His Captive Princess

by Sandra Jones

Earned respect is sweet…but deserved revenge is sweeter.

Warren de Tracy was assured the Welsh village of Dinefwr would be an easy conquest, as would the widow of its fallen prince. Wedding her will appease the locals and win the respect of his liege, the usurper King Stephen.

Instead, Warren is ambushed, taken prisoner by a hooded Welshwoman with skin that glows like moonlight. If he must die at her hands, at least his honorable death will silence the whispers of disloyalty hanging over his name.

Princess Eleri has never seen a knight as stoic—and as eager to die—as Warren. She’d love to oblige the bastard, but something in his ocean-blue eyes stays her hand. Plus, suspicion nags at her, for the arrows that wounded him and killed his men are Norman, not Welsh.

A ghostly prophecy portends danger that thrusts the enemies closer together, where hate explodes into passion that won’t allow Eleri to surrender Warren to her vengeful clan. But returning him to his king breaks more than it mends…and for Warren, retaliation will be sweet, indeed.

Warning: Contains a Norman warrior with a thirst for justice, a Welsh rebel princess with second sight and a steady bow hand, magical prophecies, and a plot of royal proportions.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Steamy

200 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2015

About the author

Sandra is the author of historical and paranormal romance. She was born in the South, where she lives with her husband. She's raised two boys, both now grown. When not writing, she works as a librarian, and attends the occasional Renaissance fair. Huzzah!

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Lesson #1-Never, and I mean NEVER cross a prophecy.

Lesson #2-Never, and I mean NEVER cross a stoic knight on a mission to save his good standing.

Lesson #3-If you are going to retaliate and seek revenge, make it worth your while in every way and watch your back, what goes around and around could end up with a choke hold on your heart!

Warren thought this would be an easy quest, charm the widowed princess, wed her and bed her and all will be better in the world, politically speaking. He was not expecting to die at the hands of the very Welsh princess he had hoped to win over. Eleri is not the shrinking violet Warren was expecting, she is strong, protective and a force to be reckoned with, well skilled in the art of both offense and defense. As her prisoner, can Warren charm her with his quiet ways or will the fiery woman find him a better prize as an offering to her enemy, William, the Usurper. After all, wasn’t the plan to take over her priceless land for the King? Is going against the wishes of her clan worth the trouble sure to come her way? Never let it be said that turnabout isn’t fair play or that all’s fair in love and war…as two warriors find that making love, not war makes captivity that much more enjoyable.

His Captive Princess by Sandra Jones is historical romance at its best! Not too heavy, not too frivolous, but filled with some top rate romantic tension between two strong and clever adversaries. Nothing like a sweet romance between enemies to put life in perspective! Sandra Jones has set the scenes, painted the backdrops and cued her players with all of the precision of an artiste! Great dialogue, attitude and heat, all while traveling back in time when men were men and women could still pull the rug out from under them!

I received an ARC edition from Sandra Jones in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date: April 28, 2015
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Genre: Historical Romance
Print Length: 159 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

She took him as her prisoner and then he took her as his in this exciting medieval romance set in the dangerous times of the Welsh fighting for independence while the English had a fight between cousins for King Henry's throne.

Warren de Tracy is ordered by King Stephen to journey into the Welsh lands to offer himself as bridegroom to a Welsh princess to help achieve stability and peace between their two people. Unfortunately, Warren and his small group of men are betrayed and he ends up the captive of Welsh rebels led by none other than his intended. Failing on this mission will be the final shame after other past failures so he hopes they kill him quickly.

Princess Eleri doesn't know what to make of the man who seemingly came in peace, but is from the hated race that killed her husband. Her visions tell her that he must not be killed or bad would come to their people. She suspects he is important so Eleri keeps him alive to take to her father. Misadventure dogs her little party's trail and it seems that many people on both sides of the conflict want this man dead. As she learns of him, she begins to struggle against her feelings for the enemy and even wants to protect him.

This was one exciting ride and surprised me with the twists of a mystery plot along with the flavor of pagan magic to make things interesting. The enemies to lovers plot line was done well in how these two dealt with each other and the passion between them grew. Warren is a knight after my own heart and reminded me why I adore medieval romance and Eleri as a warrioress was most definitely his equal. I enjoyed them as individuals and loved seeing them slowly become a couple who loved and fought side by side. My only real quibble is that it ended abruptly on a happy for now with several questions still unanswered. I can hope that there is more to come in a sequel.

In the end, I had a great time with this story and would heartily recommend it to those who enjoy medieval era Historical Romance and lots of heat and spice to their romance pair.

My thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Farrah · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Captive Princess was a nice historical romance. I thought it was a lovely read and I enjoyed it.

I liked both of the main characters. Eleri was strong and capable and very protective over her loved ones. Warren was sweet, clever, and definitely a charmer. I thought both of them were great.

The romance was sweet. Eleri and Warren fell in love despite all the obstacles in their way and both would do anything for the other.

The plot was well paced and kept me interested all the way through. There was a twist along the way that actually managed to surprise me, in regards to who was behind all the problems. It was probably the last person I suspected. I enjoyed the story and the ending was lovely. Romance lovers, if you want a quick and enjoyable read, then you'll want to check this book out.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing great, nothing bad. There were no surprises in this book at all. It is your run of the mill historical romance with a red haired heroine and a misunderstood hero. There is a sprinkle of fantasy in this book but not a ton, the characters were well written but not great, the plot was OK but not awesome, the book kept my interest some of the time but not all the time. Can you see where I'm going with this? this book just didn't stand out for me. The only thing I was impressed with was the "self pleasuring" scene and one standout scene does not a book make.

[Patty McKenna Van Hulle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Checkout my review on Flame Resistant Undies Romance Reviews at http://www.flameresistantundiesromanc... .

[Jenny Q · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. I am always looking for historical romances that stand out from the crowd, whether because of an unusual setting or time period or because of unconventional characters and plot lines, and so I was drawn to His Captive Princess. And happily, this book has all of those elements!

First, I loved the Welsh setting and the historical period. King Henry I has died and Stephen and Maude are fighting over the throne. England is in turmoil, and of course that carries over to their neighbors. The story makes good use of the historical background, and the political maneuverings are incorporated into the story, making this much more than a "wallpaper" historical romance.

The characters are also fantastic. A Norman knight, torn as to which ruler deserves his allegiance and anxious to make amends for wrongs committed in the past, travels into the wild forests of Wales to fulfill his duty and cement an alliance by wedding a widowed Welsh princess, though he finds much more than he bargained for. Ambushed, wounded, and taken prisoner, he can't help but admire the beautiful woman who takes him directly to a hostile Welsh prince and leaves him to his fate only to reappear and kidnap him again, this time for her own purposes.

Captivated by the enemy warrior with striking eyes and warned of impending disaster by the old crone only she can see, Princess Eleri takes things into her own hands. Determined to keep her deceased husband's clan from bringing war on their heads and to save the warrior from a cruel death, she forms a plan to deliver him into the bonds of slavery in her father's lands instead and leads a daring clandestine mission through the mystical forests of her homeland. But she never counted on the unseen danger lurking in the woods, or on falling in love with her handsome prisoner. When she realizes she's not the only person with plans for Warren, Eleri is forced to make a difficult decision.

Warren has plans of his own for the woman who loved him and abandoned him to an uncertain fate. But even the best-laid plans can go awry, and when he finally has the opportunity to wreak his own sensual brand of vengeance on the woman he can't forget, a new threat forces Eleri and Warren to work together to save themselves and the future they've only just realized they want to have together. But is their love enough to overcome the differences of their homelands and the enemy that wants them dead, or are they doomed to suffer a tragic fate?

There are two things holding me back from rating this higher. One, I think the romance could have been a bit more developed. It's obvious why Eleri and Warren would lust after each other in the early days of their relationship, but I would have liked to see more interaction to deepen their relationship and really make me feel that Eleri and Warren were falling in love with each other. We sort of skip over what lies between lust at first sight and true love. And two, the supernatural aspect of the story seemed superficial and served mainly as a crutch for questionable decision-making on Eleri's part. There's no insight into how Eleri's ability to see the old crone who predicts death has played out in the past, or how she connects with that part of herself. It just sort of seems to be tacked on, and if it were removed, the story would pretty much be the same without it.

But overall, I enjoyed this action-packed story filled with historical ambiance. The characters are unique and have great chemistry, and their relationship is surprisingly and deliciously sexy. I will definitely read more from Sandra Jones!

*This review was originally posted to Romantic Historical Reviews.

[Amy A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warren de Tracy is under the impression that his trip to the Welsh village of Dinefwr would end with his marrying the newly widowed princess of their newly fallen Prince. A wedding between the two should bring a modicum of peace between the locals and de Tracy's King. What happens instead is Warren is ambushed and taken prisoner by the princess herself. Warren would choose to die and honorable death but Princess Eleri is curious about why Warren was seemingly attacked by his own people. When she sees a vision predicting the death of her brother-on-law (who stepped up as the Prince after her husband died), Eleri determines that Warren must live in order to prevent the prophecy from coming true. In order to keep Warren alive she needs to get him out of Dinefwr. So, Eleri along with her trusted guards head out to deliver Warren to her father's keeping. Only problems arise when Warren and Eleri acknowledge the undeniable attraction they have for one another.

I liked His Captive Princess well enough. The story kind of jumps right in with Warren's group getting ambushed and I think this may have made the political aspects of the story go a little over my head at times. There wasn't much explanation before hand and I was confused about whether or not this was supposed to be historically accurate (with added paranormal) or if the unrest was something Sandra Jones took liberties with for the sake of the story. Maybe I should have known this going in, but in my opinion, you can't always assume you're readers will be familiar with history (or what they'll be familiar with) so a little explanation is never remiss in my book.

As far as the characters, I liked that Eleri was pretty independent. She was able to weigh in on strategy meetings and planning. She fought with the men, quite successfully. In the world Sandra Jones created, for the most part, this was considered the norm. There are your more traditional men featured in the book who don't look kindly on Eleri's fighting, hunting, or her vision, but these are few and far between. I loved that it wasn't an issue. It allowed her character to just be a strong female who knew what she wanted and decided how she was going to get it, not allowing someone else to tell her how to get it. It's true that her first marriage was more of a political match, but based on interactions, I do believe if Eleri had been completely opposed her father wouldn't have forced her into the marriage.

Warren felt a little less fleshed out for me. We know that he cares for his family and he'll do anything to keep them safe, and he sites them as the reasons for some of his actions and / or decisions, but we don't see his interactions much with his family to truly discern their relationship. Unlike with his feelings for Eleri. We see them interacting to it's easy to see how he really feels about her.

Regardless of any faults, His Captive Princess was a quick read that, if you don't try to take too seriously, is pretty fun.

*Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Eileen Dandashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though Warren de Tracy was one hunk of a man, wanting only to please his King and gain his respect, there are others who would not have him succeed in his new mission—that of procuring the hand of Princess Eleri.

Princess Eleri was not one to go willingly to his bed or any other’s bed. She was a warrior in her own right, albeit a rather petite one. She and her brother-in-law were witness to a small conroi of men ambushed. Our hero, a Norman was the only one left alive of his men, wounded severely, but alive. Even though she personally did not wish him dead, he was Norman and they were enemies.

Something stayed Eleri’s hand. She didn’t kill him, but took him to camp, tended his wounds. Mayhap he would be a good slave, he was brawny enough. He’d have just as soon die from his wounds for there were whispers of treason connected to his name and who wanted to be a slave? Half-conscious he was strongly aware of this woman who had climbed out of a tree with a bow, ready to protect her group. Who was she?

Princess Eleri was a seer and by a vision felt she shouldn’t kill this man. As the prisoner healed she didn’t know what to do with him. How did he end up with a wound from the arrow of a Norman bow? Lots didn’t add up in her mind. For ‘tis true, many forces were in play. An even bigger tangle, she realized he was the man who had been sent to be her betrothed.

Eleri and Warren were attracted to each other. They were evenly matched--equally brave and ruthless. It was interesting how the captive, Warren, soon had captured the princess and as events unfolded each relied more upon the other rather than think of themselves as captive and captor, thereby planting the seed of admiration and respect.

In the telling, I felt I needed more secondary character development. The magical side of the story was quite fascinating, but I kept asking myself why this phantom of an old woman could only be seen by Eleri and then later by Warren? What did it symbolize?

I truly enjoyed the plot itself, plenty of surprises at the end with a happy ever after ending. I would have enjoyed the story more if events hadn’t happened so rapidly, events felt condensed without enough side story. I believe I would have appreciated this intriguing story more in a full length novel. It would have made it easier to follow and certainly with Ms. Jones’s writing style, more entertaining.

Note: it would be very helpful to have a glossary of Welsh words used in the story. That way I could follow the story better.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandra's writing flows smoothly and is well-paced, keeping the reader spellbound.

Warning: Contains a Norman warrior with a thirst for justice, a Welsh rebel princess with second sight and a steady bow hand, magical prophecies, and a plot of royal proportions.

HIS CAPTIVE PRINCESS by Sandra Jones is a wonderful, exciting medieval historical romance set in the perilous period when the Welsh were fighting for their independence from the English at the same time King Henry's throne was being fought over by two cousins. This story is the tale of Norman knight Warren de Tracy and Welsh Princess Eleri.

I loved both the strong-willed heroine and the chivalrous hero. Eleri was still grieving for her husband, killed by the Normans, when Warren peaceably rode into her life supposedly to offer his hand in marriage to bring stability to their peoples. Instead of ending up a bridegroom, he and his men were betrayed and Warren ends up being the captive of his intended bride. Her people demand his death but her visions call for Warren to live, so she sets out on a secret, dangerous journey to take Warren to her father.

Warren and Eleri made for an endearing couple and I was happy dancing when they finally succumbed to their undeniable attraction despite all the obstacles to their union. Their chemistry was certainly steamy and combined with touches of mystery and betrayals, dashes of humor, a wee bit of paranormal and scads of action, it all added up to a well-balanced, entertaining tale. I thought it was an unique storyline to have him as her prisoner; and then to have the tables turned and have her as his.

My full review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Check it out here: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...

4 Wine Glasses!

[Cerian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published at Rookie Romance.

His Captive Princess reminds me why I love medieval romances. There's a lot at stake and often life or death situations, with a kick ass rebel princess for a heroine.

Eleri may be a Welsh princess but she was raised to be a lot more active than her pampered English equivalents. She can protect herself and others, and doesn't need a man to fight her battles for her. She's also a compassionate and strong leader. But she also feels undesirable as a woman after a disappointing marriage.

Warren needs to get back in the King's good graces, for himself and his family. So when he's captured by the Welsh the last thing he wants is to be released alive. Warren doesn't want to fight the Welsh, in fact he came to marry Eleri.

Warren and Eleri have a great chemistry which makes things hard for Eleri since he is her prisoner. He's her enemy but the more time she spends with him the less she thinks of him as a Norman soldier but as a man.

His Captive Princess is full of action and romance. I found it was a great medieval romance with an independent heroine and a noble Norman hero, who shouldn't be together but found they couldn't be apart.

*I received a review copy for my honest opinion from the author. Thank you!

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Copy for Review

When Warren de Tracy find himself in the Welsh village of Dinefwr he thought it would be an easy conquest, as would the widow of its fallen prince would become his wife. Figuring that wedding her will appease the locals and win him respect of King Stephen.

But things do not go as planned when he is captured by hooded Welch woman who skin glows like moonlight. If he must die at her hands, at least it will be honorable will silence the rumors of his disloyalty.

Princess Eleri has never faced a knight who is eager to die as Warren but as much as she wants to kill him plus something about him that stops her. Weary that the arrows that wounded him and kill his men were not Welsh but Norman.

Eleri is unable t give him up to her people, as the two are attracted to each other. When the tables are turned and she becomes his captive retaliation is bitter sweet. Can these two maintain their pride and allow themselves to find happiness with each other? How far are they willing to risk their lives for each other despite their families? A compelling read.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, fast paced read with a unique storyline. A female archer who just happens to be a rebel Welsh Princess, a Norman warrior who seeks justice, magical prophecies, second sight, betrayal, danger, passion and romance. I enjoyed the interaction between the H/H. The characters were well developed, engaging, and endearing. The storyline was unique, filled with mystery, and suspense. Well written. I can't wait to see what this author has to offer her fans next. Well done. Fans of Medieval Romance, Welsh-Norman interaction, Historical Romance and romance with magical elements will enjoy "His Captive Princess". Ms. Jones is a wonderful storyteller. An enjoyable and satisfying Historical Romance read.

*Received for an honest review from the publisher via Net Galley*

**Cross-posted on My Book Addiction and More dot com**

Rating: 4
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[Krissys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Captive Princess I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Samhain. Eleri and Warren are fantastic. They're both strong, intelligent and capable characters with the ability to stand on their own independently or individually facing surmounting odds against them. I really grew to respect Eleri as a person and I began to feel sympathy for what she was going through and trying to do. I also felt for Warren and his willingness to sacrifice himself just to end the burden hanging over his head. I really felt for both characters and I was happy that they sought out the journey together through all the craziness and plot twists. His Captive Princess was a fun story full of political intrigue and romance.

[Kimi Court · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story had a good plot and written well. Lots of twists and turns. Learning who you trust is not always the right one. That maybe your enemy is the one to trust. It an adventure and you ride the wave.

Warren and Princess Eleri bicker great (One of my fav things H/H do), one wants to die to save his family honor, the other doesn't want him to die, for it might bring another's death. I absolutely would suggest to read this book. Give it a try, give this author a try.

Be a part of a story, run, fight, play dead. You cannot go wrong with this book.

[Ms. Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Enjoyable Book.

I liked the story about a Norman Warrior and a Welsh Princess who is a rebel. It kept your interest from beginning to end. This was the first book I have read by Sandra Jones and I am sure it will not be the last. I would recommend this book to everyone who loves Medieval Romance Stories. Thank You Sandra Jones for an enjoyable book.

[Jackie Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanxz to Goodreads for another enjoyable book By Sandra Jones. His Captive Princess is about Warren de Tracy and his quest to gain Princess Eleri for a wife to better the good of their kingdoms. Is a romance adventure that moves quickly. Love historicle romance and this delivers in fine fashion.

[Mandi]

I just can't get into this one. I've tried a couple times. Maybe later.