When a mercenary whose purpose is to dispose of wicked Unseelie fae meets a dark elf, she’ll question her mission and become captivated
After her family was killed by a dark elf, mercenary Honora Butler’s purpose is the disposal of wicked faeries, elves and other Unseelie beings, but she’ll find herself questioning her mission when she meets Brennan, a dark elf who doesn’t conform to what she believed his kind were like.
Brennan O’Niall doesn’t know what it is about Honora that makes him crave her, but he wants to find out. However, when she’s charged with the murder of a friend, he’ll have to discover the truth and decide just how much she means to him.
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Sarah Mäkelä loves her fiction dark, magical, and passionate. She is a paranormal romance author, but she's written all over the romance spectrum with cyberpunk, sci-fi, fantasy, urban fantasy... even a sweet contemporary romance!
A life-long paranormal fan, she still sleeps with a night light. In her spare time, she reads sexy books, watches scary movies, and plays computer games with her husband. When she gets the chance, she loves traveling the world too.
Honora is an assassin for her guild, without them she has very little in life. Her main motivator is revenge, it's what keeps her going an looking towards the future. Being closed off for so long though comes with a price, specially when a sexy fae is involved. Opening up the flood gates on her emotions may be Honoras undoing an salvation.
Captivated was a quick romance that took place in a very unique world where faeries and monsters exist an wreck havoc everyday. It does feel very medieval based an from the cover you can see that it is. Out of all of Sarah Makela's books, I'd have to say this one is the most well developed so far. I feel like there's extra depth in this short because the story has more meat to it, as does the characters backgrounds. There's still that sexy-times overtone to it but it's balanced more.
Great read if your looking for a quick romance story that you don't really need to think to hard on.
18+ there is sex I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Captivated Courts of Light and Dark Book 1 by Sarah Makela ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Captivated Courts of Light and Dark by Sarah Makela is perfect name for this story it's so captivating and amazing, what a great storyline a assassin for dark elves, the characters are such a real fantasy, which gives you a heartwarming feeling as you read it! A feisty assassin and a gorgeous sexy Dark Elf is what Honora and Brennan is. Honora is seeking justice for her family, she is determined to dispose of the Unseelie Fae (known as Dark fae) who killed her family. She is recruited to work as a mercenary by the Mercenary Guild. She is fleeing from danger after one of her kills she take refuge in an empty house. But it's Brennan house and he wants to know why she’s there. That day Brennan captures her but killing is farthest thing his mind. Brennan feels there is something off about Honora he feels she may have Dark Elf blood. Honors takes a new look at the dark elves. This book is really fantastic!. There is action, humor, suspense, and scorching hot romance!
Things are really interesting when Honora gets captured and held for murder. Brennan must fight to make things right and save her. Captivated Courts of Light and Dark is exciting and captivating. At the manor where Brennan O'Niall meets Honora Butler the story burns the pages up! Who doesn't like a story that has a beautiful feisty heroine, a dangerously sexy hero and lots of amazing scorching hot sex! I can’t wait for more of Honora and Brennan’s world. This is such a remarkable book by Sarah Mäkelä. What a short quick enjoyable story to read there's so many twists! I love strong heroines and Honora Butler is much stronger and braver than most. Those who like to read fantasy with a whole lot of spice will love Captivated. What stands out about Captivated by Sarah Mäkelä is that it's perfect for those who loves or want a short, sexy, read that has scorching hot chemistry between characters! If you have read Sarah Mäkelä books and enjoyed them like I have, then I'm happy to say that if you add Captivated to your TBR list of books you will be too. I hope you will love Sarah Makela books also! I highly recommend this book. I voluntarily wrote this review of this book which was gifted to me by the author with no obligation from myself.
If you believe in the world of paranormal romance, the possibilities are endless and fascinating!
I really liked Captivated by Sarah Mäkelä. It was my first book by her but it will not be my last.
Captivated takes you through the meeting of Honora and Brennan quickly but does not skimp on plot and background details, even with the books short length.
Filled with some action, magic, Fae of the Unseelie Court, a Mercenary Guild and some hot sex scenes between our two main characters Captivated draws you into a world of magic that leaves you wanting more! I am very interested to learn if Sarah Mäkelä has any other books set in this world.
I would recommend Captivated to anyone looking for a good paranormal erotic romance read.
*I received a hardcover/paperback/eBook copy/ARC of this book for free to review from the author/publisher/tour site; this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.
Honora's family was wiped out by a dark elf. She was able to get herself in with the mercenaries. They taught her to kill. She took any job that she could to survive and that could further her goal to rid the world of dark elves. On a mission she runs into trouble and seeks refuge in what she first thinks is a deserted house. Only she finds out that it's the house of a dark elf. She's furious with Brennan, but she knows that she can't best him. He does eventually let her go. Not everyone is a fan of the mercenaries though and she's caught and accused of murder. The one that she is accused of wasn't her contract, that was a pure accident. Much to her shock, Brennan comes to her aid. There's something drawing him to her and it could turn her life upside down when she finds out what it is.
Received for an honest review. I found Honora and Brennan's story interesting. I wish the tale had not been a short story so you could get Honora's full story. I didn't quite get that she was in an Unseelie part of society until the middle of the story so I found I was lost quite a bit. The relationship between the two is fast and hot. I felt rushed with the relationship. These two deserve a full length down and dirty book.
If you are into this genre than you are going to be absolutely thrilled with this one. Even tho its a fast read its amazing how much has been developed in the plot of this book. Honora is a mercenary who has been train to kill the supernatural. She was running from supernatural who still your sole. She was looking for shelter when she spotted a house that belong to Brennan. That all happens with in the first few pages. To find out what happens you are going to have to read it yourself. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
This book has a great storyline and interesting characters like Honora and Brennan. I love strong female characters and she really takes charge. She refuses to give in or give up. They make for an explosive couple and have amazing chemistry. The storyline is filled with surprises and will definitely hook you right in and leave you wanting more.
I love this story. It was different than other stories about Fae I have read. It's all about the Unseelie Fae instead of the Seelie Fae, that's part of what makes it different. The characters and storyline are strong which made it a fast read. I couldn't stop reading it. I can't wait to read the rest of the series
Good story, just not my favorite. Too many types of characters. I enjoyed the basics just too busy, every time I thought I understood the logistics, something would spin me out. A fantasy fan would probably love this.
Honora and Brennan's story is full of action, wonderful characters and proof of the author's fantastic imagination. It may be a bit shorter than average, but still provides lots of enjoyment. I really enjoyed it! I received a backlist copy and am leaving my honest opinion.
Captivated is the amazing first book in Sarah Makela's new series, Courts of Light and Darkness and it totally rocks! I love it! Makela has once again demonstrated her exceptional talent and incredible imagination in yet another exciting and entertaining read. Makela drew me in on page one and held me, completely enthralled until the very last page. I was totally captivated from beginning to end. The story is original, exciting, thrilling, romantic, sweet, arousing and sensual. Oh, and did I say hot? Oh yeah! The dialog is smart, intelligent and very well written. The characters are captivating, fascinating, engaging and sexy. Courageous Honora Butler of the Mercenary Guild, no longer fears danger nor death. She's lost everyone she loves - murdered by a dark elf. Her only mission in life is to rid the world of malevolence - no matter the cost! Her sole purpose is devoted to the disposal of all wicked faeries, elves and other Unseelie beings - until him - devastatingly handsome dark elf Brennan O'Niall. Now, she not only questions her loyalties and beliefs but also her feelings for the sexy dark elf and now she desperately needs help from this man she once called enemy. Brennan O'Niall, Prince of the Dark Elves can have any woman he chooses but he desires only one - the beautiful mercenary and alleged murderer, Honora Butler. Will his love be enough to save her from her fate? Or will their fates intertwine and result in both their deaths? Oh my! Handsome sexy dark elf prince-check! Beautiful courageous mercenary determined to seek revenge-check! Action, danger and a surprise revelation at the end-check! Romance, sex and angst-check! Yep, all that and more! Good Golly Miss Molly! I loved this book! It kept me on the edge of my seat! I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! And no cliffhangers! Fantastic entertainment and an awesome read!
MAGICAL MISSION IMPOSSIBLE !!! Captivated is the amazing first book in Sarah Makela's new series, Courts of Light and Darkness and it totally rocks! I love it! Makela has once again demonstrated her exceptional talent and incredible imagination in yet another exciting and entertaining read. Makela drew me in on page one and held me, completely enthralled until the very last page. I was totally captivated from beginning to end. The story is original, exciting, thrilling, romantic, sweet, arousing and sensual. Oh, and did I say hot? Oh yeah! The dialog is smart, intelligent and very well written. The characters are captivating, fascinating, engaging and sexy. Courageous Honora Butler of the Mercenary Guild, no longer fears danger nor death. She's lost everyone she loves - murdered by a dark elf. Her only mission in life is to rid the world of malevolence - no matter the cost! Her sole purpose is devoted to the disposal of all wicked faeries, elves and other Unseelie beings - until him - devastatingly handsome dark elf Brennan O'Niall. Now, she not only questions her loyalties and beliefs but also her feelings for the sexy dark elf and now she desperately needs help from this man she once called enemy. Brennan O'Niall, Prince of the Dark Elves can have any woman he chooses but he desires only one - the beautiful mercenary and alleged murderer, Honora Butler. Will his love be enough to save her from her fate? Or will their fates intertwine and result in both their deaths? Oh my! Handsome sexy dark elf prince-check! Beautiful courageous mercenary determined to seek revenge-check! Action, danger and a surprise revelation at the end-check! Romance, sex and angst-check! Yep, all that and more! Good Golly Miss Molly! I loved this book! It kept me on the edge of my seat! I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! And no cliffhangers! Fantastic entertainment and an awesome read!
I have read and enjoyed many books by Sarah Makela so I expected another solid read even though the fantasy genre was a new one for this author.
Honora Butler’s family was killed by a dark elf and she made it her mission to avenge their deaths. During one of her deadly forays she is captured by one member of her sworn enemy, Brennan O’Niall. They are both drawn to each other though Honora especially fought against the attraction. He was the “enemy” despite the instant and raw sensuality between them. Starting as captor/captive how could their relationship grow into something more? Especially when Honora has sworn to kill as many of his kind as she can?
While not a novella, as usual, there is a lot packed into this not-lengthy story. It is the first in the series and creates a world of elves, fairies and royalty that I definitely want to visit again. The writing style is fluid with a great balance of story foundation, conversation, action and steamy goodness. I am left wanting more as more details would bring this story and realm even more to life. Honora speaks of her family. How did her journey of revenge start? Who did she lose that has compelled her to such a deadly occupation? There is a stunning revelation about her lineage that is left open and I can’t wait to hear how that came to be.
I loved the story, the characters and can’t wait for more in this series!
Book provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
but that’s not why I’m here. I’m here for you. her body betrayed her, yearning for something other than violence from him. her guilty pleasure. MERCENARY & MAGIC & FAE!! LIGHT, DARK & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN!!! What more could you possibly ask for??? Well, except for this book to be a million pages long, of course! wink I was CAPTIVATED from the start!! What a FAETASTIC book!!! I ABSO-ELFING-LUTELY love, Love, LOVE EVERYTHING about it!! I have always loved all things Fae, with their Seelie and Unseelie courts, rivalries, magic, friends, Royalty, love & lust and Sarah's adventure into Fae Land is no exception!! She captures everything I love (& hate) about the courts FAETASTICALLY! The MARVE-LOVE-US characters are well-developed, the storylines are COURTERRIFICALLY awesome & intriguing and the all but immediate & intense attraction between Honora and Brennan heat up the story to melting levels! Throw in some humor and you get one ROYALLY MAGNIFAEICENT BOOK!! This book would not be as FAESCINATING if not for Sarah and her very own special brand of author magic!! Her FAENOMENAL talent combined with her genuine gift bring this book, the characters and their potential Happily ELFER after to full blown Technicolor life in my mind’s eye! I am completely captivated and cannot wait for more!!!
Honora Butler is a mercenary with only one mission – to dispose of wicked fairies, elves and other Unseelie beings until she meets the dark elf – Brennan in this riveting medieval fantasy romance.
After her family was slaughtered, Honora spent her life prepared to do whatever it took to rid the world of the monsters that killed them and the reader can’t help but get drawn into the story as Brennan sets fire to her passions and has her questioning everything she believed. The characters captivate readers from the very beginning and the fast paced and smooth flowing plot draws reader in and refuses to let go while the red hot desire that Honora and Brennan feel for each other adds lots of spice to the story with some sizzling sex scenes.
Spine tingling anticipation builds as Honora is accused of murder and Brennan has to decide just how much she means to him and the well written scenes and details bring the story to life while the medieval setting adds authenticity to the story and the emotional insecurities adds depth.
I was totally captivated with the story from the very beginning and I can’t wait to find out what Sarah has in store for this series next.
Honora became an assasin after her parents were murdered by the dark fae. After hunting down and killing the Fear Dearg who is threatening a human woman, Honora must run for her life or risk being taken by the Slaugh. She takes refuge in the Manor house of Lord Brennan O'Naill, a prince of the Unseelie. Honora soon finds herself captive and tied up, and can't resist the dark prince. After a night of intense and mutually satisfying sex, Brennan releases Honora, even though he suspects she is half dark fae. Honora soon finds herself a captive in the dungeon of of the Unseelie. It will be up to Brennan to save the woman that he wants to make his wife. Brennan fights a duel with another fae who would like nothing more than to make Honora his slave.
I loved this book it has every thing I like some fantasy, duels, and BDSM.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
I received this for a honest review. This was a little different from what I normally read of Sarah Makela but I really enjoyed the book.
Honora Butler lost her family to the dark elves and has sworn revenge. She had sworn to kill as many as she could. Running from the dark spirits she found herself in the home of a dark elf. She did not even know the power this dark elf held. Brennan O’Niall just happens to be the Prince of the dark elves.
Brennan found himself highly attracted to Honora. He saw something in her that she did not even know about herself. He wanted her and ached for her. Something in her made him feel the need to protect her.
It is not long before Honora finds herself in danger. She is on trial for murder. Her only saving grace is if Brennan can save her and get her out of the mess she is in. Honora will have to learn to come face to face with who she is and Brennan will have to try to survive while he wins Honora for his own.
An assassin that is after dark elves was a new concept for me. It really worked for the story. Honora is out to seek justice for the death of her family. She has been recruited to work as a mercenary. As she is fleeing from danger during one of her kills she finds herself taking refuge in an empty house.
Brennan finds Honora in his house and wants to know her and why she’s there. And boy does he really want to know her. Things really get rolling when Honora is captured and held for murder. Brennan must fight to make things right and save her. Honora may have bitten off more than she can handle when she first set off to find revenge for her family. She ends up taking a new look at her view of the dark elves. Captivated certain does captivate. I can’t wait for more of Honora and Brennan’s world.
A short, sexy story that is the first in a new series. After witnessing her family murdered at a young age Honora wants nothing more than to rid the world of Dark Fae. When she murders one she must seek shelter and when she does she enters the home of Brennan, Dark Fae Prince. Brennan knows that there is more to Honora than she knows and their attraction to each other is instant. When Honora leaves and runs into a friend of Brennan she is charged with murder even though she tries to save her. Will Brennan be able to save Honora or will she become a slave? This story is set in Medival times and has an HEA. Can't wait for the next story in this series since it contains a combination of genres tha I like to read about.
I received a copy of this book for a honest review...
I must say I was swept away by the magic and passion of this story.
Honora was orphaned by dark fairies, so when she comes face to face with a Dark Fairy Prince Brennan all her mercenary instincts kick in. What she never expected was to feel so attracted to him, when he kisses her, all her will leaves her.
Brennan cannot believe he is so attracted to a mercenary killer of his kind, yet there is something dark in her, he can see it. Who is Honora really and why were her parents murdered?
Honora is imprisoned and comes face to face with a someone from her past she rather not remember. Will Brennan be able to win her for his own and keep her from the clutches of her past?
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book*
CAPTIVATED by Sarah Mäkelä
Honora Butler is an assassin for her guild. When her family was murdered by a dark elf, she focused on the one thing that motivates her in life...revenge. Until she meets a dark elf that is nothing like she expected him to be or his kind.
Brennan O'Niall is fascinated by Honora, he craves her and his not sure why. When she's charged with murder, he decides to find out the truth and make a decision on what she means to him.
This is book one in this new and intriguing series, Courts of Light and Darkness. It has a interesting storyline, and very likable characters. For a short read it had loads of action, entertainment, and romance. A very exciting and enjoyable story.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review Once again, Sarah has "captivated" (pun intended) my attention and kept it to the last word. She has a gift that lets you see into her own imagination through her written words. This is simply another example of her wonderful work. The plot has substance, and the characters are well rounded. It is easy to feel their pain and love, excitement and insecurities, throughout the entire book. Set in a time and place brought to us solely from the deep mind of the author, this is definitely worth the read.
Received an ARC copy from author for a honest review. Magical, intriguing, well written, suspenseful, paranormal story with interesting characters. Honora is a mercenary who fears nothing including death. Her whole purpose of living is to avenge the death of her family until she meets up with Brennan, a dark elf. Drawn to him in a way that she doesn't understand, she feels a connection. Despite knowing what Honora suppose to be, Brennan craves and desires her like no other. Loved their chemistry and interaction. Overall, I found it to be quite an enjoyable read.
Honora kills the Unseelie, mostly because Dark Elves killed her parents. When fate send her running into the arms of Brennan, a Dark Elf Prince, she finds herself drawn to him, and unable to get the upper hand trying and failing to fight her way free. Brennan cannot seem to get Honora out of his head but attempts to keep her end in trouble. When she is accused and captured by other dark elves he puts his life on the line to save her. Interesting storyline, lots of heat and a touch of dark. Looking forward to more! **this book received in exchange for an honest opinion**
Honora Butler turns mercenary and she is determined to get the people who are responsible for her family's death 1 way or another and she has done well until now. Brennan O’Niall finds Honora in his house and for some reason craves her like a drug but his kind is the one who killed her family but there is something more to her then meets the eye and he is determined to find the truth when murder comes into play.
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book. This is book 1 of the series Courts of Light and Darkness by the author.
I was given this new book and just asked to give an honest review and this is what my thoughts are: This new series leads you into the adventurous world of dark fae, mercenaries, elfs, gnomes and magic. This is a great new medieval fantasy book with hot, intense sex scenes that will definately draw you in. The characters are exciting and keep you wanting more. Cant wait to read more books in the Courts of Light and Darkness Series.
I really enjoyed this book. The depth in which the characters lives unfolded and how they weaved together had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I caught myself holding my breath more then once as I read and could not wait to turn the next page to see what was going to happen. Sarah Makela is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine and I look forward to reading more of her work and I can't wait to read more in this series.
Intriguing and Very Original This well written short story was very enjoyable to read. You have Unseelie fae a Dark elf and a mercenary who is more then what she seems. It’s a story where good and evil gets blurred from past experiences. It’s also a love story of two creatures who under other situations may have never met. And this story is so much more. Highly recommend to all to read.
I found the story very interesting. The only issue I had with it was I wanted to know more about Honora family was she from royal decent in the story they commented that she was from royal blood also was she kidnapped how did she end up in the hands of the mercenaries. Overall it was a good read looking forward to reading more on Honora and Brennan.
This story starts off fast and never slows down. With this being the first book in the Courts of Light & Darkness, I am hooked and will be looking forward to future releases in this series. The connection between Honora & Brenden is steamy and keeps you hanging on to see what happens next with them. I can't wait for the next book in this series to be released.