Captive of Sin by Anna Campbell

Genre: Historical Romance

Copyright: 2009

Pages: 384

Rating: 4 1/2 crowns

Synopsis: Returning home to Cornwall after an unspeakable tragedy, Sir Gideon Trevithick comes upon a defiant beauty in danger and vows to protect her whatever the cost. He's dismayed to discover that she's none other than Lady Charis Weston, England's wealthiest heiress—and that the only way to save her from the violent stepbrothers determined to steal her fortune is to wed her himself! Now Gideon must hide the dark secrets of his life from the bride he desires more with every heartbeat.

She promised to show him how to love—and desire—again . . .

Charis has heard all about Gideon, the dangerously handsome hero with the mysterious past. She's grateful for his help but utterly unwilling to endure a marriage of convenience—especially to a man whose touch leaves her breathless. Desperate to drive him mad with passion, she would do anything to make Gideon lose control—and fall captive to irresistible, undeniable sin.

Review:
I'd read this book on the express recommendation of Alaine, Queen of Happy Endings. She literally put it in my hands and said 'You have to read this. NOW!' And who can say no to her...right? Certainly not me. And thankfully I listen to her most of the time because it was absolutely brilliant! An intellectual, dark and captivating romance - Captive of Sin is not to be missed.

Anna brings new meaning to the tortured hero with Gideon - a man who is crippled by his past and believes he will never again lead a normal life. The mental side-effects he suffered seemed so real while I was reading it, it led me to wonder if the author researched post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental disorders that effect victims of torture (watch the interview below for answers to this!). Needless to say, this depth and layering lends a complexity unlike much anything else I've read in a romance novel. I haven't read The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie but reviews lead me to believe this could be similar?

The heroine, Charis is headstrong and courageous...everything we wish we could be in the face of adversity. Yes, sometimes she gets herself into trouble and she too is flawed but it is her stubborn nature that leads her to fight for the man she wants. It's funny because the beginning of the book starts with Gideon rescuing Charis and before long the tables have turned. It was fantastic to watch the development of her character.

This romance is very much centred on the mental battles of the main characters and is pinpointed very specifically on their interactions. While the author does allow the historical backdrop to infiltrate the story at times, this is still very much a fine example of a character-driven novel.

In some ways, it kind of reminded me of the ending of Pretty Woman where Richard Gere says 'So what happens after he climbed up the tower and rescued her?' and Julia Roberts says 'She rescues him right back.'. It left me with the exact same high. With its dark tones and formidable characters, this is one romance you're unlikely to forget in a hurry.

Here's a great interview with the author:

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