Highwayman's Hostage

Secret Lords and Ladies #2

by Erin Grace

Most men try to bury a traumatic past, but Matthew Leighton's fading memories of his murdered parents are what drive him. Born in Spain to an English Lord and a Spanish lady of quality, his young existence had all but been brutally erased, his life salvaged only by the selfless deeds of others. Years later, the discovery of a devastating secret fuels his quest for revenge, and sees him return to his father’s homeland to confront those who’d betrayed him – his own family.

But kidnapping his cousin’s betrothed had never been part of the plan.

Having survived the ‘darker’ side of polite society, Elizabeth Hollister learned not only to handle a pistol, but to rely on one person – herself. At twenty four, she intends to claim her inheritance and control her future. But when her plans for independence are stripped away and she is forced into a loveless engagement, she refuses to believe fate has dealt its final hand – even when she is kidnapped by a mysterious highwayman.

Forced to choose between being a prisoner of marriage or a madman’s hostage, Elizabeth wants neither - until she realizes it’s her heart that’s being held for ransom.

**Before reading Erin's books, please note that she writes using UK English, which can vary from the US English in spelling, grammar and phrases.



( Historical romance, romance, romance novel, romance book, highwaymen, captive romance, sensual historical romance, love story, adventure historical romance)

Genres: Historical Romance

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 14, 2015

About the author

Erin Grace's love of collecting and reproducing antique lace led to a deep connection with the past. She felt every snippet of the precious fabric held a unique story - one Erin longed to tell.

But, as no two pieces of lace are the same, neither are Erin's stories. Escaping from her 'real world' of sales and marketing, she immerses herself in unfolding tales of dire circumstance, brave heroines, unscrupulous villains and, of course, passionate hot-blooded men.

Erin's favourite authors include Julie Garwood, Amanda Quick and Diana Gabaldon.

When not writing, Erin indulges in her love of home-style food by cooking for her family and friends. Erin lives with her husband and three sons in the beautiful Blue Mountains of Australia.

Reviews

[Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different story from the 'usual', which I enjoyed. Interesting array of secondary characters give the hint at a possible sequel.

[Alison Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young child witnesses the murder of his parents and the destruction of his birthright and grows into an embittered angry man, bent on revenge on his cousin. The tool of that revenge falls into his hands in the person of Eliza, a capable and resourceful young woman who has the misfortune to be betrothed to the man he has sworn to kill. Matthew and Eliza have to earn their HEA

A villainous villain and colourful cast of secondary characters make for an enjoyable read and I am hoping that William, in particular, has his own story in the future.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that is filled with adventure and a wonderful romance between Matthew and Elizabeth Matthew has been through so much in is life and is determined to get revenge on his cousin Lord Crawford but when he ends up kidnapping Crawford's fiancé which was not part of his plan things turn around for both Eliza and Matthew the banter between Eliza and Matthew will keep you smiling she is such a strong and determined heroine with demons from her past and with their love growing both learn to put the past behind and step into the future together for a wonderful HEA loved this one.

[Nicole Normand · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book discounted on Amazon via BargainBooksy; this is my honest review.
-This book is categorized as "Historical Romance". Even with the title I wasn't expecting Stockholm syndrome. What I received instead is horrifying details of deaths, near rapes, corpses, etc. There is adventure, revenge, sadism, a bit of open door details, not much romance, no lust. Of course it ends well (eye roll).
-I won't even try reading her other books I bought for fear to be left with images in my head that don't belong there, just like this one did.
-The only historical details I could think of were the travelling by horses and carriages, and maybe the clothing. Even hunting boxes exist nowadays.
-Editing needs a serious pass. Even at the end when the author thanks you for reading her book, it's not the correct h/H!!!!!! Wrong words, too many words, missing words, :Fussy/fussing, the rain is will be setting, and feet felt like clay - same exact sentiment twice - , he clasped his knifed and, at (her) through, Eliza had got in (gotten), the/then, heaven/heavenly, etc.