An Outlaw's Captive

by Xander Tracy

A desperate outlaw, a captive in chains, and a collision course between two different worlds...

When the man known as the Outlaw Wolf kidnaps Randall Degarre, the son of a general, in a daring night raid, he gets far more than he bargained for. Alan Gyard is a freedom fighter, battling the king's corrupt forces as they raze villages and displace peasants in his homeland. His brother is held in prison by the king, and the blue-eyed warrior is determined to trade Randall for his release. But he soon learns his captive isn't the monster he first believes. In fact, his handsome, intelligent prisoner doesn't seem to know anything about the crimes committed by the king's forces. And it's becoming harder and harder for Alan to deny his attraction to Randall and keep his hands—and his lips—to himself...

Randall Degarre might be the son of a famous general, but his father takes no pride in him, believing his son isn't a true warrior. As a lieutenant, Randall's responsible for supplies and provisions for the men, but once he's kidnapped by the outlaw feared by his fellow soldiers, his eyes are suddenly opened to a new world. It soon becomes clear Randall has much to learn about truth, war...and love. But all is not lost, as Alan might be the perfect man to teach him what it means to finally open his heart.

Reader note: contains MM fantasy romance themes including male male love

Genres: Historical, M M Romance, Fantasy, Military Fiction

152 pages, Paperback

First published October 16, 2018

About the author

A King's Rival was Xander Tracy's first book, followed by A King's Vow, A Prince's Hostage, A Knight's Exile, An Outlaw's Captive, and A Warrior's Choice. Xander lives in Florida and loves the sun and warm winters. Look for more M/M Fantasy Romance novels to come!

Reviews

[Bluebelle-the-Inquisitive (Catherine)]

It was like something out of a street play, all duels and daring and damsels. Randall refused to be cast as a damsel in his own life, damn it. He would escape, or he would die trying. That was all there was to it. - Randall Deguarre

“Speaking as a fighter for freedom to an invading soldier, it’s what’s best for our land. I think it might be what’s best for you too, though. You don’t like violence.”
“Who does?” ...
“Very many people. When violence is the only distraction you have from toil, I think it becomes second nature.” - Jeanna and Randall

This was my first Xander Tracy novel but it probably won't be my last. It is a quick and fun read. Predictable but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The writing made me want to keep reading, the quote about violence quote was impressive. The central characters weren't overly engaging but they are likeable. Alan is a brilliant rogue, he's doing bad things for the right reasons. Randall's naivety is endearing.

I remember reading a quote in the dedication of Kidnapped by the Pirate by Kiera Andrews. "I grew up reading bodice-rippers in the ’80s, and this book is my loving homage to those deliciously tropey tales of pirates, virgins, and swashbuckling on the high seas.", Kidnapped by the Pirate was her homage to those books. This book reminds me of those as well of the feel of that excitement and changed minds.

My reading experience in a gif:

[Fenrir]

A writer afraid of layers

In About the Author it reads Xander […] is afraid of driving in the snow. That’s exactly how (s)he writes. You know what the trouble is with driving in the snow? You never know the layers underneath the powdery white: Is it solid and will grip? Is there ice and we will skid at a moment’s inattention? Will the car go in the direction I want it to? Will the tail overtake the front? Driving in the snow can be a nerve-wracking, sitting-on-the-edge-of-your-seat, gritting-your-teeth experience.

So yes, the author doesn’t like that kind of experience. There is only one layer in this book. Everything is as it seems, simple and a bit boring. If you like your men in 2D and undemanding, Randall and Alan are your poison. Can be pleasant, but certainly doesn’t compare to Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat (talking layers here, obviously the themes are a bit different so be careful if you follow this up).

[Nic]

Short

This was a short quick read. A story about one character trying to lead his people to safety and save their lands and their lives from the evils of the army and king. Another is General of said army's son - who received no attention of affection from his father. He thought they were doing good work until he met the bandits and saw evidence of destruction and murder committed by the army. He must decide what he should do.

[Kathy]

Short and sweet

Short and sweet. An easy read, sexy with consent, two characters from opposite sides of a conflict getting to know each other. Not entirely believable how quickly they fall for each other on how quickly Randall switches sides, but enjoyable.

[JoAnn]

Meh.... I’ve been eye balling several of this authors books for a little while now but haven’t jumped the gun until the spur of the moment when I grabbed this one.

The premise of the book was great. A lieutenant that’s been abducted from his military camp by outlaws for the purpose of bargaining.


Spoilerish below....





The actual facts of the books are the military are the bad guys, the lieutenant is naive and to stupid to live, the outlaws are the good guys that are trying to save their people and all the drama in the books gets wrapped in a nice and pretty bow without a whole lot of depth. There is so much emphasis on our lieutenants father being an awful man, and when we meet him he’s just there... In fact the only character with decent depth is our outlaw names Alan.

My big peeve with the book is the time period was not well defined. It reads as a historical but one minute were calling a condom a condom and the next we’re calling it a sheath...

Anywho, in the end I still did enjoy the read and will probably, maybe, snag another one from this author.

[bookworm594]

The story was good, the characters vivid and interesting-- right up until the main characters started having sex. There was only a little bit of story left at that point (apparently the last 15% of the book is advertising for other books).
The sex / description thereof adds nothing to the plot but seems to be of great interest to the author.
We get introduced to the characters, we come to like them, we get alliances straightened out, and now we are ready to take action as conscience demands--- and that is apparently a good place to end the book.

I don't know why I keep trying this author's books. The rising action and world building is always excellent, but there is no follow through. It is as though the author looses intrest in the story once the characters have sex.

I would have liked to see our hero welcomed back into camp and starting to put his undervalued skills to work... but apparently that is less important than having sex again (which must be described in detail, while future contributions are addressed via a casual comment or two)...
Sigh...

[Michael Joseph]

Read my full review of “An Outlaw's Captive” at my web site.