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moirwyn's review
3.0
This review originally appeared on my blog, Books Without Any Pictures:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/2016/03/05/captivated-by-megan-hart-and-tiffany-reisz/
Captivated is a book that contains two novella-length stories: “Letting Go” by Megan Hart and “Seize the Night” by Tiffany Reisz. Reviews of each story are below, but before I jump into them, I have a couple thoughts on the compilation itself. I felt that the stories worked well together, and worked well as one volume. That said, I’m not a fan of the cover, because it hints at a level of kinkiness that isn’t really true to the content of the book. Judging by the publication date, it seems like the publisher was trying to capitalize on the popularity of 50 Shades.
Neither of these stories is particularly deep, but they are good for light escapism. I’ve got a mixed relationship with the romance genre; usually I get frustrated by the characters and feel as if their problems are either petty or entirely of their own creation. I’ve been trying to give romance more of a chance though, and my overall opinion of this collection was positive.
“Letting Go” by Megan Hart
“Letting Go” by Megan Hart describes a woman named Colleen who comes to the bar once a week, orders a whiskey, and doesn’t drink it. One day during a snowstorm, she opens up to Jesse, her usual bartender, and the two begin a whirlwind romance.
One of the things I enjoyed about “Letting Go” is that it featured working-class protagonists. In many romance novels, the characters are super wealthy and don’t seem to have any problems. But in “Letting Go,” Colleen is being financially and emotionally manipulated by her ex-husband. Jesse tends bar and is trying to be a good father, even though he and the mother are no longer together. Both Colleen and Jesse have real problems and real baggage as they begin their relationship, and they take refuge in each other in order to overcome.
Despite liking the premise of the story, I found that Colleen was an unbelievable character. She seems contrived, and like she should have been edited down to someone who seems a bit more normal. As a fan of whiskey myself, I know that that shit’s expensive, and there’s no point in ordering one every night if you’re not going to drink it. If Colleen had a slightly different (and less weird) routine, she would have seemed more authentic.
“Seize the Night” by Tiffany Reisz
“Seize the Night” by Tiffany Reisz is a retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, but with Kentucky horse families and a much happier ending. Several years ago, Remi and Julien were having a romantic tryst at a party. Unfortunately, their parents walked in on them, and all hell broke loose. Julien got in trouble and disappeared from the public eye, and the two families began feuding. But then Remi notices that something seems strange, and that the two sets of parents seem to be colluding over rigged horse races. Full of anger, she decides to track down Julien, and the two of them fix the mess their parents created while picking up where they left off before they were so rudely interrupted.
This was a cute story, and I enjoyed that it had a happily-ever-after ending despite the original source material. It was a fun play on a familiar story, and as usual, I was impressed with Tiffany Reisz’s writing and characters.
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/2016/03/05/captivated-by-megan-hart-and-tiffany-reisz/
Captivated is a book that contains two novella-length stories: “Letting Go” by Megan Hart and “Seize the Night” by Tiffany Reisz. Reviews of each story are below, but before I jump into them, I have a couple thoughts on the compilation itself. I felt that the stories worked well together, and worked well as one volume. That said, I’m not a fan of the cover, because it hints at a level of kinkiness that isn’t really true to the content of the book. Judging by the publication date, it seems like the publisher was trying to capitalize on the popularity of 50 Shades.
Neither of these stories is particularly deep, but they are good for light escapism. I’ve got a mixed relationship with the romance genre; usually I get frustrated by the characters and feel as if their problems are either petty or entirely of their own creation. I’ve been trying to give romance more of a chance though, and my overall opinion of this collection was positive.
“Letting Go” by Megan Hart
“Letting Go” by Megan Hart describes a woman named Colleen who comes to the bar once a week, orders a whiskey, and doesn’t drink it. One day during a snowstorm, she opens up to Jesse, her usual bartender, and the two begin a whirlwind romance.
One of the things I enjoyed about “Letting Go” is that it featured working-class protagonists. In many romance novels, the characters are super wealthy and don’t seem to have any problems. But in “Letting Go,” Colleen is being financially and emotionally manipulated by her ex-husband. Jesse tends bar and is trying to be a good father, even though he and the mother are no longer together. Both Colleen and Jesse have real problems and real baggage as they begin their relationship, and they take refuge in each other in order to overcome.
Despite liking the premise of the story, I found that Colleen was an unbelievable character. She seems contrived, and like she should have been edited down to someone who seems a bit more normal. As a fan of whiskey myself, I know that that shit’s expensive, and there’s no point in ordering one every night if you’re not going to drink it. If Colleen had a slightly different (and less weird) routine, she would have seemed more authentic.
“Seize the Night” by Tiffany Reisz
“Seize the Night” by Tiffany Reisz is a retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, but with Kentucky horse families and a much happier ending. Several years ago, Remi and Julien were having a romantic tryst at a party. Unfortunately, their parents walked in on them, and all hell broke loose. Julien got in trouble and disappeared from the public eye, and the two families began feuding. But then Remi notices that something seems strange, and that the two sets of parents seem to be colluding over rigged horse races. Full of anger, she decides to track down Julien, and the two of them fix the mess their parents created while picking up where they left off before they were so rudely interrupted.
This was a cute story, and I enjoyed that it had a happily-ever-after ending despite the original source material. It was a fun play on a familiar story, and as usual, I was impressed with Tiffany Reisz’s writing and characters.
mrose21's review
2.0
Book 1. It just stopped what the hell??
I was sort of thinking this isn't my sort of romance... I guess because I am not that strong of a leader in the bedroom it is hard for me to relate to a strong female like this!!! Aside from this I enjoyed it. 3.5 Stars
Book 2. This is weird. Im a bit put off by this.
2 stars.
Marking this as a final 2 stars. Book 2 is too weird for 3 stars
I was sort of thinking this isn't my sort of romance... I guess because I am not that strong of a leader in the bedroom it is hard for me to relate to a strong female like this!!! Aside from this I enjoyed it. 3.5 Stars
Book 2. This is weird. Im a bit put off by this.
2 stars.
Marking this as a final 2 stars. Book 2 is too weird for 3 stars
hannas_heas47's review
4.0
Letting go By Megan Hart
I thought this book started off slow but I did get into it. Mrs Hart definitely does some quirky books with an erotic theme, this wasn't far off base with that. I never quite know what to expect but the book was mildly amusing with some hints of irritation at the brash behavior that Colleen exhibits as she gets to know Jesse, a local bartender. Jesse seemed real laid back and Colleen bordered on OCD control freak. Entertaining, overall three and a half stars.
Seize the night By Tiffany Reisz
I just finished the King, so it was such a treat to get to read this story. No sinners here, but she still knows how to crack horse jokes. I thought the book was full of humor, and had charming characters. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Four and a half stars. It was nice to get to see how the author might do without the sinner series.
Thanks netgalley for a free read in exchange for a review.
I thought this book started off slow but I did get into it. Mrs Hart definitely does some quirky books with an erotic theme, this wasn't far off base with that. I never quite know what to expect but the book was mildly amusing with some hints of irritation at the brash behavior that Colleen exhibits as she gets to know Jesse, a local bartender. Jesse seemed real laid back and Colleen bordered on OCD control freak. Entertaining, overall three and a half stars.
Seize the night By Tiffany Reisz
I just finished the King, so it was such a treat to get to read this story. No sinners here, but she still knows how to crack horse jokes. I thought the book was full of humor, and had charming characters. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Four and a half stars. It was nice to get to see how the author might do without the sinner series.
Thanks netgalley for a free read in exchange for a review.
syndi3's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I have been wanting to read this book on Valentine Day. After all with the name of Megan Hart, who can resist a little steamy. And boy I do enjoy this book very very much. This is actually 2 novella. Both involving a romance between older women and younger men. There is a light BDSM and the other is forbidden love.
It has been a while since I read Miss Hart book and I do not disappointed with Captivated. It is surely deliver it promise to be spicy and steamy. It feels like reading a sexy fantasy.
It has been a while since I read Miss Hart book and I do not disappointed with Captivated. It is surely deliver it promise to be spicy and steamy. It feels like reading a sexy fantasy.
enchantressofbooks's review
4.0
LETTING GO by Megan Hart
This is the first time I read anything by Megan Hart but it won't be the last time. I enjoyed her writing style! This was a story about a woman who is recently divorced from an abusive and controlling man. She goes to the same bar every day but doesn't drink in an effort to show and convince herself she is in control. Turns out the bartender, Jesse, is a hottie and he pays attention. He's also attracted to her. At first he tries to be friend her and she hesitates. However, I'm sure you'd figure it out that THAT doesn't last long. The attraction is mutual and while she is concerned about the age difference, he's younger than she, she is also concerned about a few other things.
There were a few times where I wanted to grab Colleen by the shoulders and shake her to help her realize a good thing while it's in front of her. It felt like the author was perhaps trying too hard to make the "obstacles" a tad bit bigger than they really were and it was obvious to the reader. This didn't make me like Colleen very much. Jesse is a sweetheart who just wanted to be with Colleen and tried his hardest to understand where she was coming from. I am glad things worked out in the end, but again, felt that there was more obstacles/issues being created than necessary.
Rating: 3 Stars
SEIZE THE NIGHT by Tiffany Reisz
I couldn't wait to read this! Love Tiffany Reisz! Her style of writing. Her stories! Just Love. This was a Romeo and Juliet with a twist. In this case Remi, she is the "older woman" by four years and Julien is the younger man who knows exactly what he wants. And he wants Remi! However, they are from from rival horse racing families in Kentucky and they originally met at a party four years ago where they hit it off and they didn't know who the other one was at the time. It was an instant connection. They spent hours talking and getting to know each other. With the instant connection came the attraction they felt for each other. So when then 22 year old Remi is caught semi naked with then 17 year old Julien.. yeah not so good! It was a misunderstanding but the feuding families used this to further their cause!
Fast forward and we have Remi, working for her family and subconsciously looking for Julien at all the events. Unfortunately, he's no where to be found. When she learns that there is something a mist with the family businesses she seeks Julien out for help. When the two of them reconnect the sparks reignite and the story goes on from there!
Oh and Merrick! Merrick is Remi assistant! He is sarcastic, funny, sexy and while he won't say it, very sweet. OH he so needs his own story. I hope one day, Tiffany decides to write SOMETHING, with him. Just need more of him! He brought more umph to an already awesome story!
While not as "HOT" compared to the sex scenes from Tiffany's other stories, I think everything works great together for THIS story!
Rating: 4.5 Stars
This and other reviews available at Viviana, Enchantress of Books
This is the first time I read anything by Megan Hart but it won't be the last time. I enjoyed her writing style! This was a story about a woman who is recently divorced from an abusive and controlling man. She goes to the same bar every day but doesn't drink in an effort to show and convince herself she is in control. Turns out the bartender, Jesse, is a hottie and he pays attention. He's also attracted to her. At first he tries to be friend her and she hesitates. However, I'm sure you'd figure it out that THAT doesn't last long. The attraction is mutual and while she is concerned about the age difference, he's younger than she, she is also concerned about a few other things.
There were a few times where I wanted to grab Colleen by the shoulders and shake her to help her realize a good thing while it's in front of her. It felt like the author was perhaps trying too hard to make the "obstacles" a tad bit bigger than they really were and it was obvious to the reader. This didn't make me like Colleen very much. Jesse is a sweetheart who just wanted to be with Colleen and tried his hardest to understand where she was coming from. I am glad things worked out in the end, but again, felt that there was more obstacles/issues being created than necessary.
Rating: 3 Stars
SEIZE THE NIGHT by Tiffany Reisz
I couldn't wait to read this! Love Tiffany Reisz! Her style of writing. Her stories! Just Love. This was a Romeo and Juliet with a twist. In this case Remi, she is the "older woman" by four years and Julien is the younger man who knows exactly what he wants. And he wants Remi! However, they are from from rival horse racing families in Kentucky and they originally met at a party four years ago where they hit it off and they didn't know who the other one was at the time. It was an instant connection. They spent hours talking and getting to know each other. With the instant connection came the attraction they felt for each other. So when then 22 year old Remi is caught semi naked with then 17 year old Julien.. yeah not so good! It was a misunderstanding but the feuding families used this to further their cause!
Fast forward and we have Remi, working for her family and subconsciously looking for Julien at all the events. Unfortunately, he's no where to be found. When she learns that there is something a mist with the family businesses she seeks Julien out for help. When the two of them reconnect the sparks reignite and the story goes on from there!
Oh and Merrick! Merrick is Remi assistant! He is sarcastic, funny, sexy and while he won't say it, very sweet. OH he so needs his own story. I hope one day, Tiffany decides to write SOMETHING, with him. Just need more of him! He brought more umph to an already awesome story!
While not as "HOT" compared to the sex scenes from Tiffany's other stories, I think everything works great together for THIS story!
Rating: 4.5 Stars
This and other reviews available at Viviana, Enchantress of Books
mylknhoney's review
5.0
This novella was everything I was expecting and more. I have been hearing and tweeting back and forth with Mistress Reisz about her writing another contemporary romance and boy did she not disappoint. It was hot, sweet, and orgasmic. Everything that you can expect from one of her books.
I really enjoyed how well the characters were developed and how strong they were. I loved how it didn’t lose the essence of Romeo and Juliet but she put her own twist on a story so tragic. Reisz still managed to capture all of the beautiful moments that Shakespeare had in the original.
I really loved the rivalry and how she took it to her home town. This made the book seem more real and very modern. All in all this was a really enjoyable read.
I really enjoyed how well the characters were developed and how strong they were. I loved how it didn’t lose the essence of Romeo and Juliet but she put her own twist on a story so tragic. Reisz still managed to capture all of the beautiful moments that Shakespeare had in the original.
I really loved the rivalry and how she took it to her home town. This made the book seem more real and very modern. All in all this was a really enjoyable read.
shell74's review
5.0
Actual Rating: 4.5 Star average
In Captivated we get not one, but two stellar novellas that are equal in their hawtness: Letting Go by Megan Hart, and Seize the Night by Tiffany Reisz. These stories may focus on completely different types of relationships and situations, but I was impressed with how well they work together, with each author’s “voice” enhancing the other.
Read More
In Captivated we get not one, but two stellar novellas that are equal in their hawtness: Letting Go by Megan Hart, and Seize the Night by Tiffany Reisz. These stories may focus on completely different types of relationships and situations, but I was impressed with how well they work together, with each author’s “voice” enhancing the other.
Read More
bianca89279's review
4.0
4 stars
LETTING GO by Meg Hart -3.5 stars
This was a simple but enjoyable short story, about a 30 something professional woman and and a 28 year old bartender hooking up over a weekend. There is lots of chemistry. Will they take it any further?
SEIZE THE NIGHT BY Tiffany Reisz - 4 stars
It's a Tiffany Reisz story, therefore the characters are super charismatic, with some of them funny and sarcastic. It's a Romeo & Juliet story, but in modern times and with. The sex scenes are hot, and there is no BDSM! :-) I wouldn't mind reading another story on Merrick, Remi's PA.
LETTING GO by Meg Hart -3.5 stars
This was a simple but enjoyable short story, about a 30 something professional woman and and a 28 year old bartender hooking up over a weekend. There is lots of chemistry. Will they take it any further?
SEIZE THE NIGHT BY Tiffany Reisz - 4 stars
It's a Tiffany Reisz story, therefore the characters are super charismatic, with some of them funny and sarcastic. It's a Romeo & Juliet story, but in modern times and with
Spoiler
a happy ending!
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