Captivated

Whiskey Run #2

by Hope Ford

She’s a beautiful woman on the run... and I’m going to be the one to keep her.

First she lies about her name.

Then she says she doesn’t want the job she obviously needs.

But as soon as I tell her she’ll be safe with me,

She starts to give in.


She’s running from something.

There’s no doubt about it.

And I’m here to fix whatever that is.

They may find her, but no one is going to take her from me.

No one.

We may have obstacles, one right after another,

A possible killing,

An ex fiancé that shows up,

And the list goes on.

But she’s mine now... and nothing’s going to change that.

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance, Short Stories, Westerns, Abuse

92 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 9, 2021

About the author

Bestselling short romance author Hope Ford writes short, steamy, sweet romances.  She loves writing about ALPHA MEN that fall in love with CURVY WOMEN.  She has over 70 books and they are all available on Amazon.

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www.authorhopeford.com
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Reviews

[atomickitten · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars?

Cute, true, but nothing special.
A good quick read to devour over your lunch break.

[*CJ* · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Captivated" is the story of Emma and Brett.

A scared heroine on the run meets a protective single rancher and sparks fly. They instantly fall in love, solve all their problems and get their HEA.

Safe
2.5/5

[Lady Raven RAVE! · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️

Style: Contemporary Insta Romance
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Dark Level: 0/5
Sexual Level: GOOD
Triggers: Yes (Mild)
Violence: No
Male: Left at the Alter and Quite
Series: Book 2
Pages: loc.813
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes


STORY:
This was an insta love romance and goes by very quickly. I enjoyed Emma’s and Brett’s connection and the way Brett felt the need to protect Emma. When Brett and Emma met at Violet’s dinner, she was timid, shy and afraid. I know this was an insta romance but because of her past, I felt as though she became too bold quickly. Apart from that, I liked it.


CHEMISTRY:
I love their physical chemistry. Brett was so sexy to me with how he handle Emma.


SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
We had Violet again, and I love her!! I hope she gets her own story. The second epilogue for the 3rd book, Obsessed, I can’t wait. It sounded so appealing for another Insta love.


Overall, I quick nice and likable read. Very much looking forward to the 3rd book in the series.

**Triggers: This is a mild, but Emma’s past could be a trigger.

****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Somia · Rating 2 out of 5]

No Sizzle & Spark

A short read involving insta-love.

Emma has runaway after escaping from violent drunk of a father and finds safety at the ranch iof gruff Brett. Brett having been left at the alter finds himself drawn to the fearful Emma.

Didn't feel the sizzle and spark between the MCs. Pacing was off.

Acquired via KU.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: 5
Length: Lunch Break Read
POV: Dual
Series: Whiskey Run Book 2
Ending: HEA
Re-read? Yes

"I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize the trust I’ve already built with Emma. She’s not going to catch me in any compromising positions. I’d die first."

I'm sorry, but I'm a sucker for a woman who is running scared and finds a man to protect her. It may not be very feminist but it's the kind of book I like to read. Emma comes to Whiskey Run to escape her father and her past actions. She's basically been abused and is terrified. She meets Brett who wants nothing more than to keep her safe. They are such a sweet couple and Brett gives me the warm and fuzzies! I've really been digging this series.

[Alexandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

no tengo palabras para describir esta cosa

[Hollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brett & Emma

Emma is running from something, and ends up in Whiskey Run. She goes to the diner to look for a job and ends up with one, just not at the diner. Brett is just trying to pay for his meal, when Violet asks if he’s still hiring. Suddenly, Brett has a new house keeper, and now he’s vowing to protect Emma from whatever has her scared.

[Ashley Zakrzewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Hope Ford

[ياسمينة · Rating 1 out of 5]

No, sorry. it was a visual torture.

After just a week? Getting married?
No, no, no. You ruined it.

Two nights. Just two nights, people! And suddenly she’s melting, falling for him, handing over her heart—just because he said a few sweet words?
He said “I love you,” and that’s it? And her? She didn’t hesitate she just said it back? f***

Please, respect the readers' minds.


Brett&Emma 🤡

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Brett for Emma....

...but more than that I really love Emma for Brett!
Brett offers Emma the safety and comfort she needs to be able to stop running and find herself. She not only finds herself and her hopes and dreams for the future, but she also feels safe enough to find her sass and fire, which is very handy when it comes to defending Brett.
Emma accepts Brett completely with no judgement or expectation, she sees the beauty in the calm the ranch offers and rather than seeing old and worn furniture she sees history and memories. But what steals Brett's heart and yours is the fire that she defends him with, asking nothing in return. Protecting him in a way nobody ever has before.
A really sweet instalove, this has a little steam but is a heartwarming HEA. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Aliama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma lands in Whiskey Run trying to leave an abusive situation. So goes into Violet’s Diner looking for work but ends up being a pawn in Violet’s matchmaking scheme. From the moment Brett looks into Emma’s eyes he feels the need to protect her and something more. Emma thinks she must be crazy going off to live and work on Brett’s ranch without even knowing him. One look at him though has her finally feeling safe and wanted. A wonderfully written emotional story. The connection and chemistry between these two is amazing and has you hooked from the beginning. I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better and more romantic than the first one!
So good!
I needed this serie! I was tired of OW drama and fooling around! This is a romantic book !
Thanks

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second instalment in a novella series.

Insta love, heroine who needs saving and a sexy rancher who can do just the job.

It’s exactly what it claims to be.
Well written short steamy story

[A-reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma is on the run from her alcoholic abusive father who has held her hostage in their homes for three years. She comes into Violet’s diner looking for a job, seeing an opportunity to matchmake she tells her she doesn’t have need but her customer Brett does. She says he’s is in desperate need of a housekeeper/cook. She’s afraid but agrees to go with him once he tells her he doesn’t abuse women. He was reluctant at first glance but he can’t help but feel attracted and protective of her. Especially when Emma tells him about her father and how she hit him with a beer bottle and escaped when he collapsed. She’s scared she may have killed him. Brett goes to her hometown to investigate, turns out she didn’t kill him. He was arrested because before he came hone he had killed a pedestrian while driving drunk. The police were shocked to find out he had been keeping Emma hostage in the house, they all thought she moved after her mother dies. When he returns home, his fiancé who had left him at the alter a year ago has returned. He wants nothing to do with her and asks Emma to be fake girlfriend. Emma plays the role very convincingly. In dealing with the ex he realizes he is in love with Emma. They give into their attraction and have their first time together and the two confess their love. Epilogue one week later with them getting married. Bonus epilogue one year later with her pregnant.

[Melly Gem · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nope, sorry, it started great, but then just pissed me right off.
What in the name of a disney movie was this.
It started well with Emma needing a safe place to hide from her alcoholic abusive dad, who apparently locked her in the house for 4 years. And no one (in the small town questioned her "moving away" at all).
She takes a bus 2 hours away (so essentially the next town over) and goes to a diner and accepts a housekeeping job with Brett. (The luck she has). This girl should be ridiculously afraid of men.. but she got over it so quickly because you guessed it ... he is hot.
I would have looked past all this if the author did 1 Super. Easy. Simple. thing... a time jump. She could have easily said, "1 week, 1 month later, everything was going great. I kept the house clean, cooked meals, helped feed the animals, and slowly opened up and got to know Brett."
But NOPE 2 nights and she is giving up her v card to him because he said some nice words, oh and after the act in blissfulness (and apparently no pain or bleed) she is accepting to marry him purely so she can have a round 2 without a condom.. WTAF.
1 WEEK LATER, and they are at the church getting married.
Nope, Nope, Nope ruined it for me.
I am hugely disappointed with this story.

[Raven61 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced novelette - Highly Recommend!

This is the second story in the Whiskey Run series. While it can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend they be read in publication date for maximum reader satisfaction. There are some reoccurring characters, including the town matchmaker and diner owner, Violet.

These have been very fast reads, with a surprising amount of detail built in. There were only a few grammatical issues, such as transposed words, incorrect punctuation and a typo on the hero’s name. Normally I lower the rating for something relating to the main characters, but I really enjoyed the plot.

⛔️ Contains scenes that may be a trigger or offensive for sensitive readers. These include adult language, mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, alcoholism, etc., adult intimate scene, and violence such as imprisonment / abduction / kidnapping, physical and mental abuse of a child, drunk driving, death, etc.

Here is how the story begins:

Emma, aka Heather, comes into Whiskey Run on a bus. She is running and hiding from her father. She doesn’t have any money left after buying the ticket out of her hometown, so Emma needs a job and fast. She checks with the bakery, who then refers her to the diner. When she gets there, the owner of the diner, Violet, recognizes the look and orders her up some food.

Violet sees the look and instant chemistry that passes between Emma and Brett, a local rancher with a great heart. He was left basically at the alter by his ex, so he has been staying away from women, but she can already tell he feels protective. So Violet makes her move … and gets Brett to hire Emma on as his cook and housekeeper.

Fate has struck again …

[Rachel Reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
f: Heather aka Emma
m: Brett
(Dual POVs)

I was eager to jump into this one after the little snippet we get of these two meeting at the diner in the previous book. There’s nothing I love more than a grumpy, closed off hero! I just didn’t realize how short this novella was until I started reading it. On my kindle, it says it’s 48 pages. Not sure if it has something to do with the way my kindle is formatted or if it’s really just that short, but I’m wishing it was longer because I did enjoy the couple.

Brett takes to Emma pretty quickly. You can tell right away that Emma is running from something or has been involved in some situations that have her skittish. Brett is patient enough not to push, but firm in the fact that he will protect her no matter what it is.

Brett’s past makes an appearance to stir up some drama, but I wanted to give Emma a standing ovation with how she handled it. For being timid and skittish, she sure as hell stuck up for herself and her relationship with Brett.

Favorite Quote:
“What do you mean I got you?”
“I mean, if someone or something comes, I’m taking care of it.” -Emma & Brett

Already, I know there’s no way I’m going to let her go to jail. Knowing I may have to lie to keep her with me, I’ll do it. I won’t have a choice. I can’t let anything happen to her.” -Brett

”Just in the short time I’ve known her, I know she’s the one. She’s going to be my wife, she’s going to have my babies, she’s going to be the one that has my heart. I won’t let anyone or anything come between us.” -Brett

[Dee]

The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Speaking of filling…..wait, that’s for later. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with! By the time you’ve figured out who is who and who to like and dislike, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!
Can’t say I didn’t warn you.
Book number two in the Whiskey Run Series Emma is on the run from everything really her father holding her hostage, she has tried her best to make lemonade out of the lemon’s life continues to throw at her, so she runs right to Whiskey Run leaving it all behind. She applies and gets a job working with Brett and his family from the moment of meeting they both feel the magnetic pull. Brett’s fiancée ran off and left him at the alter and he hasn’t had interest in anyone since that is until he lays eyes on Emma and he brings all the protectiveness, passiveness and the need to be around her. They are drawn to each other and neither of them can ignore the pull. They both have been through some stuff and fate has placed them in the right place for healing to take place through the two of them will /can they find happiness?

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma is finally away from her abusive drunk father, who had confined her to the house for three years, after hitting him with a beer bottle. Arriving at Whiskey Run on a bus, with only a few things in a backpack, she is looking for a job when Violet introduces her to Brett, a rancher. Violet is the town matchmaker and devious, but so kind. Brett offers her a job at the ranch, where she will be safe, after sensing she is in trouble and very scared. At the ranch, they talk and Emma feels safe for the first time in her life, and Brett becomes very protective as he checks out where her father is. The storyline is fast and the romance skyrockets. Tension from the his ex showing up, quickly goes away as they pretend to be engaged. Loved the sass that Emma has while Sophia is there, and Brett loves it, too. The trust and intense emotions between them is heartwarming. Loved the ending one week later and their solid friends. Violet is so funny.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful quick read with no break-up. Amazing book! A wonderful HEA to add.

Brett is having a meal at Red's Diner when Emma walks in. She first introduces herself as Heather, because she is running from something or someone. Emma/Heather is looking for a job, but Violet doesn't have any openings. So Violet introduces Emma/Heather to Brett, who is owner of a ranch and needs help with housekeeping and cooking meals for his 2 employees. When Brett finally gives in to hire Emma he tells her she will be safe on his Ranch and no one will find her. While they are driving to Barrett Ranch, Emma has a little melt down, but Brett reassures her she will be safe with him. After Emma finally feels safe she confides in Brett about what has happened to her for the past several years. After Brett's ex-fiance, Sophie shows up to rekindle what they had Brett was glad Sophie left him. Brett and Emma realize that are meant to be together, they have an amazing HEA!

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in Hope Ford's Whiskey Run series is Captivated. When Emma flees her home after a horrible encounter with her abusive father, she ends up in Violet's diner in Whiskey Run, looking for a job. Violet doesn't have a position for her, but when she notices reclusive rancher Brett watching Emma, she suggests he hire the young woman as a housekeeper at his ranch. Having previously been left at the altar, Brett tries to deny his attraction to Emma, but he cannot deny his protective instincts - and seeing how scared she is, he vows to keep her safe. Brett and Emma have chemistry from the start, and Brett's positively swoon-worthy with how he cares for Emma, even as he is trying to tamp down his feelings. This is a very sweet and steamy read with two very engaging characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[poppysocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

So loved this

So loved this. Emma has just got off the bus and is trying to find a job who she finds is Violet at the diner and then Brett as he was leaving. Emma accepts the offer of Bretts and goes to his ranch to work for him.
Brett sees Emma in the diner they lock eyes but she turns away as he was leaving Violet introduces Emma to him and before he knows it she is going back to his ranch. Brett needs to find out what Emma is running from the next day he goes back to her home to find out what is happening with her father and then back to that kids. Brett comes back but is surprised when his ex is back but Brett and Emma show her that Brett has moved on which also gets them to open up about how they feel about each other which is in love. Brett never thought he would open his heart to another woman but Emma was the one he was waiting for.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma escapes from her home after being locked away for the last 3 years. She hits her dad over the head with a botte and runs. She's looking for work in Whiskey Run, but Violet tells her she has nothing for her right now but she sees Brett and asks him is he is still looking for a cook and a housekeeper at his ranch. He took one look at Emma and just knew that she was frightened and running from something. Brett finally gets her story and decides to let her know that he's going to make sure she's safe. Emma is attracted to Brett and they have great chemistry together. There is just the drama a an ex thinking she can just come back after leaving Brett at the altar one year ago. Does Emma help Brett get rid of Sophie? Plenty of sweet, cute and steamy romance. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the end of book one there was a hint to book two, it made me want to read it and I'm glad I did as it had an interesting storyline which wasn't drawn out and characters who I not only liked but cared about too. I believed in Brett and Emma's connection and could have kissed Brett's ex for the helping hand she gave them. For what she had been though I thought Emma was a strong and resilient woman. I liked them alot together and could have happily continued reading about them so much that I signed up for the bonus scene at the end. The set up for the next book has me yet again looking forward to reading it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. Brett and Emma meet at the diner in town. She is on the run from abuse and looking for a safe way to continue. His emotional baggage has turned him into a recluse. Brett is in town eating when he feels strong emotions about this strange young woman. They have a connection from the beginning and that convinces her to take him up on the job offered. He plans to protect and care for her. When trouble comes calling she knows that he is her safety. I thought that this was a short romance between two very deserving people.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma is out of money and needs a place to stay when she lands in Whisky Run. While at the dinner, Violet, the owner suggest the Brett hire her as a housekeeper/ cook. Brett has sworn off women since he was left at the alter, but he could tell there was something Emma was hiding.

Grab a drink and find a comfortable place to settle in, Emma and Brett's story has a bit of danger, some drama as Brett's ex shows up, but Emma is not about to let that come between her and Brett. Oh you will love Emma's feistiness. And the heat, passion and love between Brett and Emma will have you needing to cool off.

Another great read that is worth getting lost in.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Syd Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Heather (Emma) is running away from the only place that she has ever known and winds up at Whiskey Run. Bret has been alone since his fiancée left him at the alter but when he sees Emma the first time, he can't help the protective and possessive feelings he gets. Emma and Bret have a few hurtles to overcome but these two are really sweet together. These two truly can't help be drawn to the other as they are truly soulmates. I can't wait to read the next book! I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it and Ms. Hope as a must read author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivated is the second book in the Whiskey Run series. I have to say, I really liked the first book but I seriously LOVED the second book! This book is about Brett and Emma. Emma was dealt a bad hand in life and she finally decides she's had enough and runs off to Whiskey Run to get away. She ends up taking a job with Brett and almost right away Brett was the perfect person for Emma. I absolutely love the two of them together. I will definitely be reading this one again and again. I can not wait for the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sabrina Flachsmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

We get a hint of these two in the previous book in this series Faithful. Emma is on the run (as Heather) from her dad and an abusive home life. Bret is a rough and tough former rodeo rider that was left by his fiancé at the alter. He takes Emma in as a housekeeper, she has nerves but pushes forward and heads to his house. There is some trust that is built between these two and things heat up as the trust develops. It seemed short but that could be because I devoured it in one reading. I'm loving this new series by this author!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Opasan Ouprie · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is left at the alter and not wanted anyone sense. She was abused and held by her father. When she was able to she ran for the hills per se. Once she got to the diner, she is in need of a job. She is hired and when he sees her he knows she is the one for him. He becomes protective and possessive of her. With his ways he is towards her, will she stay around and let him help her? If she stays, is she going to be the help that he needs? They have a great chemistry these two and some steamy times. Will the couple heal into a HEA?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.