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Governess Brides #10
Taken by the Prince
Only Victoria knows that Saber Lawrence is a renegade prince plotting to seize control of his country. But when Saber kidnaps Victoria to ensure her silence and vanquish her reserve, he finds that the proper English governess is not so easily seduced, unless Saber's willing to surrender something of his own-his heart.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 23, 2011
115 people are currently reading
1308 people want to read
About the author
Christina Dodd
103 books5,915 followersUpcoming:
— 6/30/26 TEACH THE TORCHES TO BURN: Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #3 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
New and Now!
—MUCH ADO ABOUT MISTLETOE: Daughter of Montague Christmas novella https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— THUS WITH A KISS I DIE Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #2
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA Historical Fiction Trade Paperback Once upon a time a young couple met and fell in love. You probably know that story, and how it ended (hint: badly). Only here’s the thing: That’s not how it ended at all…
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
— WELCOME TO GOTHIC: A Gothic novella in ebook (at last!) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— WHAT DREAMS MAY COME Daughter of Montague novella 1.5 "I’m the daughter of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, that Romeo and Juliet. No, they didn’t die in the tomb…" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— GIRL ANONYMOUS “Crackling sexual chemistry and a few love scenes guaranteed to scorch readers’ fingers as they turn the pages." — ⭐️ Booklist
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Readers become writers, and Christina has always been a reader. Ultimately she discovered she liked to read romance best because the relationship between a man and a woman is always humorous. A woman wants world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants a Craftsman router, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will make his bald spot disappear.
When Christina’s first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be?
Ha! It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before she was published. Now her suspense, paranormal, historical, and mystery novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 15 million copies in print. Praised for her “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd” (Booklist), her award-winning books have landed on numerous Best of the Year lists and, much to her mother's delight, Dodd was once a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where her 700 lavender plants share the yard with her husband’s various “Big Projects,” including a treehouse, zipline, and their very own Stonehenge.
Enter Christina’s worlds and join her mailing list for humor, book news and entertainment (yes, she’s the proud author with the infamous three-armed cover) at christinadodd.com. For more information on A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA, visit daughterofmontague.com. Her legions of fans know that when they pick up a Christina Dodd book, they'll find the story, "Wildly entertaining, wickedly witty!"
Christina is married to a man with all his hair and no Corvette, but many Craftsman tools.
(Source: http://www.christinadodd.com )
— 6/30/26 TEACH THE TORCHES TO BURN: Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #3 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
New and Now!
—MUCH ADO ABOUT MISTLETOE: Daughter of Montague Christmas novella https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— THUS WITH A KISS I DIE Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #2
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA Historical Fiction Trade Paperback Once upon a time a young couple met and fell in love. You probably know that story, and how it ended (hint: badly). Only here’s the thing: That’s not how it ended at all…
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
— WELCOME TO GOTHIC: A Gothic novella in ebook (at last!) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— WHAT DREAMS MAY COME Daughter of Montague novella 1.5 "I’m the daughter of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, that Romeo and Juliet. No, they didn’t die in the tomb…" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— GIRL ANONYMOUS “Crackling sexual chemistry and a few love scenes guaranteed to scorch readers’ fingers as they turn the pages." — ⭐️ Booklist
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Readers become writers, and Christina has always been a reader. Ultimately she discovered she liked to read romance best because the relationship between a man and a woman is always humorous. A woman wants world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants a Craftsman router, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will make his bald spot disappear.
When Christina’s first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be?
Ha! It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before she was published. Now her suspense, paranormal, historical, and mystery novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 15 million copies in print. Praised for her “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd” (Booklist), her award-winning books have landed on numerous Best of the Year lists and, much to her mother's delight, Dodd was once a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where her 700 lavender plants share the yard with her husband’s various “Big Projects,” including a treehouse, zipline, and their very own Stonehenge.
Enter Christina’s worlds and join her mailing list for humor, book news and entertainment (yes, she’s the proud author with the infamous three-armed cover) at christinadodd.com. For more information on A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA, visit daughterofmontague.com. Her legions of fans know that when they pick up a Christina Dodd book, they'll find the story, "Wildly entertaining, wickedly witty!"
Christina is married to a man with all his hair and no Corvette, but many Craftsman tools.
(Source: http://www.christinadodd.com )
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
July 21, 2019
He was, in the end, a hunter who had spotted his mate, tracked her, trapped her, and knew that soon she would consent to be his in every way. Because she couldn’t resist this. Resist him.
"Taken by the Prince" is the story of Victoria and Raul/Saber.
What a great read!
Passionate love story of a strong, smart and independent heroine and a scarred, sexy and sensitive hero. There are kidnappings, torture, shootings, wild sex, affection, love, war and final victory in this one.
What I really liked was how smitten the hero was with the heroine, his attitude towards his clan, how intelligent and determined she was. Their lovemaking was HOT, and that forest coupling.. hubba hubba.
Yes, there is graphic violence in this one due to evil OM, but all's well that ends well.
“Do you know why women rub their eyes in the morning?”
“No. Why?”
“Because they don’t have balls to scratch.”
WTF LMAO!
Really enjoyed this one!
Safe for me/ SWE for some
4.5/5
"Taken by the Prince" is the story of Victoria and Raul/Saber.
What a great read!
Passionate love story of a strong, smart and independent heroine and a scarred, sexy and sensitive hero. There are kidnappings, torture, shootings, wild sex, affection, love, war and final victory in this one.
What I really liked was how smitten the hero was with the heroine, his attitude towards his clan, how intelligent and determined she was. Their lovemaking was HOT, and that forest coupling.. hubba hubba.
Yes, there is graphic violence in this one due to evil OM, but all's well that ends well.
“Do you know why women rub their eyes in the morning?”
“No. Why?”
“Because they don’t have balls to scratch.”
WTF LMAO!
Really enjoyed this one!
Safe for me/ SWE for some
4.5/5
March 25, 2025
I’m not sure if this was the last book in the series but it seemed like it. I really loved this book. The chemistry between the main characters was awesome but so were the side characters. They were hilarious at times and loyal and just ugh! Loved them.
Victoria is besties with Belle who is the daughter of a Viscount. Belle’s half brother is the future King of Moracadia but his county has been overtaken and one day he will go back and take it back.
Years later, Raul is trying to build the rebellion to take back his country when Victoria comes back into his life. He “hires” or kidnaps her to be a governess for his people. He also, plans to seducer her and I was here for it!
Victoria is besties with Belle who is the daughter of a Viscount. Belle’s half brother is the future King of Moracadia but his county has been overtaken and one day he will go back and take it back.
Years later, Raul is trying to build the rebellion to take back his country when Victoria comes back into his life. He “hires” or kidnaps her to be a governess for his people. He also, plans to seducer her and I was here for it!
December 28, 2017
When Victoria first meets Saber, she doesn't believe that he is a true prince planning on taking back his kingdom that was stolen away from his family. Victoria is now a governess and meets Saber again after three years of distance but her feelings for him haven't changed. Saber can't afford for his plans or his true identity to be revealed while he is planning the revolution so he takes Victoria prisoner in his castle and where some of his people are taking refuge. Victoria is the one woman that says 'no' to Saber and isn't afraid of standing up to his family or to him for that matter, and her beauty has always held him captive and is earnest in his desire for her, and even though he knows that love was beaten out of him, he wants Victoria in his life...forever. Taken By The Prince by Christina Dodd is the ninth installment in the governess series. The moment I saw the cover and the blurb I couldn't resist reading it. It was the first unread book to be read on my Nook and I just loved every moment of it and couldn't stop reading, it kept me so enthralled from beginning to end. I found Victoria to be easy to relate with, tough but still has a gentle spirit, one who is full of courage and passion. Saber is utterly irresistable, rough exterior but needs love more than any other because he hasn't had much of it and has lost much in his young life. I was completely charmed with this love story that can just make you melt yet cheer for these two.....a well worth read, and one I plan on reading again for sure!!!! A Keeper!!!
September 15, 2011
4.50 Stars - Regency/Historical Romance!
Taken By The Prince tells the story of a renegade prince Saber Lawrence, who wishes to gain control of his country Moricadia. He faces many obstacles in the way of his mission and fights many demons of his own. Including not falling in love with one Miss Victoria Cardiff, the girl he once saw during her very young age and who now is proving to be a very principled and beautiful obstacle in his expedition. Therefore, conditions force him to kidnap her in order to keep her mouth shut so that he can carry on with his mission. But sparks fly when Victoria proves to be a surprise for this bold hero and hence we get to read a beautiful romance story with some acceptable twists!
The spirit and vibrancy of young Saber in the first part of the book was enticing and admirable. We get to know and understand what kind of man he will be. His purpose to rescue his people and his approach to understand and accept Victoria was fundamentally portrayed in the story.
Saber happens to be a self-assured driven hero, capable enough to direct his people and Victoria. Victoria is a heroine who knows to hold her own ground and therefore earned worthy respect from both Saber and the people. She is a strong woman who was a perfect match in every turn with the proud alpha male that Saber was.
Saber was in complete control of his plans and emotions and had determined eyes on target until he came along to know Victoria. She changed his portrait of future. Victor was completely off-blown after encountering the present stabilized grown-up version of Victoria who was very much different from the timid awkward young lady that he have known from past. She bested him at every turn and turned down his offer of being his mistress with a BANG! She was the perfect heroine for the enigmatic and supremely confident Victor. But like any true alpha hero, his arrogant high-handed behavior back-fired at times in case of wining his lady love. Which is why he might have to do his fair share of groveling in the end, otherwise, there is simply no happy ending for him and his heroine!
I loved the story. It was all about a courageous alpha hero, a dauntless gallant heroin, a dynamic and vigorous plot, a blistering sensuality and assortment of cynical humor. There were impressive secondary characters and a beautiful description of the landscape and background of the setting which is bound to help the readers be ‘taken’ by the book and make the whole reading experience existent.
Taken By The Prince tells the story of a renegade prince Saber Lawrence, who wishes to gain control of his country Moricadia. He faces many obstacles in the way of his mission and fights many demons of his own. Including not falling in love with one Miss Victoria Cardiff, the girl he once saw during her very young age and who now is proving to be a very principled and beautiful obstacle in his expedition. Therefore, conditions force him to kidnap her in order to keep her mouth shut so that he can carry on with his mission. But sparks fly when Victoria proves to be a surprise for this bold hero and hence we get to read a beautiful romance story with some acceptable twists!
The spirit and vibrancy of young Saber in the first part of the book was enticing and admirable. We get to know and understand what kind of man he will be. His purpose to rescue his people and his approach to understand and accept Victoria was fundamentally portrayed in the story.
Saber happens to be a self-assured driven hero, capable enough to direct his people and Victoria. Victoria is a heroine who knows to hold her own ground and therefore earned worthy respect from both Saber and the people. She is a strong woman who was a perfect match in every turn with the proud alpha male that Saber was.
Saber was in complete control of his plans and emotions and had determined eyes on target until he came along to know Victoria. She changed his portrait of future. Victor was completely off-blown after encountering the present stabilized grown-up version of Victoria who was very much different from the timid awkward young lady that he have known from past. She bested him at every turn and turned down his offer of being his mistress with a BANG! She was the perfect heroine for the enigmatic and supremely confident Victor. But like any true alpha hero, his arrogant high-handed behavior back-fired at times in case of wining his lady love. Which is why he might have to do his fair share of groveling in the end, otherwise, there is simply no happy ending for him and his heroine!
I loved the story. It was all about a courageous alpha hero, a dauntless gallant heroin, a dynamic and vigorous plot, a blistering sensuality and assortment of cynical humor. There were impressive secondary characters and a beautiful description of the landscape and background of the setting which is bound to help the readers be ‘taken’ by the book and make the whole reading experience existent.
February 19, 2016
3.75 Stars
Ini adalah buku dari Ms. Dodd dengan rating paling tinggi yang pernah gua kasih. Sebenarnya nggak nyangka bakal sesuka ini. Rata-rata gua kasih 2 bintang buat buku-bukunya Ms. Dodd karena gaya nulisnya kurang cocok sama selera gua, bahkan ada beberapa bukunya yang nggak gua baca karena ngerasa "ah paling nggak demen lagi". Sampai tadi pas di gramed gua iseng-iseng intip isi buku ini (berhubung udah lepas segel ahaha), setelah gua intip isinya, eh suka dan gua baca (sambil berdiri) sampai selesai. *curcol mulu dah*
Gua suka interaksi antar tokoh utama, chemistry-nya dapat, plus gua suka gaya nulis dan plot di buku ini! Intinya worth a read laah.
Ini adalah buku dari Ms. Dodd dengan rating paling tinggi yang pernah gua kasih. Sebenarnya nggak nyangka bakal sesuka ini. Rata-rata gua kasih 2 bintang buat buku-bukunya Ms. Dodd karena gaya nulisnya kurang cocok sama selera gua, bahkan ada beberapa bukunya yang nggak gua baca karena ngerasa "ah paling nggak demen lagi". Sampai tadi pas di gramed gua iseng-iseng intip isi buku ini (berhubung udah lepas segel ahaha), setelah gua intip isinya, eh suka dan gua baca (sambil berdiri) sampai selesai. *curcol mulu dah*
Gua suka interaksi antar tokoh utama, chemistry-nya dapat, plus gua suka gaya nulis dan plot di buku ini! Intinya worth a read laah.
October 9, 2011
A fairy tale for the modern reader. Raul is not the perfect prince. He was abused as a child & has flaws that make him more human than the standard perfect prince. Victoria is a smart lady with a backbone of steel. Both characters are very likable.
The supporting cast of characters are colorful, humorous & fun to read about. This is a great romance.
The supporting cast of characters are colorful, humorous & fun to read about. This is a great romance.
October 5, 2017
No one does romance better than Christina Dodd! Such a great story and beautiful romance.
April 10, 2011
4.5 Stars
Highly Recommended!
A Fiendishly Bookish Review (and one grumpy cat)
Christina Dodd revives the grandeur in historical romance with Taken by the Prince her latest release that kindles memories of the unforgettable characters, rampant humour, and amusing situations she trademarked in her Distinguished Academy of Governesses series. Doted on with Dodd’s careful, but solidly distinctive style, Taken by the Prince is a measured effort, and well…nearly perfect.
This time in Taken by the Prince, Dodd penned a similar theme to an earlier release, The Runaway Princess (1999), with her male lead Saber, a bastard and the unwilling heir apparent to the Viscount of Grimsborough. He is also a prince of Moricadia of the fabled House of de Barbari Jinete. Brought to England because he is Grimsborough’s last resort, the Viscount is willing clothe and educate Saber provided he bends to his rules. When Saber (now renamed Raul) comes of age, his one objective other than fleeing the coldness of Grimsborough Abbey would be to return to his beloved country of Moricadia and take back the throne.
But the childhood friend of his sister Belle entrances him and their one shared kiss….that set off sparks of passion for the two of them will not be easily forgotten.
Three years later and now a governess, Victoria Cardiff, the vixen that set his blood boiling crosses his path when on vacation in Moricadia with her host family. Unbeknownst to her, Raul has spent the past three years, and most of his gambling fortune funding an impending revolution against the de Guignards who wrested the throne from Raul’s ancestors. When Victoria recognizes Raul at a local hotel, all could be lost if she reveals his true identity as Prince Saber and true heir to the throne of Moricadia.
Like exotic Baminia in The Runaway Princess, Dodd transports the reader to far off Moricadia, where the customs and colors of its citizens fill the pages with richness and a gypsy-like courtliness. From Sabers crumbling ancestral castle, the kidnapped Victoria begins to learn the meaning of yearning as Saber sensually entices her each and every night. But a simple capitulation is not what he seeks. He wants Victoria body, heart and soul.
Cutting my teeth on novelists like Dodd, Deveraux, McNaught, and Garwood, I can honestly say that Dodd’s consistent writing style with historical romance fiction and her creation of believable but creatively imagined characters is one of her many strengths. Despite the stutter of her Darkness Chosen series (of which I was not a fan), she continues to write exceptional contemporary and historical romances that I purchase on site.
Taken by the Prince was a satisfying read, with little surprise. Any fan of historical romance will instantly love it because it delivers a well-balanced plot and romance that exceeds expectations. The nights that Raul taunts Victoria are amazingly romantic and heated-the highlight of this extraordinary romance!
I have already unearthed my favorite Dodd novels to re-read: The Rules of Surrender, The Rules of Engagement and The Rules of Attraction.
Highly Recommended!
A Fiendishly Bookish Review (and one grumpy cat)
November 20, 2011
3.5 stars. Don’t be intimidated by that #9 above -- this is only very loosely linked to In Bed with the Duke, so you don’t have to read that first, and aren’t you the lucky one. That book and other recent Dodds were so boring I almost didn’t start this at all. But although it turned out to be pretty wallpapery and features annoying historical romance cliche #1 , it's still quite entertaining.
The story is about Raul, a revolutionary attempting to regain his rightful place on the throne of Moricadia. (A rich, successful, sexy revolutionary -- he can occupy my town any time.) Governess Victoria knew Raul through his English sister; while traveling in Moricadia, she inadvertently reveals that she knows his history, causing him to kidnap her -- just until after the revolution is over, of course.
This is what I’d call a restful read. You know pretty much what you’re going to get, but it’s not so stupid or cliched that it requires throwing against a wall -- it neither demanded my intelligence, not (for the most part) insulted it. Victoria is beautiful, smart and resourceful, Raul is hot, she has to resist him for awhile because she's a Victorian virgin but then they have fun sexytimes. Very pleasant if that's what you're in the mood for.
The story is about Raul, a revolutionary attempting to regain his rightful place on the throne of Moricadia. (A rich, successful, sexy revolutionary -- he can occupy my town any time.) Governess Victoria knew Raul through his English sister; while traveling in Moricadia, she inadvertently reveals that she knows his history, causing him to kidnap her -- just until after the revolution is over, of course.
This is what I’d call a restful read. You know pretty much what you’re going to get, but it’s not so stupid or cliched that it requires throwing against a wall -- it neither demanded my intelligence, not (for the most part) insulted it. Victoria is beautiful, smart and resourceful, Raul is hot, she has to resist him for awhile because she's a Victorian virgin but then they have fun sexytimes. Very pleasant if that's what you're in the mood for.
April 13, 2011
Victoria is the best of the Governess'. This is one bad Victorian chick with sword...and serious attitude.
Victoria is a very smart woman, who has learned early to take what life has given her and keep moving. She's not a typical D-I-D, she takes charge of her life and does not cry when things don't go her way.
When she first meets Saber, there is an immediate disdain for him (but of course, this hides another emotional reaction that she has for him.)
And Saber...well, what can be said besides that he's very hot, arrogant (as a future king should be) and tortured. Saber has the weigh of a near ancient kingdom on his shoulders and added to that, a sadistic father. I would have like for his English family to have been better explored but maybe that wouldn't have been pertinent to the storyline of the book?
Victoria is a very smart woman, who has learned early to take what life has given her and keep moving. She's not a typical D-I-D, she takes charge of her life and does not cry when things don't go her way.
When she first meets Saber, there is an immediate disdain for him (but of course, this hides another emotional reaction that she has for him.)
And Saber...well, what can be said besides that he's very hot, arrogant (as a future king should be) and tortured. Saber has the weigh of a near ancient kingdom on his shoulders and added to that, a sadistic father. I would have like for his English family to have been better explored but maybe that wouldn't have been pertinent to the storyline of the book?
Read
December 15, 2017At moments this reminded me of Loretta Chase, and the fact that Moricadia is situated in or near the Pyrenees threw me a bit, but on the whole, I enjoyed this a lot. I generally appreciate Dodd's prose, and this was no exception. The main characters were endearing, and the steamy parts were steamy!
September 18, 2020
Saber adalah anak haram dari bangsawan Inggris sedangkan ibunya adalah bangsawan dari Kerajaan Moricadia. Sejak kecil Saber dikirim kembali ke ayahnya krn kakek dan ibunya mengalami bahaya dan oleh ayahnya dirinya diganti nama menjadi Raul Lawrence. Raul bersabar dgn kekejaman ayahnya hingga saatnya dia kembali ke Moricadia utk memimpin revolusi.
Sayangnya Victoria Cardiff, governess sekaligus sahabat karib adik tirinya ini mengetahui asal-usul dirinya. Maka Raul menculik gadis ini dan memaksa Victoria utk mau berperan sbg wanita simpanannya. Victoria yg awalnya teguh pun akhirnya meleleh oleh kesensualitasan Raul yg tanpa ampun bertubi-tubi melahap dirinya. Mampukah Victoria setia di sisi Raul? Dan mampukah Raul mencintai Victoria?
Saya sudah berharap jauh bhw novel ini akan menarik, melibatkan romansa dlm revolusi. Plus ditambah Stockholm Syndrome. Sayangnya saya hrs menerima bhw novel ini standar saja walau nilai plusnya adalah saat Raul merayu Victoria secara intensif, sangat sensual dgn slow burn-nya.
Tapi dari segi plot cerita saya kurang sreg banget krn semuanya digampangkan dari awal. Tahu-tahu Raul sudah come back dan siap memimpin revolusi di Moricardia. Raul dan Danel yg saya pikir akan baku hantam alih-alih beradu pedang mereka malah melontarkan lelucon seksis. Begitu pula klimaks cerita yg menurut saya terlalu digampangkan dgn mudahnya Raul meraih tampuk kekuasaannya. Endingnya juga saya tidak terlalu suka krn sepertinya Raul tidak jatuh bangun utk mendapatkan Victoria.
Karakter Victoria maupun Raul sebenarnya masih ok-lah. Cuma sptnya mereka terlalu digadang-gadang sbg pasangan yg sempurna dan serba bisa (padahal sih menurut saya gak terlalu istimewa juga, pengecualian Victoria yg menguasai seni menembak walaupun asal-usul pembelajarannya juga agak ajaib).
Intinya novel ini lumayan saja. Not bad but not good too.
Sayangnya Victoria Cardiff, governess sekaligus sahabat karib adik tirinya ini mengetahui asal-usul dirinya. Maka Raul menculik gadis ini dan memaksa Victoria utk mau berperan sbg wanita simpanannya. Victoria yg awalnya teguh pun akhirnya meleleh oleh kesensualitasan Raul yg tanpa ampun bertubi-tubi melahap dirinya. Mampukah Victoria setia di sisi Raul? Dan mampukah Raul mencintai Victoria?
Saya sudah berharap jauh bhw novel ini akan menarik, melibatkan romansa dlm revolusi. Plus ditambah Stockholm Syndrome. Sayangnya saya hrs menerima bhw novel ini standar saja walau nilai plusnya adalah saat Raul merayu Victoria secara intensif, sangat sensual dgn slow burn-nya.
Tapi dari segi plot cerita saya kurang sreg banget krn semuanya digampangkan dari awal. Tahu-tahu Raul sudah come back dan siap memimpin revolusi di Moricardia. Raul dan Danel yg saya pikir akan baku hantam alih-alih beradu pedang mereka malah melontarkan lelucon seksis. Begitu pula klimaks cerita yg menurut saya terlalu digampangkan dgn mudahnya Raul meraih tampuk kekuasaannya. Endingnya juga saya tidak terlalu suka krn sepertinya Raul tidak jatuh bangun utk mendapatkan Victoria.
Karakter Victoria maupun Raul sebenarnya masih ok-lah. Cuma sptnya mereka terlalu digadang-gadang sbg pasangan yg sempurna dan serba bisa (padahal sih menurut saya gak terlalu istimewa juga, pengecualian Victoria yg menguasai seni menembak walaupun asal-usul pembelajarannya juga agak ajaib).
Intinya novel ini lumayan saja. Not bad but not good too.
September 22, 2014
So predictable. I found Victoria's acceptance of being kidnapped....unbelievable, also so much of the story had to make me suspend my logic, I just couldn't get into it. I've read several of this authors works and haven't really liked any of them. Will not look for anymore of her books. However, I am a disabled USAF vet and get given books...so she may show up in my gift books, in which case if desperate for something to read, I will. If you can deal with pure fantasy, unreasonable characters, etc..you'll enjoy this book. Dodd does construct sentences well, her words move well, and the general construction of the story is good.
December 20, 2014
Ahh like good old times, a made up country somewhere in Europe. And this country had origins from Attila the Hun so strange customs too. Oh those weird countries in Europe ;)
Right, girl meets boy, shares a kiss. Then a few years later they meet again. Saber, the prince from a strange country in southern Europe. He was raised by his English father (who was a jerk). She is a proper governess.
We have seduction, rebellion (as he needs to take back his country from evil Frenchmen who took over long ago). Getting to know this made-up country and well, seduction ;)
Nice romance.
Right, girl meets boy, shares a kiss. Then a few years later they meet again. Saber, the prince from a strange country in southern Europe. He was raised by his English father (who was a jerk). She is a proper governess.
We have seduction, rebellion (as he needs to take back his country from evil Frenchmen who took over long ago). Getting to know this made-up country and well, seduction ;)
Nice romance.
July 30, 2014
I enjoyed the heroine, but not the hero. While I liked Victoria's plucky personality, I never really connected with either of the characters. And the hero is all "you must surrender to me, silly woman" chauvinist for 90% of the book, and not in a sexy way, just irritating. Not one of my favorite books by Dodd. Doubt I'd reread this.
April 11, 2011
I didn't like it much. A big disappointment for a Christina Dodd book. I've lots of her books & love them but this was blah.
Zero chemistry between the hero & heroine with no build up to the romance. Not a book I want to reread or keep.
Zero chemistry between the hero & heroine with no build up to the romance. Not a book I want to reread or keep.
February 5, 2023
Loved the writing 5 stars I loved how it was a captor captive trope and at first she didn’t want to be taken away in his castle deep In The woods she was strong female. She ended up falling In love with him, there was passion and spice. I loved the sex scenes they had.
August 31, 2025
s/o to this book for getting me out of my reading slump 🌟
October 10, 2022
My first Christina Dodd and I grabbed it based on the title and premise alone (I love a good kidnapping). This was more adventure than romance, I never really felt chemistry between these two or understood why they would want each other other than physically. He basically kidnaps her so maybe it's Stockholm Syndrome?
The setting is a fantastical imaginary country that he is fighting to regain control of, so there is SO much war/strategy/fighting talk *yawwwwn* If you're into suspense adventure then this might work for you, but if you're looking for a relationship focused book, this ain't it. The age-old problem of "man thinks to himself wait ... do I LOVE HER? confused expression" rears its head in this one, and she of course won't marry him because he won't say the 3 little words. There is also an excessive amount of kidnapping, she is taken by 3 different people until she is "escorted home" basically almost against her will by a fourth person until she is finally reunited with the love interest. At this point I was like OMG not again, here's another dude come to whisk her away?
It also wasn't funny or clever enough to really keep me engaged, I ended up skimming by the 60% mark just to make it through to the end. There were a few sweet moments and the sex scenes were ok, but definitely not my cup of tea.
The setting is a fantastical imaginary country that he is fighting to regain control of, so there is SO much war/strategy/fighting talk *yawwwwn* If you're into suspense adventure then this might work for you, but if you're looking for a relationship focused book, this ain't it. The age-old problem of "man thinks to himself wait ... do I LOVE HER? confused expression" rears its head in this one, and she of course won't marry him because he won't say the 3 little words. There is also an excessive amount of kidnapping, she is taken by 3 different people until she is "escorted home" basically almost against her will by a fourth person until she is finally reunited with the love interest. At this point I was like OMG not again, here's another dude come to whisk her away?
It also wasn't funny or clever enough to really keep me engaged, I ended up skimming by the 60% mark just to make it through to the end. There were a few sweet moments and the sex scenes were ok, but definitely not my cup of tea.
May 4, 2021
I'm more upset by the handling of the hero.
He kidnaps the Heroine on a thin excuse and considering she hasn't spoken to him or his family, by the looks of it, for three years it seems really odd that she'd blurt something like that out.
I don't like the case of stockholm syndrome here or the fact we never see any consequences of him making her without her consent.
And having such an exciting separation only to be followed by such a flimsy and cliched separation because of the hero and his excuse of I don't love her but I actually love her made the book fall flat.
That read little part from Beth also felt tacked on.
He kidnaps the Heroine on a thin excuse and considering she hasn't spoken to him or his family, by the looks of it, for three years it seems really odd that she'd blurt something like that out.
I don't like the case of stockholm syndrome here or the fact we never see any consequences of him making her without her consent.
And having such an exciting separation only to be followed by such a flimsy and cliched separation because of the hero and his excuse of I don't love her but I actually love her made the book fall flat.
That read little part from Beth also felt tacked on.
December 9, 2014
While Christina Dodd is one of my favorite authors, this was certainly not my favorite book. There were very funny moments, but there was no chemistry between the hero and heroine...left me kinda wanting more in the book.
I read the book again and actually enjoyed it better the second time. Raised the rating to 4 stars instead of the original 3 I had given it. I guess I was in too big of a hurry to read it the first time.
I read the book again and actually enjoyed it better the second time. Raised the rating to 4 stars instead of the original 3 I had given it. I guess I was in too big of a hurry to read it the first time.
June 10, 2011
I was disappointed a bit by this book. I found it seemed to be missing the magic of other Christina Dodd's other books. I found Saber a bit to arrogant for my taste. It would have been better to see another side to his character. Would I read this book again....I don't think so.
December 3, 2017
Yes I actually did read this book! Haha. I was desperate for something to read and this, believe it or not, was the best book on the shelf at an open 24 hours Walgreens. Thankfully this was many many years ago.
April 19, 2011
I'm really surprised this book has such a high rating??? The H and h have no chemistry and I found myself saying, "this is really stupid," throughout the story.
May 4, 2011
Arshia says: The suffering of an oppressed country is poignantly described in this book, and Raul is a very powerful character.
August 1, 2011
Christina has done it once again...
August 17, 2011
A tad rapey in the beginning...English governess winds up kidnapped by her friend's brother...married in the woods...dunno what happened to the last ruler in the end? But smiley.
March 3, 2012
I found this an entertaining book in Christina's series. I enjoy reading all her books and this one did not disappoint.
June 24, 2012
First off this had a bit more sexual description than I like but the story was pure fantasy. I'm not sure this could even be remotely the way real life people function but then...
August 2, 2013
DNF. Characters too one dimensional.
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