What do you think?
Rate this book
The Donovan Legacy #1
Captivated
A classic novel from the enchanting series The Donovan Legacy.
Only the phenomenal Nora Roberts could have created the remarkable Donovan clan. Fascinating and irresistible, the mysterious Donovan cousins share a secret that's been handed down through generations -- a secret that sets them apart from ordinary beings.
Captivated
His interest in her was purely professional . . . Or so he told himself. Nash Kirkland had sought out the alluring Morgana Dovovan to help him research his latest screenplay, though the hardheaded skeptic didn't believe for a minute she was what she professed to be. But, as Morgana revealed herself to him, Nash found himself falling under her bewitching spell. Nash had never trusted his feelings and always kept them in check. So how could he be sure the irresistible passion he felt for Morgana was real and not just some conjurer's trick?
The Donovan Legacy continues with Entranced
Only the phenomenal Nora Roberts could have created the remarkable Donovan clan. Fascinating and irresistible, the mysterious Donovan cousins share a secret that's been handed down through generations -- a secret that sets them apart from ordinary beings.
Captivated
His interest in her was purely professional . . . Or so he told himself. Nash Kirkland had sought out the alluring Morgana Dovovan to help him research his latest screenplay, though the hardheaded skeptic didn't believe for a minute she was what she professed to be. But, as Morgana revealed herself to him, Nash found himself falling under her bewitching spell. Nash had never trusted his feelings and always kept them in check. So how could he be sure the irresistible passion he felt for Morgana was real and not just some conjurer's trick?
The Donovan Legacy continues with Entranced
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 1992
1646 people are currently reading
5476 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,209 books59.6k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 518 reviews
May 7, 2025
Pros
Hanky Panky Hot Enough to Set the Book on Fire- Is it wrong that I’m listing it as a pro? Should I even be concerned that I’m listing it as a pro?
What the hell, I’m gonna totally list this as a pro.
This book may have been a hot mess, but DAMN does Nora Roberts know how to write sex scenes. What Nash and Morgana lack in an actual relationship they totally make up for it in the bedroom. In fact, and I really hate to say this, I think they might have actually been better off as ‘frenemies with benefits’. This totally would have made the book better. It definitely would have saved it from the garbage fire that was this book.
Cons
Total Lack of a Fucking Plot- The best way I can describe this book is using a food analogy (because food is universal, right?) This book is the product of what would happen if someone gave you a tray of chocolate chip cookies, only to discover that there were no chocolate chips in the cookies. Or something resembling chocolate chips, but they clearly aren’t chocolate chips. Stories need to have PLOT, people, and a coherent, understandable one at that. This book had neither.
Allegedly, Nash Kirkland (what the hell kind of name is that?) is a hot shot Hollywood screenwriter who makes bajillion dollar movies. He kind of/sort of/maybe has a half-baked idea for his next one that involves witches, but just to be on the safe side and not be sued by Witchaholics Anonymous, he decides to consult a ‘practitioner’ of witchcraft. He seemingly randomly picks out Morgana Donovan from a phone book (because being in the spirit of a total lack of plot, the book never states HOW he manages to choose her) to be his consultant on the project. What he doesn’t realize is that she actually is a witch.
I wish I could say something more substantial happened, but alas, it’s not the case. As much as people tend to ding historical romances, at least they have a fucking plot albeit an extremely predictable one. I’m not supposed to be hunting down for a plotline myself; this isn’t a Carmen Sandiego game. And because of a lack of plot, it made the book boring as molasses. I took five days to read this book when I probably could have knocked it out in two.
I Know You Said You Could Be Anything, But Please Decide- Another huge problem this book had was that it couldn’t decide what it wanted to be in terms of a genre. It seemingly struggled to decide whether it wanted to be a cutesy witch book in vein of Bewitched, a more chick lit based witch book a la Practical Magic, or a sweeping series (or as the blurb generously describes it as, ‘classic novel’) a la Outlander. MAKE UP YOUR MIND, M’AM!!! What little direction this book had was completely thrown to the banshees because of this. You can’t mash all the infamous witches together; it doesn’t work like that.
Character That Were Either Annoying or Bland- To be perfectly honest, I just didn’t care about anyone involved. They were given almost no character arc to work with, and even the predictability of the romance wasn’t enough to save that. They could have been kidnapped by changelings for all I cared and I wouldn’t have batted an eyelash. Come to think of it, I wish they were cause then it would have spiced up the book a little. And don’t even get me started on the romance between Nash (that stupid name, doh), and Morgana. While the sexual chemistry was fantastic, the rest of their relationship was a hot mess. It just fell totally flat for me.
Confusing Abilities Are Confusing- As if one annoying Irish witch weren’t enough, I had to deal with three of them. And all of their powers were confusing as fuck. They either weren’t clearly defined or they intermingled with one another, as if they could change their powers based on their moods. Bipolar powers, I guess you’d call it? Anyhoo, it didn’t do any favors to this book at all, and they basically served as stock side characters for Morgana.
Tell Him the Goddamn Truth!- In the only actual conflict this book decides to have,
So needless to say my first foray into Nora Roberts wasn’t a resounding success. She has so many books published that I clearly don’t know where to start. But for one of the most well-loved, critically acclaimed romance writers of contemporary times, this book with its non-existent plot, lack of clear direction, and characters I could care less about made this attempt a waste of my time.
Hanky Panky Hot Enough to Set the Book on Fire- Is it wrong that I’m listing it as a pro? Should I even be concerned that I’m listing it as a pro?
What the hell, I’m gonna totally list this as a pro.
This book may have been a hot mess, but DAMN does Nora Roberts know how to write sex scenes. What Nash and Morgana lack in an actual relationship they totally make up for it in the bedroom. In fact, and I really hate to say this, I think they might have actually been better off as ‘frenemies with benefits’. This totally would have made the book better. It definitely would have saved it from the garbage fire that was this book.
Cons
Total Lack of a Fucking Plot- The best way I can describe this book is using a food analogy (because food is universal, right?) This book is the product of what would happen if someone gave you a tray of chocolate chip cookies, only to discover that there were no chocolate chips in the cookies. Or something resembling chocolate chips, but they clearly aren’t chocolate chips. Stories need to have PLOT, people, and a coherent, understandable one at that. This book had neither.
Allegedly, Nash Kirkland (what the hell kind of name is that?) is a hot shot Hollywood screenwriter who makes bajillion dollar movies. He kind of/sort of/maybe has a half-baked idea for his next one that involves witches, but just to be on the safe side and not be sued by Witchaholics Anonymous, he decides to consult a ‘practitioner’ of witchcraft. He seemingly randomly picks out Morgana Donovan from a phone book (because being in the spirit of a total lack of plot, the book never states HOW he manages to choose her) to be his consultant on the project. What he doesn’t realize is that she actually is a witch.
I wish I could say something more substantial happened, but alas, it’s not the case. As much as people tend to ding historical romances, at least they have a fucking plot albeit an extremely predictable one. I’m not supposed to be hunting down for a plotline myself; this isn’t a Carmen Sandiego game. And because of a lack of plot, it made the book boring as molasses. I took five days to read this book when I probably could have knocked it out in two.
I Know You Said You Could Be Anything, But Please Decide- Another huge problem this book had was that it couldn’t decide what it wanted to be in terms of a genre. It seemingly struggled to decide whether it wanted to be a cutesy witch book in vein of Bewitched, a more chick lit based witch book a la Practical Magic, or a sweeping series (or as the blurb generously describes it as, ‘classic novel’) a la Outlander. MAKE UP YOUR MIND, M’AM!!! What little direction this book had was completely thrown to the banshees because of this. You can’t mash all the infamous witches together; it doesn’t work like that.
Character That Were Either Annoying or Bland- To be perfectly honest, I just didn’t care about anyone involved. They were given almost no character arc to work with, and even the predictability of the romance wasn’t enough to save that. They could have been kidnapped by changelings for all I cared and I wouldn’t have batted an eyelash. Come to think of it, I wish they were cause then it would have spiced up the book a little. And don’t even get me started on the romance between Nash (that stupid name, doh), and Morgana. While the sexual chemistry was fantastic, the rest of their relationship was a hot mess. It just fell totally flat for me.
Confusing Abilities Are Confusing- As if one annoying Irish witch weren’t enough, I had to deal with three of them. And all of their powers were confusing as fuck. They either weren’t clearly defined or they intermingled with one another, as if they could change their powers based on their moods. Bipolar powers, I guess you’d call it? Anyhoo, it didn’t do any favors to this book at all, and they basically served as stock side characters for Morgana.
Tell Him the Goddamn Truth!- In the only actual conflict this book decides to have,
So needless to say my first foray into Nora Roberts wasn’t a resounding success. She has so many books published that I clearly don’t know where to start. But for one of the most well-loved, critically acclaimed romance writers of contemporary times, this book with its non-existent plot, lack of clear direction, and characters I could care less about made this attempt a waste of my time.
April 6, 2020
I was not captivated, DNF at 10 percent.
I was hoping for a long satisfying romance read and this was not it. The book moved so slow and I could not take the main heroine, Morgana Donovan, seriously. She's a witch, living in Ireland, as one does apparently. When she started talking about meditation and looking into her scrying ball (I probably spelled it wrong, who cares) I was over it. I can take magical realism and science fiction, but this book just read as not very realistic fantasy. I also thought the hero's name was laughable bad (it's Nash Kirkland).
I was hoping for a long satisfying romance read and this was not it. The book moved so slow and I could not take the main heroine, Morgana Donovan, seriously. She's a witch, living in Ireland, as one does apparently. When she started talking about meditation and looking into her scrying ball (I probably spelled it wrong, who cares) I was over it. I can take magical realism and science fiction, but this book just read as not very realistic fantasy. I also thought the hero's name was laughable bad (it's Nash Kirkland).
August 29, 2022
2.5 stars - I would have liked this so much better if it had not had the paranormal element. I tend to find La Nora's description of magic to be not to my liking
January 12, 2013
Sometimes, you just have to pick up an old Nora Roberts book, sit back, and relax, and enjoy the story. Don’t think too much, just read and dream away. The Donovans series is one of my favourite series by Nora Roberts, and this is the first time I have read it in English.
Nash Kirkland is a screenplay writer, who likes the paranormal and horror in his movies, but he doesn’t believe in it, at all. For his next movie, he wants to investigate witchcraft, and witches, so he seeks out the local witch, Morgana Donovan. At first, Morgana is irritated by him, and his stereotype thoughts about witches, but then she becomes intrigued, and agrees to answers his questions about herself and her craft. Of course, she knows he will change her life irrevocably, but she is drawn to him, and willing to take the risk. Even though she hates the thought of destiny, she knows she cannot avoid it and be happy.
Nash is equally intrigued by the beautiful and smart Morgana, but he thinks it all a hoax, a way to have more people in her shop. Yes, he is attracted to her, but after one fireworks worthy kiss, he decides to keep business and pleasure separated. He doesn’t do relationships, and he just feels he might be in over his head with Morgana. Still, the attraction between them keeps growing, but before Morgana will sleep with him, he has to know and acknowledge the truth: she really is a witch, and everything she told him, is true. It takes some kind of temper tantrum from Morgana, and a flashy display of her powers to make him see sense at last.
Their relationship is progressing nicely, with some teasing from Morgana’s cousins Sebastian and Anastasia, who are also witches. But when Nash fears he is truly falling in love, he panics. And accuses Morgana that she has bewitched him, used her powers on him. No way could he be feeling real love for her. Morgana is devastated, and furious with him. Can he ever get in her good graces again?
I loved this book again, and it will be re-read a few times in the future. Morgana is such a great character, as is Nash, though he is truly blind and stubborn at times. Nash has a hard past, and his lack of wanting to believe or be in love, was understandable. I loved the bantering between the cousins, and am looking forward to reading their books again as well. What I would love though, is a book about all their parents. Two sets of triplets and witches, falling in love with each other, in Ireland. What could be better?
No romantic suspense, just contemporary romance with a little witch craft and magic thrown in. I loved it. Some hot lovescenes, and some great companion animals as well. Luna the cat, and Pan the wolfhound.
8 stars.
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
Nash Kirkland is a screenplay writer, who likes the paranormal and horror in his movies, but he doesn’t believe in it, at all. For his next movie, he wants to investigate witchcraft, and witches, so he seeks out the local witch, Morgana Donovan. At first, Morgana is irritated by him, and his stereotype thoughts about witches, but then she becomes intrigued, and agrees to answers his questions about herself and her craft. Of course, she knows he will change her life irrevocably, but she is drawn to him, and willing to take the risk. Even though she hates the thought of destiny, she knows she cannot avoid it and be happy.
Nash is equally intrigued by the beautiful and smart Morgana, but he thinks it all a hoax, a way to have more people in her shop. Yes, he is attracted to her, but after one fireworks worthy kiss, he decides to keep business and pleasure separated. He doesn’t do relationships, and he just feels he might be in over his head with Morgana. Still, the attraction between them keeps growing, but before Morgana will sleep with him, he has to know and acknowledge the truth: she really is a witch, and everything she told him, is true. It takes some kind of temper tantrum from Morgana, and a flashy display of her powers to make him see sense at last.
Their relationship is progressing nicely, with some teasing from Morgana’s cousins Sebastian and Anastasia, who are also witches. But when Nash fears he is truly falling in love, he panics. And accuses Morgana that she has bewitched him, used her powers on him. No way could he be feeling real love for her. Morgana is devastated, and furious with him. Can he ever get in her good graces again?
I loved this book again, and it will be re-read a few times in the future. Morgana is such a great character, as is Nash, though he is truly blind and stubborn at times. Nash has a hard past, and his lack of wanting to believe or be in love, was understandable. I loved the bantering between the cousins, and am looking forward to reading their books again as well. What I would love though, is a book about all their parents. Two sets of triplets and witches, falling in love with each other, in Ireland. What could be better?
No romantic suspense, just contemporary romance with a little witch craft and magic thrown in. I loved it. Some hot lovescenes, and some great companion animals as well. Luna the cat, and Pan the wolfhound.
8 stars.
© 2012 Reviews by Aurian
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
May 25, 2012
Quick review:
Cover: Boring
Rating: NC-17
Steaminess: Steamy.
Thumbs Up: 3
Overall: I like Nora, but this wasn’t a home run for me.
Characters: Well Written
Plot: Interesting twist on witches.
Page Turner: Somewhat
Series Cont.? I already have the next book so yeah.
Recommend: Maybe
Book Boyfriend: I guess Nash.
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
This story died for me when with the insta-love happened. Sorry not a fan. And there was nothing else really for me to grab hold of to enjoy the story. The ending was interesting to see how everything would wrap up. But that was it.
Not sure I’ll do a blog post. I guess it’s a wait and see. Maybe I might post a picture here if I decided not to do a full review
Cover: Boring
Rating: NC-17
Steaminess: Steamy.
Thumbs Up: 3
Overall: I like Nora, but this wasn’t a home run for me.
Characters: Well Written
Plot: Interesting twist on witches.
Page Turner: Somewhat
Series Cont.? I already have the next book so yeah.
Recommend: Maybe
Book Boyfriend: I guess Nash.
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
This story died for me when with the insta-love happened. Sorry not a fan. And there was nothing else really for me to grab hold of to enjoy the story. The ending was interesting to see how everything would wrap up. But that was it.
Not sure I’ll do a blog post. I guess it’s a wait and see. Maybe I might post a picture here if I decided not to do a full review
November 5, 2024
I loved this book . Honestly a great start to this quartet . I really enjoyed my time reading it . I will definitely continue this quartet and I will read anything that Nora Robert’s writes .❤️
March 9, 2020
Nora Roberts’s repertoire is like a box of chocolates. Of 500, some books inevitably have coconut filling. I did not expect to like this novel so much. For starters, I avoid romance fiction. There is coupling in nearly every genre but it bores me as a sole plot. The paranormal and magic are what appealed to me and I was rewarded! The Donovan relatives are likeable, exciting and Nora’s unique take on a witch family is refreshing. They are close-knit, which warms the heart of a girl like me, who has just lost her Mom. This comprises a trilogy in which cousins have empathic, psychic, or magic talents.
The Donovans are wealthy but self-made. Morgana and Anastasia need no jobs but run a mystical emporium in Monterey, California. Their parents share an ancestral manor in Ireland. Although our protagonist is powerful as a woman and at magic, she is vulnerable realistically. It was tender, the way she sought solace and advice in Anastasia’s magnificent flower garden, when she felt distressed. Each cousin’s skill and personality helps the other anytime they need it. They are best friends, as well as cousins who are like siblings. Not least, I definitely appreciate Morgana’s beloved, intelligent pets: her cat, Luna and dog, Pan.
My biggest surprise is liking one of Nora’s earliest stories. “Captivated” is from 1992. I have cringed over her aggressive, entitled fictional male suitors and indeed, could not stand Kirkland Nash. His vocabulary comprised the “have got” errors I loathe and Nora wrote “tug” instead of “pull”, which I despise. Nash was an embarrassing cliché, with blasé remarks about success in the film industry and a disbelief in love that went overboard. However, everyone else won me over. The magical origins intrigue me. I will enjoy the rest of the miniseries!
The Donovans are wealthy but self-made. Morgana and Anastasia need no jobs but run a mystical emporium in Monterey, California. Their parents share an ancestral manor in Ireland. Although our protagonist is powerful as a woman and at magic, she is vulnerable realistically. It was tender, the way she sought solace and advice in Anastasia’s magnificent flower garden, when she felt distressed. Each cousin’s skill and personality helps the other anytime they need it. They are best friends, as well as cousins who are like siblings. Not least, I definitely appreciate Morgana’s beloved, intelligent pets: her cat, Luna and dog, Pan.
My biggest surprise is liking one of Nora’s earliest stories. “Captivated” is from 1992. I have cringed over her aggressive, entitled fictional male suitors and indeed, could not stand Kirkland Nash. His vocabulary comprised the “have got” errors I loathe and Nora wrote “tug” instead of “pull”, which I despise. Nash was an embarrassing cliché, with blasé remarks about success in the film industry and a disbelief in love that went overboard. However, everyone else won me over. The magical origins intrigue me. I will enjoy the rest of the miniseries!
May 6, 2012
Captivated by Nora Roberts is the first book in the Donovan trilogy. This one is short and sweet. Morgana is a witch, natural born. Nash makes movies about the paranormal, and wants to interview the local legend- a witch. So, Morgana agrees to give him some insight. Nash doesn't believe Morgana is REALLY a witch. He thinks she just capitalized on the legend to boost sales at her shop. Although she tries in vain to convince him she's a witch, he subbornly refuses to believe... until he finds himself falling for her. Once he realizes Morgana is telling the truth, and admits to himself that he's in love with her, our hero starts to have doubts. Love wins out eventually, but there's a few bumps in the road on the way .
This is classic Nora Roberts. A sweet fairy tale type book, with some PG13/R rated heat, no violence, and very little language, and a happy ending. What more can you ask for? The book is a little over 300 pages long if purchased as a single novel. I think this has also been published with other istallments of the trilogy. I loved this book and can't wait to read the next one.
This is classic Nora Roberts. A sweet fairy tale type book, with some PG13/R rated heat, no violence, and very little language, and a happy ending. What more can you ask for? The book is a little over 300 pages long if purchased as a single novel. I think this has also been published with other istallments of the trilogy. I loved this book and can't wait to read the next one.
July 1, 2018
I loved this story! I sometimes forget just how great a writer Nora Roberts is and was caught off guard with this book. The prose is almost lyrical and the characters come to life off the pages. It is truly a magical experience.
Morgana is indeed captivating. I admire her confidence and self-awareness where she knows who she is and is content with life. Her attraction to Nash unsettled her in a really good way and she had the same imprint on him. This story captured the best of both of them and the conflict rising from his insecurities seemed realistic. Her cousin Sebastian is oh so intriguing and I cannot wait for his story.
This book was written some time ago but it does not have a dated feel in the least. It's a wonderful romance between two very attractive characters and is so well written. This book should be a part of your Nora Roberts collection.
Morgana is indeed captivating. I admire her confidence and self-awareness where she knows who she is and is content with life. Her attraction to Nash unsettled her in a really good way and she had the same imprint on him. This story captured the best of both of them and the conflict rising from his insecurities seemed realistic. Her cousin Sebastian is oh so intriguing and I cannot wait for his story.
This book was written some time ago but it does not have a dated feel in the least. It's a wonderful romance between two very attractive characters and is so well written. This book should be a part of your Nora Roberts collection.
June 28, 2019
''Captivated'' is the story of Morgana and Nash.
When the man who is extremely fascinated by the supernatural, but remains a skeptic meets the not-so-wicked-witch of Ireland, sparks fly!
Nash Kirkland is a famous screenwriter, who meets Morgana Donovan while researching his next script. Initially taken aback by her beauty, and soon enchanted by her temper, Nash does not seem to believe in her magic at all..until she proves herself, and he has no choice but to accept the truth. But as intense passion ignites between the two, and fate proves them to be soulmates, will Nash accept his destiny? Or does he believe it all to be an enchantment..and not his own free will?!
Very emotional and sensual read with loads of love, passion, angst, groveling and HEA. A wonderful start to this magical series, and I honestly cannot wait to read more. Ms Roberts did it again!
Safe
4/5
When the man who is extremely fascinated by the supernatural, but remains a skeptic meets the not-so-wicked-witch of Ireland, sparks fly!
Nash Kirkland is a famous screenwriter, who meets Morgana Donovan while researching his next script. Initially taken aback by her beauty, and soon enchanted by her temper, Nash does not seem to believe in her magic at all..until she proves herself, and he has no choice but to accept the truth. But as intense passion ignites between the two, and fate proves them to be soulmates, will Nash accept his destiny? Or does he believe it all to be an enchantment..and not his own free will?!
Very emotional and sensual read with loads of love, passion, angst, groveling and HEA. A wonderful start to this magical series, and I honestly cannot wait to read more. Ms Roberts did it again!
Safe
4/5
October 9, 2019
The Great Nora never seems to fail when it comes to a romance. This is the beginning of a trilogy about the Donovan family. The Donovan's have a bit of extra. A bit of magic.
The story begins with 3 witchy sisters who met 3 witchy brothers and fell in love. Each pair had one child. This trilogy is about those three children.
Our hero is a screen writer on the lookout for inspiration. He visits a Wicca store in California and changes his destiny. He meets our heroine, a beautiful witch.
Will he accept her as she is? Will he even believe in her magic?
A lovely story with wonderful characters.
The story begins with 3 witchy sisters who met 3 witchy brothers and fell in love. Each pair had one child. This trilogy is about those three children.
Our hero is a screen writer on the lookout for inspiration. He visits a Wicca store in California and changes his destiny. He meets our heroine, a beautiful witch.
Will he accept her as she is? Will he even believe in her magic?
A lovely story with wonderful characters.
May 20, 2019
RESEÑA EN MI BLOG: https://elsentirdeunlibro.blogspot.co...
July 13, 2018
Let's just say I wasn't . . . Captivated, that is. Paranormal Nora Roberts, this time with a family of witches. Maybe I'm just not in the mood for this book, but I felt totally disconnected from the characters and their passion. The narrative relating their feelings just didn't grab me and left me totally uninvolved with what happened to them and why.
Oscar winning screenwriter, Nash Kirkland seeks out the beautiful, self-professed witch, Morgana Donovan to help him with background on a screenplay he wants to write. He is a total skeptic and she is drawn to him as no other before. The road to true love has a few blockades and detours but the reward is worth it.
Oscar winning screenwriter, Nash Kirkland seeks out the beautiful, self-professed witch, Morgana Donovan to help him with background on a screenplay he wants to write. He is a total skeptic and she is drawn to him as no other before. The road to true love has a few blockades and detours but the reward is worth it.
June 12, 2019
Nora Roberts weaves a magic spell in this book, because there's not really a plot and nothing much happens and the characters are kinda flat, but I also couldn't put it down?
Stylistically, I felt very reminded of Practical Magic, only without any plot, just one romance. There was such excellent mood to the writing, though, and that's what felt similar. It just felt magical in a way I can't quantify.
The biggest issue, aside from the lack of plot, is that Morgana's too perfect. She has magical powers, she's gorgeous, and she's self-assured. Because of that, you spend the whole book waiting for Nash to work through his myriad issues and appreciate the fact that this goddess of a woman loves him. Nash is a really interesting love interest, if it weren't for the fact that he has a crippling fear of commitment, which honestly is not an interesting character arc most of the time because it's so over-used.
So I really liked this but also wasn't very impressed all at the same time. Make of that what you will.
Stylistically, I felt very reminded of Practical Magic, only without any plot, just one romance. There was such excellent mood to the writing, though, and that's what felt similar. It just felt magical in a way I can't quantify.
The biggest issue, aside from the lack of plot, is that Morgana's too perfect. She has magical powers, she's gorgeous, and she's self-assured. Because of that, you spend the whole book waiting for Nash to work through his myriad issues and appreciate the fact that this goddess of a woman loves him. Nash is a really interesting love interest, if it weren't for the fact that he has a crippling fear of commitment, which honestly is not an interesting character arc most of the time because it's so over-used.
So I really liked this but also wasn't very impressed all at the same time. Make of that what you will.
April 27, 2024
Not a fan of Nora's paranormal stories but I still want to give them a try in my quest to read as many of her books that I can... still, I think I will skip this series... it is more of no plot only vibes and the vibes are not vibing
January 16, 2019
Lähdin tosi kovilla ennakkoluuloilla tähän "harlekiinihaasteeseen" mutta itse asiassa tykkäsin tästä. Tässä yhdistyi jännästi musta magia, perusluottamuksen menettäneen ihmisen kipuilu ihmissuhteessa sekä leffamaailma. Leffakuvio tosin jäi ehkä sivumausteeksi. Fyysistä läheisyyttä oli paljon.
July 31, 2018
Captivated (The Donovan Legacy)
Captivated is the first of three book series. This is the love story of Morana and Nash. Morana is a from a long line of witch and she run a shop that sell spill and other witch things. Nash is a writer who want to write about witch so he come to Monterey, California to talk to Morana and a love story begins.
Captivated is the first of three book series. This is the love story of Morana and Nash. Morana is a from a long line of witch and she run a shop that sell spill and other witch things. Nash is a writer who want to write about witch so he come to Monterey, California to talk to Morana and a love story begins.
November 13, 2017
El primer libro de la serie de los Donovan, no se que decir, es Nora Roberts y hablando de ella siempre digo lo mismo, me gusta como escribe. Aunque este libro es de lo mas sencillo, una historia romántica sin mas, sin ninguna pretensión.
October 29, 2023
This has echoes of some Noras I like more (reading it I was very reminded of Born in Fire for some reason), but it's not my favorite. I'd like to visit that shop, though.
December 27, 2017
I don't know how to put my mind in this book.
Flat. That's all I think about this book. The heroine, a.k.a. The Witch, knowing too much, as if none of the future can shocked her. Boring much?
Too mystical, too fairy, too sparkling. Not this time.
Flat. That's all I think about this book. The heroine, a.k.a. The Witch, knowing too much, as if none of the future can shocked her. Boring much?
Too mystical, too fairy, too sparkling. Not this time.
Read
June 12, 2018Love Nora Roberts. Magic and romance. Sigh.
March 2, 2023
*3.5 out of 5 Stars
As much as it pains me to say this, this is one of the milder romances by NR that I wish I had read years ago when I first discovered her books, as I seem to have moved on since then to enjoying much darker or more intense reads with higher stakes 9 out of 10 times.
For almost 80% of the story, I was sort of bored - I mean, this is a pretty short book, just 255 pages - it shouldn't have taken me so long to read this. The only thing that kind of redeemed it for me was the ending - especially love it when there's some good groveling. ;)
Anyway, I would recommend it to anyone just getting into romances.
As much as it pains me to say this, this is one of the milder romances by NR that I wish I had read years ago when I first discovered her books, as I seem to have moved on since then to enjoying much darker or more intense reads with higher stakes 9 out of 10 times.
For almost 80% of the story, I was sort of bored - I mean, this is a pretty short book, just 255 pages - it shouldn't have taken me so long to read this. The only thing that kind of redeemed it for me was the ending - especially love it when there's some good groveling. ;)
Anyway, I would recommend it to anyone just getting into romances.
August 7, 2023
Definitely not my favorite. The love story was just ok. Couldn't get past the paranormal element. I was expecting more. So maybe it was my fault for reading the whole book instead of just closing it after the first few chapters. Anyway, I haven't given up on Nora Roberts.
August 18, 2012
I love writer characters and Nash is one of my favorite story tellers. It's nice being inside his head, seeing things the way he sees them. Cynic heroes are another favorite of mine. But with Nash's level of cynicism it can't be cured just by a normal woman. And Morgana Donovan is not a normal woman that's why she's a perfect match for him.
I like the idea of elementals and Morgana is in a sense an elemental. And she's also temperamental. It's was funny imagining her losing control over her temper with bolts of lightning shooting from the sky. I like the fact that she doesn't let fate dictate her life and the same time Morgana knows when and how to accept when things cannot be changed. I liked that she doesn't use magic to tamper with people's lives, that she knows how to control her gift.
Captivated the title fits Morgana and Nash's story perfectly. They influence and charm their way towards each other. Love is the greatest magic in the world. For some it's hard to believe in something you can't see or touch but that doesn't mean it's not real. There is magic in the world for those who believe and when magic finds you the enchantment will guide you towards a happily ever after.
I like the idea of elementals and Morgana is in a sense an elemental. And she's also temperamental. It's was funny imagining her losing control over her temper with bolts of lightning shooting from the sky. I like the fact that she doesn't let fate dictate her life and the same time Morgana knows when and how to accept when things cannot be changed. I liked that she doesn't use magic to tamper with people's lives, that she knows how to control her gift.
Captivated the title fits Morgana and Nash's story perfectly. They influence and charm their way towards each other. Love is the greatest magic in the world. For some it's hard to believe in something you can't see or touch but that doesn't mean it's not real. There is magic in the world for those who believe and when magic finds you the enchantment will guide you towards a happily ever after.
February 1, 2016
Not enough plot. Too much descriptions, ponderings, and feelings. It dragged. Narrator is not good with male voices.
The main plot was Nash a movie writer/director thought Morgana was a charlatan witch. He wanted to write a movie about witches. So he interviewed her to learn more about them. She was a real witch and told him truths. He liked what she told him but he thought they were tricks - not the real thing. Meanwhile they are sexually drawn to each other.
I listened to more than half the book and then skipped to the end. I couldn’t make myself listen to more. The sequel “Entranced” was better.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
Therese Plummer was very good with general story telling and women’s voices. But she was not good with Nash. She made him sound weird and like a 12-year-old-kid. The emotional tone she used did not fit that of a sexy man.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Swearing language: none that I recall. Sexual content: at least one sex scene. Setting: Around 1991 California and Ireland. Book copyright: 1992. Genre: contemporary fantasy romance.
The main plot was Nash a movie writer/director thought Morgana was a charlatan witch. He wanted to write a movie about witches. So he interviewed her to learn more about them. She was a real witch and told him truths. He liked what she told him but he thought they were tricks - not the real thing. Meanwhile they are sexually drawn to each other.
I listened to more than half the book and then skipped to the end. I couldn’t make myself listen to more. The sequel “Entranced” was better.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
Therese Plummer was very good with general story telling and women’s voices. But she was not good with Nash. She made him sound weird and like a 12-year-old-kid. The emotional tone she used did not fit that of a sexy man.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Swearing language: none that I recall. Sexual content: at least one sex scene. Setting: Around 1991 California and Ireland. Book copyright: 1992. Genre: contemporary fantasy romance.
August 20, 2016
it started of quite boring but still interesting as i got a little chance on how the imagination and thinking of a screenwriter , with the description of how nash see surrounding him and how those are going to inspired his writing . when he met morgana ( a witch ) both of them became a great lover to each other . it's like - brain , wit , humor met one another and fits each other perfectly . the love they had trully from their own feeling not even a love spells was casted . i loved how nash who is a warm man but afraid of the commitment , afraid of not being able to love or being loved by someone start to believe when the time he found that one right lady , the love they had will eventually led him . still the ending is so predictable .
January 24, 2013
Gaaack.
And I probably should leave it at that. No content to this book.
And I probably should leave it at that. No content to this book.
September 12, 2021
Late review.
Another one of my paranormal reads way back.
I remembered the lady MC has some kind of magic. Like a witch or something. And the H was somewhat an alpha.
Another one of my paranormal reads way back.
I remembered the lady MC has some kind of magic. Like a witch or something. And the H was somewhat an alpha.
December 13, 2016
Could not finish this book. I started. Stopped. Went back. Stopped again.
Sigh.
The story was lacking something.
Sigh.
The story was lacking something.
July 14, 2020
Picked this up off Audible Escape for the listen. Honestly I felt the narrator did a really good job. I felt totally engrossed in the narration and never got distracted from the narrator's portrayal of the characters etc. So A+ from me as far as narration goes. Unfortunately, I honestly just felt like nothing happened in this book. Maybe I'm just used to more going on in a paranormal romance, like a story line in addition to the romance aspects? This book however focuses just on the romance aspect and the how the characters have to deal with the paranormal being real in the world they live in. That is the jist of the story.. the entire thing is about the MC comming to terms with real supernatural aspects in a jaded world.
Our FMC, Morgana is a modern day witch descended from fae and generations of witches. Our MC is a jaded horror story writer/producer looking for his next big film. He decides he needs to interview Morgana, after "hearing about her" yea that point was a little on the lame side. However, neither character can resist the chemistry between them. My main concern was that despite the MMC knowing Morgana obviously believes in her story he continuously pursues her and constantly attempts to debunk her... just why? If you care about someone even just as a friend why would you constantly be trying to wreck their world? Also why does Morgana even tolerate this doucher constantly being judgmental about her way of life and throwing shade all around about it. It was an incredibly frustrating story because of this constant bickering between whats real and whats not. The chemistry was there, even if I couldn't understand why.. but there wasn't really anything else to go with this back and forth argumentative dynamic.. it was basically argue, argue, argue, proof, miraculous acts, disbelief, deny, deny, deny, and MMC acts like a jerk.. then bam ending...
Despite all that the audio flowed great and I never once thought of putting it down.. so I guess I liked it ok I just wish that there was something to go along with it.. maybe? Yea.... going to see what the next one is all about because I don't want to write the series off yet.. I mean its freaking Nora Roberts.. she's like a dang legend.
Our FMC, Morgana is a modern day witch descended from fae and generations of witches. Our MC is a jaded horror story writer/producer looking for his next big film. He decides he needs to interview Morgana, after "hearing about her" yea that point was a little on the lame side. However, neither character can resist the chemistry between them. My main concern was that despite the MMC knowing Morgana obviously believes in her story he continuously pursues her and constantly attempts to debunk her... just why? If you care about someone even just as a friend why would you constantly be trying to wreck their world? Also why does Morgana even tolerate this doucher constantly being judgmental about her way of life and throwing shade all around about it. It was an incredibly frustrating story because of this constant bickering between whats real and whats not. The chemistry was there, even if I couldn't understand why.. but there wasn't really anything else to go with this back and forth argumentative dynamic.. it was basically argue, argue, argue, proof, miraculous acts, disbelief, deny, deny, deny, and MMC acts like a jerk.. then bam ending...
Despite all that the audio flowed great and I never once thought of putting it down.. so I guess I liked it ok I just wish that there was something to go along with it.. maybe? Yea.... going to see what the next one is all about because I don't want to write the series off yet.. I mean its freaking Nora Roberts.. she's like a dang legend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 518 reviews