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Captive #3

Hell's Hilltop

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The fiery Captive Series conclusion that has fans diving for cover:

Burning out of control, Rena Hellberg has rightfully earned her reputation as a maniacal loose cannon. Her checkered past is riddled with holes, and as she faces life in a maximum-security psychiatric ward, fate grants her a second chance. Now she's free, an escaped convict who is searching for the answers that could either prove her innocence or her guilt. When her murderous journey lands her in bed with the man she's labeled a traitor, Rena faces her biggest fear of all: losing her heart to the enemy.

As a fireman, Ty Ferguson lives to help those in need. Captivated by Rena's natural elegance, contradictory attitude, and hidden vulnerability, he can't deny his building attraction for her. But when he puts it all on the line, the beautiful fugitive proves to be even more sensuous, more unpredictable and more dangerous than originally thought. Is her illness catching up with them both? Can he save her from herself? Or is there more to a story that is bound to end with them both going down in flames?

300 pages, Paperback

First published July 6, 2014

3 people are currently reading
265 people want to read

About the author

J.A. Dennam

12 books201 followers
J.A. DENNAM, an award winning author and RWA member, resides in a small Kansas town with her husband and children. Creativity is her strong suit having nurtured a career as a western artist and graphic artist.

Storytelling, however, has been a part of her life since childhood. At six years of age, insomnia forced her to endure many long, sleepless nights staring at the ceiling. After confessing her problem to her older sister, the two of them decided to tell each other stories to entice sleep; however, the inevitable snore always tore through her sister’s nose before she could utter the words Once Upon a Time. So the stories began to flow in silence, her imagination taking her to quiet, private places so enthralling, the sudden trick was to stay awake.

Those habits carried on to adulthood until the need to purge her stories demanded she put them in print. Her fascination with romance, fast cars and adventure films is what structures her novels today.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for J.A. Dennam.
Author 12 books201 followers
June 11, 2014
It started with TRUTH AND HUMILITY. Then came BETWEEN FAITH AND FEAR. After that, CRYSTAL MAC, the novella-length prologue to book 3, HELL'S HILLTOP. Concluding my Captive Series was a bitter sweet journey, knowing I'd have to say goodbye to some beloved characters, but relieved to move on with other projects. In this story, I had a GREAT time with my favorite pushover, Ty Ferguson. He's definitely MY new book boyfriend. Not quite as alpha male as the others, but every bit as brave, heroic, and loaded with HOTNESS. Rena Hellberg was my biggest challenge with her bold, unpredictable nature, but she also allowed my creativity to soar. Thank you all for standing by this humble author and I hope you enjoy this sexy, fast-paced, suspense-filled adventure.
Profile Image for Jeananna w/The Book Reading Gals.
906 reviews21 followers
December 17, 2014
OH. MY. GOD. How can an author send me through so many emotions with just her words?? Full review to come but I loved this book and the whole series! and cannot wait to see what she has in store for these characters in her Mercy of the Lawless serial! #MOTL

July 9th:
After Crystal Mac (book 2.5 in the Captive series) left us with the MOTHER of all cliffhangers… I have been waiting impatiently to read the last installment in a series that has kept me on the edge of my seat!! But much like the other books in the series it’s almost impossible to write a review without giving too much away! So here is my non-spoiler review:

The suspense is off the charts! The twists and turns, the ups and downs, you never know who is a bad guy and who is really on their side!! The storytelling is top notch and the hot scenes are smoking HOT! I got to see plenty of Danny, Austin, Derek and Melanie all of whom I fell in love with in previous books. Ty is a firefighter, a hero and a helper. In previous books, Rena has been on everyone’s ‘shit-list’ so to just make everything fall into place would have been boring and predictable. No boring for Ms Dennam… she slipped in another of those blow-your-mind surprises that I DID NOT see coming… made me re-evaluate everything I thought I had figured out about the plot and the course the book would take… I thoroughly enjoyed that this couple had to work for their HEA!!

For me the explanations and the full circle that we took with the series were finished up and delivered with a big red bow. That’s exactly what l want when I see a beloved series end. I’m a big fan of romantic suspense – Maya Banks, Christy Reece, Cindy Gerard, Julie Ann Walker just to name a few… If these authors appeal to you then you definitely need to pick up the Captive series by J. A. Dennam!

We were also given a teaser at the end of the book about being about to “revisit your favorite Captive series characters…” and finding out more about the one tiny story thread that was left unaccounted for… join her exclusive Facebook group to access the free serial starting July 14th. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for these characters in her Mercy of the Lawless serial! #MOTL https://www.facebook.com/groups/JADen... Grade A - See more at: http://thebookreadinggals.com/hells-h...
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
July 14, 2014
Shey‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

5 STARS

Review copy provided for an honest review


It started with JA Dennam’sTruth & Humility and now as all the pieces come together in HELL’S HILLTOP the epic finale! Through blood, sweat and tears whatever it takes to get through the roller coaster they’ve been on. Put your seat belt on and hold on tight for this amazing ride!
Ms. Dennam’s writing grabbed me from the first book and now in this EPIC conclusion, I couldn’t let go. These characters have such a way of getting beneath your skin and capturing your heart. The twist and turns that you are dealt with, even in this final book you are still questioning who can you truly trust. It’s not untill all the dark secrets are finally revealed that you understand the demons that have been lying in wait. When it’s over your expectations are not what you thought. They are more, so much so, you won’t believe it until the end. I’ve always loved this about JA Dennam’s style. Even with characters you wanted to hate I just couldn’t, she had them redeeming themselves when you never expected.
A terrific ending to the Captive series, one that I will miss but know that Ms. Dennam does have more in store for the future. If you love suspense, romance and edge of your seat reading you don’t want to miss this series!
Profile Image for Donna Carne.
3 reviews
November 1, 2020
Great set of books. Lots of twists and turns and hilarious banter from the main characters
Profile Image for Book Reading Gals  .
1,062 reviews38 followers
August 20, 2014
Title: Hell’s Hilltop

Series: Captive book 3

Author: J. A. Dennam

The fiery Captive Series conclusion that has fans diving for cover:

Burning out of control, Rena Hellberg has rightfully earned her reputation as a maniacal loose cannon. Her checkered past is riddled with holes, and as she faces life in a maximum-security psychiatric ward, fate grants her a second chance. Now she's free, an escaped convict who is searching for the answers that could either prove her innocence or her guilt. When her murderous journey lands her in bed with the man she's labeled a traitor, Rena faces her biggest fear of all: losing her heart to the enemy.



As a fireman, Ty Ferguson lives to help those in need. Captivated by Rena's natural elegance, contradictory attitude, and hidden vulnerability, he can't deny his building attraction for her. But when he puts it all on the line, the beautiful fugitive proves to be even more sensuous, more unpredictable and more dangerous than originally thought. Is her illness catching up with them both? Can he save her from herself? Or is there more to a story that is bound to end with them both going down in flames?

After Crystal Mac (book 2.5 in the Captive series) left us with the MOTHER of all cliffhangers… I have been waiting impatiently to read the last installment in a series that has kept me on the edge of my seat!! But much like the other books in the series it's almost impossible to write a review without giving too much away! So here is my non-spoiler review:

The suspense is off the charts! The twists and turns, the ups and downs, you never know who is a bad guy and who is really on their side!! The storytelling is top notch and the hot scenes are smoking HOT! I got to see plenty of Danny, Austin, Derek and Melanie all of whom I fell in love with in previous books. Ty is a firefighter, a hero and a helper. In previous books, Rena has been on everyone’s ‘shit-list’ so to just make everything fall into place would have been boring and predictable. No boring for Ms Dennam… she slipped in another of those blow-your-mind surprises that I DID NOT see coming… made me re-evaluate everything I thought I had figured out about the plot and the course the book would take… I thoroughly enjoyed that this couple had to work for their HEA!!

For me the explanations and the full circle that we took with the series were finished up and delivered with a big red bow. That’s exactly what l want when I see a beloved series end. I'm a big fan of romantic suspense - Maya Banks, Christy Reece, Cindy Gerard, Julie Ann Walker just to name a few... If these authors appeal to you then you definitely need to pick up the Captive series by J. A. Dennam!

We were also given a teaser at the end of the book about being about to “revisit your favorite Captive series characters…” and finding out more about the one tiny story thread that was left unaccounted for… join her exclusive Facebook group to access the free serial starting July 14th. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for these characters in her Mercy of the Lawless serial! #MOTL https://www.facebook.com/groups/JADen...

Grade A
Review by: Jeananna
Check out our other great reviews @ http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Profile Image for Mahwish.
27 reviews7 followers
July 25, 2015
What an ending and what a series! J.A Dennam has won herself a life-long fan in me.

I love Rena. Her fears, her pain, her angst and her confusion; I felt everything as if living through her. When I first read about her, she was the character I least expected to like and now, she is one of my favourite characters in this series, right next to Danny and Derek.

Compared to the previous books in this series, Hell’s Hilltop is the darkest in terms of content. The brutality Rena was dealt with is heart-breaking. How she overcame it shows her strength of character. Her loyalty, protectiveness and the reckless streak easily rivals Danny’s. I repeat, I love her.

Ty is a sweetheart. He is no badass, but he does come through when required. Reminds me of a true American hero. Poor man had to go through some rough patches including getting hit in the nuts by Rena before he got his happy ending.

The best part about this series is the sense of friendship and family. They stick with each other through thick and thin willing to forgive and forget though Danny took her time in forgiving. The characters all stayed true to how they were in the first book and grew throughout the series. They are real, dynamic characters with real flaws and fears just like the rest of us. Even the paranormal element does not put you off because come on, who hasn’t experienced a little supernatural here and there? The chemistry between Danny and Austin is still off-the-pages. Mel is finally matured into someone I can respect and like while Derek is love, absolute love. Crystal and Mac are a sweet couple who least expected a happy ending. Rena and Ty are perfect together. He completes her and stabilizes her.

Ms. Dennam wrapped the series beautifully. For me this is not a goodbye but hope that she takes up these characters on the stories about the adventures they embark on in the end. For now am keeping myself happy with Mercy Of The Lawless prequel exclusive for her readers on Facebook group, Dennam’s Character Cave, starring Tucker Cahill and Jenny Bennet.


**Free book given by the author in exchange for an honest review**

Profile Image for Cathy Brockman.
Author 5 books95 followers
July 5, 2014
Meows/heat level: hotter than hell * sorry I couldn’t resist* Purrs: ♥♥♥♥♥
This is book four and the finale to the Captive Series and you really need to read them in order.
I didn’t think Between Faith and fear could be topped but oh wow was I wrong. Hell’s Hilltop exceeded my expectations.
I was in tears after reading Crystal Mac ( you can grab a copy free) so I dived right into this one.
A quick rundown: Ty finds himself captive to Rena who is on the run after being freed from prison in an institution for the criminally insane. Rena believes Tyler is responsible for killing Derek. She is summoned to her Ex-fiance’s home and faced with more ghosts than she had expected. She arrives to find her sister dying .She has to deal with her ex-fiance’s new wife and the man she now finds her heart captive to. Will Rena be able to stay lucid enough to find her way to Hell’s Hilltop and right the wrongs she unintentionally started so many years ago?

This book will take you on one hell of a roller coaster ride(read the book to see why this is a pun I just couldn’t resist). It opens with a shocker, and down-right sexy scene and proceeds with page after page of twists and turn right up to the very end.

The characters are very complex and each one develops so much from being introduced I each book. I was in love with Derek from book one on. Some of the characters will shock you, each book will make you cry to have tissue’s handy. One thing I really loved about his series is that even the bad guys manage tug on your heartstrings. I also love the hint of a paranormal twist too.
J.A.has done a fabulous job tying up all the loose ends in the epilogue to bring satisfying conclusion t such a fantastic series!
I will warn you, once you start you will not want put it down, its real nail-biting, page-turner!

I highly recommend this if you like romantic suspense,hot a steamy romance and shocking twists you would never expect!
I recieved this book free of charge for an honest review.
Profile Image for Marissa.
384 reviews38 followers
July 11, 2014
Hell’s Hilltop is the best of the trilogy as we not only get everyone’s happy ending, but all the secrets and lies are exposed to a fulfilling conclusion. We see Ty and Rena start their relationship, working through so many trust issues while also dealing with the danger of bad guys coming for them and Rena being arrested for something she did not commit. This was a definite adrenaline rush, with some good sexy times, heartbreak, and twists thrown in for good measure. I’m so glad I took a chance on this series and author.
I admit going into this trilogy, from a new author, with low expectations, so imagine my surprise when I found myself unable to stop reading until I had books 1 and 2 completed in 24 hours. This series will definitely go at the top of my list for 2014.
Profile Image for Ginelle Blanch.
931 reviews26 followers
July 24, 2014
Really great end to a fabulous series. Lots of action and surprises in this book. I love the characters in this series and was so happy that each of them were a big part of every book, none of them got lost or left out.

I really love Ty, he gets a real bad wrap, undeservedly so (most of the time). So, it was nice to see some things work out for him.

Rena, well, she's a character we love to hate...AND we love to love. She's perfectly flawed, strong, and determined. Seeing her grow in this series has been such a pleasure!

I have loved the strong sense of family and friendship throughout this series. And, one thing I learned, some things/people are worth taking a chance on, believing in, and not giving up on! A truly wonderful series to read!
Profile Image for Chelle Holmberg.
4 reviews
July 8, 2014
I just have to say... OH! MY! GOD!! She's done it again!!
Absolutely LOVED this book! However, with JA being sneaky like she is... Even though it's the last of the "Captive Series" I see a spin-off in the future!
If you enjoyed the other three books in this series you'll love this one for sure! All questions... Okay I guess not ALL questions will be answered!
And if you're an emotional reader like I am... Make sure you have Kleenex handy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
157 reviews31 followers
August 10, 2014
totally loved this book. amazing author. storylines that keep u intrigued and wanting to know more. characters that feel like family. you want to be right there with them in the story. sad to see end of this series but look forward to many more from this author. her books should all be on best seller lists
Profile Image for Karen Landolfi.
502 reviews103 followers
October 17, 2015
"...y vivieron felices por siempre."
Esa frase prácticamente resumen toda la serie. Sacando el primer libro, los demás fueron demasiado raros.
El personaje que se suponía que estaba muerto... estaba vivo.
El personaje que estaba moribundo...en realidad no se estaba muriendo, se estaba "curando".
Y los enemigos...se vuelven amigos.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,037 reviews
July 29, 2014
Read in e-pub format on my Nook. Loved this series, sad to see it end.
Profile Image for Shey.
146 reviews7 followers
July 8, 2014
What an amazing ending to this fantastic series! J.A. Dennam's writing is one of the best, her characters, the storyline, everything woven into such suspense will have you begging for more.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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