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The Captive
“You are afraid of me, Ranald Kincairn!” Enya said.
“I, afraid of a Lowland traitoress, who in the bargain, I might remind you, is my captive and in chains? You jest, mistress!”
“Then kiss me.”
“Nae.” Ranald stood, gazing down at her, his dark eyes musing. “Should I teach ye the rudiments of lovemaking, do ye still think ye can make me love ye?”
“I will yet do it.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed his hard mouth.
When he did not respond, Enya moved back a step and stared at him with an unnamed fear. “’Tis your blood that runs cold.”
“Then heat it. Tonight. I tire of empty promises.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The mighty Kincairns, once a powerful Highland clan, were now rebels out to destroy the conquering British invaders. Ranald Kincairn, new chieftain of the rebels vowed to revenge the murder of his brothers and his sister’s ruination. And in the depth of night, he stole the virgin bride of his cunning and ruthless foe with the intent to breed her with Scots bairns and then destroy her soul.
But he had not counted on the firebrand that was his enemy’s bride, Enya of the Afton House. Before the laird could bring low the prisoner of his hatred, Enya vowed she would have him bowing down as her captive. Her captive of love.
“I, afraid of a Lowland traitoress, who in the bargain, I might remind you, is my captive and in chains? You jest, mistress!”
“Then kiss me.”
“Nae.” Ranald stood, gazing down at her, his dark eyes musing. “Should I teach ye the rudiments of lovemaking, do ye still think ye can make me love ye?”
“I will yet do it.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed his hard mouth.
When he did not respond, Enya moved back a step and stared at him with an unnamed fear. “’Tis your blood that runs cold.”
“Then heat it. Tonight. I tire of empty promises.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The mighty Kincairns, once a powerful Highland clan, were now rebels out to destroy the conquering British invaders. Ranald Kincairn, new chieftain of the rebels vowed to revenge the murder of his brothers and his sister’s ruination. And in the depth of night, he stole the virgin bride of his cunning and ruthless foe with the intent to breed her with Scots bairns and then destroy her soul.
But he had not counted on the firebrand that was his enemy’s bride, Enya of the Afton House. Before the laird could bring low the prisoner of his hatred, Enya vowed she would have him bowing down as her captive. Her captive of love.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 1993
273 people are currently reading
555 people want to read
About the author
Parris Afton Bonds
82 books52 followersI am dancing on sunshine that you are visiting my little part of Parris's paradise here on Goodreads.
I write for the reckless at heart Not surprisingly, I identify with my novels' characters, both the protagonists AND antagonists. I suffer with their angsts and bewilderments and rejoice in their joys and triumphs.
And I believe that if we heroically hold fast to our own vision for ourselves in our journey’s confrontations and challenges, Life WILL surely manifest our dreams and goals and visions, as it does for my characters in my novels.
***
Parris Afton Bonds is mother of five sons and author of nearly fifty published novels. She is co-founder and first vice president of Romance Writers of America, as well as, co-founder of Southwest Writers Workshop,
The Parris Award was established in her name by the Southwest Writers Workshop to honor a published writer who has given outstandingly of time and talent to other writers. Prestigious recipients of the Parris Award include Tony Hillerman and the Pulitzer nominee Norman Zollinger.
Declared by ABC's Nightline as one of the three-best-selling authors of romantic fiction, the award winning Parris Afton Bonds has been featured in major newspapers and magazines as well as published in more than a dozen languages. A New York Times best seller, she donates her time to teaching creative writing to both grade school children and female inmates ~ both of which are captive audiences.
I write for the reckless at heart Not surprisingly, I identify with my novels' characters, both the protagonists AND antagonists. I suffer with their angsts and bewilderments and rejoice in their joys and triumphs.
And I believe that if we heroically hold fast to our own vision for ourselves in our journey’s confrontations and challenges, Life WILL surely manifest our dreams and goals and visions, as it does for my characters in my novels.
***
Parris Afton Bonds is mother of five sons and author of nearly fifty published novels. She is co-founder and first vice president of Romance Writers of America, as well as, co-founder of Southwest Writers Workshop,
The Parris Award was established in her name by the Southwest Writers Workshop to honor a published writer who has given outstandingly of time and talent to other writers. Prestigious recipients of the Parris Award include Tony Hillerman and the Pulitzer nominee Norman Zollinger.
Declared by ABC's Nightline as one of the three-best-selling authors of romantic fiction, the award winning Parris Afton Bonds has been featured in major newspapers and magazines as well as published in more than a dozen languages. A New York Times best seller, she donates her time to teaching creative writing to both grade school children and female inmates ~ both of which are captive audiences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 22, 2024
Read: 10/20/24
Setting: after Culloden 1745
This was disappointing! The H kidnaps the h and threatens to rape her and give her to his man all so he can send her back to her new cruel husband (married by proxy) with a Scottish baby in her belly. He threatens this on a regular basis but never carries it out. There is very little romance, and the H spends much of the time avoiding the h. When they finally hook up, it's consensual sex but I don't know why she actually loves him.
Then there is the second romance between her married mother and that mother's first love. Neither romance is worth the time
This is probably a better book if you're not expecting a romance or an interesting story. This one just wasn't for me!
Setting: after Culloden 1745
This was disappointing! The H kidnaps the h and threatens to rape her and give her to his man all so he can send her back to her new cruel husband (married by proxy) with a Scottish baby in her belly. He threatens this on a regular basis but never carries it out. There is very little romance, and the H spends much of the time avoiding the h. When they finally hook up, it's consensual sex but I don't know why she actually loves him.
Then there is the second romance between her married mother and that mother's first love. Neither romance is worth the time
This is probably a better book if you're not expecting a romance or an interesting story. This one just wasn't for me!
December 10, 2012
It's been a long time since I read this book, but I remembered it through the years, so apparently something stuck with me. Heroine was no beauty queen either--and I always root for the underdog. ;D The secondary characters were likeable, and I commiserated with the events that led to the heroine's abduction/captivity.
April 24, 2015
Not so good. Using big words does not necessarily make you a good writer.
March 14, 2020
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
Note about cover: Heroine is red-haired and hero dark haired, so not sure who is depicted.
Note about cover: Heroine is red-haired and hero dark haired, so not sure who is depicted.
February 6, 2018
Ok
Some parts I liked, but wasn’t crazy about it. I liked the heroine and her mother but wasn’t satisfied with the ending-it didn’t make sense to me.
Some parts I liked, but wasn’t crazy about it. I liked the heroine and her mother but wasn’t satisfied with the ending-it didn’t make sense to me.
July 23, 2017
I do enjoy a good romance novel every now and then and this one fit the bill. This book had a cast of characters with stories. Enya and Ranald were the main characters, fighting their love for each other in a world of war between the English and the Scots. Ranald has a brother Jamie who finds his love in this story. And lets not forget Kathryn, Enya's mom, and Arch, a religious brother. That was an interesting but maybe predictable story. Oh wait, I forgot Ranald's sister Morag. Taken by the English and raped, she is not interested in anyone to love EVER. Until....
July 5, 2017
The Captive
This is a totally captivating novel by one of my favorite authors. Afton-Bonds is an incredible storyteller, and this book was very different from the others I've read by her. Whereas her characters usually encounter pain and great loss, this is a lighter read with a happily ever-after.
This is a totally captivating novel by one of my favorite authors. Afton-Bonds is an incredible storyteller, and this book was very different from the others I've read by her. Whereas her characters usually encounter pain and great loss, this is a lighter read with a happily ever-after.
March 28, 2018
This should have been called "The Victim." If rape fantasies where the victim falls in love with her brutish captor are for you, then you will love this book. I do not like such books, and in this we are treated to 2 generations of abused women and gruesome stories of the terror visited on the Scottish Highlands after the loss at Culloden. Depressing and insulting as to the weak female leads.
October 29, 2019
Captivating
Truly enjoyed this seductive adventurous romance. Ranald seeks retribution and revenge for his murdered family by kidnapping and holding captive Enya. The character development in this story is well written. Twists and turns throughout keeps the tale alive. A definite must read.
Truly enjoyed this seductive adventurous romance. Ranald seeks retribution and revenge for his murdered family by kidnapping and holding captive Enya. The character development in this story is well written. Twists and turns throughout keeps the tale alive. A definite must read.
June 30, 2017
a nice romantic read with the usual revenge scenario and a satisfying ending
August 2, 2017
Captivating
Could not put down, read until after my bedtime. Very good, and very interesting. All types of readers will enjoy.
Could not put down, read until after my bedtime. Very good, and very interesting. All types of readers will enjoy.
September 2, 2017
Kindle Unlimited e-book
April 11, 2018
I enjoyed parts of this book but kept getting frustrated with the heroine and her lot.
April 29, 2018
Very entertaining.
Loved the history of clans in Scotland. I recommend this book who love adventure and romance. I felt like I was seeing the terrain in person.
Loved the history of clans in Scotland. I recommend this book who love adventure and romance. I felt like I was seeing the terrain in person.
July 30, 2019
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
July 19, 2024
Again I found a good read in this book. I would not mind more stories in this series.
April 23, 2015
4 and 1/2 Stars! Classic Tale of Love in the Highlands After the Battle of Culloden
Set in 1751, this is a post-Culloden tale from the Highlands, the story of Ranald Kincairn, Laird of Clan Cameron whose brothers were killed by the English and whose sister they raped. He wants revenge. His plan is to abduct the virgin bride of the new English “Lord Lieutenant of the Western Highlands”—the man who raped his sister—and plant within her a Highlander babe, then send her back. The bride is Enya, a Lowland Scot from Ayrshire whose family, the Aftons, sided with the English.
Though Ranald tells Enya he intends to ruin her, it seems it’s just talk as he puts her to work in the clan castle as a scullery maid, but doesn’t lay a hand on her. As time passes, he is a bit inconsistent toward her. First he tells her he won’t touch her, but threatens to give her to his men; then he tells her no one will take her against her will; finally, he beds her himself. Ranald is a worthy leader of his clan and respected by all. Of course, Enya falls for him.
There are two other romances tied to Ranald and Enya’s—Enya’s mother and the man she has loved since she was 15, and Ranald’s sister and Duncan, a Lowland Scot who came with Enya.
There’s an exciting scene at the end when the villain shows up to reclaim his bride.
Bonds brings to life the Highlands and the struggle to survive after the terrible devastation the English brought about after Culloden as the Highlanders are hunted and the English are determined to wipe out the clans.
And, should you be curious, yes, there is a tie in with the author and the name “Afton” which the author explains in a note before the story.
Set in 1751, this is a post-Culloden tale from the Highlands, the story of Ranald Kincairn, Laird of Clan Cameron whose brothers were killed by the English and whose sister they raped. He wants revenge. His plan is to abduct the virgin bride of the new English “Lord Lieutenant of the Western Highlands”—the man who raped his sister—and plant within her a Highlander babe, then send her back. The bride is Enya, a Lowland Scot from Ayrshire whose family, the Aftons, sided with the English.
Though Ranald tells Enya he intends to ruin her, it seems it’s just talk as he puts her to work in the clan castle as a scullery maid, but doesn’t lay a hand on her. As time passes, he is a bit inconsistent toward her. First he tells her he won’t touch her, but threatens to give her to his men; then he tells her no one will take her against her will; finally, he beds her himself. Ranald is a worthy leader of his clan and respected by all. Of course, Enya falls for him.
There are two other romances tied to Ranald and Enya’s—Enya’s mother and the man she has loved since she was 15, and Ranald’s sister and Duncan, a Lowland Scot who came with Enya.
There’s an exciting scene at the end when the villain shows up to reclaim his bride.
Bonds brings to life the Highlands and the struggle to survive after the terrible devastation the English brought about after Culloden as the Highlanders are hunted and the English are determined to wipe out the clans.
And, should you be curious, yes, there is a tie in with the author and the name “Afton” which the author explains in a note before the story.
July 25, 2016
This was not an enjoyable read. The heroine is on her way to meet her husband, to whom she was wed by proxy. Her husband happened to be a cruel military man whom was hated by the hero's clan. The clan kindapp's her and her male friend. This book revolves around 3 romances , none of which were well developed. The hero was angry and nasty throughout the entire story, as was his sister (the second romance). None of the characters actions made any sense,,, as an example: The sister has her love interest whipped because he stated he wanted to bed her (yet she loves him?) The heroine has her virginity taken by the hero in one swift angry moment, without pleasure, and the heroine jumps on him and says "you'll give me the same pleasure that you got." really? unbelievable at best. I personally prefer the bodice rippers of old and forced seduction etc, doesn't bother me, but the hero and the heroine were just plain unlikeable. I didn't care if they ever got together, or what happened to them. There was very little character development in this book. Also, the ending, wasn't actually an ending.. there was no closure.. I actually keep turning the kindle pages thinking the entire book didn't download. No romance, horrible character development and a lack luster ending.. I give it a 1/2 star,, if you chose to read it, get it as a kindle prime...don't waste 99 cents.
April 13, 2016
Okay
This is the lowest I have ever scored one of Parris Afton Bonds' books....and Ive read six now. This is my least favorite...and I live her books. She's a gifted writer, and there are portions of this book that prove my point, but I wouldn't use thus one as an example of her fine storytelling skill.
I found it hard to read....no real flow to the writing. The plot is good, but not as strong as it could be. I felt no connection with these characters like I have in her other books. Needless to say, this is a poor example of what this author is capable of and a bit of a disappointment. I doubt I'd recommend it.
This is the lowest I have ever scored one of Parris Afton Bonds' books....and Ive read six now. This is my least favorite...and I live her books. She's a gifted writer, and there are portions of this book that prove my point, but I wouldn't use thus one as an example of her fine storytelling skill.
I found it hard to read....no real flow to the writing. The plot is good, but not as strong as it could be. I felt no connection with these characters like I have in her other books. Needless to say, this is a poor example of what this author is capable of and a bit of a disappointment. I doubt I'd recommend it.
October 14, 2014
The servant
A rollercoaster ride of emotion in this titillating story of revenge turned into mutual respect and love.The Highlanders and the Lowlanders of Scotland learn to live together and love together.Old passions are rekindled and new passions are made.Great Highland,historic story.The women though work their back sides off though and can still find the energy to keep their men happy.Gotta love the modern world where things are way easier.
A rollercoaster ride of emotion in this titillating story of revenge turned into mutual respect and love.The Highlanders and the Lowlanders of Scotland learn to live together and love together.Old passions are rekindled and new passions are made.Great Highland,historic story.The women though work their back sides off though and can still find the energy to keep their men happy.Gotta love the modern world where things are way easier.
June 28, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. A great historical romance, although it didn't start out that way. I wonder what is fiction and what is fact in this story. Never heard of sterilizing wome in the 1700's and wonder how this could be accomplished. It seems our hero did everything to make his captive hate him and yet she still fell in love. A happily ever after was enjoyed by all but at some points in the story I wondered how this would be accomplished.
May 26, 2015
Pretty good...
By the end of the book I did not feel satisfied with the relationship progression of the characters, like things were just starting to get good and then it was wrapped up with a bow.
By the end of the book I did not feel satisfied with the relationship progression of the characters, like things were just starting to get good and then it was wrapped up with a bow.
January 23, 2016
Parris Afton Bonds, The Captive. Set in Scotland, the lowlands trying to run the highlanders off, the highlanders kidnap the behold of the lowland leader. Many adventures and turned of events happen along the way, with emotions running from hate to love, to heartache. Very entertainING read.
November 3, 2016
Good
This book was a little confusing as it never left a space between scenes of people so if you were with Enya the next sentence was about Duncan and Moragh then Katherine but it was a GREAT story.
This book was a little confusing as it never left a space between scenes of people so if you were with Enya the next sentence was about Duncan and Moragh then Katherine but it was a GREAT story.
February 9, 2015
Entertaining book
Good escapism fiction! I didn't really understand why she went from hating to trying to make him love her, but with a little suspension of disbelief it's all good!
Good escapism fiction! I didn't really understand why she went from hating to trying to make him love her, but with a little suspension of disbelief it's all good!
February 20, 2015
Super fast read that I picked up free on my Kindle. Good story and I found myself really liking the characters and wanting them to be happy. Not overly graphic and moves pretty quick
February 25, 2015
Interesting Scottish tidbits, set in a location I've visited, pleasant read, ending rushed and anti-climactic.
March 3, 2015
Most wonderful book!!!Enjoyed this romance/history immensely!
June 16, 2015
I really liked this book. I liked the characters in it. I also like how it ended.. Great easy read.
July 6, 2015
Mainly liked it because I could read about Scotland....I want to visit there someday.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews