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Capturing Tess #1
Capturing Tess
A woman taken captive by an alluring billionaire...
Tess Bennett has never dared to dream of a better life. With no family and working a dead-end diner job to make ends meet, she’s just another twenty-something struggling to get by.
Until she’s kidnapped one night by a mysterious older woman. Ava is seductive, commanding, beautiful as sin. She takes Tess to her secluded island mansion, insisting it’s to keep her safe.
Ava provides her with every luxury she could ever dream of, but all Tess wants is answers. In a gilded cage, she must place her trust in a woman as cold and distant as she is irresistible. A forbidden kiss is all it takes for the spark between them to ignite.
Her protector, torn between a promise and desire...
A long time ago, Ava Vidal made a vow. She intends to keep it. Rescuing Tess was only the beginning. Now, Ava must keep her safe from those who mean her deadly harm.
But what’s even harder is keeping her hands off the woman she swore to protect. Especially with Tess determined to tempt her. She thinks she can handle Ava’s twisted tastes. With every tantalizing moment spent in Tess’s presence, Ava’s iron will unravels.
A secret that binds their hearts...
But the truths Ava hides could shatter them both. Because their lives have always been connected. As danger looms, can the two women risk everything for each other?
Tess Bennett has never dared to dream of a better life. With no family and working a dead-end diner job to make ends meet, she’s just another twenty-something struggling to get by.
Until she’s kidnapped one night by a mysterious older woman. Ava is seductive, commanding, beautiful as sin. She takes Tess to her secluded island mansion, insisting it’s to keep her safe.
Ava provides her with every luxury she could ever dream of, but all Tess wants is answers. In a gilded cage, she must place her trust in a woman as cold and distant as she is irresistible. A forbidden kiss is all it takes for the spark between them to ignite.
Her protector, torn between a promise and desire...
A long time ago, Ava Vidal made a vow. She intends to keep it. Rescuing Tess was only the beginning. Now, Ava must keep her safe from those who mean her deadly harm.
But what’s even harder is keeping her hands off the woman she swore to protect. Especially with Tess determined to tempt her. She thinks she can handle Ava’s twisted tastes. With every tantalizing moment spent in Tess’s presence, Ava’s iron will unravels.
A secret that binds their hearts...
But the truths Ava hides could shatter them both. Because their lives have always been connected. As danger looms, can the two women risk everything for each other?
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2022
293 people are currently reading
833 people want to read
About the author
Anna Stone
21 books1,552 followersAnna Stone is the award-winning author of lesbian romance bestsellers Being Hers, Tangled Vows, and more. Her sizzling sapphic romances feature strong, passionate women who love women. In every one of her books, you’ll find off-the-charts spice and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Anna lives in Australia with her fiancée and their two cats. When she isn't writing, she can usually be found with a coffee in one hand and a book in the other.
Subscribe to Anna's newsletter for an exclusive free novella and short stories at annastoneauthor.com/newsletter
Anna lives in Australia with her fiancée and their two cats. When she isn't writing, she can usually be found with a coffee in one hand and a book in the other.
Subscribe to Anna's newsletter for an exclusive free novella and short stories at annastoneauthor.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
January 13, 2023
Holding my 4th star hostage till I figure out how I feel about that plot twist
March 12, 2023
Have you ever had the experience where you are listening to an audiobook, and you kind or realize it's not really keeping you interested but you just keep listening because you have a regular commute and there are often few titles to choose from in lesfic on Kobo Plus? Any other Canadians with me? Then you get full clarity and think, dang, this really isn't a good book, those are hours I won't get back. Well, that happened to me with this one, sadly.
This one just didn't work. It was so incredibly unbelievable.....Tess's naivete, Ava's fast fall into love, her rather abrupt dominance, the island in the middle of nowhere with the full BDSM den, the backstory of Tess and how she's connected to it all (creepy)...... and if I hear "I swore to keep her safe" one more time, I will run my car into one of those monstrous Toronto garbage/recycling bins that line the city. So much monotony, repetition, and just a rather silly story. I didn't even finish the last chapter, even though I have no issues with reading about BDSM, this subject really didn't jive with the characters or flow well into the story. A miss for me.
This one just didn't work. It was so incredibly unbelievable.....Tess's naivete, Ava's fast fall into love, her rather abrupt dominance, the island in the middle of nowhere with the full BDSM den, the backstory of Tess and how she's connected to it all (creepy)...... and if I hear "I swore to keep her safe" one more time, I will run my car into one of those monstrous Toronto garbage/recycling bins that line the city. So much monotony, repetition, and just a rather silly story. I didn't even finish the last chapter, even though I have no issues with reading about BDSM, this subject really didn't jive with the characters or flow well into the story. A miss for me.
December 29, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book. It started off with a bang and it kept my interest until the end. The main characters had chemistry and the BDSM content was pretty light in my opinion.
The one thing that felt a little off for me was the instant, unfounded trust that Tess had for Ava. Having in mind their circumstances and power imbalance, the trust felt like it was established on nothing but mere attraction.
Also, I can't help but think about Cassandra, Riley and the club. Great secondary characters, I'd love to read more about them both.
The one thing that felt a little off for me was the instant, unfounded trust that Tess had for Ava. Having in mind their circumstances and power imbalance, the trust felt like it was established on nothing but mere attraction.
Also, I can't help but think about Cassandra, Riley and the club. Great secondary characters, I'd love to read more about them both.
May 13, 2023
This is an amazing story to kick off a new series. I love the thrill of their relationship as well as the mystery of who is after Tess. Ava tries not to fall for Tess but she is the perfect partner for her. The book has some wonderful scenes in the basement of Ava’s home. Riley is a great supporting character and I think we will see more of them. I listened to the audiobook of this story and the narration by Allie Shea was wonderful.
June 10, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
If you have read any book by Anna Stone, you know what to expect.
If you have read any book by Anna Stone, you know what to expect.
December 23, 2022
Any time I pick up a book by Anna Stone, I know to expect a lot of hot, dominating sex, mixed together with the vulnerability caused by unexpectedly falling for a person who is technically out of reach. Capturing Tess has both of these things, with a mystery intertwined, making the story one I couldn’t put down.
Tess is a struggling young woman who grew up in foster care and hasn’t found a way to live a settled life. She works hard to make ends meet but can never seem to come out in front. She meets the elusive Ava while working a night shift at a diner and is immediately tongue-tied in front of the stunning older woman.
Later that same night, she finds herself in the clutches of Ava, being taken against her will to a luxurious mansion on a secluded island. Ava swears it is for her own safety but refuses to reveal anything other than that.
Tess knows she should keep asking questions, but Ava has captured her attention in more than one way, unaware that she is doing the same thing to the stunning stranger.
Ava struggles to hold her own feelings at bay as she attempts to uncover why Tess is in danger and make right a promise she made in her past. Her own secrets continue to cast a shadow over her feelings for Tess, and it isn’t until she can come to terms with these that she can fully accept the love that is in front of her. The attraction between the two women can’t be stopped, however, and it isn’t long before Tess is surrendering more than her freedom to Ava.
The vulnerability of Tess is at the forefront of the story; however, she isn’t the only one who is struggling with their past. The relationship between them is sweet as well as possessive, with a give and take from both sides in their own ways.
The dominating/submitting roles between Ava and Tess are sexy as hell and not lacking in passion as the two women fall in love.
Riley was a secondary character who was mysterious and enticing enough to ensure I was left with enough curiosity about them that I am hoping they will make an appearance in a future book in a larger role.
If you like your stories fast-paced, extremely hot, and intriguing, I recommend checking out Capturing Tess right now.
Tess is a struggling young woman who grew up in foster care and hasn’t found a way to live a settled life. She works hard to make ends meet but can never seem to come out in front. She meets the elusive Ava while working a night shift at a diner and is immediately tongue-tied in front of the stunning older woman.
Later that same night, she finds herself in the clutches of Ava, being taken against her will to a luxurious mansion on a secluded island. Ava swears it is for her own safety but refuses to reveal anything other than that.
Tess knows she should keep asking questions, but Ava has captured her attention in more than one way, unaware that she is doing the same thing to the stunning stranger.
Ava struggles to hold her own feelings at bay as she attempts to uncover why Tess is in danger and make right a promise she made in her past. Her own secrets continue to cast a shadow over her feelings for Tess, and it isn’t until she can come to terms with these that she can fully accept the love that is in front of her. The attraction between the two women can’t be stopped, however, and it isn’t long before Tess is surrendering more than her freedom to Ava.
The vulnerability of Tess is at the forefront of the story; however, she isn’t the only one who is struggling with their past. The relationship between them is sweet as well as possessive, with a give and take from both sides in their own ways.
The dominating/submitting roles between Ava and Tess are sexy as hell and not lacking in passion as the two women fall in love.
Riley was a secondary character who was mysterious and enticing enough to ensure I was left with enough curiosity about them that I am hoping they will make an appearance in a future book in a larger role.
If you like your stories fast-paced, extremely hot, and intriguing, I recommend checking out Capturing Tess right now.
March 17, 2023
As an excuse to write a hot BDSM age gap fantasy between two women, the premise of the story kind of works. Until you think about it even a little bit. The secrecy makes no sense whatsoever and pretty much the entirety of the drama in this novel could have been resolved in about three sentences from Ava when she first encounters Tess
March 27, 2023
DNF 90%
I really wanted to like this book, but I couldn't take it anymore after the climax. There was enough relationship build-up for me.
The book was an angsty insta-lust, and I wasn't sold on Tess and Ava getting together. The short amount of time they had together didn't seem like enough for them to develop love with one another.
I know I'm in the minority, but I didn't find myself routing for them to stay together. I thought Ava dropped the ball by not opening up sooner. And I feel like Tess just settled for her first mistress.
I really wanted to like this book, but I couldn't take it anymore after the climax. There was enough relationship build-up for me.
The book was an angsty insta-lust, and I wasn't sold on Tess and Ava getting together. The short amount of time they had together didn't seem like enough for them to develop love with one another.
I know I'm in the minority, but I didn't find myself routing for them to stay together. I thought Ava dropped the ball by not opening up sooner. And I feel like Tess just settled for her first mistress.
February 14, 2024
Quickie Review (May Contain Spoilers)
Capturing Tess was a really well done FF romance. You rarely see FF romances written like this and I am really enjoying this writing style that Anna Stone implements within her stories. They have such a edgier theme to them and I literally can't get enough of her books.
Capturing Tess is a kidnapping story but to protect her type of setup. There is some fun dynamics to the plot that is involved and many secrets that come into play. These two are a great dynamic and I liked that they had such different strengths that complimented each other so well. There is some fun suspense aspects that mixes just right into the story and is slowly revealed and not packed in all at once. So even if you aren't a big fan of suspense books, you will still enjoy this as it doesn't take away from the actual romance that is written here. If you love dark romance or billionaire romance dynamics and want to see how it would work for a FF pairing, definitely check it out.
Capturing Tess was a really well done FF romance. You rarely see FF romances written like this and I am really enjoying this writing style that Anna Stone implements within her stories. They have such a edgier theme to them and I literally can't get enough of her books.
Capturing Tess is a kidnapping story but to protect her type of setup. There is some fun dynamics to the plot that is involved and many secrets that come into play. These two are a great dynamic and I liked that they had such different strengths that complimented each other so well. There is some fun suspense aspects that mixes just right into the story and is slowly revealed and not packed in all at once. So even if you aren't a big fan of suspense books, you will still enjoy this as it doesn't take away from the actual romance that is written here. If you love dark romance or billionaire romance dynamics and want to see how it would work for a FF pairing, definitely check it out.
January 19, 2023
This was a very fun, spicy, flirty read!
Not my usual go to, but it was fun! The narration was excellent! I’ve held back a fourth star purely because of the concept of Tess just trusting Ava on a foundation of Lust, but not on actual actions. They didn’t seem to have many moments in the beginning for the trust to be earned, it just sort of appeared.
Otherwise, it was extremely interesting, and the last chapters/epilogues really made this book a brilliant read!
Not my usual go to, but it was fun! The narration was excellent! I’ve held back a fourth star purely because of the concept of Tess just trusting Ava on a foundation of Lust, but not on actual actions. They didn’t seem to have many moments in the beginning for the trust to be earned, it just sort of appeared.
Otherwise, it was extremely interesting, and the last chapters/epilogues really made this book a brilliant read!
May 18, 2023
Anna Stone has me in a chokehold.
Sexy femme domme. A submissive with a dark past. Some mystery. A twist that even though I predicted it, I was still....um.....you'll see. Sexy kinky relations! And deep love.
Well done. On to the next! This series is exciting and the cover art is lovely.
Sexy femme domme. A submissive with a dark past. Some mystery. A twist that even though I predicted it, I was still....um.....you'll see. Sexy kinky relations! And deep love.
Well done. On to the next! This series is exciting and the cover art is lovely.
January 2, 2023
This book gripped me from the first chapter and I couldn’t put it down because I needed to know how it was going to turn out. Why were people after Tess? Who is Ava to Tess? Why is Ava keeping secrets? This is a fast paced read with wonderful main characters. In typical Anna Stone fashion there’s steam, sex, and love. What a great start to my 2023 reading!
December 22, 2022
Thank you to the author for gifting me an advance reader copy. All thoughts are my own.
I absolutely loved this and it was a great start to a brand-new series by Anna Stone!
This book is a romantic suspense following Tess and Ava; Ava is hiding secrets and has captured Tess from people who are out to kill her. But what happens when protection turns into love?
Anna Stone never disappoints me and I have been a fan of hers since her sophomore novel came out. Her writing is fun, she writes steamy sex scenes, and she always creates wonderful and romantic relationships and Capturing Tess was no exception.
Overall, I had a really great time with this book. The beginning instantly drew me in and we started off with a bang. I really love how when Tess saw Ava for the first time all she could think about was how she was the most beautiful woman she has ever seen. The ending was also action-packed and fast paces which I really enjoyed.
I loved all our characters, even the side ones. We have a (I think) nonbinary character and I love them so much, please give Riley the book they deserve!!! (Also dying for Cassandra and what she has going on!)
Ava and Tess were amazing and I really enjoyed seeing them open up to each other throughout the book and how Anna Stone was able to show how complex they were and the inner struggles they fought with because of the forbidden element of their relationship. I love how guarded Ava was yet when it comes to Tess she becomes soft and vulnerable which is a dynamic I love. This is also a fairly decent age gap and the little twist toward the end adds some angst to the relationship. I also appreciated how strong Tess was and even tho she had faced some serious hardships that didn't make her a mean person and she was still really kind and gentle. I think Ava and Tess balanced each other out really well. They both had great chemistry even tho I will say it was all very insta-lusty but that's something I don't mind.
There are some BDSM elements but I really want Anna Stone to write a book where both characters have done BDSM before because I am getting tired of the "new to bdsm/experienced bdsm" dynamic but that is a nitpicky thing. (I'm also still holding on to hope that we will get a plus-size heroine someday)
The reason this is a 4-star vs a 5-star is only because of a couple of things. After the fast-paced beginning, the book dragged and slowed down really badly for about 40% of the book. I kept looking at the time I had left on my kindle because I was getting really bored and felt like there was a lot of back and forth. I wonder if having some more suspense and/or angst would have helped at all. There is also a scene toward the end where the villain is using the wrong pronouns for Riley and it wasn't challenged and it made me feel uncomfortable. I wish it would have A) been challenged by saying that wasn't the pronouns they used or B) just not included at all.
Overall, this book was so good and I am so excited for future books in this series! Anna Stone writes such fun steamy sapphic romances and if you haven't read her yet and are intimidated by the series I recommend reading this one.
I absolutely loved this and it was a great start to a brand-new series by Anna Stone!
This book is a romantic suspense following Tess and Ava; Ava is hiding secrets and has captured Tess from people who are out to kill her. But what happens when protection turns into love?
Anna Stone never disappoints me and I have been a fan of hers since her sophomore novel came out. Her writing is fun, she writes steamy sex scenes, and she always creates wonderful and romantic relationships and Capturing Tess was no exception.
Overall, I had a really great time with this book. The beginning instantly drew me in and we started off with a bang. I really love how when Tess saw Ava for the first time all she could think about was how she was the most beautiful woman she has ever seen. The ending was also action-packed and fast paces which I really enjoyed.
I loved all our characters, even the side ones. We have a (I think) nonbinary character and I love them so much, please give Riley the book they deserve!!! (Also dying for Cassandra and what she has going on!)
Ava and Tess were amazing and I really enjoyed seeing them open up to each other throughout the book and how Anna Stone was able to show how complex they were and the inner struggles they fought with because of the forbidden element of their relationship. I love how guarded Ava was yet when it comes to Tess she becomes soft and vulnerable which is a dynamic I love. This is also a fairly decent age gap and the little twist toward the end adds some angst to the relationship. I also appreciated how strong Tess was and even tho she had faced some serious hardships that didn't make her a mean person and she was still really kind and gentle. I think Ava and Tess balanced each other out really well. They both had great chemistry even tho I will say it was all very insta-lusty but that's something I don't mind.
There are some BDSM elements but I really want Anna Stone to write a book where both characters have done BDSM before because I am getting tired of the "new to bdsm/experienced bdsm" dynamic but that is a nitpicky thing. (I'm also still holding on to hope that we will get a plus-size heroine someday)
The reason this is a 4-star vs a 5-star is only because of a couple of things. After the fast-paced beginning, the book dragged and slowed down really badly for about 40% of the book. I kept looking at the time I had left on my kindle because I was getting really bored and felt like there was a lot of back and forth. I wonder if having some more suspense and/or angst would have helped at all. There is also a scene toward the end where the villain is using the wrong pronouns for Riley and it wasn't challenged and it made me feel uncomfortable. I wish it would have A) been challenged by saying that wasn't the pronouns they used or B) just not included at all.
Overall, this book was so good and I am so excited for future books in this series! Anna Stone writes such fun steamy sapphic romances and if you haven't read her yet and are intimidated by the series I recommend reading this one.
January 2, 2023
This book has an interesting premise that falls flat 50+ pages in. The problem is that the central mystery is not much of a mystery by this point, and flaws in the story and writing become more evident.
To start, I'm a sucker for an age-gap romance, so I'm not usually one to criticize the dynamic. However, the age difference here is hard to stomach when the younger participant is just barely over legal drinking age in the U.S..
Further complicating this is the fact that the youth falls in love with her captor. So, right from the beginning, she's been setup for Stockholm Syndrome. I might have been able to push aside the age difference if she acted more mature, but she needs to be coddled from one moment to the next. I'm not sure she could find socks for herself. So, I have trouble accepting that the older woman isn't just taking advantage of the situation.
In addition to some uncomfortable issues around sex, the writing is most decidedly "telling" and not "showing." The reader is told the characters love one another, but outside of sex I'd be hard pressed to explain how they arrived at this conclusion. They're frequently distant, cold, and territorial. And while some of this is, yes, because of the plot, the fact is that they don't behave like lovers. They don't sneak glances. They don't bite bottom lips. They don't find ways to be together that are just for comfort. It's lust at best. When one of the characters says she knew she loved the other from the start I almost laughed aloud. It seemed so absurd.
I hate being so negative. I really, really do. And I'm sad that something that started off interesting didn't deliver. But, honesty is the best policy so I won't mince words.
To start, I'm a sucker for an age-gap romance, so I'm not usually one to criticize the dynamic. However, the age difference here is hard to stomach when the younger participant is just barely over legal drinking age in the U.S..
Further complicating this is the fact that the youth falls in love with her captor. So, right from the beginning, she's been setup for Stockholm Syndrome. I might have been able to push aside the age difference if she acted more mature, but she needs to be coddled from one moment to the next. I'm not sure she could find socks for herself. So, I have trouble accepting that the older woman isn't just taking advantage of the situation.
In addition to some uncomfortable issues around sex, the writing is most decidedly "telling" and not "showing." The reader is told the characters love one another, but outside of sex I'd be hard pressed to explain how they arrived at this conclusion. They're frequently distant, cold, and territorial. And while some of this is, yes, because of the plot, the fact is that they don't behave like lovers. They don't sneak glances. They don't bite bottom lips. They don't find ways to be together that are just for comfort. It's lust at best. When one of the characters says she knew she loved the other from the start I almost laughed aloud. It seemed so absurd.
I hate being so negative. I really, really do. And I'm sad that something that started off interesting didn't deliver. But, honesty is the best policy so I won't mince words.
January 12, 2023
When you pick up an Anna Stone book, you know there will be steam, but this one surprised me with the plot too. There were elements of mystery that kept me reading because I needed to know the answers. I knocked it down to 4 stars because of the beginning and how Tess was kidnapped. That was the only part of the plot I didn’t love, but the rest of it made up for it. Very intrigued to see if the author continues with the side characters for future books.
January 28, 2023
2.5 stars. I recently read a lesfic captor/captive romance that I adored, so I was kind of eager to try this one out and hopefully love it as well. Alas, I remembered too late, as I always remember too late, that this author's writing really doesn't do it for me. The premise is great: after being chased by armed men, Tess is saved and whisked away by a mysterious older woman claiming to have her best interests at heart. Ava keeps Tess in a mansion on a secluded island, and bit by bit, her reasons and secrets are revealed. But for a taboo BDSM romance with a suspenseful slant, this was kind of bland? Something about the writing felt really same-y, like I could read or have read these exact same sentences/phrases in any other book. A lot of the plot is predictable, except for one thing that I didn't really see coming, so kudos for that. But I felt like so much more could have been done to let us get to know the characters better, or actually raise the stakes a bit. I spent an unfortunate amount of time just being bored.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Allie Shae, which was reeeeeeally really good. Like, I want to go find other books she's narrated; she just has one of those voices that's really easy and lovely to listen to imo. So that was a big plus for the book. And again, I can't say that there was anything really wrong with the book; it just wasn't written all that well, and I wasn't drawn into the story. I have to give it to Stone; the plots of her books always sound SO GOOD, and I always end up giving her a try yet again. So I'm sure I'll read from her in the future.
Content warnings:
Listened to the audiobook as read by Allie Shae, which was reeeeeeally really good. Like, I want to go find other books she's narrated; she just has one of those voices that's really easy and lovely to listen to imo. So that was a big plus for the book. And again, I can't say that there was anything really wrong with the book; it just wasn't written all that well, and I wasn't drawn into the story. I have to give it to Stone; the plots of her books always sound SO GOOD, and I always end up giving her a try yet again. So I'm sure I'll read from her in the future.
Content warnings:
December 27, 2022
I usually love Anna Stone's books, but this one just wasn't for me, I guess I wasn't in the mood for it. It took me a while to finish, and the MC didn't get my attention.
The premise is interesting, but I think I was expecting a little bit more push and pull, or a little more resistance from Ava, I like the chase, but it was barely there.
Also, I figured out the "big secret" before they talk about it, and once I did that, it was a super turn-off for me, so the sexy moments turned out not so sexy anymore, I'll explain below in a spoiler.
Anyway, I'm really excited to read the next book, which I really hope involves Riley because they are amazing and we need more Riley. Although all the mystery is not exactly my thing, I still love Anna's writing, and BDSM is totally my thing and I think I'll appreciate it more without that issue.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
The premise is interesting, but I think I was expecting a little bit more push and pull, or a little more resistance from Ava, I like the chase, but it was barely there.
Also, I figured out the "big secret" before they talk about it, and once I did that, it was a super turn-off for me, so the sexy moments turned out not so sexy anymore, I'll explain below in a spoiler.
Anyway, I'm really excited to read the next book, which I really hope involves Riley because they are amazing and we need more Riley. Although all the mystery is not exactly my thing, I still love Anna's writing, and BDSM is totally my thing and I think I'll appreciate it more without that issue.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
December 22, 2022
I looooved this book, Ms Stone’s writing gets better and better. This book has everything you could want in a book. Rich girl/Poor girl, Older experienced woman/Young vulnerable woman. Tess is a struggling young women who has a dead end job and no family to help her. One day she is kidnapped by Ava who is a beautiful older woman. She does not know why Ava has kidnapped her, but she is keen to get to know her. A little light BDSM and a really interesting storyline with a dramatic, but good ending. Would highly recommend.
Read
January 9, 2023DNF
I once said that I usually don't leave a common if I DNF. This one tho...
As a reader, we get both POVs, so we know what's going on, but in Tess's POV, all she knows is that someone captured her, threw her on an island, and restricted her in a mansion. When she asked what was happening, all she got was, "you're in danger" and "I'm protecting you." Ava seems to manipulate and gaslight Tess a lot, and it's bizarre to read Jess feel sexual attraction to Ava under those circumstances. The blurb coughs my eyes, but the more I read, the more I feel weird and creepy, and there are many red flags. I get it when sometime you want to indulge your fantasies. Don't get me wrong, I have LOTS of dirty fantasies when reading sapphic books. But when it's problematic in heterosexual romance, the standard should be the same in wlw romance, too.
I once said that I usually don't leave a common if I DNF. This one tho...
As a reader, we get both POVs, so we know what's going on, but in Tess's POV, all she knows is that someone captured her, threw her on an island, and restricted her in a mansion. When she asked what was happening, all she got was, "you're in danger" and "I'm protecting you." Ava seems to manipulate and gaslight Tess a lot, and it's bizarre to read Jess feel sexual attraction to Ava under those circumstances. The blurb coughs my eyes, but the more I read, the more I feel weird and creepy, and there are many red flags. I get it when sometime you want to indulge your fantasies. Don't get me wrong, I have LOTS of dirty fantasies when reading sapphic books. But when it's problematic in heterosexual romance, the standard should be the same in wlw romance, too.
March 20, 2023
Es un texto entretenido, quizá le faltó un poco más de trama, pero bueno, se lee rápido
January 22, 2023
According to Goodreads I've now read all but 2 of Anna Stone's novels. I adore them, I devour them and yet... I'm still conflicted, because I'm really not that girl. Not at all. And yet I keep coming back for more. Why is that? Yes, these books lean heavily into areas I'm not comfortable with and still I read them because they undeniably romantic. Oddly swoony, for books in which bdsm plays so heavily a part. Capturing Tess is a sweet erotic delight and you should read it.
September 4, 2024
This one was quite boring. I also wasn’t a fan of the twist. It’s a bit too weird. 😐
January 8, 2023
Capturing Tess
Another successful book by the extremely talented Anna Stone. The chemistry is on point. It has angst, remedied timely and well. I enjoyed the book immensely, and look forward to the future and more books from this author.
Another successful book by the extremely talented Anna Stone. The chemistry is on point. It has angst, remedied timely and well. I enjoyed the book immensely, and look forward to the future and more books from this author.
February 1, 2025
EDIT (30/01/2025)
This was the first book by Anna Stone I've read and now, after reading all her books, I wanted to reread it.
I still love and adore this book and the characters, still one of my favorites by her.
I like that it's a little different from her usual books.
(31/03/2024)
I loved this.
If you think too hard about it it really doesn't make much sense but who cares.
I enjoyed it and that's all that matters.
I saw the "plot twist" coming so I wasn't surprised which was a little disappointing.
There wasn't too much smut which I appreciated since I'm not the biggest fan of that.
The writing was good and really easy to understand and get through (considering English isn't my first language)
This was the first book by Anna Stone I've read and now, after reading all her books, I wanted to reread it.
I still love and adore this book and the characters, still one of my favorites by her.
I like that it's a little different from her usual books.
(31/03/2024)
I loved this.
If you think too hard about it it really doesn't make much sense but who cares.
I enjoyed it and that's all that matters.
I saw the "plot twist" coming so I wasn't surprised which was a little disappointing.
There wasn't too much smut which I appreciated since I'm not the biggest fan of that.
The writing was good and really easy to understand and get through (considering English isn't my first language)
January 2, 2025
hate the plot and plot twist. almost dnf’ed
December 27, 2022
I was immediately intrigued by the synopsis of this book so I was excited to read it.
This book had a little more mystery and secrets than the other books Anna Stone has written and I enjoyed the change of pace. I was rooting for Ava the whole way through and I wanted to see her redeem herself and prove herself. I wanted Tess to have some happiness after knowing the hardships of her life and just wanted her and Ava to live happily ever after.
The steam was typical of Anna and the kink didn’t disappoint per usual. I give it 4 chilis 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.
I loved the writing, it’s is great in its technicality and the characters are easy to like. I am excited to know that there will be another installment and a new series is on the horizon.
*I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This book had a little more mystery and secrets than the other books Anna Stone has written and I enjoyed the change of pace. I was rooting for Ava the whole way through and I wanted to see her redeem herself and prove herself. I wanted Tess to have some happiness after knowing the hardships of her life and just wanted her and Ava to live happily ever after.
The steam was typical of Anna and the kink didn’t disappoint per usual. I give it 4 chilis 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.
I loved the writing, it’s is great in its technicality and the characters are easy to like. I am excited to know that there will be another installment and a new series is on the horizon.
*I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
July 7, 2023
What a story! I'm still shocked about that secret and unsure how to feel.
This is the sth book I have read by Anna Stone, and once again she hasn't failed me with her amazing story.
The plot in the book is well thought out, and the chemistry between the two characters is good. The only unrealistic thing is how Tess trusts Ava immediately, especially given the circumstances of Ava taking Tess.
Other than that, I don't have a single bad thing to say about this beauty of a book.
This book does contain BDSM, Kidnapping, Hiring Assanation, threats, violence, guns and gun violence.
Rating:
4/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the sth book I have read by Anna Stone, and once again she hasn't failed me with her amazing story.
The plot in the book is well thought out, and the chemistry between the two characters is good. The only unrealistic thing is how Tess trusts Ava immediately, especially given the circumstances of Ava taking Tess.
Other than that, I don't have a single bad thing to say about this beauty of a book.
This book does contain BDSM, Kidnapping, Hiring Assanation, threats, violence, guns and gun violence.
Rating:
4/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 2, 2023
Maybe it's because all the reviews for Capturing Tess all talked about their mixed feelings on "the twist" but I saw Ava being in love with Tess' mom (briefly, when they were younger, et cetera) coming from a mile away. But for a kidnapping romance, this was otherwise incredibly tame. I would've enjoyed it more had Stones' writing style not abused the rhetorical question to the extant that it did. Still, it was sweet and entertaining and I really want the sequels it teased.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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