Devon’s review of His Captive Lady (The Devil Riders, Book 2) by Anne Gracie
Historical Romance released by Berkley 2 Sep 08

This is yet another book which caught my attention because it had a bastard hero. I’m so predictable. Being the illegitimate offspring of the nobility, in a society that places so much emphasis on bloodline…it has interesting implications. One foot in, one out, and all that. I’m a sucker for the underdog and the outsider. And it didn’t hurt that Anne Gracie has received some good buzz. I’m glad I indulged my fondness for bastards, because this was a lovely read: romantic, sensual, and poignant.

Harry Morant is the illegitimate son of an Earl and a housemaid. After the maid was married off to the village blacksmith, she and Harry had a number of difficult years until she passed away. Luckily Harry was taken in by a kindly couple, and later, the Earl’s aunt. After years in the military, and armed with an inheritance, Harry wants nothing more than to buy a place to work on his horse breeding endeavors and practical marriage. And then he meets a bedraggled woman sitting on a cart in the rain.

They later cross paths, at the estate Harry wants to buy, which was the woman’s family home. Lady Helen Freymore has lost everything due to her father’s gambling. You can really feel how alone she is, how awful a position she is in. But Nell’s incredible strength, intelligence and even humor shine through. She is very resilient, and I loved her. She doesn’t know what to make of Harry’s intense interest and neither does Harry. He knows he wants her, but why?

I could have told him, but oh well. Harry’s lack of self-awareness made me a bit nutty at times, but how could you not adore a gorgeous bastard hero (with a limp, no less) who will do anything to win his lady? Nell has a secret, one which could definitely jeopardize any future with Harry. This secret is nothing terribly surprising to romance readers, but instead of going down the path to Big Secrets and Misunderstandings, Ms. Gracie chose to have Nell come clean. It gives them an opportunity to get to know each other more deeply, and for Harry to prove himself worthy (in his own mind).

These were two great characters who had been through much, and come through it well. It’s like they recognize each other as kindred spirits, and that each is worthy of the other. (Though silly Harry doesn’t quite get it at first). The attraction between them is vivid, and I both laughed and got teary at moments. The supporting cast is full of interesting folks. I was a bit skeptical that everybody would be so accepting of Nell and Harry, but I let it slide. I’m looking forward to the next two books in the series, and I would like Harry’s eldest half-brother, the current Earl, to get a book. (Just in case Anne Gracie is taking suggestions.) An affecting romance that will be enjoyed by historical fans.

Grade: A-

The Summary:
Harry Morant’s tough exterior hides a badly scarred heart. The natural son of an earl, high-born ladies have only one use for him—in the bedchamber. Now, after eight years at war, Harry is breeding racehorses and planning a practical, unemotional marriage. But when he buys a new estate, his careful plans are threatened by an unexpected passion for— of all things—an earl’s daughter.
England 1818. Harry Morant’s tough exterior hides a badly scarred heart. Home after eight years at war, Harry is planning a practical, unemotional marriage. But his careful plans are threatened by an unexpected passion for an unknown lady.
A lifetime of lies has brought Lady Helen Freymore to the brink of ruin. Forced into a marriage she never thought to have, she soon finds herself powerfully drawn to this deceptively gentle soldier… and increasingly worried about his reaction once he discovers her secret.

Read an excerpt.