With her first two books in a two-part series, "Captivated," reaching #1 on Amazon and #2 on iTunes, Katherine King has established herself as an International Best Selling Romance Author. A mother, wife, dog lover, restauranteur and innkeeper, Katherine wears many hats...but by far her favourite job is being a writer. Sign up for her free starter library at www.katherineking2001.com
This was awful. The dialogue was lame, the lack of contractions made it sound so forced and unbelievable. The instalove was completely unreal, the characters were not fleshed out. the love scenes were too much and also unreal. I'm all for reading a complete fantasy but I can't find the point in this book.
Captivated by Katherine King was the first book in the Stile duet which focused on Harley Stile and Kate Knight. This was my first book by the author.
Harley was a rock star. He was gorgeous, confident, cocky, alpha and used to getting his way. He saw Kate at a concert and wanted her immediately. However, he quickly learned that Kate was not a fan, led a simple life, had a boyfriend and was not interested in his lifestyle. Captivated weaved the story with Harley’s chase of Kate and her struggling emotions. I liked Harley but I struggled with Kate. She was definitely a “the glass is half empty” girl and the constant negativity wore on me. Otherwise, it was interesting, told with a dual POV and fairly well written, other than some editing errors mixed in.
As it was a duet, the story was still developing and it ended with a cliff hanger to conclude the full story in book two. Although intriguing, I preferred more development with a stronger heroine. My anticipation for book two is that it will finish strong by expanding on those two focal points.
I got this as a freebie, and I considered a DNF but wanted to see it through to the end. I even read the next book, as I can't stand a cliffhanger and not finding out what happens. So this review is for both "Before" and "After" together. For me, there were several problems. First off, I rarely dislike a lead character due to weakness of character, but Kate was ridiculously indecisive and scared, to the point that it's not that believable. It was hard to see what Harley saw in her due to her extreme emotional liability. I usually try to give the author the benefit of the doubt in that she is trying to demonstrate a flawed character so I kept reading (aren't we all flawed after all?). My next problem with the book was the writing itself. I have become a fan of a lot of indie authors over the last year, and I admire anyone who puts themselves out there to publish a novel. Unfortunately, this was a fairly amateur attempt compared to a lot of the authors who are out there right now. The use of dueling POV's can be a good tool, but it wasn't always clear in the start of a new chapter as to who was narrating. Then, the dialogue was very stilted; no conjugations were used in the spoken dialogue which made it stiff and very formal, not modern at all. There were moments when I wondered if the author is perhaps not American, which would explain the lack of a casually modern dialogue. Especially if Kate is from California, we have a very casual speech pattern here. (and FYI better research would be good: there are no private beaches on the CA coast). Then she used conjugations in the narrative, which was odd. Is this something that is discussed in writing workshops?? The narrative was fairly abrupt and choppy, and made it hard to follow the flow of the character's thoughts at times.
The things I liked: overall the plot and the rest of the characters. I felt like Harley's dedication to Kate was sweet, that he had truly found his life partner but didn't know how to go about making it a reality. Seems entire plausible in the life of someone who is young, rich and famous, and wants to lead a more normal life but has obligations and a lot of expectations from those around him. And I really liked the ending, it was unexpected and sweet.
I applaud the author for her work, it's better than I can do, but would suggest she continue to work on her writing, and perhaps do a little more research prior to the next release.
Overall an okay read for a freebie, but wouldn't spend any money on it.
I really wonder about all the reviewers throwing out all these 4 & 5 star ratings to everything they read.
Is this some kind of stupid participation award? Yay! You wrote words! First place blue ribbon for you!
The only problem is, if every book is the best thing you’ve ever read: A) you need to find a new rating method, because auto 5 star artificially makes awful books better than they are AND cheapens truly extraordinary work by rating them the same as everything else; B) you need to raise your standards; and C) you are letting your fellow readers down with inaccurate reviews AND not doing authors favors by NOT providing honest and fair reviews.
Being an author is terrifying. You put your heart and soul on the page, then submit yourself to judgement hoping that others like your work. The LAST thing you need is someone blowing smoke up your ass, telling you that your work is really good, when it is really not.
I can equate this to some contestants on shows like America’s Got Talent or So You Think You Can Dance, where the contestant is so abysmally awful, but thinks they’re the best because no one in their life ever bothered to tell them the truth. This benefits no one.
Yes, being an author is terrifying, but I would rather have an honest review telling me that I’m awful, than someone giving me 5 stars but being dishonest. Sure, that would sting, but I’ll get over it. It’s ok to not like something, and I’ll value your honesty more, and moreover, thank you for it.
Now, for this book. Ugh. Usually, I’m a sucker for rock star romance, but this one fell so far short.
First, the H, Harry Stiles, pardon, Harley Stile was cliche and one-dimensional, with quite a few requisite dirty phrases thrown in. Second, he was a really awful person, pursuing and sexually assaulting Kate, even though he knows she has a boyfriend.
Kate is also awful for allowing it. I want to know why the feelings of discontent about Ian didn’t surface until she encountered Harry, oops, Harley. (Ok, I’ll quit it now, I promise) And why is it always, ‘I’ve never felt like this before. I’m no virgin, but no one has ever made me feel like this!’ Again, if every author write this, then it’s nothing special.
Cliffy! Oh, how I hate cliffhangers.
Also, I think it’s really funny that the picture on the cover is of a man wearing boxing gloves and shorts.
I loved the premise and was excited to read this one. However, it did not work for me. This is my opinion.
Dual POVS. Not a fan of frequent switch in POVs. Writing dual POVs is not easy and I think sometimes authors should just stick to one. Story starts off with the heroine having a boyfriend. I hate when the heroine talks about whether she is a prude or not. "I am no virgin..." (loc 678) There was too much inner dialogue contemplating everything.
I LOVE cliffys. I am a cliffy whore. I seek out stories that end in cliffys. LOVE THEM. However, there is only one type of cliffy I hate and this one had it.
So I will not continue reading about Harley and Kate. Reading is subjective, you may love this. This is my opinion.
I received this book for free from Amazon. I am a sucker for rock-star romances, this one intrigued me, so I was excited to read it.
Kate goes to a concert with her best friend. Harley, see's her as he is performing and immediately knows that he wants to meet her. Kate, being in a relationship, turns him down. Kate is at an event with her boy friend when she sees Harley again. Sparks fly and that is when the chase begins.
I say chase because Harley had his work cut out for him with Kate. She was a tough nut to crack. This is where I did not understand where Kate was coming from. It was a constant push and pull with her. She continuously said that she didn't want to get too involved with Harley because she just knew that he would "break her". I get this....somewhat. But IMO she was too over the top with this, and this made me frustrated with Kate.
Harley was a dream hero. He saw Kate, pursued her, and ultimately fell in love with her. He gave Kate all he had, and wanted to give her more. I loved Harley, even though at times, I wondered why exactly was he chasing Kate so hard.
All in all I really enjoyed this, and to my dismay it ended on a cliffy! But thanks to the wonders of twitter, I have stalked the author and Stiles: After is coming out this week!!
I am really looking forward to seeing how Harley and Kate's story plays out.
This is my first book to read by this author and although I liked the writing, story and the plot, this book fell short for me in a few places.
Both the H and h have relationship concerns that are understandable, but the "h" is a "runner" and not for the short term, would have completely walked away from "the love of her life" had fate not interrupted. There should be concerns in this type of relationship, but completely walking away from it, without giving an effort or hearing the other person out is almost disrespectful to someone who is so important in your life.
The other thing that made it VERY difficult for me to read is that the writer, although has good style, has steamy but short sex scenes and most annoying is that every character in every situation has 100% proper grammar, with no "contraction" words ever. Example, always using "it is" as opposed to it's. Especially in the heat of the moment or when intoxicated, nobody talks like this in every day life and it did make it less smooth for me to read. I found myself trying to insert shorter words or phrases to make it more like a "real" conversation in many places, The story is somewhat based overseas as well as the US, so some words have the proper English spelling, example: colour, instead of color, which is fine, but the proper grammar throughout, where most people would speak more fluently was an irritant for me.
Last.... I hate cliffhangers. Had I known this was one of those, I'd have chosen not to read it. I personally am an avid fan of a writer who can tell the whole story in one book, as opposed to finding a way to sell the next book. I've read many series by many authors, but appreciate when each book in the series can be read alone with a beginning, middle and completion.
I will likely read more by this author and GREATLY appreciate the good editing, lack of typos and such in this book. Just hope the author isn't a serial cliffhanger writer.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
(OH, i found the right cover, the 2nd book didn't have the option to change to the correct cover??! wonder why?) I hope this is the right book, the one I read was a totally different cover??! A tattoo guy on the front? this book 2 me was the better of the 2 books in this series … I found the first book in the series on Amazon for free & this was 3.99, I think it was … I understand why they were 2 books but glad I didn't have to pay for both books … hope that make sense. I love the characters … wanted an HEA … but??! wow wee … glad to find a new author. quick fun read. ( :
Captivated: Stile Before Katherine King I personally had a hard time getting into the story. However, it wasn’t because of the writing, it was due to my lack of interest in the subject matter. The story was well written and the characters were developed nicely. Overall the writing was spot-on. This book does end on a kind of cliff-hanger, but continues on in Captivated: Stile After. The one thing I really did like about this book was the lack of sex in the story. The author built the relationship between the characters rather than just tossing them into bed together. It is a romance with a lot of sexual tension, and is well written. You can get your copy of Captivated: Stile Before on amazon at; https://www.amazon.com/Captivated-Sti... As well as Captivated: Stile After on amazon at; https://www.amazon.com/Captivated-Sti...
I had high hopes for Captivated. It is one of the few free kindle books I have gotten on Amazon that I had actually heard about before I found it on the marketplace (I will readily admit to being a hoarder of free kindle books, whether I recognize the author or not). The reviews on Amazon are all positive and I was giddy that I had found it for free. I was in the mood for a good romance with a bit of smut (I'll be honest, sometimes you just want to indulge), but that is not how this book panned out. Now I’m just annoyed that I’ve wasted my time on a book everyone is obviously delusional about. At least it was free.
There is nothing likeable about this story. My good feelings started dropping within the first chapter when the hero chooses his victim from the crowd in front of his stage. It was laughable. Have you ever been on a brightly lit stage? You can’t see details of the crowd in front of you, much less notice what kind of skirt and shoes individual people are wearing. It was instalove/lust with no real motivation behind it. The romance is so ugly and confusing: it begins with sexual assault, some more stalking and sexual assault, and then when the woman gives in and says yes to wanting to be assaulted the guy actually backs off and says they need to slow down, so he can “get to know her” and tease out the desire. What? I’m sorry, you’ve already sexually assaulted this woman multiple times, claimed her as your own when she had a boyfriend, and proceeded to stalk her. She gives in to your manipulations and suddenly you want to slow down? Is this a weird power play thing? Is the author trying to show that you are still a good guy even though you've sexually assaulted this poor woman multiple times now? I’m just so confused over this “romance”. It was extremely forced and distasteful.
The writing is juvenile and stilted, especially in the dialogue. Nothing flows. The dual perspective does nothing to help the narrative move along because it is only used to repeat what just happened from the other person’s pov. If the characters had been more fleshed out this strategy could have added a whole new dynamic to their interactions, but the characters have no personality, except for female doormat and male predator, so they have no depth, human insight or even personal feeling (except that strange forced lust) to add.
And, if you’re looking for smut (which this should have had because it’s an erotic romance), you’re barking up the wrong tree. These characters have so little chemistry it’s laughable. There’s just immediate thrusting and boob grabs. And really awkward scenes of public sexual assaults, which try to pass as hot and romantic acts of passion. Nothing about this book was hot. Or even romantic. Or interesting, really.
I had to skim to reach the end, which wasn’t even an end because there’s a freakin cliffhanger where there doesn’t need to be. I have an idea. Take out all those doubled up perspective shifts and add the sequel to the end. Voila: One book. One disastrous pseudo-erotic book.
I had read the second book before the first, by accident, and because the book had been recommended to me. I purchased Book 1 two years ago didn't read it because of the lacklustre reviews, then started reading the second. So yesterday and today, I read the first book, second. Sorry if that sounds as confusing as the plot to Book 1, but that's the way the cookie crumbles.
This book had a great plot line, I could have shown the author a dozen different ways to make this interesting, and instead she chose to make the H, Kate, totally juvenile in her reactions. The first time there is a problem with her Rock Star Boyfriend, Harley, that she thinks she's in love with, she runs like an eight year old (using eight year old grammar) and hides with her parents. And her parents BACK this play. Sorry, but to make it even a little realistic, her parents would have either been ready to show him the door OR shove her into him, seeing how she felt. But they did neither.
Her junior high behavior really took away from this book, and the very young writing style didn't help me out either. As I said in my review of the second book, the grammar was terrible and rife with double negatives, poorly constructed sentences, more than one tense change in sentences, I could go on but won't bother, I think you get the idea.
In my review of Book 2, I listed some of the grammar errors. There's no reason to do that twice, but rest assured, this book had just as many as the second. It is a disappointment that the reader has to imagine what the sentence says while they're reading. I'm not good at that. If I'm reading, I expect the author to be able to put their words together so I don't have to pause and re-read, then edit it, then re-read it again. When I finish a book and it has 47 highlights, that is 45 too many. I'm perfect willing to overlook a couple of typos, when the wrong descriptive words are used, I stop reading.
As I said before, it was a great plot line but no imagination went into the crafting of the story and because this was a recommended title, I have 3 more books of this author's to read.
Sadly, this one did not do it for me. I really, really wanted to love this story. But, I've had such an extremely difficult time just with the grammar, all very perfect with out contractions, that I haven't been able to enjoy the story itself. It is very literal, and I also believe there is such a thing as too much detail. Even in written word. I hope the author takes these negative comments seriously. If I could read it again with the characters talk in a fluent and fluid manner, I would . Because that would mean that I could finish it. I've tried twice. Both times I haven't made it past 20%.
I think the author did a good job on the storytelling, from what I did read. I was a little taken aback with the first sexual scene, as it seemed almost like an attack. Howver, the female "H" didn't take it quite the way I did. I do think there is a great story here. It just needs to be edited in a manner where the words flow with fluidity. Not such perfect grammar, where it all seems stiff and each word is cut of from the other. I, too, as others have mentioned, had to insert contractions in many places where they should have been to make the sentences feel comfortable to read. And had to change other things in my head too. It was too much, and took away from the story. This is why I didn't finish.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so that I can give an honest review, so here goes...
Wow...absolutely wow! Romantic and refreshing, an honest portrayal of an uplifting love story that slowly unfolds. Told from both points of view the concept as well as the development of the story was clear and convincing. A beautifully told story that captivated me from the start and kept me entertained throughout. An amazing storyline with memorable characters you are sure to fall in love with, are so honest with their emotions and mor than anything it feels real. The dynamics between the main characters was breathtaking.
Brilliantly detailed. I really admire the authors realistic writing style- classy, poignant, funny and heartfelt a feast of emotions, a page turner, wonderfully engaging, I could not put it down I read it in one sitting. A great balance of humour, love and hotness, this author amazed me - a masterpiece. Well written and edited an incredible and emotional story that touches your heart, and had me gasping with nervous anticipation.
I absolutely loved this novel and can't wait to read more. I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending this book. A MUST read. Thank you KK 😁
This book caused me to have a crazy boatload of emotions on rather I even liked the characters. I understand it's a book but I have a problem with wishy washy people who can't make a decision. That being said, I did enjoy the story and want to read the next one because. . . yup cliff hanger. OK let's talk story well one really irritating this is no contractions which makes the characters feel robotic or stilted. If you can get past that then it's a really good story that doesn't have a bunch of sex, but loads of sexual tension which the author does really well. The fact that both of these folks are runners and have a boatload of insecurities to work out just makes the chase fun. Do I want to read more? Yes. I love the fact that these two took their time before jumping in the sac even though it's all they thought about. I like that the author gave them trials and tribulations that keep them apart rather than wham bam everything is perfect.
I haven't read this author before and I love trying out new ones and this is one I would like to read more of. I am not a huge fan of rocker stories but I like how this one is playing out and want to finish it.
Captivated: Stile Before by Katherine King Kate is in a relationship when she meets Harley at his concert. She does not fall for his flirtatious ways and this is a first for Harley. However Harley believes there is something about Kate and when their paths cross again he knows that he definitely wants her. Harley is a famous rock star and has a life of partying and womanizing. He knows that something is missing in his life and when he meets Kate he knows she is the missing part. Will Kate give Harley the time of day? Can Harley be the man for Kate? For the most part I really enjoyed this story. It does leave you on a cliff hanger, so be warned. The author developed the characters over a time which allowed us to see their uncertainty and insecurities they had with each other. There is a lot of push and pull between the main characters and I found the beginning and the end was where the main excitement of the story was. Overall I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to seeing where Ms King leads us next. Reviewed for Hot books and Sassy Girls book blog
I liked the development of this story. There was a lot of sexual tension, but the relationship was beautifully developed instead of rushed. I liked the characters and I enjoyed the pace. The writing and editing were good as well. Somehow, I completely missed that Harley was a rock star before I started reading it, lol. Somewhere in my mind, I thought he was a fighter (like MMA). I think the cover made me think that. On that note, love the cover image. The best part about this book was the suspense. I wasn't even mad at the "cliffhanger." I'd recommend this book to others and I look forward to reading more from the author.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing. ~Lashanta
SCORE: Stars: 5 (out of 5) for overall story Chilies: 5 (out of 5) for heat between the sheets/or anywhere else
BOOK TIDBITS: Genre: Adult Romance Recommended Readers: 18+ Chapters: 30 Ending: Cliffhanger Main Characters: Kate Harley Series: Stile Series
REVIEW: Wow! Wow! Wow! This one is beyond sizzling hot. The drama and sexual tension between Kate and Harley is intense until they finally give into their feelings for each other. But the life of a famous rock star isn’t easy, for either of them. Troubles quickly begin once they let go and give into their feelings for each other. It ends just as dramatically.
I will confess I’m hooked. I just bought the second book to finish the series and I’m going to read it as soon as I finish with this. A MUST READ!!!
This story is so emotionally charged and intense that I couldn't stop reading it. What Kate found with Harley was an indestructible earthshaking bond that could endure anything fate could throw at them and still survive. I loved the two main characters along with their close friends and family. The way Ms. King explained important scenes from both Harley's and Kate's point of view added another depth to the story giving the reader a true glimpse into what they were truly feeling and thing. This only endeared these characters more to the readers making Harley and Kate really human. I LOVED THIS FAST -PACED HEARTRENDERING STORY!!!! I HAVE TO READ PART #2-HAVE TO FIND OUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN! Great Story!!!!!
I had this book sitting in my Kindle for a while, and I have no idea why I waited so long to read it. I laughed, and I cried and got so hot. I needed two fans. I’m sure it’s because I’ve never dated a rockstar but the main character makes me crazy. I can’t tell if she’s self-destructive or so terrified of life that she can’t take a chance. I’m always the person jumping to be in first so it’s a little difficult for me to understand her. Despite my confusion over the main character, I loved every piece of this book because It’s just how fast life can be and how heartbreaking. I think back to younger time when I read this as everything felt possible before Adulting became real. I can’t wait for book two.
Heartstopping, amazing, angsty, awesomeness that I wouldn't and couldn't put down if my life depended on it. Read it a while back and I still think about it, that's how much it affected me. This writer has such a way with keeping you invested and on the very edge of your seat. You're not quite sure whether you will get the HEA you are wanting but you will love the ride as you try to figure it out. This one will leave you on the cliff, but you will be glad to know the next in the series is waiting for you to click and stay up all night reading!
Read everything Katherine King writes...she is amazing!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and this my honest opinion of this book. This is a rock star love story. The story is well written and the characters are both complete and connected to one another. This book is more of a contemporary romance and not erotic or dark romance as the author focused on the relationship between the characters rather than the sexual element of it. It does end on bit of a cliff hanger making way for book 2. I really liked this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a romance built on love and not sex of the relationship.
First off, there is a cliffhanger. Not a fall of the earth and shatter cliffhanger, but still a cliffhanger and no mention of it in the description. It really bothers me when a author doesn't mention it, it is such a easy thing to mention. Second, I didn't feel any connection to the characters. There was no depth and no true connection. Third, the plot felt like it has been done in a hundred other books just like it. That all being said, I didn't hate it (maybe a little in parts) it was was just ok. I can say the book was a little boring. Just not for me.
BRAVO ! 😆 A GREAT CAPTIVATING READING I really enjoyed reading this story . Katherine style of writing for a strong structure storyline and well developed characters and supporting characters brilliant exquisitely well written . The story captivating from start to finish 💋 💖 . Building up the storyline with right amount of captivating sizzling chemistry . I love and recommend this book to everyone 😆 😙 .
This book was good but got frustrating near the end. Why couldn't they talk to each other? Why couldn't she compromise a little? Why didn't he tell her he loved her? They are not the first, and will not be the last, couple to have to navigate a long distance relationship. Couldn't they take hints from others (like his band mates) on how to make it work? I just think they didn't try hard enough. Definitely she didn't. With that said, I did like the book and couldn't put it down.
This book is free on Amazon in hope that the storyline will intrigue you enough to buy the continued book 2 for the conclusion. I couldn’t connect with the characters. There are two things in a storyline I don’t like and it was in this book, young couples or immature thoughts. I really wanted to like this book but I couldn’t see the chemistry of the couple. After reading the reviews for the second book it made my decision to not continue this series.
I typically avoid rocker stories, usually not my favorite, but was given this arc to voluntarily review, and I'm so very glad I did. Wonderful characters all so charged with honest emotions you can almost step into their shoes. Fun, sexy and heart wrenching agony all bundled in this book of Capivated!
You have me captivated from the moment I started this book. Kate is in a relationship with her boyfriend but after one brief encounter she is questioning her feelings for him. Knowing the person who captivated her may oneself her as a notch on his bedpost. This is a short story in my opinion but packs a lot of info. Definitely will need to read the rest to find out what happens with Kate.
A sweet romance. Harley and Kate have great chemistry. But Kate is unsure if she can handle being in the spotlights and do the long distance thing too. Jake is all in, but cannot make the relationship work on his own.
I wasn’t aware there would be a cliffhanger, otherwise I would’ve given it 4 stars.
I received a copy and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Not what I expected at all. Especially trying to connect the cover model with Harley, no not happening. Model portrayed a virile, alpha man. That was not Harley. How he put up with what's her name was unbelievable. And her, I wanted to slap some sense into her immature, whiney self. I hope part 2 has Harley develop a spine and Her growing up.