ENGROSSING, PASSIONATE & INCREDIBLY EXQUISITE READ

What did you love best about His Captive Bride?

HIS CAPTIVE BRIDE by Shelly Thacker is a wonderfully erotic historical novel featuring SEXY Vikings. an idyllic island, heartbreaking romance, danger, intrigue, adventure and action. It's the third book in Shelly's Stolen Brides series, but each one is a standalone with no interconnected characters so they do not need to be read in order.
The story and the characters drew me in from the beginning. Our heroine, Lady Avril de Varennes, is a widow with a three year old daughter, Gisele. Years after her husband's untimely death, Avril is still mourning his death. She is preparing to attend another friend's wedding being held a few days' journey away in Antwerp.
Leaving her daughter in the care of her brother-in-law and his wife and, promising to be back soon, Avril sets out on her trip. Arriving early, she and her companion enjoy a full day of shopping until her friend is stolen right in front of Avril. As Avril defends her friend, she finds that her own life is in danger.
We are introduced to Hauk Valbrand, our hero, a handsome Viking warrior, at the helm of his ship heading to Antwerp. Every thirty years, as is their established tradition, the unattached men of his isle who desire a bride, embark on a six-day journey to capture a bride. Hawk, himself, is not seeking a bride. He is making the journey only to supervise the wife-seekers and to ensure that all goes well. His gallantry, though, interferes and in saving a woman from certain death, he saddles himself with a bride. Poor Hauk. Now he not only has a very reluctant wife, but she is also stubbornly adamant that she must return home to her daughter. What Avril doesn't know is that Asgard is an uncharted island like no other, sheltering untold mysteries, shrouded in mist and hidden from the world.
The chemistry between Avril and Hauk is erotic and electric. I appreciate that Shelly's characters in this whole series do not find instant love, but they all experience a slow romantic progression that I absolutely inhaled.

What other book might you compare His Captive Bride to and why?

Any of the books in this fantastic series, of course. Going back in time, I would compare three books by Kathleen Woodiwiss to this series: The Flame and The Flower, Shanna AND The Wolf and the Dove. Each of the Woodiwiss books I mentioned, involve a captive of sorts and a doomed love.

What does Julia Motyka bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I have become a huge fan of Julia Motyka's narration. After hearing her narration in HIS FORBIDDEN TOUCH, the second book in this series, I was excited to listen to her again and she did not disappoint. IF you like to be sedately read to, you should find a different audible. Julia is a performer, not just a reader, and I find myself hanging on to her every word. She inserts pauses and changes her voice exactly as is needed. I can't imagine any other narrator with these books. I plan to seek out other audios that Julia has narrated as I enjoy her style of narration so much.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I thought the following was a novel and brilliant idea that any parent would appreciate to help their child cope with a parent being gone for short periods. Avril has baked ten sweet rolls for Gisele and instructed her to eat one each day. When Gisele has finished the last treat, she will know that her mother should be back home with her.

Any additional comments?

As a teaser, here are just a couple of my favorite quotes from this book.

“At least reindeer kisses do not cause me to take leave of my senses.”

“Would a dead man touch you like this?”

Shelly's writing, as always, is exceptional. Her words flow effortlessly and her plots are well defined. Her characters are well-drawn and realistic even when combined with the fantasy elements within this book.

HIS CAPTIVE BRIDE combines historical romance with Viking lore and elements of fantasy to render a story that I didn't want to ever end. The ending, while highly satisfying, came too soon. I highly recommend every one of the books in this series as PERFECT escape reads.
Now, I must find Asgard and these Vikings that need women... I want a HAUK for my own! Take me to Asgard please!

My full review has been posted to Reading Between the Wines Book Club. Check it out there!

3 people found this helpful

Yummy Historical!

What made the experience of listening to His Captive Bride the most enjoyable?

I was taken away by the whole captive of a Viking angle. Sometimes a gal just has to go with that fantasy!!

Have you listened to any of Julia Motyka’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have listened to her throughout the series and really enjoyed her tone and pace. She has very distinct voices that are consistent throughout. I would definitely look for more of her work in the future!! She can only get better with time!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I always get choked up at the end when they confess their feelings!! It is the key moment for me!

2 people found this helpful

I was surprised to find I really enjoyed this book

What did you love best about His Captive Bride?

Normally I don't care for fluff romances, but this was interesting. You really should think about what you would do in her place. The man you love or your 3 year old daughter, or live forever or die normally. The story covers an island that the inhabitants live forever but can only leave the island for six days. Living forever that's a scary thought. Anyway, Its a good listen and has good sexually intense scenes along with morals.

2 people found this helpful

Wonderful Fantasy Romance

What made the experience of listening to His Captive Bride the most enjoyable?

Julia is tremendous as a story teller. The oral tradition is endemic in my country of Trinidad and Tobago. Also, I grew up in an era of listening to radio serials with no television. Julia is so evocative of the various nuances of the many characters and she brings them to life. I enjoy listening to her rendering of the various voices as she narrates, she pulls you in to the book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hauk was my favourite. Strong personality, yet gentle and tender, caring for his 'captive bride' He is revealed gradually as a loving and romantic character and I loved how he watched over Avril keeping her safe and standing up for her at the appropriate time.

As the story progresses with much adventure, danger, and so many secrets, Hauk's heart is drawn to Avril's and ultimately she begins to respond to his love and care and her heart opens to him, even though still planning her escape to go to her daughter.

Have you listened to any of Julia Motyka’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes I have have listened to other narrations by Julia and I am a fan. She is just fantastic at story telling. Favorably compares with other performances by her.

Any additional comments?

At first, I felt that the story may have ended too abruptly. . . . but then again this is fantasy. On reflection, having read the whole story and re-reading parts leading up to the ending, noting the building of Avril and Hauk's relationship and the tenderness and love generated, I realized that you don't need to have it all revealed as you can fantasize and create your own endings to this romantic excursion into fantasy land. In your own mind, an exciting life for Hauk, Avril, and Giselle is guaranteed. Lovely, lovely!

Great work Shelly, keep it up.

4 people found this helpful

loved it

Stunning and excitement at every turn. captivating characters and story line. a good read definitely

1 person found this helpful

an amazing book

wonderful, I would read it again. kept my interest the whole story. the characters were amazing very good story line.

1 person found this helpful

Interesting premise of a hidden island

These days it is hard to imagine there could be a hidden island that no one could find but in times past it could have happened. The story is a good one with a happy ending for everyone important.

1 person found this helpful

True love has no boundaries

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I highly recommend this book. This is truly one of the most beautiful love stories I've ever read (via audible).

What was one of the most memorable moments of His Captive Bride?

I don't give spoilers to story's. I believe the love, tenderness and sensuality is beautiful in this story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This story will make you smile and bring tears to your eyes. I listened to the audio version and could not take the ear buds from my ears. I didn't want anyone to interrupt the enjoyment of this book.

Any additional comments?

A must read.

3 people found this helpful

Masterful Storytelling

I'm a longtime Shelly Thacker fan, and couldn't be happier to see her riveting stories coming out in audio. I love her knack for delivering sigh-inducing romance and breath-stealing action. Julia Motyka was the perfect narrator. Her performance added to the emotional impact of an already great story.

3 people found this helpful

My favorite from the stolen bride series

This series is my introduction to the author, and I will for sure continue reading/listening to her books. Her stories are so captivating that it is so hard to put the book down. The narrator did a splendid job also!