Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

My Lady Captor

Rate this book
New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell pens a sweeping romance set against the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, where a young woman holding a warrior hostage tries to resist his passionate seduction . . .
 
Lady Sorcha Hay is devastated to learn that English soldiers are holding her young brother captive.  Penniless, the only way she can pay for his freedom is by taking a hostage for ransom herself. Her captive—a wounded knight plucked from the battlefield—is furious to be imprisoned by a woman. But nothing will stop Sorcha from keeping Sir Ruari Kerr enslaved, even as the sight of his bronzed body sets her mind reeling and her senses afire . . .
 
With her dark mane and soft curves, Sorcha is everything Ruari has ever desired in a woman. As she tends to his wounds, Ruari fights the intense attraction that ignites at her very touch. But he can’t afford to lose his heart to his tempting captor. For when he’s finally rescued by his men, Sorcha will pay dearly for her treachery—and loving her could put both their lives in peril . . .

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 1996

112 people are currently reading
656 people want to read

About the author

Anna Jennet

4 books23 followers
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Hannah Howell, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
415 (38%)
4 stars
351 (32%)
3 stars
225 (21%)
2 stars
49 (4%)
1 star
25 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,734 reviews1,129 followers
August 19, 2018
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Zebra in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

My Lady Captor is a republished work from Hannah Howell that was written back in 1996. I have read many books by this author but not in a while, and I was pretty sure I hadn't read this one. When I saw this one up on NG, I just knew that I had to grab it because I just looked at this gorgeous cover and I knew that I needed to have it. And I very much wish that I had picked it up way sooner than I had. I don't know why I kept putting it off, but I knew I needed to pick it up especially since I have been in the mood for highlander romances lately. Its a plot that was very different from what I have seen from this author, which includes some paranormal aspect of ghosts and spirits (I have NEVER seen Howell put this in a historical and I LOVED it). The plot was very interesting and I didn't want to put this story down once I fully got into it.

My Lady Captor begins when our heroine, Sorcha and her cousin Margaret have gone after her foolhardy brother, Dougal who went to fight in a border skirmish between the Scots and the English. As she goes in search for her brother on the battlefield, she comes across a live Scot....Sir Ruari Kerr who is injured. She learns that her brother has been taken by the English to be held for ransom. So she takes Ruari and his cousin (another soldier wounded) back to their keep. But she hatches a plan on how to get her brother back. She knows that Ruari is head of a clan that has many connections and wealth. She knows they could never afford to pay the ransom, but she knows that Ruari would be worth alot to his clan for his return. Sorcha is part of a clan that is cursed, and whenever a girl goes through puberty, "ghosts or spirits" haunt them and play tricks. And each girl receives some type of gift. Sorcha's gift is that she can talk to ghosts. She attempts to try to help them solve what is keeping them on earth and helping them move on.

Ruari is not a happy camper when he learns that his savior is intending to keep him her captive and to be held for ransom. His cousin, is more than willing because he is falling in love with Margaret. But Ruari, even though he is drawn to Margaret, he is furious that he is being held against his will even if its a comfortable room. Sorcha is nervous around Ruari, because he makes her feel things she never thought that she would ever feel. She feels she has no choice but to do whatever she can to get her brother back, because he is laird and its her duty. However, she also bears a lot of weight on her shoulders in the guilt she feels about keeping Ruari and his cousin against their will. But everytime they are together, chemistry flares and they end up kissing and touching and soon she feels herself falling in love with Ruari and wants to enjoy every moment she has left with him.
What ye must ask yourself is which ye will regret the most--following your heart, taking a wee chance no matter how small it may be, or continuing to hide and never even trying to grab what ye want.

But now the time has come for Sorcha to return Ruari to his clan  and for her to go get her brother back. She gets Dougal back, but at a price including a encounter with a Englishman that she knows will cause her trouble in the future. Sorcha loves Ruari and misses him, but she knows that they could never have a future together.  For one she kidnapped him and held him against his will and she knows that he will return the favor one day and he thought her a bit crazy for believing in ghosts.

Its now been three months since Ruari left, and Sorcha heads to a festival with her brother, her aunt and her cousin Margaret who has been depressed since losing the man she fell in love with. Sorcha is feeling heart broken, but she is a leader for her people and has had to remain strong. But what she doesn't expect is to find Ruari and his men at the festival, and he comes after her and against all attempts she gives to flee (some very creative ones) and before she knows it Sorcha and her cousin have been taken captive by Ruari and this time Sorcha has no idea what he expects from her. But Sorcha doesn't play dead in her kidnapping, she fights in her own way and she helps a ghost find his closure and Ruari and Sorcha reconnect again but their road isn't an easy one and Sorcha will have to get very creative and crafty in order to be with the man she loves for good.
There are a great many reasons why I love ye and why I was a fool to try so hard not to love ye. Ye have strength, spirit, and beauty.

My Lady Captor was a bit different and I really enjoyed all the elements that brought this book together. For being a republished novel, it was a gold ringer...I simply had a blast with this book. It had its slow moments at times, but the plot and the romance was way too endearing for me to ever be tempted to put this down. I loved the way that this story develops and seeing both of these people deal with what they are face with. Another delight was the other two sub plot love stories. We don't see too much of these couples, just glances and hints, because the focus of the story is on Sorcha and Ruari.

This is one of those type of medieval romances that is rich in history  and culture but also sizzles in the heat and the romance. I was so cheering these two on so proudly. There is a portion of the story where they go at it like cats and dogs, they can't decide if they hate each other or love one another to distraction. They have some powerful chemistry that shows through the pages, and I loved the dynamics of the curses and the ghosts. That was very interesting and added some nice delights to the story. I found this book to be one of the most detailed and dynamic that I have read in historical all year. It was such fun to get to know these characters and follow them along their journey towards their HEA. BRILLIANTLY DONE!!





 







   photo Addicted To Romance Reviews 2_zpsplp8m0tb.png
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,512 reviews86 followers
March 5, 2018
ARC received for review

Reprint from 1996

I didn't read this when it first came out. The Hay's women are all a little different especially when they are entering womanhood. Sorcha and Ruari have amazing chemistry added to lots of drama and angst that make for a very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Tracy Emro.
2,134 reviews64 followers
March 20, 2018
Someway, somehow I missed this gem when it originally released in 1996 AND when it was re-issued in 2009 - This book is classic Hannah Howell and I am so glad I finally got to read it!

Lady Sorcha Hay finds Sir Ruari Kerr injured on the battlefield while she is searching for her brother Dougal. She learns from Ruari that Dougal was taken by the English and will be ransomed back. While she is talking to him, her cousin Margaret finds another survivor, who turns out to be Ruari's cousin Beatham.

Sorcha is dismayed, her clan has no coin to pay the ransom and her brother is Laird, they need him! So being the smart, resourceful girl she is, Sorcha hatches a plan, she will raise the ransom by holding Ruari and Beatham for ransom! She takes them back to her keep and hopes she can keep them from learning the secrets of the Hay clan. She tends Ruari's wounds and tells him that he is her prisoner, Ruari is beyond angry and vows revenge.

Once they are back at her keep, Sorcha waits for the ransom demand from the English and tries to ignore the attraction she feels towards Ruari all while attempting to keep him from learning that most of the Hay clan are women, that she has the power to see and speak to spirits, that her cousin Euphemia is transitioning into womanhood and all the trouble that comes with that for a Hay woman. Not to mention trying to keep her cousin Margaret and Beatham from forming an impossible attachment and thwarting Ruari's escape attempts.

Sorcha meets with the English and becomes the object of Sir Simon Treacher's unwanted attention, she manages to negotiate a ransom and hopes to never see Sir Simon again. She sends the ransom demand to the Kerrs and informs Ruari. Ruari is still angry, but he wants Sorcha with a desire stronger than any he has ever felt. He proposes that they become lovers, no promises, no commitments. At first Sorcha is opposed, but she is attracted to him and will probably never marry, so she agrees. They share three incredible nights together before his family comes for him. They part and words are exchanged. But as he rides away, Sorcha knows that he is taking her heart with him.

She gets her brother back and is again subjected to Sir Simon, the man is obsessed! They manage to evade him and make it back to their keep. Six months pass and it finally seems like he has given up, so when Dougal suggests they attend the market fair, she looks forward to the chance to get out of the keep, she is still nursing a broken heart, but is not nearly as dramatic about it as Margaret is. She convinces Margaret to attend and even with a warning of trouble given by Effie, they set out.

Trouble finds them almost as soon as they reach the fair, Ruari is there and when he sees her, he is ready to take his revenge.

This book is great, there is a lot going on, but it never seems busy and all the various characters and story lines all tie neatly together in the end. The love scenes are steamy, the dialogue is amusing, the villain is vile, the problems keeping them apart seem unsurmountable, the declaration scene is very sweet and the epilogue is completely delightful.

I have no idea how I missed this book years ago, but I am so delighted to have found it! I would highly recommend this book and will be looking to see if there are any other books I missed!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
Profile Image for eyes.2c.
3,120 reviews110 followers
April 12, 2018
Fun 14th Century highland romp with a difference.

A strong female lead, Lady Sorcha Hay is placed in a difficult position when her brother Dougal, the clan Laird, he of little sense, is captured by the English. You see the English will demand a ransom. The problem is that Sorcha's people are dirt poor.
This is a clan whose women are somewhat different in that they see spirits. As they come into womanhood this gift or curse (depending on your viewpoint) comes into fruition. Hence the lonely, isolated place that the clan occupies.
Sorcha must come up with a plan to save her captured brother. Her solution pits her against another more powerful laird, Sir Ruari Kerr, laird of Gartmhor. Unfortunately Sorcha's unique answer to the problem brings about further challenges, not the least being Ruari Kerr himself.
There are some rather singular secondary characters and a couple of ghosts who round out a well written and captivating story, in the vein one has come to expect from Howell.

A NetGalley ARC
Profile Image for Barbee.
791 reviews21 followers
April 1, 2018
Book: My Lady Captor
By Hannah Howell

Release Date: originally in 2009 this is a reissue that was released on 3/27/2018

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)
Tartan Book Reviews
Purple Tulip Book Reviews
Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Overall Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️



Scottish Border-summer, 1388

Sorcha is searching the battlefield with her cousin Margaret for her brother Dougal. She can’t find her brother but finds two other Scottish soldiers. Ruari and Beetham Kerr. Ruari is near death and Beetham has a wound he would survive from. Neither is in any shape to fight off the grave robbers who will steal and murder. This way no one can inform the authority of their stealing from the dead and wounded.

Margaret finds out her brother was taken by the English and asking for a ransom. The problem is her clan has no money. Now the Kerr clan on the other hand is very wealthy. So she saves both their lives and then tells them she is holding them for ransom. Well only to get her brother back. Ruari is furious and plans on revenge but that is after he has his wicked way with the scottish beauty Sorcha!

There are also some fun paranormal elements in this read. It's a light hearted fun read. I enjoyed it very much from start to finish. I highly recommend My Lady Captor by Hannah Howell.




I received a complimentary ARC copy from Kensington publishers through netgalley. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts, ideas and opinions are my own.





https://www.amazon.com/My-Lady-Captor...
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,080 reviews131 followers
March 25, 2018
I have read all of Hannah Howell's stories and this is actually a reprint of one from 1996. The author is a master of the highlander and Scottish romance. She immerses the reader in the times and brings the characters alive with her prose. This story has a twist in that the heroine, Lady Sorcha Hay takes the hero, Sir Ruari Kerr captive to be ransomed, along with his cousin Beatham. You see, her brother Laird Dougal was taken by the English and she needs the money to get him back! But the best laid plans do not always work as expected and secrets abound. Intrigue, unwanted suitors and suspense bring this story full circle with the attraction between Sorcha and Ruari being explosive. But as the ransom money's are exchanged, Sorcha gets her brother back and Ruari leaves to go back to his family. Will her heart be lost? Will they ever come together or will fate keep them apart? This is a fast paced story with several storylines happening at the same time that will keep you glued to the pages until the very end!
Profile Image for Sharon Tyler.
2,815 reviews40 followers
May 21, 2018
My Lady Captor by Hannah Howell is a historical novel that is currently being reprinted, but was originally published in 1996. Lady Sorcha Hay is devastated to learn that English soldiers are holding her young brother captive. Penniless, the only way she can pay for his freedom is by taking a hostage for ransom herself. Her captive--a wounded knight plucked from the battlefield--is furious to be imprisoned by a woman. But nothing will stop Sorcha from keeping Sir Ruari Kerr enslaved, even as the sight of his bronzed body sets her mind and body reeling. With her dark mane and soft curves, Sorcha is everything Ruari has ever desired in a woman. As she tends to his wounds, Ruari fights the intense attraction that ignites at her very touch. But he can't afford to lose his heart to his tempting captor. For when he's finally rescued by his men, Sorcha will pay dearly for her treachery, and loving her could put both their lives in peril.

My Lady Captor is a fun historical romance with strong characters and the touch of the otherworldly that I expect from Howell. Sorcha and her family have a connection to ghosts, and occasionally get hints of what is to come. Unfortunately they also have very little money and few men left in their clan. When the search for Sorcha's wayward brother (and laird) instead offers up the knowledge that he is captive and will be ransomed she seizes on the opportunity to ransom the two wounded souls she finds on the battlefield in order to pay that ransom. I like that she is strong, resourceful, and willing to do what needs to be done for the good of all rather than focusing on what she wants. She is clever and quick to action, and shows up the men on many occasions. Ruari is strong, but heeds his pride and what he thinks he should far more than he ought. I like that while he falls in the trap of underestimating Sorcha and the women of her clan, he quickly comes to respect their quick wit and strength, even when it bests him. The added danger of a greedy English knight certainly made things interesting, but I was not sure it was completely necessary, and the resolution was a tad anticlimactic for me- although it did the job of forcing the action forward. I enjoyed the ride, but found it evident that it was an earlier work from the author, and noticed how much her style has evolved and grown.

My Lady Captor is exactly what I expect from Howell, but clearly one of her earlier works. The characters and story are engaging, but having read many of her books I can see how much her style and skill has grown over the years. This was a great read while trapped indoors due to bad weather.
Profile Image for Carol.
1,248 reviews
September 4, 2023
2 Stars

Eh, this had a solid plot but never quite delivered on the chemistry I expected the MCs to have nor the thrill of excitement from having the heroine hold the hero captive.

It was all so..tidy and polite, I guess. And how Sorcha went from having simple attraction for Ruari to being in love with him with hardly any reason was quite silly and shallow. Especially Ruari deciding to seduce her knowing she wasn't "worthy" to marry in his eyes. So romantic...🙄 And sure, Sorcha agreed to his offer of only passion but it was all so...boring.

It had elements of humor but much of the good parts of the story get drowned in the endless excess of words. Whether those be extra scenes that didn't seem to serve a purpose other than to fill space to repetitive thoughts that reappear endlessly until the end.

See the "I love him but I don't know if he loves me in return so I must not tell him for fear he'll reject me!" Plot device and have it swing in both directions with both the MCs bemoaning this issue till the literal very end and just...sigh.

I really, really wanted to like this book. I adore historical romance and especially highlanders. This one in particular did the one thing I hate with Scottish based books and that was the awful heavy handed attempt at trying to capture the thick accent by spelling the words in such a way they're painful to read. I think certain choice words being used in that way to give you just enough to hear the accent in you head while reading it is lovely when done right and sparingly but to convert nearly the entirety of the English language to that style is and was just painful to read.

Overall a very forgettable read tbh. It dragged more often than not which required quite a bit of skimming to finish on my part. The characters were rather flat and just plain boring. The extra aspect with Sorcha's family and their curse of dealing and seeing spirits was pretty out of the box and weird tbh. It wasn't the dumbest thing in the book though so that speaks for itself.
Profile Image for Natalie.
353 reviews169 followers
September 27, 2011
What? A trashy romance novel, on my goodreads list? I don't know what you're talking about. I don't even know how that got there....

*****Okay, now I've (mostly) read it.*****

The writing is so bad it's distracting. The plot is silly and boring. The characters are forced. The story movement is cheap and choppy (the main rhetorical device used for breaking up dialogue is one of the characters pouring themselves a tankard of cider.... someone was pouring themselves a tankard of cider on every 3rd page). And the hot and heavy love scenes are hilarious, which I don't think is intentional.

Next time I dive into a genre with which I have no experience, I'm going to carefully note some recommendations and reviews ahead of time.
Profile Image for Julie.
365 reviews2 followers
March 30, 2018
I have read a few books by MS Howell before and I have to say this one was not my favorite one. It was really slow in the beginning for me. It wasn’t until about 30% into the book that I actually started to like it. Overall it was a sweet and cute read if you were interested in just the love story between Sorcha and Ruari. The whole spirit talking part of the book just was not my cup of tea and was hard for me to stay vested in the story because it seemed silly.

I was provided an uncorrected advanced readers copy from the publisher via Net Galley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Carmella.
670 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2018
I received a copy of this e-book and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

Sorcha has gone to the battleground in search of her brother. She finds many dead, Scottish and English alike, but not her brother. She and her cousin do find 2 men that are still alive and take them back home with them. Sorcha learns that the English will ransom her brother but she has no money..so she decides she will ransom the men they have taken home to heal.

Rauri is one of the men, and his cousin also. Rauri is the Laird of another clan and is wealthy. He is irate when he finds out what she is doing but that doesn't stop the attraction between the two and she decides to give herself to him because she feels she will never marry. She has no dowry, no lands and the family gift....each woman in the family has a "gift" and Sorcha's is that she can see and speak to ghosts.

Rauri is ransomed and Sorcha gets her brother back home. When he is leaving, Rauri is getting angry all over again about her ransoming him. He threw angry words at her, making her feel as if she wasn't worthy of the time they had together.

There are miserable people about. Sorcha is missing Rauri and her brother refuses to let her go to him. Her cousin Margaret cries all the time because she was separated from Rauri's cousin Beathem and even Aunt Neil found herself a man in Rauri's clan.

Will these two overcome to be together? Can it be done without anyone being dishonored?

Loved this story! I am a big fan of this author and have read many of her books. She has the 'Highlander" down pat and she is one that drew me to the Highlander genre.

Both Sorcha and Rauri are very smart people and loved by all. They need to deal with their pride though and we all know that sometimes that isn't easy, especially for men. Sorcha figures out a plan to try and get all the lovers together but will it work?

If you enjoy Highlanders, them you will love this book!
Profile Image for Susan.
95 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2019
I picked this up at a thrift store, beautiful cover(2009 version) and enticing title. The back cover and inside excerpt also grabbed my attention. I have read,or tried to read, many Hannah Howell books.
As I started reading I was surprised to read that Sorcha sees ghosts! I actually like stories with a paranormal focus. I was shocked that no where was that indicated! It made the story more fun to read and enjoyed how the unhappy spirits helped Sorcha and she helped them. Paranormal activity is not for everone, so I was surprised that there was not mention on the back cover.
I enjoyed Sorcha and Ruari's relationship and all the secondary characters. The book moved pretty fast and I wanted to finish to see what became of the spirits and would Sorcha and Rauri ever be able to talk Dougal into letting them get married! There was a lot of back in forth kidnapping and ransoming, some in fun. I don't know if there are any more books with these characters, I could see a book 2 and 3 with young Euphemia "Effie" story as a grown up maybe Changling and maybe even grouchy never-been -in-love Dougal! Howell left the story open for that to happen, I need to peruse her books!
Overall, I enjoyed this! I usually take weeks to finish books, this one I finished in 1 week. It was fast paced. It was unusual that Ruari and Sorcha became sexually involved so quick in the story, but it was mutual desire. Their battle became a does he love me debate.
There were parts towards the end full of conversation that I skipped over. I enjoyed the climax even though Dougals acceptance seemed too quick, the ending was almost silly, but the secondary characters and their love interests made for a entertaining story. Also, just when you think the spirit plot lines are wrapped up, one more showed up, once again, I need to see if there are any other related books to this one.
Profile Image for Lizzie.
333 reviews9 followers
September 26, 2021
Took me a little longer than ordinary to finish this but there was a few slow moments.
To start with The things I liked about this book, I liked that I told the story of three different women basically in one and then it tied together seamlessly. it didn’t feel like we were jumping from character to character it felt like everybody had their own moments but it all fit into the same book. I like the way the two main characters fell in love it was very natural it didn’t feel forced or two quick. This was my first historical romance so getting used to the lingo in the language was very different but still enjoyable it was still quite an easy read. I also like that the other characters in the book had personalities mirroring people from present time.

Well I didn’t like about this book was the fact that her brother was so against them getting married acted like an ass and then all of a sudden he was like “oh yeah you have my blessing go ahead and get married now”. Like what? I also did not really like all of the back-and-forth kidnapping one minute is that Nas kidnappers the next minute she’s getting kidnapped the next minute it’s him getting kidnapped again and I just felt very wordy and went back-and-forth I don’t give me wrong it was still a very enjoyable read I could’ve just done without that part.

Overall I give this book 4 1/2 stars it was interesting it didn’t bore me like I thought it would and I definitely be interested in reading another historical romance I’d say if you haven’t read it, go for it. I can see myself in a couple years re reading this one as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Avid Bookivore.
92 reviews12 followers
June 4, 2018
My Lady Captor is a delectably, head-spinning tale about Lady Sorcha Hay and Sir Ruari Kerr playing the intense and furious game of kidnapping...which could possibly lead them crashing headfirst into a captivating snare of love. Only, someone else has their eye's on the prize that is Sorcha. And they are hell-bent on getting their way and causing some trouble.
I loved how both character's were headstrong and weren't completely bloodthirsty in their revenge, as it was based solely on feelings. I find that it's rare to have the hero and the heroine with strong opinions, yet they don't take away from each other and they aren't portrayed as being cocky or snobby. This factor made My Lady Captor much more enjoyable to read. Oh, and Neil! Loved her to the moon and back!
The negatives about this book are that the author did quite a lot of kidnapping. It was a bit of a head-spin for me. Also, Sorcha's brother wasn't to my liking at all. He seemed a bit weak for a Laird. He was so headstrong about Sorcha and Rauri, then at the end, he just gives up. And last but not least, I felt that Sorcha's cousin, Elis, was insignificant during most of the book, until the end. I wanted to reach through and pull her out of her selfishness. I felt that Sorcha should've been elected the Laird.
I've read plenty of Hannah Howell's novels and she is one of my favorite author's, but some of the character's in this book made it difficult to like. However, the plot kept me intrigued and entertained.
I would recommend this book to romance readers who love a whirlwind love story.
Profile Image for Sportochick.
623 reviews13 followers
April 3, 2018
Visit my blog for more reviews: Sportochick's Musings

I am never disappointed when I read books by author Hannah Howell. Once again she spins a dynamic story to keep the reader enthralled but even better was the humor that is interjected throughout this book.

Sorcha and her family hide out in the Scottish wilds so people won't judge them but honestly I'd love to spend some time with them and all their idiosyncrasies. I was thoroughly entertained by her clans lives, secrets and how she was dealing with Ruari Kerr for getting her ransom. Honor is such an interesting thing and this book deals with having and losing honor and how to get it back.

Poor Ruari Kerr, first he is left for dead on the battlefield and then he has to deal with Sorcha's very weird family. I think the author did an amazing job of expressing his anger and frustration while he starts to care for Sorcha.

How this story restores honor caused me to chuckle and honestly I think everyone should read this book as there is drama as well as humor. I give this 5 STARS for being so well written.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Profile Image for Andrea.
157 reviews2 followers
April 1, 2018
This a re-issued edition, originally released in 1996.
While searching for her brother Dougal in a battlefield, Lady Sorcha finds another knight instead, Sir Ruari Kerr. Sorcha and her cousin save him and take him to their castle to help him heal from his wounds.
Upon knowing that Dougal was taken captive by the enemy, and without money or any means to rescue her brother, Sorcha decides to demand a ramson from Sir Ruari's family. But she also has to fight her attraction to him, whilst he has to learn to deal with some "pecularities" of the lady's family, especially the ones related to a curse.
I'm glad I could read this re-issue as I missed when it was released some time ago. The plot, with some twists, is interesting and I liked the way how Sorcha has to manage so much responsibility in a time women were seen only as chattel..
*This a voluntary review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Profile Image for Carly.
Author 1 book106 followers
April 1, 2018
This is an older romance that appears to be getting a re-pub, and it was definitely a case of "right book, right time" for me (meaning, I'm not so sure some of the story devices would've worked as well for me if I hadn't been in the right mindset to enjoy them). This reads like an old-school romance at times (i.e. a little manhandling), but the rapport between the lead and the hero was entertaining and I appreciated that most of the time, Sorcha gives as good as she gets in terms of kicking ass and making her own decisions. If you're wondering whether or not this book is for you there is, in no particular order: a heroine who can see ghosts, a series of kidnappings (and reverse kidnappings), a lot of silly snarking and a clan that's basically run by women. Overall, a fun Highland romance read!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Debra.
3,467 reviews13 followers
October 17, 2019
Lady Sorcha Hay flew to the battle field in order to get her brother back to their keep. But arriving too late she and her cousin search for his body. After coming across two wounded Scotsman they take them home. She knows that her brother was captured and will be held for ransom. Not having any money she devises a plan to hold these two men for ransom from their families to pay for her brothers. This story had me laughing out loud several times. They the Hay clan are an unusual set of people. The women there are eclectic in personalities. There is a rumor that they were cursed. Wont say much more there. Sir Ruari Kerr is the knight that she has taken. He was enthralled by her and her knowledge of things only men should know. But that all changes when he realizes that he is now her prisoner. They play games with each other. Even after he is ransomed. But no happy ending. At least at first. He must get over his anger of her keeping him prisoner.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
March 24, 2018
My Lady Captor by Hannah Howell is the story of Lady Sorcha Hay and Sir Ruari Kerr.
This book was first released in the 90's but I am just now reading it after the re-release
Sorcha is just trying to get her brother back after he was taken and with no money or real connections she thinks to take a hostage to barter with for ransom. Ruari is has been hurt in battle to being taken by Sorcha wasn't that hard for her. But Ruari doesn't want to be her hostage even though she is everything that he dreamed about in a women. Fighting his feelings is becoming harder each day. Sorcha too is becoming attached to Ruari with each day she takes care of him but she has to help her brother...but can they find a mutual place to stand so they can be together?
Really enjoyed this story!
Profile Image for Margaret Sholders.
1,121 reviews12 followers
March 30, 2018
Hannah has done it again. She has taken a dark book and bring the sun into it. She has given us a real read! Sorcha Hay and her cousin are looking in a field to find coins to be able ransom her brother. They find Sir Ruari Kerr and Beatham. From here on, fighting is all on how they win or lose. Ruari is the Laird of his clan and is very rich. Dougal is Laird of Sorcha's clan and have no money. Her Clan had a curse on their clan. It isn't a Highlands story with out ghosts! They go back and forth with their scrambling. There are a lot of areas to see who is going to win. Check this book to see if you like it. (You will!)Pick your side to watch. You will be needing tissues here and there. I hope you will enjoy this book! Now wait for the next book!
478 reviews4 followers
July 8, 2018
Another great story from Hanna Howell. I read this book in print so many years ago, I forgot the story. What a treat to reread. I can say without a doubt I have never read one of Her books I have not loved and I have read most of them. Her characters are strong, likeable, and have depth. Sorcha and Ruari 's story is good with intrigue, villains, romance, and a good dose of humor. They are also side stories between other Hays and Kerrs that keep the conclusion uncertain until late in the storyline. A must read for anyone who love Scottish tales. I received this eBook from NetGalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for bookaholic ge.
798 reviews12 followers
April 26, 2018
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book

I absolutely loved this book. It was so funny, there were moments that I bust out laughing. Hannah Howell did a great job creating these characters because they are so loveable.

Lady Sorcha Hay is willing to do anything to get her brother back...even if it means kidnapping the tall and handsome Sir Ruari Kerr

What started as a rescue mission quickly turned into a kidnapping. The real question is will it eventually turn into love? Read and find out!
Profile Image for Brandee (un)Conventional Bookworms.
1,482 reviews157 followers
November 14, 2018
Sometimes you just need a good Highlander story and I adored Sorcha and Ruari's! Howell is a new-to-me author (thanks Renee @Addicted to Romance!) and I'll be reading more from her. She delivered an exciting tale with a brilliantly crafted set of characters. Sorcha's fire and Ruari's stubbornness kept me listening as often as I could. Ruth Urquhart's narration conveyed every emotion AND she managed consistent, distinct voices for a rather large cast. I'll be listening to her again. :)

RTC
Profile Image for Alisa  Jenkins.
643 reviews53 followers
March 28, 2018
Enjoyed this book. However, at some moments the story was a little slow.
But still a great read, overall.
More than just a few laugh at loud moments.
I do highly recommend this book!!!

*I received my copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Lindsey Lewis.
Author 3 books11 followers
March 23, 2025
I'm so glad I picked up this book! 🤩 The cover totally caught my eye, and I haven't been able to put it down. It pulled me right out of a reading slump, which is amazing. I'm loving every minute of it and just had to share. 📖
Profile Image for Crystal.
245 reviews5 followers
January 15, 2019
I enjoyed the story immensely. There were even a few giggles here and there. The angst at the end could have been dispensed with, but overall, a good read.
Profile Image for Hayzbaw.
280 reviews
September 3, 2020
Not quiet as good as her other historical romances and I have read them all. Is this the beginning of a new series? I can see potential but this book didn't meet my expectations
409 reviews
October 12, 2025
Good book. Sorcha and Ruari story feature a total of three romances. I enjoy each couple's story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.