Captivated by Lauren Dane
Phantom Corps, Book 3
Berkley Heat
Futuristic
ISBN: 978-0425247365
Reviewed by Jo




Vincenz Fardelle is a member of the elite Phantom Corps for the Federation Universe and he is also the exiled son of their enemy, the Supreme Leader of the Imperialist Universe.  Vincenz has worked very hard to prove that he is nothing like his father and to help find a way to bring his father’s madness to an end.  While on a mission, Vincenz finds a woman prisoner who tugs at several things within him.  Wanting only to help her, Vincenz brings her to his home and his lover, Julian Marsters.  Julian accepts her as readily as Vincenz did and this move will change their relationship forever.

Hannah Black was a highly thought of scientist and doctor researching viruses to help the people of both verses.  However, in a move that confuses everyone Hannah is captured, held and tortured by the Imperialists.  Only Hannah’s inner strength keeps her alive and sane during the time she is held.  When Vincenz carries Hannah out of the lab, the only thing she can think of is to keep hold of the man who saved her.  Hannah knows that her thoughts are all scrambled and her fears are many now.  Yet, she also knows that she may know something that will help the Federation in this fierce war.  Trust is something Hannah doesn’t give easily now, but she puts all her trust into Vincenz and Julian now as the three of them work to find the missing answers.

Unfortunately, the war won’t stop while Vincenz, Julian and Hannah work at finding out what might be in her memory that made the Imperialist keep her alive.  Missions still have to be undertaken and it appears that Hannah’s mind works in perfect conjunction with Vincenz on solving puzzles with Julian backing them both up.  Danger seems to follow the loving threesome who has discovered a strong passion together.  All the answers and clues are leading to a final risky mission that will lead all three of them right into the center of the enemy palace. A mission that will either save millions of lives or end theirs.

Not even the danger of war can subdue the power of a love so bright nothing can defeat it.  Vincenz, Julian and Hannah all learn this fact to be true in Captivated.  I have to say right off that I found Vincenz, Julian and Hannah’s story so powerful and wonderfully written that I experienced all most every emotion possible while reading it.  The fact that Vincenz and Julian had found each other and love after their pasts was amazing enough but when you added in Hannah’s past and how hard the three of them worked to find their future together, I was a goner.  Passion and suspense walk hand and hand with this threesome and their love overwhelms even the highest of hurtles.

To say that Captivated is a must read and a true keeper really doesn’t tell you about all the twists and turns and emotions that happen while you read it.  I have to also say that the ending was absolutely perfect after all the horrors Vincenz, Julian and Hannah had to go through, both together and separately.  Captivated is Joyfully Recommended as I know it will ensnare you as it did me.

My last thoughts are that I hope this is not the last we will see of the many characters I have come to love from beginning with the Federation Chronicles and into the Phantom Corps.  If you have not read either of these series yet, I would recommend reading them in order and starting with the Federation Chronicles so that you can experience the entire story arc.