Book Review-His Captive Lady

His Captive Lady
 Devil Riders (2)
Anne Gracie
Berkley Sensation
Paperback
Published September 2008
323 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 9780425-22324-6
Authors Website 

Synopsis
Fans of strong, rugged heroes won't be able to resist the Devil Riders— four brave soldiers back from war, forced to make their way in a new world. Now, Anne Gracie introduces Harry Morant, who—despite his vow to never fall in love—finds himself captivated by an elusive lady...

Harry Morant's tough, strong exterior hides a badly scarred heart. He's the natural son of an earl, and high-born ladies have only one use for him—in the bedchamber. Now, after eight years at war, Harry's breeding racehorses and planning a practical, unemotional marriage. But when he buys a new estate, Harry's careful plans are threatened by an unexpected passion for—of all things—an earl's daughter.

Lady Helen Freymore, otherwise known as Nell, is not interested. A lifetime of lies has brought Nell to the brink of ruin. Trapped by poverty and scandal, she trusts no man; she has her own secret quest of the heart. Harry's pursuit of her, however, is relentless. Forced into a marriage she never sought, she soon finds herself powerfully drawn to this masterful but gentle soldier. But as Christmas draws near, Nell's secret past threatens to shatter their newfound happiness.

My Review,

Summary 
Harry, upon first meeting Helen feels like he has been run over by a freight train. He is instantly mesmerized by her and can't stop thinking about her. He wonders if their first meeting made a lasting affect on her as she has on him. When he purchases a piece of property that would be perfect for his business pursuits he is shocked to discover her on the property he is about to purchase. Helen, recently has suffered a shock, losing her father and losing everything she has known. When she returns home, she is stunned when she is informed that the home she grew up in and was in her family's possession for generations has now been taken in exchange for her father's gambling debts. When she meets Harry Morant, she instantly feels a spark of attraction, but knows that there is nothing she can do for it. She has other major concerns, she has a secret, one that must remain hidden, even from a man that she could see herself sharing a life with. But when circumstances occur that force her into a marriage with Harry, she starts to open her heart to him, a man that could give her everything she ever dreamed of.

The Hero (Harry Morant)
Harry has lived a life where he had to create his own luck. He was born a bastard and rejected by his father and most of his family. Then he was taken in by his aunt, who has loved him more than anyone so far. But when he falls in love for the first time, he is then rejected in the worst possible way. So he spent quite a few years in the army, and has now just returned. Dedicated to starting a new and fresh start, he is instantly drawn to Helen. Even though she keeps rejecting him, there is something about her that keeps him captivated, and committed to proving to her how right he is for her.

 The Heroine (Helen Freymore)
Helen, was attacked and raped and found herself pregnant. So her father forced her into hiding, and after giving birth, she became ill. While asleep her father stole her daughter from her, and hid her away in London. Now she is desperate to find her daughter, no matter the cost to herself. Having searched London, and out of money, she returns home. But she finds that her home has been taken away from her because of her father's debts. So now she is forced to work as a companion to a woman who treats her worse than animals. But then Harry offers her a way out, but she knows that he may be her only chance at finding her daughter and discovering a powerful love.

My Thoughts 
 Lately I have been reading some amazing reviews from books written by this author, and so I was very excited to read His Captive Lady. There was many things that I enjoyed about this one. Even though it was in the middle of the series, I didn't feel very lost at all, and I think it could be read as a stand alone if desired. After liking this one so much, I plan on reading more books written by this author. It starts out with the first meeting between Helen and Harry taking place. We see a instant attraction, and my heart just went out to the hero from the beginning. He has a strong personality but we also see a sensitive side that only makes him even more attractive to me. I really just fell in love with the way he treats Helen. He is very protective of her and isn't afraid of commitment or marriage despite his bad luck in the past. I also loved the vivid way this author writes her descriptions of England, and i just loved seeing these two fall in love. There was also a strong emotional bond that is vividly portrayed. And I will admit on shedding a tear or two. Definitely had its emotionally wrenching moments for sure. There was definitely a enchanting ring to this tale that just had me totally addicted to the charming tale of love and romance. A page turner that will move you on a emotional level. A Delightful tale that will warm you heart and leave you aching to read more from this author!!

The First Line 
She looked like a drowning Madonna. Harry Morant couldn't help but stare. Her face was turned up to the sky, drenched, her skin accepting the misty drizzle the way a flower accepts the rain. 

My Favorite Quote 
"Lady Helen," he said " Forgive me, but--,"
To Nell's shock, he kissed her. With complete assurance, he seized her by the waist and planted his mouth very firmly on hers. She'd never experienced such a thing in her life. Her mouth had been open in surprise  and the hot male taste of him coursed through her body like a red hot poker sizzling in a jug of spiced wine. 

My Grade On This Book 
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In The Series 
The Stolen Princess
To Catch A Bride
The Accidental Wedding
Bride By Mistake