Friday, March 25, 2011

Review: CAPTIVE by Christina Phillips

Forbidden #2
Historical Romance (Roman Empire)

Berkley Heat by Penguin Group (USA)
322 Pages

Available Now

Seeking revenge against the Romans, Morwyn leaves her fellow Druids to join a band of rebels. But before she reaches her destination, she is captured by the enemy. Soon she finds herself struggling to resist her desires from a dangerous, yet alluring Gaul mercenary. The longer she is in his company, the harder it is for her remember her wish to escape.

Brennus infiltrated the Roman Legion three years ago, and continues to seek the best way to destroy his enemies. Saving the ravishing Celt from his fellow soldiers, he vows to make her succumb to their passion. He cannot allow her to know he is not the enemy she believes, knowing he must continue his facade. Yet the more time they are together, he finds the ice in his heart melting bit by bit.

With her beliefs shaken, Morwyn in no way wishes to please her Goddess, but has her Goddess relinquished her, or is she leading her along her true path?


*****

Christina Phillips weaves a fascinating tale with an intricate setting and powerful characters, intertwining the deep emotional turmoil of guilt, hatred and searing passions in her latest erotic historical romance, CAPTIVE. I loved finding a historical romance that took place somewhere other than England's ballrooms. I've been craving a different setting and Ms. Phillips definitely satisfied that want, with her rich details of the Roman invasion of Britain.


I loved how Bren and Morwyn were able to move into a relationship, with so much against them. There was little reason for them to trust each other, yet they found themselves wanting to believe the best in each other. I found it interesting how Morwyn twisted her desire into an acceptable penalty to her shaken faith, while she tried to keep her heart out of it, she didn't quite succeed. But then again, neither did Bren, who fought a guilt as strong as hers. The passion between them was scorching hot, and I felt Ms. Phillips did a great job creating sizzling scenes that never seemed to get lost in over-the-top prose.


The struggle of the war being fought around them was not lost in the story, as Bren and Morwyn both had loyalties and promises they needed to fulfill. I like that neither were willing to give up their cause, even if unbeknownst to them it was for the same side.


I would have liked to have seen Morwyn fulfill her promise to Carys, though I was happy to get a glimpse of Carys and Maximus and their future. I am  definitely looking for more of the Forbidden series, I hope it won't be too long until the next book is published.
 
Rating 4.5 / 5
 

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