Lord Greville's Captive

By Nicola Cornick

Book Overview

Years before, he had come to Grafton Manor to be betrothed to the innocent and beautiful Lady Anne--a promise that was broken with the onset of war....

Now Simon, Lord Greville, has returned as an enemy, besieging the manor and holding its lady hostage. Simon's devotion to his cause swayed by his desire for Anne, he will not settle for the manor house alone. He will have the lady--and her heart--into the bargain

Yet Anne has a secret that must be kept from him at all costs....

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0373294271
• ISBN13: 9780373294275
• Release Date: November 2006
• Publisher: Harlequin Special Releases
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.2" x 6.6"

Customer Reviews

English Civil War Romance

In 1641, 17-year-old Lady Anne Grafton is betrothed to Simon, Lord Greville, the oldest son of the Earl of Harington, her father's neighbor and closest friend. By 1645, the Earl of Grafton lies dying and his estate is being held by Royalist forces besieged by Parliamentarian forces under the command of Simon Greville. While he is planning his final attack, Simon receives a surprise visit from his former betrothed begging him to spare Grafton. She also informs him that his younger brother, who he had assumed was dead, was actually being held at Grafton by the ruthless Royalist General Gerard Malvoisier. Simon is impressed by Anne's courage, and is reminded of his old desire for her, but is unable to accede to her wishes. By the following morning, the Earl of Grafton has died in his sleep, but Anne doesn't have time to mourn when Grafton is attacked and Malvoisier sets fire to the tower to provide cover for his cowardly escape. Anne herself is narrowly rescued by the victorious Simon. Once in control of Grafton, Simon faces numerous challenges: restore the estate that was ravaged by Royalist forces, hunt down the now renegade Malvoisier, convince Anne to swear allegiance to the Parliamentarian cause, and, of course, to woo Anne into his bed and marriage. Simon is also determined to learn the whereabouts of the King's treasure that he believes has been hidden at Grafton. Anne remains loyal to the King despite learning some unsettling truths and refuses to admit to the existence of the treasure or reveal its location. Anne's efforts to protect the treasure and deliver it to the King are a source of conflict between Simon and Anne even as their personal relationship intensifies. The situation is further complicated by Malvoisier's attempts to wreak vengeance on Grafton and steal the treasure for himself. The talented Ms. Cornick scores again with this fine romance set in a period that is perhaps less well known to American audiences. Despite that, readers will have no difficulty sympathizing with the torn loyalties of decent, well-meaning people faced with civil war. The historical setting is fascinating, the story is riveting, the characters and their struggles of conscience are believable, and the romance between Simon and Anne is wonderfully sensual. Ms. Cornick's 17th century tale is highly recommended.