard, biting my own lip with the HOT HOT HOT sex scenes (done so well you are almost a threesome with the pair) and tearing up at the HEA.

Danielle. You are one amazeballs author. I am now not just your stalker. I am a fan.

Congratulations. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know.
Profile Image for ❤️ Diana ❤️.
403 reviews3 followers
April 14, 2013
This was defiantly a romance/ love story. I wouldn't say erotic but there was sex and it was defiantly hot at times. Mac is a retired special forces and Hannah is coming off a break up. They both end up in the same cabin, it got double booked...oops. Mac is paranoid, but his suspicions are warranted. Hannah is a sweet girl with a heart of gold. She's coming out of a relationship with an ex who cut down her self esteem. Mac doesn't think he deserves to be ever loved because of the things he has done. What a pair, huh? Well as Mac starts to trust Hannah, there's a twist. He thinks she betrayed him, but wait that's not it. once Mac knows he can trust Hannah he falls for her and her for him. But things can't be that simple, right? Well they're not, they begin this great love affair and agree to enjoy their remaining time together in bed literally , with great sex. But will Mac allow Hannah to love him, will they have a future or will this be chalked up to great memories? Well read and find out, I think you will enjoy it!!!!
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,082 reviews895 followers
July 19, 2014
I picked this one up as a recommendation and found that I really liked it. It was nice short read that was put together well. It was not rushed and had enough detail, even being short.

Hannah is the woman who wears her heart on her sleeve, she is nice - too nice, too forgiving and too unsure of herself. Her life is about giving to others and rarely getting anything for herself. Mac has scars that go far deeper than just his skin. He's spent his life carrying out missions and protecting himself from becoming the next target. He is not good with words and has never had to make himself open to someone else, that vulnerability could get him killed.

After a mix up puts them both in the same cabin they are forced to spend the next two weeks together. Mac isn't yet sure she is who she says she is and in order to ensure he doesn't get caught off guard has informed her that she stays put.

The sex is well written into the story, it's not overly steamy or erotic even though some aspects of bondage is touched upon. But it was a romance with a unconventional start. The things thrown their way during their time together added to the story and also pushed them to give into their feelings. Mac, although rough around the edges was a diamond in the ruff.

You were able to know everything Hannah was feeling, because she said them. Mac was more closed off and not that great with expressing his feelings but his inner monologues were touching and honest. You really felt the pull for these two early on and you just wanted them to be happy. He needed to be saved from his demons and she needed someone to show her how beautiful and worthy she was.
Profile Image for Erik.
69 reviews14 followers
December 16, 2013
I read this book in april this year and my review is unaltered below. This book was just rereleased (dec 2013) after extensive editing and I must say: what a great, romantic story! All my reservations from the first edition went up in snow (pun intended, this is a christmas story after all). The storyline has a much better flow and the characters come to live and become a part of you.

Totally recommended. Perfect Christmas read.

I have to thank the author for sending me a review copy.
This is my honest review.

(First review, april 2013)
As this book was recommended to me I read this book, "Captive at Christmas", immediately followed by Danielle Taylor's other book (in progress) "Falling for You".

Although I very much liked the storyline and plot I must say that in the end I had to admit that the characters never really got under my skin as I had hoped they would. I think it was due to the writing style of the dialogues. Perhaps I would have preferred a storytelling in first person perspective.

But again, there is so much to like that I wholeheartedly give it 3 and a half stars.

I mentioned her other book, a free serial on her website "Falling for you" and I have a lot less reservations about that one.
Profile Image for Charles.
Author 37 books178 followers
April 8, 2013
I'm going to admit that this is the first romance I've read and the first erotic book that I've read. So, I didn't know what to expect. There is a lot of passion and emotion between the main characters as they get to know each other. The detail that Danielle Taylor uses to describe events, feelings, and thoughts makes them jump out of the book. There is no way to read this book without it gripping you.

The characters are phenomenally well-written. They are very believable and their narrative voices are easily distinguished from each other. I got a very good feel for Mac's pain and for Hannah's determination. As I read the book, I was drawn into their little world and wondered what was going to happen with every page.

I wanted to see more with Kayla because she kind of made her appearance very close to the end. She quickly proved to be an interesting character, so I was disappointed that I couldn't get to know her more. Though, maybe she's a teaser for a future book and I'm on the hook.

I'm looking forward to whatever Danielle writes next because she has proven herself incredibly talented with this novella.
Profile Image for ~ Cariad ~.
1,926 reviews54 followers
April 13, 2013
3.75 to 4 stars for me

First off, I have to say that this isn't (in my opinion) a terribly erotic novel.
Even with a bit of back door action and bondage it only simmered for me in the erotic stakes.
It's too 'nice' and so any eroticism it aims at lacks impact.

It is however a fairly hot contemporary romance with a great story and a HEA to beat all HEA's!

I certainly wouldn't say no to a fortnight in a cabin with Mac!
I just wanted to dirty the book up a bit - it was (again IMO) a bit too sweet for me.

The the ARC was sent by the author via the gr Making Connections forum - Thanks!
6 reviews
April 16, 2013
I've read plenty of romance novels, but this was my first with the slight erotica aspect to it. If you've never read erotic romance novels/novellas, I'd say this is a good introduction. Even if the novel had lacked the erotica bit, it was HOT, HOT, HOT! If I'd had the chance, I would've read it straight through! The characters are well-developed and realistic, and the plot had just enough without going overboard. A couple small parts that weren't the greatest, but that's me and no reflection on the novella or author. And the sneak peek has certainly gotten my attention :P Well worth the read! This girl knows what she's doin and she's doin it well!
Profile Image for Leigh.
423 reviews24 followers
July 15, 2013
A very quick read. The story was a good one although the whole "captive" part was a bit far fetched for me. I liked that things weren't all wrapped up in a day or two like most short stories. If you are looking for a quick, hot romance this is for you.
Profile Image for Miriam.
737 reviews39 followers
March 31, 2017
Hannah Magnus retreats to an isolated cabin to nurse a heart broken by her brother's sudden death and her ex-fiancé's proposal to another woman. It's supposed to be a time to heal and, most importantly, just time alone. Unfortunately, her time of solitude doesn't last very long when Mackenzie Dunlop winds up in the same cabin as she does.


With his house undergoing repairs from a felled tree, Mackenzie Dunlop, an ex-military man, heads to the mountains for peace and quiet and a chance to wrap his head around some unexpected news. But his plans come to a halt when he finds out his cabin has been rented out to a Ms. Hannah Magnus, a woman who, just possibly, might have as many scars as he does.


Though Mac has been out of the military for a few years, he still carries those military-ingrained instincts, the ones that kept him alive in the toughest of times. His initial meeting with Hannah is rough, but it shows so much about his personality that I was instantly intrigued. He values his privacy, abhors surprises of any kind, and, at first, has a deep distrust for women, mainly Hannah. But despite his rough exterior, Hannah refuses to hate him. Sure, he's rude, crude, demanding, and unfair in his opinion of her, but she understands on some level why he is the way he is because of Help for Heroes, a foundation she heads that supports people with a loved one in the military.


I felt I knew Mac after just a few chapters, but Hannah had to grow on me. Mac's scars, emotionally and physically, were more obvious than Hannah's. Everything Mac did--his demands and questions, his actions and reactions--reflected the life he'd previously led. Nothing about him was as hidden as he wanted it to be. But Hannah... She had do many layers that figuring her out made reading the story that much more enjoyable. For the most part, Hannah was immensely accommodating and sweet toward Mac, but there was that startling moment when she snapped at him. It was interesting to see that side of her, and I liked her all the more because of it.


Mac and Hannah didn't fall in love overnight. But in the time they were together, they managed to break through eight foot thick walls, strengthen failing self-confidence, and dream of a future neither of them thought they'd ever have. The events that led to the ending were both heart-wrenching and insightful, but wow, oh, wow, did the ending not disappoint. The happiness and love Mac and Hannah shared by the time I came to the end was almost palatable through the pages, and I nearly sighed with elation when everything came together as I hoped it would.


A well-written story by Ms. Taylor, and I already have the second book, Intimate Strangers, on my TBR list for next month.
Profile Image for Kayla.
359 reviews
December 12, 2013
Synopsis: After a particularly harsh break-up, Hannah Magnus decides to spend Christmas away from her Vancouver home, enjoying a little time for herself, and picking up the pieces of her broken heart. She crosses the border into Washington State and locates the idyllic cabin that will serve as her home for the next two weeks.

Mackenzie Dunlop is a man of action and reaction. A creation of his past and his profession. When he travels to the cabin he rented to stay in until the repairs on his house are complete, there is a surprise waiting...and Mac loathes surprises.

Thrown together in the least likely of circumstances, Mac and Hannah find solace in each other after a harrowing event. But the future holds no promise for either of them. Distance and circumstances stand in their way. Will love prevail? Or will Hannah and Mac remain two solitary souls sharing love and memories, living separate lives?


Quotes: “Then, for the remainder of our stay here, let me love you, Mac.” She touched his chest, resting her hand above his heart. “Don’t hold yourself back from me during our time together, okay? Let me in.”

“Hannah.” When he paused, she looked up, almost afraid of what she might find in his expression. What she saw filled her with hope. “You’re already in.”


Review: I was given a copy of Captive on Christmas by Sunshine and Mountains blog for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book. I liked the way it flowed. Hannah Magnus is going to a cabin to get away for two weeks. Her boyfriend was supposed to go but he dumped her and proposed to some other girl. Hannah has had a rough time. This was just the icing on the cake. When she gets there she is tired and decides to take a relaxing bath. Mac pulls up to the cabin he has rented until his house is finished and sees a car in the driveway. He waits to make sure no one is going to shoot at him and then goes inside with his gun drawn. He walks into the bathroom and scares poor Hannah and holds her hostage during the two weeks they are there. While they are their things start to change and they start to fall for each other. I thought this was a well written story. I really enjoyed it. I highly recommend this book. I give it 5 out of 5 stars!
Profile Image for Heather  book whore & shifter slut extrordinaire.
331 reviews102 followers
December 13, 2013
I was lucky enough to win an ARC of this book from the author in a contest raffle.

This is the kind of book that - if it was a paperback and not an ebook - would sit on my shelf and always be easily accessible. At Christmas for sure and at those times when you need the reassurance that somewhere out there happiness can exist in this world, even if it is only fictional. But good books, like this one, don't just show the reader the story the author is writing, they also give the reader a peek into the mind of the author. After all if you don't believe in something then it is practically impossible to write it with any real truth or meaning. The words will be there and in the right order but the emotion, the sentiment that the author feels as they lay down these words for us readers, that is what makes a book truly great. And knowing that the author believes in the words that come from him/her/them.

I don't mean you that cannot write about what you don't know as far as places or people are concerned; after all, in our world you can access all you want or need to know about a person, place or thing in vivid detail and very little time. But if you don't believe in the emotions that tie the experiences to the characters you are writing, if the story unfolding in your head is not one of passion and necessity to write then that apathy can be translated to the readers as they read the work.

This book is somewhat improbable to actually happen but then isn't that what this whole holiday season is about? The special moments of joy, peace and happiness that this season brings into each of our lives - the improbables becoming possible and the feeling of hope that this season brings. The tremendous possibilities that exist as we shift our focus from ourselves to the world around us. The idea that miracles can and do happen under our noses if we would just look up to see them.

Speaking of lucky, I am also lucky enough to count this author as a friend.
Profile Image for Jenni.
563 reviews52 followers
August 2, 2013
The plot of this story intrigued me…two strangers meeting by chance…two people forced to spend two weeks in a cabin together…both with guarded hearts…

First you have Hannah Magnus escaping for a couple of weeks to recover from a break-up while still mourning the loss of her brother. Then you have Mackenzie Dunlop needing a place to stay while his house is being worked on while also needing to clear his head of some unexpected news which was just released to him. We learn Mac is also an ex-soldier with a high price on his head. When he’s caught off guard, to say the least, to find someone else in the same cabin he has rented, he of course isn’t very trusting. Forcing Hannah to stay with him till he learns everything about her that he can and assuring she’s not the one sent to kill him, he gets more than he wished for. Something he didn’t think he’d ever be gifted with.

“Then, for the remainder of our stay here, let me love you, Mac.” She touched his chest, resting her hand above his heart. “Don’t hold yourself back from me during our time together, okay? Let me in.”

“Hannah.” When he paused, she looked up, almost afraid of what she might find in his expression. What she saw filled her with hope. “You’re already in.”


To be honest, I love a story to captivate me, leave me wanting more, leave me thinking of the characters long after I read their story but unfortunately even though I enjoyed the characters of Mac and Hannah, I didn’t fall in love them, they just didn’t attach themselves to me. Though their love story was special, I didn’t experience the flutters and giggles while watching them fall for each other. To sum it up, this was a short enjoyable read with a tender ending. I’d also like to add that for a debut novel, Danielle Taylor did a wonderful job!

Profile Image for Angela Ruble Scott.
419 reviews7 followers
January 27, 2014
This is my review for Captive at Christmas by Danielle Taylor for Eskimo Princess Book Blog at http://eskimoprincess.blogspot.com/ .

Captive at Christmas is the story of Hannah Magnus and Mackenzie Dunlop, a woman and man who are thrown together for two weeks in a cabin in the Washington State wilderness. Hannah is suffering from heartbreak and is on a two week vacation to get her mind back together. Mackenzie is an ex assassin hiding out for two weeks while his house is being repaired. What will happen when they rent the same cabin by mistake?

Hannah is a sweet, caring, kind, gentle soul. She has lost so much in her life. She just wants to get to life back on track. She doesn’t know she is going to be held hostage in the wilderness by a man who doesn’t know how to let anyone in to life. Can she survive what Mackenzie has planned? Can she break through his defenses? Will Mackenzie fall for the woman he thinks has been sent to kill him?

Mac is a man who has been tortured, beaten, and never had anything to look forward to in life. Now he is facing a life change event that will change his whole future. Will Hannah help him learn to feel compassion and love or will he deny himself the love of a wonderful woman?

I really liked this book. It was a short read for me. I cuddled up with his book and didn’t put it down until I was finished. It was so much more than I expected it to be. It was HOT! It put me on the edge of my seat a few times.

If you are looking for something to read on a cold snowy night, this is a great option. I recommend this book to anyone who likes second chance romances.

I received this book as an ARC from the author for my honest review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Watkins.
72 reviews7 followers
December 11, 2013
Hannah Magnus just wants to escape to the cabin she has rented for the next two weeks to recover from the devastation of having her heart broken by the man she thought she loved. While waiting on repairs to be finished to his house, Mackenzie Dunlop (Mac) just wants to spend the next two weeks in the peace and quiet that the mountains can offer, after receiving news that will change his life forever. Neither one of them expects to spend their time with anyone, until a mix up has them both in the same isolated cabin together. At first, Mac thinks that Hannah is an assassin who has been sent to take him out. He soon learns that she really is who she says she is, a book store owner, but he fears that if he lets her leave the cabin before he can leave that it could still be a danger so he tells her she must stay the entire two weeks there with him. Hannah quickly sees that Mac is hiding a lot of pain from his time in the military and she wants to help him. Soon a bond begins to form between these two, even though they are so different. Are the bonds that form between Mac and Hannah strong enough to last when the two weeks are up or will they go their separate ways????

This book was freaking amazing!!!! I love how Mac and Hannah were such real characters with real problems. Unlike most books this one does not really have any secondary characters throughout the majority of the story. This makes it very unique and gives you a chance to learn more about Mac and Hannah. I think that this is something that is very difficult to pull off in a book and Danielle Taylor has definitely done it! I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series!!!!
Profile Image for Christa Simpson.
Author 10 books293 followers
March 30, 2013
So I just finished reading ‘Captive at Christmas’ by Danielle Taylor. I tell you, it doesn’t need to be Christmas time to read this steamy novella.

Summary: Mac’s house is under renovation and so he’s staying at a quaint cabin for a few weeks until the work is complete. Little does he know that Hannah also booked the luxury cabin for that time. He seems to have serious trust issues and thinks she’s some kind of spy or assassin and in turn holds her captive on her two week vacation.

Though their relationship starts out with a gun to her head, Hannah seemed to be a rather willing victim and if you knew what this guy looked like, so would you. He is such a sexy bad ass that you can’t help but like him. Every time Mac lets her in a little, my heart squeezed for Hannah. Then when he finally touched her, it was so casual, but knowing his background and their predicament, it was so much more to her.

Throw in a little unexpected gun play, their fierce attraction to each other and a few naughty sexcapades and this story has everything thing you could want in a romance. There’s even a couple of twists thrown in, that only adds to the happy ever after.

I absolutely loved this story and totally recommend it to anyone who loves romance, erotica or reading in general. Seriously, it is very well written. I’ll read it again just to follow the flow of the words. This girl has got game. Check her out.

You can check out my complete review here: http://christasimpson.wordpress.com/2...
Profile Image for Sarah Scott-gillespie.
34 reviews22 followers
December 11, 2013
I recieved this book as an ARC as was blown away by the chemistry between Mac and Hannah...the writing of this story was truly amazing...you were truly "captured" from page one with their meeting to their backstory to their complete love story...I was happy to see Hannah portrayed as a REAL woman and Mac a different kind of lover being larger than average...not in every romance novel...something unexpected...loved the flow of this story, there were no boring bits...loved the intimate scenes...they were not raunchy...not overly done...they were extremely romantic...balance was had between both parties, not an easy task for some writers...well done Ms Taylor...loved this book and I will be recommending this book all over....
Summary: Mac is an ex-assassin waiting on some home repairs to be done, Haanah is a bookstore owner on holiday...they are mistakenly double booked into the same cottage for a two week getaway...upon Macs arrival, Hannah is already there and not allowed to leave because Mac says so...their insane attraction leads to all kinds of "things"...and issues arise...you will have to read the book to enjoy all the true fun inside...it doesn't have to be Christmas to enjoy all the goodness to be "captured" in this amazing story...
Profile Image for Janett The Pleasure of Reading Today.
723 reviews28 followers
January 15, 2014
Captive at Christmas
Hannah Magnus decides to take a little Christmas vacation after a bad break up. She goes from her Vancouver home to a secluded cabin in Washington State to nurse her broken heart.
Mackenzie Dunlop is an ex assassin per hire, he travels to the cabin to stay for two weeks until the repairs on his home are completed. Once he gets there he realizes he’s not alone, and Mac is a man who enjoys his solitude and doesn’t trust easily, if at all.
Hannah and Mac’s relationship starts a bit rocky but due to a extenuating circumstance they come together finding comfort and solace in each other.
Most of the story happens between Hanna and Mac, you don’t see any secondary characters almost until the end, and truthfully you don’t feel the need for them. The author successfully develops the characters in a way that you feel like you’re living in that cabin with them, and if it’s true that the characters fall in love very quickly, their relationship doesn’t feel forced at any time.
Ultimately, I feel like this story is one of redemption for both characters, but mostly for Mac. Who is taught by Hannah to trust freely and love without reserve. I truly enjoyed this book and I would highly recommended.
I received an ARC of this book from the author for an honest review.
83 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2013
I'm blessed to have gotten the chance to review this book before it was released. It is well written and I was hooked after just a couple pages into the book. I can't wait to read more books from Danielle Taylor. She is an amazing author.
I love how Hannah and Mackenzie come together in the beginning with such a wild chance encounter. I am amazed and also a bit jealous at Hannah's calm demeaner. When she suddenly finds herself in a very uncomfortable predicament thanks to a very edgy Mackenzie she keeps her wits about her. The only lifestyle Mackenzie knows is to be wary of everyone and everything around him, so when he comes across Hannah in the cabin that was supposed to occupied by only him for the next 2 weeks, he goes on high alert. I was so happy the way their relationship grew with all the things that happened in just the first week they were together. I was nervous when the 2 weeks was coming to an end because I wanted them each to have the happily ever after they both deserved. Without spoiling the ending too much, I was extremely pleased with the way everything turned out in the end.
Profile Image for Brandice Snowden.
Author 1 book5 followers
December 9, 2013
I have to say I enjoyed this book very much. It was captivating enough that I read it in one sitting. Ms. Taylor created a wonderful set of characters. I was surprised that almost the entire book was just the interaction of Hannah and Mac, the two main characters. It takes a talented writer to keep a story moving forward without secondary characters. The character of Mac was very well written allowing the reader to see just how damaged he was. Against another male character Hannah may have seemed too sweet but she acted as the perfect foil to balance out the darkness residing in Mac. Separately these two characters might have seemed out of place, but they played off of each other perfectly pulling the reader in and having them root for the growing relationship between the two. We wanted Hannah to heal Mac and we wanted Mac to let her in under the walls he had erected around himself. If you are wanting a quick read with engaging characters I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Athena Freya.
679 reviews158 followers
July 4, 2013
The book definitely kept me captive!!..

Hannah is one of the sweetest characters I've ver read about..
After losing her brother, she decided that she wanted to help people..help soldiers with their issues and their troubles and help their families deal with everything about their "damaged" loved ones..She has a golden heart for sure..

Mac has spent so many years alone with no one to trust,no one to rely on..After torture and taking so many lives,he has convinced himself that he doesn't deserve happiness,that he doesn't deserve anyone to keep close to him..

And then,they meet in the most inexplicable way..Their lives collide,literally...

They found love by finding each other..
Profile Image for Nicoletta Campanelli.
83 reviews3 followers
February 10, 2014
Hannah and Mac find themselves together for two weeks over the Christmas holidays when they are accidently booked into the same cabin. Hannah has just broken up with a man who always put her down and bashed her self esteem. Mac, ex military, has some scars also and not only on the outside but on the inside as well. Being in such close quarters together the two of them come to know each other and try to help each other overcome their personal pain all the while discovering that they have fallen in love with each other. I really loved Mac and Hannah and was so glad they finally found each other. This was a great story.
Profile Image for Amy Cox.
Author 3 books55 followers
June 7, 2013
This was sent to me from the author. Wow all I gotta say is the emotional turmoil and sexual tension in this is fabulous! The fact that Mac and Hannah are both tortured souls that heal each other without even looking for it. There were times I wanted to smack Mac upside the head for being so snarky and downright mean. Although he had a lot to process. Literally thinking the worst if every possible scenario until Hannah proved him wrong again and again. I loved this story and am excited to read the next in the series. Especially with all that can happen!
Profile Image for Nadine.
110 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2013
I read this book and thought to myself, what a beautiful and heartwarming love story! How one woman can change a damaged man, just by being patient and loving. The soppy girlie girl in me says, love can fix anything and anyone!
This is not a hardcore erotic novel, rather well written sex scenes to fit in with the overall story. In my opinion the full on BDSM scenes, would not have complemented what the author set out to do with this book.
Read this and experience toe curling satisfaction with the wonder of LOVE!
Profile Image for T..
Author 13 books573 followers
July 29, 2016
This book was a good read but the plot was a bit over the top: he's a tortured (literally) ex-military guy that for undisclosed reasons, the military wishes would 'go away'. She is a person that runs a supportive foundation for people that are family/friends of PTSD soldiers-- Really? If you can suspend disbelief, the story is really good, although there are a lot of holes in the plot that I wish had been clarified. Would have been a good outline for a longer novel... as a novella, it was a fun read.
Profile Image for Amanda Fiore.
454 reviews20 followers
December 6, 2013
4.5 stars.

I received this as an arc in a author giveaway. I heard captive in the title and came running. It was a beautiful romance filled with a lotta of love and compassion. I loved Hannah and Mac together from the first introduction. Mac is a very closed off assassin and also a previously captured and tortured man who finds himself in a secluded cabin with a beautiful brunette. Hannah ends up being forced to stay with Mac and during that time falls head over heels for the man. They hit a bump or two along the way but no worries; we get our HEA. Very impressive read for this new author.
Profile Image for Ashley Johnson.
16 reviews
December 30, 2013
ok get ready.... i won this book i think it gets released on 12/12 im not sure.... anyhow it did take me a minute to get into this book i just didnt follow i guess. but after there was more interaction and action the characters are amazing and i wouldnt change a thing on this book.. i could not put this book down i am currently reading it for the second time you know just in case i missed something and it just gets better i will not spoil it for anyone because i dont think that is fair seeing how if isnt out yet...
Profile Image for Kaci.
78 reviews8 followers
June 20, 2013
Probably closer to 4.5

I won this book during author Tina Pollick's Fun FB Friday. (If you don't know about it, you definitely should check out her Facebook. It's a fun time!)


Anyway, I really enjoyed this book! It was a pretty quick read but it packed a punch. It had loads of steam, a little action (not just the steamy kind), and great characters. I will definitely be checking out more of Danielle Taylor's books!

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