Rating: 
Summary: Completely Engrossing
Review: I started this book one night right before my bedtime, figuring it at least would give me something to do, and wound up reading until four in morning! I found CAPTIVES to be completely engrossing--really one of the best romances I've ever read.The Comte d'Esmond is one of those dark, dangerous, and romantic types (think Heathcliffe or Rochester from the Bronte novels), looking for redemption for past sins. The heroine is Leila Beaumont, another very fascinating character who is strong, tough, and intelligent--but also very passionate and kind--and Chase does an excellent job of showing us the different facets of her personality. The plot is also excellent: Leila and Esmond are trying to discover who killed her husband, and since he was a reeeally nasty character, the list of suspects includes just about everyone they know. It's a mystery that is more well-written than those in most mystery novels I've read, and I kept guessing until the end who the killer was, just as Leila and Esmond were. CAPTIVES OF THE NIGHT is not like LORD OF SCOUNDRELS, with a lot of "cute" scenes--it's not a book that tells its story scene by scene; rather, it unravels, revealing the secrets of the characters line by line, pulling you into their world. By the end of this novel, I felt like I knew Leila and Esmond personally, and I was EXTREMELY happy that I had bought this book. I would even consider buying it in hardcover, it was that good. CAPTIVES OF THE NIGHT is, well... captivating.
Rating:
Summary: Completely Engrossing
Review: I started this book one night right before my bedtime, figuring it at least would give me something to do, and wound up reading until four in morning! I found CAPTIVES to be completely engrossing--really one of the best romances I've ever read. The Comte d'Esmond is one of those dark, dangerous, and romantic types (think Heathcliffe or Rochester from the Bronte novels), looking for redemption for past sins. The heroine is Leila Beaumont, another very fascinating character who is strong, tough, and intelligent--but also very passionate and kind--and Chase does an excellent job of showing us the different facets of her personality. The plot is also excellent: Leila and Esmond are trying to discover who killed her husband, and since he was a reeeally nasty character, the list of suspects includes just about everyone they know. It's a mystery that is more well-written than those in most mystery novels I've read, and I kept guessing until the end who the killer was, just as Leila and Esmond were. CAPTIVES OF THE NIGHT is not like LORD OF SCOUNDRELS, with a lot of "cute" scenes--it's not a book that tells its story scene by scene; rather, it unravels, revealing the secrets of the characters line by line, pulling you into their world. By the end of this novel, I felt like I knew Leila and Esmond personally, and I was EXTREMELY happy that I had bought this book. I would even consider buying it in hardcover, it was that good. CAPTIVES OF THE NIGHT is, well... captivating.
Rating: 
Summary: Good book
Review: One of Chase's other books contained a reference to the characters in this one. She said something to the effect of, "the husband lusts after d'Esmond, who's after the wife, who only wants to be left alone to paint". Right then, I wanted to read about Leila and d'Esmond, and Chase didn't disappoint with their appearance here.
Rating:
Summary: THE MOST SENSUOUS & EROTIC THRILL RIDE FROM MS. CHASE.......
Review: The scalding HOT sexual tension virtually burned a hole thru' the pages. The murder web is relentlessly spun with unexpected twists & turns that at times it felt like reading an Agatha Christie - the longer, romantic version. Unless you're an antecedent of the likes of Poirot & Holmes, you'll be left awestruck by the stunning ending. I confess that of 7 Chase novels that I've devoured so far, this one is the most remarkable. No, my sides didn't hurt quite like when I read her other hysterically funny efforts. The only humor you'll find here is when the mighty Dowager (from THE LION'S DAUGHTER) shows up to wreak havoc on those happen to be in the vicinity. After I read the prequel, I understood more how the dashing, cool Esmond became the man that He was. He's my 1st golden-haired perfection that I fell in love with (dark-haired rogues were more attractive before he came along). I truly wish Ms Chase would be so kind as to write another book that'll give me a glimpse of Esmond & Leila. How beautiful their children must be, having a fiery temptress as a mother & an electrifying knock-out as a father. But then again, I need to get a life =P ; )
Rating:
Summary: THE MOST SENSUOUS & EROTIC THRILL RIDE FROM MS. CHASE.......
Review: The scalding HOT sexual tension virtually burned a hole thru' the pages. The murder web is relentlessly spun with unexpected twists & turns that at times it felt like reading an Agatha Christie - the longer, romantic version. Unless you're an antecedent of the likes of Poirot & Holmes, you'll be left awestruck by the stunning ending. I confess that of 7 Chase novels that I've devoured so far, this one is the most remarkable. No, my sides didn't hurt quite like when I read her other hysterically funny efforts. The only humor you'll find here is when the mighty Dowager (from THE LION'S DAUGHTER) shows up to wreak havoc on those happen to be in the vicinity. After I read the prequel, I understood more how the dashing, cool Esmond became the man that He was. He's my 1st golden-haired perfection that I fell in love with (dark-haired rogues were more attractive before he came along). I truly wish Ms Chase would be so kind as to write another book that'll give me a glimpse of Esmond & Leila. How beautiful their children must be, having a fiery temptress as a mother & an electrifying knock-out as a father. But then again, I need to get a life =P ; )
Rating:
Summary: A unique and wonderful novel! Lorretta Chase is the best.
Review: This book is a sequel to the Lion's Daughter, where the Comte D'Esmond portrays the villian. He was such a good villian that I found myself rooting against him in the Lion's Daughter. Now in Captives of the Night, the boy Ismael returns as the sauve aritocrat Comte D'Esmond. He is the detective that is to prove or disprove that Leila murdered her husband. The reader knows that both characters have an entertwined past that neither character is aware of. Please read the Lion's Daughter also, you'll have a better understanding of Ismaels past crimes if you do. Both of these are wonderful novels. The never put down kind and potential keepers.
Rating:
Summary: Magnificent!
Review: This book is complex, rich, unusual, and peopled with fantastic characters. I loved Leila and Esmond/Ismal. If you're looking for a change of pace from the usual historical romance, do give this book a try. Leila is strong, temperamental, sexually experienced, and intelligent...oh, such a wonderful change from the clueless, naïve virgins. Esmond is both hero and villain, wonderfully dark and light--not at all an easy character to pull off, but the author does it with power and elan. The mystery is also excellent, and had me guessing again and again. It's refreshing to read a book where everything isn't painted in black and white, and where the hero isn't even English. The sexual tension just sizzles and the love scenes are both erotic and tense and poignant. I wish there were more books like this!
Rating:
Summary: From villain to hero.
Review: Very few authors make their previous villains into heroes and Lorreta Chase does a wonderful job of turning a dastardly villain into a hero to die for. The Comte d'Esmond has become a human being where the reader of the Lion's Bride could find little humanity in the boy Ismael. I have since read this book several times. Even when I lost my copy I went out of my way to buy another one.
|
