Captured Dreams

Scottish Dreams #2

by May McGoldrick

May McGoldrick returns with the latest in a trilogy about love and the birth of a nation. . . Portia Edwards will go to any length to find the family she s never known. And when she meets merchant Pierce Pennington, a staunch but secretive Son of Liberty, Portia has the perfect chance to ask for his help. But her stubborn pride keeps her silent. That is, until she recognizes her strong attraction to the brave man who, by night, is known as the infamous Captain MacHeath, smuggling arms by sea under the pall of darkness all in the name of liberty. . .

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction, American

376 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2003

About the author

May McGoldrick, Nik James, and Jan Coffey are pen names for USA Today bestselling authors Nikoo Kafi and Jim McGoldrick. Together, they have crafted over fifty fast-paced, conflict-filled historical, contemporary, and Western novels, and two works of nonfiction.

Nikoo’s education and training was in engineering. She worked in robotics and submarine shipbuilding. Before earning a PhD in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature, Jim pursued a hundred and one jobs, including a decade in submarine construction.

Storytellers at heart, Nikoo and Jim were always searching for careers that gave them time for both family and writing. Then, after thirteen years of marriage, they recognized each other’s creative strengths. Nikoo is all about characters and feeling. Jim is about action and sense of place. Their first attempt in writing fiction together produced their award-winning novel, The Thistle and the Rose. Since then, their stories have touched the hearts and minds of millions of readers all over the world. Their work has been translated into over a dozen languages and counting.

Nikoo and Jim are four-time Rita Finalists and the winners of numerous awards for their writing, including the Daphne DeMaurier Award for Excellence, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award, three NJRW Golden Leaf Awards, two Holt Medallions, and the Connecticut Press Club Award for Best Fiction.

The authors make their home in California.

Here is a complete catalogue of May McGoldrick, Nik James and Jan Coffey’s work, in chronological order.
Each book stands on its own.

MAY McGOLDRICK

Macpherson Clan Series
The Thistle and the Rose
A Midsummer Wedding (novella)
Angel of Skye
Heart of Gold
Beauty of the Mist

The Intended
Flame
Tess and the Highlander
The Dreamer (Highland Treasure)
The Enchantress (Highland Treasure)
The Firebrand (Highland Treasure)

Much Ado About Highlanders (Scottish Relic)
Taming the Highlander (Scottish Relic)
Tempest in the Highlands (Scottish Relic)

Arsenic and Old Armor
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Pennington Family Series
The Promise
The Rebel
Borrowed Dreams
Captured Dreams
Dreams of Destiny
Romancing the Scot
It Happened in the Highlands
Sweet Home Highland Christmas (novella)
Sleepless in Scotland
Dearest Millie (novella)
How to Ditch a Duke (novella)
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Royal Highlander Series
Highland Crown
Highland Jewel
Highland Sword
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A Prince in the Pantry (novella)
Ghost of the Thames
---

Made in Heaven
Thanksgiving in Connecticut (novella)

NIK JAMES
The Winter Road (novella)
High Country Justice
Bullets and Silver
Silver Trail Christmas

JAN COFFEY
Trust Me Once
Twice Burned
Triple Threat
Fourth Victim
Five in a Row
Silent Waters
Cross Wired
The Janus Effect
The Puppet Master
Blind Eye
Road Kill
Mercy (novella)
Tropical Kiss
Aquarian
When the Mirror Cracks

NONFICTION

Marriage of Minds: Collaborative Fiction Writing
Step Write Up: Writing Exercises for 21st Century

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Reviews

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

..
This is a tender story for MATURE audiences that offers a fresh and unusual twist on the Beauty and the Beast fable.

Aside from that, I was captivated by the plotline and characters, which compelled reading as much as possible in each sitting. I am behind on my reviews and have read many more books since I experienced the story presented in this book. So I must lean on the gleanings from others to help me out.

Blurb from Publisher:
May McGoldrick returns with the latest in a trilogy about love-and the birth of a nation...

THE CAPTAIN
By day, Pierce Pennington is one of Boston’s most respected and successful merchants. By night, he becomes the infamous Captain MacHeath, smuggling arms by sea under the pall of darkness—in the name of liberty…

THE CAPTIVE
Portia Edwards will go to any length to find the family she’s never known. All her life, she thought herself to be an orphan. Then she finds that her mother is not only alive, but here in Boston, being held captive by Portia’s own grandfather, and she will need more than a little help spiriting her mother away to England…

THE CAPRICE
But asking for help is something Portia has never found easy. So even when she steals into her grandfather’s masquerade ball and meets with the perfect opportunity to ask the dashing Pennington for help, stubborn pride stands in her way. Pennington would like nothing better than to forget about this proud young woman, yet he finds he cannot stop thinking of the night he met her in a garden…


Pennington Series Novels: 1st Generation:
Scottish Dream Trilogy, the Pennington Family series gets underway as threebrothers struggle with the memory of Emma, an enigmatic young woman whosetragic and mysterious death at Baronsford Castle threatens to divide the familyforever.
- Borrowed Dreams
- Captured Dreams
- Dreams of Destiny

Carolintallahasse: "This story starts in Boston, prior to the start of the Revolution, yet the insurrections, had begun. I love Pierce, who is from Scotland, the reason, I deducted one star, is, he should be addressed as Lord Pierce, his father was an Earl, he is still in line to inhereit, unless his older brother has a son. Then we have Portia, strong minded, acts before she thinks it through. She finds her Mother, that she never knew, in a British Admiral's home, his daughter, who he keeps drugged, for some nefarious reason. Very interesting.
I highly recommend! Thanks! Enjoy!"

Pennington Series Novels: 2nd Generation:
- Romancing the Scot
- It Happened in the Highlands
- Sweet Home Highland Christmas (RITA© Award Finalist)
- Sleepless in Scotland
- Dearest Millie

AMAZON LISTING CATEGORIES:
#116 in Historical Christian Romance
#116 in Religious Historical Fiction (Kindle Store)
#111 in Christian Historical Fiction (Books)

[Monica Rizzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sempre più innamorata di questa serie. Bellissimo😍😭

[Candace N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captured Dreams by May McGoldrick is the second book in the Scottish Dreams trilogy. The first book was incredible and really hard to top but this one comes very close. I enjoyed this story for a lot of reasons, one of them being the heroine who had a very strong personality. Portia is lively and very charming character who had me laughing quite a bit. Pierce is an equally captivating character, who I’ve been intrigued by since his mention in the first book. I was not disappointed. Another reason I enjoyed this story is because I absolutely LOVE stories where characters make reappearances! It was nice hearing more about Millicent and Lyon. The story itself is well written and full of emotion but there are a couple areas didn’t didn’t flow as nicely as the rest of the book but it didn’t affect the story too much. I’m torn between giving 4 or 5 stars. Regardless it is a very entertaining story! If you’ve read the first and loved it as much as I did, you should definitely give this one a try too!! I would recommend reading them in order, for the full effect.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this second installment of the Scottish Dreams trilogy by May McGoldrick. Captured Dreams is a spellbinding tale of adventure, history and intrigue starting in the pre-revolution American colonies and ending in Scotland. McGoldrick’s characters are strong, stubborn and made to be together.

Portia Edwards plans to find her mother, but trouble always seems to find Portia. Pierce Pennington has his own plans, and he doesn’t need trouble, but he can’t deny his attraction to Portia. When their plans intersect and trouble gets too close for comfort, Pierce and Portia sail to Scotland. Along the way they fall in love, but before they can be together, they must each face their past when they arrive back in Scotland, where we will see Lyon and Millicent again.

The backstory woven into this tale, sheds light on the rift between Pierce and Lyon, and what happened with Lyon’s first wife. I look forward to reading Dreams of Destiny the third and final book to unravel the mystery, and see all of the brothers reunited.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really a 3.5. I gave it 4 because every time she mentioned an individual or an incident from the period, I checked. And, every time I checked the historical incident was accurate. Most of the books I read fail.

[Amanda Lauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can't go wrong with a May McGoldrick historic romance set in Scotland. They're always fun to read and have intriguing leading men and leading ladies who have dynamic relationships.

[Carol Bisig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read!

This story starts in Boston, prior to the start of the Revolution, yet the insurrections, had begun. I love Pierce, who is from Scotland, the reason, I deducted one star, is, he should be addressed as Lord Pierce, his father was an Earl, he is still in line to inhereit, unless his older brother has a son. Then we have Portia, strong minded, acts before she thinks it through. She finds her Mother, that she never knew, in a British Admiral's home, his daughter, who he keeps drugged, for some nefarious reason. Very interesting.
I highly recommend! Thanks! Enjoy!
carolintallahassee 👒

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love this trilogy only one book to go

[Lilmissmolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captured Dreams is the second book in the Scottish Dreams trilogy, which follows the three Pennington brothers as they find their soulmates. This installment is a wonderful tale of what lengths one daughter will take to find her mother, and in the process unexpectedly finds love.

The story begins in Boston, prior to the start of the Revolutionary War, where Portia Edwards is on a quest to find her birth mother. When Portia finally finds her mother, she is heavily drugged and essentially a prisoner in the home of a British Admiral (Portia’s grandfather). Portia elicits the assistance of wealthy merchant Pierce Pennington to help her gain access into the household so she can visit with her mother. When Portia soon escapes with her mother, Pierce and Portia escape to Scotland to thwart capture by the Admiral. During the long Atlantic journey, Portia falls in love with Pierce with her mother’s blessings. It takes Pierce a little longer to realize he’s in love with Portia, but once back in Scotland, he soon realizes it is time to settle down and he needs Portia beside him.

My favorite part of the book was the healing relationship between Pierce and Lyon. I also appreciated learning how the rift between the brothers developed and what happened with Lyon’s first wife.

I listened to the Audible version of this audiobook written by May McGoldrick and narrated by Sienna Frances. Sienna did an admirable job providing varying voices for all characters. Her narration was so engaging that I could easily imagine myself watching a mini-series on TV rather than listening to a mere audiobook. I cannot wait to listen to the final book in this thrilling and exciting series!

[Amarilli 73 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allora, per fortuna la nuova edizione ORO ha sostituito la trama riportata sul retro della vecchia edizione, perchè altrimenti mi sarebbe venuto da eviscerare chiunque si fosse reso colpevole di un tale spoiler... Quindi, se dovesse capitarvi a tiro, evitate di sbirciare la vecchia edizione.

Detto questo, e pur riconoscendo che il primo volume aveva comunque una storia potente alla base (Millicent e il suo nobile semi-distrutto dalla vita, la lotta alla schiavitù, ecc.), anche questo secondo m'è parso ben congegnato e, in definitiva, bello.
Senza dubbio è avvincente e pure stavolta concordo con chi me lo ha caldamente raccomandato.
Portia è una ragazza intrepida e come protagonista tiene bene anche di fronte a una stellare Millicent (peraltro le due s'incontrano e si piacciono d'istinto).
Pennigton è un ragazzotto scozzese che sa il fatto suo. Dopo aver già dato tanto con il fratello maggiore, ovvio, non ci si poteva aspettare chissà che doti particolari. Però il nostro accigliato secondogenito si ritrova, suo malgrado, ad essere una pedina nel gioco programmato dalla giovane istitutrice.
Interessante anche il contesto storico: il romanzo si legge in un pomeriggio (e il fatto che non sia riuscita a chiuderlo senza prima arrivare in fondo è indice di quanto la narrazione fosse scorrevole), per mio gusto nel finale scende un po', ma forse il duo di scrittori marito/moglie mirava a rendere ricorrente l'elemento del famigerato "burrone".

In ogni caso, leggerò assolutamente il terzo volume perchè:
1) ne voglio ancora dei tre fratelli; avrei voluto maggiore spazio anche per la simpatica madre;
2) mi piace l'idea che David, il terzo figlio, stia (forse) sul fronte "nemico";
3) chi cappero ha buttato giù Emma, alla fine????

[Lucimar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enfim li a sequência 2 de May McGoldrick. Um boa leitura com uma mocinha (Portia) corajosa que luta pelo que quer, não importando as consequências disso. E encontra no mocinho (Pierce) um par ideal, apesar de discordar dela em algumas coisas.
Ela descobriu que tinha mãe e que esta era mantida em cárcere pelo próprio pai, ou seja, seu avô. E tenta por todos meios ao seu alcance realizar essa façanha. Embora o ame, ela não se recusa a casar com ele, pois era alguém que nada tinha a oferecer., pois fora criada num orfanato e não sabia da identidade do pai, já que a mãe nunca contou tudo. O pai foi um grande revelação para mim, não gostei muito ao descobrir, não me pergunte porquê.
Pierce tem seus segredos e muito arrependimento por conta do que causou e/ou se achou culpado do sofrimento de Lyon - de Borrowed Dreams.

[Johanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pretty disappointing 45 pages in and it is going in the never finished pile. The heroine is an idiot. She thinks she can rescue a woman that she believes is her mother on the the thinnest evidence. She has no practical plans in place and relies on the goodwill and forbearance of others. She gets herself into a compromising situation and practically loses her respectability by being "swept away" by a total stranger. Too ridiculous for words. I really enjoyed Borrowed Dreams, the first book in the series, and had high hopes for this one but alas, no. I might have stayed with it if the heroine was less of a nitwit. I am truly baffled by all the four star reviews.

[Ann Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not as good as book one, although it was a good book. Once again, I think May did an excellent job on the characters. I really liked Pierce and Portia. My problem with the book was that is was quite dull and would drag on in some parts. The book really began to get even more interesting when they reached Scotland, but that is where less took place. The ending felt rushed.
I would recommend this book and book one to others. I believe this book could be a stand alone, but I recommend reading book one first. Now on the book three.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay

I am a huge fan of the authors and normally I love their work. This installment falls flat, especially after the promising first installment. Portia is a headstrong spoiled young woman who seldom thinks of others in her likeminded selfish pursuit of her aim to 'reclaim a mother who is drugged out of her mind and then miraculous recovers her senses and sight. The hero is a little better but it is tough to see a smart man fall for such a stupid chit unless he is blinded by lust. This one you can pass

[Simoloverosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Noioso è dire poco neanche le avventure del contrabbandiere protagonista sono riuscite a suscitare interesse per questo libro ma ho dato 3 stelle perchè è ben scritto e perchè l' incontro di una madre con la figlia che credeva perduta dalla nascita è stata la più bella e commovente parte di questa storia. Complice La luna è il secondo volume della serie Scottish Dream che purtroppo si è obbligati a leggere ma solo se si vogliono risposte ad alcune situazioni lasciate nel dubbio in Sogni rubati che ne è il primo bellissimo volume.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the story of Portia Edwards and Pierce Pennington. It took place in the colonies, but eventually moved to Scotland. This story was filled with excitement, intrigue and romance. It delved into the politics of the colonies and Scotland, both under British rule. It was very well written and thoroughly enjoyable, but I would expect nothing less from this author! I am anxious to read the third book in this trilogy, which I’m sure will be equally enjoyable.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Portia discovers that the mother she never knew is in Boston and she is determined to meet her. But she scares her mother when she climbs a balcony to her to her. Pierce helps her to get away without being seen. But then he uses her to escape a British army officer searching for a smuggler. Many misunderstandings and stubbornness leads to a very interesting book.

[Celia Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance, Mystery, & a Reluctant Hero

I loved this story, following the challenges and secrets in the times before the Boston Tea Party in Boston. A hidden daughter, whose illegitimate daughter has a very strong mind, a reluctant loyal Captain - all these threads are woven together with history in a very satisfying story. Whew!! Highly recommended.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars- I finished it, but didn't really like any of the characters. Their personalities were inconsistent and neither heroine nor hero treated each other with respect. I'll read the conclusion to the trilogy only because I've read this far, but won't be reading any more of McGoldrick's works, if they are all like these.

[Kathleen Ruggio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good read with a strong female lead and three very handsome brothers. This is the second in the series. This one keeps you guessing all the way through. A very well thought out book. It's the second time I read the series the first time in 2015, and more details stick with you as you go through it. May McGoldrick has woven a very very romantic tale.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

audible romance. young woman wants to find her mother. Her mother is being held by her father. She is under the care of an evil housekeeper. Portia escapes the house with her mother. They head to England. Also having an affair with a pirate. Marry at end. Father was Charles the Scottish pretender.

[One Sentence Audio Critic · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great historic romance series, but while they work as stand alone books, I highly recommend you read the McGoldrick books ...across all the series...in publication order, so you can enjoy the characters across generations.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

The historical aspects are very interesting. The section where Mary helps Portia and her mother escape is a bit far fetched. Her character had been too much opposed to any impropriety to have involved herself.

2.8/5

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this audiobook. My only exception is it ended abruptly.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of their books do have their moments of brilliance and witty repartee and although I do not approve of the main characters' amoral actions, I have to give this one 3 stars, at least.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story, the third book in this series will be my next book, I assume the third book will be about the other brother. So far I've given all the books I've read written by May 5 stars.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters are great and a very easy read.

[Berta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story beautifully written. Looking forward to read the 3rd book.

[Kbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible Romance Package

AUDIOBOKK: Read 11th & 12th June 2019
9hrs 37min

Narrator: Sienna Frances does a pretty godd job.
Liked it a lot. Like how they all help each other.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pierce and Portia

Tropes/keywords: road/boat trip, rescue plot, America (beginning), class difference

Portia, who has lived most of her life thinking she is an orphan, finds out her mother is alive. She is the daughter of a military man and is thought to be mad. Upon sneaking into their house, Portia finds out she is not mad, only going blind and frustrated. Portia helps her escape. In the meantime, Portia meets captain Pierce and makes a poof first impression although they are attracted to each other. She books passage on one of his ships and sneaks her mother on with her. Once aboard, she finds out Pierce is also on board and he is not happy with what she has done. He finally comes around, they get to know each other, he proposes, and she says no. She meets his family, more of hers, she figures out she is being stupid and accepts his proposal. HEA

I liked this story, but did not love it. Portia had some views that were skewed IMO.