In Enemy Hands

Captive Hearts #1

by Lana Bright

Falling in love makes me a traitor.

I wake up one day tied up and helpless. A huge Rhennian soldier stands over me. His name is Neil, and he says I’m his prisoner of war. My people are pacifists, but that doesn’t stop the Rhennian empire from claiming our lands.

As we journey through the wilderness, he’s nothing like I expected. He lets me share his sleeping bag in the brutal cold of night. He saves my life when bandits attack. I can’t help noticing his muscular body and the way his eyes crinkle when he laughs.

And when he looks at me, my skin prickles. He wants me too.

It's one thing to dream of my enemy's hands on my body while we're alone. It’s another to face reality. We can't fall in love without betraying our people.

We’re at war—and I'm at war with myself.

And I think I'm losing.

In Enemy Hands is an enemies-to-lovers MM romance set in a non-magical gaslamp fantasy world. This is the first of four novels following Neil and Aaron, as their love story entwines with the fate of empires. Happy Ever After ending at the end of book 4.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Queer, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Paranormal, M M Fantasy

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2024

About the author

Lana Bright writes sunshiny MM romance stories from under the cloudy skies of Ireland. She enjoys baking, racket sports and playing music (as long as no one is listening).

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️

« He places a gentle hand on my cheek. I tremble all over, winding right into him. Melting to his whim. Nope.
He isn’t conquering me at all. »

Cute, light and sweet, In Enemy Hands was more lovers than enemies, two men finding each other on different sides of a war.

Now, the idea was great. Classic enemies to lovers plot line, a sparkle of fantasy, some captive/captor yumminess… perfect, right?

« Stars, I’d like to shut him up by kissing him hard on those mocking lips. »

A couple things didn’t really work for me, though.
The writing wasn’t really giving fantasy, and the world-building was a bit confusing. I couldn’t figure out if it was a medieval fantasy setting or more of a steampunk vibe.
Also, the enemies portion of this romance never really felt like enemies. I kind of wanted a bit more angst and tension build up between Aaron and Neil. The spice was nice, but maybe a little lacking for my tastes.

There will be a book two, so hopefully we learn more about their world and how it works, because this does have potential for a really cool story, but was just missing something for me.

“But what about the rules? Aren’t you supposed to turn me in? You caught me trespassing.”
“Maybe some things are more important than the rules.”

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

Tropes and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Enemies to lovers
- MC w/ facial scars
- Vers MCs
- Light bondage
- Light captor/servant roleplay
- Mild cliffhanger

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just a little too slow paced for me to get into fully and it ends on a fairly big cliffhanger which was a little frustrating!

Not all that much really happens throughout the story, except for the two MCs walking back and forth along some countryside while they get to know each other, and then walking around the city with a few sex scenes added in? I don't know if I missed the point...

I struggled to connect to either character also even though we get a good bit of their backstories, but Neil is so closed off, even to the reader, that I just couldn't warm to him at all.

Aaron was more open and I liked finding out about his people and how they're pacifists and they craft exceptional quality items, but it did feel like his only purpose in this story was to follow Neil around like a lost duckling. Even when his personality showed his bolder characteristics he calmed down so fast it was like nothing had happened, which was disappointing. I'd have liked to see him more self-assured rather than relying on Neil.

Senali was actually the most intriguing character and she's essentially the bad guy, but I'd like to see more of her.

Definitely a mixed bag for me and I'm not certain I enjoyed it enough to read book two.

*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review

[mich ⚘ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good way to start the series. You have a good slow burn enemies to lovers but also with the perfect mixture of feelings and drama. Plus, this world building was fun and made me excited to read future books in the series.

[Katie C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite my indifference toward the romance genre, I felt myself falling head over heels for the sugar-sweet dynamic between Aaron and Neil. You have a pacifistic steppes-dweller who's full of life and brings out the good in people, paired with a hardened soldier whose heart has been gravely wounded. At first, I wasn't a big fan of Neil's serious nature and willingness to jump to conclusions, but through his kindhearted gestures and endless supply of love for the people he cares about, he warmed my heart... Unlike his fire-making skills. Those need some work!

Senali proved time and time again to be one of my favorite characters. She's a great example of how to write an antagonist who isn't a villain. In war, you can't often define which side is "good" versus "evil", and Senali's character is proof of that. I'd also like to give an honorable mention to Teara, and how she represents the flip side of Aaron's culture - whether Haztar or Rhennian, people do good and bad things despite their upbringing because they're human. Lana Bright excels at writing characters from all over the morality spectrum.

I would recommend "In Enemy Hands" for more than just the romance. There is plenty of sweetness and spiciness, but there are also strong themes of friendship, identity, and perseverance. With the whole world against them - sometimes literally! - Neil and Aaron must continue to believe in their relationship and themselves in order to conquer the obstacles that impede their future together. Will they achieve their happily ever after? I can't wait to find out in book 2.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

IN ENEMY HANDS is the first book in the Captive Hearts fantasy series, featuring Aaron, a free-spirited pacifist Steppes-dweller, and Neil, a cinnamon roll hiding behind a gruff and grumpy exterior.

Told from both perspectives and with some of Neil's flashbacks thrown in for good measure, you get a well-rounded story that gives you the details of what's happened up to this point without overwhelming you with an info-dump.

Neil and Aaron are funny to read about as they learn about each other and their differences. In some respects, they are total opposites, but in others, they complement each other perfectly. This is slow-burn for the most part but there are a couple of steamy scenes in here.

I will also mention the superb supporting cast - Senali, Lanter, Amina, Teara, plus others. All of these characters add to the story, whether it's by who they are or the beliefs they hold.

I would say it has a slight cliffhanger ending - it's enough so that Neil and Aaron are HFN but leaving it completely open-ended. I need the next book asap! Definitely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
9 Oct, 2024

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaron awakens to find himself bound and in his enemy’s hands. Neil is a soldier and his duty is clear. He must bring him back as a prisoner of war. As the two men spend time together facing cold and food shortages, they find something in each other. It does not take long before they are saving the other’s life. The feeling of protectiveness comes a surprise. Are they falling in love? Does this make them traitors? Is Neil then guilty of dereliction of duty?

In Enemy Hands is a beautifully written love story about two men who start out as enemies, but learn they have much in common. The two provide for each other and soon find themselves ready to do anything to protect the other. Watching them fall in love was so much fun. Neil had made a mistake and as a result was not sure he could trust his own feelings. Aaron had surprising depth and his knowledge and abilities left Neil astounded on more than one occasion. If you enjoy MM stories and enemies-lovers, this story is perfect for you. I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. This review is my own personal opinion.

[Caroline Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this story was so much fun to read. It has a little bit of everything, war times, class differences, culture differences, discrimination but also insta caring, possessive MMC, fighting for love, a little bit of dominating and lots of trust. Neil and Aaron are an unlikely couple. One from the city and a former Colonel in the military and the other lives a peaceful life in the mountainous countryside. They meet as Aaron is peacefully asleep in enemy territory and Neil still feels drawn to civic duty to turn the handsome man in to proper authority, something he failed to do in the past. As the men get to know one another, the realize that while opposites and enemies, they cannot deny their draw to each other. Walls begin come down and trust is built up. However this is not a simple trip derailed by love. There are bumps and bruises and duty still hangs in the balance. But when these two have the chance to just be Neil and Aaron their chemistry gives us a glimpse into how perfect they are as an us. Trust me you need this book on your TBR.

[Bretton Coppedge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in a fantasy world but with no fantastical elements, at least not yet, this story was very rich. The world was very well developed. The plot line of warring nations trying to rewrite the globe and more rural peace loving groups getting caught in the cross hairs is definitely a tale as old as time. But Aaron displays his ambivalence so freely. He just wants to be free, with no care with to where imaginary lines are drawn. Neil on the other hand feels deep guilt for not being even more beholden to the nation that he has sworn himself to. The political intrigue was rich and I enjoyed the plot line.

Neil and Aaron were SO cute together. I loved Aaron's many escape attempts and how they just made Neil fall for him more and more. Despite taking Aaron, Neil is so sweet to him pretty much the entire time, earning the gentle giant moniker.

I am super excited that we get more from this world and couple. I think the author did a great job of putting everything together.

[Book Hoarder · Rating 4 out of 5]

In enemy hands is an enemy-to-lovers set in a war-torn fantasy world. It is a very sweet story between Aaron the pacifist and Niel the soldier who has captured him on his own lands, lands that Neil’s country now claims for their own. Aaron’s family are nomads who follow the herds on the steppes between two warring nations. Rhennes considers Aaron’s people the enemy because they are allied with Callinth and started laying claim to huge chunks of the Haztar steppes, which is how they have taken over many other nations.
When Neils stumbles across Aaron, he feels it is his duty to take him prisoner and turn him into the authorities, at least a week’s walk away. Colonel Neils does not mention that he has been suspended from duty because his finance was arrested for treason. Aaron spends the entire walk winning Neils over to his way of thinking.
In Enemy Hands is a very sweet romance with a background of political commentary

[Krita Crossheart · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very Stockholm syndrome types
Immature characters
Sudden burst of emotion
When a person is captured or being imprisoned, they don't start admiring the kidnapper

That intensity of 'love' - without knowing anything abt eachother??
Lame AF, reminded me why I hv been avoiding mainstream YA, especially romantasies
Whole plot was in such a honeymoon period - it's blindingly gross

Pitiful characters - not a single one acting like an adult, but all like impulsive adolescents
There is Difference btw liking somebody's character, then finding them the most beautiful person on earth, vs attraction to their body then coming up with reasons to admire their personality
The latter is superficial and honestly lame - I dont think any adult is getting an enjoyable reading experience out of it


I still don't know why I got through the whole book instead of DNFing.
NOT worth any time at all

There are Hundreds of M/M books better than this mess.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neil and Aaron from opposite sides

The world building in this book by Lana Bright is marvelous and I can just imagine this whole area that she sets her book in, but beyond that the characters are amazing and I loved reading about Neil and Aaron. Their relationship goes back and forth so much mostly because they start out on opposite sides of a war, but also because they have such different outlooks on life. The pacing is particularly good with all types of scenes keeping the story going and some delightful humor that keeps the tale from getting too heavy.
There is a cliffhanger at the end which is something I don’t usually like, but it does feel like a good time to end this book or it would have been a tome! More please!

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aaron was not expecting to wake up to a stint as a hostage in a war he didn't not feel he was in. He just wanted to rest and go home. Instead he finds himself in a precarious position as the captive of Neil. Neil is just doing his job as a soldier. They are immediately aware of one another but they start out as adversaries because Neil is trying to be dutiful. Aaron just wants to be free. Their journey and Aaron's attempts to escape helps to deepen Neil's affection for Aaron. They fall in love and it causes them to make choices that are about them and not the political intrigue that roils in the background. This was a neat start to their story. I am looking forward to more.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the premise of this book. Good world building and wonderful characters. Enemies-to-lovers isn't my favorite dynamic, but this turned out to be a really sweet story. I loved both Aaron and Neil. Aaron finds it very unfair that he's captured as a prisoner of war for falling asleep on his own lands and being taken to authorities. Neil was stubborn and unmoving, but also kind and considerate. (And a little more unnerved/cautious initially than I expected). I liked the way their relationship developed and they grew feelings for each other. I liked Aaron's personality a lot, and liked that neither were perfect. This is the first book I've read by this author and I would read more. 4 stars.

[Jvles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love travel and adventure stories so I really enjoyed the parts where they were wandering through the steppes. The pacing was a little weird throughout the book - it's quite slow in the beginning which gives the relationship between the two MCs a chance to evolve and then it gets faster and faster until it's almost hectic before it ends on a cliffhanger. That was not the most pleasant reading experience but it's the price you pay when reading books before a series is complete.
Neil and Aaron make a good couple and their differences make for an interesting pairing. I would love to hear a little more about the cultural backgrounds in the next installment.

[read.beforeyou.think · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know that special feeling your going to like a book from the first words you've read?

In Enemy Hands is one of those books. I fell in love with the story, the caracters, the writing style. It's been ages I felt so raptured by a book.

There is a little bit of everything in it: the romance, the war, the class differences, the search of power, of justice, the fight for the truth and love.

Aaron and Neil are opposites. The pacifist and the soldier. And, as you know, opposites attract each other, even if you are the prisoner and the soldier that arrested you for trespassing. Even when you try everything to save yourself. In the end, you care too much and you're inevitably stuck together.

There is mistrust, doubts, secrets in their relationship, but they care about each other without any particular reason. Slowly their own truths come out, the glimpses of the past become reality, as Neil's past and now clash together brutally.
There is the war, destroying Neil's place, his freedom, his beliefs as a soldier. Because he is in love with the enemy and it should feel wrong, but it's not. And taking a side shouldn't be so damn hard.

The adventure, the suspense and the realization of who is worth to love, is beautifully depicted in this book, and, even if it ends with a cliffhanger I'm still looking forward for what is next for Aaron and Neil.

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new to me author and I really enjoyed the writing style and especially the two lovely main characters. I was surprised with how flipping sweet Aaron and Neil are together, so if you are looking for rage and intensity, this isn’t that kind of enemies to lovers romance. I was not disappointed in the least though, I like the drama to be plot driven and not within the relationship. The world building is quite good and I can’t wait to see what happens next (nice cliffhanger!), I loved the couple and the great cast of supporting characters. A great start to the series!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good character and adventures! Aaron, unexpectedly find himself bound as Neil's prisoner. Neil, has vowed to fight as a soldier protecting the land and not falling love. As they travel to Neil's boss, they bond. There are comlications because Neil, is under a bit of a cloud and they have opposing political views. Aaron, does not passively give up, he reaches for his freedom every chance he gets. Both men are strong, loyal, passionate and dedicated to their beliefs. Great story about being true to one's self while seeking balance and peace amidst high challenges. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story and am very much looking forward to book two. Aaron and Neil are on opposites sides in a war and Neil gets lucky and captures Aaron but neither one of them is prepared to deal with the "enemy" when they actually meet one of them as a real, flesh and blood person. Proximity and conversation makes each of them see the other as a person not a caricature or stereotype and that means they both have some hard decisions to make about what they are going to do in the future if they want to stay together and some guilt to deal with about what their relationship means for their people.

[Robert West · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aaron and Neil are adorable there story is sweet and sexy. Though they became acquainted in an unusual way, they quickly grow to rely on and care for each other. The spicy scenes were spicing and the side characters were fun and multi dimensional. This is the first book Ive read by Lana Bright. But I hope it wont be the last.
The world building was nice, the characters showed growth and depth through the stories progression. And the Cliffhanger made me want to know more . Im super excited about book two. And would definitely recommend In Enemy Hands.

[Kathreadsall · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Enemy Hands was an enemies to lovers m/m romance from author Lana Bright.

I really enjoyed Aaron and Neil together, they are so different in personalities but they complement each other really well when they finally start working together. I liked learning their backstories and more about their different cultures, but the world building was less than I liked.

Overall this was a slow-paced, but enjoyable m/m romance between two very different people who end up together due to a war plaguing the land.

[Suuuuslix · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright but I was not keen on characters. Both of them seemed very one dimentional. Some decisions were made just to advance the plot and made no sense.
I loved the idea and potential plot but I got disappointed every time when characters acted like 5 year olds.
Also the whole world building could be so interesting and it could have added so much more to relationship if there would be more ground to both of their beliefs and they would spend more time working with it.

I'm still interested in next book as overall dynamic was quite interesting.

[T.M. Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two words: Captor. Prisoner. Yup, this is for all the lovers of MM romantasy featuring the ever popular forced proximity storyline. But don’t worry, they’re both into it. The spice might be slow burn (hot when it hits) but the atttraction and yearning kicks in from the start! This almost has fantasy road trip vibes as they make their way across the Steppes and share a few nights in a cave together. The world is nicely developed, but it’s not high fantasy (more like gaslamp fantasy) and easy for anyone to enjoy!

[Katharine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent world building and interesting side characters bring this mm fantasy romance to life. The story of the two protagonists is engaging, with a slow burn feel, and real character work to learn who they are. These aren't just two pretty cardboard cutouts being smushed together. The ending is both satisfying and leaves you wanting more of these two and this world.

***
I received an ARC of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This enemies to lovers story is a bit slow paced, but it makes Neil and Aaron getting to know each other and the views of how they were raised and how it affects them when they meet. Neil, a soldier, takes Aaron, who is napping under a tree in what he believes was the land he had a right to be on, in custody, planning on taking him to the city and turning him in for trespassing. This is a slow burn with a cliffhanger, but a HFN for Neil and Aaron.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved in Enemy Hands. A well written enemies to lovers, romantic storyline full of caring and heat! I loved Neil and Aaron who despite being soldiers on opposite sides really fought to be together. A brilliant journey as they fight all the obstacles in the way of them having a future together. Nice ending but I am avidly awaiting the next book to find out what happens next!
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[Manon Lavoie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnfed at 53%. I don't like it !
I don't understand if it's a fantasy romance or a medieval one. They walk in the steppes for days but when Neil goes back to his hometown, it takes him less than a day !
The Rhennians are afraid of an air balloon and everything that looks scientifically based but have hot water faucets in their hotel ! It doesn't seem they have electricity so how do they heat water ?
I'm bored by it all ! Don't care no more ! Sorry !

[abookwithacupoftea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of the Captive Hearts series from of a new to me author. It's an enemies to lovers fantasy MM romance. I really enjoyed the story and loved both main characters, Aaron and Nei, they are good together, and ultimately they complement each. I would have liked maybe a bit more world background and it's a bit too slow paced for me. And it ends in a cliffhanger which I am not a big fan of.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how sweet Neil started to treat Aaron, even when he was obeying "orders" from above him as he took Aaron prisoner. He was questioning why but Aaron's somewhat calm demeanor made him understand that he was starting to care for Aaron in every way possible.

I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review

[Thurman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was ok. Neil was very closed off and Aaron was more open. I tried and failed to connect with either MC. I think I missed the point. There was lots of walking back and forth and a few sex scenes.
I'm not sure I'll continue the series.

I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review

[Blanca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pacifists Try to Live Amongst Warring Factions

It’s hard to be a pacifist when you’re surrounded by War. One side takes your land, the other says that you’re on their side. You just want to take nap, when a soldier stumbles upon you, and steals you away as a spy. How the heck do you find your captor tempting? A lovely story.