Capturing the Captain: A Clean Regency Romance

by Allie Kensington

He was a hero on the battlefield, but can she save him from the war within?
Miss Eliza Montrose is content with her quiet life of tending her gardens, far from the chaos of London’s bustling society. Having abandoned the hopes of love after two unremarkable Seasons, she’s content to care for her cottage and its grounds. But when a dashing yet troubled military captain moves into the neighboring Blackwood Manor, the tranquility of her world is shattered.

Captain Daniel Blackwood has survived the ravages of war, but his heart and mind remain scarred by battle. Returning home, he is determined to keep the horrors of his past hidden. Yet when he meets the captivating Eliza Montrose, her kindness and wit awaken feelings he thought lost forever.

Despite his best efforts to keep her at a distance, Daniel is drawn to Eliza’s quiet strength. Yet the closer they grow, the more his haunted past threatens to pull them apart. When a single, terrifying moment brings his deepest fears crashing to the surface, Daniel is forced to confront the demons that plague him—before they drive away the only woman who has ever made him believe in love again.

Eliza must decide if she can love a man who may never fully escape the shadows of his past—or risk her heart for a love that could heal them both. Can Eliza help Daniel find the peace he desperately seeks, or will his inner demons pull them apart before their love has a chance to bloom?


“Capturing the Captain" is a clean and heartwarming Regency romance brimming with longing, tender moments, and the enduring hope that explores blossoming love despite the reality of life's trials.

Genres: Romance, Historical, Historical Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction

412 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2024

About the author

Once upon a time Allie fell in love, quite by accident. She was blinded by a deep friendship, which happened to be the perfect recipe for a love match to grow right under her nose, without her noticing.

The Regency era speaks to her with its rules, etiquette, and charm. Of course, the top hats and cravats are sure winners. She can quote the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice with 98% accuracy, plays the pianoforte with moderate proficiency, and has an affinity for the beneficial exercise of walking.

Allie is a famous author--at least in her own home--where her very own Mr. Darcy dotes on her and where their children play without the supervision of a governess.

Claim a FREE book from Allie - exclusively for her Regency Reader's Club at https://smarturl.it/akfreebookgr

Reviews

[RD · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tender love story! Eliza is a 26 year old “spinster” who would rather be in her garden than anywhere else. Daniel is returning home from a long time at war, troubled by his experiences and questioning if life exists after such a time. Despite a thorny first encounter, Eliza and Daniel become friends through a mutual desire for peace and healing. Their sweet friendship develops over flowers, time together, and heartfelt conversation. Daniel’s insecurities nearly undermine his chance for lasting happiness, but with Eliza’s gentle reassurance, they journey onward.

The story is set in Brighton with lovely garden scenes and romantic walks by the seashore, creating a beautiful experience for the reader. The story is clean, inspiring, and tenderly romantic.

I read a free ARC of this story and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Captain comes back to the manor fighting his wartime nightmares and Eliza has come to the seaside cottage and finds joy in caring for her garden. They meet as neighbors and eventually find their hea. I did find this a bit drawn out and at times it seems like I should have known more of both his and her family backgrounds as there were hints of unhappy memories yet nothing is revealed about it. So to me I felt like there was much that could have been revealed so as to flesh out the characters more. Because of that I felt there were I explained gaps left hanging. Still I will say it was clean read.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eliza is content as a spinster with her beautiful garden by the sea in Brighton, but she does wish she had neighbours to tidy up the neglected garden next door, and perhaps even be friends with. But when she's caught trespassing by the new occupant as she works in the early morning to reduce the garden chaos, Captain Daniel Blackwood doesn't seem at all the sort of neighbour she'd hoped for! Daniel hoped to escape the horrors of war now he's home, but his nightmares give him no peace. And his neighbour's claims that gardens can bring peace is clearly ignorant nonsense. But as he sees more of her, he starts to find a peace he'd given up on. Can he heal enough to open his heart to her?

A good read where a 'damaged' hero meets an 'on the shelf' heroine. They get off to a bad start, but quickly come to mean a lot to each other - if they'll only recognise and accept it. The result is a sweet, generally fairly light story. Daniel has a lot of healing to do, but while we see at the start that he's having a hard time, and get hints of more later on, most of the healing happens behind the scenes (perhaps a little too easily?). Eliza is very ready to be there for him, but still has doubts at times of her worthiness. They make a great couple, each looking to help the other - but I also enjoyed watching their interactions with his visitors, who were determined to push their own agenda, for his good (of course). All in all, a good clean read.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book. I got the ARC because I enjoy Kensington’s writing, but I found this a bit disappointing. I debated giving it 4 stars because I wanted to be generous, but then I asked myself if I’d want to read it again. And my answer is no. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth reading it all. For me, it’s just something I wouldn’t feel compelled to repeat.

The plot is strong and I liked the characters. There’s a small conflict, but it didn’t seem significant enough, to me, to truly endanger the relationship between Captain Daniel Blackwell and Miss Eliza Montrose. Maybe I’ve become accustomed to angst, but this didn’t have that. There was never any doubt they’d end up together, which I suppose is a commonality in all romances, but I never worried about how long it would take them to get there. It was somewhat predictable and sedate.

The thing I disliked was that it was too sentimental and corny. Emotions were not intense in an original way. The words used were the kind that I’d expect to read in a teen romance novel. I’m not looking for adult content here, but I am looking for more sophisticated explorations of emotions. You won’t find that here. It’s a good story. I enjoyed it well enough, but I can’t rave about it like I’d hoped I would. That said, others might love it, so read some other reviews before you make up your mind.

[Elsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captain Daniel Blackwood is home after years on the battlefield, but his emotional scars are slow to heal. He needs to work at adjusting to life again and the heavier task of finding his own peace. And here his neighbour thinks digging around in the dirt and pruning flowers is all there is to life.
Miss Eliza Montrose is happy with her life. She's not bothered by her Spinster status because she finds much joy in her life, especially tenderly caring for her beloved garden. Everything is perfect - except for the overrun garden next door ruining her view. Can she convince the neighbour to tidy it up?
Can first impressions be overcome? Can two people will differing views call a truce and find peace, and maybe something more?
This is the first book in a new series by an author I really like. This author has delightful plots, intriguing characters and is well-versed in the Regency Era.
I really enjoyed this book. It was refreshing to have a Regency setting but not have to be in London and at all the balls and typical locations. The setting in this book felt more calm and cozy. The writing was entertaining. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
If you enjoy clean, heartwarming Regency stories, you need to try this book.

[sassygirlreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Capturing the Captain is a heartwarming regency romance.

Sparks fly every time Eliza and Daniel meet. She is an independent spinster content with her life spent gardening and taking care of her home. He is a recent war hero returning from the battlefield fighting his own internal war.

I really enjoyed Eliza and Daniel’s encounters and the sweet friendship that soon develops after their contentious start. They both have so much to give but are either content or don’t feel they deserve more. There are so many kind, thoughtful, and tender moments throughout their journey of finding happiness. Capturing the Captain is a sweet must read!

Things about Eliza: she's witty and wise, passionate, understanding, loves to garden, never expects to find love but is content with her life.

Things about Daniel: he's thoughtful, very protective, feels he is broken, suffers from after-effects of war.

- Regency romance
- Lovable spinster
- Brooding Captain
- Enemies to lovers
- Neighbors
- He takes care of her
- Tender moments
- Sweet kisses
- Indoor picnics

Happy reading!

[Wendy Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story about a young woman who thought she was "on the shelf," and a captain recently returned from the war who was suffering from "shell shock" which is known today as PTSD.

Miss Eliza Montrose has purchased what used to be the gate keeper's cottage next to Blackwood Manor. She loves tending her gardens, far from the chaos of London’s bustling society. She no longer believes that she will marry as she had two failed Seasons. She’s content to care for her cottage and its grounds. But when a dashing yet troubled military captain moves into the neighbouring Blackwood Manor, the tranquillity of her world is shattered.

Captain Daniel Blackwood has returned to Blackwood Manor. He is scarred both physically and mentally by the ravages of war. He meets his next-door neighbour, Eliza Montrose and is drawn to her.

He tries desperately to keep away from her but finds himself wanting to meet with her. Can he work though the terrible trauma and nightmares he suffers and find love?

It was a sweet romance.

[Angie Thompson]

There was nothing actually wrong with this, at least as far as I got in it (about 15%), but I just couldn't get into it. The style was very tell-y and sometimes repetitive, and I couldn’t get to the point where I really believed or understood the characters. They seemed to be unfazed by certain things that seemed odd for the time period, and too concerned about other things. And the drama and misunderstandings seemed very contrived--he's upset enough about having falsely accused her that he can't wait until the next day and has to go to the ball that he abhors in order to talk to her...and then when he meets her, he can't bring himself to actually apologize? Sir...in what universe do any of these decisions make sense? I didn't want to give up on it, but I've been in enough reading slumps lately to not want to fall into another one by forcing myself to read a book that just wasn't working for me. I'm not going to rate this one; it just wasn't for me. (:

[Dev G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though she has experienced tragedy herself, Eliza Montrose still finds hope and joy in life.

Captain Daniel Blackwood has endured horrors that no one should. Scarred both physically and emotionally.

The realization that the wounds and pain he went through, were the same ones he inflicted on others and that weighs on his conscious.

Eliza and Daniel’s tentative friendship is like the seeds they planted in his garden and it grows into a beautiful and deep connection. I loved their interactions, and watching Daniel come out of his hardened shell. Eliza’s sweet and understanding nature was exactly what Daniel needed to help him through his nightmares.

Tender, sweet, and funny. Allie Kensington’s beautiful and descriptive writing immerses you into her books.

Thank you to Allie Kensington for the copy. All opinions are my own.

[Luci Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story very much! Although it is a romance, it is also a story of heroism.

Both the hero, who served in the war and fought for freedom as well as the heroine, who fought to have a positive outlook and future.

Both hero and heroine were “broken” in many ways due to loss and tragedy. But as the heroine found her purpose in her garden and isolated ways she was able to break free when she encountered the hero. The hero tried to shut the pain and world out in order to survive, yet the gift of peace was found in unexpected ways.

I love the story of hope, determination and love. That despite storms and trials they are better faced with faith, family and friends.

I received an ARC copy of the book and all opinions are my own.

[Leann Arave · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming Regency romance with likable characters and a sweet story.
Eliza has seen her share of tragedy. She has embraced her spinsterhood and moved to a quiet cottage by the sea. She is content to spend her days cultivating her garden. She is curious about the neighboring manor, she has never seen anyone about, and the gardens are an eyesore.
Daniel has been away for quite some time. But now that the war is over, he’s returned to his manor to try to heal from the trauma of war.
This clean, wholesome romance follows the growing attraction of these 2 main characters, but just as important is the learning to deal with Daniel’s nightmares and feeling of inadequacy since the war (PTSD). I thought the character development could have been a little stronger but overall a good read.

[Doreen Farrar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely tale

In the seaside English resort town of Brighton circa 1816, there sat a manor house with a caretaker's cottage next door. The cottage has been purchased by a spinster who loved to garden. She had worked hard to rebuild the beautiful gardens that had once surrounded the cottage and was annoyed that the gardens around the empty manor house had been left overgrown and ugly. The spinster determined to rebuild the manor garden near her cottage, but the owner of the manor, who was scarred inside and out by years of war, ordered her off the property. What follows is this delightful and well-written tale. I really enjoyed it, and I hope that you will, too!

[SRH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza, a spinster who has given up on finding love, has chosen to live in a solitary cottage and work in her gardens. Daniel, home from war with lingering wounds both physical and mental, feels broken and returns to his childhood home to hide from society. As neighbors, Eliza and Daniel find that spending time together unexpectedly helps to bring peace and contentment.
Daniel’s PTSD, and the healing that happens as he begins to allow Eliza into his heart, have been woven into to a sweet story. Interesting side characters and a bit of drama allow this clean, sweet, story to shine.

[Emily Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and clean

I loved the relationship between Daniel and Eliza. They don't let their misunderstandings stand in their way for too long. This isn't a book where the two characters bit their nails and misunderstand each other all of the time. I love how natural their romance is, and it's so clean and sweet. I'd recommend this to any regency romance reader. There are a couple of instances where one wonders, "Would regency society allow that?" But they are few, and far between, I felt very forgivable for such a great story.

[Erika Tarpenning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet clean romance that addresses the challenges of PTSD. You really feel for Daniel and what he went through during the Napoleonic war. Eliza is a great match for him. The book was a bit slow at times as there wasn’t a lot going on outside Daniel’s personal demons. And I would’ve liked to see a little more fire from Eliza; she had a lot in the beginning but it kind of dissipated. Still a good read, I’m glad I read it!
I read an advanced copy and this is an honest review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I loved the characters and that the story wasn't rushed but allowed the interaction between the H and h to grow. He was a war hero battling the memories of the war, she was a spinster who had been orphaned at a young age. They were neighbors who had a terrible first meeting as she trespassed in his neglected gardens pulling up the weeds and trying to restore order.
He first words to her belittled her love of gardening then he regretted the hurt he saw in her face and determined to apologize. When his apology fell short, he took her up on her words to work in his gardens pulling up the flowers she recently planted thinking they were weeds. You would think that would have ended any relationship between them but that is just the start of the story.

Captain Daniel Blackwood may just discover that Miss Eliza Montrose will be the only one capable of bringing rest to his war battled memories.

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Patti Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy this author's writing style and the way she puts together a story line. In this book, two strong characters with their own issues change their stances and opinions about each other by a willingness to consider second impressions instead of just firsts. I enjoyed the way they develop their relationship. Also, some profound insights and comments about war and soldiers included in some of the conversations. I highly recommend this read.

[Kirsten Anderson]

capturing the captain
DNF @40%

overview: cute and springy but very cliché and the writing was becoming a bit annoying. Plus a love triangle came up where she was constantly comparing them and I just didn’t wanna read 60% of that :(

———

content: language (n/a). sexual (innocent touches and kisses, NO SPICE). other (the MMC has trauma and wounds from war).

———

most ardently, kirsten <3

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was very sweet and tender. Daniel and Eliza become friends through shared conversation, gardening and riding horses. Their relationship was very sweet as Daniel wrestled with his demons from the war and Eliza quietly reassured him along the way. It was overall a bit slow and I missed a bit of angst between these two to add some depth. Eliza was also immature and dramatic at times, which felt a bit ridiculous, but this was still very cute.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these characters. Eliza is independent and kind with a bit of sass. Daniel doesn't quite know where he fits in when he returns from war. He feels broken. Daniel and Eliza's first meeting was anything but sweet. When Daniel apologizes, maybe the neighbors can be friends. This is a sweet romance that unfolds beautifully.

[R Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a well constructed romance with an important point to make, that a loving relationship can heal the trauma of warfare. However the plot was fairly predictable and the way the male lead rescued the female from a storm was an unlikely scenario in my opinion. However, many will enjoy the description of the burgeoning relationship

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story of healing and finding a renewed reason for life. Daniel comes back from the war and only wants to forget the horror. Elisa is a on the shelf lady who only wants to hide in her garden. Both characters are realistic in their portrayed of lost souls looking for a reason to keep existing. Together, they find both peace and happiness. Well written and smoothly paced.

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

They meet in a garden and it isn’t a very friendly first encounter. The heroine is a spinster who enjoys gardening. The hero has PTSD from his time at war and only wants peace and quiet. She wants to help him return order to his garden and feels it will also help him. I wish the author would have given us more background to the two characters as I felt some depth was missing.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when I read a book that leaves me sated and content. Eliza and the Captain's love story did that for me. As with most military men, the Captain is troubled with nightmares and flashbacks of his war service. His neighbor, Eliza, is just the one he needs in his life to help him go forward into a much better future filled with love and tranquility.

[My_every_day_chilling]

DNF'd at 22%
I was quite disappointed with this book. I've read 2 older books from this author and they were better written - no comparison at all, which make me question why? This book I found repetitive, the writing style was almost robotic in some places, it looked like it was badly edited, if at edited at all. And a plot hole right in the beginning.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

She teaches him about hope and about gardens being a source of peace and tranquility. But it would take some persuasion before he realizes love can also be the healing of the soul. Lovely read and wonderful characters.

I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story about letting go of demons and anxiety from your past with the help of love. Eliza is so very patient and loving with the captain, helping him to heal from the demons that followed him home from the battlefield. Both learn to trust and love. A most enjoyable story.

[Amanda Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot! It was somewhat unconventional for that era in England which made it fun and new while still being in the realm of plausibility. The couple had their ups and downs but the ending was a sweet resolution. As always I enjoy Allie’s books and look forward to the next one.

[Rebekah Wanke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about healing. You can almost feel the healing happening in this sensitive story. A story about cultivating love, peace, and laughter to tend to the wounds of trauma. My favorite part is the pretend sword play lesson! Very fun. A lovely and romantic story!

[Natscleanreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this Regency Romance

A great Regency Romance read. It's emotional and full of depth with a beautiful love story at the heart of it. No swears, minor wine and port mentions, and kissing only.