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The Dark Crescent Sisterhood #6
Captive Heart
Hot, wet, and bothered
As the world’s only fully trained water Sybil, Andy Myles is too busy battling New York’s demonic population and coping with personal tragedy to trust her broken heart to the wrong man. Jack Blackmore, FBI adviser to Manhattan’s Occult Crimes Unit, is Army-tough and rattling Andy’s nerves big-time, criticizing her strategies for attacking the powerful flesh-feasting Rakshasa. She could happily drown Jack with a rogue wave of her water energy—or her kisses. Honestly, when did hating a man become so hot?
Jack’s all human—and he puts his trust in bullets, steel, and fists, not magic. Tough and confident, he’s never met a problem he couldn’t handle. Then again, he’s never fought alongside warrior witches who can kill with a flick of a finger or lost his heart to a wild, unpredictable woman whose kisses taste like sweet southern rain. As a tide of despotic evil sweeps through the streets of New York, Jack’s got one chance to stop a malevolent rampage—and claim Andy’s heart.
As the world’s only fully trained water Sybil, Andy Myles is too busy battling New York’s demonic population and coping with personal tragedy to trust her broken heart to the wrong man. Jack Blackmore, FBI adviser to Manhattan’s Occult Crimes Unit, is Army-tough and rattling Andy’s nerves big-time, criticizing her strategies for attacking the powerful flesh-feasting Rakshasa. She could happily drown Jack with a rogue wave of her water energy—or her kisses. Honestly, when did hating a man become so hot?
Jack’s all human—and he puts his trust in bullets, steel, and fists, not magic. Tough and confident, he’s never met a problem he couldn’t handle. Then again, he’s never fought alongside warrior witches who can kill with a flick of a finger or lost his heart to a wild, unpredictable woman whose kisses taste like sweet southern rain. As a tide of despotic evil sweeps through the streets of New York, Jack’s got one chance to stop a malevolent rampage—and claim Andy’s heart.
438 pages, Paperback
First published January 25, 2011
6 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
Anna Windsor
14 books166 followersI'm in my 40's now, and finally living my lifelong dream of loving all my jobs. I still work in psychology, I farm, I write--and I have a blast.
I'm southern by birth, and I've lived in the south most of my life. My foothill farm is beautiful, and I couldn't ask for a better place to live or write. I find inspiration, peace, joy, and beauty in my family, my home, the woods, and the love of all my many animals. And I do have a lot of animals. I mean, a lot. Dogs, cats, chickens, turkeys, peafowl, guineas, ducks, geese, and oh, yeah--a parrot. Who is a perfect parrot-pain, but I do love him.
Urban fantasy, high fantasy, futuristic science fiction, and historical fantasy are my favorite genres to write or to read. I write almost every day, and I try to finish at least one manuscript every few months. In between time spent practicing psychology, writing, tending the animals, and spending time with my family, I also try to dedicate a few hours to playing my guitar and piano, photography, playing video games, watching old movies, and walking.
I'm thrilled to be able to write, and thrilled that readers enjoy my stories. Thank you for stopping by my site, for meeting me--and most of all, thanks for reading! I'd love to hear from you, and I'd love to know what you think about my books.
I'm southern by birth, and I've lived in the south most of my life. My foothill farm is beautiful, and I couldn't ask for a better place to live or write. I find inspiration, peace, joy, and beauty in my family, my home, the woods, and the love of all my many animals. And I do have a lot of animals. I mean, a lot. Dogs, cats, chickens, turkeys, peafowl, guineas, ducks, geese, and oh, yeah--a parrot. Who is a perfect parrot-pain, but I do love him.
Urban fantasy, high fantasy, futuristic science fiction, and historical fantasy are my favorite genres to write or to read. I write almost every day, and I try to finish at least one manuscript every few months. In between time spent practicing psychology, writing, tending the animals, and spending time with my family, I also try to dedicate a few hours to playing my guitar and piano, photography, playing video games, watching old movies, and walking.
I'm thrilled to be able to write, and thrilled that readers enjoy my stories. Thank you for stopping by my site, for meeting me--and most of all, thanks for reading! I'd love to hear from you, and I'd love to know what you think about my books.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 2, 2018
See book 1 for series thoughts.
4.5 stars because we FINALLY get Andy's story! I've loved her from the very beginning - tough, sarcastic, kick-ass and with lots going on. And it was great to finally get resolution with the water Sibyls. The only thing that kept this from being 5 stars for me was a slight disappointment that Jack was fully human, although that was unique for the series, which makes for a nice change.
Thoroughly enjoyed.
4.5 stars because we FINALLY get Andy's story! I've loved her from the very beginning - tough, sarcastic, kick-ass and with lots going on. And it was great to finally get resolution with the water Sibyls. The only thing that kept this from being 5 stars for me was a slight disappointment that Jack was fully human, although that was unique for the series, which makes for a nice change.
Thoroughly enjoyed.
October 4, 2013
Captive Heart
3 Stars
The final book in the 2nd trilogy has all the right elements for an excellent paranormal romance - great chemistry between the likable characters and a plot with potential. Unfortunately, it all fails to come together and ultimately falls flat.
Andy and Jack's love/hate relationship is the highlight of the book but it takes too long for them to get together and it is all a little too easy given Andy's intense animosity toward him in the previous books.
The Coven plotline builds slowly and the action only gets going in the last 100 pages or so. The introduction of the fae Host or Sluagh is interesting but lacks detail. It seems as if the author planned on developing new avenues for future books with them and the next generation of Sibyls, however, none have been written.
All in all, the Dark Crescent Sisterhood is an original and entertaining series and it is a pity that the author has stopped writing them.
3 Stars
The final book in the 2nd trilogy has all the right elements for an excellent paranormal romance - great chemistry between the likable characters and a plot with potential. Unfortunately, it all fails to come together and ultimately falls flat.
Andy and Jack's love/hate relationship is the highlight of the book but it takes too long for them to get together and it is all a little too easy given Andy's intense animosity toward him in the previous books.
The Coven plotline builds slowly and the action only gets going in the last 100 pages or so. The introduction of the fae Host or Sluagh is interesting but lacks detail. It seems as if the author planned on developing new avenues for future books with them and the next generation of Sibyls, however, none have been written.
All in all, the Dark Crescent Sisterhood is an original and entertaining series and it is a pity that the author has stopped writing them.
June 13, 2018
Water damaged
The great finale to this wonderful series. Can she overcome her heartache to win? Will he drive her to distraction? Loved this finale book. Some parts were hilarious. If you love paranormal, romance, magic, mystery all wrapped up with humour than this is for you. A terrific final? More please
The great finale to this wonderful series. Can she overcome her heartache to win? Will he drive her to distraction? Loved this finale book. Some parts were hilarious. If you love paranormal, romance, magic, mystery all wrapped up with humour than this is for you. A terrific final? More please
September 18, 2018
all i have to say is read the series!
December 5, 2018
A great story that answers a lot of questions, but yet leaves the door open for future stories should the series be continued.
February 22, 2023
It's been some time since the heroine suddenly found herself thrown into the world of elementals and demons and though she's sort of found her place in the fighting squad with her sisters, she's still discovering her role in their group. She's still training to master her powers, learning from the only elder water witch in existence since the rest were killed off. She's trying to learn zen and peace but when the hero comes calling, all of that goes right out the window.
The arrogant FBI man made a horrible first impression on her and her sisters and as such she can't stand the man-no matter how freaking gorgeous he may be. So, when he comes to her island and asks for her help, she's tempted at first to drown him. Then, much to her astonishment, she sees a change in him. Gone is the obnoxious and ignorant man she once knew and in his place is a man who smiles at her, strives to understand the workings of the Sybils and is also more relaxed when it comes to his military control. She's disturbed by this change in him and how it inspires her to see the truth of him, making her desire him. She begins to see a connection between them. The fact that they've both lost people and grieve this loss if only one of many things they have in common. She begins to understand why he is the way he is and it draws her to him.
The hero has made a conscious effort to change, to not be so controlling and impatient. And he's able to finally get the water elemental to see him as a man, something he's wanted since he first laid eyes on her. He courts her, takes her dates, tells her things he's never told anyone. They develop a quick but deep bond with each other- exchanging I Love You's by the half way point of the book. He's the reason she can finally claim her place in the squad-because she finds that zen and happiness when she's with him. But all is not roses and sunshine. The battle they face with the Coven experimenting to create super soldier monsters is one rich with danger.
The hero is especially vulnerable because he is human, even though he can handle himself is a fight well enough. And he's not the only one who comes close to losing their life, her sisters are in danger as well. And the hero may very well have travelled too far into the opposite Asshole spectrum and become someone too lenient and compliant. He realizes he must fight hard for the woman he loves and the hero must do the same as she has visions of a young girl and herself being used to resurrect old enemies.
I liked this book well enough. I found it to be missing that certain spark but I enjoyed the characters and the battle they fought. I liked the hero who was human but held his own in each battle. I loved him dressed in his fancy suit and more so when he showed that vulnerable side in voicing his torment over what happened in Afghanistan. I liked the heroine who went from a badass cop to a badass elemental fighter but still had that shy side when is comes to romance-not dating anyone since the man she loved was killed. I thought the story was a bit lackluster in regards to plotline and excitement though there were times that got the heart racing. In particular the car shoot em up scene. Overall, I thought it a decent book but nothing special or remarkable. It's a book you say you like but down the road can't remember what's it’s about.
The arrogant FBI man made a horrible first impression on her and her sisters and as such she can't stand the man-no matter how freaking gorgeous he may be. So, when he comes to her island and asks for her help, she's tempted at first to drown him. Then, much to her astonishment, she sees a change in him. Gone is the obnoxious and ignorant man she once knew and in his place is a man who smiles at her, strives to understand the workings of the Sybils and is also more relaxed when it comes to his military control. She's disturbed by this change in him and how it inspires her to see the truth of him, making her desire him. She begins to see a connection between them. The fact that they've both lost people and grieve this loss if only one of many things they have in common. She begins to understand why he is the way he is and it draws her to him.
The hero has made a conscious effort to change, to not be so controlling and impatient. And he's able to finally get the water elemental to see him as a man, something he's wanted since he first laid eyes on her. He courts her, takes her dates, tells her things he's never told anyone. They develop a quick but deep bond with each other- exchanging I Love You's by the half way point of the book. He's the reason she can finally claim her place in the squad-because she finds that zen and happiness when she's with him. But all is not roses and sunshine. The battle they face with the Coven experimenting to create super soldier monsters is one rich with danger.
The hero is especially vulnerable because he is human, even though he can handle himself is a fight well enough. And he's not the only one who comes close to losing their life, her sisters are in danger as well. And the hero may very well have travelled too far into the opposite Asshole spectrum and become someone too lenient and compliant. He realizes he must fight hard for the woman he loves and the hero must do the same as she has visions of a young girl and herself being used to resurrect old enemies.
I liked this book well enough. I found it to be missing that certain spark but I enjoyed the characters and the battle they fought. I liked the hero who was human but held his own in each battle. I loved him dressed in his fancy suit and more so when he showed that vulnerable side in voicing his torment over what happened in Afghanistan. I liked the heroine who went from a badass cop to a badass elemental fighter but still had that shy side when is comes to romance-not dating anyone since the man she loved was killed. I thought the story was a bit lackluster in regards to plotline and excitement though there were times that got the heart racing. In particular the car shoot em up scene. Overall, I thought it a decent book but nothing special or remarkable. It's a book you say you like but down the road can't remember what's it’s about.
April 22, 2011
I have now read all of the available Dark Crescent Sisterhood novels, and I think Captive Heart was my favorite. They are all fast moving, sexy reads, but CH just went a little farther, pushed the boundaries a little bit more than the previous 5 novels. I think Anna Windsor is creating her own sub genre here, or following Jeannine Frost's example of how to really meld a romantic story with an urban fantasy novel, I'm not sure which. I have no idea how to classify this book, because although it has a totally feel good HEA, it is so action packed that it rivals some of the best UF I have read.
Andy has been a part of the series since the first Bound novel, and she has grown and evolved. We saw her anguish at losing her lover, lived her struggle as she tries to hone her gift as the first water Sybil in a millenia and watched her adjust to be a part of a Quad of misfit Sybils no one else wanted to tangle with. In Captive Heart, she is determined to learn to use her gifts to help her team, but finds herself unable to grasp some of the concepts and fears she will be forever useless. But as in real life, some lessons can only be learned when the circumstances are dire.
Jack Blackmore has lost everything over the years. His family is gone, he has watched his friends die. He doesn't stick to one place for long, preferring solitude to connection. But Andy stirs something in him, makes him want to stick around. They have a rocky beginning, involving a few tidal surges and broken bones, but he needs her help to stop the latest supernatural threat, and he has learned to reel in his arrogance, at least occasionally.
Jack and Andy...wow. She is still struggling with the loss of her lover, he is unsure how to approach her without incurring more injuries, lol. To watch them find their way to each other was at times funny and sweet and tender and scorching. Jack knows he has to be strong enough to watch Andy walk into danger, even if he hates it. Andy knows she has to learn to compromise in order to keep Jack from going crazy. Then the unthinkable happens, a large battle ensues in which one of Andy's quad and Jack are gravely injured. The resulting emotional fallout is realistic and not an easy fix for either of them. They are both leaders and take any loss to the team personally. They have to learn how to forgive themselves before they can learn how to be together.
This book encompasses so many themes - trust, honor, love, renewal. And above all, perseverance. Never give up the fight. If you don't offer what everyone else has, find your own talent and go big with it. This trilogy is about finding your strength, even if no one else sees it, and realizing you don't have to be like everyone else to fit in, to love and be loved. Oh, it was just great, really. And lots of unexpectedly funny little moments.
I am so hoping we have more of this world coming up. What happens with Dio? Saul? Cal? Is Neala going to find an HEA with one of the Sluagh (or Fire Men) she seemed so fascinated by? More soon, please!
Andy has been a part of the series since the first Bound novel, and she has grown and evolved. We saw her anguish at losing her lover, lived her struggle as she tries to hone her gift as the first water Sybil in a millenia and watched her adjust to be a part of a Quad of misfit Sybils no one else wanted to tangle with. In Captive Heart, she is determined to learn to use her gifts to help her team, but finds herself unable to grasp some of the concepts and fears she will be forever useless. But as in real life, some lessons can only be learned when the circumstances are dire.
Jack Blackmore has lost everything over the years. His family is gone, he has watched his friends die. He doesn't stick to one place for long, preferring solitude to connection. But Andy stirs something in him, makes him want to stick around. They have a rocky beginning, involving a few tidal surges and broken bones, but he needs her help to stop the latest supernatural threat, and he has learned to reel in his arrogance, at least occasionally.
Jack and Andy...wow. She is still struggling with the loss of her lover, he is unsure how to approach her without incurring more injuries, lol. To watch them find their way to each other was at times funny and sweet and tender and scorching. Jack knows he has to be strong enough to watch Andy walk into danger, even if he hates it. Andy knows she has to learn to compromise in order to keep Jack from going crazy. Then the unthinkable happens, a large battle ensues in which one of Andy's quad and Jack are gravely injured. The resulting emotional fallout is realistic and not an easy fix for either of them. They are both leaders and take any loss to the team personally. They have to learn how to forgive themselves before they can learn how to be together.
This book encompasses so many themes - trust, honor, love, renewal. And above all, perseverance. Never give up the fight. If you don't offer what everyone else has, find your own talent and go big with it. This trilogy is about finding your strength, even if no one else sees it, and realizing you don't have to be like everyone else to fit in, to love and be loved. Oh, it was just great, really. And lots of unexpectedly funny little moments.
I am so hoping we have more of this world coming up. What happens with Dio? Saul? Cal? Is Neala going to find an HEA with one of the Sluagh (or Fire Men) she seemed so fascinated by? More soon, please!
June 14, 2020
Wow. This book was intense. It got me from laughing out loud to almost crying my eyes off.
Andy is a funny, eccentric character who lives in color and is all about experimenting with new things *cough* sandwiches *cough*.
There were a few unexpected (and not all pleasant) turns in the story. For example, the Host. I'm quite a bit interested in Fae. It was a good thing to see Anna Windsor's view of the Unseelie. (Though there wasn't much of them, much for my dismay.) We saw just a bit of Siobhán, but I liked her. And the Dio thing ... I do hope to read a book about her.
All in all, I enjoyed the Dark Crescent Sisterhood series very much. I like the way Anna Windsor describes the battle scenes.
February 20, 2011
Not the page turning obsession I had hoped for, but not a bad story. I still like the first trilogy better, the story kicks into gear for me in the last 100 pages. The action gets going and the plot moves along at a faster pace. I still caught myself skimming pages to get past the (sometimes) overwhelming details and get to the action, be it fighting or Jack and Andy's love affair. Jack and Andy are my favorite couple of this trilogy. Hopefully the next set of books will be about the children of the Dark Crescent Sisterhood Sybils. Who knows? I'm sure Neala would make for an interesting story along with the future water sybil.
February 20, 2012
I loved this book! Anna Windsor pulls you in with so many twist. Everything is happening so fast you just dont want to put it down as so notto miss anything!!! I am a bit disappointed that there wasn't a fourth book about Dio, since this group is about a quad eather than a triad. And again some disappointment because of Dio's injury however, every character in these books are stronger than they seem. Looking forward to more bookes about the Sybils!
August 5, 2012
Okay, so it took me longer to read this one... It was a little weird to have Andy morph like that into an overtly "feely" woman. She'd always been portrayed as a bit of a badass, so I would have liked it to show a little more... A more fluid transition into openness would have been nice. Same goes for Jack. Otherwise, not much to complain about... another nice read.
April 2, 2012
definitely not my genre but I'm glad I read it. A little bit too long winded at some points for me with all the motherhouses etc I guess it was a lot to take in for a non-fantasy reader however the erotic parts are hot!!
May 31, 2013
Good book. Kept my interest from beginning to end. Felt that the story line was a little slow though. Was really looking forward to this couple's story and maybe I got my hopes too high. But all in all, this is a good series that I'll keep reading.
May 23, 2011
Hopefully not the end of this series, it is too wonderful!
February 20, 2011
Coming ;)!
April 19, 2011
I really really really enjoy this series! Different, emotional, kick ass! I hope she makes a story on Dio and the rest of the Sibyls. Just read em!
January 30, 2011
This story had more than I expected, I just hope that Dio has a story too.
September 20, 2011
This is my favorite by far. I loved Andy and Jack. Great story.
April 25, 2011
Sooo good! has to be my favorite, andy is such a smart-mouth and the tension between her and jack is great! Love it!
July 17, 2016
I loved this book!
June 9, 2011
Enjoyed reading this next installment along with catching up on some old characters. Very fast read!
July 21, 2011
Wait a minute! This was a quad, not a triad! Where's book 4 for this group? Come on, I love this sereis and you can't just stop there! Please?!?
July 22, 2012
Out of all 6 books in this series the best one! Andy is awesome Please let the author continue this series as there are more characters who need a story of their own!
Read
November 27, 2012Oh my gosh! I am beyond upset that the book is over and the series. Definitely Anna's best series yet!
Want to read
December 29, 2009The Dark Crescent Sisterhood #5
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews