Customer Reviews

Captive Bride (Harlequin Historical)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an enjoyable story about Senet, whose father died a traitor (we never know if he was guilty or not or what he was guilty of doing). His childhood home, Lomas, is now held by Lady Katherine. Having proven his loyalty to the crown in battle, he is given Lomas back if he marries Katherine. Well, Katherine wants no part of a marriage, her father was nothing to brag about and her betrothed, Lord Hanley, hasn't been seen in years and she hated him when he was around. The marriage takes place and though there are more than enough misunderstandings, the only big obstacle to their happiness turns out to be Kieran, Katherine's rogue cousin, who shows up impersonating Hanley. The ending ended to quickly. I wish more detail would have been provided, I think I would have been able to identify with the characters better. I hope that Kieran shows up in Ms. Paul's next story.

This is another good story that follows the Bride series that Susan Paul Spencer has written of. The hero Lord Senet Gailard has been off fighting and proving himself as an honorable knight after the shame that he had borne because of his father being condemed as a traitor (unfortunately, it was never proven in either this novel or in the Bride Thief, where Senet was first introduced. After proving himself loyal after 10 years of fighting, he is given a boon, the chance to reclaim his family estate, provided he wed Lady Katherine who now rules over Castle Lomas.

Senet arrives at Lomas with his band of knights, and Katharine pretends to accept her fate--until night falls and she flees. Senet of course,finds her and forces Katharine to return. Senet proves to be a fair Lord and they both discover their mutual attraction, but of course never mentioning to each other that it exists.

The secondary characters, provide good background and the story flows quickly. The introduction of Katherine's cousin Kiernan who she had posing as her long lost betrothed, does give some very good humorous dialog. The story is good but did end awfully quickly. Deadlines perhaps, otherwise would have rated a 5*.

This story is absolutely wonderful! It is beautifully written, with a compelling plot, and a hero and heroine that easily keep you engaged. The heroine is strong, intelligent and unwilling to be forced into marriage. The hero is a man tired from battle, longing for nothing more than to return to his childhood home, which was taken from him. He doesn't plan, however, for the headstrong wife he must marry first in order to retake his home and lands.

I think one my favorite things about this story is the depth of the characters. They might appear like the stereotypical hero and heroine (very attractive), but they are complex individuals.

As these two characters fall in love, you will also fall in love with this book. Susan P. is definitely one of my favorite romance authors! Enjoy!

This book seriously sucked. The heroine was modern and shrewish. I like strong and fiesty heroines but this one was simply out of time. The hero was an idiot. The story dragged along. I read Bride's Portion as a teenager and loved the story. I thought this book, written by S. Paul, would be just as good. Boy, was I wrong.