The Capture

Griffin Force #3

by Julie Coulter Bellon

**Whitney Award Finalist in Mystery/Suspense**

"Bellon keeps readers guessing and turning pages..." ---Deseret News

"Those who enjoy international intrigue and high action novels won't want to miss this one!" ---Meridian Magazine

"The Capture" is an intense, action-packed story that will have readers onthe edge of their seats until the dramatic conclusion. ---InD'Tale MagazineA daring rescue. A need for vengeance. Everything is on the line.Julian Bennet, head of Griffin Force, finally finds love with Zaya Altes, but the day he buys her an engagement ring, international terrorist Nazer al-Raimi abducts her. Getting her back consumes him, yet it takes nearly six months to find her. The daring mission to extract her from a hidden prison in Afghanistan is successful, but Zaya has suffered during captivity. Though she's grateful to Julian for breaking her out, she wants nothing to do with him. Before he can show her how much he still loves her, Nazer finds them and vows revenge. Can Julian keep Zaya safe and still stop Nazer once and for all?Zaya Altes nearly gave up hope of ever being rescued, but when Griffin Force finally finds her, returning to life is harder than she imagined. While her feelings for Julian are as strong as ever, she feels too broken to recapture what they once had. Instead, Zaya jumps at a chance to trap Nazer, wanting vengeance for what she's endured. As the final showdown draws near, however, Zaya will have to make an unimaginable choice to let Nazer close to her again. But when a shocking web of betrayal is uncovered in their own ranks, their one chance to capture him is compromised. Julian and Zaya will put everything on the line, but can they survive this ultimate test and finally reach for their chance at happiness?

Genres: Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Military Fiction, Mystery, Lds

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2017

About the author

After reading every Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, and Hardy Boys book her elementary school library had, Julie Coulter Bellon knew from a young age she wanted to write books and be a published author someday. That dream came true and she is now the author of thirty romantic suspense novels and two children's books. One nightmare that also came true was that she once tripped up the stairs going on stage to accept a book award and she thinks about that moment more often than she should.

Julie loves to travel and her favorite cities she's visited so far are probably Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She is a former journalist and podcast host of Authors Off the Page. She loves to read, write, teach, watch Hawaii Five-O reruns, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.

If you'd like to be the first to hear about Julie's new projects and receive a free book, you can sign up to be part of her VIP Readers Group at juliebellon DOT com

Reviews

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Bellon is one of my favorite authors in the romantic suspense genre. Well, she's one of my favorites period. :) I really love her military suspense books- they are full of action, danger and excellent characters that I just can't help but love. This book is part of a series, but it can stand alone. I would recommend reading the whole series though, it's worth it!

This book starts off with Zaya being held hostage by a terrorist organization. She is tortured, starved and near death. I know this is a fictional book but I also know that these things happen today and I am in awe of people who are brave enough to face these things or even the chance of these things when they go to work each day. I would never survive it, but how grateful I am that there are people better than me. Freedom is an amazing gift given by people that this book represents.

Anyway, back to the book. Ha. SO GOOD! Zaya, brave and strong. She holds on in horrific circumstances for so long, waiting to be rescued. Julian is desperate to find Zaya, not only his teammate, but his love. Julian is all things strong and good. He fights for Zaya and tries so hard to provide her with everything he thinks she will need for her recovery. I loved the dynamics of their relationship. Watching Zaya come to terms with some of the things that happened and realize her limitations and her strengths were endearing. I just loved her.

This book is full of action and suspense, but it's also full of moments where I have time to breathe and connect with the characters. I wasn't tense the whole book. The ending was explosive and so satisfying.

If you haven't read anything by Julie Bellon, you really need to. She is a fantastic author and I'm always on the lookout for her next book.

Content: some violence, torture (but nothing too graphic), kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading suspenseful stories, such as this one, but there is NO WAY I could ever actually live through something like this. Zaya was taken prisoner and tortured and abused for six months for information that she just wouldn't give. I would probably break at the first attack. A sudden rescue proves how broken she is and shows just how much danger she's really in.

Although the story is gripping and full of suspense, the pacing isn't quite as intense as I expected. There are down moments when the characters are trying to piece things together, especially when a shocking discovery forces them to come up with a dangerous plan, and I was constantly looking over my shoulder, but it wasn't super intense the whole time. I really enjoyed this style because my heart wasn't beating out of my chest for the duration, but I was completely engaged and curious to see how in the world things would all play out.

The characters are fantastic! Zaya's strength is inspiring and truly amazing. It gives hope that nothing is too broken to be fixed. I love Julian and his undying devotion and almost overprotectiveness--he won me over, heart and soul. The other characters play integral parts and I love seeing them all cross over into each others stories. This series is definitely one worth reading.

Content: moderate violence (war/terrorist torture--not too graphic); mild romance.

*I received a copy from the author, which did not affect my thoughts in any way. All opinions are my own.*

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book full of action, romance and suspense that will keep you wondering until the very last minute!

I enjoyed this book. I read it all in one intense reading! You are kept on your toes wondering what will happen next! Your mind tries to anticipate the next move but Nazer seems to somehow be one step ahead, so I didn't see a lot coming and I loved that I couldn't guess what would happen next. There are a few twists that you also didn't see coming!

My heart went out to Zaya for all she endured! She was mentally and physically tortured while held captive for 6 months. She all but gave up on rescue from Julian. She was ready to die. But then he did rescue her, but she had a lot of healing to do before she could have a relationship. Julian's heart was ripping in two for her and I as the reader felt it all. Julian went all out to do whatever it took to help her heal and sometimes it made Zaya feel like she still wasn't given choices, like she was as a prisoner and she had flashbacks too.

I loved loved loved the ending!

If you love romantic suspense, reading about torture, counseling, action, terrorists, stories that feel like a rollercoaster, clean reads, stories that have twists you don't see coming and finally being with the one person that makes you whole than this might be for you!

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Capture quickly captures your attention from the start and does not stop until the last page. Julie Bellon is the master of a romantic suspense novel and I love every book she writes. The characters in The Capture are strong and the plot is very fast-paced and exciting. The pacing is perfect, once you think things start to settle down, the action starts right up again. Zaya is my hero. All she endured while she was a prisoner was terrible, but I loved how she was able to triumph over it. She had help with the amazing Julian. He also was a great character who did not stop until he was able to rescue Zaya, in more ways than one.

5 out of 5 stars. This is book 3 of the series, but can be read as a standalone. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!

Received an eARC from the author, all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the third in the Griffin Force series and I loved going back to those characters again. Julian and Zaya have a lot of trials on their journey back to love, but I hope readers love how it's all resolved!

[Julia Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turning suspense! The quick pace of this book will have you on the edge of your seat! I was excited that there was closure on some of the events from the other books in this series. I loved the relationship between Julian and Zaya. That even through all the difficult times they have been through they both feel a strong connection and bond neither can deny about the other. You can feel the Authors passion for writing and can tell she really enjoys writing this series. This series never fails to amaze me. Can't wait to read more from this Author!

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all three books in the Griffin Force series and they are all outstanding! "The Capture" is book 3 is just as good, if not better.

The story line was fast paced from the first page to the last. I was gasping and on the edge of my seat for most of the book, especially the first several chapters. (my husband kept asking me if I was okay) It was hard to read Zaya's experiences while in prison, but it made the characters and story line more realistic especially in their line of work. I really like the Griffin Force team characters and how they interact and take care of eachother like family.

I highly recommend this series if you enjoy lots of action and adventure. I absolutely loved it and my almost 16 year old loves this series too. This is a series of books that I will read again and again.

I received a copy of this Ebook complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

[Charissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Intense suspense. I loved the characters in this one (Zaya and Julian). They are super kick-butt amazing people. This romantic action-packed suspense really kept me burning through the pages. The emotional heart ripping and tugging along with the action-filled plot with terrorists, double agents, and life-in-jeopardy moments made it hard to breathe until I finished. I highly recommend this fast-paced, super captivating (literally and plot wise) book. The author did an amazing job, and I couldn't put it down once I started. It really delved deep into PTSD and what these soldiers that protect our country from terrorist threats really go through.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another exciting book from this author. The beginning of the book throws you right into intense happenings as main character Zaya is being questioned and tortured by her kidnappers. Right off your heart goes out to her because she's on her last leg and has lost the will to live. I love how she was rescued and I truly love Julian. He has to be my favorite character in this series. He is so kind and loving but also very fierce when it came to protecting the people he cares about. He was doing everything in his power to help Zaya with her PTSD.

The final chapters in this book were amazing! I couldn't breathe until almost the end. Anyone that loves a book full of action, intrigue, romance, and some fun banter among friends will love The Capture and this series.

[Emily F - Seriously Sweet Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great addition to the Griffin Force books! It was very interesting and was a perfect balance of suspense (not too much that I couldn't sleep, but just enough to keep me wanting more). It dealt with a lot of tough themes in a very beautiful way (terrrorism, hostages, PTSD) and showed a more realistic view of the after effects of tragic events. If you like action/suspense, you NEED to read this! The content is clean, some violence, but it is tastefully done and not graphic.
(4.5 stars)

[G.G. Vandagriff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Julie Coulter Bellon’s books, and this is her best. You will not be able to put it down once you start reading it. The characters in The Capture are compelling from the first page to the last.
This is the culmination of a three-book series about the terrorist Nazer and Griffin Force, the Special Ops group which has undertaken to eradicate him and his horrible reach throughout the Middle East. It begins with the hair-raising capture of Zaya who has been held prisoner for six months in Afghanistan. From there the story escalates in tension that never lets up as Nazer seeks the life of Zaya and Julian, her love interest and the head of Griffin Force.
The relationship between Zaya and Julian is beautifully portrayed in all its nuances. Zaya’s PTSD complicates things, but her courage and desire to overcome her trauma are well dramatized. Details are clear and draw the reader right into the story from the beginning. The climax is sensational.
You will love this book!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I"ve read a book by Julie Coulter Bellon. But after reading this one I was reminded how much I like her books. I'm going to have to go back and read the first two books in this series. Bellon's military suspense books remind me of another of my favorite authors, Ronie Kendig, who also writes fabulous, very suspenseful military stories. The action begins right from the first word with Zaya a captive of a terrorist, ready to give up hope of ever being found. But her former boyfriend, Commander Julian Bennet hasn't forgotten her, he's spent every spare moment of the last six months trying to find her. But their troubles aren't over once Zaya is rescued. For one thing, the terrorist is still on the loose and looking for revenge. For another, there is no way their relationship can be the way it was, both Zaya and Julian have changed to much. As Zaya struggles with PTSD and the scars of her captivity, she isn't sure if she and Julian can find their way back to each other. And Julian's feelings of guilt also interfer with his ability to be patient with Zaya's recovery. But above all, neither has the luxury of time, unless they can find a way to take de Raimi down, especially since it's apparent there is a mole in their midst. This is one of those stories that is almost impossible to put down once you start reading it, because the book moves along at such a brisk pace. If you enjoy romantic suspense (lots of suspense), I can highly recommend this one.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this one! I liked the characters, the setting, the action/adventure and the plot. Really everything about it was great!

I liked Zaya. She is definitely a strong woman. She's been held captive in Afghanistan for the last six months. She's been tortured, underfed, cold and uncomfortable and still she hasn't broken when her captors try to get information from her. I liked that she got rescued, but it was kind of hard to watch her deal with the PTSD she developed during captivity. She completely lost her ability to trust, even those she should trust, like Julian.

I liked Julian too. He's head of the Griffin force and it was really hard on him when Zaya was taken, as he was buying her wedding ring, no less. He's glad to get Zaya back finally, but he's dealing with the guilt of seeing her how she is and knowing that if he had been with her, things probably would have been different for her.

I liked that the plot had something going on continually, this one is full of crazy things going on for the characters. And with the group they belong to, they are constantly in the middle of all of the action. I liked that Zaya was refusing to be babied and wanted to help as much as she could, regardless of the danger to herself.

This is such a great book! And you don't have to read these books in any particular order, that's always nice. Make sure you read it and the others in the series as well.

[Janene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense and more

What I liked or what caught my interest:

• The Griffin force was a special forces group specializing in eliminating terrorists.
• There was a traitor. But who was the traitor? I was deeply entrenched in this story trying to guess that answer. My goal? To try to answer the question before the author revealed who it was.
• There were many twists and turns to the plot. Lots of suspense, excitement, and action.
• There were many secondary players in this novel. They were varied, well developed, and interesting. They added depth to the storyline.
• The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done, easy to visualize, and to feel. I felt a part of the scenes.
• The pacing of this story was good. It was neither too fast nor too slow.
• There was a smooth, coherent flow to this book. The author was a great writer.
• This was a clean read and I appreciated that.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5.0

"The Capture" is an intense, action-packed story that will have readers on the edge of their seats until the dramatic conclusion.

Read full review in the 2017 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great, clean read.

The details given were perfect. Enough to know that Z suffered, but not too much top Make me actually sick. I loved the whole story. The romance, finding the mole and taking care of Nazer. I look forward to reading more by Julie Coulter Bellon.

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book in the Griffin Force series is full of emotions. Oh my heart. Especially how it starts off. This one features Julian and Zaya. Julian is the head of Griffin Force and he was just about to propose to Zaya but the international bad guy Nazer al-Raimi, whom the Griffin Force team has been chasing after throughout the series, is back and he captures Zaya.

Julian and Zaya's story covers her captivity and some of the torture she experienced, her rescue and her healing. It's a sensitive subject but I loved how the author showed it in her book. It was very realistic feeling to me. I haven't been through Zaya's story but have experienced some trauma of my own that took time to work through it and heal. I loved Julian and his love for Zaya. He was so patient and loving and understanding towards her.

Unfortunately Nazer is still out there and he wants Zaya. She finds herself as the best option to get the team close enough to him to try and capture him. Oh my heart, the emotions! And Zaya's strength! And Julian's heart and strength!

Another nail-biting listen for me as the narrator of the audiobook had me feeling like I was right there with this team and with Zaya. It was wonderful! If you enjoy suspense and fast-paced reads then you'll be hooked on this book and series right along with me!

I was very happy and satisfied with the ending for Julian and Zaya. And that there was another book after this one for my reading pleasure!!!

Content: Clean. This book deals with a hostage situation, escape, moments of peril and fights. Some kisses but nothing further than kisses. No language.

I listened to the book on Audible. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading/Listening!!!

[Martha B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Committed Love Can Heal

The Capture by Julie Coulter Bellon is a stand-alone, suspenseful, action packed romantic novel. The story is sweet and tender, but the action and traumatic experiences and feelings are very intense.

On a personal note, this is the first book I've read by this author, and I must say I was very impressed by the writing, tight plot, well developed characters and book cover. Even though this is the third book in the series, I had no trouble stepping right into the story and understanding the past experiences of the characters from the first two books. Both Julian and Zaya interesting, believable and likable. Together their chemistry is palatable and strong enough to withstand all the slings and arrows thrown at them. I suppose my only negative is the ending. Though sweet, it was just a bit of a let down.

Content 411: This book is clean, but it deals honestly with the reasons and results of PTSD. That said, it is free of swearing, vulgarities and sex.

[Jeanne Okerlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the never ending excitement this book had. It had me at the edge of my seat the whole time. Being captive for six months has broken Zaya's mind and body. She doesn't feel strong enough to keep fighting. Griffin is going out of his mind trying to find her.

The love and connection that Griffin and Zaya share is uncommon. Even through everything they are experiencing and feeling they still have that bond.

The close knit Griffin Force is doing it's best to continue protecting Zaya. They are the best team out there. Most of the team knows Zaya well and card for her well being. Even though she ended up back in the hands of her captor.

I look forward to reading it listening more about the Griffin Force team.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I thought this was a trilogy but given the ending of this book (which was a lead-in for a new story, if you ask me) there will likely be a story after this. I'm not saying it was a cliffhanger--just a lead-in. I will look forward to more stories about Griffin Force!

This story was a bit dark and depressing for about the first half, necessarily so given the subject matter (torture, "man's inhumanity to [wo]man,"-- no unicorns and balloons here). That is not my favorite kind of reading, hence the four, not five, star rating. Otherwise, Julie Coulter Bellon does her usual great job of story telling.

[Lydia Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Zaya had to go through at the hands of Nazar were absolutley terrible, and for a full six months. Jullian was searching desperatly trying to find the woman that he wanted to marry, which is why Nazar has her, to make him suffer and go crazy. If I was Zaya I would go crazy trying to figure out why Jullian wasn't at the airport when he said he would. But when Nazar told her, her reaction was just the way it should have been, despite the awful circumstance. I really admired Z, I thought that she was really really brave and courageous, great trait in a woman. She didn't crack when she was taken, and I really admire her for that!!😘 Really good book! Bellon has done it once again!💚

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Audiobook Review ** Once again, Julie Coulter Bellon, does a phenomenal job writing am action packed story! Tristan Wright does an amazing job portraying all of the characters, bringing them to life and humanizing them with their emotions, attitude and personality. I was kept on the edge of my seat listening to this book. I highly recommend that you listen to (or read) Julie’s “Griffin Force” series. You won’t be disappointed!!

[Heather Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like Traci Abramson, you'll like this!

Complex characters working in impossible situations against unbeatable odds. Gives a deeper appreciation for military men and women around the world who sacrifice for our safety and freedoms. I like that it's from a perspective outside the US. We are all alike in our quest for freedom from evil and oppression no matter where we call home. Can't wait to read the others in this series. Scenes of torture and violence

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I genuinely enjoy Julie's suspense novels, but this one felt like a filler for the series and lacked character development. That said, it's a great series and I look forward to more (read in order of course)

[Margaret Connelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild ride

This book takes you down road after bumpy road and slams you into walls. I really like the characters and their interactions. You just want to comfort them and make everything work out alright for their lives.

[Linda Dreher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with adventure, intrigue, romance. Loved the in depth characters and their love for each other. Had some mystery and shoot them up action. It was hard to put down and couldn't wait to see what happened next!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very emotional read. Zaya is suffering PTSD after being captured by terrorist Nazer al-Raimi. And Adrian blames himself. Griffin Force has suffered enough and can't wait to eliminate the international terrorist.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really liked the Griffin Force series. This one had so much involved including guilt, regret, forgiveness, love, I could go and on. Regardless, I loved it. I listened to the audio so I didn't have to put it down that often which was good, because I didn't want to.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I loved the narration and the depth of this book. It was a difficult scary situation for the main character to be dealing with. But I was done well. Suspense and romance! It was a wonderful adventure

[Faelynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was a great ending to a amazing series. Julie is such a wonderful author!