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Captured
Captured... Nominated for two RITA awards. Devon Blake's quick wits and good luck helped her survive on the streets of Liverpool. But in America, she finds herself in serious trouble. Accused of spying for the South, she seems destined for the gallows unless she can escape handsome, dynamic Captain Cole McRae, who is given the onerous duty of escorting her to prison. Treachery destroyed Cole's ship and most of his crew. Now he's determined to see that the beautiful, dark-haired spitfire responsible hangs for her heinous crime. Devon's wild attempts at escape only fire his fury. But Cole and Devon's daring race through enemy territory demands a passion stronger than vengeance as captor and captive must work together to survive. "A wonderful, madcap adventure from beginning to end." - Affaire de Coeur
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1995
78 people are currently reading
682 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Lynne
8 books41 followersVictoria Lynne also writes as V.L. Burgess
Meet VICTORIA. She lives in a small Vermont town in a house that was built before Lincoln was president. Victoria, her husband, and children have decided it probably isn't haunted (though the dog might argue differently).
Victoria's work has been published by Simon and Schuster, Dell, Avon, Berkley, Move Books, and Cosmopolitan Magazine. She's received two RITA Award nominations and has consistently earned the Romantic Times' coveted "Top Pick" award.
She writes smart, scrumptious historical romance novels under the pen name VICTORIA LYNNE. When she's writing fast-paced contemporary novels, she uses the name VICTORIA BURGESS.
Because online reviews are SO important to today’s authors, if you like what you've read, let the world know! Shout it out in a review and you'll make her day. You'll also earn lots of good karma. ♥
For more information please visit her website, www.AuthorVictoriaBurgess.com.
Meet VICTORIA. She lives in a small Vermont town in a house that was built before Lincoln was president. Victoria, her husband, and children have decided it probably isn't haunted (though the dog might argue differently).
Victoria's work has been published by Simon and Schuster, Dell, Avon, Berkley, Move Books, and Cosmopolitan Magazine. She's received two RITA Award nominations and has consistently earned the Romantic Times' coveted "Top Pick" award.
She writes smart, scrumptious historical romance novels under the pen name VICTORIA LYNNE. When she's writing fast-paced contemporary novels, she uses the name VICTORIA BURGESS.
Because online reviews are SO important to today’s authors, if you like what you've read, let the world know! Shout it out in a review and you'll make her day. You'll also earn lots of good karma. ♥
For more information please visit her website, www.AuthorVictoriaBurgess.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 29, 2012
3.5 stars
Charleston, 1861. Captain Cole McRae has been charged with the task of escorting Englishwoman Devon Blake to Old Capitol Prison where she's to be hanged as a spy and murderess. The man Devon was accused of spying for is the same man Cole blames for his brother's death and the loss of his ship, so Devon is #2 on his most hated list. Problem is, despite her somewhat sordid background, Devon swears the charges were trumped-up, and she's primed and ready to escape at any and every opportunity.
I know this sounds like another rehash of the captor/captive, big-strong-hero/spunky heroine trope you've seen a thousand times, but it's not. This was a lot of fun with surprises on every page, although the escape/capture bits were starting to wear thin about halfway through (especially since every time they were tied together *something* happened to pull her on top of him). Thankfully the story went in another direction in the attempt to trap the evil baddie. Devon's Uncle Monty was a refreshing addition, he provided plenty of pocket picking and flim-flamming (he was a bit of a show stealer). Does he really have Devon's best interests at heart, or is he merely out for himself?
"Not once have I been shot at, awakened at dawn and tossed on the back of a horse, pushed out of a speeding train, or rolled in slimy goose droppings. Why, compared to a week spent with you, this wretched tavern is the pinnacle of luxury."
OK I know this is fluff, but it was rather entertaining fluff and I was in need of some brain candy and this filled the bill perfectly. Devon is independent and spunky, but she's not one of those annoying-as-hell-foot-stomping heroines. Cole is definitely all male, yet even though he finds Devon hard to resist you aren't going to get that forced seduction trope either. Both Devon and Cole carry scars from the past, but believe it or not instead of carrying it all around in a never-ending Big Misunderstanding they actually sat down and talked about them. How refreshing.
This romance was originally published in 1995, but don't judge it by the older Fabio-like cover. Yikes! Yes there is some sex and yes it is a bit steamy, but there were only two or three and those don't happen until well into the latter half of the book. Warning: at the very beginning Cole is openly fondling a barmaid and might turn off some readers, but just skip past that and keep on reading.
My Kindle copy had a few formatting errors here and there with odd word placement and the occasional run-on word, but otherwise relatively clean. Favorite quote, although it is slightly spoilerish:
"The closest thing he had to a father-in-law was the most outrageous con man he’d ever met in his life. His new bride was a convicted murderess he’d been blackmailed into marrying. He’d never been happier in his life."
Not perfect, but still highly entertaining for a rainy Sunday afternoon and one I'll likely pick up again someday.
Charleston, 1861. Captain Cole McRae has been charged with the task of escorting Englishwoman Devon Blake to Old Capitol Prison where she's to be hanged as a spy and murderess. The man Devon was accused of spying for is the same man Cole blames for his brother's death and the loss of his ship, so Devon is #2 on his most hated list. Problem is, despite her somewhat sordid background, Devon swears the charges were trumped-up, and she's primed and ready to escape at any and every opportunity.
I know this sounds like another rehash of the captor/captive, big-strong-hero/spunky heroine trope you've seen a thousand times, but it's not. This was a lot of fun with surprises on every page, although the escape/capture bits were starting to wear thin about halfway through (especially since every time they were tied together *something* happened to pull her on top of him). Thankfully the story went in another direction in the attempt to trap the evil baddie. Devon's Uncle Monty was a refreshing addition, he provided plenty of pocket picking and flim-flamming (he was a bit of a show stealer). Does he really have Devon's best interests at heart, or is he merely out for himself?
"Not once have I been shot at, awakened at dawn and tossed on the back of a horse, pushed out of a speeding train, or rolled in slimy goose droppings. Why, compared to a week spent with you, this wretched tavern is the pinnacle of luxury."
OK I know this is fluff, but it was rather entertaining fluff and I was in need of some brain candy and this filled the bill perfectly. Devon is independent and spunky, but she's not one of those annoying-as-hell-foot-stomping heroines. Cole is definitely all male, yet even though he finds Devon hard to resist you aren't going to get that forced seduction trope either. Both Devon and Cole carry scars from the past, but believe it or not instead of carrying it all around in a never-ending Big Misunderstanding they actually sat down and talked about them. How refreshing.
This romance was originally published in 1995, but don't judge it by the older Fabio-like cover. Yikes! Yes there is some sex and yes it is a bit steamy, but there were only two or three and those don't happen until well into the latter half of the book. Warning: at the very beginning Cole is openly fondling a barmaid and might turn off some readers, but just skip past that and keep on reading.
My Kindle copy had a few formatting errors here and there with odd word placement and the occasional run-on word, but otherwise relatively clean. Favorite quote, although it is slightly spoilerish:
"The closest thing he had to a father-in-law was the most outrageous con man he’d ever met in his life. His new bride was a convicted murderess he’d been blackmailed into marrying. He’d never been happier in his life."
Not perfect, but still highly entertaining for a rainy Sunday afternoon and one I'll likely pick up again someday.
January 3, 2013
3.5 Stars
"Devon, when I came up from the engine room and saw ..."
She gazed solemnly into his eyes. "Did you know I was making my last wish?"
Cole thought about it and remembered her lips moving in fervent prayer. Gently he asked, "Will you tell me what you wished for?"
Devon took a deep breath and gave him a trembling smile. "I was begging God not to send me to heaven if I died."
He stared at her in silent confusion. "Why?"
Her smile wavered as tears once again flooded her eyes. "Because I knew that couldn't possibly be where He'd have sent you."
Maybe I read too much crap. Okay, strike the "maybe". I definitely read too much crap. It's been so long since I've read a romance with action, plot, and likable characters that Captured caught me off-guard. I genuinely enjoyed this book. It mixes the best of the new and old schools of romance: slow-building romance, love/hate quip-offs, complex characters, and passionate love scenes that actually build the story. I know, right? Sex for a reason. It's revolutionary.
Captured tells the story - yes, an actual story with an actual plot (I'm amazed by the little things these days) - of Devon Blake, a thief and con artist, and Union Captain Cole McRae. Cole meets Devon when the Union orders him to escort her to a Washington prison. He's totally into this, not because she's hot, but because she's the convicted murderess who works for the British douche who killed pretty much his whole ship. But don't clutch your pearls, ladies. Devon didn't kill anyone, and she doesn't work for the British douche. Nonetheless, she's still a thieving scamp and therefore hard to believe when she claims her innocence. Cole and Devon journey through the wilds of Virginia with Cole acting like a vengeful bastard and Devon trying to escape at every turn. However, the more Cole gets to know Devon, the less he believes that she's capable of murder. Also: they make the sex so good together.
Who will win in this battle of wits? Can people fall in love while avoiding having their faces shot off by Rebels? Will Cole ever have revenge on the British douche? Captivating stuff all around, friends.
Cole and Devon are fun characters. They push each other's buttons, and I like couples who can do that and remain honest. Devon's very clever and leads Cole on a merry chase for half of the book, averting him at every opportunity. To be fair, Cole knows how to give as good as he gets, too:
"I can only assume that you are out of ammunition, McRae."
He frowned. "Why would you think that?"
"I can't imagine what else would have prevented you from shooting an unarmed, defenseless woman in the back. Certainly not your high moral standards or your righteous code of honor, as you appear to be deplorably lacking on both counts." Having scored her point, she turned her attention away from him and busied herself with brushing clusters of grass and leaves from her skirt. A shot rang out directly above her head. Devon shrieked and whirled about, staring at her captor with wide-eyed fear.
Cole simply raised his brows and cocked his head toward the smoking revolver in his hand. "What do you know about that," he said. "Looks like it was loaded after all."
Both characters have their own complicated and tragic pasts. They actually drummed up my sympathy, which is a feat because raptors find it very hard to relate to human problems. Devon was abandoned in her youth in one of those "Wait here, darlin', and I'll be right back!" scenarios, and Cole watched his crew and die violently in the war. I was entertained by the process in which Cole and Devon warmed up to each other and took difficult steps to heal their past wounds.
So why only 3.5 stars? Well, I adored the first half of the story, but the second half wasn't quite as strong. I enjoyed reading about Devon making Cole's "simple" mission a living hell more than flipping through pages of ship antics in the second half. The nautical stuff was well-researched, but I got kind of glassy-eyed during the blockade running portions. Devon's Uncle Monty totally saved the second half of the book for me. A wily old con artist who dressed in all plaid suits all the time and schemed people out of money with a smile, Uncle Monty was a good time. I don't care if he's old, often amoral, and probably not romance hero material. Give this man a book!
The other thing that bothered me about the second half of the book is that Devon loses her spark. All she does is whine and mope over her confusing relationship with Cole. I really preferred Devon the pick-pocket to Devon the love-struck fool. Love makes us stupid, y'all.
Despite the flaws, I'm anxious to read another Victoria Lynne book. She kept me interested and engaged my emotions. So, YAY! BAVR likes a book! >:D
"Devon, when I came up from the engine room and saw ..."
She gazed solemnly into his eyes. "Did you know I was making my last wish?"
Cole thought about it and remembered her lips moving in fervent prayer. Gently he asked, "Will you tell me what you wished for?"
Devon took a deep breath and gave him a trembling smile. "I was begging God not to send me to heaven if I died."
He stared at her in silent confusion. "Why?"
Her smile wavered as tears once again flooded her eyes. "Because I knew that couldn't possibly be where He'd have sent you."
Maybe I read too much crap. Okay, strike the "maybe". I definitely read too much crap. It's been so long since I've read a romance with action, plot, and likable characters that Captured caught me off-guard. I genuinely enjoyed this book. It mixes the best of the new and old schools of romance: slow-building romance, love/hate quip-offs, complex characters, and passionate love scenes that actually build the story. I know, right? Sex for a reason. It's revolutionary.
Captured tells the story - yes, an actual story with an actual plot (I'm amazed by the little things these days) - of Devon Blake, a thief and con artist, and Union Captain Cole McRae. Cole meets Devon when the Union orders him to escort her to a Washington prison. He's totally into this, not because she's hot, but because she's the convicted murderess who works for the British douche who killed pretty much his whole ship. But don't clutch your pearls, ladies. Devon didn't kill anyone, and she doesn't work for the British douche. Nonetheless, she's still a thieving scamp and therefore hard to believe when she claims her innocence. Cole and Devon journey through the wilds of Virginia with Cole acting like a vengeful bastard and Devon trying to escape at every turn. However, the more Cole gets to know Devon, the less he believes that she's capable of murder. Also: they make the sex so good together.
Who will win in this battle of wits? Can people fall in love while avoiding having their faces shot off by Rebels? Will Cole ever have revenge on the British douche? Captivating stuff all around, friends.
Cole and Devon are fun characters. They push each other's buttons, and I like couples who can do that and remain honest. Devon's very clever and leads Cole on a merry chase for half of the book, averting him at every opportunity. To be fair, Cole knows how to give as good as he gets, too:
"I can only assume that you are out of ammunition, McRae."
He frowned. "Why would you think that?"
"I can't imagine what else would have prevented you from shooting an unarmed, defenseless woman in the back. Certainly not your high moral standards or your righteous code of honor, as you appear to be deplorably lacking on both counts." Having scored her point, she turned her attention away from him and busied herself with brushing clusters of grass and leaves from her skirt. A shot rang out directly above her head. Devon shrieked and whirled about, staring at her captor with wide-eyed fear.
Cole simply raised his brows and cocked his head toward the smoking revolver in his hand. "What do you know about that," he said. "Looks like it was loaded after all."
Both characters have their own complicated and tragic pasts. They actually drummed up my sympathy, which is a feat because raptors find it very hard to relate to human problems. Devon was abandoned in her youth in one of those "Wait here, darlin', and I'll be right back!" scenarios, and Cole watched his crew and die violently in the war. I was entertained by the process in which Cole and Devon warmed up to each other and took difficult steps to heal their past wounds.
So why only 3.5 stars? Well, I adored the first half of the story, but the second half wasn't quite as strong. I enjoyed reading about Devon making Cole's "simple" mission a living hell more than flipping through pages of ship antics in the second half. The nautical stuff was well-researched, but I got kind of glassy-eyed during the blockade running portions. Devon's Uncle Monty totally saved the second half of the book for me. A wily old con artist who dressed in all plaid suits all the time and schemed people out of money with a smile, Uncle Monty was a good time. I don't care if he's old, often amoral, and probably not romance hero material. Give this man a book!
The other thing that bothered me about the second half of the book is that Devon loses her spark. All she does is whine and mope over her confusing relationship with Cole. I really preferred Devon the pick-pocket to Devon the love-struck fool. Love makes us stupid, y'all.
Despite the flaws, I'm anxious to read another Victoria Lynne book. She kept me interested and engaged my emotions. So, YAY! BAVR likes a book! >:D
May 23, 2012
Really good. I think I liked Chasing Rainbows a tad better. This has a similar feel, and almost a smoother storytelling experience, but missing some of the rawness and depth of the heroine at the end. Still, strongly recommended.
July 14, 2020
Divertentissimo, tanto da meritarsi qualcosa in più di 4**** stelline.
Avevo qualche dubbio, anche se c'era un diavoletto che mi aveva tranquillizzato ancor prima di iniziarlo, ma si sa che ai crucci non c'è mai scampo.
Davon, che io pensavo fosse un nome maschile ed invece mi sbagliavo, e Cole sono una coppia avvincente e ben assortita, che tra parapiglia vari e rocamboleschi risvolti riescono ad avvicendarsi e rincorrersi a rotta di collo per l'intera vicenda, con i soliti prospetti rosa ma con un modo di porsi spigliato e fresco.
I temi iniziali sono un po' gli stessi, ma se poi ti lasciano con un sorriso sulle labbra che male c'è a leggerli sempre???
Avevo qualche dubbio, anche se c'era un diavoletto che mi aveva tranquillizzato ancor prima di iniziarlo, ma si sa che ai crucci non c'è mai scampo.
Davon, che io pensavo fosse un nome maschile ed invece mi sbagliavo, e Cole sono una coppia avvincente e ben assortita, che tra parapiglia vari e rocamboleschi risvolti riescono ad avvicendarsi e rincorrersi a rotta di collo per l'intera vicenda, con i soliti prospetti rosa ma con un modo di porsi spigliato e fresco.
I temi iniziali sono un po' gli stessi, ma se poi ti lasciano con un sorriso sulle labbra che male c'è a leggerli sempre???
November 26, 2010
Once I'd read Victoria Lynne's Chasing Rainbows, I eagerly sought out her backlist. I enjoyed With this Kiss, but was disappointed by What Wild Moonlight, so I wasn't sure what to expect from CAPTURED. But I'm glad to say, this book provided a very enjoyable historical romance.
While I love history, I always prefer for it to take a backseat to the romance. And that's just what happened here. The historical backdrop never overpowered the love story, and never read like a textbook. The author did a great job of weaving the historical detail into the background of the novel. The plot was fast paced and interesting (with some great plot twists!) but never stole too much time away from the romance. That's just the kind of balance that I like.
I also loved the characters. The heroine was wonderfully spirited and fiesty without ever being shrewish. Too many authors make the mistake of making the heroine witchy, and try to pass it off as "spirit". Not the case here. I loved the heroine. She was strong and brave, yet still feminine. I could see why the hero fell in love with her in spite of himself.
The hero was wonderful, too. While strong, he wasn't a jerk. Even when he believed that the heroine was guilty of treason, he never mistreated her. He had such a strong sense of honor that I really admired.
Captor/captive romances skate along a very thin line for me. I do enjoy them, but only if there is no forced physical interaction. (In other words, no rape.) That never happened here. The hero never forced his attentions on the heroine. When they kissed (and more), it was because they both wanted it to happen.
I really enjoyed that the sexual attraction between the hero and heroine took a backseat to their growing affection and respect for one another. While they were physically attracted to each other, there was more than that between them. It was never a lust-fest, or a "I hate you, but my body parts want you so bad" situation. Nor did they just hop into bed at the first opportunity. When that first kiss finally came, I wanted it to happen as badly as the characters did.
I recommend this book. In fact, with the exception of WHAT WILD MOONLIGHT, I recommend all of Victoria Lynne's novels. Too bad she quit writing after only four of them!
While I love history, I always prefer for it to take a backseat to the romance. And that's just what happened here. The historical backdrop never overpowered the love story, and never read like a textbook. The author did a great job of weaving the historical detail into the background of the novel. The plot was fast paced and interesting (with some great plot twists!) but never stole too much time away from the romance. That's just the kind of balance that I like.
I also loved the characters. The heroine was wonderfully spirited and fiesty without ever being shrewish. Too many authors make the mistake of making the heroine witchy, and try to pass it off as "spirit". Not the case here. I loved the heroine. She was strong and brave, yet still feminine. I could see why the hero fell in love with her in spite of himself.
The hero was wonderful, too. While strong, he wasn't a jerk. Even when he believed that the heroine was guilty of treason, he never mistreated her. He had such a strong sense of honor that I really admired.
Captor/captive romances skate along a very thin line for me. I do enjoy them, but only if there is no forced physical interaction. (In other words, no rape.) That never happened here. The hero never forced his attentions on the heroine. When they kissed (and more), it was because they both wanted it to happen.
I really enjoyed that the sexual attraction between the hero and heroine took a backseat to their growing affection and respect for one another. While they were physically attracted to each other, there was more than that between them. It was never a lust-fest, or a "I hate you, but my body parts want you so bad" situation. Nor did they just hop into bed at the first opportunity. When that first kiss finally came, I wanted it to happen as badly as the characters did.
I recommend this book. In fact, with the exception of WHAT WILD MOONLIGHT, I recommend all of Victoria Lynne's novels. Too bad she quit writing after only four of them!
June 27, 2012
I will fully admit to being somewhat of a romance junkie. I don't want their stories, I don't read them and pine away for my own hero to come in and swoop me off my feet, but there's something shamefully adorable about sweet little love stories that melts my icy cold and somewhat feminist heart. (Just don't tell the feminists that, okay? Because I think I'll get kicked out of the club and lose my partial membership card.)
So I read all these horrible romances and there's always the big, buff hero with a somewhat dark past that saves the beautiful damsel in distress and in the process she softens his hardened heart and they live happily ever after in a meadow with fairies prancing around them, throwing confetti and flowers.
Captured had some of these elements. What it had that the others typically don't? UNCLE MONTY. Uncle Monty is everything awesome is made of. He's a con artist to the extreme, a hell of a charming man despite it and buried underneath that scheming soul of his is a heart of gold. Come on. He gave every dime he had to the girl with the sick baby. UNCLE MONTY, MARRY ME AND LET'S HAVE CON ARTISTS BABIES! He took in Devon as a young girl and looked out for her, raised her like his own, and taught her some fantastical conning skills along the way. I will shout it from the roof tops. UNCLE MONTY, ILU, BB!
And Devon? Devon was 1/3 Damsel and 2/3 Kick Your Ass Awesome. She had her morals, but swiping contraband from a train? Whatever, whatever. A girl needs some perfume after all. And how many times did she try to escape? Succumb to her fate? Not Devon! That's what Less Awesome girls do. Not girls brimming with awesome.
I think what I loved most about this story is that it was not Cole doing the saving. Devon didn't roll over and say, "Oh yay! A big strong man is here to take care of me and thank God I can just go over here and sew a little bit!" Instead, Cole comes in and says, "Hey, let me save you." and Devon's like, "Yeah. I got this kthnx."
Okay. Yeah. He does do some saving and she has at least one distinct damsel moment but mostly everybody kinda saves everybody and Uncle Monty remains fabulous.
So I read all these horrible romances and there's always the big, buff hero with a somewhat dark past that saves the beautiful damsel in distress and in the process she softens his hardened heart and they live happily ever after in a meadow with fairies prancing around them, throwing confetti and flowers.
Captured had some of these elements. What it had that the others typically don't? UNCLE MONTY. Uncle Monty is everything awesome is made of. He's a con artist to the extreme, a hell of a charming man despite it and buried underneath that scheming soul of his is a heart of gold. Come on. He gave every dime he had to the girl with the sick baby. UNCLE MONTY, MARRY ME AND LET'S HAVE CON ARTISTS BABIES! He took in Devon as a young girl and looked out for her, raised her like his own, and taught her some fantastical conning skills along the way. I will shout it from the roof tops. UNCLE MONTY, ILU, BB!
And Devon? Devon was 1/3 Damsel and 2/3 Kick Your Ass Awesome. She had her morals, but swiping contraband from a train? Whatever, whatever. A girl needs some perfume after all. And how many times did she try to escape? Succumb to her fate? Not Devon! That's what Less Awesome girls do. Not girls brimming with awesome.
I think what I loved most about this story is that it was not Cole doing the saving. Devon didn't roll over and say, "Oh yay! A big strong man is here to take care of me and thank God I can just go over here and sew a little bit!" Instead, Cole comes in and says, "Hey, let me save you." and Devon's like, "Yeah. I got this kthnx."
Okay. Yeah. He does do some saving and she has at least one distinct damsel moment but mostly everybody kinda saves everybody and Uncle Monty remains fabulous.
March 29, 2015
A very intriging, well written historical romance!Loved the characters and it kept me on my toes. The story is character driven novel, and i felt a connection with them.
August 4, 2017
Ok book. I appreciated the heroine...she was smart and relentless. Hero...meh, kinda a pansy.
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August 23, 2012
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
I’ve been meaning to read Captured since I fell in love with VL’s writing in With this Kiss, a highly recommended read from me. And I’m glad to report that Captured delivered what I was looking for and more- twists in the regular captor-captive theme and loads of adventures to go with it. Did I mention that there’s a sexy Northerner hero who was also a war veteran, haunted by guilt and madness of the war? The English-born heroine was spunky, to say the least and a born-to-do-it con artist.
Cole has been a happy-go-lucky second son of a rich family until the civil war started. Cole was handsome, a ladies’ man and utterly charming in his way. The prologue gives us a glimpse of the type of man he used to be, ‘carpe-diem’ and enjoy-whatever-life-delivers-you kind. He never liked his family business of assembling carriages (I’m pretty sure it was something akin to transportation), so he trained to become a sailor. The freedom of this lifestyle tempted him beyond anything. Even though this caused a bit of raft with his stern father and equally stern elder brother, Cole’s father gave him the money when he wanted to buy his own ship. Cole didn’t disappoint. He was confident that he could build a fortune; he did that and even gave his father back his money with interest. Then Cole was off fighting in the war as any young chap would do, to find adventure. But life taught him, in the hardest way possible, that war is not about adventures. When this story starts, it was only beginning of the civil war. I’m not very knowledgeable about this, so pardon if I make any mistakes. Most of it comes out from Cole’s narration to Devon or his musings as the story progresses. Cole was working as a blockade runner, his ship recruited for the purpose. Before going back, he took his only nephew Gideon with him, even though his brother and SIL didn’t like the idea. Cole thought as a teenager of 17, Gideon needs see more of life. The boy looked like Cole, blonde and amber eyed. He even had the same temperament so it wasn’t surprising that he loved what his uncle did. But tragedy struck soon when Cole was duped and got trapped by a ship, most of his crew killed in front of his eyes, including Gideon and he survived but wounded, with a scar on his face. This incident changed Cole’s life. The nightmares begin to haunt him and the layers of guilt for his ‘mistake’ didn’t help the cause. Cole is broody, always in a somber mood. Life is a different place for him now. When he’s healed physically, his Admiral asks him to go travel somewhere and escort a prisoner; someone who is convicted of treason and would be hanged in Washington. Cole doesn’t like this job but he assumes that it’s a way to pay for his foolishness.
Devon was born in England but in a twist of fate, now she’s in America, awaiting hanging after a farce of a trial. Devon’s life was a sad one and made me cry more than once. She and her physically challenged brother, Billy, were neglected by their father most of their lives. Their mother, though loved them, never could get over this. Once she died, their father lied to them about taking them somewhere and abandoned them on the train. This part was really heartbreaking for me. Reaching their destination, they found this proprietress of an orphanage. Devon and Billy were thoroughly neglected in there. Devon, never being the passive sort, forever would be in trouble for her mischief and would be punished in return. When they were a bit older, Devon ran away taking Billy with her. But Billy, who was about 9 at that time, died of cold and hunger, leaving Devon all alone. I felt for her soo much, she was only about 14 when that happened. One day, just after Billy passed away, Devon was thinking of committing suicide when a big, portly man came up to her and gently started asking her various things. I think he knew what she was about. Devon didn’t know what to think of the man but he took her home, fed her, and gave her a place to stay. Devon wasn’t a servant but was treated as his relative. Sure enough, the man, who asked her to call him Uncle Monty, adored Devon as if she’s his blood relation. I would say, as Cole did too, that Devon was extremely lucky to have found Uncle Monty. Soon, Devon was learning various forms of swindling, cheating, thieving and acting of every kind from the master himself. She excelled him in some ways and because Monty adored her, he was always enthusiastic about her training.
Uncle Monty proved to be quite the character when he finally makes an appearance. But he made some mistakes in assessing people, one was, trusting a man like Jonas Sharpe. He and Devon was duped into thinking she was going to marry a rich man somewhere far away. Devon knew that her chance of having a future was about zero in England and so, she agreed to travel to America, just for the sake of having her own family. Yes, Devon, like any other girl, had a soft heart and dreamed of marrying and having children someday. But, as fate would have it, she ran out of her luck the day she stepped onto the American soil. Framed for murder by Sharpe, she was arrested immediately, convicted in equal haste and was being delivered to Washington. But as I said before, Devon was never a passive girl and so, she became the thorn in the arse for the persons who were responsible for her. She defied them and ran away and fought all the way when she was caught back. Then Devon learned that a new man has been assigned and she thought... well, the only thing still on her mind was an escape any way, until she saw the broody but very handsome Captain McRae.
Cole was also surprised to see his prisoner, whom he without a doubt thought would be a man. No one mentioned about a woman, and a very beautiful one at that. She started affecting him immediately. But Cole ignored it. He was bend on absolutely loathing her. He already knew that she was trouble, as his predecessors informed him. And he knew that she’s a conniving b*tch, who was also an assistant of Sharpe, the man who was responsible of the death of his men. The man he’s going to find and exert revenge upon or die trying. He would do it soon, but until then, he has to take care of this little mess. Cole would do whatever it takes to glean information out of this woman. None of his predecessors was successful but Cole doesn’t care. He would do it. So, yes, I couldn’t blame Cole for being a meanie to Devon for the first parts of the book. He didn’t care for her, or at least tried not to care at all and he didn’t believe in her words. Poor Devon, she couldn’t make Cole believe in her story, the almost true story (because she can’t reveal her true identity and Uncle Monty) she’d told to whoever asked her. The ride was fun, in a weird sort of way. Devon tried her best to escape from Cole but Cole was very hard to dodge and fool. Devon was caught more than once. It wasn’t out and out a ‘cat and mouse’ chase but close enough. There were many instances where she was being a bit foolish in her plans for escape (i.e. that reckless train jumping scene) but it was natural that she was so desperate for freedom. In between, there’s something else blooming too, against Cole’s better judgment. He didn’t want to care for Devon, whom he called simply Blake. Devon, after spending a few days with him, clearly got that this man is haunted by nightmares and can’t sleep at night. She too, was coming to care for the handsome captain, even though his somewhat harsh treatment of her should’ve made her back off. Soon after her escape on the train was thwarted, sort of, by Cole, he also beings opening up to Devon. Cole’s plan- to keep his enemy closer and be nice, so that she begins opening up too. We get to learn some of his childhood here but Devon remains vague about her origin. Then, they stop at an army camp, the general his close friend. I loved these scenes. But I couldn’t help my tears as I read about death of the general’s only son, who was just a teenager, on a skirmish. Cole was again reminded of Gideon’s death and his own inability to save his nephew. This haunted Cole for the half of the story, up till he bonded with Devon in a deeper and more intimately.
Something about Cole soon enough made Devon talk about her past, at least most of it. Even after everything, Cole hasn’t been abusive to her in anyway. She felt safe whenever he was near. It was apparent that both were forming attachment. Cole, by now, after spending much time with Devon, was beginning to believe in her story. One day, still on their way to Washington, Cole finally talks about why he wants this revenge on Sharpe. Devon is saddened. Then something sort of caught my attentions in a weird way. Many times Devon lifted Cole’s wallet without his notice but gave it back, entertaining me in the process. She also stole this watch from him, which had an affectionate engraving from a woman. Devon assumed it was either his wife or someone close. It disturbs her that he might have a wife at home. Later Cole confirms that he’s single, though getting women had never been a problem for him. He tells her that it was a gift from his SIL, Gideon’s mother. The thing is that, seeing Cole’s reluctance to accept it back, I had a notion, crazy but I had it. I actually thought she was once his lover, sweetheart or something but married his brother instead. The issue of Gideon looking like him was highlighted so many times that I thought there might be something going on here. But, it was never really confirmed or addressed later, leaving me floating a bit. Cole never explained why his SIL gave that watch to him.
Cole’s sadness and self-loathing eats at Devon. They come closer; there are kisses here and there to prove that they want each-other no matter what. Cole has already asked Devon to trust him. I understood why Devon said that she doesn’t know if she can. But, Cole made a plan anyway. He can’t marry her, because according to his assumptions, he won’t be a good husband to her. He won’t even think about it. Cole would take her to Washington and leave her with his friends to find Sharpe. Once Sharpe is brought to justice, Devon would be free to marry someone of the high society. Needless to say, the notion of Devon marrying someone else doesn’t sit well with Cole. But he’d help her anyway. Frustratingly enough, Devon didn’t know any of it and so, when she found him still determined to take her to Washington (even after her repeated appeals of letting her go back to England), she reasoned that a man so honor bound as Cole can never betray his people. So, after the chat about Cole’s past that night, they end up making love on Devon’s insistence, something they both knew was inevitable since their introduction. And the next day, she was gone.
This is where, IMO, starts the second part of the story. The adventures surrounding this part made me feel like I’m reading another book. It surprised me but in a good way. This part jumps three weeks and Cole’s been looking for Devon’s trail tirelessly. He has to find her and let her know about his plans... and possibly, his feelings. Cole knew by now that his feelings for Devon were deeper and stronger. Her trail leads him to St. George. At first, from the dirty looking innkeeper’s words that she’s working here, Cole thought the worse. But, soon, he knew how wrong his assumptions were. Trust Devon to find a not-so-obvious way to make money! As Cole waits for her, Devon comes in with two men, garbed in fashion and flirting profusely. It was clear how with her dramatics and other ‘useful’ skills, she’d take the money from the poor fools. Cole doesn’t waste the chance to make his presence known, astounding her. Devon starts to soak up in Cole’s presence. It’s obvious that she missed him a lot. Devon knew she was already in love but there was no other option in sight. Though she made contact with Uncle Monty, she was also trying on her own to save some money. Cole’s presence here would ruin everything. And worse is, she still thought that Cole chased her here to hand her over.
After he possessively takes Devon from those men, Cole sets Devon’s worries to strait. He tells her of his plans. And OMG, surprise, surprise! Uncle Monty is here, with flairs that only he can muster! The man was something, I tell you, his works and actions glib and purposeful, mostly selfish but there was no denying that the man hides a heart. His adoration and love for Devon makes it more evident. To top it off, Uncle Monty and Cole start something in the lines of camaraderie as soon as they meet, their sole purpose to get revenge on Sharpe, astonishing Devon. Cole already proposed marriage to Devon but she said no. After they meet Uncle Monty, there was no nay-saying for Devon. I mean, it’s not like Devon was unwilling. She wanted Cole more than anything but she also knew this marriage would be unwanted. Again, frustratingly, she didn’t get the depth of Cole’s affections for her. This does create rifts in their relationship, this trust issue and these misunderstandings. After they marry hastily, Devon was happy and wanted to make love to Cole. So was he. But Cole kinda bungles it up. *sigh*
It starts with a gift that Devon gives him. Cole already didn’t provide the kind of wedding a girl, even like Devon, dreams of; no flowers, no wedding band, and no one present at their wedding. Devon was a bit depressed but she waved it off. Cole doesn’t even have a wedding gift for her but is happy to have this amber-stoned clothe pin that reminded Devon of his eyes. Cole promptly assumes that she stole it from some shop. He doesn’t judge her, oh no, but it glaringly shows that when you’re named a thief, you’re always branded one no matter what. This really shakes Devon badly and the fact that how unhappy she’s going to be in this marriage. She can’t possibly go on knowing that the man she loves views her this way. His kindness would rub raw every time. Cole doesn’t understand at first and seeing her withdrawing, he leaves her. But he senses that he had messed up badly… Now, please don’t judge Cole harshly for any of these. He was more than desperate to make Devon his, and so, he was focused only on the process of how to achieve that. He didn’t have a clue that he’s missing some important details. And then, the next day, before his ship sails to their destination, Cole is determined to buy his wife (oh, he loves the sound of it because it’s Devon) a new ring that would show off she’s his. In one of the jewelry shops, Cole finds something that drowns him into guilt again; Devon’s mother’s wedding ring, the one she always kept on a chain around her neck. Cole now despairs of making it up to her. He buys this enormous ring with emerald, the color of Devon’s eyes and at night gives it to her. He also gives back her mother’s ring. But it doesn’t wash away the distance. Cole is desperate and you won’t but feel for the man. He tells Devon that he’s always a bit late to get these things, but for me, the best thing was, he always did grovel and tried his best to make it up.
Later though, Uncle Monty shares his wisdom with Devon, telling her that she has to give this thing between them a chance to ‘take root’. By then, Devon was more than willing to... I found these bits and pieces of scenes really admirable. I also found it immensely satisfying that Devon takes pity on the poor man and makes amend that very night, totally surprising Cole. They have hot sex and I loved their connection. Even though, at times, I found a bit hard to connect with Devon’s POVs of life, her absolute support and loyalty to Cole won me over. She proved it many times in the later parts of the story. With this little development, their plans of finding Sharpe were on the way. Monty and Cole made plans together, of which Devon was largely unaware of. Cole, by no means, would let any harm come to her. They soon anchor at a port where Cole frequent for business and owns a house. Devon is happy about this place. It seems like a place she can call home. It’s beautiful and the servants are accommodating. They stopped here also because Sharpe wanted to see Monty (he didn’t know it was Monty though) in here. Now, in here, Devon and Cole’s relationship become stronger. But, for some reasons, Cole keeps asking Devon about trusting Monty. Devon trusts her uncle with her life but she’s also loyal to Cole and so, she becomes worried, maybe even a bit suspicious of Monty. The surprising twist on the climax of the story was heart-stopping... literally! Since Devon didn’t know Cole and Monty’s plans, she was caught off guard by something. I really ended up admiring her for her efforts in what she thought, was for saving Cole from Sharpe’s machinations. Good God, Uncle Monty, you gave me a heart attack, you SOB! It was nail biting, with some really heart wrenching moments accompanying. But the end result? I was sappy happy and had this loopy grin on my face for Cole and Devon. When I look back at their relationship in the beginning and now, Cole’s transformation from a broody, somber man to someone who always smiles sunnily up at Devon becomes very meaningful to me. It becomes really special. Oh, that man stole my heart completely.
I’m definitely coming to appreciate these elements of surprises more and more in VL’s stories. They would take you by storm but in a very good way. I also appreciate the emotions and the intensity that her characters share. Can’t wait to read my next VL book! 4.5 stars. Splendid!
I’ve been meaning to read Captured since I fell in love with VL’s writing in With this Kiss, a highly recommended read from me. And I’m glad to report that Captured delivered what I was looking for and more- twists in the regular captor-captive theme and loads of adventures to go with it. Did I mention that there’s a sexy Northerner hero who was also a war veteran, haunted by guilt and madness of the war? The English-born heroine was spunky, to say the least and a born-to-do-it con artist.
Cole has been a happy-go-lucky second son of a rich family until the civil war started. Cole was handsome, a ladies’ man and utterly charming in his way. The prologue gives us a glimpse of the type of man he used to be, ‘carpe-diem’ and enjoy-whatever-life-delivers-you kind. He never liked his family business of assembling carriages (I’m pretty sure it was something akin to transportation), so he trained to become a sailor. The freedom of this lifestyle tempted him beyond anything. Even though this caused a bit of raft with his stern father and equally stern elder brother, Cole’s father gave him the money when he wanted to buy his own ship. Cole didn’t disappoint. He was confident that he could build a fortune; he did that and even gave his father back his money with interest. Then Cole was off fighting in the war as any young chap would do, to find adventure. But life taught him, in the hardest way possible, that war is not about adventures. When this story starts, it was only beginning of the civil war. I’m not very knowledgeable about this, so pardon if I make any mistakes. Most of it comes out from Cole’s narration to Devon or his musings as the story progresses. Cole was working as a blockade runner, his ship recruited for the purpose. Before going back, he took his only nephew Gideon with him, even though his brother and SIL didn’t like the idea. Cole thought as a teenager of 17, Gideon needs see more of life. The boy looked like Cole, blonde and amber eyed. He even had the same temperament so it wasn’t surprising that he loved what his uncle did. But tragedy struck soon when Cole was duped and got trapped by a ship, most of his crew killed in front of his eyes, including Gideon and he survived but wounded, with a scar on his face. This incident changed Cole’s life. The nightmares begin to haunt him and the layers of guilt for his ‘mistake’ didn’t help the cause. Cole is broody, always in a somber mood. Life is a different place for him now. When he’s healed physically, his Admiral asks him to go travel somewhere and escort a prisoner; someone who is convicted of treason and would be hanged in Washington. Cole doesn’t like this job but he assumes that it’s a way to pay for his foolishness.
Devon was born in England but in a twist of fate, now she’s in America, awaiting hanging after a farce of a trial. Devon’s life was a sad one and made me cry more than once. She and her physically challenged brother, Billy, were neglected by their father most of their lives. Their mother, though loved them, never could get over this. Once she died, their father lied to them about taking them somewhere and abandoned them on the train. This part was really heartbreaking for me. Reaching their destination, they found this proprietress of an orphanage. Devon and Billy were thoroughly neglected in there. Devon, never being the passive sort, forever would be in trouble for her mischief and would be punished in return. When they were a bit older, Devon ran away taking Billy with her. But Billy, who was about 9 at that time, died of cold and hunger, leaving Devon all alone. I felt for her soo much, she was only about 14 when that happened. One day, just after Billy passed away, Devon was thinking of committing suicide when a big, portly man came up to her and gently started asking her various things. I think he knew what she was about. Devon didn’t know what to think of the man but he took her home, fed her, and gave her a place to stay. Devon wasn’t a servant but was treated as his relative. Sure enough, the man, who asked her to call him Uncle Monty, adored Devon as if she’s his blood relation. I would say, as Cole did too, that Devon was extremely lucky to have found Uncle Monty. Soon, Devon was learning various forms of swindling, cheating, thieving and acting of every kind from the master himself. She excelled him in some ways and because Monty adored her, he was always enthusiastic about her training.
Uncle Monty proved to be quite the character when he finally makes an appearance. But he made some mistakes in assessing people, one was, trusting a man like Jonas Sharpe. He and Devon was duped into thinking she was going to marry a rich man somewhere far away. Devon knew that her chance of having a future was about zero in England and so, she agreed to travel to America, just for the sake of having her own family. Yes, Devon, like any other girl, had a soft heart and dreamed of marrying and having children someday. But, as fate would have it, she ran out of her luck the day she stepped onto the American soil. Framed for murder by Sharpe, she was arrested immediately, convicted in equal haste and was being delivered to Washington. But as I said before, Devon was never a passive girl and so, she became the thorn in the arse for the persons who were responsible for her. She defied them and ran away and fought all the way when she was caught back. Then Devon learned that a new man has been assigned and she thought... well, the only thing still on her mind was an escape any way, until she saw the broody but very handsome Captain McRae.
Cole was also surprised to see his prisoner, whom he without a doubt thought would be a man. No one mentioned about a woman, and a very beautiful one at that. She started affecting him immediately. But Cole ignored it. He was bend on absolutely loathing her. He already knew that she was trouble, as his predecessors informed him. And he knew that she’s a conniving b*tch, who was also an assistant of Sharpe, the man who was responsible of the death of his men. The man he’s going to find and exert revenge upon or die trying. He would do it soon, but until then, he has to take care of this little mess. Cole would do whatever it takes to glean information out of this woman. None of his predecessors was successful but Cole doesn’t care. He would do it. So, yes, I couldn’t blame Cole for being a meanie to Devon for the first parts of the book. He didn’t care for her, or at least tried not to care at all and he didn’t believe in her words. Poor Devon, she couldn’t make Cole believe in her story, the almost true story (because she can’t reveal her true identity and Uncle Monty) she’d told to whoever asked her. The ride was fun, in a weird sort of way. Devon tried her best to escape from Cole but Cole was very hard to dodge and fool. Devon was caught more than once. It wasn’t out and out a ‘cat and mouse’ chase but close enough. There were many instances where she was being a bit foolish in her plans for escape (i.e. that reckless train jumping scene) but it was natural that she was so desperate for freedom. In between, there’s something else blooming too, against Cole’s better judgment. He didn’t want to care for Devon, whom he called simply Blake. Devon, after spending a few days with him, clearly got that this man is haunted by nightmares and can’t sleep at night. She too, was coming to care for the handsome captain, even though his somewhat harsh treatment of her should’ve made her back off. Soon after her escape on the train was thwarted, sort of, by Cole, he also beings opening up to Devon. Cole’s plan- to keep his enemy closer and be nice, so that she begins opening up too. We get to learn some of his childhood here but Devon remains vague about her origin. Then, they stop at an army camp, the general his close friend. I loved these scenes. But I couldn’t help my tears as I read about death of the general’s only son, who was just a teenager, on a skirmish. Cole was again reminded of Gideon’s death and his own inability to save his nephew. This haunted Cole for the half of the story, up till he bonded with Devon in a deeper and more intimately.
Something about Cole soon enough made Devon talk about her past, at least most of it. Even after everything, Cole hasn’t been abusive to her in anyway. She felt safe whenever he was near. It was apparent that both were forming attachment. Cole, by now, after spending much time with Devon, was beginning to believe in her story. One day, still on their way to Washington, Cole finally talks about why he wants this revenge on Sharpe. Devon is saddened. Then something sort of caught my attentions in a weird way. Many times Devon lifted Cole’s wallet without his notice but gave it back, entertaining me in the process. She also stole this watch from him, which had an affectionate engraving from a woman. Devon assumed it was either his wife or someone close. It disturbs her that he might have a wife at home. Later Cole confirms that he’s single, though getting women had never been a problem for him. He tells her that it was a gift from his SIL, Gideon’s mother. The thing is that, seeing Cole’s reluctance to accept it back, I had a notion, crazy but I had it. I actually thought she was once his lover, sweetheart or something but married his brother instead. The issue of Gideon looking like him was highlighted so many times that I thought there might be something going on here. But, it was never really confirmed or addressed later, leaving me floating a bit. Cole never explained why his SIL gave that watch to him.
Cole’s sadness and self-loathing eats at Devon. They come closer; there are kisses here and there to prove that they want each-other no matter what. Cole has already asked Devon to trust him. I understood why Devon said that she doesn’t know if she can. But, Cole made a plan anyway. He can’t marry her, because according to his assumptions, he won’t be a good husband to her. He won’t even think about it. Cole would take her to Washington and leave her with his friends to find Sharpe. Once Sharpe is brought to justice, Devon would be free to marry someone of the high society. Needless to say, the notion of Devon marrying someone else doesn’t sit well with Cole. But he’d help her anyway. Frustratingly enough, Devon didn’t know any of it and so, when she found him still determined to take her to Washington (even after her repeated appeals of letting her go back to England), she reasoned that a man so honor bound as Cole can never betray his people. So, after the chat about Cole’s past that night, they end up making love on Devon’s insistence, something they both knew was inevitable since their introduction. And the next day, she was gone.
This is where, IMO, starts the second part of the story. The adventures surrounding this part made me feel like I’m reading another book. It surprised me but in a good way. This part jumps three weeks and Cole’s been looking for Devon’s trail tirelessly. He has to find her and let her know about his plans... and possibly, his feelings. Cole knew by now that his feelings for Devon were deeper and stronger. Her trail leads him to St. George. At first, from the dirty looking innkeeper’s words that she’s working here, Cole thought the worse. But, soon, he knew how wrong his assumptions were. Trust Devon to find a not-so-obvious way to make money! As Cole waits for her, Devon comes in with two men, garbed in fashion and flirting profusely. It was clear how with her dramatics and other ‘useful’ skills, she’d take the money from the poor fools. Cole doesn’t waste the chance to make his presence known, astounding her. Devon starts to soak up in Cole’s presence. It’s obvious that she missed him a lot. Devon knew she was already in love but there was no other option in sight. Though she made contact with Uncle Monty, she was also trying on her own to save some money. Cole’s presence here would ruin everything. And worse is, she still thought that Cole chased her here to hand her over.
After he possessively takes Devon from those men, Cole sets Devon’s worries to strait. He tells her of his plans. And OMG, surprise, surprise! Uncle Monty is here, with flairs that only he can muster! The man was something, I tell you, his works and actions glib and purposeful, mostly selfish but there was no denying that the man hides a heart. His adoration and love for Devon makes it more evident. To top it off, Uncle Monty and Cole start something in the lines of camaraderie as soon as they meet, their sole purpose to get revenge on Sharpe, astonishing Devon. Cole already proposed marriage to Devon but she said no. After they meet Uncle Monty, there was no nay-saying for Devon. I mean, it’s not like Devon was unwilling. She wanted Cole more than anything but she also knew this marriage would be unwanted. Again, frustratingly, she didn’t get the depth of Cole’s affections for her. This does create rifts in their relationship, this trust issue and these misunderstandings. After they marry hastily, Devon was happy and wanted to make love to Cole. So was he. But Cole kinda bungles it up. *sigh*
It starts with a gift that Devon gives him. Cole already didn’t provide the kind of wedding a girl, even like Devon, dreams of; no flowers, no wedding band, and no one present at their wedding. Devon was a bit depressed but she waved it off. Cole doesn’t even have a wedding gift for her but is happy to have this amber-stoned clothe pin that reminded Devon of his eyes. Cole promptly assumes that she stole it from some shop. He doesn’t judge her, oh no, but it glaringly shows that when you’re named a thief, you’re always branded one no matter what. This really shakes Devon badly and the fact that how unhappy she’s going to be in this marriage. She can’t possibly go on knowing that the man she loves views her this way. His kindness would rub raw every time. Cole doesn’t understand at first and seeing her withdrawing, he leaves her. But he senses that he had messed up badly… Now, please don’t judge Cole harshly for any of these. He was more than desperate to make Devon his, and so, he was focused only on the process of how to achieve that. He didn’t have a clue that he’s missing some important details. And then, the next day, before his ship sails to their destination, Cole is determined to buy his wife (oh, he loves the sound of it because it’s Devon) a new ring that would show off she’s his. In one of the jewelry shops, Cole finds something that drowns him into guilt again; Devon’s mother’s wedding ring, the one she always kept on a chain around her neck. Cole now despairs of making it up to her. He buys this enormous ring with emerald, the color of Devon’s eyes and at night gives it to her. He also gives back her mother’s ring. But it doesn’t wash away the distance. Cole is desperate and you won’t but feel for the man. He tells Devon that he’s always a bit late to get these things, but for me, the best thing was, he always did grovel and tried his best to make it up.
Later though, Uncle Monty shares his wisdom with Devon, telling her that she has to give this thing between them a chance to ‘take root’. By then, Devon was more than willing to... I found these bits and pieces of scenes really admirable. I also found it immensely satisfying that Devon takes pity on the poor man and makes amend that very night, totally surprising Cole. They have hot sex and I loved their connection. Even though, at times, I found a bit hard to connect with Devon’s POVs of life, her absolute support and loyalty to Cole won me over. She proved it many times in the later parts of the story. With this little development, their plans of finding Sharpe were on the way. Monty and Cole made plans together, of which Devon was largely unaware of. Cole, by no means, would let any harm come to her. They soon anchor at a port where Cole frequent for business and owns a house. Devon is happy about this place. It seems like a place she can call home. It’s beautiful and the servants are accommodating. They stopped here also because Sharpe wanted to see Monty (he didn’t know it was Monty though) in here. Now, in here, Devon and Cole’s relationship become stronger. But, for some reasons, Cole keeps asking Devon about trusting Monty. Devon trusts her uncle with her life but she’s also loyal to Cole and so, she becomes worried, maybe even a bit suspicious of Monty. The surprising twist on the climax of the story was heart-stopping... literally! Since Devon didn’t know Cole and Monty’s plans, she was caught off guard by something. I really ended up admiring her for her efforts in what she thought, was for saving Cole from Sharpe’s machinations. Good God, Uncle Monty, you gave me a heart attack, you SOB! It was nail biting, with some really heart wrenching moments accompanying. But the end result? I was sappy happy and had this loopy grin on my face for Cole and Devon. When I look back at their relationship in the beginning and now, Cole’s transformation from a broody, somber man to someone who always smiles sunnily up at Devon becomes very meaningful to me. It becomes really special. Oh, that man stole my heart completely.
I’m definitely coming to appreciate these elements of surprises more and more in VL’s stories. They would take you by storm but in a very good way. I also appreciate the emotions and the intensity that her characters share. Can’t wait to read my next VL book! 4.5 stars. Splendid!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2019
Read this just for the 1995 cover. Just look at this so called Fabio which was the look in the 90's when this book was first published. The book was ok, but reading it now in 2019 is always like looking back on a bad high school picture. You know the ones where you need to ask what were you thinking about when you picked that outfit?
This book was like a going back to when the books were sold by the look of the cover and not by the contents inside the book.
This book was like a going back to when the books were sold by the look of the cover and not by the contents inside the book.
March 25, 2017
Union navy man Cole McRae has a personal vendetta for blockade runner Jonas Sharpe. Believing Englishwoman Devon Blake is an agent of Sharpe's, Cole plans to use her as a means to get to his true target. The couple go on a long and twisted road trip in an attempt to create some chemistry between the two leads. They fail in this endeavor.
February 6, 2024
Fun read!
Keeps you interested. The story has great adventures, and a quick wit. As well as likeable characters. Although many grammatical errors.
Keeps you interested. The story has great adventures, and a quick wit. As well as likeable characters. Although many grammatical errors.
February 12, 2024
Dnf at like 80%
Read
April 17, 2025Dnf at 8
September 26, 2015
I got this free from Amazon.
The cover has since updated to a young woman with the ocean and a boat in the background. I prefer this green sort of cover, although the hero is described as blonde.
For those that like romance novels with tension, angst, banter, adventure and tenderness, this book is freakin for you. Lynne, really knows how to write a novel. I was pleasantly surprised while reading this book.
Cole McRae, is a Captain who has been ordered to deliver a convicted murderer to the Capital Prison in Washington. Her name is, Devon, and she isn't what she seems. The book takes the reader through the transfer of Devon to Virginia and then her escape by train, to the introduction of her Uncle, then the plan to destroy of the enemy, the end.
However, there is so much more to this book. Devon, is a fighter. She is independent, smart, sassy and doesn't take your crap. She'll call you on it.
Cole, came from a wealthy family. One that didn't love his choice of becoming a navel officer, but in the end supported him. There is only mention of his family, these characters aren't actually in the book.
Devon's Uncle Monty, however, makes his appearance about half way through the book. He was quite an interesting character. I liked what Lynne came up with. Uncle Monty, is unpredictable, funny, clever, a terrible thief all while lovable and merciful. Quite a contradiction.
I enjoyed how Lynne kept the book going. The story doesn't take off into these strange places, like so many books do now. The story expands and develops all while, Lynne, adds in some details of the war or details of the enemy. The civil war is going on around them, but in the background. While mentioned, it really doesn't effect the story, but it helps to know the era and where the characters are.
The book is 375 pages long. It is worth all the pages. I loved how the author took her time in telling the story. She also worked hard on developing her characters. No info dumps but rather, allowing the characters to explain themselves. As Cole and Devon get to know each other, so does the reader get to know them.
Lynne, had tension down. She knows how to pull at the heart strings and how to get the reader to care and love the character. She relies on empathy but with the way she writes. There is a misunderstanding between Cole and Devon that was fabulous. Throughout the entire book, Lynne, keeps the reader involved. I wanted to sit down and read this book. I was captured. :)
Overall, if you are looking for a great romance novel that you can sink your teeth into and enjoy, this book is for you. I took my time in reading this book and it was enjoyable. I think I might just look up the author and check out another one of her books.
The cover has since updated to a young woman with the ocean and a boat in the background. I prefer this green sort of cover, although the hero is described as blonde.
For those that like romance novels with tension, angst, banter, adventure and tenderness, this book is freakin for you. Lynne, really knows how to write a novel. I was pleasantly surprised while reading this book.
Cole McRae, is a Captain who has been ordered to deliver a convicted murderer to the Capital Prison in Washington. Her name is, Devon, and she isn't what she seems. The book takes the reader through the transfer of Devon to Virginia and then her escape by train, to the introduction of her Uncle, then the plan to destroy of the enemy, the end.
However, there is so much more to this book. Devon, is a fighter. She is independent, smart, sassy and doesn't take your crap. She'll call you on it.
Cole, came from a wealthy family. One that didn't love his choice of becoming a navel officer, but in the end supported him. There is only mention of his family, these characters aren't actually in the book.
Devon's Uncle Monty, however, makes his appearance about half way through the book. He was quite an interesting character. I liked what Lynne came up with. Uncle Monty, is unpredictable, funny, clever, a terrible thief all while lovable and merciful. Quite a contradiction.
I enjoyed how Lynne kept the book going. The story doesn't take off into these strange places, like so many books do now. The story expands and develops all while, Lynne, adds in some details of the war or details of the enemy. The civil war is going on around them, but in the background. While mentioned, it really doesn't effect the story, but it helps to know the era and where the characters are.
The book is 375 pages long. It is worth all the pages. I loved how the author took her time in telling the story. She also worked hard on developing her characters. No info dumps but rather, allowing the characters to explain themselves. As Cole and Devon get to know each other, so does the reader get to know them.
Lynne, had tension down. She knows how to pull at the heart strings and how to get the reader to care and love the character. She relies on empathy but with the way she writes. There is a misunderstanding between Cole and Devon that was fabulous. Throughout the entire book, Lynne, keeps the reader involved. I wanted to sit down and read this book. I was captured. :)
Overall, if you are looking for a great romance novel that you can sink your teeth into and enjoy, this book is for you. I took my time in reading this book and it was enjoyable. I think I might just look up the author and check out another one of her books.
March 24, 2014
Entretenido y refrescante.
Esta es una historia de amor y de aventuras.
Me ha gustado mucho.
La autora ha hecho un buen trabajo con los personajes, les ha dado un pasado, nos ha explicado cómo son y qué sienten y ha dejado que los personajes interactúen y crezcan a medida que la historia avanza.
Hacía muchísimo tiempo que no leía un libro dónde los personajes no diesen lugar a malentendidos a base de diálogo…es refrescante, sí señor, antes de liarla, nos sentamos y hablamos.
Hacía tiempo que no leía un libro dónde (por desgracia casi siempre le toca al personaje femenino) la protagonista no hiciese tonterías y no fuese una damisela en apuros.
Y hacía tiempo que no leía un libro con personajes secundarios que importan y que aportan a la historia.
Me ha parecido que había mucha química entre los protagonistas, me ha gustado la aventura y me ha sorprendido el final, no estaba muy segura de qué iba a pasar…
Recomendable.
Una sola pega...con esa portada casi lo paso por alto. Dios de mi vida, esas son las portadas de las novelas que leía mi abuela de Marcial Lafuente...Algo que debería mejorarse.
Esta es una historia de amor y de aventuras.
Me ha gustado mucho.
La autora ha hecho un buen trabajo con los personajes, les ha dado un pasado, nos ha explicado cómo son y qué sienten y ha dejado que los personajes interactúen y crezcan a medida que la historia avanza.
Hacía muchísimo tiempo que no leía un libro dónde los personajes no diesen lugar a malentendidos a base de diálogo…es refrescante, sí señor, antes de liarla, nos sentamos y hablamos.
Hacía tiempo que no leía un libro dónde (por desgracia casi siempre le toca al personaje femenino) la protagonista no hiciese tonterías y no fuese una damisela en apuros.
Y hacía tiempo que no leía un libro con personajes secundarios que importan y que aportan a la historia.
Me ha parecido que había mucha química entre los protagonistas, me ha gustado la aventura y me ha sorprendido el final, no estaba muy segura de qué iba a pasar…
Recomendable.
Una sola pega...con esa portada casi lo paso por alto. Dios de mi vida, esas son las portadas de las novelas que leía mi abuela de Marcial Lafuente...Algo que debería mejorarse.
October 2, 2015
I feel so lucky to have found this in a used bookstore today. I found it on Goodreads first. After all the angst garbage I've been reading lately, I actually found a real gem in this romance novel. Definitely recommended to anyone who enjoyed Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas.
Cole was a great hero. He was kind, human, and full of wondrous humor to match Devon's. Any screw-ups in the course of their adventure were not the epic misunderstandings that led to 100 following pages of blatant abuse. I loved how they were willing to accept the faults in themselves as well as in each other.
When you see a book called Captured, the easy thing to conclude might be a story of great heartbreak and violence. If anyone is worried about that in this book--think again! Oh Sherman, how I loved it. Would have been a solid five stars but the conclusion was kind of disappointing. HEA is great; I just wanted to see something unexpected from such dynamic characters.
Cole was a great hero. He was kind, human, and full of wondrous humor to match Devon's. Any screw-ups in the course of their adventure were not the epic misunderstandings that led to 100 following pages of blatant abuse. I loved how they were willing to accept the faults in themselves as well as in each other.
When you see a book called Captured, the easy thing to conclude might be a story of great heartbreak and violence. If anyone is worried about that in this book--think again! Oh Sherman, how I loved it. Would have been a solid five stars but the conclusion was kind of disappointing. HEA is great; I just wanted to see something unexpected from such dynamic characters.
October 18, 2014
This story was adorable! Seriously. I don’t know why I liked this book so much, I just could not stop smiling. It was so cute! The characters were all very likeable and I the under currant of adventure built up rather nicely.
True its typical cheesy romance, of the historical variety, but I actually enjoyed this one.
Cole was pretty cool, for a stick in the mud.
Devin was hilarious, I absolutely loved her and Uncle Monty.
All in all, definitely one to write home to grandma about!
3 Stars!
True its typical cheesy romance, of the historical variety, but I actually enjoyed this one.
Cole was pretty cool, for a stick in the mud.
Devin was hilarious, I absolutely loved her and Uncle Monty.
All in all, definitely one to write home to grandma about!
3 Stars!
March 6, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and read it through in two days. Captured is full of good writing and and interesting characters, being nominated for two RITA awards. There is great dialog between the two characters. The story takes place in Charleston,Virginia during the Civil War (1861.) Devon is accused of spying and murder, and she is to be escorted to the Old Capitol Prison by Captain Cole McRae. Action takes place on speeding trains and ships being fired upon. They are drawn to each other, but Devon must convince Cole that she's innocent. Devon has a sharp tongue and great wit. Then there is her "uncle" Monty who is a con man and pick pocket. Can he be trusted? There are also a couple of steamy sex scenes. What's not to like?
January 8, 2015
A freebie ebook romance with an unusual plotline, Captured reminds me that there may be a few good ones left out there. Unfortunately, in the ebook cover art, there is an error- the hero is supposed to be blonde. But since the old cover art is very passé, and I got this for free, I'm willing to overlook that.
What I liked best is that the heroine is a bit of a thief and had her own ideas of what she wanted to do. The prologue doesn't make a lot of sense (maybe I'm not picking up on something important to the plot there?) and it is traditional historical romance with that well worn chain of events: heroine meets hero, they eventually fall in love, etc. But, there is a surprising amount of emotional depth in this book (with a tad of angst), so it merits three stars.
What I liked best is that the heroine is a bit of a thief and had her own ideas of what she wanted to do. The prologue doesn't make a lot of sense (maybe I'm not picking up on something important to the plot there?) and it is traditional historical romance with that well worn chain of events: heroine meets hero, they eventually fall in love, etc. But, there is a surprising amount of emotional depth in this book (with a tad of angst), so it merits three stars.
November 7, 2014
Set in the Civil War, this was an enjoyable historical romance with a smart, spunky and resourceful heroine who is strong and fights back and a hunky hero who always seems to be one step ahead of the heroine. Charged with a crime she didn't commit, Devon is being transported to Washington for sentencing by Cole who has a vendetta against the man Devon is allegedly working for. I enjoyed the historical piece and actually learned a bit about history in the process. Fast paced and nice character development. I liked the secondary character, Uncle Monty, who, as any good con artist should do, had me guessing if he was really a good guy or a bad guy.
Read
September 14, 2011"Devon lo studiò in una luce del tutto nuova. ― Cole McRae, sono giunta alla conclusione che eri già corrotto fin da prima che ti incontrassi. Hai l'anima del ladro.
Cole sorrise e la strinse un po' di più tra le braccia. ― E tu, mia cara moglie, hai l'anima della vera signora."
Un rosa ambientato negli Stati uniti della seconda metà dell'800 avventuroso e abbastanza scorrevole... è il primo libro che leggo di questa autrice e nel complesso mi è piaciuto, anche se ho foticato un po' a leggerlo sotto forma di e-book...
Cole sorrise e la strinse un po' di più tra le braccia. ― E tu, mia cara moglie, hai l'anima della vera signora."
Un rosa ambientato negli Stati uniti della seconda metà dell'800 avventuroso e abbastanza scorrevole... è il primo libro che leggo di questa autrice e nel complesso mi è piaciuto, anche se ho foticato un po' a leggerlo sotto forma di e-book...
March 21, 2013
I enjoyed the heck out of this book. There was just enough historical value to keep me interested in the period and the element of danger the characters would be in when they changed locations. I loved Devon from the beginning. As the story progresses I could really appreciate who she had become and why she reacted to situations the way she does. Cole is the handsome, charismatic, hero with the well sculpted body that is typical of romance type novels; however, he has an underlying sense of humor that makes him irresistible. Then there is uncle Monty, he is a hoot. Fun, easy read.
December 31, 2012
I was disappointed when I reached the last page of this romantic, passionate adventure. Lynn was able to captivate me with the characters and I was almost instently in love with Devon Blake who is a fierce, strong female character who only wants to be loved. I was surprised with the amount of adventure in this book with ships and the American Civil war. Definately more entertaining than a 'normal' romance novel. :)
July 20, 2014
There was a little bit of everything in this book: romance, action, war, grifters...
I liked the story, didn't love it, and there were times when things dragged a bit. Especially when the story veered off Cole/Devon, or had to do with uncle Monty. The best parts were near the beginning when Cole and Devon were feeling each other out, trying to see if the other was trustworthy. They had some good banter, and I liked that Devon was a strong woman who didn't back down from a challenge.
I liked the story, didn't love it, and there were times when things dragged a bit. Especially when the story veered off Cole/Devon, or had to do with uncle Monty. The best parts were near the beginning when Cole and Devon were feeling each other out, trying to see if the other was trustworthy. They had some good banter, and I liked that Devon was a strong woman who didn't back down from a challenge.
February 19, 2013
I liked the humor in this book and I liked the characters. Not sure why, but towards the end of the story I was hoping it would end soon. I guess the story continued for too long after the romance part was settled. I know it was supposed to have some tension left with her not being sure she would stay, but it was already apparent she would.
July 10, 2014
This was a quick read but felt like the main plot element to create tension between the H/h - his disbelief in her innocence - got a bit old after awhile. I did like some of the plot twists in the action sections of the book. They were original and well written. Overall probably closer to 3.5 stars than 3.
April 20, 2012
I found this book really funny and interesting until they slept together. Then it all went down hill from there. Bummed that it had to be ruined by that moment. Otherwise it would have been a really fun and interesting story
February 10, 2013
This book was a pleasant surprise. It was an entertaining little romance with brighter than average characters and dialogue, no lust at first sight nonsense, and a story that generally held together. It deserves extra points just for Uncle Monte.
May 23, 2013
this particular story started a little slow and at times it made me feel like I was in the middle of a cat and dog chase and i stop reading the book for a while. However the book picks up speed by the middle of the story and it was full of twist and turns with a very solid ending.
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