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Captive Angel

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Captured in a time not her own. For modern day Gabrielle Ross, a college student and fencing enthusiast, the unexpected happens—a mysterious fog transports her back to the year 1760. Suddenly she finds herself aboard a sailing vessel where sea battles and sword fights make it far easier to die than to live. Branded a stowaway and a spy, she is forced to pick up a sword to defend herself. While being interrogated by a take-no-prisoners English sea captain, Gabrielle must fight for her independence in a time when women have none. While doing his part for "king and country" aboard the HMS Seawraith, Captain Sinclair has earned a reputation for courage and daring. Women find him irresistibly heroic, and yet, no woman has ever touched Damion’s heart—until a twist in fate has a fiercely independent 21st-century woman landing on board his ship. Though unsure if Gabrielle is friend or foe, Damion is drawn to the spirited beauty in ways he cannot deny. As he becomes increasingly intrigued by her unusual mannerisms, the defiant tilt to her chin and thunderous flash to her gray eyes, he begins to unravel her secrets. Damion embarks on a skilled seduction that not only places Gabrielle in his bed—but in his heart as well.

448 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2019

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Cyndi McKay

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5 stars
84 (62%)
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28 (20%)
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17 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
1 review
July 19, 2019
AMAZING!!! I loved Captive Angel by Cyndi McKay. The style of writing this author uses makes it so enjoyable to read. The way McKay flows the future with the past adding bits of humor at times is perfect and makes such a wonderful story. Captain Sinclair, a strong, masculine character paired with a beautiful, spirited Gabrielle who has a great sense of humor, is truly a refreshing read. Once I started reading Captive Angel it was difficult to put down wondering how the story would unfold next. I am hoping Cyndi McKay has more books coming. One of my favorite authors!
1 review1 follower
July 18, 2019
What an awesome book!! Very well written and the characters! Wow. I love the feisty chemistry between them. I felt like I was transported back in time with Gabrielle and Damien. I could not put it down and I really hope there is a second one coming!
Profile Image for SuzyHD.
1,248 reviews3 followers
July 12, 2019
Fantastic 5+*

An exceptionally well written time travel romantic adventure. New to the author, Cyndi McKay. I found her story to be very fun and entertaining. Damion and Gabrielle show great character development as their tale unfolds. I could see another story in the future with Sully and Hope. Let's hope for one soon.
10 reviews
April 11, 2019
Love the romance and the writing. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
1 review
July 26, 2019
I LOVED this book!

Captive Angel by Cyndi McKay is a beautifully written story that takes you on a wonderful journey back in time. I loved it. A lot. It is a fast-paced read with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked from start to finish. I laughed, sighed, cheered, and smiled throughout this book. I would recommend Captive Angel in a heartbeat.

I gave it five stars while wishing I could give it more.
Profile Image for Christine Bada.
14 reviews
July 18, 2019
From the moment I started reading, it was super difficult to put down!

I'm usually not the type to read romance novels, but this book turned out to be way more than just that. I felt like I myself has been transported back in time. The author has such a wonderful writing style that makes the book a real page turner!! I would recommend this book to anyone!

I'm excited and hoping to see more books from Cyndi McKay!!
1 review
July 20, 2019
Excellently written ! Salute to the author Cyndi McKay... My kind of book....intrigue, friendships, loveships and how it was so cleverly written. Absolutely loved it!
1 review
July 26, 2019
Magnificent read!

Strong characters and short chapters. Cinematically delightful. The storyline moved at a fast pace and I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the movie.
Profile Image for MiraJane.
360 reviews5 followers
March 30, 2019
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book to give a voluntary honest review. This review contains only my own thoughts and opinions of this book.

Captive Angel was an absolute delight to read. The cover actually did not do the story any justice. It was bland compared to the action, drama, complex historical society and heated romance I lived through reading the book from start to finish. Though it was a bit of a bumpy ride the book really grew on me.

Right from the get-go we were thrown right into the action. A woman waking up in a different timeline and on a ship filled with an all male crew and with no memory of how she got there. She gets mistaken for a boy having her hair up under a cap (although I found that part a bit unrealistic since hair doesn’t really define womanly features). The crew thinking she is a stowaway forces her to a sword fight that she unexpectedly wins at the cost of the crew discovering she is a woman. And that’s how Gabrielle met Captain Damion Sinclair.

Their relationship was explosive to say the least. Immediately drawn to each other but both fighting it lead to some heavy fights and arguments. Sparks was practically flying when they were in each other’s vicinity, both from the anger and from the confined attraction. Their banter lead to difference of opinion which lead to arguments which in turn lead to heated kisses. The development of their relationship and romance was not only beautifully written but also the driving force of the story. The drama in their relationship really made it compelling as well as the disagreement and injustice of a woman’s place in society.

The way women was looked upon at that time was a very defining aspect in the story and handled perfectly. It had a big part in forming the relationship and characterization. For Damion, being used to meek women and being in charge, meeting Gabrielle was like a fresh breath of air. She did not bow down or submit to men’s will. She wore breaches, knew how to sword fight and spoke her mind, which was what often lead to the battles of will between her and Damion. While Damion was not interested in committing to a submissive woman to begin with, handling Gabrielle’s defiance and strange behavior took him understandably some time getting used to. And Gabrielle hating being called endearments, being told what to do or to lose had to learn to once in a while step back and calm herself. This being the major factor in them both to finally stop fighting their feelings for each other and be together was a very clever way to implement the woman treatment of that time period and how they both fought for equal ground with each other.

However much I loved Damion and Gabrielle together it slightly confused me as to how they came to that point. It felt like it too quickly went from them constantly butting heads to them accepting each other. There was no major resolution that really lead them there. It felt like they suddenly just moved past their differences and decided to get married. The marriage deal was also kind of confusing since I did not understand the reasoning behind it. I mean, I understood why it was beneficial for Gabrielle, but how was it a good deal for Damion? What did he get out of it and what was the point of getting married and then a divorce? That I had difficulty understanding some things leads me to think that it was the writing that caused the problem for me. Because although the development and storyline was beautifully written, the reason that I at times couldn’t fully follow what was happening was that the writing was a bit more ... sophisticated (if that’s the right word?) than I’m used to. I get why however, since it was made to match that time-set. And overall it did not take away anything from the amazing romance, drama, characters or world.

I loved the ending. It was a great note to end the adventure on and even though I can’t get enough of the romance I do love a happily ever after. I hope that I get to see more in a sequel, whether it will be from Gabrielle’s point of view or someone else’s.
4,208 reviews21 followers
April 10, 2019
It came as a pleasant surprise to discover that Captive Angel by Cyndi McKay is a time travel book. Gabrielle Ross and Damion Sinclair are products of their time. Conflicts are bound to happen when 1760 and contemporary times collide together. When it happens on a ship full of men there is even more confusion. Captive Angel has drama, intrigue, action, historical reminders and romance, along with danger early on in the story.

Damion Sinclair for his part is an honorable captain but Gabrielle who can wield a sword with the best of them comes as a shock. Just as shocking is her suddenly being transport back in time. This is a romance but it is a bumpy one when no one understands or listens to Gabrielle, least of all Damion. I enjoyed the story but would not want to suddenly be in her place or to have to make the choices that she does. Enjoyable romance and one that calls for some reflection too.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Shelagh.
1,811 reviews25 followers
April 13, 2019
Captive Angel has a time travel theme similar to that used in the Outlander series, except in this story it’s fog that whisks our heroine Gabrielle from the 2005 beach where she’s sleeping off a hangover and onto a 1760 privateer ship sailing out of Boston Harbour.
The story is fast paced and filled with interesting twists. I had an inkling of how it would end and even though I was more or less correct there was plenty to entertain me along the way. The characters are well developed and Damion, ship’s captain extraordinaire, absolutely owns his scenes. He is utterly magnificent. I wasn’t always completely taken with Gabrielle. Some of her modern day behaviours and language didn’t quite gel for me, but really these were minor things. This story is entertaining and engaging and I will definitely be looking for more from author Cyndi McKay.
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,119 reviews49 followers
April 11, 2019
Gabrielle is a college student just living her life when mysterious fog transports her back to 1760. She ends up on a vessel where Damien is the captain. Sparks fly but what will Damien think of a modern woman who is good with a sword? Fast-paced time travel read with great characters and an entertaining story. I really liked it.
Profile Image for Neil.
1,593 reviews14 followers
July 18, 2019
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

Unfortunately for me the story line was just that bit too far fetched .
The plot was certainly well paced but the characters lacked depth and were not believable.
1,659 reviews29 followers
April 9, 2019
Captive Angel by Cyndi McKay
Captured in a time not her own.
For modern day Gabrielle Ross, a college student and fencing enthusiast, the unexpected happens—a mysterious fog transports her back to the year 1760. Suddenly she finds herself aboard a sailing vessel where sea battles and sword fights make it far easier to die than to live.
Branded a stowaway and a spy, she is forced to pick up a sword to defend herself. While being interrogated by a take-no-prisoners English sea captain, Gabrielle must fight for her independence in a time when women have none.
While doing his part for “king and country” aboard the HMS Seawraith, Captain Sinclair has earned a reputation for courage and daring. Women find him irresistibly heroic, and yet, no woman has ever touched Damion’s heart—until a twist in fate has a fiercely independent 21st-century woman landing on board his ship.
Though unsure if Gabrielle is friend or foe, Damion is drawn to the spirited beauty in ways he cannot deny. As he becomes increasingly intrigued by her unusual mannerisms, the defiant tilt to her chin and thunderous flash to her gray eyes, he begins to unravel her secrets. Damion embarks on a skilled seduction that not only places Gabrielle in his bed—but in his heart as well
This is Gabrielle Ross and Damion's story.
Gabrielle Ross staggered to her feet, shaking her head and blinking salt water from her lashes. She swiped a hand down across her face and flung the water from her fingertips. “Idiot!” she scolded herself, flicking water off her black blazer and worn jeans. “That’s what happens when you pass out drunk on the beach.”
A series of creaks and groans, an odd flapping sound above her head, and snatches of male voices tangled with the fog surrounding Gabrielle. Without warning the ground dropped out from under her and before she could scream it returned, solid and sure beneath her feet. Gabrielle gasped, pitching forward as the ground took another roll and the palms of her hands smacked against a wooden keg the size of a large trash can. “What the hell?”
Ignoring the sting to her hands, Gabrielle’s head shot upward and her eyes skimmed the beach for houses. With bewilderment she inspected the tangles of mist and a thick crisscrossing of rope. Her vision filled with chunky white sails. Gabrielle stood quiet and still as she watched the spinning whirlpool of fog distorting everything within her vision, giving it a bent look similar to mirrors in a fun house.
Damion cursed the fog that attached to his ship shortly before leaving Boston Harbor. He tried to gauge its depth. Fog, not storms, destroyed more ships.
“Appears to be staying with us,” Jacob Gilbert, the first mate, announced.
Damion nodded as he strode toward the bow. The weather seemed odd. He stared blindly into the dense fog that hindered his every attempt to shake it loose.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Captive Angel by Cyndi McKay is a 3 star book.
Cyndi's Books with Tule:
Captive Angel
Profile Image for Winnifred D..
931 reviews36 followers
January 27, 2021
Four stars for the first half, two stars for the second. I like historical romances, but typically not time travel books. They're really hard to pull off without seeming silly. In the first half of this one, I thought the author was successful. The book was hard to put down; it's sheer escapism (in a good way). There is suspense surrounding what will happen to the heroine within the time-travel framework and how her relationship with the hero will play out, plus the plot is fast-moving. There's also some humor that works well. The author seems knowledgeable about seafaring life of the time period and I enjoyed the secondary characters. I was also intrigued by the hero, who is a captain, but, it is hinted, is also working as a spy. He is a bit of a stereotypical alpha at times, but it's pretty clear why he behaves as he does.

I thought H's chemistry with h was quite steamy, although I have mixed feelings about her. Somehow she's an amazing dancer/fencer/philosopher who has the emotional maturity of a twelve-year old. Yes, she does provide some of the humor, but I found myself wondering what the captain saw in her, beyond the physical. The contrast of mid-1700's and early 2000's gender roles was interesting, though.

Just before the halfway point in the story, H/h's relationship shifts, and we don't really know why. The hero seems to have very set views of how women should act--no sword fighting, for example--but then he helps the heroine improve her skills. He is typically bored by women except for in bed, according to his first mate, but his interest in the quirkiness of the heroine doesn't seem enough to build a relationship on. He shoves aside all of his misgivings about her: all of the questions about why she talks the way she does and her comments that made him suspect she was a spy. He has a crew member go over the basics of life in the 1700's with her and then suddenly pops the question.

Something needed to happen to make the reader feel a growing emotional bond between them before this point of the story. Why would the hero set himself, and the heroine, up to face the wrath of the ton and his family, only to plan to divorce her right away? It made no sense.

This is where I felt the book became disappointing. After the hero and heroine come to England, things become a bit too pat, and I had a hard time believing the heroine was accepted as well as she was. The whole spy premise comes up again, and there's a dueling scene to liven things up, but then things just sort of come to an end. There's a weird final scene with the heroine's friend and ex-boyfriend (why is he still in the plot?) that seemed tacked-on.

Note, in case these bother you (they don't me, but different strokes): language is squarely in PG-territory (no f-bombs). Sex scenes were well-written and tasteful, with description but no consummation until after the wedding.

There were some editing issues that distracted at times, including spelling errors and errors in tense.

Still, this book shows the author has potential and I would read a follow-up by her.
67 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2019
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The premise:
Gabrielle is a college student studying in Boston who is mysteriously transported to the 1700s by fog. First thought to be a stow away and then a spy, this is her story on surviving a British captain's ship just prior to the American Revolution.

The Good:
An interesting premise, this book had the potential to be a hit.

The Not-So-Good:
This book really requires suspension of belief - and not because of the time traveling elements. Unfortunately, it simply wasn't well-written enough to really immerse me as a reader and really believe what was happening. The characters weren't believable, there was an extreme lack of character developments, and, quite unfortunately, the protagonist just wasn't a relatable character for me.

This would have been a three star review if it wasn't for the end.
728 reviews2 followers
April 11, 2019
This book could have been really interesting, unfortunately I found that it was just not well written enough to hold my interest.

Gabrielle is somehow transported from the sea shore in 2005 onto a British ship sailing from America in the 1700’s. She clashes with the British captain Damien, who is the second son of a Marquess, heading to England to assume the title and marry.

He treats Gabrielle with suspicion, as he thinks she is a spy. He also doesn’t appreciate her 21st century manners and demeanour. He tries to make her submit to his authority as the captain of the ship and also as a man. They are attracted to each other, how will they resolve their differences and.come together? Unfortunately I did not care enough about them to find out.

Both of them are woefully annoying characters. Gabrielle was whiny and weak some moments, and strong in others. She was also TSTL on occasion. Damien was equally inconsistent as a character, the dialogue was quite painful to read in parts, and the whole thing dragged on far too long.

Really not my cup of tea.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Mary.
523 reviews47 followers
January 18, 2023
Good book! Very captivating. For a 21 year old woman, she was a bit too perfect at everything IMO—award winning expert swordswoman (fencing), highly trained dancer (wanted to perform on broadway), able to quote multiple philosophers and able to discuss it with scholars, knowledgeable in art, etc. But it didn’t detract from the story, just made me raise my eyebrow once in a while. She couldn’t do anything historically feminine (sewing, cooking, riding side-saddle, or holding her tongue for more than 30 seconds).

I enjoyed the glimpses of history. The ships voyage across the ocean was interesting. And Damion was delicious. He was a bit of a brute in the beginning and wonderfully transitioned to Mr. Perfect by the ending. Some of his declarations of love toward the end were absolutely swoon worthy.

As far as I know, there’s no other books. This is a standalone. Kind of a shame. I could easily see a second book featuring her roommate Hope getting tossed back in time too, or maybe Damion’s best friend Sully going forward to Hope. Oh well. It ended very well with a great Happily Ever After.
5 reviews
April 6, 2019
I received this ARC for an honest review.

I'm always a fan of Time Travel stories and seeing characters struggle in the situation is always entertaining.

The storyline, action, complex historical society, the relationship developing, the banter, and characterization, they keep me intrigue.

I'm usually have standards when it comes to romance, I can't stand fast romance or if things get to sudden. I always like developments and growth. I honestly have mixed feelings about Damion and Gabrielle together.

One of the things I don't like is that in the end where Gabrielle abandons all her goals and everything she has had the Modern Era. I get that going back can lead to heartbreak but still the happy ending could've been done better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
91 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2024
great time travel romance

I like time travel romance but the majority are not done well. This is one that was done well and the MMC, Damion, made up for any small parts that weren’t. The banter between them, their enemies to lovers journey and the overall storyline and dangerous subplots work very well. The best part is the fierce love Damion has for Gabrielle and yet his ability to let her be her own person and support her and her uniqueness. Loved him!

Now I’d love to see his friend Sully find her friend Hope in a book 2. Sadly, based on how long it’s been since this book was written, I don’t think this author is writing anymore.
Profile Image for Helena#bookdreamer.
1,216 reviews10 followers
March 13, 2019
Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Gabrielle is somehow transported to another time in history and lands on Captain Sinclair ship. She had to fight off the crew members and has the advantage since she also practiced fencing in her former time. She develops a romance with the captain who is uncertain of her political intentions but is inexplicable drawn to her. I enjoyed the banter between them since it's very clear that Gabrielle is not used being treated as the lesser sex. Entertaining.
Profile Image for Suzie.
238 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2020
Captive Angel

I loved this story of a time traveling woman and the captain of a vessel that she suddenly found herself. The author painted a story about a college student from 2006 who is thrown back into a time she doesn't understand and a handsome captain who becomes her everything. The story was captivating and so good right to the end I wish there was another book by Cyndi McKay that I could immediately pick up and start reading. I recommend this book completely and know I'll miss the characters.
32 reviews
May 27, 2020
A great read

This book is the kind that I thought about when I wasn't reading it. It kept me interested throughout. There were some typing errors-which were annoying but didn't take away from the overall book. The last line was pretty lame but, overall, the book was interesting and well-written. Without the very last scene and last line, I probably would have given it 5 stars. I just hate it when an author overdoes the ending.
94 reviews
July 23, 2020
My God what a book!!!!!

Intense, emotional. I loved this book and feel saddened I didn't find more books to read from this author. This book is a masterpiece of the time travel romance. I feel so happy when I find jewels like this that surprise and leave me with a good after taste and longing for more. Ill give it a 10 but can only rate 5.
40 reviews
September 17, 2024
Wonderful!

Well written, great characters, and a historical and philosophical education in disguise. Sharp dialogue, and a slow build on the love story and the choices we make from the heart. When is the next one out? More please!
6 reviews
September 2, 2019
Very Good

Enjoyed the book. Love time travel stories and she did not disappoint. I recommend Captive Angel to those who like time travel, romance and action.
68 reviews
October 8, 2019
Captive Angel

Really good travel romance between A sea captain who was also a Lord and a lady who new sword fencing from the future.
15 reviews16 followers
May 30, 2020
Loved it!

I don’t usually review books, but I had to for Captive Angel. This book was great! I especially loved the heroine and how strong and intelligent she was.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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