Series Spotlight - Captive Hearts Series by Grace Burrowes

Thursday, September 25, 2014
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18487090-the-captive
The Captive by Grace Burrowes
Series: Captive Hearts #1
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Publication Date: 1 July 2014
Genre: Historical Romance
My Copy: Library - mass market

Captured and tortured by the French, Christian Severn, Duke of Mercia, survives by vowing to take revenge on his tormentors. Before the duke can pursue his version of justice, Gillian, Countess of Greendale, reminds him that his small daughter has suffered much in his absence, and needs her papa desperately.

Gilly endured her difficult marriage by avoiding confrontation and keeping peace at any cost. Christian's devotion to his daughter and his kindness toward Gilly give her hope that she could enjoy a future with him, for surely he of all men shares her loathing for violence in any form. Little does Gilly know, the battle for Christian's heart is only beginning.

Review:
I love Grace Burrowes. Seriously. This was such a heart-wrenching novel for me. Mercia is wonderful as a vengeful war veteran. He's just the right amount of hurt, guarded, and angry. Gillian is the perfect soft, betrayed woman for him. She had a horrible marriage and just wants a place to live quietly. Taking care of Mercia's daughter Lucy seems like the perfect way to obtain this goal. However, two wounded people in need of healing become perfect companions and slowly begin to fall in love. Nothing is ever simple in a Burrowes romance, and the story is full of wonderful layers. There's even a cameo from Devlin St. Just (The Soldier). The ending wrapped up nicely, and the story line set up the foundation for the rest of the series perfectly.


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18487092-the-traitor
The Traitor by Grace Burrowes
Series: Captive Hearts #2
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Publication Date: 5 August 2014
Genre: Historical Romance
My Copy: Library - mass market

As a young boy, British-born Sebastian St. Clair was abandoned in France and forced to join the French army in order to survive. Now that the war is over, he has returned home to his beloved England, and is determined to live a quiet life as a country gentleman. He believes that his wish is about to come true when he begins to fall for his elderly aunt’s lovely companion, Miss Millicent Danforth.

But the French are not quite ready to let him go, and they’ve devised a devious plot that could destroy everything that Sebastian holds dear. He will have to use all of his wits if he plans on escaping this scheme with his life…and his love.

Review:
 This book was a fascinating addition to the series. I was amazed at how Burrowes was able to take a seemingly sadistic St. Clair and turn him into a character I loved. He was actually probably my favorite male character out of the series. Such a tortured, complicated, and misunderstood soul. Millie didn't really impress me as much. Out of desperation, she takes a position in the Traitor Baron's home and begins to learn more about him. She's sweet, but felt a little flat to me. The ending was everything I wanted for St. Clair.


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18487116-the-laird
  The Laird by Grace Burrowes
Series: Captive Hearts #3
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Publication Date: 2 September 2014
Genre: Historical Romance
My Copy: Library - mass market

The morning after Michael Brodie marries the lovely Brenna, he marches off to join Wellington’s army, leaving his new wife alone with his unseemly Uncle Angus and an estate to manage.

Ten years later, when Michael finally returns home, he discovers a nest of vicious lies, tales of disloyalty, and most surprising of all, a blossoming love for the woman he left behind.

But his beloved is keeping a dark secret from him. A secret that begins to unfold when Michael’s young sister joins their household, and Uncle Angus’ true nature is revealed.

Review:
  What a heart-wrenching conclusion to the Captive Heart series! The Author's Note in the beginning of the book states that this is darker than any of the books she's done thus far, and it certainly is. That being said, this might be my favorite book by Burrowes, and that's saying something. Michael is a patient and insightful man which is just what Brenna needs from her husband when he returns home from war. Brenna has been through an unimaginable 9 years, and really her story starts before those years. My heart broke for her over and over in this story. I loved the way Michael and Brenna come together. There's just something wonderful about the steadfast relationship they have despite everything they've been through. They just don't give up, and that's admirable. They are both very complex characters set against the unfortunate harsh realities of life. My only (very small) complaint is the handling of Maeve. I feel like Brenna wouldn't let Maeve be alone as much or be someone else's responsibility. That's all I'm going to say on that, so I don't give anything away, but it bothered me. I loved this book despite it's darkness, or maybe because of it.

This was absolutely another fantastic historical romance series. It really shows Grace Burrowes's talent for writing layers within stories that capture your heart. You should definitely add these to your list!

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