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Book Review-Captive by Heather Graham

by | Apr 23, 2016 | Book Reviews | 6 comments

Book Review-Captive by Heather Graham

Book Review-Captive by Heather GrahamCaptive by Heather Graham
Series: Florida Civil War #2
Published by Topaz on August 1st 1996
Genres: Historical Romance, Civil War Era, Native American
Narrator: George Guidall
Length: 16 Hours
Pages: 450
Format: Audiobook
Source: Self Purchased
ISBN: 0451406877
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four-stars

New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham delivers the thrilling story of a sheltered Virginia belle who loses her heart to a fiercely handsome Seminole half-breed in the wild beauty of the Florida Territory. A raging Indian war threatens to keep Teela Warren and James McKenzie apart--will their love survive the battle?

My Review Updated

Summary 

Teela Warren and James Mackenzie, once were friends when they were mere children, even though Teela knew it was forbidden. Her step father, Major Michael Warren, despises Indians and is doing everything he can to exterminate them. Teela has been summoned home, to marry a man her step father has in mind of her. Not that Teela has any plans in agreeing. When she arrives in Florida, she is picked up by Jarret Mackenzie (Jame’s half brother). He takes her to his plantation home, safe from the military and the indians. Its considered neutral territory. Teela comes face to face with none other than James Mackenzie once again. A man she once cared deeply for but circumstances led them apart. James is full of anger especially when coming face to face with Warren’s daughter. He knows that he can never have her. But as the war between the military and the native american’s builds in intensity, so does the passion between James and Teela. Their love is caught up in a horrible war of death, mutilation and cruelty. But in the wilds of the Florida Territoy they find a love worth fighting for.

The Hero 

James Mackenzie AKA Running Bear, is half seminole and and half white. His father married a indian and loved her. James has worked hard to bring a peace between the two warring people, James is divided, and at times he is tested in the worst ways. He doesn’t feel like he belongs in the world of the whites, with their drawing rooms and parties and uncomfortable clothing. He feels more at home in the wilds, in his mocassins. James has turned into a cynical and bitter man, when his wife and one of his daughters were killed as a result of a raid. Now he has one daughter left and leaves her with his brother, since he won’t risk losing her too. James is a character, that takes a while to know and love. He is very alpha, cynical in many ways but is a fighter for a people that have been brutalized in the worst ways. He is determined and strong and passionate.

The Heroine 

Teela Warren, hasn’t had the typical southern belle upbringing that many would expect. When her mother married Michael Warren, her life went from good to worse. He didn’t hesitate to show her the consequences of breaking the rules of his house with his fists. Despite his influence, Teela has grown up with courage and a fightiing spirit. She doesn’t let what he does influence her goals for life or for herself. When she comes cross James again, she is torn in two. Because she has always cared deeply for him and has no idea how they can make anything work. Their love is forbidden, but Teela is willing to fight along side the man she loves for the people he defends. Teela is very spirited and courageous, but she can also make rash decisions without thinking, which gives her the vibe of being foolish at times. But you also see a beautiful strength this woman has and is such a good match for James.

Plot and Story Line 

Captive is the second book in this family saga. Now this is the first book I have read in the series, and I can tell you I have been wanting to pick up these books FOREVER!!! Ever since I discovered this author’s historical’s many years ago, I fell in love with her style of writing. Now I first want to put out this is NOT for everyone. It is angst and some high levels at times, but what is so spectacular about this story that really wrapped me up was the historical details. Man is Heather Graham brilliant with bringing this events to life and so accurately too!! I didn’t know much about the Florida civil war, or what the Seminole have suffered. I only knew minor details. Heather Graham is from Florida, and she definitely researched very well for this book. It can be heart wrenching to read a story like this, because of the setting. Its a war setting, literally. This is right before the civil war between the states. The military of the United States, are being more determined to get the seminole out of Florida and out west. But the Seminole are a stubborn people, this is their home and they fight with it even in the blood of their warriors, women and children. What was the hardest to get through with this story was the brutality against the women and most especially children. (think babies heads bashed in) that is how brutal the military was. We have our main villain Michael Warren, now he is one piece of work. He is pretty much the insigator of the brutality against the Seminole. Who only want to survive and not leave the wilds of Florida. But Warren is determined to exterminate them in awful ways. We also see another danger with Teela and James being together. Because Teela is Warren’s daughter and to many of the Seminole, she is their enemy too. So we have that added dilemma in addition to everything else going on. But there is still some silver linings that happen too. There are moments between James and Teela that are light and fun and once they get past their issues, their bond thrives. My favorite part was when they spend some time together in the wilds of Florida, hidden away. Making love, swimming together and enjoying what little peace they can find. We also get some unique characters added in. I really liked James’ brother and sister in law (who are the MC of the first book). They do what they can to stay neutral, but still help James and Teela when they are needed most.  I loved the way Heather Graham swept me away in this epic love story of two lovers who face insurmountable odds and conquer in the end!!

The Cover 

I  absolutely adore GREEN!! And the cover really gives off the right atmosphere for the story. Love the pelican.

Overall View

Captive is a feiry and sensual romance that takes you on an adventure through the wilds of Florida, to passion and desire, epic and a love to fight for!!! SWEEPS YOU AWAY!

Series Order (2)

About The Author Updated

About Heather Graham

Also published as Heather Graham Pozzessere and Shannon Drake.

New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.

Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.

She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.

Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.

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6 Comments

  1. kimbacaffeinate

    You know I love Graham and I have only read her romantic suspense. I did try some contemporary holiday novellas that fizzled for me, but wholly cow I am loving the sound of this family saga. The setting is awesome.

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      I am complete opposite, I have only read her historical’s. Although I have been wanting to pick one up, she is so talented. But yeah the setting is amazing and she probably did years of research for this series.

      Reply
  2. Ann Lorz

    I haven’t read a book by her in so long. I really should pull something of hers off the shelf!

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      oh yes, you should!! I always loved her pirates and vikings she did. I do need to try out some of her romantic suspense sometime.

      Reply
  3. Blodeuedd

    Hmm, have I read her? Dunno

    Reply
  4. Sophia Rose

    Well, well, well…you’ve got me sold on this series. Family saga, Seminoles, forbidden romance- I’m there. 🙂

    Reply

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