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Salvation #3
Captivated
Zeeb Nolan has spent twelve quiet years working at Salvation. It’s a good life: honest work, wide skies, and the kind of found family he never imagined having. The ranch is open, accepting, even tender in its rough-edged way. Most of the guys wear their hearts—and preferences—on their sleeves.
Zeeb is still figuring himself out. But he’s ready to admit he wants more than a bunk and a job.
He wants someone to come home to.
Nate Caldwell, quiet, sharp-eyed, and all coiled tension, is still learning to live again. His stay at Salvation for equine therapy, an addition to years of traditional treatments, fills him with trepidation. People make him uneasy. Trust is nearly impossible. Maybe horses will prove safer than people.
Maybe they’ll help him trust again.
Assigned as Nate’s point person, Zeeb expects a challenge. What he doesn’t expect is the way Nate’s silence speaks louder than words, or how fiercely he wants to understand the man behind the guarded stares and reluctant smiles. Nate resists at first, but Zeeb’s steady presence chips away at the walls he’s built. As days stretch into weeks, Zeeb begins to see Nate—not just the trauma, but the courage it takes to show up, to try. Nate starts to see Zeeb as something solid, something safe.
Something he might even deserve.
Captivated is a tender, slow-burn romance about second chances, healing hearts, and the quiet power of being truly seen.
This story contains references to conversion therapy and emotional abuse, depicted in flashbacks. While these scenes reflect painful experiences, the story centers on healing, resilience, and the transformative power of love.
Zeeb is still figuring himself out. But he’s ready to admit he wants more than a bunk and a job.
He wants someone to come home to.
Nate Caldwell, quiet, sharp-eyed, and all coiled tension, is still learning to live again. His stay at Salvation for equine therapy, an addition to years of traditional treatments, fills him with trepidation. People make him uneasy. Trust is nearly impossible. Maybe horses will prove safer than people.
Maybe they’ll help him trust again.
Assigned as Nate’s point person, Zeeb expects a challenge. What he doesn’t expect is the way Nate’s silence speaks louder than words, or how fiercely he wants to understand the man behind the guarded stares and reluctant smiles. Nate resists at first, but Zeeb’s steady presence chips away at the walls he’s built. As days stretch into weeks, Zeeb begins to see Nate—not just the trauma, but the courage it takes to show up, to try. Nate starts to see Zeeb as something solid, something safe.
Something he might even deserve.
Captivated is a tender, slow-burn romance about second chances, healing hearts, and the quiet power of being truly seen.
This story contains references to conversion therapy and emotional abuse, depicted in flashbacks. While these scenes reflect painful experiences, the story centers on healing, resilience, and the transformative power of love.
537 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2025
39 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
K.C. Wells
158 books1,862 followersK.C. Wells lives on an island off the south coast of the UK, surrounded by natural beauty. She writes about men who love men, and can’t even contemplate a life that doesn’t include writing.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.
If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT
You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:
E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...
And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.
If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT
You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:
E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...
And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
did-not-finish
July 25, 2025DNF @ 73% - I just can't do this anymore. This book is way too long. It really dragged. I feel like the relationship/main themes were (eventually) resolved and then the author tacked on another plot afterwards... because the MCs weren't having sex yet and that has to happen before the end of the book.
But the thing that really bothered me? Random sex scenes from the point of view of supporting characters - presumably because there is a quota of sex that must happen during the book (or, you know, a formula with x sex scenes spaced out at y intervals) and the MCs weren't ready for that yet. Argh, just no.
But the thing that really bothered me? Random sex scenes from the point of view of supporting characters - presumably because there is a quota of sex that must happen during the book (or, you know, a formula with x sex scenes spaced out at y intervals) and the MCs weren't ready for that yet. Argh, just no.
July 2, 2025
★彡 𝟝 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕤 彡★
I loved this book but advise readers to heed the content warning found at the bottom of the blurb because it deals with subject matter that some might find difficult to read about. This is a story that broke my heart in places but the HEA for Nate and Zeeb was worth every tear I shed.
The blurb really says it all but it can’t convey the depth of feeling that reading this storty gave me. It’s a fairly long book for me, coming in at 494 printed pages/134,767 words, so it took me a couple of evenings to read it but I was glued to my eReader until I just couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer and had to wait to pick it up again the next day.
It’s a super slow-burn with not a lot of high-level spice but that wouldn’t have been right for Nate and Zeeb during the majority of this story. I loved everything about this (well maybe not one of the things that happened) and Zeeb and Nate get a great HEA.
I will say that a couple of things, unrelated to the HEA, weren’t totally wrapped up (but not a cliffhanger) and I hope that K.C. has at least one more book planned for this series. I can’t say more without giving away major spoilers but I believe she set the scene for another book. Having said that I think you could probably read this story as a standalone but I believe you would enjoy it more if you read the series in order.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
I loved this book but advise readers to heed the content warning found at the bottom of the blurb because it deals with subject matter that some might find difficult to read about. This is a story that broke my heart in places but the HEA for Nate and Zeeb was worth every tear I shed.
The blurb really says it all but it can’t convey the depth of feeling that reading this storty gave me. It’s a fairly long book for me, coming in at 494 printed pages/134,767 words, so it took me a couple of evenings to read it but I was glued to my eReader until I just couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer and had to wait to pick it up again the next day.
It’s a super slow-burn with not a lot of high-level spice but that wouldn’t have been right for Nate and Zeeb during the majority of this story. I loved everything about this (well maybe not one of the things that happened) and Zeeb and Nate get a great HEA.
I will say that a couple of things, unrelated to the HEA, weren’t totally wrapped up (but not a cliffhanger) and I hope that K.C. has at least one more book planned for this series. I can’t say more without giving away major spoilers but I believe she set the scene for another book. Having said that I think you could probably read this story as a standalone but I believe you would enjoy it more if you read the series in order.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
June 22, 2025
Where do I start? This books is such a fantastic read which flows so lovely despite the fairly difficult theme.
The title of the book is also so fitting, the story does captivate you and just doesn't let go.
Nate and Zeeb are a beautiful couple together and it's a joy to read how Nate is learning to be the man he is supposed to be and how Zeeb is standing beside him, giving him the strength to develop, to overcome and to design his future.
It's a slow burn, it's definitely friends first and you read how Nate is slowly opening up but also how Zeeb is discovering his needs and wants and finds his own path forward. He is also sharing his own past and all this give Nate the strength to accept that what he feels is not wrong and nothing to be ashamed off.
It is a long book but it doesn't feel like it. There are no slow parts where the story drags, it's flowing and you just want to continue reading. The book needs the length to let the story uncover all the depth these two men have.
I hope we see Nate's dad again and there is some event which I want to see solved. Plus Matt, Teague and Paul need their stories told.
The title of the book is also so fitting, the story does captivate you and just doesn't let go.
Nate and Zeeb are a beautiful couple together and it's a joy to read how Nate is learning to be the man he is supposed to be and how Zeeb is standing beside him, giving him the strength to develop, to overcome and to design his future.
It's a slow burn, it's definitely friends first and you read how Nate is slowly opening up but also how Zeeb is discovering his needs and wants and finds his own path forward. He is also sharing his own past and all this give Nate the strength to accept that what he feels is not wrong and nothing to be ashamed off.
It is a long book but it doesn't feel like it. There are no slow parts where the story drags, it's flowing and you just want to continue reading. The book needs the length to let the story uncover all the depth these two men have.
I hope we see Nate's dad again and there is some event which I want to see solved. Plus Matt, Teague and Paul need their stories told.
July 1, 2025
Captivated by K.C. Wells is about Nate and Zeeb and the wonderful people at Salvation to help them find their home. Nate is tired of being broken and scared all the time of his shadow, his feelings, and always questioning himself. He knows it’s because of the damage the conversion therapy camp his bio father sent him to, and he is trying to break free from the burdens they imposed on him. His Father Derek thought it would be good to go to Salvation for some horse therapy and hopefully find his true self-worth again. Zeeb, a ranch hand at Salvation, can feel change coming but not in the form of Nate. He has been assigned to be his point man if he needs anything. What Zeeb finds is a scared man who has someone to listen to and learn to trust him that there are no judgments. Zeeb and Nate's story is a tragically sweet trek from darkness and abuse into the light of the unknown world of love, acceptance, and finally, peace. Make sure you keep tissues handy as it will gut punch you, rip your heart out, and give you some giggles to get you through the rough bits. K.C. has really outdone herself
July 6, 2025
Zeeb Nolan has built a quiet, fulfilling life at the Salvation ranch, surrounded by open skies and a found family that accepts him unconditionally. Though content, he yearns for deeper connection—someone to come home to. Nate Caldwell arrives at Salvation for equine therapy, burdened by trauma and wary of people. Trust doesn’t come easy, but horses might be a start. When Zeeb is assigned to help Nate adjust, he anticipates resistance—but not the deep pull he feels toward Nate’s quiet strength. As Zeeb patiently chips away at Nate’s defenses, a fragile bond forms. Zeeb sees the bravery in Nate’s vulnerability, and Nate begins to believe that maybe, just maybe, he’s worthy of love—and of Zeeb.
I loved this story of the two men who were drawn together even though Nate had been seriously damaged by his experience in his childhood. Zeeb was so understanding and careful with Nate that falling for him seemed inevitable. I loved the comparison between Nate and a scared horse. A very emotional story so be prepared to cry. Easy to feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
** Please read the trigger warnings **
I loved this story of the two men who were drawn together even though Nate had been seriously damaged by his experience in his childhood. Zeeb was so understanding and careful with Nate that falling for him seemed inevitable. I loved the comparison between Nate and a scared horse. A very emotional story so be prepared to cry. Easy to feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
** Please read the trigger warnings **
July 10, 2025
Probably one of the best very slow burns ever.
The author should be extremely proud of this book. I won't repeat the blurb. The way so many different issues (bi awakening, age gap, conversion therapy, dealing with past emotional trauma) and so much, more is written with so much depth and emotional understanding, without any single cheesy line - I was stunned and literally couldn't put it down. It's almost poetic and at the same time so real. This series is all about found/ chosen family and second chances so I suggest you start with book one. You won't regret it and you'll certainly understand what's happening here better.
I don't want to add any spoilers, but despite the HEA for this couple, there's so much more to be resolved for them and others, actually the plot is getting bigger and all individuals mentioned in previous books are involved. I suspect Teague's story is next and I can't wait. Also I truly hope some unresolved issues with Nate and his biological father will be addressed properly.
Highly recommended!
The author should be extremely proud of this book. I won't repeat the blurb. The way so many different issues (bi awakening, age gap, conversion therapy, dealing with past emotional trauma) and so much, more is written with so much depth and emotional understanding, without any single cheesy line - I was stunned and literally couldn't put it down. It's almost poetic and at the same time so real. This series is all about found/ chosen family and second chances so I suggest you start with book one. You won't regret it and you'll certainly understand what's happening here better.
I don't want to add any spoilers, but despite the HEA for this couple, there's so much more to be resolved for them and others, actually the plot is getting bigger and all individuals mentioned in previous books are involved. I suspect Teague's story is next and I can't wait. Also I truly hope some unresolved issues with Nate and his biological father will be addressed properly.
Highly recommended!
July 16, 2025
OMG I love this book!
I read this book with my eyes but man did my heart get involved. It is a wonderful story about fear and pain but became a story of love and healing. Nate came to the ranch to recover from a harrowing experience as a child and a teenager. Zeeb was assigned to help him along his journey. What Nate didn't expect was to find in Zeeb a man who cared, who was determined to bring Nate out of the darkness and into the light. Eventually that light turned into love. This book had all of my feelings involved; I cried with a broken heart for the couple but I found humor at the antics of the ranch hands too. This storyteller delivered a top notch book, one of the best I have read this year. I adore Nate and Zeeb. They are complex characters who go through so much growth. I couldn't help but cheer for them. This book was a page turner for me; I couldn't put it down. Give yourself a gift, read this beautiful love story.
I read this book with my eyes but man did my heart get involved. It is a wonderful story about fear and pain but became a story of love and healing. Nate came to the ranch to recover from a harrowing experience as a child and a teenager. Zeeb was assigned to help him along his journey. What Nate didn't expect was to find in Zeeb a man who cared, who was determined to bring Nate out of the darkness and into the light. Eventually that light turned into love. This book had all of my feelings involved; I cried with a broken heart for the couple but I found humor at the antics of the ranch hands too. This storyteller delivered a top notch book, one of the best I have read this year. I adore Nate and Zeeb. They are complex characters who go through so much growth. I couldn't help but cheer for them. This book was a page turner for me; I couldn't put it down. Give yourself a gift, read this beautiful love story.
June 27, 2025
I've been waiting for this third book in the Salvation series with anticipation....
It did not disappoint !!! A slow burn, age gap, strangers to friends to lovers story, this book tells the emotional story of Nate Caldwell and the Zeeb Nolan. K C Wells has outdone herself with this book, whilst navigating the difficult subject of "Conversion therapy and Conversion Camps"
Keep the tissues at the ready as you will need them as you follow the highs and lows of this story.
I can't wait to see what else is in store for the guys at the Salvation Ranch as I think there are still many more stories to be told for this lovable group of guys
It did not disappoint !!! A slow burn, age gap, strangers to friends to lovers story, this book tells the emotional story of Nate Caldwell and the Zeeb Nolan. K C Wells has outdone herself with this book, whilst navigating the difficult subject of "Conversion therapy and Conversion Camps"
Keep the tissues at the ready as you will need them as you follow the highs and lows of this story.
I can't wait to see what else is in store for the guys at the Salvation Ranch as I think there are still many more stories to be told for this lovable group of guys
July 15, 2025
A 5 star read
Captivated is book 3 in the Salvation series, it’s Zeeb and Nate’s story. Both are troubled souls in their own right and Nate’s story is heartbreaking and harrowing to read at times. It’s a slow burn but it needs to be and whilst there isn’t a lot of hot spice what there is is important.
The main characters from the previous books feature throughout so it would help to read those first. Whilst Zeeb and Nate get their HEA there is an ongoing storyline, no spoilers, which leaves me slightly frustrated and needing book 4 so come on K.C. get writing.
Captivated is book 3 in the Salvation series, it’s Zeeb and Nate’s story. Both are troubled souls in their own right and Nate’s story is heartbreaking and harrowing to read at times. It’s a slow burn but it needs to be and whilst there isn’t a lot of hot spice what there is is important.
The main characters from the previous books feature throughout so it would help to read those first. Whilst Zeeb and Nate get their HEA there is an ongoing storyline, no spoilers, which leaves me slightly frustrated and needing book 4 so come on K.C. get writing.
July 15, 2025
I am enjoying this series and this book does not disappoint. Zeeb and Nate are good together and I enjoyed watching their relationship take shape. The two work hard to find how they fit together. Nate has had a hard life but he is a survivor. Zeeb understands this and shows what a good person that he is. The two fight hard to find the happiness that they deserve. Their story is full of emotions that will pull on your heart and have you rooting for love to find its way.
June 27, 2025
Captivated is the third book in the Salvation Series by K.C. Wells. This is a beautiful story. Zeeb and Nate are two lonely hearts looking for a home. This is a slow burn with all the good feels. I love how Zeeb shows up for Nate, helping him to accept himself, while finding his own path forward. I loved watching the relationship evolve between the two men. Like I said, beautiful story.
July 3, 2025
A slow, simmering romance. The action may be slow, but the build up is so worth it. Book longer than an average read, but again, worth it. A few loose ends not tied up, but that's not enough to take a star away. There is a HEA ending and makes it worth while. Be sure to read the warnings if some situations may trigger you.
July 6, 2025
an emotional rollercoaster of a read
Oh wow, I was looking forward to this, the third book in the Salvation series, K C Wells didn't disappoint.
I found this book a very emotional read, with of course a perfect happy ever after.
Highly reccomend this book and a box of tissues.
Oh wow, I was looking forward to this, the third book in the Salvation series, K C Wells didn't disappoint.
I found this book a very emotional read, with of course a perfect happy ever after.
Highly reccomend this book and a box of tissues.
July 12, 2025
Despite a few niggles along the way, Nate and Zeeb were heading into 5-star-territory for me. I loved how Zeeb became Nate's safe place and how Nate in turn brought Zeeb out of his shell.
And theirs was definitely a happy ending.
But the story...? What about the book? The bad guys? The other bad guy? Too many loose ends at the end of this book for my liking.
And theirs was definitely a happy ending.
But the story...? What about the book? The bad guys? The other bad guy? Too many loose ends at the end of this book for my liking.
July 10, 2025
A beautiful book about pain and love
It's a very convincing and beautiful book. A good story with beautiful scenes and also the love of the full stage. I liked to read
It's a very convincing and beautiful book. A good story with beautiful scenes and also the love of the full stage. I liked to read
July 31, 2025
4.5 stars
August 3, 2025
that dragged on for way too long...
loved the message of the book, but that was too long
loved the message of the book, but that was too long
August 5, 2025
Good story and series and author
Good story and series and author. It's worth reading this book and all of her other books too binge read everything enjoy 🌻 🥂 💞
Good story and series and author. It's worth reading this book and all of her other books too binge read everything enjoy 🌻 🥂 💞
September 21, 2025
Nate was sent to conversion camp at age 9. He ran away at age 15. Eventually Nate was adopted by Derek who goes to a ranch called Salvation once a month. Derek knows the owner of Salvation and knows that equine therapy is done there. He asks Robert, the owner, if he would accept Nate, his son, for the equine therapy. Robert agrees and assigns Zeeb to work with Nate, if Nate decides to come. After much thought Nate goes to Salvation. He stays be himself at the beginning with only Zeeb as his contact. Eventually he starts to work with the horses. Both men are attracted to the other but neither will act on it. Will Nate go home after his stay is done? Will the two men act on their attraction?
I enjoyed this story. It is a tough story. Nate has some problems when he hears news of a friend's death. I understand why he wanted to confront the kid's parents. As Nate works on his art, I appreciated that he encouraged Zeeb to pick up his pen again and write. The two men had shared their pasts during their time at the cabin where Nate was staying. I liked that Derek and Robert stage an intervention to get the two men back together after Nate left Salvation. Nate comes back and becomes the caregiver to Zeeb after he was attacked in the post office. It was interesting watching the dynamics change between the two men. Nate is no pushover. When Nate learns what his real father has done, he wants Zeeb to write his story. I was fascinated watching Nate move from being a loner to being friends with Zeeb to being able to be around others to wanting his truth told.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I enjoyed this story. It is a tough story. Nate has some problems when he hears news of a friend's death. I understand why he wanted to confront the kid's parents. As Nate works on his art, I appreciated that he encouraged Zeeb to pick up his pen again and write. The two men had shared their pasts during their time at the cabin where Nate was staying. I liked that Derek and Robert stage an intervention to get the two men back together after Nate left Salvation. Nate comes back and becomes the caregiver to Zeeb after he was attacked in the post office. It was interesting watching the dynamics change between the two men. Nate is no pushover. When Nate learns what his real father has done, he wants Zeeb to write his story. I was fascinated watching Nate move from being a loner to being friends with Zeeb to being able to be around others to wanting his truth told.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews