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Bruised #2
Captivated
When she first lays eyes on Mya Riley’s slashed up body, Baltimore Detective Lisa Swanson is certain that the Sandman, a ruthless serial killer from her past has reemerged. Lisa dives headfirst into the case with her partner Dee, and lovesick Winston Lewis, a detective who grows more captivated with Lisa by the day.
The Sandman wreaks bloodthirsty havoc throughout the city, and this time he is determined to make Lisa his victim.
Armed with intense hatred for the Sandman and a stifling fear of who might end up dead next, Lisa struggles to solve the case by the book. But when the Sandman switches up his plan and goes after her lover Jake…Lisa ignores all the rules.
The Sandman wreaks bloodthirsty havoc throughout the city, and this time he is determined to make Lisa his victim.
Armed with intense hatred for the Sandman and a stifling fear of who might end up dead next, Lisa struggles to solve the case by the book. But when the Sandman switches up his plan and goes after her lover Jake…Lisa ignores all the rules.
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First published May 13, 2015
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About the author
Stacy-Deanne
169 books327 followersStacy-Deanne (pronounced Dee-Anne) is an award-winning and bestselling novelist of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and women's fiction novels.
Her work includes Everlasting, Melody, Bruised, and Captivated. Stacy is a 2011 and 2012 African-American Literary Award nominee.
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Her work includes Everlasting, Melody, Bruised, and Captivated. Stacy is a 2011 and 2012 African-American Literary Award nominee.
Join mailing list:
http://eepurl.com/dFGzTL
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 26, 2014
I hate that guy Winston. Gosh he annoyed me the whole book with ''the is something between us'' Ah you idiot you don't know her and she has a man but still it has to be about you and your ego. I hate these kind of guys that takes no even if you tell him you don't want them but still don't listen,that don't respect your relationship. Lisa with ''Winston is hot'' ''This can't happen'' girl you have a man if you don't love him break up with him instead of leading him on if you are confused. He tells you how he feels about you but some loser guy you met for two mins is making you confused. Even though you know what you have with Jake is real. Respect your man Lisa, respect your relationship because how you were reacting to that loser shows no respect to Jake and he deserves better than a woman that is getting caught by some moron.. Winston is like a flea that doesn't want to die the rest of the day you are trying to kill it but it never dies.[In his case he didn't want to leave Lisa alone]
Lucky me I have two more books of reading about Winston, two more books of rolling my eyes, two more books of Lisa being confused. Hip hip hooray but I love Stacy Deanne books that is why she gets under my skin with her characters.
Can you feel my excitement about Winston
I am team Jake.
Winston and Lisa let Queen B explain it to you I am
Whatever you call that is happening between you two
Winston [every time he speaks]
Jake
That's all
Lisa
Anyway the suspense of the book Stacy is brilliant at that,the serial killer was really well done. Mostly I gave it three stars because of Winston otherwise a Quick, suspenseful and good book besides Winston[I kinda guessed the killer the moment he was introduced].
Lucky me I have two more books of reading about Winston, two more books of rolling my eyes, two more books of Lisa being confused. Hip hip hooray but I love Stacy Deanne books that is why she gets under my skin with her characters.
Can you feel my excitement about Winston
I am team Jake.
Winston and Lisa let Queen B explain it to you I am
Whatever you call that is happening between you two
Winston [every time he speaks]
Jake
That's all
Lisa
Anyway the suspense of the book Stacy is brilliant at that,the serial killer was really well done. Mostly I gave it three stars because of Winston otherwise a Quick, suspenseful and good book besides Winston[I kinda guessed the killer the moment he was introduced].
January 22, 2024
Sandman no more.
I'm into reading this series to see where the last book goes. I love Jake and like Lisa and I'm rooting for them as a couple. I understand Lisa's emotions are all over the place with her and Dee trying to capture the sandman. However, her actions in allowing Winston to kiss her and how she's feeling him is wrong on so many levels and makes me sick and I feel sorry for Jake. If she truly loves her man, then she needs to stop the BS with Winston. I am glad Winston figured out who the real sandman was, I'm just sad it turned out to be Officer Mann. It's a good thing she is seeing Dr. Guzman. I hope Dee gets her love story in one of these next books. Couldn't give this more than a 3-star.
I'm into reading this series to see where the last book goes. I love Jake and like Lisa and I'm rooting for them as a couple. I understand Lisa's emotions are all over the place with her and Dee trying to capture the sandman. However, her actions in allowing Winston to kiss her and how she's feeling him is wrong on so many levels and makes me sick and I feel sorry for Jake. If she truly loves her man, then she needs to stop the BS with Winston. I am glad Winston figured out who the real sandman was, I'm just sad it turned out to be Officer Mann. It's a good thing she is seeing Dr. Guzman. I hope Dee gets her love story in one of these next books. Couldn't give this more than a 3-star.
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April 21, 2014
It appears a twisted serial killer has once again taken the city of Baltimore by surprise. Woman are being hunted and once again Baltimore Detectives Lisa Swanson and Dee Quarter are called on the case. The evidence and method of the murders seem very familiar to Lisa. She believes it’s the work of the Sandman. Captivated is Book 2 in the Bruised series.
Five years prior Lisa worked with well known Detective Adam Mann. Adam has since retired, but with the killer back on the loose Lisa is in frequent contact with retired detective Adam. Adam Mann was once captivated by the serial killer, so much so the obsession with the case cost him his family. I feel the author did a good job in displaying emotions regarding Lisa because to me Lisa’s belief about the Sandman’s return was very believable. Other officers doubted her theory but she stuck with her instinct.
Winston Lewis is newly transferred to the Baltimore precinct. Winston is captivated by Lisa and working hard to get her attention. Unfortunately for him Lisa and Jake Jenson are six months into their relationship, which started in the first book in the Bruised series. I enjoyed how the author has such strong and committed characters. I like how Jake noticed something was wrong with Lisa and they came together and discussed it. Jake is wheelchair bound, and admits he lives through the adventures that Lisa face in her day job being a detective. This is so refreshing to have a man strong enough to admit this, and also be able to support Lisa in a positive way. Jake showed his emotions and expressed his feelings, and admitted that he still battles with old hurts but he continues moving on and living through them.
I also enjoyed the alpha male friction between Jake and Winston. Each man is strong in a level sense and not playing dirty to win Lisa over. Each man has a winning spirit and I found it hard to figure out which man to root for.
I enjoyed this book. The mystery of solving the serial murder cases along with the mixture of who will capture Lisa’s heart made for a pleasant read. The author told a complete story, and wasn’t too wordy nor too descriptive. It’s a winner for me to get a satisfying read without having to read three hundred pages of blah-blah that has nothing to do with the plot.
This author has a new fan! I highly recommend that you add this series to your reading list.
Five years prior Lisa worked with well known Detective Adam Mann. Adam has since retired, but with the killer back on the loose Lisa is in frequent contact with retired detective Adam. Adam Mann was once captivated by the serial killer, so much so the obsession with the case cost him his family. I feel the author did a good job in displaying emotions regarding Lisa because to me Lisa’s belief about the Sandman’s return was very believable. Other officers doubted her theory but she stuck with her instinct.
Winston Lewis is newly transferred to the Baltimore precinct. Winston is captivated by Lisa and working hard to get her attention. Unfortunately for him Lisa and Jake Jenson are six months into their relationship, which started in the first book in the Bruised series. I enjoyed how the author has such strong and committed characters. I like how Jake noticed something was wrong with Lisa and they came together and discussed it. Jake is wheelchair bound, and admits he lives through the adventures that Lisa face in her day job being a detective. This is so refreshing to have a man strong enough to admit this, and also be able to support Lisa in a positive way. Jake showed his emotions and expressed his feelings, and admitted that he still battles with old hurts but he continues moving on and living through them.
I also enjoyed the alpha male friction between Jake and Winston. Each man is strong in a level sense and not playing dirty to win Lisa over. Each man has a winning spirit and I found it hard to figure out which man to root for.
I enjoyed this book. The mystery of solving the serial murder cases along with the mixture of who will capture Lisa’s heart made for a pleasant read. The author told a complete story, and wasn’t too wordy nor too descriptive. It’s a winner for me to get a satisfying read without having to read three hundred pages of blah-blah that has nothing to do with the plot.
This author has a new fan! I highly recommend that you add this series to your reading list.
May 25, 2015
Let me start with the positive. The idea of the storyline is good. It has suspense and a few twists to it.
The negative - the two female detectives. Lisa, the head detective, is too darn emotionally damaged to hold such a position. Her character is too whiney 75% of the time. The 25% she tries to be the tough cop, but her whiney outweighs the toughness and the whole persona doesn't ring true. The other detective, Dee, I'm not sure why she was even in the book, let alone the series. Other than her introducing Lisa to her ex Mason, her character doesn't add anything to the story.
I thought this book would be more about Dee finding a love interest and a better insight on Mason and Lisa's dysfunctional relationship. I was hoping Jake would get a chance to play a stronger role for Lisa and helping her deal with the relationship she had with Mason. I would have like to see a confrontation between Jake and Mason. Right now Winston is playing the strong alpha male for Lisa and not her boyfriend Jake. I don't Like that the author has Jake playing a secondary role to Lisa; basically it appears as if the author has made him a beta male.
The negative - the two female detectives. Lisa, the head detective, is too darn emotionally damaged to hold such a position. Her character is too whiney 75% of the time. The 25% she tries to be the tough cop, but her whiney outweighs the toughness and the whole persona doesn't ring true. The other detective, Dee, I'm not sure why she was even in the book, let alone the series. Other than her introducing Lisa to her ex Mason, her character doesn't add anything to the story.
I thought this book would be more about Dee finding a love interest and a better insight on Mason and Lisa's dysfunctional relationship. I was hoping Jake would get a chance to play a stronger role for Lisa and helping her deal with the relationship she had with Mason. I would have like to see a confrontation between Jake and Mason. Right now Winston is playing the strong alpha male for Lisa and not her boyfriend Jake. I don't Like that the author has Jake playing a secondary role to Lisa; basically it appears as if the author has made him a beta male.
June 19, 2014
Captivated, right out the gate, is a great story.
Stacy-Deanne delivers a fast-paced thriller with strong characters, intense plot, and wicked twists. I was engrossed with the story's dialogue and the friendship between main characters, Baltimore detectives Lisa Swanson and Dee Quarter, almost as much as I enjoyed the hum of romantic and suspenseful tension that thrummed throughout the story.
Another PLUS to this story? It's the second book in Stacy-Deanne's Bruised series; however, I never felt lost like I needed to read the first book to understand the second. Now, with that said, I'm already on board to head to book one and then check out books three and four. Check out Stacy-Deanne's website to learn more about them yourself!
If you're in need of a quick, engaging thriller that will probably have you dropping your jaw at least once, look no further.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Stacy-Deanne delivers a fast-paced thriller with strong characters, intense plot, and wicked twists. I was engrossed with the story's dialogue and the friendship between main characters, Baltimore detectives Lisa Swanson and Dee Quarter, almost as much as I enjoyed the hum of romantic and suspenseful tension that thrummed throughout the story.
Another PLUS to this story? It's the second book in Stacy-Deanne's Bruised series; however, I never felt lost like I needed to read the first book to understand the second. Now, with that said, I'm already on board to head to book one and then check out books three and four. Check out Stacy-Deanne's website to learn more about them yourself!
If you're in need of a quick, engaging thriller that will probably have you dropping your jaw at least once, look no further.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2015
So good you'll never guess it!!
Lisa and jake are still going strong,but a curve ball name the sandman & Winston comes to tear them apart. Lisa is certain that her new case is the serial killer from years ago on a case that she first worked. Winston transfers to Lisa precinct hoping they spark some flames only to become a pain to her relationship. Lisa is certain she knows the killer,so she recruits the help of her old partner Mann to crack the case. Lisa has a lot on her plate from Winston flirting, the sandman case, and her feelings for Jake she has to deal with her emotions to solve the case. Shocking revelations come to light when the sandman is revealed. Great book 2 Stacy.
Lisa and jake are still going strong,but a curve ball name the sandman & Winston comes to tear them apart. Lisa is certain that her new case is the serial killer from years ago on a case that she first worked. Winston transfers to Lisa precinct hoping they spark some flames only to become a pain to her relationship. Lisa is certain she knows the killer,so she recruits the help of her old partner Mann to crack the case. Lisa has a lot on her plate from Winston flirting, the sandman case, and her feelings for Jake she has to deal with her emotions to solve the case. Shocking revelations come to light when the sandman is revealed. Great book 2 Stacy.
March 12, 2014
After reading this book, I am more intrigued in suspense. I read book 1, and couldn't wait until book two came out. I am falling in love ( okay, I already fell) with Jake. I was surprised at the twist in this book. I sat reading going, "ooooooooohhhhhhhh- really!!!" this book was worth the wait and I'm glad I didn't have to wait that long. I look forward to the adventures and the love that blossoms between these two characters. The side kicks are fun and interesting, too. Can't wait until book 4,5,6,7......
Twana Carr
Twana Carr
April 7, 2014
Detective Lisa Swanson is back and she comes face to face with her past. Instead of running from fear, she decides to face it head on. Winston has the hots for her but she's in love with Jake or is she? Captivated was fast-paced and the suspense of trying to figure out who the serial killer was kept me reading.
May 20, 2015
Much Better
I enjoyed this book much better than the 1st one. But now I'm wondering if I like Lisa. I understand feelings, but I think she of all people should make a choice and stop straddling the fence
I enjoyed this book much better than the 1st one. But now I'm wondering if I like Lisa. I understand feelings, but I think she of all people should make a choice and stop straddling the fence
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews