His Captive Bride

Shelly Thacker

Nov 2012 · Summit Avenue Books

About this eBook

The warriors of Asgard Island are keeping a secret from their new brides…

Kidnapped from a trade fair by a mysterious swordsman, Lady Avril de Varennes awakens on Asgard Island, an enchanted paradise cloaked in mists and mystery, kept secret from the world for centuries. Against her will, Avril weds her arrogant captor, Hauk Valbrand—even as she vows to escape. Hauk believes himself beyond the reach of love, until his fiery captive bride begins to melt his heart of ice. But soon he must reveal the stunning truth about Asgard and its people—and Hauk and Avril must choose between love and honor, duty and desire...now and forever.

"Powerful. From the very first page you're whisked away to a world where anything is possible." -The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“An involving, beautiful story. I thought about the characters often at work, at the grocery store, in my car—wherever I was until I could get back to the book. A definite keeper. Five hearts (highest rating).” -TheRomanceReader.com

"An utterly absorbing read! With its richly drawn characters, powerful conflict and vividly imagined setting, His Captive Bride is a romantic fantasy lover's dream. When it comes to sweeping, sizzling historical romance, Shelly Thacker is a shining star!" -Lara Adrian, New York Times bestselling author

“If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would! I loved Asgard Island and Shelly’s descriptions made it feel so real, as if I’m there with them. Highly recommended. I loved all the books but this was by far my most favorite!” – Goodreads reviewer

“I'm in awe of this author's talent. Thacker has made me want to read all her books. She is so skilled at telling a story with strong, well defined characters and original storylines. This one blew me away!” – Goodreads reviewer

“Take me to Asgard Island, please! His Captive Bride is totally engrossing, passionate and SEXY! The chemistry between Avril and Hauk is electric. I highly recommend every one of the books in this series as perfect escape reads.” – Reading Between the Wines

Originally published by Dell under the title Timeless. This revised and expanded Author's Preferred Edition includes new scenes never before published.

The Stolen Brides Series

These regal brides are about to discover that falling in love with a warrior is the most dangerous adventure of all. Each book is a stand-alone, steamy historical romance:

Book 1: HIS STOLEN BRIDE (Darach and Laurien)

Book 2: FOREVER HIS (Gaston and Celine)

Book 3: HIS FORBIDDEN TOUCH (Royce and Princess Ciara)

Book 4: HIS CAPTIVE BRIDE (Hauk and Avril)

Book 5: HIS SCOTTISH BRIDE (Henri and Aileen)

Ratings and reviews

I am the first to admit that I don't always like Captive-Captor romances. I do tend to feel a bit squicky about what often seems very Stockholm Syndrome-ish. There. I've said it. What worked for me here was the paranormal element. I was able to believe the story because I could put a lot of it down to supernatural/paranormal elements that are out of everyone's control. The ultimate outcome is inevitable (as it should be), but that doesn't make the journey not worth the ride, particularly when you factor in some of the twists in this tale. I was holding my breath right there in the last few chapters wondering how on earth the author was going to resolve the situation. Would recommend.

Our imagination of the period before us, is truly unfolding and surging ahead. Hope we see more titles that reflect our bustling "imagination"! (The Science Fiction Industry and Fantasy Industry output can't do it all by themselves.)

Suspense, treachery, tears, timeless love, sizzling passion, and fantasy all rolled into one. This is the 3rd book. Although I like to read them in order, this authur delivers such great characters and story I'll definitely be ready all of her series!!

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Shelly Thacker has earned lavish praise from Publishers Weekly, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Detroit Free Press and The Oakland Press, who have called her historical romance novels "innovative," "addictive," "steamy" and "powerful." Find out more at shellythacker.com