Captured by Jasinda Wilder and Jack Wilder
Standalone Adult Contemporary. Related to Wounded.
Wow. Captured was completely not what I expected and still completely amazing. Jasinda Wilder is the Queen of Intense Lovemaking, and believe me, there was some INTENSE lovemaking. I don’t mean kinky or dirty, I don’t even mean fucking. The connection between the partners was just so strong and deep (hehe) you couldn’t help but feel it in their lovemaking.
This review will be a little different than most. I really don’t want to give anything away, so despite what I do say, I give nothing away. I didn’t even read the blurb before this book and loved it. But I want to tell you, this is not a “war romance” like Wounded (which I absolutely LOVED), but this is more about a woman in love with a Marine. It’s about what soldiers wives go through when their men are gone, it’s about what the soldiers hang on to while they are away, and it’s about the PTSD soldiers suffer from when they return. But more than anything, it’s about love. Finding love in unexpected places, and the healing power of love. It’s about second chances.
There are some AMAZING battle scenes. Any guy would like it–and I found it really exciting to read, despite my dislike for anything war. You can see there was a lot of research put into this book, and Jasinda and Jack actually make you FEEL what is going on. The detail, the fear, the sounds, the smells, it’s like you can almost feel the ground shaking from the explosions, smell the flesh burning– it’s like we are there, or at least watching it instead of reading it. I seriously read the scenes with my heart in my mouth the whole time.
“Shit, the fear is always there… So you’re afraid, every single time. If you’re not, you’re either crazy or a liar. I’m neither, so I’m fucking terrified.”
Reagan wrote her husband, the love of her life, a letter as he was shipping out on his next tour as a Marine. In the 8 years they are together, he was gone most of the time, and she really hated him leaving again.
“I act brave for you, but I hate it. I hate watching you lace up your boots. I hate watching you pack your bag. I hate watching you straighten your tie in the mirror….Please come home to me. Come home alive. No matter what, you have to come back. I need you. Our baby needs you.”
Reagan, left with her husband’s big family farm to care for all alone, and a baby on the way, couldn’t stand for him to leave again. And then he and his friend Derek turn up missing–we know what happens as readers, but all she knows is that they are MIA.
“Why didn’t you come back? You promised you’d always come back.”
The story was heart-wrenching. Reading about Reagan trying to keep up the farm and a 3 year old all alone, with just the older neighbors for help, reading about their time as a POW–just gut wrenching. But our hero was just that, a total hero, all the time, and Reagan’s letter, recited over and over helped keep him sane.
“I still want to live. I have to now, because I made a promise.”
Then Reagan was no longer alone, and watching the way she turned from a dirty hard-working farm-hand, back into a woman was lovely to read about.
“You look at me like I’m beautiful, and I really like feeling beautiful again. I like it, and I don’t want to give it up.”
“I like the way you make me feel, too. Like I’m a real man again. Like I’m more than just the soldier with scars and PTSD and a sack load of psychological damage. Like I’m more than the fucked-up ex POW.”
One of my favorite things was seeing this fucked up ex POW interacting with a child for the first time, and every time after, and these scenes provided the comedy relief for a pretty heavy book.
“You captured me, and my life changed again. For better this time.”
Likes:
- I was so engrossed in the story, both the war scenes and the home scenes. I loved them all.
- It was much less of a war story and more of a love story with a Marine than I expected.
- Wow, the love scenes.
- The amazing epilogue.
- The emotions pulled out of me.
- If I didn’t have a puppy asleep on my throat I would have texted Jasinda, cursing her out a few times.
- Did I say emotions???
- There were a few lines that made me giggle, surprising for this type of book.
- The writing was almost poetic at parts, but never seemed overdone.
- I actually looked up a number of words. Though I knew them all by context, I love learning new words.
- Guys might love this one too–especially the war scenes (and if you can get them to read the sex scenes, more power to you–or more fun for you 😉 ).
- Seemed to be very well researched.
- The changing POV were strong and never threw me off.
Dislikes:
- Quite honestly, there was a little bit too much lovemaking for me. Yes, I went there. And I think I just shocked myself! I think I read the longest, most detailed sex scenes ever known to man. Maybe this wouldn’t have been an issue if I was in the right frame of mind (read: it was that time of month!), but I began to feel myself skimming a bit. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Jasinda’s sex scenes. They are so powerful and intense, but if I’m going to read that much, frankly, I like it dirtier, not so lovemakey (which would not work in this context).
- I would have liked a bit more of them together NOT having sex.
- I wish there was a reminder who Hunter and Raina were. Though I remember Wounded’s storyline very well because I loved it so much, I really didn’t remember the character’s names, I forgot Captured was set in the Wounded world, so I didn’t expect them to show up. So were mentioned a few times before I realized who they were.
Rating: 5 Stars, 5 Heat
Captured was the best of Jasinda and Jack Wilder. It had the excitement, grittiness and action of war. It had a few plot twists. It had an epic romance. It had tons and tons of great sex. It was ridiculously emotional. It had a child to lighten the mood. It had really, really intelligent writing that was almost poetic at times. I’m not sure how much input they Jasinda and Jack have had in each others books, but let me tell you, this partnership worked. I can’t wait to read the next book from this dynamic duo.
“She’s worth the whole goddamn world, even if all I can offer her is my fucked-up self.”
Purchase Captured by Jasinda and Jack Wilder
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | BN.com
WOUNDED was awesome too! See my review, and though reading it is not necessary to read Captured, if you plan on reading it, do it first or it will spoil Wounded.
Kristy Petree says
Great giveaway. Would love to read a book co-written by a husband and wife team! Thanks!
Daniel Castagno says
participo, gracias!
N. Brown says
As Wounded is my absolute favorite Jasinda book I would love to have a copy of Captured on my shelf.
Karen G. says
Thanks for the post and your thoughts on this book. I love how honest, fair and organized you always are. That said… love scenes in the Likes and Dislikes category? haha I think Jack and Jasinda (sounds like the name of a song! lol) make an exciting writing duo and I can’t wait to read this!
Marcela Garcia says
gracias por el sorteo!
Rachael B. says
I really want to read this book! Thanks for the chance!!
Boz says
Great review and looking forward to reading this
Katie Lowden says
Thanks so much for the chance! Loved Wounded!! 🙂
Elizabeth says
Thanks for having this giveaway! xo
Jenn McElroy says
Looks great! Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
Maria Malaveci says
Thanks so much for the chance!
Lori Moore says
Awesome giveaway
Kimberly says
Fantastic Giveaway Thanks!
Dorothy says
Thanks for the giveaway! I’d love to read this.
Michelle Routhier says
As a military wife, I would love to read this.
Mary Mooney says
Can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for a great giveaway!
Tatia White says
I can’t wait to read Captured! I’ve loved everything of Jasinda’s so far. I know this will be no different. Thank you for the great review as well!
Joanne112 says
Sounds like another great books from Jasinder and now her honey too.
Cassie says
Thanks for your review ~ I really want to read this one 🙂
Linda Brennan says
Great giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win!!!
Vicki says
Haven’t read wounded yet. Can’t wait to read both! Thanks for the chance!
Nicole Newman says
Thank you for this wonderful giveaway.
BjsReviews says
Haven’t yet had a chance to read a Jasinda/Jack Wilder title yet. This one sounds great! Would love to win this!
Claire Bowman says
Great review. Thanks for the chance.
Chanpreet says
I love Jasinda’s books. I can’t wait to read this one!
Zita R says
Thanks for the give-away!
Andi M. says
Loved this book! Thanks for the giveaway!
Trudy says
I’m so excited
KellyMae says
I am reading this book right now and it is an amazing story! This will easily be one of my most favorite stories. A must read! Thank you for the giveaway…
Charlene says
Great Giveaway!! Thank you for the chance!
Bonny McDevitt says
Oh My Goodness Gimme!
Laina G says
Thanks for the fantastic giveaway!
Kat Rellim says
I love Jacinda Wilder, thanks for the giveaway!
Irma Jurejevčič says
Great review. Thanks for the chance.
Bonnie says
I have just finished reading captured by Jasinda and jack Wilder.
Wow.. so not what I was expecting, great book, great story but I did cry a good bit while reading. I have so much respect for the Men and women that service in all branches fo the military and their significant others that stand behind them! If this book doesn’t touch your heart then all I can say is that you really do not have one!
This story could very well be a real life story of the trials and tribulations of what our military family go through. Thanks you Jasinda nd Jack for sharing this and helping us see what it is like from the inside of a military relationship and what fears i men and women go through.
I love your books have ready many.. this one just hit a certain spot since I have a son in law that serves and I know what my daughters and grandchildren go through on a daily bases.
Bonnie
Shell says
Awesome thanks for the chance
Sarah says
Awesome giveaway! Thanks for the chance!
Sarah says
Thanks for the chance!
jodi marinich says
love jasinda’s books
Jansen says
Thanks for the giveaway! Would LOVE a signed copy!
Carrie J says
Thanks for giveaway!
Ann T says
Thanks for the chance to win a signed copy!!
Maria Theresa Santos says
Thanks for the giveaway
Michelle M says
Thanks for the giveaway! I reeeeally want to read this!!
Deanna says
Thank you for the chance
Susan T. says
Looking forward to husband and wife team writing. Thanks for the posting.
Erika says
I look forward to reading this book! Looks great! Thank you!
Stephanie Lashbrook says
Thank you for the giveaway.
Lea-Ellen says
Wow, sounds like a great book. I’ve put the print version on my ‘to buy’ list. Thanks for the contest/giveaway!
Lea-Ellen {night owl in IL}
borg_66@hotmail.com
Ana Jaen says
Thanks!
Alexandra A says
Awesome giveaway, thank you for the chance! 🙂
Julie K says
Awesome!
Marsha Dawson says
Thanks so much!
Heather S. says
Great giveaway…thank you!!
Jennifer O'Connell says
Loved Jasinda Wilder! Just finished Captured, amazing story, lots of feelings!
Gina H says
I LOVE Jasinda’s books and can only imagine that this one with a man’s input will be even better!! Thanks for the giveaway!
Tammy Choate says
I love Jasinda’s and Jack’s books!!!!! AWESOME giveaway!
Merelyn Reads says
So cool!! Thank you!!! 🙂
Debra D says
Thanks for the chance!!!
Staci Pope says
I can not wait to read this book from your recommendation. I still need to read Wounded.
angelina says
Thanks so much for the chance!
Kelly Scroggins says
Thanks for the giveaway!
Dana Fiore Stusse says
I’m a major fangirl~
Brielle Lassiter-Helou says
I love Jasinda and I cannot wait to read this book! Thanks for the giveaway!
Kim Perry says
Great review! I love Jasinda’s books, so I’m looking forward to reading this one too!
Olivia Tan says
Great review. I love her books. she is my fav author
Thank you 🙂
Shella Monica says
it sounds really great. can’t wait to read it. thanks for the giveaway 😀
Shannon says
yet another awesome giveaway, you girls ROCK! THANK YOU! <3 JW!
Jessie L says
Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this book!
Denice says
Thank you!
Jenn says
Thanks for the giveaway
lea says
Thanks for the chance!
Kim M says
Love Jasinda Wilder. Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
Diana Doan says
Thank you for the amazing giveaway!
Gena Robertson says
Amazing, insightful review, as always! When I first read the synopsis of this book, I did not immediately grab it like I always do with Jasinda’s books. It didn’t appeal to me. Now that I’ve read your review, I see what a mistake that was! I should have known better – Jasinda never disappoints, and co-authoring this book with her husband is obviously an explosive colaboration 😀
Thanks so much for the giveaway chance!
skyline1210 says
On my TBR list 😉 Thank you for the chance to win 😉
Nikki J says
Would love to read the book and great giveaway. Thanks for hosting 🙂
Juana Esparza says
I would love to read this story. I have added this book to my book wish list.
Stephanie F. says
Can’t wait to read this one, sounds fantastic. Love the Wilder’s writing.
Brenda Quezada says
Can’t wait to read it!!! Thank you for the chance 🙂
Caitlin says
Great review!
Rachel Hill says
Honestly, thanks so much for your honest review….I’ve thought a time or two that a book has had too much sex (which yeah, I usually love)… and it’s kinda refreshing for you to say that!
Tonya Coleman says
Thank you for the chance!
Jay Benitez says
Great giveaway, thanks for the chance
Bella boo says
This is a amazing read!!!
Betul E. says
Thanks for the giveaway
Abigail W. says
thank you!!
Chelsea Kolomak says
WOW! Thank you so much! LOVE this book to the moon and back again 🙂
Rae Kay says
Thank you! 🙂 Both of these authors are truly talented!