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Cold Love #1
Captured
“I’m not going anywhere until I’ve slept in your nice warm bed. If you haven’t got an electric blanket, I’ll expect you to warm me up personally.”
Who is the man with the gun? Friend or foe? Enemy or lover?
Ethan
I saw my way out and took it. I never dreamed it would be complicated by someone as distracting as Gabriel.
Gabriel
I thought my cabin was safe in a snowstorm until he arrived. Shivering, blue with cold and armed with a gun. The hottest thing to ever happen to me.
Horror writer Gabriel’s worst nightmare is about to come true…
Alaska is home to Gabriel Black two months of the year when he retreats to his isolated cabin to write. But with his relationship on the rocks, life is treating him badly. He doesn’t think things can get any worse when a storm strikes, keeping him snowed in, but he’s wrong.
His solitude is invaded by armed intruder Ethan, his origin a mystery. Ethan is an enigma, a man surely on the run, maybe a dangerous criminal, but Gabriel is drawn to Ethan’s broken spirit and damaged soul. Ethan is so much more than he first appears and Gabriel wants to know what he hides.
Heat ignites between Gabriel and Ethan and the lines between captive and captor soon start to blur. What secrets is Ethan keeping and will Gabriel be prepared to risk all for him?
“I guess I’m not an effective captor if I arouse rather than terrify you.”
Possible Spoilers:
Themes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, crime, forced captivity, guilt, love at first sight, drama, angst, hurt/comfort, suspense
Genre: Dark and gritty contemporary romance, crime thriller
Erotic content: Scorching hot
Length: 46001 (Book 1 in the Cold Love series).
Warning: Scenes of violence and murder. Mentions of rape. Homophobic language, Strong language and sexual scenes.
Previously published. Revised and expanded.
Who is the man with the gun? Friend or foe? Enemy or lover?
Ethan
I saw my way out and took it. I never dreamed it would be complicated by someone as distracting as Gabriel.
Gabriel
I thought my cabin was safe in a snowstorm until he arrived. Shivering, blue with cold and armed with a gun. The hottest thing to ever happen to me.
Horror writer Gabriel’s worst nightmare is about to come true…
Alaska is home to Gabriel Black two months of the year when he retreats to his isolated cabin to write. But with his relationship on the rocks, life is treating him badly. He doesn’t think things can get any worse when a storm strikes, keeping him snowed in, but he’s wrong.
His solitude is invaded by armed intruder Ethan, his origin a mystery. Ethan is an enigma, a man surely on the run, maybe a dangerous criminal, but Gabriel is drawn to Ethan’s broken spirit and damaged soul. Ethan is so much more than he first appears and Gabriel wants to know what he hides.
Heat ignites between Gabriel and Ethan and the lines between captive and captor soon start to blur. What secrets is Ethan keeping and will Gabriel be prepared to risk all for him?
“I guess I’m not an effective captor if I arouse rather than terrify you.”
Possible Spoilers:
Themes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, crime, forced captivity, guilt, love at first sight, drama, angst, hurt/comfort, suspense
Genre: Dark and gritty contemporary romance, crime thriller
Erotic content: Scorching hot
Length: 46001 (Book 1 in the Cold Love series).
Warning: Scenes of violence and murder. Mentions of rape. Homophobic language, Strong language and sexual scenes.
Previously published. Revised and expanded.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2022
58 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
September 22, 2023
4 stars
Objectively this had some issues, but I still quite enjoyed it.
It begins with massive instalust, though I liked how the characters called themselves out on it a few times. Is it inappropriate to have a hard-on for the guy who's just broken into your house brandishing a gun? Yes. Is Gabriel hot for him anyway? Yes.
This book is very horny. The actual sex content isn't over the top, but they really do spend a lot of time thinking about it. When they get down to it, it was well-written.
The climax of the book was pretty dramatic and a tad too convenient for me, and a few things felt very unresolved: Jack & Gabriel's best friend, Macmillan, the captive...
I did think the pacing in terms of climax/resolution/conclusion was very good, and liked that it actually happened a bit earlier in the book than usual because that left us with more time for relationship development. One thing I would have loved to see is more details on Ethan's recovery and therapy, and his difficulty opening up emotionally after everything he's been through.
All in all, a good way to spend a few hours. I thought the writing was solid and I'll be checking out the author to see if there are any other premises that appeal.
Objectively this had some issues, but I still quite enjoyed it.
It begins with massive instalust, though I liked how the characters called themselves out on it a few times. Is it inappropriate to have a hard-on for the guy who's just broken into your house brandishing a gun? Yes. Is Gabriel hot for him anyway? Yes.
This book is very horny. The actual sex content isn't over the top, but they really do spend a lot of time thinking about it. When they get down to it, it was well-written.
The climax of the book was pretty dramatic and a tad too convenient for me, and a few things felt very unresolved: Jack & Gabriel's best friend, Macmillan, the captive...
I did think the pacing in terms of climax/resolution/conclusion was very good, and liked that it actually happened a bit earlier in the book than usual because that left us with more time for relationship development. One thing I would have loved to see is more details on Ethan's recovery and therapy, and his difficulty opening up emotionally after everything he's been through.
All in all, a good way to spend a few hours. I thought the writing was solid and I'll be checking out the author to see if there are any other premises that appeal.
August 5, 2022
3.5 stars. The concept was promising, a writer who had withdrawn to a cabin in the woods, isolated, snowbound, to focus on his writing, when suddenly captured by an escaped prisoner with a gun.
That’s what happened, one moment Gabriel is cooking and the other he’s looking into the gun aimed between his eyes.
Forced to stay in the cabin Gabriel tries to make the best of it, there’s a strong sizzling attraction. Ethan, his captor, isn’t as dangerous as he wants to occur, he’s even a softy.
Halfway through the story, there’s a surprising turn of events. I think a good one for this story because the forced proximity wasn’t quite as intense as what I expected or hoped for.
As I said, the concept was good, for me It was a bit too sexual-focused, both horny af as if they had a one-way mind. Some sexy encounters are nice in a story, but I couldn’t feel it all the time, and it got even in the way while reading. I would have loved some attention to other things, more anger and tension. I think the turn of events was a good choice, the story got somewhat darker, grittier and got more body and depth.
Overall a nice read, captivatingly written, entertaining and with a happy end.
That’s what happened, one moment Gabriel is cooking and the other he’s looking into the gun aimed between his eyes.
Forced to stay in the cabin Gabriel tries to make the best of it, there’s a strong sizzling attraction. Ethan, his captor, isn’t as dangerous as he wants to occur, he’s even a softy.
Halfway through the story, there’s a surprising turn of events. I think a good one for this story because the forced proximity wasn’t quite as intense as what I expected or hoped for.
As I said, the concept was good, for me It was a bit too sexual-focused, both horny af as if they had a one-way mind. Some sexy encounters are nice in a story, but I couldn’t feel it all the time, and it got even in the way while reading. I would have loved some attention to other things, more anger and tension. I think the turn of events was a good choice, the story got somewhat darker, grittier and got more body and depth.
Overall a nice read, captivatingly written, entertaining and with a happy end.
August 7, 2022
I completed this book in one sitting! It’s definitely a darker gritty romance. The slow burn and forced proximity crank up all kinds of sexual tension! Ethan has suffered so much since the loss of his lover, he’s a broken sole. Gabriel is going through a rough betrayal from his partner and friend. There is instant chemistry and attraction that they both try hard to resist due to the circumstances Ethan has created. I love that Gabriel was able to trust Ethan and get his vengeance.
March 30, 2024
This was entertaining, but to be perfectly honest, I was expecting the story to mainly take place in the cabin. I love forced proximity, snowed in, and Alaska stories.
A man breaks into a writer's cabin and has a gun. That sounds exciting, but unfortunately that is not the main plotline of the book. It suddenly veers into mystery/suspense/whodunnit territory for the majority of the book. I do enjoy good crime-solving, but this all happens with one MC, the romance or attraction is shelved.
Still fun to read, just not one of my favorites.
Moments:
• It was almost funny. He’d expected south central Alaska in the middle of a howling snowstorm to be the safest haven you could find. Who could have predicted a half- dressed man to suddenly hijack Gabriel’s perfect solitude? Who in their right mind was out in this?
• The stranger curled his lip. “Turn around, pervert.”
• He played bondage games with Jack occasionally, but never had he thought being chained to a radiator by an unhinged criminal would get him off.
• “Are you rubbing yourself against my dick?” It was an amused whisper.
• Ethan chuckled and Gabriel’s skin erupted in goose bumps. “I guess I’m not an effective captor if I arouse rather than terrify you.”
A man breaks into a writer's cabin and has a gun. That sounds exciting, but unfortunately that is not the main plotline of the book. It suddenly veers into mystery/suspense/whodunnit territory for the majority of the book. I do enjoy good crime-solving, but this all happens with one MC, the romance or attraction is shelved.
Still fun to read, just not one of my favorites.
Moments:
• It was almost funny. He’d expected south central Alaska in the middle of a howling snowstorm to be the safest haven you could find. Who could have predicted a half- dressed man to suddenly hijack Gabriel’s perfect solitude? Who in their right mind was out in this?
• The stranger curled his lip. “Turn around, pervert.”
• He played bondage games with Jack occasionally, but never had he thought being chained to a radiator by an unhinged criminal would get him off.
• “Are you rubbing yourself against my dick?” It was an amused whisper.
• Ethan chuckled and Gabriel’s skin erupted in goose bumps. “I guess I’m not an effective captor if I arouse rather than terrify you.”
July 24, 2022
4.5
I can't quite get a grasp on my feeling for captured.
It's raw and gritty in places. The subject matter of Ethan's potential innocence. The things he's suffered in jail. The murder. It's all pretty dark.
The romance is slower burn with a couple of aborted encounters.
The forced proximity adds a lot of tension and drama and the miscommunication and presumptions add angst.
Enjoyed it overall.
I can't quite get a grasp on my feeling for captured.
It's raw and gritty in places. The subject matter of Ethan's potential innocence. The things he's suffered in jail. The murder. It's all pretty dark.
The romance is slower burn with a couple of aborted encounters.
The forced proximity adds a lot of tension and drama and the miscommunication and presumptions add angst.
Enjoyed it overall.
August 28, 2024
This was one of the strangest romances I've ever read because it flipped wildly between different subgenres. The first half was unexpected erotica with the interesting addition of purposefully giving both readers and the MCs blue balls because the sexy times were always interrupted by something. I very nearly DNF'd after reading a third of the book because I was so bored by the instalust and the way both MCs could barely function because they were so distracted by their attraction towards each other. Please keep in mind that Ethan . As for Gabriel - Ethan had broken into his home and was keeping him captive, constantly threatening him with a gun and wildly switching back and forth between yelling/threatening versus wanting to get into Gabriel's pants. You'd think that both MCs would be fully focused on these other intense situations, but no. They can barely function because they're so attracted to each other.
Then we get to the midway point and the author abruptly changes subgenres, the speed and nature of which gave me whiplash. You see - we go from an instalust erotica to solving a murder. Making the switch even more abrupt was that . For nearly the entire second half, the MCs are separated and are dealing with their own issues (sure, Gabriel roleplaying as a detective was connected to Ethan but Ethan wasn't involved at all). Making things even more bizarre is that the author wraps up the mystery way too quickly and way too conveniently and and the reason this happens is so the last few chapters can go back to being erotica, complete with Ethan's ongoing hot/cold behavior which prevents sexy times from happening a few more times.
I was also irritated that the author never provides an explanation for the shocking levels of poor investigative behavior that went into Ethan's case. The whole thing was absurd. It was OTT, it was filled with plot conveniences and there's no explanation for why the cops decided to pin the murder on Ethan when . Everything about this was badly plotted and it was a disappointment.
I was also annoyed that Ethan's character development took place off-page in the last few pages of the story. Up until the last chapter, Ethan's hot/cold routine towards Gabriel continued with Ethan constantly getting angry and yelling at Gabriel before abruptly switching to being sweet and wanting to have sexy times. The author did point out that Ethan was traumatized by his experiences in prison and he improved after a lot of therapy, but that should have been included in the story. Having Ethan remain cold and distant towards Gabriel up until the end meant I was never rooting for their romance and I never believed that they had fallen for each other.
Lastly, the entire premise fell flat because Gabriel's dedication to hinges on one fact: that despite Ethan having taken him captive and caused him to fear for his life multiple times, Gabriel had fallen in love with him over the approximately 48 hours that they were together . This was ridiculous, especially because Gabriel spent most of the first half angsting over the deterioration of his 4 year relationship with his partner. For that first half, I was annoyed that Gabriel was making out and lusting after Ethan when he was still in a relationship but it turns out that . But asides from all that, having so many other distractions meant the characters didn't get to know each other over those 48 hours and even though the author claimed they did, I never believed it.
Overall, this was a weird mess. It's the third book I've read by this author and they've all been 2 star reads so I'm not sure I'm going to keep seeking out their work in future. But in any case, this story was the weakest of the three because the plot was a mish-mash of too many different components and none of them were done well.
Then we get to the midway point and the author abruptly changes subgenres, the speed and nature of which gave me whiplash. You see - we go from an instalust erotica to solving a murder. Making the switch even more abrupt was that . For nearly the entire second half, the MCs are separated and are dealing with their own issues (sure, Gabriel roleplaying as a detective was connected to Ethan but Ethan wasn't involved at all). Making things even more bizarre is that the author wraps up the mystery way too quickly and way too conveniently and and the reason this happens is so the last few chapters can go back to being erotica, complete with Ethan's ongoing hot/cold behavior which prevents sexy times from happening a few more times.
I was also irritated that the author never provides an explanation for the shocking levels of poor investigative behavior that went into Ethan's case. The whole thing was absurd. It was OTT, it was filled with plot conveniences and there's no explanation for why the cops decided to pin the murder on Ethan when . Everything about this was badly plotted and it was a disappointment.
I was also annoyed that Ethan's character development took place off-page in the last few pages of the story. Up until the last chapter, Ethan's hot/cold routine towards Gabriel continued with Ethan constantly getting angry and yelling at Gabriel before abruptly switching to being sweet and wanting to have sexy times. The author did point out that Ethan was traumatized by his experiences in prison and he improved after a lot of therapy, but that should have been included in the story. Having Ethan remain cold and distant towards Gabriel up until the end meant I was never rooting for their romance and I never believed that they had fallen for each other.
Lastly, the entire premise fell flat because Gabriel's dedication to hinges on one fact: that despite Ethan having taken him captive and caused him to fear for his life multiple times, Gabriel had fallen in love with him over the approximately 48 hours that they were together . This was ridiculous, especially because Gabriel spent most of the first half angsting over the deterioration of his 4 year relationship with his partner. For that first half, I was annoyed that Gabriel was making out and lusting after Ethan when he was still in a relationship but it turns out that . But asides from all that, having so many other distractions meant the characters didn't get to know each other over those 48 hours and even though the author claimed they did, I never believed it.
Overall, this was a weird mess. It's the third book I've read by this author and they've all been 2 star reads so I'm not sure I'm going to keep seeking out their work in future. But in any case, this story was the weakest of the three because the plot was a mish-mash of too many different components and none of them were done well.
August 5, 2022
I really liked the mystery subplot in the foreground, with a good balance of steam and lots of teasing between the characters in the beginning. (Though I personally would've liked more heat/sex scenes lol) The chemistry between Gabriel and Ethan was written very well in the front half when they were together. The second half of the book focused more on the mystery and how to clear Ethan's name.
Ethan seemed to become a whole 'nother person after getting out of prison (and sure he had PTSD and was finally out and acclimating) but he seemed like a different character to how he was like in the beginning when he was in the cabin with Gabriel. The mystery/case could've used a bit more followup (trials, evidence gathering, cops admitting they were wrong, more press outrage?), but it skipped right into a epilogue-ish few chapters near the end so I felt like the flow of the storyline was interrupted.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the author.
Ethan seemed to become a whole 'nother person after getting out of prison (and sure he had PTSD and was finally out and acclimating) but he seemed like a different character to how he was like in the beginning when he was in the cabin with Gabriel. The mystery/case could've used a bit more followup (trials, evidence gathering, cops admitting they were wrong, more press outrage?), but it skipped right into a epilogue-ish few chapters near the end so I felt like the flow of the storyline was interrupted.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the author.
February 11, 2024
It wasn’t perfect and the writing wasn’t my cup of tea. The story was interesting enough to keep me interested.
July 27, 2022
Holy moly! This was an addicting read! Raw, dark and gritty. I literally couldn’t put it down! Ethan is an escaped prisoner who comes across the cabin that Gabriel owns. Gabriel is a horror novelist. Gabriel stays in the cabin for a few months each winter in Alaska writing. He handcuffs Gabriel holding him captive. What we get is pure spice, heat and steam. The plot was fantastic. The character development is fantastic, well thought out and builds slowly. Their chemistry is fire! Overall, an outstanding read! Well written with great pacing that hooked me and didn’t let me go.
August 8, 2022
*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*
When armed intruder and convicted murderer on-the-run Ethan breaks into writer Gabriel’s Alaskan home, Gabriel knows that he should be afraid. However, he cannot help but find himself drawn to Ethan. The feelings between them are mutual and the more that Gabriel learns about Ethan, the more he finds himself wanting to help him.
I enjoyed reading Captured, which is the first book in the Cold Love series. Overall, it is a pretty dark novel. Dealing with assault, murder and violence. However, the romance and moments between the two characters gives it some light in this dark and made it a very compelling read. The relationship between Ethan and Gabriel took its time to fully develop due to trust needing to be earned on both sides. Like Gabriel, I had a feeling that Ethan was innocent of his crimes and going on the run was his last resort.
I also enjoyed joining Gabriel to try and solve the mystery of proving Ethan’s innocence. I watch many real-life crime shows and have seen similar occurrences where the investigators have got it wrong and over-looked things, which was the case here and did a great job of high-lighting how easily miscarriages of justice can be made.
If you like a good crime mystery and romance, I recommend you reading Captured!
When armed intruder and convicted murderer on-the-run Ethan breaks into writer Gabriel’s Alaskan home, Gabriel knows that he should be afraid. However, he cannot help but find himself drawn to Ethan. The feelings between them are mutual and the more that Gabriel learns about Ethan, the more he finds himself wanting to help him.
I enjoyed reading Captured, which is the first book in the Cold Love series. Overall, it is a pretty dark novel. Dealing with assault, murder and violence. However, the romance and moments between the two characters gives it some light in this dark and made it a very compelling read. The relationship between Ethan and Gabriel took its time to fully develop due to trust needing to be earned on both sides. Like Gabriel, I had a feeling that Ethan was innocent of his crimes and going on the run was his last resort.
I also enjoyed joining Gabriel to try and solve the mystery of proving Ethan’s innocence. I watch many real-life crime shows and have seen similar occurrences where the investigators have got it wrong and over-looked things, which was the case here and did a great job of high-lighting how easily miscarriages of justice can be made.
If you like a good crime mystery and romance, I recommend you reading Captured!
August 2, 2022
While making his living from writing Horror Stories, every year for two months, Gabriel locks himself away in a cabin he has in Alaska. There, he’s free of any distractions, and away from other people, Gabriel can concentrate on writing his next novel. Like it or not, he’s going nowhere when he’s snowed in, even if he wanted to.
Ethan, a convicted murderer, saw a chance to escape his captor, and he took it. Now he’s on the run, armed and desperate to find somewhere to hide from the law. Seeing the cabin, he breaks in, only to be confronted by Gabriel.
Being held at gunpoint by a killer is no erotic fantasy for Gabriel – or is it? His captor might be a vicious killer with a gun, but Gabriel finds it difficult not to fantasize because the guy is undeniably hot.
Scarlet Blackwell’s m/m romance novel works well. The main characters are nicely written and easy for the reader to like. The one fault I would find is that I’m uncertain about how frightened Gabriel really is. I thought his attraction to Ethan was too immediate, and his fear would have been greater. His desire overrides his terror at being held captive. I wasn’t entirely convinced. As with any criticism, this is only my opinion, and others may disagree.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story, how the author wrote it, and the characters she created. I’m pleased that I read it and I look forward to the sequel. I would recommend ‘Captured’ to other readers.
Don’t forget to follow me on Medium so that you won’t miss out on my book reviews. https://medium.com/@val.francis47
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ethan, a convicted murderer, saw a chance to escape his captor, and he took it. Now he’s on the run, armed and desperate to find somewhere to hide from the law. Seeing the cabin, he breaks in, only to be confronted by Gabriel.
Being held at gunpoint by a killer is no erotic fantasy for Gabriel – or is it? His captor might be a vicious killer with a gun, but Gabriel finds it difficult not to fantasize because the guy is undeniably hot.
Scarlet Blackwell’s m/m romance novel works well. The main characters are nicely written and easy for the reader to like. The one fault I would find is that I’m uncertain about how frightened Gabriel really is. I thought his attraction to Ethan was too immediate, and his fear would have been greater. His desire overrides his terror at being held captive. I wasn’t entirely convinced. As with any criticism, this is only my opinion, and others may disagree.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story, how the author wrote it, and the characters she created. I’m pleased that I read it and I look forward to the sequel. I would recommend ‘Captured’ to other readers.
Don’t forget to follow me on Medium so that you won’t miss out on my book reviews. https://medium.com/@val.francis47
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
August 7, 2022I loved this story. Two totally different people meet in difficult circumstances, both hurt and traumatized, and on top of that, they are the antagonists in the beginning.
With the book's progression, they develop an uneasy relationship, first driven by lust, and then the more they get to know each other, the more severe feelings emerge.
I didn't expect so many turns and twists that happened in the second part, and it was very fast-paced, sometimes outright scarily, and made me cry for poor Ethan, and his absolute terrible situation, the abuse he went through and still didn't lose his humanity, still managed to keep his soul pure.
Thank God he met Gabriel, it was a destiny for them to end together, but their journey to a happy ending took them through the grinder.
I love the writing, it flows and grasps you from the very first sentence, and I would definitely read more books by this author.
Sorry, I have tried to avoid any spoilers and give too many details, so do yourself a favor- get the book and enjoy reading it as much as I did!
With the book's progression, they develop an uneasy relationship, first driven by lust, and then the more they get to know each other, the more severe feelings emerge.
I didn't expect so many turns and twists that happened in the second part, and it was very fast-paced, sometimes outright scarily, and made me cry for poor Ethan, and his absolute terrible situation, the abuse he went through and still didn't lose his humanity, still managed to keep his soul pure.
Thank God he met Gabriel, it was a destiny for them to end together, but their journey to a happy ending took them through the grinder.
I love the writing, it flows and grasps you from the very first sentence, and I would definitely read more books by this author.
Sorry, I have tried to avoid any spoilers and give too many details, so do yourself a favor- get the book and enjoy reading it as much as I did!
September 4, 2022
The nice ending made up for a lot of the book. There was so much push pull in the story that I almost gave up. I understand that being incarcerated can make emotions surreal, so I give leeway to these prison romances with unsatisfying relationships. This book was about novelist Gabriel snowbound at his cabin in Alaska with writers block, when half frozen and armed and desperate prison escapee Ethan shows up. Gabriel’s fear is mixed with some insta lust and hottie Ethan is feeling it, too. This is where the push pull begins and continued to almost the last page. Gabriel is all in for having a relationship even after Ethan is captured. Gabriel works towards obtaining Ethan’s freedom from an unjust sentence and almost loses his life. Ethan still won’t give in and just be happy he’s out. This attitude made the sex sort of tepid because the afterwards was no cuddles and a lot of angst. During one chapter, the love junkie that I am could totally understand if Gabriel cut him loose. Ethan was too much work for a heartache payoff. He did redeem himself on the last page. Sort of.
August 10, 2022
WHO CAPTURED WHO?
This was a brilliant, stunning page turner with a slow build up of chemistry between the main characters that erupts like a burning volcano that only Scarlet Blackwell can bring to the table!
With this start to the Cold Love series you as reader is not sure who captured who as the story progresses with titillating chemistry that starts as a slow burn and keeps you glued to the screen like an addict waiting for the next fix!
There was enough twists to the story with angst that keeps your toes curled and steam to melt your kindle!
Ethan crawls into your heart without you realising it and then bam who are you rooting for?
The "cold blooded killer" or the captive writer?
House work be damned I had to finish their story and now it's back to the real world until the next book!
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a brilliant, stunning page turner with a slow build up of chemistry between the main characters that erupts like a burning volcano that only Scarlet Blackwell can bring to the table!
With this start to the Cold Love series you as reader is not sure who captured who as the story progresses with titillating chemistry that starts as a slow burn and keeps you glued to the screen like an addict waiting for the next fix!
There was enough twists to the story with angst that keeps your toes curled and steam to melt your kindle!
Ethan crawls into your heart without you realising it and then bam who are you rooting for?
The "cold blooded killer" or the captive writer?
House work be damned I had to finish their story and now it's back to the real world until the next book!
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 10, 2022
At work there is a feral cat that lives in the woods behind our building. A local feral cat group has had him to the vet and he’s been fixed, given shots, and released back into the wild. Some of us have started feeding him and he trusts me enough that he’ll come running out of the woods like a puppy when I call him. When I put his food down I can pet him and rub his back and he completely eats up the attention, purring while he’s eating. But when he’s not eating you can only pet him a few times before he’ll give you the side eye and then BOOM he smacks the crap outta your hand. He’ll skulk away and then stand there cleaning himself and looking at me and then he’ll change his tune and walk up, rub against my legs and meow begging for food. After having just smacked the fool outta me. Literally smacking the hand that feeds him. Ethan is pretty much that cat. Kudos to Gabriel for putting up with it and getting past Ethan’s defenses. The ending was maybe a bit clunky and wrapped up easily without going into a lot of details that would have fleshed out the story some for me.
August 10, 2022
This is COLD LOVE BOOK #1. Gabriel is a writer whose genre is horror. He likes to isolate himself to review his manuscripts and add his final touches. Alaska in a small cabin tucked away works best for him. Ethan is not what he expects to show up in his house. Waiving a gun around with handcuffs and not even being a cop. He's not going to make his deadline. Ethan is a man with lots of trouble and a harrowing story to tell. This story touched my heart. The believability of this Book was not a stretch. Unfortunately. The lengths that Gabriel goes to is admirable. Scarlet Blackwell weaves a story together so wonderfully. Her characters are men who could be your best friends or neighbors. I enjoyed this Book so much and I'm hoping for more in the future. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!
I received this advanced copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received this advanced copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 3, 2022
Gabriel is in his remote cabin when he is suddenly confronted by a man breaking into his cabin. Ethan has a gun, and a bad attitude and doesn’t seem to mind using either to subdue Gabriel. What starts out as a hostage situation turns to something else entirely.
Very intriguing story. The premise seemed a bit contrived to draw out the story length (at least it felt that way to me) but it was an amazing story. Enough backstory to give context to their actions and to give their present a chance at a viable relationship. Which was racy and amazingly sweet.
The evil was truly evil, unlikeable, and fairly disgusting but well done. Overall this was an excellently written page turner. I will be watching for more from this author.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Very intriguing story. The premise seemed a bit contrived to draw out the story length (at least it felt that way to me) but it was an amazing story. Enough backstory to give context to their actions and to give their present a chance at a viable relationship. Which was racy and amazingly sweet.
The evil was truly evil, unlikeable, and fairly disgusting but well done. Overall this was an excellently written page turner. I will be watching for more from this author.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
August 18, 2022
Wow, Captured was absolutely gripping romance thriller. I really loved the pace of this book. It was a slow build but didn't hold back in the steam department. I really like the general tone of this book, It was much darker and gritty than I had expected. I was definitely feeling the heat between Gabriel and Ethan and this has my favourite trope, of all tropes, forced proximity!
July 31, 2022
This was definitely not expected! An intense thriller of sorts mixed with a tremendous amount of spice! And, the pace of the story was absolutely perfect, not too fast, not too slow. Everything was handled in a time, never leaving any information out, blending together. Character development and background for both was written exceptionally well, too! And the intensity!!
“𝐈 𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐟 𝐈 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
Okay, so there was not a lot of smut scenes but there was a whole lot of desire and spice. The built up sexual tension was bizarre with an intense chemistry that continued to develop throughout the entire book. Their connection was enjoyable as well, even if they were initially forced together unwillingly. They just fit, even with their past traumas.
Planning on reading more from this author, waiting for Caught to release!
“𝐈 𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐟 𝐈 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
Okay, so there was not a lot of smut scenes but there was a whole lot of desire and spice. The built up sexual tension was bizarre with an intense chemistry that continued to develop throughout the entire book. Their connection was enjoyable as well, even if they were initially forced together unwillingly. They just fit, even with their past traumas.
Planning on reading more from this author, waiting for Caught to release!
August 4, 2022
This book was well written. I really liked the plot and character development.
I don't want to spoil anything so I'll just say that story started out a little bit on the darker side but the overall tone of this story was not too dark. It was a really great start of the series but it is also a complete standalone. The story had a fully resolved with no loose ends and a sweet HEA.
Poor Ethan deserved his happiness.
I don't want to spoil anything so I'll just say that story started out a little bit on the darker side but the overall tone of this story was not too dark. It was a really great start of the series but it is also a complete standalone. The story had a fully resolved with no loose ends and a sweet HEA.
Poor Ethan deserved his happiness.
October 3, 2022
This was a new author to me in the m/m genre, contemporary. It was a great enemies to lovers book. I was able to read it in a few hours, if you're short on time but want plenty of angst and steam. The mystery angle was great, it kept me turning the pages along with the steam between the main characters. Would recommened and will be reading more from this author
November 21, 2023
Sebagai 18+ yang gak eksplisit romancenya bikin melting dan thrillernya lumayan creepy. It's just that... i beg your pardon wtf with the cover😭
July 31, 2022
Wow, just wow. "Captured" is appropriately titled as right from the start I was drawn in and could not put it down. The plot was great and the characters were excellent. The story really got you thinking. It was very well developed, raw, emotional, and suspenseful. The chemistry between the characters is hot and their relationship complicated, theirs is not an easy HEA. This was my first book by Scarlet Blackwell and now I am working through her backlist.
I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 31, 2022
This is the story of Ethan and Gabriel. It's the first book in the Cold Love series. I loved this book - this is a new author to me who now has been added to my automatic buy list. The characters are amazing and their development is beautiful. The writing style is wonderful, raw, honest and gritty. Cannot wait for the next one. Definitely recommended.
I received this book as an Arc and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
I received this book as an Arc and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
July 26, 2022
Enjoyable read. Great plot. One that I wasn't expecting. The chemistry between Ethan and Gabriel was written well. Their chemistry wasn't rushed and developed throughout the story. Low level angst as they both dealt with their feelings due to the way they met and Ethan's background.
I think the ending was done very well. It wasn't your typical sugar coated HEA. That would have been unrealistic considering the plot. It was a HEA with relatable struggles. Overall it was a well written story with good plot and characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I think the ending was done very well. It wasn't your typical sugar coated HEA. That would have been unrealistic considering the plot. It was a HEA with relatable struggles. Overall it was a well written story with good plot and characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 29, 2022
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this book with the description and themes present, however, I really ended up enjoying this book! It’s got forced captivity, love at first sight, some mystery and crime solving and it all worked really well together.
I really liked Gabriel’s character throughout the entire book. He is a horror writer and is taken hostage at gunpoint by escaped prisoner Ethan. He was absolutely relatable and there were many parts where I sympathized with him and the situations he was going through. I loved his concern and drive to help Ethan.
Ethan’s character was a little bit harder for me to like. Since he was in prison he had some issues he had to work through and for that reason I had more trouble relating to him and understanding his actions. There were many times I was very frustrated with him and what he chose to do.
The first part of the book is about them being stuck together during a snowstorm and I thought it would really all be about that. But there were so many twists and turns in this book that had me guessing and I really had no idea what was going to happen. It was so refreshing to read a book that was not predictable. I really enjoyed the crime-solving aspect of this book. There were some great action-packed moments that had me worrying for the characters, but they both got the HEA that they deserved!
If you’re looking for something different with lots of heat but more to the story than just romance I absolutely recommend this book!
I really liked Gabriel’s character throughout the entire book. He is a horror writer and is taken hostage at gunpoint by escaped prisoner Ethan. He was absolutely relatable and there were many parts where I sympathized with him and the situations he was going through. I loved his concern and drive to help Ethan.
Ethan’s character was a little bit harder for me to like. Since he was in prison he had some issues he had to work through and for that reason I had more trouble relating to him and understanding his actions. There were many times I was very frustrated with him and what he chose to do.
The first part of the book is about them being stuck together during a snowstorm and I thought it would really all be about that. But there were so many twists and turns in this book that had me guessing and I really had no idea what was going to happen. It was so refreshing to read a book that was not predictable. I really enjoyed the crime-solving aspect of this book. There were some great action-packed moments that had me worrying for the characters, but they both got the HEA that they deserved!
If you’re looking for something different with lots of heat but more to the story than just romance I absolutely recommend this book!
September 4, 2022
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this book, but I don’t feel like it was quite at the same level as similar reads that were 4 stars.
Ethan (an escaped convict) breaks in and takes Gabriel “hostage” it’s in quotations because I’m pretty sure Gabriel was perfectly happy to have Ethan roaming round his cabin, watching him shower and cuddling him at night!
Ethan then reveals he is innocent and has escaped prison partially due to the fact a group of prisoners has singled him out for special interest - this is the part that let it down for me. There are some descriptions of what happens to Ethan in prison at the hands of these guys, but he never really discusses it with Gabriel and is seemingly more than happy to jump straight into bed with him without an ounce of hesitation (considering what he has experienced while in prison).
After Ethan is caught and sent back to prison, Gabriel sets out to clear his name and finds one of the witnesses to be very shady (to say the least). Long story short, he breaks into this guy’s house and finds a man shackled in his basement, the man comes back and threatens Gabriel with all sorts of heinous crimes, he is found by the police relatively unscathed. He never talks to Ethan about this though.
It just seems like there wasn’t enough deep conversations about the trauma they both experienced during the book, meaning their relationship is a bit too superficial for my liking. However, there is a decent enough storyline, some hot spicy scenes and both characters are very likeable as individuals and a couple.
I enjoyed this book, but I don’t feel like it was quite at the same level as similar reads that were 4 stars.
Ethan (an escaped convict) breaks in and takes Gabriel “hostage” it’s in quotations because I’m pretty sure Gabriel was perfectly happy to have Ethan roaming round his cabin, watching him shower and cuddling him at night!
Ethan then reveals he is innocent and has escaped prison partially due to the fact a group of prisoners has singled him out for special interest - this is the part that let it down for me. There are some descriptions of what happens to Ethan in prison at the hands of these guys, but he never really discusses it with Gabriel and is seemingly more than happy to jump straight into bed with him without an ounce of hesitation (considering what he has experienced while in prison).
After Ethan is caught and sent back to prison, Gabriel sets out to clear his name and finds one of the witnesses to be very shady (to say the least). Long story short, he breaks into this guy’s house and finds a man shackled in his basement, the man comes back and threatens Gabriel with all sorts of heinous crimes, he is found by the police relatively unscathed. He never talks to Ethan about this though.
It just seems like there wasn’t enough deep conversations about the trauma they both experienced during the book, meaning their relationship is a bit too superficial for my liking. However, there is a decent enough storyline, some hot spicy scenes and both characters are very likeable as individuals and a couple.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2022
Wow! What a book! I wasn’t expecting the story to take a turn later on but it was very good! I really enjoyed reading something that takes place somewhere in remote Alaska! Such a nice change of scenery for me! I was really enthralled with the plot and how it ended! Wasn’t expecting the ending as well! There were forced proximity, forced captivity and suspenseful in this one. Kudos to Ms. Blackwell for writing this story! I’d definitely give it 5 stars and it ought to be made into a gay TV movie!
The story starts with Gabriel, a horror writer who would stay at his cabin in remote Alaska to focus on his writing. While trying to write, he was dealing with the strain in relationship with his boyfriend. He was hoping the boyfriend would come and stay with him but he chose not to. In the meantime, an escaped convict, Ethan managed to run from the law and stumbled upon Gabriel’s cabin. That’s where the forced proximity and captivity comes into play. Gabriel was Ethan’s prisoner. That’s all I’m going to say about the story beside the fact that the second half of the book was definitely a surprise. I’d encourage you to pick up the book and find out what the surprise was! Absolutely glad I had the opportunity to read the book. Looking forward to the next one!
The story starts with Gabriel, a horror writer who would stay at his cabin in remote Alaska to focus on his writing. While trying to write, he was dealing with the strain in relationship with his boyfriend. He was hoping the boyfriend would come and stay with him but he chose not to. In the meantime, an escaped convict, Ethan managed to run from the law and stumbled upon Gabriel’s cabin. That’s where the forced proximity and captivity comes into play. Gabriel was Ethan’s prisoner. That’s all I’m going to say about the story beside the fact that the second half of the book was definitely a surprise. I’d encourage you to pick up the book and find out what the surprise was! Absolutely glad I had the opportunity to read the book. Looking forward to the next one!
August 16, 2022
This story attracted me from the blurb and held my interest till the end. It is an intense story.
Gabriel felt there was trouble in his relationship with Jack after finding out he had cheated with Gabriel’s best friend. This is the frame of mind Gabriel as he is staying at the cabin trying to get some writing done. He is not expecting to have a guy break in and hold him at gun point.
Ethan is running after escaping from prison. He sees his only way out as getting somewhere warm and waiting till the next morning to run further. It happens that Gabriel’s cabin is easy to get into so he feels he is left no choice but act the part of a escaped prisoner.
During their time in the cabin, I felt Ethan had a tough time being the captor. His real personality at times came out and I felt Gabriel had the upper hand. After being caught and put back in prison Ethan has lost all hope. He isn’t really hard enough to stand prison life. Gabriel on the other hand starts trying to prove Ethan innocent. There were twists to this story I didn’t expect. I didn’t think this is that much of a dark story. I felt my stomach roll more at the description of Macmillan’s house. I enjoyed the story and will read more of this series.
Gabriel felt there was trouble in his relationship with Jack after finding out he had cheated with Gabriel’s best friend. This is the frame of mind Gabriel as he is staying at the cabin trying to get some writing done. He is not expecting to have a guy break in and hold him at gun point.
Ethan is running after escaping from prison. He sees his only way out as getting somewhere warm and waiting till the next morning to run further. It happens that Gabriel’s cabin is easy to get into so he feels he is left no choice but act the part of a escaped prisoner.
During their time in the cabin, I felt Ethan had a tough time being the captor. His real personality at times came out and I felt Gabriel had the upper hand. After being caught and put back in prison Ethan has lost all hope. He isn’t really hard enough to stand prison life. Gabriel on the other hand starts trying to prove Ethan innocent. There were twists to this story I didn’t expect. I didn’t think this is that much of a dark story. I felt my stomach roll more at the description of Macmillan’s house. I enjoyed the story and will read more of this series.
November 11, 2023
Righting A Wrong
Gabriel wasn't expecting to be held captive by an escaped inmate. He wasn't expecting to end up falling for him either in those two days. When the cops show and take Ethan away back to prison Gabriel starts doing some research into what Ethan told him about what happened. He even talks to the guy trying to get Ethan out.
Ethan ran that day needing the escape and he didn't know he'd find the person that would save him. An author who he holds captive hoping to escape once the weather clears. Its been years since he's wanted anything. The man he'd wanted 3 years earlier was murdered and they blamed him for it. Gabriel finds the truth and gets him out.
I enjoyed this and it wasn't what I was expecting, but it was dang good. They saved each other and someone else as well. I loved the sex scenes in here.
Gabriel wasn't expecting to be held captive by an escaped inmate. He wasn't expecting to end up falling for him either in those two days. When the cops show and take Ethan away back to prison Gabriel starts doing some research into what Ethan told him about what happened. He even talks to the guy trying to get Ethan out.
Ethan ran that day needing the escape and he didn't know he'd find the person that would save him. An author who he holds captive hoping to escape once the weather clears. Its been years since he's wanted anything. The man he'd wanted 3 years earlier was murdered and they blamed him for it. Gabriel finds the truth and gets him out.
I enjoyed this and it wasn't what I was expecting, but it was dang good. They saved each other and someone else as well. I loved the sex scenes in here.
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