Captive

by Donna K. Ford

Greyson Cooper is exactly where she wants to be in life when she sets out on a section hike of the Appalachian Trail. When she’s abducted and placed into slavery in a fight club, she isn’t about to be a part of their barbaric plan and does everything she can to upset the ranks, even if it costs her her life.

Olivia Danner has worked hard for everything she has. All that’s left is her dream job and someone to share her life with. But her plans are cut short when a man who wants her as his personal prize kidnaps her.

Together in captivity, Olivia and Greyson become players in a game of deceit and violence. To survive and escape, they will have to figure out whom they can trust. If they can get out alive, the next challenge will be forging a path to lasting love.

Genres: Romance, LGBT, Butch Femme

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2018

About the author

Donna K. Ford is a licensed professional counselor who spends her professional time assisting people in their recovery from substance addictions. She holds an associate degree in criminal justice, a BS in psychology, and an MS in community agency counseling. When not trying to save the world, she spends her time in the mountains of east Tennessee enjoying the lakes, rivers, and hiking trails near her home. Reading, writing, and enjoying conversation with good friends are the gifts that keep her grounded. Healing Hearts is her debut into the world of writing lesbian fiction.

Reviews

[Jem]

How do you rate a book that starts off like the usual predictable romance, then makes you want to throw up for a good part of the book, but then refuses to let go of you and makes you want to devour the rest of it in one sitting? I don't know... lol.

Does the best "final act of the book" I've read this year make up for the first 75%? I'll think about it. Like the characters in the book, I'm still in a bit of a daze from the whole ordeal. I think I'll need a couple of days or so to get over this. Maybe a nice, fluffy read to wash off all the negative images and feelings. But...I'm not ready to let go of the book....yet. I'm still a Captive.


ARC from Netgalley/BSB

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fan-fuckn-tastic! Bloody hell-omg-this is the bestest!! Coherent review to follow when I come down.

Right now I'm laugh-crying and at a loss for words of what to say to do this story justice

Holy wow, did I just say that?

Two days after finishing this story, my mind is still reeling. If you want a book that gives you the feels, pick this up, I highly doubt you'll be disappointed.

This is the first book to make it to my favourites shelf in months...and, that is all.

Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley

[Jane Shambler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...... This book is absolutely mind blowing. What started off as a slow building romance story became something that I wish did not happen in our world. But unfortunately it does. I just don't really know what to say to do this book justice. I know five stars is not enough.

I went through so many emotions while reading this book. Many people don't know that this goes on in their own back yard. It's scary. I agree more books should be written to bring the public's attention to it. It doesn't just happen abroad.

It's powerful, it's mind boggling. It made me laugh and it made me cry and so damn angry.

It won't be for everyone. But YES I would recommend this book.

*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*

[Joc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Greyson Cooper is being stalked by the ‘Recruiter’ but she has no idea. When she bumps into Olivia spilling coffee everywhere, the Recruiter finds himself another target - this one more to his own personal liking.

Let me start off by saying that this book was quite a thrill ride and that at no point was I tempted to quit reading it. I wasn’t blown away by it either. I think it’s really difficult to combine a romance with human trafficking and do them both justice, and certainly not in about 250 pages. The romance aspect of it had some really lovely moments but was lacking chemistry. I was quite relieved by that because I never fully understand how characters can be in violently traumatic circumstances, battered black and blue and still have a raging libido.

The captivity and trafficking aspect was sanitized barring a few violent incidents. I struggled with the lack of realism but I also realise that to portray trafficking in any realistic kind of way would remove this novel entirely from the romance genre. The recruiter lacked depth and wasn’t sinister enough to sustain an environment of terror. Time and healing were also an issue for me. Authors often forget the harm they inflict on their characters and have them moving about freely a day or two after being severely beaten.

Olivia was given a lot more grounding as a character in terms of her family, her background, her aspirations and her fears. Greyson was harder to get a handle on because she came across as much more reserved and a bit of a loner. I did like them as a couple though.

So, overall, it’s a gentle romance and a reasonable thriller with good pace and I’m still not sure they should be in the same book.

Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

[Det. Nidhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning: The following book contains sensitive topics like human trafficking, brawls, whippings, multiple deaths, and relentless psychopathy.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

'Captive' is not a easy book to read y'all. I had to stop reading after a few chapters each time because I had to take a breather from all the events happening in the book.

Greyson and Olivia get inducted into a human trafficking ring where they need to fight for survival. Seems easy enough? But no. The descriptions give a chill up your spine and will make you look behind when you walk. Psychopathy is a predominant theme, and God was it brought out well. There are vivid descriptions of fights, and there are plenty of deaths.

This book made me so uncomfortable. While this is not the first book I've read on human trafficking, the fact that this was for flights between women creeped me out. Throughout the book it felt like I was having trouble breathing. The scenes are graphic at some bits.

The Recruiter was a weird character. He wasn't acting like the typical psychopath. He seemed to have extreme mood swings and he was just annoying as hell in some bits. One thing is for sure, he was a creep of the highest level. The stalking, the planning, the execution of said plans, flawless! Kudos for that.

This book was labelled a romance, but that's limited to pretty much the starting 20% and the ending 10% . If your a romance lover this is so not the book for you. Whereas if you love dark themed books this book is amazing.

My rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

[Velvet Lounger · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Greyson and Olivia bump into each other in a coffee shop they have no idea they just sealed a joint fate. Greyson, about to hike the Appalachian Trail for two months, has been targeted by a human trafficker to be taken and sold to one of his employers, and the “Recruiter” instantly wants Olivia for his own collection. The two women will soon be literally fighting for their lives to satisfy the pleasure of the men who control them.

This is definitely an unusual romance, another distinctive tale from Donna K Ford. The real story is the trade in women, mostly illegal immigrants and the poor, marginalised girls who won't be missed. A cross between a thriller and an action adventure, the romance is important to our main characters and their personal development but secondary to the bigger plot.

Its fast paced and full of action, the story twists and turns as the women try to survive and learn who to trust. The cast is wide ranging from a seemingly innocent caretaker figure to the monsters who use women for their amusement. The captive women form a strong backdrop to the plight of the main characters and it becomes a collective piece, both in our emotional engagement with the imprisoned women and their fight for survival.

The setting is evocative as always with Ms Ford’s writing, the scenery, or in this case the place the women are held, is used as an emotive tool to heighten the intensity of their plight and the feelings of despair. The emotional intensity of the whole piece is high, from the anger and fear of the captives, through the budding romance and the individual relationships between the women.

In a way the whole seems farfetched, but shockingly is not, this happens, and we should all be aware of it. Ms Ford is once again using her writing to highlight the plight of a group without a voice and manages the difficult task of telling a gruelling story with integrity and without lecturing. In all honesty I suspect it is the “happy ever after” ending which is far-fetched for most of these unfortunate victims.

Well written, exciting and absorbing, this captivated my attention and I couldn’t put it down. My only complaint is that it ended to easily, all wrapped up without a problem. I’m hoping for a sequel, to find out what happens next. Did they really catch the Recruiter that easily and who was Lucile?

[isa Simonet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic, it's not a true romance but there are still some contours. the main characters, Greyson and Olivia, are great, full of fighting spirit, and their relationship is tied to what happens to them, which makes up 80% of the book. This book is full of fighting spirit, especially from Greyson, then joined by Olivia. This book is very addictive, held me in suspense, shaking with her heroines, and even wondering what would be the end. But, I'm told, it was a romance, so no worries. I really like Donna K. Ford's books, and I found Love's Redemption excellent. Here it's the same, with a lot more suspense and adventure, if I call it that way. Read this book, you will have the complete romance / Thriller / suspense package ...

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion this is a great book which contains several genres in itself. First it started like a Thriller, then it became a Romance, after that a kind of Survival/Hiking book and then back to Crime and finally back to Romance (well, kind of … the end was a bit fast though).

It took me on a journey full of deep and different moments. Greyson and Olivia are really cute together and they way into human trafficking is just so frightening! Going through all of this I was highly entertained, shocked and relieved.

So this is a book which reaches you on more than one level. It is fast paced and full of action and sad stories but there is also hope and love.

I don't want to say so much about it, don't want to spoiler anything, you know … some people will miss the depth in this one, I guess, but for me this book has the right mix of all the genres above to be really interesting and thrilling. I loved it.

[Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a read about abduction and human trafficking. You know it is coming but you are unsure when the abduction is going to take place. The topic is unsettling, scary, and unfortunately, a reality. The violence was shockingly tough to read but the care and protection the women showed each other was a good counter. I appreciated the self talk of both Olivia Danner and Greyson Cooper as they processed their situation and life. In addition, I thought the self-talk was appropriate for this type of story because the hardship was so mean and cruel. It was also interesting and creepy to read the self talk of the recruiter. The ending was quick and lacked closure in relation to the other women, the recruiter, and the main characters which was in my opinion, a bummer.

ARC provide by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gripped from beginning to end. It was a very dark read but one I could definitely read again. Strong characters, well written and a gripping thriller of story. Would love to read more of this author.

[Bee Sherrard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read and enjoyed Ms Ford’s books so when I got the chance to read ‘Captive’ I didn’t hesitate. I’m sure many will enjoy this book but for me it was just a little too dark. I don't feel I can give it a true review because I find it difficult reading anything where the plot involves human trafficking. I’m sure that if you don’t mind this kind of book you will probably enjoy this one very much. Ms Ford knows how to tell a story, keeping you interested from the beginning. Looking forward to her next offering.
eARC via NetGalley

[susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

No finger nails left.

I have read many of Donna Ford's books. But this one left me looking over my shoulder. The topic is a big one...human trafficking. I thought Donna did a awesome job on such a touchy subject. All the characters had their parts in the storyline and were well written. I love how Greyson didn't let them break her. Olivia believed in Greyson. I believe we had some questions unanswered at the end of the book, but that is ok. Thank you Donna Ford for a beautiful adventure. I definitely recommend this book.

[Dannica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really looked forward to reading this book, because I love books involving kidnapping, captivity, dark stuff etc... guilty pleasure. In the end, though, I don't think this one clicked with me. It somehow didn't fulfill my expectations, which leaves me questioning what, exactly, I expected. Let's delve into that.

The Premise
Greyson and Olivia meet by random chance when them stumble into each other and Greyson spills coffee on Olivia's dress. They kind of click. A week or so later they've both been kidnapped by a women-only fighting ring, with Greyson expected to compete and Olivia having been captured by the ring's "recruiter" because of his weird obsession with blondes.

Greyson is reluctant to fight (she doesn't like hurting others), so the recruiter threatens Olivia to get her to cooperate. Meanwhile, the two women and the other women held captive with them try to figure out how to escape the fighting ring entirely.

My Peeves
My annoyance with this book started early, with the set-up of the relationship. I don't understand why a book about kidnapping, with two leads thrown together in such an emotionally trying situation, has to start with an awkward meet-cute. It's just a little weird because it leaves Greyson and Olivia in an odd position. They know each other when they're kidnapped, sure (actually Olivia gets kidnapped because the recruiter spotted her while he was stalking Greyson), but should they really have such an intense bond that they can be used against each other? And on the other hand, if we're taking advantage of a terrible situation bringing people together, why do they have to already know each other at all? This middle ground made it hard for me to really get into the ship, which I felt was treated as more developed and established than it really was.

I also didn't really like either lead that much. Olivia doesn't really... do much. On the other hand, Greyson ends up bringing the fighting ring down, but there's no reason she should be able to do this. She's an engineer and a hiker, neither of which really entail a skillset suitable for starting a rebellion or physical fighting (well, she's strong but has no training in fighting). And her personality is a little too perfect for me: befriending a guard right from the get-go because you think it might come in handy? Convincing women who've been trapped here for years to escape and coming up with a perfect plan on the first attempt? Refusing to fight or defend yourself while someone beats on you in a fighting ring just because you're a pacifist? I don't know. I would have liked someone a bit scruffier. And on the other hand, if she's going to be perfect, I wish we could have gotten perfect fighting skills too. It would have been unrealistic but the fight scenes went by so fast :(

(okay, this is a semi-serious book about modern slavery and fighting rings, and maybe I shouldn't want to revel in fight scenes, but idk, it's an adventure story. I wanted more action.)

On a final note, I don't understand why we had to spend so long just on Greyson hiking in the Appalachians. This book skims over a lot of the intrigue and action. Why couldn't we skim over the hiking too? (okay, some people like hiking, I guess I'll shut up.)

Nevertheless
While (as you can tell from the above) this book was not for me, it did have its good points. I appreciate the effort to tackle a difficult subject seriously, and at some points I did get into the intrigue. You really do want to know if Olivia and Greyson and the other women will make it out all right. Trying to understand the workings of the fighting ring, how it was founded, how the different players are involved and how the women cope, is probably the most interesting part of this book. My favorite two characters were characters entrenched in the ring, not new to it: Ruby (a great fighter who has been trapped in the ring for ages) and Uncle Dan (a guard working for the ring who is more pivotal than he seems). I wish we could have gotten more insight into these characters and gone into more intrigue surrounding the power and social dynamics in the ring. Basically, I think this would be a book I would like if it were a bit longer and delved a bit deeper. (And if I liked Greyson and Olivia a little more, but let's set that aside.)

Overall
Mixed feelings on this book. I think it will probably appeal to some more than me.
I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer Mlynowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captive

By. Donna K. Ford
Bold Strokes Books
17 Chapters, Kindle Edition
Anticipated Publishing Date: August 14, 2018

Greyson Cooper is exactly where she wants to be in life when she sets out on a section hike of the Appalachian Trail. When she's abducted and placed into slavery in a fight club, she isn't about to be part of their barbaric plan and does everything she can to upset the ranks, even if it costs her her life.
Olivia Danner has worked hard for everything she has. All that's left is her dream job and someone to share her life with. But her plans are cut short when a man who wants her as his personal prize kidnaps her.
Together in captivity, Olivia and Greyson become players in a game of deceit and violence. To survive and escape, they will have to figure out whom they can trust. If they can get out alive, the next challenge will be forging a path to lasting love.

This book brings to light the world of human trafficking in a way that many people are only aware of through the news. It's a scary novel in a way that one sees women held against their will, kept under the pretense that harm to themselves, their families, and others in captivity will occur is they don't comply. The way they are taken is scary. So scary in fact, the reader may start looking over their shoulder when thy are done reading the book.
Greyson is a strong figure throughout the book. The writer made her a moral and intelligent character fleshing her out in just such a way that the reader would care about what would happen to her her. She tries very hard to keep her in the same tune throughout the book and that's what made the book good.
Olivia is more a soft spoken woman. She is also moral, but less intelligent. She is prone to bouts of fear and anxiety and doesn't think things through when push comes to shove. She is more like what most people are. Impulsive. However, She finds that being among more intelligent strong women makes her think more about others and use more common sense.
The supporting characters are also designed well and made in the roles exactly as they need to be. It is especially sad to see which ones have been in captivity the longest and who have developed Stockholm syndrome and those who have developed rage.
It takes a special person to write a book like this because this a very serious subject in the world. Money crosses the globe hour by hour for human trafficking and the authorities always seem to be behind.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read anything that has to do with human trafficking because this seems most realistic. However, I give it four stars because the element of romance could have altogether been eliminated and it would have been a fantastic read.

[Katrina Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cheryl Strayed's "Wild" meets Fight Club in this intense story that follows two women who have been kidnapped and placed in a human trafficking ring. Greyson and Olivia don't know who to trust or even if they can trust each other. If they can make it out of their prison alive, where will that leave them in regards to a relationship? Is it even worth dreaming about?

Donna K. Ford created an immensely dark and disturbing story here. I was just talking to my wife yesterday about what makes women an easy target for predators and how dreadfully close I fit that mold. Maybe that makes this story way to f***ing real for me. But then if you take a close look at Greyson, a butch lesbian, who doesn't seem to fit that same mold, and realize she was preyed upon too...that's even scarier. Either way, this book had me racing to the end. I needed it to end...

I can't remember ever having read a thriller with lesbian main characters, so of course I had to get my hands on this. I will advocate for these books as often as I can, but I also feel like I'm a little bit harder on them. I need these stories to feel authentic; you can't just throw two women together and call it LGBT friendly. So that said, Captive did it's job. It gave me the lesbian characters I crave with an authenticity that is desperately needed in this genre, as well as a thrilling experience while flipping pages as quickly as I could.

Donna K. Ford did something here that should not be over looked. I really hope to read more from her in the future. Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Ela The Queer Bookish · Rating 1 out of 5]

When applying for an ARC I don’t read other bloggers’ reviews of it.

But I kinda wish I had done that with Captivate because I would have spared myself from boredom.
I can’t tell you much about anything to be honest. The characters felt very one-dimensional, the budding romance was meh at best and… well, I really was simply bored. I would have struggled on – read: skim read – but having one of the MCs in a possibly very dangerous situation drinking alcohol and thinking about how she needs the whole bottle? Nope. That’s so far from realistic that I don’t want to know how much worse it’ll get. Human trafficking is a very serious and horrible theme. I want it to be handled realistic and responsible.

Before reading Captive I doubted how a Romance could be handled in this situation. But I kept an open mind and gave it a chance.

Last Words: Maybe you want to give it a chance as well. But I’d totally understand you if you don’t

Disclaimer: I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.

[Ssnowwy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Greyson Cooper meets Olivia Denner in an unfortunate, classic encounter some writers have to offer, spilling coffee by mistake on a stranger.

What is the luck when they happen to be both attracted to each other and gay?

But there are women disappearing around the area and they both end up captured and held prisoners to one dark system.

While I congratulate myself for having gone through the whole book, I have to say I expected it to be way more darker, in a way I am glad it was not, but on another hand I cannot delude myself into thinking it is not worse in real life. The writing was simple, no lengthy description of surroundings and complicated adjectives, the pacing of the story was straightforward too. In a way, it is good, I could not handle the part when they were being held. But on another, it feeels too easy. I am still happy that it led to a happy ending.

[Bianca Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good but difficult read and while there was love I wouldn't exactly call it a romance because the harsh conditions the characters found themselves in doesn't really allow for romance to flourish.

I felt like everything was wrapped up and solved a little too easily considering the tension of the novel had you on edge at every single page until almost the very end. Also while I appreciate rape not being an element in this book it didn't seem to be realistic to the personality of the antagonist of the story.

I would really like to see a sequel to this novel to learn more about Lucille, the trial, the other captives and survivors, the employers. etc. This book brought up a lot of things that I feel should be explored in more depth.

[LovesickJunkie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here is a quick review on this book. I picked this up because I was in the mood for a survival book. It was okay. I wish that there was a little more chemistry between the main characters. It didn't really have a strong romantic feel. Although the two leading characters do fall in love.

Kidnapping and torture all the premise of this book. Which is not a topic I shy away from. And the story was interesting. It just didn't pack a big punch like I was hoping.

[Jayne {aka cupcakesandbookshelves} · Rating 3 out of 5]

A reasonable thriller dealing with very tough issues. It had a good pace and a splash of romance, lacking with the plot in places, but overall I liked it.

*Copy kindly given by NetGallery in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much*

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This read and its characters really draw you into the story as we watch Greyson and Olivia’s journey. The story is fast-paced with loads of drama and suspense. Entertaining and emotional read.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two women caught in the nightmare of human trafficking working together to survive and eventually heal. I loved this story!

[Madie Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to meet Donna K. Ford at Knoxville’s pride at the beginning of October. She was telling me about her books and this one instantly stood out to me just from her short description. When I bought it she signed it for me and I am so glad to have picked this book. I loved the journey Olivia and Greyson went through together. Finding the strength to survive such a terrible situation by loving eachother was very moving. A great read!

[Jo Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling Read

This is the second book of Donna’s I’ve read the first being Loves Redemption both books deal with very difficult life altering situations.The characters are all strong and battle relentlessly to get their lives in order and find love along the way

[Aleana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read and I love how characters really draw you into the story. Olivia and Greyson journey was very emotional .This story was loads of drama and suspense. I'm looking forward to reading the next book by this author.

[Ruth Kephart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia finally finds the perfect woman, Greyson. Already she is making plans for a future. But a scheduled hike along the Appalachian trail goes all wrong and Olivia finds herself a captive of a sadistic man in a female fighting ring. Greyson also becomes a victim of this same man who desires her for his own. Olivia must find the strength and know how if either one of them is to survive.
I found myself staying up far too late on 2 nights in a row to finish this page turner. Well worth every lost hour of sleep.