His Captive Lady
Anne Gracie
Berkley, Sep 2008, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425223246

In 1817 after spending eight years as a Devil Rider during the war, Harry Morant says to himself he no longer cares whether he is accepted by the Ton or not; he knows his acceptance has been limited to the bedroom in spite of his biological father being an Earl. Still he buys a run down estate with plans of turning it into a horse breeding operation. He also plans to find some shallow person to marry.

On his trek in heavy rain, he meets Nell Freymore who is traveling to her family's estate. Being a gentleman, albeit an illegitimate one, he gives her his hat and gloves to protect her from the inclement weather. They meet again at his estate as Nell learns that with her father's death, her family sold the property to Harry. As she searches for her missing child, Harry wants her by his side so he holds her as his prisoner. As they fall in love, he vows to find her daughter Torie.

The storyline has been told a zillion times, yet Ann Gracie makes it seem as if this is the first time as 'His Captive Lady' is a fresh Regency romance. Harry and Nell are fascinating protagonists as both are brave, obstinate, and disgusted to be in love. Fans will enjoy the second Devil Rider historical romance (see 'The Stolen Princess) as she may be 'His Captive Lady' but he is her captive lord if he has any say in the matter.

Harriet Klausner