Taken Bride

The Secret Bride #3

by Alta Hensley

Secrets must be kept.
Vows never broken.
Till death do us part…

Unless everything changes.
Captive in one life…
Kept in another…
Taken to now be the wife I am forced to be.

I’m hidden away to face a dark reality only a few can survive.
But I have a purpose now. I can be the good wife I strive to be.
But he still wants me.
He will hunt me down.
He will find me and take back what was stolen.
I will be his wife if he has to fight until the death to make it happen.

Genres: Dark, Dark Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Suspense, Abuse, Contemporary Romance

153 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 7, 2021

About the author

Alta Hensley is a NYT & USA Today bestselling author of dark romance where the villain always gets the happily ever after.

Twisted, clever, and occasionally unhinged, her books deliver morally gray anti-heroes, sharp-tongued heroines, and happily ever afters that taste even sweeter after a little ruin. With a signature blend of grit, wit, and heat, Alta’s stories prove one thing: Villains deserve love too.

Alta lives on the foggy coast of Oregon with her husband, two daughters, and a pair of dogs who think they’re in charge. When she’s not writing redemption for the irredeemable, she’s walking the coastline or sipping craft beer in eccentric little bars that feel like they belong in her books.

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Reviews

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 3.5

This was a nice conclusion to the series.

We open with Christopher returning from his work trip to find out his wife is gone. And all thanks to his evil and terrible Mother. She pretty much assisted in Ember being kidnapped by her evil "father". Oh does Christopher go ballistic.

This last book of the series Christopher realizes that Ember is the love of his life and needs her by his side always.

He returns to the evil little town (if you could call it a town) in search of his wife.

Ember struggles with doubt about her marriage. Is she right for Christopher. She does evolve into a much stronger and secure FMC.

The part of her rescue is a little of a stretch. I did see someone say this was kinda like the twighlight zone.

The villains are taken care of and Ember and Christopher get their HEA

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taken Bride continues with its dark and unbelievable story of Ember and Christopher and their journey that has so many twists and turns, jumping from love to tragedy and then to devastation and back to hope.
Alta has written a sensational series, taking the reader through an emotional abyss of anguish, despair, passion and finally finding peace.
6 gut wrenching stars!

[Jericho McKraven · Rating 2 out of 5]

Terrible. The other two were passably entertaining, this one I skimmed through quickly and almost skipped the last three chapters entirely.

The writing degraded, there were too many awkward sex scenes that (to me) were shudder inducing in an "eew no why!" kinda way. The resolution was boring, the new characters felt forced. I was really disappointed. 😞

I wanted it to be good! All the emotions behind everything happening gave this series so much potential! But I was let down. Hopefully no one else will feel that way and it'll just be me being picky. 😔

[Nikki M (Hot books and Sassy girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christopher arrived home only to learn that Ember had been taken by none other than Papa Rich and Scarecrow. He was horrified to learn of his mother’s involvement, one he vowed never to forgive her for. After facing the truths of his own downfall, he sets out to find his wife and save his marriage.
Ember arrives at their new destination, only to witness two women who are living a life she knows all too well. Forced to be part of the crazy, she submits, believing in her heart, she is doing Christopher a favour.
When Christopher finds her, he was surprised by how much had changed, and how he had to fight for Embers love. She was no longer the young girl who was scared; she was fierce in what she was prepared to do and her devotion for the two women who were now part of her life. While this part of the story was great, I felt like there was a huge chunk missing where Scarecrow and Papa Rich were involved. It did not work for me personally. There was a build-up to it, you were waiting for it, the suspense of them getting caught, holding your breath, the music in your mind playing the creepy suspense notes, the OMG moment, they are going to get caught———— and then¬¬¬¬———nothing. It was just brushed over, put neatly in a box and was a huge letdown. There was so much the author could have done here but she chose to skip it all, and then you have a rushed ending. What a letdown? What happened? Why? Why? Scarecrow and Papa Rich, were important characters (antiheroes) and should have had their day. I wanted Ember to finally have her moment, not the wishy wash we got at the end. And for that reason, I am scoring this book low, because the story had a huge gap in it , which is sad because this book had all the makings for something great

[Amu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: 2.25/5

Somehow, I feel disappointed. I loved the first book. This series got a lot of interesting elements that can be explored. However, the execution wasn’t good.

These three books made me feel like reading a different story. The first book captivated me with the kidnapping mixed with the psychological aspect. The second book gave a soap opera drama with a wicked mother-in-law and ex-girlfriend. And in this one, everything felt rushed. Unfortunately, the story ended just like that. What about the issue with Michael? Christopher’s mother? Marissa?

[Flo₂₂ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
i liked it, i truly did BUT i was disappointed with a few points in this one.
i needed to have more of them together , we had many off page things , like in the end...how they started living in the new cabin, how they are together, how he proposed again..i mean...all i needed to have i get it OFF page... :(
in this one also i was annoyed a bit with Ember...
she didn't fight her father at all when he made her say vows with that man,i also think was unrealistic how she bonded and loved those sister in a bit, thinking also that she needs to stay there, almost choosing them over Chris...now i get it, she didn't want them live like that but not to the point of leaving everything behind for 2 strangers that she immediately loved somehow.
I might be interested also in reading Isaac's and Violet story.
Over all i liked all this story, but in a few points i truly needed more from them.
ALSO i'm still upset that she didn't tell Christopher about Michael.

[Chrissie Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading the two previous books I fell in love with the twists and turns.

Hero: Christopher

Heroine: ember-

New characters: Isaac, holly and violet- I felt the characters need much more exploration as we never really got enough time to get to know the two sisters. Isaac felt like a filler character

Villains: scarecrow and papa- these characters came in and left and felt there endings were rushed

Plot:
We pick up after the second book with Christopher realising his mother’s actions and ember Willingly going to the mountains with scarecrow and papa. I felt this book was rushed and could have spent longer developing a more detailed plot.

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

[Mairead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly less believable than the last two & slightly rushed but I still enjoyed it!

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had so much potential. But underdeveloped characters will kill the plot and that was my biggest issue with this book.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

IT’S HOW OUR DEMENTED LOVE STORY ENDS

The third and final book in The Secret Bride trilogy is a psychological thriller roller coaster ride. What is eviler than a demented mad man who holds a woman as his captive daughter, forces her to marry, and kills those who violate his terms? A wealthy socialite mother who uses her wealth and power to manipulate people and help two evil men, all in the name of protecting her son. So which is worse? They are equally as disturbing.

The final story gives closure to this tale—for both Christopher and Ember. They may have been brought together under duress, literally chained together, forced to recite wedding vows and act as they were married—but fate plays a more significant role—because love wins—and yes, dear reader, you get the coveted happily ever after ending that Christopher and Ember deserve. It is always wonderful when good wins over evil.

“She’s led me into the eye of the storm, and the hurricane of emotions steals what little bit of sanity I have left.”

Louisa: I have the power to help people, and I have the power to hurt people. In this case, I’ve chosen to help your papa Rich.
Richard: You don’t belong here, Ember, I’m here to save you from the grips of the devil’s work.

As a reviewer, I must keep this short and not overindulge in telling this story; I guess this could be considered another page-turning psychological thriller. The story has the good, the bad, and the very evil of people. The life Ember has experienced in New York has been more uncomfortable as being the ghost of Hallelujah Junction was normal. But Louisa steps up the game, doing things to mess with Ember’s mind and making deals with the devil. As soon as Christopher is away on assignment, everything goes to hell-in-a-handbasket. Will Louisa get away with her evil deception? What will Christopher do when he finds his wife, the love of his life, missing?

“Christopher, if you do find her—don’t bring her back here. Start a new life with her. A life that you both create. Your life is not for her. So, create one that belongs to the both of you.”

The story’s plot had me wanting to scream and cry at what is taking place. How can Ember be dealing with two evil men again—the very ones she escaped with Christopher. How far will he go to find her—will he rescue her once again—and this time, make a difference. The story is one twisted tale that kept me on the edge of my seat as the pages turn. Evil comes in many forms and faces, and so does good. A few new people will be added to this tale, ones that play vital roles. Christopher, Ember, and several others must face emotional trials and winter storms that leave such a dangerous escape from harm towards freedom.

“Let’s just focus on surviving the storm. One day at a time, remember? That’s how we live. One day at a time.”

Christopher: I want you to be happy. What will it take to make that happen?
Ember: You. I just need you to make me happy. What about your job?
Christopher: I’ll get another job if I want. Money isn’t an issue for me, as you know. Regardless, as long as I’m with you, I’ll be happy.
Ember: And your mother? Can you really walk away from her?
Christopher: Can you walk away from Papa Rich?
Ember: It will be hard.
Christopher: And it will be hard for me. But it’s something we have in common. We won’t be the first couple to have to deal with toxic parents and figure out how to handle that. They both deserve to be in jail, and hopefully that happens.
Ember: So where do we go? Could we maybe find a place nearby? I don’t mean living off the grid, but maybe a small mountain town?
Christopher: I love that idea. A cabin with a wood stove and a carved bear out front.

“It took everything in me to not be up on that mountain waiting for their return. But at the same time, we have to move on. We can’t be held captive by them forever. They aren’t part of our story anymore.”

“No—he’s the same man. The same evil man. I just have my eyes open now. I can truly see the truth. He’s not my Papa Rich anymore. He’s Richard. He’s the Ghost Town Killer. He’s a bad, bad man and was my kidnapper. I’ve risen from the ashes of the town I helped burn down.”

“You are going to be held captive. You are going to be at the mercy of your jailer. You are going to die knowing exactly how I felt. You are the captive now. Not me. I’m free. I’m finally free.

[Claudia |✨Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning and moving conclusion to Christopher and Ember's story 🥰

After that shattering ending of book 2, where everything is left unsaid about what will happen now that ember is gone, this book continues right from there.

Ember has no illusions of a future now. For her her past has finally caught with her and she has to live with her choices and letting Christopher live his own life without having her around as a burden.

As soon as Christopher realises what's happened, he is furious and when he finds out the real truth behind what has happened, he is beyond furious and will find ember at any costs.

Ember is now taken away to another secluded place on the mountains where there are literally no people around except for them. She meets two sweet women there but finds out that they are scarecrow's wives.

Ember has accepted her fate and survival is the only thing on her mind. But she starts forming a new bond with Holly and Violet and develops genuine feelings of care for them both.

Whoa....This book was finally getting Christopher and ember together and justice to be served. Of Beauty of new bonds formed, of survival, of care and of beautiful relationships forged together facing a similar enemy but together.

As their bond grows stronger, ember has to decide which world she is ready to leave behind and is she willing to leave Christopher for the sweet and caring women she's formed a friendship with or vice versa.

I loved this book oh so much. I felt like I was in the mountains with them, facing their hardships and the feelings they were feeling and I really liked both Violet and Holly and the other one too.

But honestly I still feel there are some questions left unanswered and I am keeping my fingers crossed on them being given in the next book. But still this book will leave you with an amazing feeling of soothing calmness and the satisfaction of truly finding yourself and your home at last. Loved loved this one. 💟💟💟💟

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Secrets must be kept. Vows never broken. Till death do us part... Unless everything changes. Captive is one life. Kept in another. Taken to now be the wife I'm forced to be. I'm hidden away to face a dar, reality only a few can survive. But I have a purpose now. I can be the good wife I strive to be. But he still wants me. He will hunt me down. He will find me and take back what was stolen. I will be his wife if he has to fight until the death to make it happen.

This is the third and final book in The Secret Bride Series from Alta Hensley. You have to read Captive Bride and Kept Bride first or you are going to be lost. This is the conclusion we have all been waiting on. I was so happy to be back with Ember and Christian. I don't really want to tell you anything about the story that will spoil it for you. I read this book in no time and I feel like if I say much of anything I am going to ruin it for someone. I was holding my breath for a little bit but then I realized that Christopher has this and everything will be ok. You just need to grab this book and dive in. I promise it is the conclusion you have been wanting and needing.

[Lita Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taken Bride: A Dark Romance (The Secret Bride #3) by Alta Hensley is the conclusion to Christopher and Ember's story.  Picking up where book 2 left off, Ember realizes her predicament . Papa Rich and the Scarecrow are there to take her away. Christopher's mother tracked them down to take her away and when she thought she was losing her mind she now knows it was a plan. With Christopher's mother planting negative thoughts about why Ember is no good for Christopher she leaves with Papa Rich. When Christopher comes back from his trip and realizes Ember is gone, he than begins to finally see how deceitful his mother really is. Christopher finally owns his part of how he let Ember down and is now determined to get her back and do things differently concerning her feelings.  Ember now finds herself in a dilapidated chapel with her captives and two other women held hostage. This story was not as good as the previous two books and the story was a little anticlimactic. Of course the sex between Christopher and Ember was hotter than ever despite their surroundings. Their journey to a happily ever after was sweet and Christopher made good on his promise. I also got the feeling that the introduction of Isaac maybe a set up for a new book. Upon saying that I am curious as to what is his story. I give this story 3.5 stars.

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well we're at the end of the trilogy...
The first two brought many conflicting emotions from me, I still enjoyed obviously since I'm still here three books later, but sitting here at the end of the third I can finally say it was 100% worth it.
Everything comes to a head in this book, and I'm not going to say how/why/who but just know you'll finish feeling sated with all the puzzle pieces finally fitting together.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third and final book in the series and concludes Ember and Christopher's story. The author once again brings strong characters with a push/pull relationship. She had me glued to the pages with all the drama and danger as well as all the emotions.Throw in some twists and the sizzling hot scenes and you have a great read. I loved this book/series and would highly recommend reading.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Madeleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another dark and beautiful journey that Alta takes us on. I always look forward to her books because I know that I will be completely satisfied.

[B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christopher & Ember Are Torn Apart When Papa Rich Whisks Ember Away To A New Rundown Ghost Town! Their Journey Began In Horror At The Hands Of A Demented Religious Zealot. They Fought For Freedom, But In Reality, They Have A Long Way To Go Before Shedding The Mental Chains That Richard So Carefully Bound Them In. Their Story Is A Thriller Steeped In Impending Danger. The Pair Does Develop Feelings For One Another, But This Is No Standard Romance.


IN THIS TRILOGY:

This is the third book of the Secret Bride trilogy, which is Christopher and Ember’s story.

The trilogy includes:
1. Captive Bride
2. Kept Bride
3. Taken Bride

Papa Rich, Ember’s father in this trilogy, is a character already familiar to fans. He appears in Captive Vow. While it is not necessary to have read that book prior to reading this trilogy, it does give context and understanding to the demented religious zealot who plays such an important role in this story.

ABOUT HALLELUJAH JUNCTION:

Hallelujah Junction is an abandoned 1800’s mining town in the Nevada hills and a big tourist draw. It has several buildings beautifully preserved, but what is so unique about the town is that it was abandoned overnight for unknown reasons. The townsfolk simply left with the clothes on their backs, leaving all household items behind. The reason remains a mystery to this day.

A more recent draw is the rumored ghost girl of Hallelujah Junction. Tourists have claimed to have seen the ghost of a girl in the windows of the schoolhouse that sits on the hill, closed to the public. Many come with the hopes of getting a glimpse of the otherworldly vision. Because it is an old mining site, there are some dangers in the town as well. The mill has acid pits, and despite the plentiful warning signs, tourists too curious for their own good disappear each year, presumably falling into the pit’s gruesome depths.

The remote town is overseen by a ranger that lives on sight; it is closed much of the winter due to the weather. For decades, Richard has worked as the ranger of Hallelujah Junction. He is adamant about enforcing the rules, which are rather simple, yet too many tempt fate when they ignore them. Stay on the path or pay the price.

FROM CAPTIVE BRIDE, BOOK ONE:

Ember, twenty-five, has been raised by her Papa Rich since he came to her rescue at age five. Alone and abandoned by her mother, she was reluctantly taken under his wing. For the past twenty years, he has kept her safe and cared for in their home at Hallelujah Junction. Papa Rich has strict rules, and Ember has learned the hard way what it means to break them. She must never be seen by outsiders lest she endangers herself, so she keeps to the tunnels and the buildings not open to the public. Her life is simple. She enjoys cooking and reading, as well as the company of her cat, Pine Cone. Papa Rich tends to his duties as the ranger, so much of her time is spent alone. With the exception of a smelly man named Scarecrow who sometimes visits, Papa Rich is the only person she has spoken to in twenty years.

Christopher Davenport, a little older than Ember, is a rule breaker. He failed to stay on the path. He ignored the signs and will pay the price. On assignment for Rolling Stone Magazine where he is a staff photographer, and taking pictures for an article titled ‘Find Your Wild,’ he hopes to get some great pictures of the schoolhouse at the top of the hill. With any luck, he will capture the image of the ghost girl standing at one of the school’s windows. Christopher comes from a wealthy family with old money. He doesn’t need to work for a living, but he likes to earn his own way nevertheless. He resides in a ritzy New York apartment when not travelling for work. He lives on the edge, indulging daily in booze and drugs to take off the edge. His sort of girlfriend Marissa complains he has trouble with commitment, which is probably true. He loves his job, which is what he throws himself into.

When Papa Rich catches Christopher trespassing, Ember is certain he will become another victim of the acid pits. This time, however, Papa Rich has a different idea in mind. He says that Ember is of marrying age and in need of a good husband. With time, he is certain that she and Christopher will learn to love one another. He claims that they must fight for true love. Christopher rejects the madman’s idea, hoping to enlist Ember’s help to set him free. What Christopher doesn’t understand is just how demented the old man really is. He has a lot to learn, but Ember helps him along the way just as a good wife should. Their story is right out of a horror movie, but their shared experience bonds them. They must struggle to trust one another while avoiding Papa Rich’s punishments, but their journey is dark and tragic. It ends in a cliffhanger, to be continued in book two of the trilogy.

FROM KEPT BRIDE, BOOK TWO:

As book one came to a close, Christopher and Ember finally broke free from Richard, setting Hallelujah Junction ablaze in the process. But freedom didn’t come before Christopher had finally come to appreciate the horror that Ember had lived through. He made vows to her outside of those forced upon him by Richard, and he honestly loves her. No matter how it had first begun, he sees her as his wife just as she sees him as her legitimate husband.

As this book opens, the couple faces new challenges and a new kind of prison. They might be free technically, but in reality, they have a long way to go before shedding the mental chains that Richard so carefully bound them in. The local sheriff is joined by the FBI on location, and they want answers. They don’t seem satisfied, no matter how many times Christopher and Ember answer their questions. Their interest in Ember concerns Christopher, but Ember’s biggest concern is the fact that Richard’s body was never recovered from the ashes. She knows all too well that Richard will never let them go. He will need to punish them for their actions. Christopher’s refusal to take the threat too seriously has her frustrated, but life is too complicated to dwell on that fact.

It quickly becomes obvious that Christopher’s mother, socialite Louisa Davenport, is less than pleased by Christopher’s insistence that Ember is his wife. When she thought he had died, Louisa sold Christopher’s apartment, so the couple returns home with her to a crazed paparazzi. Having only ever really been around three people since she was taken by Richard at age five, Ember is overwhelmed by the fast pace of change in her life. But Christopher is determined to protect her, which means keeping her holed up in Louisa’s home for the time being. He knows they need their own home, but he refuses to touch his trust fund and the real estate market is a bit wonky. He goes right back to work to help them afford a home of their own but leaves Ember on her own in a home in which she doesn’t feel welcome.

Christopher seems to be running from some of his problems, wearing blinders. He is clearly overwhelmed with trying to find a new sense of normal. He is unwavering in his commitment to Ember, but that commitment is tested repeatedly. He unwittingly puts a great deal of responsibility on Ember’s shoulders, and she lacks real-world experience. It is a test for her to get by day to day in his absence, thanks to his long hours, but she shows considerable strength. Still, they both struggle with what happened at Hallelujah Junction. There are those that would take advantage of the difficulties Christopher and Ember face. Louisa Davenport isn’t the only person who wants to see Ember leave. Marissa, Christopher’s old girlfriend, doesn’t seem to get the message that he has moved on. Sometimes Ember wishes nothing had changed, and that they were still in chains back in Hallelujah Junction. This part of their journey together shows them attempting to find a new normal in a complicated world. It ends in a cliffhanger, to be continued in book three of the trilogy.

IN TAKEN BRIDE, BOOK THREE:

As book two came to a close, Christopher and Ember had finally begun to get therapy. Ember, in particular, was having a hard time. She was apparently seeing things – such as straw – that weren’t there. Her belief that Papa Rich and Scarecrow were coming for them was to blame for her delusions. Christopher was trying hard to keep his cool when his mother’s calls came in to him at work, but it wasn’t easy even though his commitment to Ember was unwavering. The truth was nearly revealed, however, as the book came to a close. Once Christopher left for London on business, Mrs. Davenport made her wishes clear to Ember. She wanted her to leave, and she wasn’t above emotional manipulation to pull it off.

As this book opens, all Ember’s fears are realized when she sees just who Louisa expects her to leave with: Papa Rich and Scarecrow. Ember doesn’t want to leave Christopher, but she also doesn’t want to stay where she is unwanted. The victim of a lifetime of brainwashing, she too easily falls into bad habits. She gives up her stance and leaves peacefully because she doesn’t seem to have any other choice.

Christopher and Ember’s separation has them taking different paths. Ember returns to Nevada with the men only to find herself in a mountainous and more decrepit version of Hallelujah Junction. She must wrestle with her new reality, which doesn’t look good. Papa Rich had chosen Christopher for his strength and ability to protect Ember, but now he says it had been a mistake, the influence of the devil. He has another in mind for her. She hopes to keep her vows to Christopher and cannot understand why Papa Rich might not hold them sacred, too. After living out in the real world for months, she isn’t the same naïve young woman she once was. Her eyes have been opened, even if her instincts keep her submissive. Settling into her new surroundings, she is shocked by what she sees but knows to keep in her place. She contemplates her reasons for leaving Christopher and wonders if she made the right choice.

When Christopher returns home and finds Ember is missing, his whole world shatters. But discovering that his mother was instrumental in pulling off Ember’s disappearance is almost impossible to accept. But his mother’s words sting with truth. He bears responsibility for what happened, too. He had been so bent on getting his former life back that he conveniently ignored Ember’s needs, instead pawning her off on a mother that he knew wanted her out of his life. The blow is hard to digest. He knows he failed Ember by bringing her back into his old life and expecting her to fit in while he went off to work day after day. She hadn’t spoken to more than two people for twenty years before meeting him, so of course she shouldn’t have been left to fend for herself against his mother. She escaped captivity with Papa Rich only to become a captive in a new and different way. He hadn’t listened to her as he should have because he was too hung up on himself. But now Christopher is determined to make things right. This time, however, he will give Ember a choice. That is if he can find her. Christopher and Ember’s story has some more twists and turns as the pair strives to find a happy ending.

Christopher and Ember’s story is a thriller steeped in impending danger and horror. The pair does develop feelings for one another, but this is no standard romance. That aspect is just a small part of the overall story, though it does pick up in book two. Their bond is forced unnaturally. It is unclear whether they might have had any chemistry under normal circumstances. Indeed, Christopher saw her as childlike. He pitied Ember; his love came much later. Ember lacks any formal education, though she clearly learned how to read. She knows very little outside of what she has read in romance books. She dreamed of a Prince Charming, though she could not imagine what came next. In freedom, Christopher returns to a demanding career as a successful photographer. Ember doesn’t know what she wants out of life, other than to be a good wife. She had never allowed herself the privilege of dreaming while under Papa Rich’s rule because she knew dreams would lead to disappointment. She and Christopher were like night and day in book one. Her childlike innocence made the notion of romance between the pair hard to embrace. In the second book, however, their shared history makes their love and commitment understandable. Ember is also transformed when she is outfitted with a modern wardrobe and makeup. Despite her lack of formal education, they do begin to feel like a real couple.

Papa Rich’s motivations and reasoning for marrying Ember are finally explained here. He continues to be on the run from the FBI. He has become known as the Hallelujah Junction serial killer, or Ghost Town Killer, believed to be responsible for twenty-two deaths.

Christopher and Ember are torn apart when Papa Rich whisks Ember away to a new rundown ghost town. Their journey began in horror at the hands of a demented religious zealot. They fought for freedom, but in reality, they have a long way to go before shedding the mental chains that Richard so carefully bound them in. Their story is a thriller steeped in impending danger. The pair does develop feelings for one another, but this is no standard romance. The storytelling is good. The story is somewhat complex. It is plot-driven. The characters are nicely developed; the story focuses mostly on the here and now, much like Ember learned to do. It is written in first person. The POV alternates between Christopher and Ember. I rate this book four stars.

I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lilith *EUPHORIA_READS_* · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊: TAKEN BRIDE.
𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄: DARK ROMANCE.
𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄: CAPTIVITY, HEROINE KIDNAPPED, TWISTED STORY.
𝐓𝐘𝐏𝐄: BOOK #3 OF THE SECRET BRIDE SERIES.
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: ALTA HENSLEY.
𝐏𝐎𝐕: FIRST-PERSON: DUAL PERSPECTIVE.
𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐒: KIDNAPPING, ABUSE.
𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓:🤠🤠🤠
𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆:🌍🌍🌍
𝐄𝐘𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑:🦋🦋🦋🦋

𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄:
A conclusion I was waiting for with abated breath. The way Book #2 ended had made me gone crazy for the next dose of the craziness this series has provided. It's dark, it's edgy and oh so twisted.

The last two books were amazing but this book was unfortunately missing some elements for me. There was holes in the plot and the story didn't flow smoothly. I would have loved more detailes added in the end with the part of Papa Rich and Scarecrow. and the end felt rushed to me.

Butoverall, this was a great series to lose yourself from your reality.  Christopher and Ember had a very rough start but I am so happy that they got their well deserved HEA.

[Literary Temptations · Rating 3 out of 5]

MY RATING: 3.5*
RELEASE DATE: 07 September 2021
CLIFFHANGER: No

ARC was kindly provided for an honest review

We pick up where we left off with the wicked witch of the west, Louisa Davenport with her self-righteousness.

Christopher returns from his travels to find his world upside down; he is besides himself with worry. Riddled with guilt, shame, self-loathing, he is knocked on his ass by the betrayal perpetrated by the one person in life who’s supposed to forever has his back; his mother.

Having realised where he’s failed his wife and his marriage, he sets out to make this right by his wife and try to save his marriage. But is he prepared to face off with the evil that has her in its clutches? Will he succeed in convincing her that she belongs with him?

Ember forces herself to admit that she may not be right for Christopher. As much as she loves him, she has to consider the circumstances under which her marriage started. With a mother-in-law like Louisa, Papa Rich just might be the lesser of two evils.

I really enjoyed seeing Ember grow from the meek, abused young girl from Hallelujah Junction into her new self. I liked that there was bit of back and forth in that growth as I thought it made it more realistic rather than if she’d turned into badass bitch in one breath. I liked how Christopher realised his shortcoming rather quickly and was not afraid to admit and remedy it immediately.

This had the hallmarks of a 5* read. But unfortunately, when we got to chapter 21, this is what happened



From the top of that cliff into the water, there’s a whole story missing there. So much could have happened that I would have loved to read. When I was reading chapter 20, I was on pins and needles that Scarecrow and Papa Rich might return and find them alone. If that happened, how would they get out of that situation. Or that they might come across them on their way down the hill. But the author chose to skip all that and just rush to the end, hence my rating. I’m disappointed about that.

That being said, I really enjoyed it. It hit the spot and was very satisfying.

[Dariteone86 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly I was disappointed in this final book. I felt like it was very anticlimactic. I can’t even say when the climax was. I am not saying this to be mean or anything. The author focused too much on the romance and everything else just fell to the wayside. In the beginning I felt for Ember because she was alone in NY. Christopher abandoned her to get his “normal” to help them but failed to see her pain. But by 60% of the book I was over everyone! I was skipping parts because being intimate with someone is more important than planning to get away. Sigh. Ember is the reason why the airline companies tell passengers to place their own oxygen mask first before helping others. Ember and Christopher really disappointed me in this book. The books does end in HEA so that is good. Read this book at your own discretion.

[Harmeen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very Anticlimactic. 🫠

I’m thinking if there was ever a need to make this a trilogy rather than a single book nd on top of that if there was a need for 3rd book.

These people take marriage as a joke. One minute she’s married to Christopher and the next she’s married to scarecrow.
Ember meets the scarecrow’s wives and suddenly they are family ? literally after 1 day of meeting them ! They all decide they love each other and they are a family and if one of them decides to leave .. they’re ready to jump from the cliff of the mountain!
Richard is again dumb for thinking that he can leave ember for such a long time.
Christopher finds Ember so fast & easily and then there is useless sex which was much needed rather than planning an escape.

why ? was this all actually required ?? if it was actually required then at least develop the story more , develop the characters more !

[Ayee C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

💬 ENGLISH FIRST | ESPAÑOL DEBAJO

📖 Review: “Taken Bride”, The Secret Bride #3, by Alta Hensley

→ Tropes: dark romance; suspense; found family; trauma bonding

⭐ My rating: 2.75/3 stars

This is the conclusion to ‘The Secret Bride’ series. The first book is a thriller and follows the story of Ember and Christopher and how they forcedly became husband and wife. The second book is about their life in New York after they escape their prison and all the drama that comes with it. And this is about how Christopher goes out to take her back when she’s again taken away from him. It’s their journey of coming together as willing husband and wife and finding what works for them in their mad world.

I liked it but didn’t love it. There was so much more that could have been done and explained, the book fell short: The side characters could have been developed much more, especially Isaac.

There was suspense throughout the book about whether they’d get caught by Papa Rich and Scarecrow. I felt tense all the time expecting it, waiting for them to come back and see what would happen. So that ending felt too rushed and very much told instead of shown. Up until around 80% of the book I liked how things were being developed but after that everything went in a blur and didn’t live up to the great premise of the series. I really liked the previous books so I was disappointed to not have the finale be that good.

I enjoyed it nonetheless and will continue reading more of Alta’s writing because I enjoy the way she grips you with her pen and has you on the edge the whole time.

__________________________

📖 Reseña: "Taken Bride", The Secret Bride #3, de Alta Hensley

→ Subgéneros: romance oscuro; suspenso; familia encontrada; vínculo a través del trauma

⭐ Mi calificación: 2.75/3 estrellas

Esta es la conclusión de la serie 'The Secret Bride'. El primer libro es un thriller que sigue la historia de Ember y Christopher y cómo se convirtieron forzosamente en marido y mujer. El segundo libro trata sobre su vida en Nueva York después de escapar de su prisión y todo el drama que conlleva. Y este trata sobre cómo Christopher vuelve a buscarla cuando ella es nuevamente alejada de él. Es su momento de unirse como marido y mujer, esta vez de manera voluntaria, y descubrir qué funciona para ellos en su loco mundo.

Me gustó pero no me encantó. Había mucho más que podría haberse hecho y explicado, el libro se quedó corto: Los personajes secundarios podrían haber sido desarrollados mucho más, especialmente Isaac.

Hubo suspenso en todo el libro sobre si serían atrapados por Papa Rich y Scarecrow. Me sentí tensa todo el tiempo esperándolo, esperando que regresaran y viendo qué pasaría. Por lo tanto, ese final se sintió demasiado apresurado y contado en lugar de mostrado. Hasta alrededor del 80% del libro me gustaba cómo se estaban desarrollando las cosas, pero después de eso todo fue un torbellino y no estuvo a la altura de la gran premisa de la serie. Realmente me gustaron los libros anteriores, así que me decepcionó que el final no fuera tan bueno.

Aun así, disfruté la trilogía y continuaré leyendo más de la escritura de Alta porque disfruto la forma en que te atrapa con su pluma y te mantiene al borde todo el tiempo.

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrapping up a forever ending to this secret bride series and their forever after was absolutely perfect. 

When we last left Ember and Christopher it was tumultuous and frankly I wanted to push Christopher's mother down a flight of stairs. At the beginning of Taken Bride I still felt the same about his mom and that will never change, but the story really takes off as it centers around how Christopher will get Ember back and how the couple will survive once they reunite. Truly exciting, on the edge of your seat stuff.

Papa Rich and Scarecrow have returned for Ember and emotions are high as the poor girl returns to their brainwashed clutches. This time however, it's not just Ember's life on the line, but Scarecrow has other incentives waiting in his home to keep her from running. Twists that I did not see coming.

Christopher is furious with his mother when he discovers Ember is missing, but he does everything to track her down and will stop at nothing to get his wife back. If their intense time together has taught him anything it's that Ember is the most important thing in his life and he'll do anything to keep her by his side.

The deeply, intense love that these two feel for one another is truly what drives this overall trilogy and I love how passionate and expressive Ember and Christopher are for each other. The experiences they've been through always at the forefront, never letting them forget how precious life and their love is for each other.

This is the last book in the secret bride trilogy and the books need to be read in order in order to make sense and be enjoyed. It's been an intense and twisted ride, but definitely worth the read.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful read, captivating continuation to this series

This is the continuing story of Ember and Christopher who have been through so much to escape the death that was facing them on more than one occasion and when the finally escaped from Papa Rich and Scarecrow she had not realised they would burn down the whole town to make the escape.

Then they got back to his home in New York and everything was very strange for Ember but Christopher had not realised that whilst he was at work she was setting a trap, trying to prove that Ember was losing her mind, finding loose straw around the house and finding herself locked in rooms.

Them he returns to discover that his wife is missing, he is horrified when he discovers that his mother has brough into his home the two men she is terrified of, she then allowed them to take her away after ensuring that Ember knew she was a burden that she had trapped him.

Christopher is determined to find his wife he will do whatever it takes and when he finally discovers the location is shocked to find another two young women being held in an enforced marriage, where brutality and cruelty are a daily remedy for everything.

This is another simply captivating and breath-taking read, the characters and the plot are simply excellent and I assure you once you begin reading it is impossible to stop.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

[Lalaland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last of the Secret Bride Series. It is in fact third in a truly absorbing and remarkable romantic thriller in three volumes. At the end of Kept Bride (number 2) in the series Ember had been betrayed by her beloved Christopher’s evil witch of a mother Louisa Davenport. We find that her so called psychotic episodes are not her fantasy but, in fact, Louisa Davenport deliberately manipulating Ember and her surroundings by using her fears against her. This situation is brought to head when Louisa enables Ember’s nemesis, Papa Rich and Scarecrow to come to New York. She has engaged expensive private investigators who have been working around the clock to locate where Papa Rich and Scarecrow are hiding. Once located she then allows them the use of her own private jet and pilot. Inevitably with insidious coercion from Isobel and fear of her abductors Ember yields to Papa Rich and Scarecrow and allows herself to be taken believing this will be best for all. How will Christopher react? Will he be relieved now that Ember has gone and he can continue with his career and New York life without the worry of a wife he didn’t choose? You can find out how the story ends here. As always, Alta delivers, this edgy finale kept me invested right to the end. An entertaining and well written series cannot wait for Alta’s next offering.

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

[Stats23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third and final (?) book in the saga of Christopher’s and Ember’s stormy love story brings even more angst and danger than even the strongest of relationships can endure. In my reviews of the earlier books I compared their story to one you might find in The Twilight Zone (only with spankings and sex) but this book feels more like something Alfred Hitchcock would present with pride, extreme suspense with danger lurking around every corner.
As Ember had been confronted by Papa Rich and the Scarecrow at the end of book two, she has since been taken away by them and now Christopher begins his quest to find her, save her, and build a brand new life for them both. The chase takes us back to the isolation of Nevada and leads to a perilous climb of a mountain and facing the dangers of both Papa Rich/Scarecrow and extreme winter weather.
A fast paced, bone chilling page turner that will keep you on edge right to the end. Even with the austere conditions and some new characters mixed in, the spankings and erotic sex are discretely woven in to ensure the reader’s complete satisfaction. This purports to be the end of the series, but is anything ever completely finalized? I love the way it ends, but would welcome a continuation or a sequel as the characters are so compelling that I am left wanting more. A top rated, 5-Star, recommended read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three and the final book in The Secret Bride Series and it continues Ember and Christopher's story and you really need to read this trilogy and you will not be disappointed with the outcome. This book has so many twists and turns and it takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions that you feel like you are there going through everything with them and I was in tears with all the heartbreak and intense situations that they had to deal with and it had my heart beating so fast and kept me on the edge of my seat as it was so addictive and a gripping tale that I couldn't put down and what an amazing ending just what we needed. The characters and storyline pulled you in and wouldn't let you go even after you finished reading it and the depth of the writing is what makes this book a real page turner. Alfa Hensley is an amazing author and writer and her books are true masterpiece's as she weaves such a web of intrigue and I definitely recommend you read this series and you will definitely not be disappointed.

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

[Little monster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this trilogy of books has been amazing!!!! I read all three in one weekend!!!

So again we pick up right were we left off from book two, with Ember now being taken again by Papa Rich and Scarecrow ( with the aid of her mother in law Melissa ) good god that woman I guarantee you will wanna high five her in the face with a chair by the end of the series!!!! So now with Ember in the clutches of her captors again what will happen? Will Christopher be able to find her and save her? This book gives closure to not only Ember but for Christopher also who has been through hell too by the hands of Rich and Scarecrow, but also his mum, Melissa do to deal with.

We get to meet new characters in this book ( who I hope two of those get their own book ) we get to see Ember grow as the strong, confident, powerful woman that she's born to be!! No more hiding, no more being captive, and no more hell. There is a happy ever after, I honestly can't fault this entire series it's for sure been a rollercoaster of a emotions.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taken Bride is the conclusion to Christopher & Ember's story so you cannot start here, nope, YOU MUST READ ALL THREE BOOKS IN ORDER! It picks right back up where Kept Bride (Book 2) left off with Christopher's mother meddling in his life with Ember. Now, I despise his mother for sure, but I'm a bit pissy about his actions as well. He wanted his normal life back without even trying to consider what Ember had gone through for almost her entire life with that psycho Papa Rich so he needed to look into the mirror as well because he was the one who left his wife with his insane mother. See, she was giving back to the psycho's again but this time they're in a different place so good luck Christopher. The Secret Bride trilogy has fed my dark & twisty soul, but I have to say that the wrap up with all the evil in their lives came off a bit rushed for me because Papa Rich & Scarecrow were true horrors throughout but that's just me. And since this is the conclusion, I'm done talking so now it's your turn to experience it for yourselves! HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! {4.5 STARS}

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Finally the conclusion to this fabulous series but if you think you will get all the answers to your questions, Ms. Hensley provides more questions along with some answers until the climatic, gasping conclusion. Ember and Richard find themselves fighting for their marriage. While at times Ember has been made to feel that she is losing her mind, we find that all her fears of Papa Rich and Scarecrow finding her actually happen. Thanks to Richard's evil mother who does the unthinkable and actually brings the two psychotic men to Ember and help them convince her the only way to save Richard is to go willingly with them. Throughout this rocky and climatic conclusion to this wonderful series doubt is placed within your mind that maybe there won't be a HEA for anyone involved in this story but thankfully, we see the happy ending(s) we hoped we would finally get. Don't miss one word of any of the books in this series because they show a wonderful story of hope, love and how finding the right person, no matter how you meet can make life worth living.