A Season in the Highlands : Unfinished Business / Fall from Grace / Cold Feet / The Matchmaker / The Christmas Captive

Book Description

Love that grows among the heather is enchanted indeed...blessed with the misty magic and timeless passion of fair Scotland!

New York Times bestselling author Jude Deveraux unravels a ghostly murder mystery in an ancient Scottish castle. National bestselling author Jill Barnett decrees all is fair in love -- when a rollicking Highland clan war leads an impetuous lass to kidnap the wrong man! Geralyn Dawson puts a rough-hewn Texas cowboy under the spell of a charming herbalist with some curious powers of attraction. Patricia Cabot leads a beautiful runaway to her kindred spirit -- a Scottish lord who sweeps her away to the rugged shores of the Isle of Skye. Pam Binder flings a pretty Edinburgh baker and a computer-games designer into an adventure of passion and intrigue -- inside the sixteenth-century palace of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Customer Reviews:

****SCOTTISH HEAVEN****.......2007-02-10

This book is for all of us Scottish fans. They were all great and on my KEEPER shelf. Worth buying and reading.

boring, boring, and boring.......2006-09-19

This was one of the most boring collection of stories I have ever read. I have liked most of Jude Deveraux's earlier books and thought this might be a good read. It was a good snooze. None of the stories caught my attention. I kept plugging away, hoping something would catch my attention, but no. I couldn't get interested in any of the characters, the plots were lifeless, and any romance seemed pretty much nonexistent.
Maybe I read this on a bad day, but I doubt it. I think it was just a collection of stories from authors who wrote them on bad days. No zing, no pop, no life.

Jill Barnett outshines them all..........2004-03-16

This is a five story anthology by various authors all taking place in the Scottish Highlands. Some stories are much better than others. I will note a separate rating of each below, but the average of all five ended up being 3 stars, hence my overall score of the book.

In the first story, "Unfinished Business", by Jude Deveraux, Tyler Stevens agrees to fill in at work for her niece Krissy when she takes ill. Temporarily stepping into Krissy's secretarial position leads Tyler to travel to Scotland with Krissy's boss, Joel Kingsley. While in Scotland, Tyler and Joel unwittingly stumble into a ghostly murder mystery that piques their curiosity. Investigating together may lead them to find more than the answer to an old mystery. This story was pretty good, but not what I would consider excellent. It was a worthwhile read and deserves a rating of three stars.

The second story, "Fall From Grace", by Jill Barnett was the hands down winner of this lot. This was my very first Jill Barnett read, and since discovering her here, I've now read nearly all her work. The clans McNish and McNab have been at war for some time. Grace McNish and her band of merry misfits mistakenly ambush and capture the wrong man. Colin Campbell, Earl of Argyll, was on a diplomatic journey investigating the McNab/McNish clan war when Grace "captured" him. After catching a glimpse of the wild Scottish beauty, he decided to remain in her custody to be near her, and gather information for his investigation. This wonderful story is full of humor. From one clan member who is half deaf and misunderstands even simple instructions, to another who can't hit the side of a barn with the bow and arrow. I laughed out loud too many times to count. This story also contains the steamiest love scene of the entire book. After everything I've read by Ms. Barnett, this is still a favorite. Definitely a five star read.

"Cold Feet", penned by Geralyn Dawson, is the next entry. Texas cowboy, Rand Jenkins, gets lost in the snow-covered moors en route to a castle in the Highlands. Stopping off at a cottage for directions, he meets Annie Munro, a healer who is considered a witch by the locals. Rand ends up spending more time with the lovely Annie than he had planned. For some unknown reason, every cat in the surrounding area is attracted to Rand who subsequently develops an allergic reaction. Using her knowledge of herbs and potions, Annie attempts to ease his suffering. While Rand is fending off felines and trying to get rid of his itching, he begins to get an itch for Annie. This was my least favorite story. It just seemed too unrealistic and didn't hold my attention. I would give this one two stars.

"The Matchmaker" by Pam Binder is story number four. Kathleen MacKenzie owns a bakery in the Scottish town of Edinburgh. When American businessman Duncan MacGreggor leaves his wallet at her establishment, Kathleen sets out to return it. Catching up to him in the elevator of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, she hands him the wallet. Magically they are catapulted back in time to the sixteenth century where Mary, Queen of Scots still inhabited the castle. Now, together they must find their way back to their own time. I wasn't greatly impressed with this novella either. It seemed a little too far-fetched to be believable. I would rate it two stars as well.

Last, but not least, is "The Christmas Captive" by Patricia Cabot. Lady Mairi has fled her guardian's home to escape his rule, and his intent to marry her. Physician, Niall Donnegal, whose brother is the new Duke of Camden, finds Mairi who was injured during her flight. Not knowing she is related to his dreaded enemy, he takes her to his home to recuperate. Their relationship quickly grows. But they must deal with the curse she believes is real, and her guardian's wrath, in order to remain together. This story was quite enjoyable and an above average read. It earns a rating of four stars from me.

At the time I read this book, Jude Deveraux was the only author familiar to me. Her story here was better than the full-length novel I had already read. Overall, three of the stories were worth reading - Jude Deveraux, Jill Barnett, and Patricia Cabot. I would say three out of five would make this collection worth picking up. And with each entry being approximately 100 pages, no one story takes long to read.

boring.......2003-10-14

I expected a lot more out of this book, especially from Jude. I couldn't even get through half of the stories before I gave up on it and marked it off as a wasted $3. Don't bother with it, you will probably fall asleep before you can finish it.

wonderful anthology.......2002-01-19

I'll admit that as a big fan of Diana Gabaldon's OUTLANDER series I'm drawn to Scottish based romance. I bought the collection knowing nothing of anyone but Jude Deveraux, but if this is any example of their work I'll be hitting the search button after this review is finished. The book of 5 novellas was a wonderful escape from home and work.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS sneaks a ghost story into a sassy romance between 2 people who upon first glance couldn't be more wrong for each other.-- Tyler Stevens is convinced Joel Kingsley is completely wrong for her young cousin. Krissy is terribly infatuated with her older boss and despite Tyler's efforts to convince her otherwise, the girl thinks she's in love. Going to Scotland was Krissy's idea. If Tyler took her cousins place on the business trip she could keep an eye on Mr Kingsley for her while she recouperates from her terrible cold. What Tyler didn't count on was that "Old Mr. Kingsley" wouldn't be that old...in fact he was rather appealing. Having them thrown together to solve a centuries old mystery (complete with ghosts) only complicates an already tricky situation.

FALL FROM GRACE's humor really got to me. I felt so silly laughing out loud in the breakroom at work, but then that's what I needed the breakroom for....a break.---Grace McNish was fiercly protective of her clan after years of their being subjected to the McNab's theiving and raiding. When one of the McNab sons falls into her hands she and her rag-tag band of highland "merry-men" think they have it made. Ransom. One problem. He's not who they think he is.

COLD FEET who could resist a cowboy from Texas in the first place. This story had all of the things I love humor, romance and a bit of the supernatural.--Rand Jenkins is lost on the Scottish moors. He's supposed to be guiding his friends bride to the ancestral home, but as a Texan he's a fish out of water. Rand stumbles upon the cottage of a friendly local woman who takes them in out of the cold. She claims she's a witch and when strange things start happening to Rand he's convinced she has put a spell on him....and she has in more ways than one.

THE MATCHMAKER has modern business owner Kathleen MacKenzie fending off the efforts of the local matchmaker Harriet. She doesn't need a husband and even if she did she could find him all on her own. For example, the handsome American who stops by every morning for coffee and a scone. Harriet will not be thwarted. A little coaxing and (of course) a little magic will throw the hesitant couple into the past where they are not only fighting their feelings for each other they are fighting for their lives in the time of Mary, Queen of Scots.

THE CHRISTMAS CAPTIVE was read at the perfect time of the year...well Christmas of course. Mairi is on the run from her fiance. Niall is more than happy to keep her hidden after discovering the young runaway on his families lands cowering inside a hollowed out tree. She's full of secrets and a mysterious past that the logical physicain refuses to beleive. When her fiance comes looking for her, the Scottish lord has to deal with a murderous enemy when he admits that his soul mate will be staying right where she is... with him.

Book Description

"The haunting song of a distant era calls the beautiful graduate student to her subject, the enigmatic Captain Blackwell.

Across the centuries, she is drawn by an inexplicable passion into a realm of mystery and danger--to be imprisioned in an opulent world of harem intrigue and sensuous slavery.

And now Blackwell is with her--patriot, privateer, heroic commander of the U.S. merchantman the Pearl--the dream, the desire made achingly real. Imperiled captives of fate, they are united by a power far greater than time--and by a passion that could destroy them both . . . or forever change the course of history.

Customer Reviews:

Book description.......2005-07-25

While working on her master's thesis, an inquisitive graduate student stumbles across the story of a 19th-century New England sea captain who was slaughtered by pirates. The student finds herself transported back to the Barbary Coast of 1802 where she hopes to prevent her beloved sea captain's tragic murder. From the author of Beyond Scandal.

An Engaging Time Travel.......2003-10-19

I read this book when it was first published, and reordered it as my original copy has disappeared. Reader's reviews on this book were mixed: the most obvious flaws in the book are that the heroine is a scholar on naval warfare, but seems to be incapable of putting this knowledge to use when she finds herself transported back in time to her favorite period in history, and her overuse of the expression "ohmygod!" But, remember, when you read a time travel you are suspending your disbelief anyway, so I wouldn't let that keep me from reading this fine swashbuckler! The book is fast paced, has a fine secondary cast of characters, provides interesting historical details and exploration of a time and place (the Barbary Coast in the era of the famous pirates -- early 1800s) that is generally ignored by romance writers. To paraphrase what another reviewer wrote, the fact that the heroine is very human and and doesn't always know what to do in a given situation, and frequently makes incorrect decisions just makes her more endearing to me. If you like your heroines and heroes to be perfect, this is not the book for you -- but if you don't mind some rough edges on both, and want to try a different time period, I think you will enjoy "Captive."

An incredible love story!.......2003-09-21

This is one of those books I keep on my bookshelf and after I've read a few stinkers and need a good read, I pick it up and read it again. I've read this book several times because I know I'm in for a good read. It was my first time travel I've read, though I've only read a few, and it is also one of my favorite all time historical romance novels. I am unable to put it down when I read it and it seems to get better each time. A truly wonderful love story between Xavier and Alex. Read it! You won't be disappointed.

Awful.......2003-06-23

Ovewrought, melodramatic characters, an annoying and none-too-bright heroine that is supposed to be independent, intelligent and a scholar of nineteenth century American naval history, sex scenes that don't pack a whole lot of heat...yawn... The hero had potential, though, although what he saw in Alexandra is beyond me.

Overall a good read.......2003-01-23

This book was enjoyable enough to keep your interest, but Alexandra's "ohmygods" do irritate sometimes. Alexandra falls in love with Xavier before she even meets him and gets to know his personality. Time travel books usually don't intrigue me, but this one was good. However, during a time of slavery in Tripoli, Alexandra did not use a whole lot of sense and did not think about possible consequences to some of her escapades. I was disappointed to find out Xavier continues to think she is a spy. I plan to read the sequel to find out if he changes his opinion and find out more about her handsome servant in the harem, Murad, and his descendent (possibly?), Joseph.

Average customer rating:

The plot thickens...
"That Was When the Man in Black came to New Salem..."
Great Book!
Cassie flirts with the dark side!
CHILLING!

The Captive (The Secret Circle #2)
L. J. Smith
Manufacturer: Eos (HarperCollins)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0061067156

Book Description

Can The Secret Circle Survive...

Lured into the most popular in-crowd imaginable, Cassie is intoxicated by her newfound strength, a power as addictive as it is perilous.

Caught between two members' consuming desires to use the coven's mysterious force, Cassie turns to one of their boyfriends, Adam--and falls captive to her own dangerous love.

Bewitched by the promise of love through magic, Cassie captures Adam's heart and upsets the delicate balance of power, unleashing a storm of fury no one anticipates.

...Or Will The Dark Struggle Of Good, Evil, And Tormented Love Consume Them All?

Customer Reviews:

The plot thickens..........2006-04-11

Of the three books in this trilogy, this is perhaps the slowest one to read, simply because the action is not as quickly paced as the first one, and so much happens during the course of the novel. This is the book where most of the plot development occurs, and this is where we really start to know the characters who are introduced in "The Initiation." This book also serves as set up for the third book, and the climax of the series.

The mystery in New Salem deepens. More people die under strange circumstances, and Cassie finds out that many of the coven members' parents died in the same year, 1976. On top of that, Faye blackmails Cassie, first into finding the crystal skull that Faye covets, and then into voting for Faye when leadership of the coven is being determined.

One of L.J. Smith's greatest strengths is her ability to weave separate plots into a cohesive whole, and none of her series show this quite so well as her Secret Circle books do. The separate-yet-connected events in this book are expertly tied together in the third one, leaving no loose ends in the process and keeping the reader enthralled until the last page is turned.

"That Was When the Man in Black came to New Salem...".......2004-09-12

"The Captive" is the second book in the Secret Circle Trilogy by L. J. Smith, her most worthwhile trilogy. In the first book "The Initiation", teenager Cassie Blake and her mother moved to New Salem, where she was adopted by a group of witches within the school, who needed a twelfth member for the completion of their coven. There were complications however: although Cassie is instant friends with the coven leader Diana, Diana's cousin Faye is hostile and manipulative toward her. Meanwhile, Cassie has fallen for Diana's boyfriend Adam, and now Faye is blackmailing Cassie into doing whatever she asks - if she doesn't, she'll tell Diana the truth.

And what Faye is after is the sinister crystal skull that the coven uncovered, but that Cassie suspects is somehow behind the awful deaths of several people within New Salem - and she knows that it'll become twice as dangerous if it ends up in Faye's hands. But telling Diana that her beloved boyfriend and her best friend have been cheating on her would break her heart, as well as see her kicked out of the coven. She seemingly has no choice but to get Faye the skull - but first she has to find it...

Meanwhile, Cassie is investigating other strange occurrences around New Salem - she's been experiencing odd dreams, and her mother and grandmother's behaviour is still secretive and aloof. She finds a sealed and blocked off cellar at the local cemetery, as well as an unusual feature on the graves of the other witches' parents - all of them died in 1976. What happened that year to kill so many of the first generation? Another time phenomena strikes Cassie as odd - all the teenage witches celebrate their birthdays within three months of each other, almost as if the parents coordinated their children's' births.

As well as this there is the usual teenager-novel fare: school dances, joy riding, bullying, hormones, raunchy games, and a sprinkling of witchy rituals throughout. Finally though, the story accumulates with the vote for the permanent coven leader, a position coveted by both Faye and Diana, and a disaster that reveals much of the back-story to the terrible happenings at New Salem.

However, the story ends with one of L. J. Smith's frustrating cliff-hangers which forces you to track down and pay for the next book before you find out what happens. I've always found this to be one of the most unappealing components of Smith's books, unlike book series like "Harry Potter" for example, with each installment containing a full, complete plot, Smith's books are divided into several volumes for the simple reasoning: they get more money this way. If there is a publication out there that combines all three of the books into one, I suggest getting that instead of spending money on three separate books.

"The Captive" is possibly the best book in the series, melding several mysteries and plot devices into a whole, with enough intrigue and suspense to keep anyone interested. Cassie's dilemma certainly makes compulsive reading, as does the duality between Diana and Faye, and the direction that the coven can take. The figure of Black John lurks in the background like a sinister shadow (and is certainly Smith's best villain) and again Smith deftly portrays the relationships and attitudes of normal, understandable characters in an abnormal situation. Here we get to see a little more of the personalities of the rest of the coven, and although the Cassie/Adam love match still seems a little unlikely to me, it shakes things up well for the final book "The Power".

Great Book!.......2003-07-17

I loved this book! The first Secret Circle book was good and this one was even better. I can't wait to read the conclusion to this series!

Cassie flirts with the dark side!.......2003-07-09

Faye, a powerful member of the coven, is blackmailing Cassie. Faye wants to have more power and be the leader of the coven and Cassie has to help her reach her goals. Cassie soon realizes that her actions may hurt Diana even more than the truth about Cassie and Adam would. Still, Cassie feels trapped and her only way to be free may be to join the dark side.

I enjoyed this one just as much as the first. The action didn't slow down and I was hooked throughout the entire thing. I also liked Cassie's brush with the dark side. It gave the series a depth that it may not have had otherwise. Another thing I liked was how the coven was no longer split up into groups of good and bad members. All in all this is a great middle book that doesn't fail to live up to the first.

CHILLING!.......2003-03-15

Book two began exactly where the first left off! Cassie was part of the Circle. Faye was blackmailing Cassie to help her become the Coven's leader when the votes were next cast. Cassie, torn between what she felt for Adam and her loyalty toward Diana, would do almost anything to keep Faye from twisting truths into believable lies!

Meanwhile, more dark energy escapes from the crystal skull and more kids are found dead from the high school. Cassie will lose a loved one, find her working stone, learn some shocking family secrets, and her grandmother will reveal who Black John is and where he is now!

Lastly, all secrets of all the Coven members are about to be revealed!

***** This one is not as gripping as the first was, but still exciting! (Cassie is finally getting a back bone!) I am left eager to dive into the third book! Thank goodness I purchased all three books of this trilogy at once! Terrific series! *****

Average customer rating:

Great reading! Stars Wars with true romance!

Boring

Great Read

Average book

Another wonderful read from Amanda Ashley!
The Captive (Love Spell Romance)
Amanda Ashley
Manufacturer: Dorchester Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0505523620

Customer Reviews:

Great reading! Stars Wars with true romance!.......2004-10-23

I have to add my voice to the half & half reviews here. I'm not ordinarily a reader of paranormal/sci-fi style books. But this one really caught & held my interest. Yes, Falkon the hero could really have grabbed that controller sooner! and yes, Ashlynne the heroine was a spoiled little rich-girl who treated him badly!

But the author takes the time to explain why things are the way they are, and after all, the heroine gets "punished" for being the spoiled little rich-girl about 1/2 through the story, so I didn't understand why the other reviewers got down on her so much...I thought the love between Ashlynne & Falkon was really very tender; I loved the hero's change of heart from revenge to forgiveness.

And this story moved so quickly but not at the expense of character development! Bravo! I thought I hated sci-fi but if other sci-fi books are anything like this romance, I'd like to read more!

Boring.......2004-01-19

This was my first Amanda Ashley. I was captivated by the first few pages that were posted on Amazon. Unfortunately, I didn't read the reviews. I concur with those that found Ashlynne immature and petty, and Falkon a bit stupid. (I think the book summaries should say how old the main characters are - at my age, reading about teenagers in love has little appeal.) The plot was unsophisticated, and the happy ending unbelievably contrived. And the otherworldliness was just a veneer - authors like Jayne Castle do it much better. After the first few chapters I just skimmed the pages to see if there was anything original.

Great Read.......2001-04-13

I enjoyed the book, characters from two different worlds brought together by chance, finding love. what more could one want?

Average book.......2000-06-02

I was looking through the reviews, and I noticed this book. I picked it up, because I normally like Amanda Ashley, but I didn't like this book. I tried to read the whole thing, because I had paid for it, but it was very difficult to keep my attention on the book. I really had no sympathy for the main female character. She acted like a spoiled brat, with no redeeming qaulities. I couldn't understand the guy's motivation for liking her. Even in the end, she acts like a pain. It is not the worst book I have ever read, hence the two stars, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Another wonderful read from Amanda Ashley!.......2000-05-28

Amanda Ashley takes her readers through another exciting adventure, with steamy romance and a charming heroine, wonderful hero, and sexual tension to carry all the way through. It's a book you will absolutely love, and enjoy again and again - this a book for readers who love multi-faceted heroines who really come into their own.

Average customer rating:

5 star erotic at its best
A good alien abduction with a different sort of heroine

Love's Captive
Myra Nour
Manufacturer: New Concepts Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1586086898

Book Description

When Serena awakes, after a close and unpleasant encounter with some sort of stun gun, she very quickly learns that resistance is futile and escape only a yearned for dream. She, and the other Earth women Serena meets aboard ship with her, have been captured by the Moyds, interstellar merchants ..their mission, to procure fertile wives for the men of Volarn, where their race is endangered due to the wide-spread sterility of their own women. Learning this is at least some relief to the captured women, but Serena is disgusted to realize that they are nothing in these men's eyes but baby makers. Regardless, she knows she has no choice but to face the fate that awaits her with as much dignity as she can muster. Once they arrive on Volarn, Serena learns that her assessment has not been entirely accurate. Using their power crystals in the Tarthra Ritual, the warriors approach the women with their crystals to find the mate most suited to them..a woman to love who can love them. Serena is chosen to become King Rhamus' queen, but, just as she feels herself weakening to Rhamus' romantic, passionate nature, Rhamus' enemy, Xarath, abducts her. Rating: Contains explicit sex, graphic language and some violence

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Customer Reviews:

5 star erotic at its best.......2007-09-17

At first I thought this books was stupid, but as I got into the story I discovered it was actually very well written and the plot as well very very good. Read it you wont be disapointed trust me.

A good alien abduction with a different sort of heroine.......2005-03-25

For several generations the people of Volarn have had a decrease birth rate, with many of the women proving to be sterile. The solution for Rhamus, one of the King's of Volarn, was not an easy one. Hiring flesh merchants he requests that they find women who would hopefully be able to go through a Tarthra choosing and therefore be eligible mates.

Like all of the women kidnapped from Earth six foot two wrestler Serena couldn't believe she was to become a baby factory for some alien world. Firmly believing that knowledge is power, she tried to learn as much as possible about the people buying her. When finally faced with King Rhamus, she is amazed that under different circumstances, he would be the man of her dreams! So after discovering she was getting married, rather than to just be an unwilling bed mate, how can she know her feelings are her own, when Rhamus openly admits that the Tarthra is to create a love match between man and woman?

Myra Nour has created a very interesting book and I was sucked in with the idea for LOVE'S CAPTIVE. However, everything was too perfect! Serena is tall and beautiful, the men of Volarn are tall, well muscled and gorgeous; The numerous well written and passionate love scenes would have been perfect, except I still have a hard time dealing with some of the coarser language used in them. But the steam is still there!

While Serena has her own fears and issues that she is dealing with to adjust to her new life, Rhamus is constantly out on patrols to insure the safety of his people. A lot of time passes with Serena experiencing situations, including a frightening situation with her sister-in-law, Kasha who is out to intimidate her. But mostly as a reader, we just know things happen, just not the details. For example, she is getting to know the people and a funny story is told about Jarvic, Rhamus's cousin. We know the story is funny, just not what it entailed. So the middle of the story moves a little slowly for me.

All of this was well worth reading as we learn about Volarn's culture and then the unthinkable happens; Serena is kidnapped by the enemy! What the enemy puts Serena though is horrific and I really admire authors that are able to create absolutely well written scenes rather than taking an easy out. Also, the events leading to Serena's recovery were well thought out, and I think very original. Ms Nour has created a situation where Serena has to discover that the emotions she has held locked deep with-in herself about her husband and even her past effect her present and future.

LOVE'S CAPTIVE has thoroughly engaging secondary characters with Kasha and Jarvic and I'm really excited to know that they have their own stories. Even though I had a problem with the tempo for the middle of the story, I have to recommend this book. Serena is an incredible heroine with so many wonderful hidden secrets, that she will never stop amazing you!

reviewed for PNR.thebestreviews.com

NOTE: LOVE'S CAPTIVE has been reissued, and I haven't read the first version which was issued in May 2001.

The Captive Love (Candlelight Ecstasy Classic Romance)

Average customer rating:

animal communicator

The Captive Love (Candlelight Ecstasy Classic Romance)
Anne N. Reisser
Manufacturer: Dell Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0440110599

Customer Reviews:

animal communicator.......2002-03-31

Jase Culhane is tricked into kidnapping Colby Duncan to 'save' her. On his ranch he discovers that all the animals respond to Colby even against their owners (provide much humor).
Love Colby's efforts to escape.

Average customer rating:

Just okay... *Spoliers
Great New Author
Fabulous Blend of History, Emotional Impact and Romance
Outstanding!
fabulous historical romance

Hope's Captive
Kate Lyon
Manufacturer: Leisure Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0843956267

Book Description

Zach McCallister will use any means to find his son, a Cheyenne captive, including deceiving Caroline Whitley, purported to be the wife of Little Wolf, the Cheyenne chief. Distracted by her beauty and impressed by her courage, Zach struggles to resist her allure, believing her to be another man's wife. Caroline tells herself she only needs Zach to help take food and medicine to the dying Cheyenne, but dreads his response when he finds out her marriage is a lie.

Cold and starving, the Cheyenne follow Little Wolf through running battles—enduring sorrow, murder and mutiny—as he leads them to the Powder River country they love, hoping that-if they can elude the thousands of soldiers pursuing them-they'll be allowed to stay. Can Zach set aside duty to aid the Cheyenne in return for their help finding his son? Will Caroline relinquish her fears, and entrust her scarred body to Zach's hands and her soul to his love, or will they all remain Hope's Captive?

Customer Reviews:

Just okay... *Spoliers.......2007-03-08

This just didn't do it for me. While well researched, the fictional story threaded through the historical one was well...quite boring. Zach's periodic passion to search for his son felt contrived. He was never around when the boy was growing up and his reasonings for not caring for his deceased wife seemed equally contrived. She was spoiled and sought the comfort of another man after years of emotional abandonment doesn't make her all that bad to me. How on earth did he missed her being spoiled before marrying her? Bottomline, he was an absentee father and husband and that lost him heroic points in my eyes. The whole I'm on a goverment mission to find my son-didn't make sense . If you're looking for your son-then you're looking for your son-why is that a goverment sponsored mission? Then the whole traveling after Lone Wolf's band-seemed to me they were just walking behind them and was purposely missing all the fighting. How were they missing all this if they were literally a day behind-and how on earth did they managed not to catch up to two hundred people who were walking? With a small band of people it wouldn't have taken long to discover if his son was there or not and why would they take HIS son and why wouldn't they give him back if they had him? Paragraphs of Zach feeling eyes on him and a person afraid he was getting close to the truth was laughable. Why would they be afraid of him? These people were already in the fight for their lives and were defeating large bands of military men-but they were afraid of him? C'mon. In the middle of the book, it just became difficult to plow through. I like Caroline as a character and I liked some elements of Zach's character but for some reason-Zach and Caroline didn't blow me away as a couple. Ms. Lyon is a strong writer-but in this particular book, the characters needed something more. They started off well-they just didn't maintain their initial spark.

Great New Author.......2006-03-10

I liked the story, the characters, and the writing was strong for a new author. I look forward to future books by Kate Lyon. The only negative thing in the whole book was the fact that the heroine was constantly saying "I can take care of myself" when in reality, she needed the hero's help to get out of several situations. This is very annoying. Other than that, I give this book high marks and I am normally very selective about the authors I read.

Fabulous Blend of History, Emotional Impact and Romance.......2006-01-07

Kate Lyon's newest historical romance is a compelling read. She packs a triple punch in accurate details of history, well-developed emotional characters and a romance that fulfills readers' expectations for a great story. There are few writers of Native American romance that can deliver, and Kate Lyon ranks up there with the best. Don't miss this author's newest offering!

Outstanding!.......2005-12-26

This tale begins in the year 1878. Zach McCallister believes his son, Luke, has been taken captive by the Northern Cheyenne. Zach's main objective is to locate and rescue Luke. To accomplish this Zach hires on as a guide to a lady believed to be the white wife of their chief.

Caroline Whitley owes her life to the Northern Cheyenne's leader, Little Wolf. She knows that they currently reside at the Darlington Agency (a reservation) and that they are dying by the hundreds from malaria and dysentery. To repay them, Caroline packs a wagon full with medicine and blankets for them and hires Zach to guide her to them.

Little Wolf, along with almost two hundred women and children and less than one hundred men to defend them, have left the reservation. They are determined to reach the Powder River country they love and call their home. The Army had called in a special unit of cavalry to keep the Northern Cheyenne on the reservation. The Army goes after the small band of Cheyenne.

As Zach and Caroline travel together, they slowly learn about each other. Zach not only meets and learns that the Northern Cheyenne are honorable, no matter how much he wishes to hate them, but he also finds himself attracted to the spitfire that hired him as guide. If only they could trust each other.

***** The author adds another young boy into this story, Yellow Swallow. This child is a half-breed. Just wait until you find out who his parents were! In fact, the author has added quite a few surprises for her readers within this exciting novel. Everything is historically correct and it is obvious that much research went into making this tale. In the back of the novel, within the "Author's Note", Kate Lyon gives a brief report of what happened to the Little Wolf and the others mentioned in this book. History, romance, and harsh reality come together to make an unforgettable adventure that will live on in the memories of all readers. Best I've read in a long while! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

fabulous historical romance .......2005-12-24

In 1878 the disease ridden Oklahoma Reservation was no place to live so Chief Little Wolf moves the entire Northern Cheyenne tribe back to their original home in the Montana Territory in spite of the hardship that the trek will cause. As the Indians journey northward, dodging soldiers and mourning those who fail to make it, military officer Zach McCallister believes the Cheyenne have captured his son Luke. He plans to desert if necessary and follow the tribe on his own to somehow liberate his offspring or die in the attempt.

In Dodge City, Kansas to increase his chance of success Zach offers to "guide" Caroline Whitely, allegedly Lone Wolf's wife, when she tries to deliver needed medicine to the beleaguered tribe. They view the Cheyenne differently. She sees noble people, especially Little Wolf who rescued her from the Kiowa, struggling to survive under suppression; he believes these are savages who wantonly massacre innocent people and kidnap children and young women. As the days pass, Zach falls in love with Caroline, but she does not trust him; he knows she has good cause because he will betray her to free Luke.

HOPE'S CAPTIVE, the sequel to the wonderful TIME'S CAPTIVE, is a fabulous historical romance that focuses on the plight of the Cheyenne in the late nineteenth century. Few writers show the skills of Kate Lyon as she provides a powerful story line that enables the audience to feel they are on two trails: with the tribe (the description gets into your gut) and with the lead couple. Fans of American romance will want to read the "Captive" series as Ms. Lyon freshens up what in lesser hands is an overused device.

Harriet Klausner

Captive Bride (Gk Hall Large Print Book Series)

Average customer rating:

A great Historical Romance
So Absurd it's Hilarious
Poor - don't waste your money!
Worst Romance Novel EVER
:0)

Captive Bride (Gk Hall Large Print Book Series)
Johanna Lindsey
Manufacturer: Macmillan Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0816152918

Book Description

The irresistible call of adventure brings lovely Christina Wakefield to the alluring Arabian desert. But fate imprisons her after she encounters Sheik Abu, the strikingly handsome though arrogant adventurer, whom she had known in England as Philip Caxton.

Once Christina had rejected Philip's fervent offer of marriage. But now she is to be his slave -- desperate for the freedoms denied her...yet weakened by her heart's blazing desire to willingly explore her virile captor's most sensuous cravings.

Customer Reviews:

A great Historical Romance.......2007-05-14

Johanna Lindsey is my favorite romance novelist; I have read many of her books, my favorite being Warrior's Woman, and have not yet been disappointed. I thought this story was really good especially when you consider that this was her first novel. I was really surprised when I saw all of the bad reviews that were given. If you had read many of her books you would know that Johanna Lindsey likes to write about cultures where women are not treated as the equals of men. There are many that did not like this novel because of some of the things that happen to Christina. However, you have to keep in mind that the story takes place in a time long ago when the men were dominant and women were treated and thought of much differently than we are today. Philip may seem a bit harsh and insensitive at times but you have to remember that he is part of a different culture with different traditions. I think his behavior helps us understand what kind of person he was and allows you to appreciate his transformation as the story progresses. In the end I was very pleased with this book. I thought it was a very exciting and captivating work of romance. If you like historical romances and can be open minded than I would really suggest you give this book a try, I know you will enjoy it.

So Absurd it's Hilarious.......2007-01-26

I have a few of her first books and after reading through my stock of her newest and in my opinion, her best, I decided to bite the bullet and go for the ones that really didn't catch my interest from looking at their summaries.

It is clear that this book was written a long, long time ago. The paragraphs are really choppy; in one paragraph you'll be here and in the next a lot of time has passed and you'll be somewhere else. The love-making is quite...almost juvenile I'd say. "He mounted her." I had to keep reminding myself that this book was thirty years old too. But I didn't even get half-way and had to skip to the end just because I couldn't take it lmao.

Though what is most intriguing is the writing style reminded me of her last book that wasn't so good either. Is JL losing her touch?

So in short...don't read this book unless you have absolutely nothing better to do and want to be amused. Go more recent!

Poor - don't waste your money!.......2006-10-16

I was most disappointed by this book. Probably most of that disappointment can be explained by the fact the book is very old (and comes across as old-fashioned). Fortunately she got better after this book!

I had some problems with the basic premise of the book - Englishman kidnaps Englishwoman in Egypt and forces her to become his mistress...

The style seemed short and jerky without full characterisation. I got bored of her saying "I hate you" to him, and it appeared the only reason her liked her was because she was beautiful.

There are shedloads of better books of this genre out there, don't waste your money on this one.

Worst Romance Novel EVER.......2006-10-06

This is the most atrocious novel I have ever read in this or any genre. The characters have absolutely no development and there isn't a SINGLE likeable thing about the male lead. I actually am a big JL fan and honestly have to question if she truly wrote this drivel. I threw it away.

:0).......2006-07-14

I like it its a historical romance and thats how it was back then..I admit he was a little harsh and crass at times but i really did like the ending..

Most historical romance novels are like that and i have read worst with actual rape not nearly raped. if you can't handle this book then you should go for that romance candle light dinner thing harlequin present books (not hating on harlequin books i love them), but other than that i thought the book was good not bad for Johanna early work

its like i always say a bad reivew can really downplay a good book and a good review can really up play a bad book, because of some of the bad reviews for this book I almost didn't read it but i'm glad i change my mind

Captive Innocence (G K Hall Large Print Book Series)

Average customer rating:

Easy Reading
Captive Innocence
Wonderful book, One you just have to have.
Great book, recommend to everyone.

Captive Innocence (G K Hall Large Print Book Series)
Fern Michaels
Manufacturer: G K Hall & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0816151229

Book Description

They vowed to remain the bitterest of enemies, even as their love ignited in a frenzy of desire and surrender....Only Fern Michaels could tell this rapturous tale of love among the lush plantations of exotic Brazil....

Customer Reviews:

Easy Reading.......2005-08-03

The book is fairly easy reading and entertaining. You want to hate the Baron and wish you had someone like Senor Rivera. I have been to Manaus, Brazil and it's like the book describes. It's a nice book to read.

Captive Innocence.......2005-06-20

I began reading this thinking it was part of the Captive Series. It has completely different characters, so I checked Fern Michaels' website; it is not.

About four paragraphs into the first chapter, I thought, "This is familiar. I know I read this book." When I finished the first chapter, I checked out "Pride and Passion." Sure enough, it is the same story!!! The main character, Royall Banner's name is changed and she is a widow instead of an innocent teenager, but other than that it is exactly the same story.

I did read the book through. It is a good read, great story, kept me interested, not too much boring detail.

"Captive Innocence" gives more background info on the characters than "Pride and Passion." I'd definitely recommend either of these books. I'd probably recommend "Captive Innocence" over "Pride and Passion."

Wonderful book, One you just have to have........1998-07-02

Captive Innocense is really wonderful. It is one you will read in one day. You just can't put it down. Loved it.

Great book, recommend to everyone........1998-07-01

This is a great book as are all the Captive books. You will read them one after the other & not be able to put them down. Great one!

Average customer rating:

Not Captivated at All
A fast paced historical romance
Not as good as "Captive Passions"
Really a great book. You will love every minute of it.
Great book, recommend it to everyone.

Captive Embraces (G. K. Hall Romance)
Fern Michaels
Manufacturer: G. K. Hall & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0783891598

Book Description

Bestselling author Fern Michaels has thrilled generations of readers with her glorious love stories and sweeping romantic sagas. Here is a classic historical tale of passion on the high seas as one woman dares to win back the man who stole her fortune–and her heart. . . .

Proud and beautiful Sirena Cordez once commanded her own ship, battling pirates to avenge her sister’s brutal death. But Sirena’s life as the Sea Siren ends when she meets Regan van der Rys. Handsome, ruthless, and as fearless as she, Regan is the only man who can possess her body and soul. Once enemies on water, they become lovers on land until their marriage is shattered by heartbreaking tragedy. Abandoned by her husband and left to face an uncertain future, the Sea Siren hoists sail again, embarking on a passion-filled voyage to reclaim her destiny.

Customer Reviews:

Not Captivated at All.......2004-08-30

I thought this book had to be the worst book I've ever read. Within the first chapter I was already angry at myself for not taking the time to read a couple of pages before I purchased it.

This book is about Sirena and Regan, two pirates who begin as enemies but then become lovers. Tragedy strikes the lovers when their son, Mikel dies. Sirena is unable to handle the loss of their son and turns away from Regan. Regan in turn flees to England, divorces Sirena, and then becomes engaged to a younger woman. Sirena follows him, proclaims her love but Regan will not take her back. She then in turn marries the younger woman's father so that Regan will not get the woman's money. They both end up looking like fools and in the end are brought back together to fight a foe from the past.

The character, Sirena, is supposed to be a strong willed female who is smart enough and brave enough to rule a whole ship of men however, she lets a smooth talking pedifile to snare her into marriage. She then allows him to rape and demean her.

Regan, who is supposed to be strong, brave, and totally in love with Sirena, divorces Sirene shortly after arriving in England then prosceeds to invest all her money and become engaged to another woman. When Sirena arrives in England proclaiming her love for him he refuses to take her back. They instead physically and verbally fight each other. Proclaiming their hatred for one another.

I was sadly disappointed in this book and am not sure at all if I will be giving the author another try.

A fast paced historical romance.......2004-08-22

Sirena seems to have had alot of devistation in her life. The last being the death of her Regan's six month old son Mikel. Sirena cannot move on with her life. Regan tells her she has to get over the loss and go with him to Spain to put her families affairs in order. If she does not go to Spain with him he will not return to her.

When he leaves she realizes that she needs him. She would follow him to the ends of the earth. She races by horse to the harbor. She's to late. All she can see are the tips of his boats sails. She tells Captain Dykstra tp ready the "Rana". Within a couple of months her ships ready to sail and the "Sea Siren" is ready to go after her husband.

The time she reaches Regan's son Caleb. She learns that Regan has put her families affairs in order, and divorced her. He's taken her money went to London to start his own business. Sirena follows once again. With a broken heart. She wants Regan back. In the meantime both Regan and Sirena marry someone else. Will Regan and Sirean ever get back together?

A great fast paced read. You'll fall in love with Regan and Sirena.

Not as good as "Captive Passions".......2004-08-10

I bought this book eagerly, since I loved the first one and its kick-behind heroine Sirena. Sirena's fiery invincibility is absent here - she mourns excessively and irrationally for her dead son and caves to her abusive second husband. Regan van der Rhys is an insensitive jerk and philanderer and so is his son Caleb, who has developed into a major disappointment as a major character in this book. I wanted to see Regan and Sirena's fiery passion, not see them sleep around with other people. Read "Captive Passions" again and don't waste your time with this one.

Really a great book. You will love every minute of it........1998-07-02

Captive Embraces is such a great book. You will read nonstop it is so good. Fern Michaels sure knows how to capture your attention & keep it!

Great book, recommend it to everyone........1998-07-01

This is a great book & the whole series deserves to be gotten & read. They will all be read without stopping. Wonderful books.

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