Capturing the Queen

by Sarah Andre

Restoration artist Sean Quinn is perfectly content spending his downtime devouring classical literature, while keeping his OCD and fourth-degree black belt under wraps. But when his FBI agent brother coerces him into investigating stolen artifacts, Sean becomes the target of a ruthless smuggling ring that funds terrorists.

Gretch Allen, a beautiful man-magnet, hides a world of hurt under her icy exterior. When Sean rescues her from a stalker, she discovers her co-worker has an alpha-hot fire burning beneath his geeky exterior. As barriers between them begin crumbling, however, she accidentally places herself in much more extremist danger.

Unable to stop the unraveling events from turning deadly, Sean must conjure his inner hero to save his city and capture the heart of the queen.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Womens Fiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published June 13, 2017

About the author

Excerpt Of "Incendiary Attraction":
https://sarahandre.com/books/incendia...

Excerpt of "A Savage Trick":
https://sarahandre.com/books/a-savage...

Excerpt of "Capturing the Queen":
http://sarahandre.com/books/capturing...

Excerpt Of "Tall, Dark and Damaged":
http://sarahandre.com/books/tall-dark...

Excerpt of "Locked, Loaded and Lying":
http://sarahandre.com/books/locked-lo...

Sarah Andre is a 2017 RITA® finalist, which is Romance Writers of America highest award of distinction. She lives in serene Southwest FL with her husband and two naughty Pomeranians. When she’s not writing, Sarah is either reading novels or coloring. Yes, you read that right. She’s all over those coloring books for adults.

For more information please visit www.SarahAndre.com
Facebook: facebook.com/SarahAndreNovels
Twitter: @SarahRSWriter

Reviews

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be one of the best books I’ve read this year - I loved it! The main characters are quirky in a brilliant way and the plot is so full of twists and turns it is a very convoluted roller coaster ride that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Sean Quinn is the youngest of the Quinn family and has always been more interested in learning and art than anything athletic or sporting like his siblings. He’s also always been the butt of their jokes and escapades and, although an expert and geek, he still strives for his siblings to acknowledge he’s successful and not just their strange baby brother they have to protect. He’s secretly admiring his colleague, Gretch Allen, but can’t quite get the nerve to actually ask her out, even though he’s wanted to for more than two years. When fate takes a hand and puts them together in the midst of an FBI investigation that keeps getting more dangerous as time progresses, will he be able to melt the ice queen and capture her heart?

This is a suspense filled story, with international terrorism, black market sales of artefacts, double crossing and so much more. It had me enthralled from the start right through to the end. The character development is brilliant as the reader learns more about both Sean and Gretch as the story progresses. They had very different upbringings and have their own emotional scars because of this and it has had a drastic impact on how Gretch appears to be, though appearances are deceptive. Every wounded lady needs a Sean to be so kind, patient, caring and stubborn to help them learn to love and achieve their HEA. The angst and turmoil, trials and tribulations are great as the plot unfolds. With ISIS and mobsters all threatening Gretch and Sean, this is a fast paced, action packed romantic suspense thriller that I have no hesitation in highly recommending. I can’t wait to read more in this series in future!
I was gifted a copy of this novel and chose to read and review it. This is my honest opinion after reading the book.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Story & Narration🎧 Intense & Engaging!

Capturing the Queen
Damaged Heroes, Book 2
By: Sarah Andre
Narrated by: Michael Joss, Elizabeth Russell

Sarah Andre pens another intriguing novel set in her “Damaged Heroes” series, a romance suspense that captivates your attention and tugs at your heartstrings the entire time. This second book of the series is Sean Quinn and Gretch Allan’s story, and what a story it is, the trouble they find themselves in. Sean is a restoration artist, and his brother, Jace, an FBI agent, brings him in as a consultant on a case involving stolen art. A nerdy type with OCD, Sean was more than eager to help his older brother and get his approval. Gretch, his co-worker, has insecurities and battles her own inner demons, but you would never know it by looking at her because she hides them well. Sean was drawn to Gretch, but his shyness and insecurities prevented him from acting on it and he was not happy when Jace flirted with her. Jace’s investigation has Sean dealing with very dangerous people and Gretch gets pulled in when she was with him at the wrong time, and they both find themselves in deep peril. Sarah Andre's story and world building is incredible, weaving a complex web of details while piecing it all together. Besides the crime drama going on with the art investigations and the underworld, we learn more about the two lead characters, their backstories and watching their relationship morph into something so much more. Two damaged heroes who were great together and for each other. The plotting and writing are excellent and there is a perfect balance of drama, angst, mystery, action, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. Sarah Andre, thank you for another great story and wild and intense ride.

🎧📚🎧 Michael Joss and Elizabeth Russell are fantastic with voicing the characters and delivering a spot-on portrayal of each. They were convincing in every role, showcasing each character’s personality and demeanor perfectly, truly shining as the two leads, Sean and Gretch. Their pacing and tone were just right for the story and they captured all the characters’ emotions, having you feel each one. They are versatile voice artists and their entertaining performance is captivating and keeps you glued to the story. 

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Capturing the Queen
Damaged Heroes, Book 2
By: Sarah Andre
Narrated by: Michael Joss, Elizabeth Russell

Another Sarah Andre story to add to my favorite list. I am loving here writing as it's the perfect mix of romance and suspense. Plus the characters are so interesting! Sean restores art, and somehow his brother Jace talks him into consulting on a counterfeit art case. He didn't want to do it, but now he is in the thick of it, and it's a lot more dangerous than expected. Gretch is co-worker, and he has been attracted to her for a while. He is a bit on the shy side, but he when his brother begins his flirting, he shows his alpha side. Gretch has her own talents, and has a knack for finding out if a painting is counterfeit. As the story builds, and the relationship with Sean and Gretch slowly changes, the danger comes. And both are caught right in the middle of it all. Will they come out unscathed? This has suspense that kept me on edge as I waited to see where it would all turn out. Andre has a knack for giving that slow build keeping things exciting. And the slow shift between Gretch and Sean was just icing on the cake. Loved this and can't wait for the next one!

Michael Joss and Elizabeth Russell continue their narration of the series and I am loving it. Each scene is performed with expertise, bringing the push pull between the characters to a head. Joss dials into Sean's OCD and alpha tendancies, creating the best personality for this relatively shy guy. Russell finds the balance with Gretch as more is learned about her, and she slowly finds her love. These two were amazing and I enjoyed the listen.

[Melinda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Capturing the Queen by Sarah Andre is the second book in her Damaged Heroes series. It is centered on two imperfect people who think that they have to prove their selves. It is the story of Sean and Gretchen who both work at an art restoration firm. They both have issues to overcome. Sean 's issues include being different than his 4 older bothers who are very physical and bigger than love as well as a pain to him. Sean is not as different as he thinks but that is part of the adventure and story. Sarah Andre delivers on a story of international intrigue involving fine art and terrorism along with some romance. It has a plot that keeps you guessing and involved in the story. Sarah Andre does a wonderful job of showing sibling rivalry. Her characters are developed and do not follow anytime of mold. This book does well as a stand alone. It is the first book that I have read by Sarah Andre but will not be the last.
I received an ARC of this book and I voluntarily chose to review it.

[Jo Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the series name suggests, this author does not shy away from damaged heroes, nor from damaged heroines for that matter. Sean and Gretch are both complex, wounded characters with lots of family history, which has molded them into the quirky individuals they are today. Their interactions and the development of their feelings for each other are fabulous. The suspense plot and sub-plot involve fine art theft and terrorism and are intricately drawn and well-written. An intense sibling rivalry explores deep familial issues. This is a multifaceted story that kept me turning pages late into the night. Sarah Andre is quite a story-teller, and I’m looking forward to more from her.

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I begin every Sarah Andre book marveling at her writing skills. By the end, I’m in awe of her ability to weave a tale with intelligent wit, vivid characters, and a nail biting plot. Capturing the Queen is another five-star read from this RITA nominated author!
With the turn of each page I was never quite sure what awaited. It's refreshing to read a book without being able to guess the ending. Sean and Gretch defy the typical hero and heroine mold, which adds to their complexity and chemistry. A perfect read to kick off summer!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book from a giveaway. This was a wonderful story. I plan on reading the first book in the series. Even though I didn't you can get into the characters of this book. What do you get when you put together a baby brother who is book smart and a little OCD & a brother who is a former Navy SEAL and is working at the FBI and a group of people who are trying to see antiquities from Syria. A mafia boss who has lost a stolen painting. A lot of very interesting things. This story has a lot of twist & turns that you don't want to put the book down to see what happens next.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost think this one is better than the first one!! It really drew me into all the suspense! Both MC have a personal issue they need to work through before they can be happy as a couple. Mixed in with the mob ties, art theft and the wonderful introduction to Sean’s brothers!! Action and suspense live here in this story!

The audio (male voice) still bugs me in this one. So I am sure I missed some parts but I still got the gist of the story. Too deep and soft I struggle hearing everything. The female narrator does a great job and is easy for me to hear and understand.

[Gazelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book drew me in quicker than the first book did. Sean and Gretch both have things that prevent them from fully committing to someone. What we see clearly from the outside is how perfectly these two would be matched but they have a few things to work through first. As this book progresses both characters get to show off their strengths and how much they grow. It's a very captivating story with mystery, suspense and an introduction to some very important characters in the rest of the series. I loved the quirkiness of these two and their hard-fought HEA!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started reading this I thought why would nice guy Sean care about flaunt her body Gretch. But as I read the story and got drawn into the intrigue of the book and found out how damaged Gretch was I had a better understanding. Mobsters, ISIS, the FBI and Sean's FBI brother Jace are all just part of what make this story work. I received an ARC of this book, and I voluntarily chose to review it.

[T Mason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many coincidences and unlikable characters especially Sean's arrogant brother, Jace. And Gretch wasn't too bright. Why not simply block Brandon's #? And then turning her phone off when in danger. And one BJ and it's love?

[Erika Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another pulse-pounding winner. No wonder this author's up for a RITA award!

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

a wonderful book. great love story between two people who had damaged childhoods. and a good suspense story.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fantastic feel-good ending that I adored! My 3rd Sarah Andre book and I've realized she's adept at taking unusual, complicated characters and making the reader love them.

[T. Rosado · Rating 5 out of 5]

5++ STARS!!

AMAZING! 5+infinity STARS! Absolutely, a top five read of 2017. I wholeheartedly loved Sean - quirks and all. The quirks and insecurities alone refused to define him. He was also sensitive, tender, witty and romantic with a latent alpha side that arose when necessary. From the beginning, Sean was the perfect foil for Gretch, but he became everything that she didn't know she needed when he's forced to fight for her safety.

Different from the first book in this series, the author adds a third POV - Sean's FBI agent brother, Jase. I have found that muItiple-POV's have become less common in romance and I, personally, have missed that writing style. It was nice to get insight into the true thoughts and motivations of another character in the book. With the 3rd POV being Sean's brother, it added another perspective to what made Sean tick, as well as the FBI's role in the story.

I could natter on and on about what I enjoyed in Capturing the Queen, but will end by mentioning that on top of the suspense and romance, this book had some amazingly witty one-liner's; often uttered from the droll, left-brained mind of the hero, Sean. Since rom-coms are a favorite sub-genre of mine, I reveled in this surprising aspect.

Sarah Andre's tagline "Romantic Suspense that keeps you up all night" is spot-on. Capturing the Queen literally kept me up all night and I enjoyed every sleepless moment.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Capturing the Queen. There were twists and turns and different sidelined that all together created an entertaining and pulse raising story.