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Heart #3
The Captive Heart
A maiden of Normandy, mistakenly abducted . . .
Kidnapped from the ducal palace of Rouen, Ailénor quickly realizes her captors’ mistake and the peril that yet threatens her mother. As the ruffians smuggle her aboard ship, bound and gagged, and set forth for Ireland, she is desperate to escape . . . unaware her champion is near at hand.
A Saxon lord on a secret mission for his king . . .
No sooner does Garreth of Tamworth arrive in Normandy than he encounters the entrancing scarlet-haired maiden who literally knocks him off his feet. But their stolen moments and budding passions end abruptly when his audience with the Duke concludes badly. As he departs Rouen, little does he realize that the beautiful Ailénor lies hidden aboard, just beneath his feet.
Now only he can save her from family enemies returned from long past, seeking revenge . . .
Yet amid the darkest danger, their all-consuming love is forged . . .
Kidnapped from the ducal palace of Rouen, Ailénor quickly realizes her captors’ mistake and the peril that yet threatens her mother. As the ruffians smuggle her aboard ship, bound and gagged, and set forth for Ireland, she is desperate to escape . . . unaware her champion is near at hand.
A Saxon lord on a secret mission for his king . . .
No sooner does Garreth of Tamworth arrive in Normandy than he encounters the entrancing scarlet-haired maiden who literally knocks him off his feet. But their stolen moments and budding passions end abruptly when his audience with the Duke concludes badly. As he departs Rouen, little does he realize that the beautiful Ailénor lies hidden aboard, just beneath his feet.
Now only he can save her from family enemies returned from long past, seeking revenge . . .
Yet amid the darkest danger, their all-consuming love is forged . . .
355 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
65 people are currently reading
617 people want to read
About the author
Anita Gordon
10 books4 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.
aka Kathleen Kirkwood
aka Kathleen Kirkwood
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 7, 2018
4 and ½ Stars - A worthy tale of loyalty, treachery and love.
This is book 3 in the Heart trilogy and it begins in Ireland in 933 A.D. with Rhiannon seeking revenge for what she suffered on the Steppe for which she blames Ailinn who lives in Normandy with her devoted husband. Rhiannon means to capture Ailinn and bring her to Ireland. But Rhiannon makes a mistake and captures the wrong woman.
In Normandy, Aileanor, daughter of Ailinn, and her siblings are playing in a pear orchard when Garreth of Tamworth, an agent for Athelstan, King of England, passes through and saves Aileanor from having to climb down a tree without a ladder. After that, he is enamored of the young woman and means to make her his. Meanwhile, Rhiannon’s goons capture Aileanor thinking she is her mother (they both have red hair) and sail away with her. How fortuitous it is that Garreth took the same ship!
Garreth is plans to marry Aileanor. But England’s king may have oher plans for his valiant warrior.
Rich in historical detail, Kirkwood draws a vivid picture of the Norse who lived in medieval France and the Saxons in England. She has obviously done her research into the era and the history. The story is populated with both real and fictional characters, some from the first two in the trilogy. I do recommend reading them in order. It’s a worthy tale of loyalty, treachery and love.
The Heart Trilogy:
The Valiant Heart
The Defiant Heart
The Captive Heart
This is book 3 in the Heart trilogy and it begins in Ireland in 933 A.D. with Rhiannon seeking revenge for what she suffered on the Steppe for which she blames Ailinn who lives in Normandy with her devoted husband. Rhiannon means to capture Ailinn and bring her to Ireland. But Rhiannon makes a mistake and captures the wrong woman.
In Normandy, Aileanor, daughter of Ailinn, and her siblings are playing in a pear orchard when Garreth of Tamworth, an agent for Athelstan, King of England, passes through and saves Aileanor from having to climb down a tree without a ladder. After that, he is enamored of the young woman and means to make her his. Meanwhile, Rhiannon’s goons capture Aileanor thinking she is her mother (they both have red hair) and sail away with her. How fortuitous it is that Garreth took the same ship!
Garreth is plans to marry Aileanor. But England’s king may have oher plans for his valiant warrior.
Rich in historical detail, Kirkwood draws a vivid picture of the Norse who lived in medieval France and the Saxons in England. She has obviously done her research into the era and the history. The story is populated with both real and fictional characters, some from the first two in the trilogy. I do recommend reading them in order. It’s a worthy tale of loyalty, treachery and love.
The Heart Trilogy:
The Valiant Heart
The Defiant Heart
The Captive Heart
March 17, 2016
This is the conclusion to the Hearts Trilogy by Anita Gordon / Kathleen Kirkwood, and I must say that unlike most series, this one is as good at the end as it is in the beginning. I truly cannot decide which of the three books in the trilogy I liked best--I devoured each of the three in one sitting.
In Captive Heart, Lady Ailinn and Lord Lyting's worst nightmares manifest in the kidnapping of their eldest daughter Ailenor by the hired hands of Ailinn's enemy of long ago, Rhiannon. Long thought dead, Rhiannon actually survives and regains her freedom after being kidnapped by brigands on the Russian Steppe in the second book of the trilogy, The Valiant Heart. Vowing revenge upon Ailinn, Rhiannon hatches a plot to kidnap her and revisit all the perceived wrongs done to her upon Lady Ailinn. But her henchmen mistakenly kidnap her daughter, Ailenor, who bears an uncanny likeness to Ailinn, and spirit her away in Ailinn's place.
Fortunately for the Lytings, Ailenor is not alone with her captors upon the boat. After a largely unsuccessful diplomatic mission to the Normans, Garreth of Tamworth is also upon the vessel to be returned to England before the captain sails Ailinn and her captors to Rhiannon's lair in Ireland. Garreth manages to free himself and Ailenor upon the coast of England, but Rhiannon's goons remain close on their trail, seeking to recapture their prize.
As passion smolders and flares between Garreth and Ailenor, how will he keep her safe from the thugs on their tail? Knowing that the true target was Ailenor's mother, how will they warn Lord Lyting and Lady Ailinn that she is in danger before Rhinannon's crew realize their mistake? Knowing what a valuable political pawn Ailenor is in the struggle for Charles' dispossesed son to regain his crown in Normandy, how will Garreth walk the tightrope betweeen maintaining his loyalties both as friend and subject to King Athelstan of England and keeping his beloved Ailenor safe and pleasing Baron Lyting whom he must ask for her hand?
In reading this conclusion to the Hearts Trilogy, the only thing I regret is that it is the last book. It would be nice to hear about more of the Lyting / Atlison brood, so perhaps in the future.....
In Captive Heart, Lady Ailinn and Lord Lyting's worst nightmares manifest in the kidnapping of their eldest daughter Ailenor by the hired hands of Ailinn's enemy of long ago, Rhiannon. Long thought dead, Rhiannon actually survives and regains her freedom after being kidnapped by brigands on the Russian Steppe in the second book of the trilogy, The Valiant Heart. Vowing revenge upon Ailinn, Rhiannon hatches a plot to kidnap her and revisit all the perceived wrongs done to her upon Lady Ailinn. But her henchmen mistakenly kidnap her daughter, Ailenor, who bears an uncanny likeness to Ailinn, and spirit her away in Ailinn's place.
Fortunately for the Lytings, Ailenor is not alone with her captors upon the boat. After a largely unsuccessful diplomatic mission to the Normans, Garreth of Tamworth is also upon the vessel to be returned to England before the captain sails Ailinn and her captors to Rhiannon's lair in Ireland. Garreth manages to free himself and Ailenor upon the coast of England, but Rhiannon's goons remain close on their trail, seeking to recapture their prize.
As passion smolders and flares between Garreth and Ailenor, how will he keep her safe from the thugs on their tail? Knowing that the true target was Ailenor's mother, how will they warn Lord Lyting and Lady Ailinn that she is in danger before Rhinannon's crew realize their mistake? Knowing what a valuable political pawn Ailenor is in the struggle for Charles' dispossesed son to regain his crown in Normandy, how will Garreth walk the tightrope betweeen maintaining his loyalties both as friend and subject to King Athelstan of England and keeping his beloved Ailenor safe and pleasing Baron Lyting whom he must ask for her hand?
In reading this conclusion to the Hearts Trilogy, the only thing I regret is that it is the last book. It would be nice to hear about more of the Lyting / Atlison brood, so perhaps in the future.....
August 26, 2013
The Captive Heart by Kathleen Kirkwood is the third book in her Heart series. Each book can be read as a standalone but characters from previous books are mentioned and not knowing the history of previous characters can be confusing at times.
The Captive Heart features Ailenor who is mistakenly kidnapped. She is rescued by Garreth. Lots of intrigue, mystery, suspense, and romance follows. I did enjoy the story but I did feel like the romance got lost among the all the political intrigue.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
The Captive Heart features Ailenor who is mistakenly kidnapped. She is rescued by Garreth. Lots of intrigue, mystery, suspense, and romance follows. I did enjoy the story but I did feel like the romance got lost among the all the political intrigue.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
February 15, 2017
When you watch a teen horror movie do you ever want to slap the teens who despite all indications of danger decide to wander out in the dark? That is how I felt all the way through this book. At least the hero and heroine are well matched in that neither have any self preservation skills or even basic common sense. They both deserved to die for their idiocy. (I thought Brienne from the first book was annoyingly stupid but she has nothing on Ailenor.)
Some Examples:
This book has the same educational and overly descriptive style as the first two. But this time the editor was asleep at the wheel. There was one part describing how people were related that was so convoluted I finally gave up and googled it. Some things were said multiple times.
In trying to be fair I an trying to come up with something positive to say but I'm failing so I will stop ranting now.
Some Examples:
This book has the same educational and overly descriptive style as the first two. But this time the editor was asleep at the wheel. There was one part describing how people were related that was so convoluted I finally gave up and googled it. Some things were said multiple times.
In trying to be fair I an trying to come up with something positive to say but I'm failing so I will stop ranting now.
December 31, 2018
Exciting rescue romance with amazing attention to historical detail!
Ailenor is the daughter of the couple from the previous book in this series, and it's her turn to shine in this adventure romance. She's kidnapped by those who want revenge on her parents, and it's up to Garreth - who just happens to be in the right place at the right time - to rescue her and help her return to her family.
Along the way not only does their romance blossom but they encounter villains and danger around every turn. This edge-of-your-seat love story was completely captivating, and it gets better each time I read it again. This author really knows how to write medieval romantic adventures, and I highly recommend not just this book but all three in this superb series.
Ailenor is the daughter of the couple from the previous book in this series, and it's her turn to shine in this adventure romance. She's kidnapped by those who want revenge on her parents, and it's up to Garreth - who just happens to be in the right place at the right time - to rescue her and help her return to her family.
Along the way not only does their romance blossom but they encounter villains and danger around every turn. This edge-of-your-seat love story was completely captivating, and it gets better each time I read it again. This author really knows how to write medieval romantic adventures, and I highly recommend not just this book but all three in this superb series.
March 11, 2019
When she is kidnapped she quickly learns that they thought they had gotten her mother. She spends her time trying to escape, but also a way to inform her mother of the danger. Along on the same boat is Garreth. Ailenor and Garreth had met that week when she fell out of a tree on him and they fell in love. Now they are fighting for their lives. The story just gets more intense as they run from her kidnappers only to land in more trouble wherever they go. The book will keep you on your toes as they move from one peril after another. This is a good book.
December 19, 2017
Wow, every bit as good as the previous two books in this trilogy. So much action in and out of the bedroom, kidnapping, near death escapes this one certainly had me biting my nails. A must read!
September 23, 2013
THE CAPTIVE HEART by Anita Gordon writing as Kathleen Kirkwood is an interesting historical romance set in 933 A.D. Ireland. #3 in the "Heart" trilogy. It can be read as a stand alone, although, you would better understand the characters,if you have read the other two in the series. But with this said I had no trouble catching up or understanding what was happening.
Join Garreth of Tamworth,an Englishman in Rouen on the Kings business and Ailenor, a maiden of Normandy,who looks like her mother, as they journey into a dangerous world of mistaken abduction,mistaken identity,and a blossoming romance. Filled with suspense,intrigue,mystery and romance. You will not go wrong with this thrilling story of jealous,envy and hate. As you follow this story you learn the true depth hate and jealousy can bring about, as this author weaves mystery,past mistakes, revenge,betrayal and history into a powerful story. This was my first time reading a story by this author, but it will not be my last. A powerful and enlightening story of Normandy,and Ireland,the inhabitants, and an era long since gone. I will be going back to pick up the other in this series, "Valiant Heart" and "Defiant Heart". Received as a Goodreads win by the author.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Join Garreth of Tamworth,an Englishman in Rouen on the Kings business and Ailenor, a maiden of Normandy,who looks like her mother, as they journey into a dangerous world of mistaken abduction,mistaken identity,and a blossoming romance. Filled with suspense,intrigue,mystery and romance. You will not go wrong with this thrilling story of jealous,envy and hate. As you follow this story you learn the true depth hate and jealousy can bring about, as this author weaves mystery,past mistakes, revenge,betrayal and history into a powerful story. This was my first time reading a story by this author, but it will not be my last. A powerful and enlightening story of Normandy,and Ireland,the inhabitants, and an era long since gone. I will be going back to pick up the other in this series, "Valiant Heart" and "Defiant Heart". Received as a Goodreads win by the author.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
March 3, 2016
A beautifully written story of fated love. This book is definitely faster-paced and more focused on the romance between the H/H than the first two in the series, which I appreciated. Even still, a few spots seemed to drag a bit. There is so much careful research and so many perfect little details that I felt like I was really there, breathing the time period. It is obvious that the author did meticulous research, which added to the texture of the story.
I didn't like how the narration jumped between different characters' perspectives--I find this very jarring and confusing to read. Also, there were a handful of missing quotation marks or misplaced quotations, which jarred me out of the story at times. Not sure if this is a formatting issue or if they were just typos.
Overall, a very enjoyable, if occasionally slow, read! It was a wonderful conclusion to the series!
I didn't like how the narration jumped between different characters' perspectives--I find this very jarring and confusing to read. Also, there were a handful of missing quotation marks or misplaced quotations, which jarred me out of the story at times. Not sure if this is a formatting issue or if they were just typos.
Overall, a very enjoyable, if occasionally slow, read! It was a wonderful conclusion to the series!
April 24, 2016
Perils of Ailenor
It's 933 A.D., the beautiful Ailenor and the handsome Garreth fall in love. But true love is tested by being the focus of a monologuing villainess, being abducted by ugly henchmen, being shipwrecked, being political pawns, being chased on a horse, being imprisoned and being held over a cliff. Despite the plot cliches, the novel is fast-paced and interesting. The novel skillfully blends the interaction of historical and fictional characters. There are no major battles fought in the novel but the author gives a brief insight on the political intrigues and alliances of that period.
It's 933 A.D., the beautiful Ailenor and the handsome Garreth fall in love. But true love is tested by being the focus of a monologuing villainess, being abducted by ugly henchmen, being shipwrecked, being political pawns, being chased on a horse, being imprisoned and being held over a cliff. Despite the plot cliches, the novel is fast-paced and interesting. The novel skillfully blends the interaction of historical and fictional characters. There are no major battles fought in the novel but the author gives a brief insight on the political intrigues and alliances of that period.
January 11, 2014
This was the first historial book that I read, and received it from goodreads for review.
This is a story of Aliénor, that wss kidnaped and by mistake. The books is very rich in historic détails, and the author did a fabulous job in research. There is a lot of actions, intrigue and mystery. I can say, it is a books that covers many genres. I would have enjoyed more steamy scènes and more focus on the romatic relatioship of the heroine.
This is a story of Aliénor, that wss kidnaped and by mistake. The books is very rich in historic détails, and the author did a fabulous job in research. There is a lot of actions, intrigue and mystery. I can say, it is a books that covers many genres. I would have enjoyed more steamy scènes and more focus on the romatic relatioship of the heroine.
September 13, 2015
The other two books in this series were better, but I still liked it. I recommend reading the first book before reading this one. If you don't, the characters will seem flat and clique, you really need to see their background in the first book to truly understand the motives of the villain. The 2nd book is more of a stand alone though. As always, I love the hero (Garreth) and the heroine is not portrayed as weak or sniveling, but she could use a little more depth in her character.
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November 18, 2013Loved it and wanted to read more.
April 9, 2016
aka Kirkwood, Kathleen
July 25, 2015
Last book in the trilogy. I loved all three books.. I
You can read each one alone but in order is better. Good plots and storytelling. And HEA. Highly recommend. SQ
You can read each one alone but in order is better. Good plots and storytelling. And HEA. Highly recommend. SQ
December 11, 2015
Good story
Good period story. Enjoyed reading it and will look for more of her work. I read the book in one day.
Good period story. Enjoyed reading it and will look for more of her work. I read the book in one day.
March 8, 2016
Is a great book to read
January 20, 2016
good historical romance in a time of Saxons, Normans and the Francia. Well done
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews