I really wanted to enjoy this book, but I had a hard time getting into the writing. It felt a little too dated. While the hero and heroine were great characters, there was just something missing here.

Lady Sorcha Hay is devastated to learn that English soldiers are holding her young brother captive. Penniless, the only way she can pay for his freedom is by taking a hostage for ransom herself. Her captive--a wounded knight plucked from the battlefield--is furious to be imprisoned by a woman. But nothing will stop Sorcha from keeping Sir Ruari Kerr enslaved, even as the sight of his bronzed body sets her mind reeling and her senses afire.
This book had an interesting twist to it that gave it a very strong female lead in Sorcha, which is a hit and miss in historicals (especially considering this was originally released in 1996). I liked her time with Ruari as well as all of their interactions. However, all the kidnapping became tedious and I didn’t really care for some of the side characters, particularly her brother. You would think that, considering all she did for him, he wouldn’t deny what she wanted.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

My Lady Captor is a republished work from Hannah Howell that was written back in 1996. I have read many books by this author but not in a while, and I was pretty sure I hadn’t read this one. When I saw this one up on NG, I just knew that I had to grab it because I just looked at this gorgeous cover and I knew that I needed to have it. And I very much wish that I had picked it up way sooner than I had. I don’t know why I kept putting it off, but I knew I needed to pick it up especially since I have been in the mood for highlander romances lately. Its a plot that was very different from what I have seen from this author, which includes some paranormal aspect of ghosts and spirits (I have NEVER seen Howell put this in a historical and I LOVED it). The plot was very interesting and I didn’t want to put this story down once I fully got into it.

My Lady Captor begins when our heroine, Sorcha and her cousin Margaret have gone after her foolhardy brother, Dougal who went to fight in a border skirmish between the Scots and the English. As she goes in search for her brother on the battlefield, she comes across a live Scot….Sir Ruari Kerr who is injured. She learns that her brother has been taken by the English to be held for ransom. So she takes Ruari and his cousin (another soldier wounded) back to their keep. But she hatches a plan on how to get her brother back. She knows that Ruari is head of a clan that has many connections and wealth. She knows they could never afford to pay the ransom, but she knows that Ruari would be worth alot to his clan for his return. Sorcha is part of a clan that is cursed, and whenever a girl goes through puberty, “ghosts or spirits” haunt them and play tricks. And each girl receives some type of gift. Sorcha’s gift is that she can talk to ghosts. She attempts to try to help them solve what is keeping them on earth and helping them move on.

Ruari is not a happy camper when he learns that his savior is intending to keep him her captive and to be held for ransom. His cousin, is more than willing because he is falling in love with Margaret. But Ruari, even though he is drawn to Margaret, he is furious that he is being held against his will even if its a comfortable room. Sorcha is nervous around Ruari, because he makes her feel things she never thought that she would ever feel. She feels she has no choice but to do whatever she can to get her brother back, because he is laird and its her duty. However, she also bears a lot of weight on her shoulders in the guilt she feels about keeping Ruari and his cousin against their will. But everytime they are together, chemistry flares and they end up kissing and touching and soon she feels herself falling in love with Ruari and wants to enjoy every moment she has left with him.

But now the time has come for Sorcha to return Ruari to his clan and for her to go get her brother back. She gets Dougal back, but at a price including a encounter with a Englishman that she knows will cause her trouble in the future. Sorcha loves Ruari and misses him, but she knows that they could never have a future together. For one she kidnapped him and held him against his will and she knows that he will return the favor one day and he thought her a bit crazy for believing in ghosts.

Its now been three months since Ruari left, and Sorcha heads to a festival with her brother, her aunt and her cousin Margaret who has been depressed since losing the man she fell in love with. Sorcha is feeling heart broken, but she is a leader for her people and has had to remain strong. But what she doesn’t expect is to find Ruari and his men at the festival, and he comes after her and against all attempts she gives to flee (some very creative ones) and before she knows it Sorcha and her cousin have been taken captive by Ruari and this time Sorcha has no idea what he expects from her. But Sorcha doesn’t play dead in her kidnapping, she fights in her own way and she helps a ghost find his closure and Ruari and Sorcha reconnect again but their road isn’t an easy one and Sorcha will have to get very creative and crafty in order to be with the man she loves for good.

My Lady Captor was a bit different and I really enjoyed all the elements that brought this book together. For being a republished novel, it was a gold ringer…I simply had a blast with this book. It had its slow moments at times, but the plot and the romance was way too endearing for me to ever be tempted to put this down. I loved the way that this story develops and seeing both of these people deal with what they are face with. Another delight was the other two sub plot love stories. We don’t see too much of these couples, just glances and hints, because the focus of the story is on Sorcha and Ruari.

This is one of those type of medieval romances that is rich in history and culture but also sizzles in the heat and the romance. I was so cheering these two on so proudly. There is a portion of the story where they go at it like cats and dogs, they can’t decide if they hate each other or love one another to distraction. They have some powerful chemistry that shows through the pages, and I loved the dynamics of the curses and the ghosts. That was very interesting and added some nice delights to the story. I found this book to be one of the most detailed and dynamic that I have read in historical all year. It was such fun to get to know these characters and follow them along their journey towards their HEA. BRILLIANTLY DONE!!

Another great story from Hanna Howell. I read this book in print so many years ago, I forgot the story. What a treat to reread. I can say without a doubt I have never read one of Her books I have not loved and I have read most of them. Her characters are strong, likeable, and have depth. Sorcha and Ruari 's story is good with intrigue, villains, romance, and a good dose of humor. They are also side stories between other Hays and Kerrs that keep the conclusion uncertain until late in the storyline. A must read for anyone who love Scottish tales.

My Lady Captor is a delectably, head-spinning tale about Lady Sorcha Hay and Sir Ruari Kerr playing the intense and furious game of kidnapping...which could possibly lead them crashing headfirst into a captivating snare of love. Only, someone else has their eye's on the prize that is Sorcha. And they are hell-bent on getting their way and causing some trouble.
I loved how both character's were headstrong and weren't completely bloodthirsty in their revenge, as it was based solely on feelings. I find that it's rare to have the hero and the heroine with strong opinions, yet they don't take away from each other and they aren't portrayed as being cocky or snobby. This factor made My Lady Captor much more enjoyable to read. Oh, and Neil! Loved her to the moon and back!
The negatives about this book are that the author did quite a lot of kidnapping. It was a bit of a head-spin for me. Also, Sorcha's brother wasn't to my liking at all. He seemed a bit weak for a Laird. He was so headstrong about Sorcha and Rauri, then at the end, he just gives up. And last but not least, I felt that Sorcha's cousin, Elis, was insignificant during most of the book, until the end. I wanted to reach through and pull her out of her selfishness. I felt that Sorcha should've been elected the Laird.
I've read plenty of Hannah Howell's novels and she is one of my favorite author's, but some of the character's in this book made it difficult to like. However, the plot kept me intrigued and entertained.
I would recommend this book to romance readers who love a whirlwind love story.

My Lady Captor by Hannah Howell is a historical novel that is currently being reprinted, but was originally published in 1996. Lady Sorcha Hay is devastated to learn that English soldiers are holding her young brother captive. Penniless, the only way she can pay for his freedom is by taking a hostage for ransom herself. Her captive--a wounded knight plucked from the battlefield--is furious to be imprisoned by a woman. But nothing will stop Sorcha from keeping Sir Ruari Kerr enslaved, even as the sight of his bronzed body sets her mind and body reeling. With her dark mane and soft curves, Sorcha is everything Ruari has ever desired in a woman. As she tends to his wounds, Ruari fights the intense attraction that ignites at her very touch. But he can't afford to lose his heart to his tempting captor. For when he's finally rescued by his men, Sorcha will pay dearly for her treachery, and loving her could put both their lives in peril.

My Lady Captor is a fun historical romance with strong characters and the touch of the otherworldly that I expect from Howell. Sorcha and her family have a connection to ghosts, and occasionally get hints of what is to come. Unfortunately they also have very little money and few men left in their clan. When the search for Sorcha's wayward brother (and laird) instead offers up the knowledge that he is captive and will be ransomed she seizes on the opportunity to ransom the two wounded souls she finds on the battlefield in order to pay that ransom. I like that she is strong, resourceful, and willing to do what needs to be done for the good of all rather than focusing on what she wants. She is clever and quick to action, and shows up the men on many occasions. Ruari is strong, but heeds his pride and what he thinks he should far more than he ought. I like that while he falls in the trap of underestimating Sorcha and the women of her clan, he quickly comes to respect their quick wit and strength, even when it bests him. The added danger of a greedy English knight certainly made things interesting, but I was not sure it was completely necessary, and the resolution was a tad anticlimactic for me- although it did the job of forcing the action forward. I enjoyed the ride, but found it evident that it was an earlier work from the author, and noticed how much her style has evolved and grown.

My Lady Captor is exactly what I expect from Howell, but clearly one of her earlier works. The characters and story are engaging, but having read many of her books I can see how much her style and skill has grown over the years. This was a great read while trapped indoors due to bad weather.

loved this story , and the characters ,loved how this author brings to life her characters with that said I would love to say thinks Netgalley for giving me the change to read My lady Captor and to renew my love for historical romance.

This is my first Hannah Howell novel and I guarantee it will not be the last. After I figured out how to read the accent I quite enjoyed this book. I was definitely butchering the beautiful Irish accent in my head but it helped me get used to the writing easier. I thought that this was just going to be a sexy book with a bare minimum story to hold it together and I was very wrong. I was intrigued and invested in this story quickly. I loved the characters and the touch of paranormal was just the little something different I like in a book like this. I can't wait to dive into more from this author.

A well written, fast moving, love story between Sir Rauri and Lady Sorcha. Lady Sorcha’s quick decision on the field of battle changes the course of both their lives. Both fight their attraction to each other but love wins in the end. A few quirky characters along with some steamy scenes make this story an enjoyable read. I have read and enjoyed Hannah Howell’s books through the years and hope to see many more.
I received this book through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book

I absolutely loved this book. It was so funny, there were moments that I bust out laughing. Hannah Howell did a great job creating these characters because they are so loveable.

Lady Sorcha Hay is willing to do anything to get her brother back...even if it means kidnapping the tall and handsome Sir Ruari Kerr

What started as a rescue mission quickly turned into a kidnapping. The real question is will it eventually turn into love? Read and find out!

Fun 14th Century highland romp with a difference.

A strong female lead, Lady Sorcha Hay is placed in a difficult position when her brother Dougal, the clan Laird, he of little sense, is captured by the English. You see the English will demand a ransom. The problem is that Sorcha's people are dirt poor.
This is a clan whose women are somewhat different in that they see spirits. As they come into womanhood this gift or curse (depending on your viewpoint) comes into fruition. Hence the lonely, isolated place that the clan occupies.
Sorcha must come up with a plan to save her captured brother. Her solution pits her against another more powerful laird, Sir Ruari Kerr, laird of Gartmhor. Unfortunately Sorcha's unique answer to the problem brings about further challenges, not the least being Ruari Kerr himself.
There are some rather singular secondary characters and a couple of ghosts who round out a well written and captivating story, in the vein one has come to expect from Howell.

A NetGalley ARC

I received a copy of this e-book and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

Sorcha has gone to the battleground in search of her brother. She finds many dead, Scottish and English alike, but not her brother. She and her cousin do find 2 men that are still alive and take them back home with them. Sorcha learns that the English will ransom her brother but she has no money..so she decides she will ransom the men they have taken home to heal.

Rauri is one of the men, and his cousin also. Rauri is the Laird of another clan and is wealthy. He is irate when he finds out what she is doing but that doesn't stop the attraction between the two and she decides to give herself to him because she feels she will never marry. She has no dowry, no lands and the family gift....each woman in the family has a "gift" and Sorcha's is that she can see and speak to ghosts.

Rauri is ransomed and Sorcha gets her brother back home. When he is leaving, Rauri is getting angry all over again about her ransoming him. He threw angry words at her, making her feel as if she wasn't worthy of the time they had together.

There are miserable people about. Sorcha is missing Rauri and her brother refuses to let her go to him. Her cousin Margaret cries all the time because she was separated from Rauri's cousin Beathem and even Aunt Neil found herself a man in Rauri's clan.

Will these two overcome to be together? Can it be done without anyone being dishonored?

Loved this story! I am a big fan of this author and have read many of her books. She has the 'Highlander" down pat and she is one that drew me to the Highlander genre.

Both Sorcha and Rauri are very smart people and loved by all. They need to deal with their pride though and we all know that sometimes that isn't easy, especially for men. Sorcha figures out a plan to try and get all the lovers together but will it work?

If you enjoy Highlanders, them you will love this book!

I am never disappointed when I read books by author Hannah Howell. Once again she spins a dynamic story to keep the reader enthralled but even better was the humor that is interjected throughout this book.

Sorcha and her family hide out in the Scottish wilds so people won't judge them but honestly I'd love to spend some time with them and all their idiosyncrasies. I was thoroughly entertained by her clans lives, secrets and how she was dealing with Ruari Kerr for getting her ransom. Honor is such an interesting thing and this book deals with having and losing honor and how to get it back.

Poor Ruari Kerr, first he is left for dead on the battlefield and then he has to deal with Sorcha's very weird family. I think the author did an amazing job of expressing his anger and frustration while he starts to care for Sorcha.

How this story restores honor caused me to chuckle and honestly I think everyone should read this book as there is drama as well as humor. I give this 5 STARS for being so well written.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

This is an older romance that appears to be getting a re-pub, and it was definitely a case of "right book, right time" for me (meaning, I'm not so sure some of the story devices would've worked as well for me if I hadn't been in the right mindset to enjoy them). This definitely reads like an old-school romance at times (i.e. a little manhandling), but the rapport between the lead and the hero was entertaining and I appreciated that most of the time, Sorcha gives as good as she gets in terms of kicking ass and making her own decisions. If you're wondering whether or not this book is for you there is, in no particular order: a heroine who can see ghosts, a series of kidnappings (and reverse kidnappings), a lot of silly snarking and a clan that's basically run by women. Overall, a fun Highland romance read!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This a re-issued edition, originally released in 1996.
While searching for her brother Dougal in a battlefield, Lady Sorcha finds another knight instead, Sir Ruari Kerr. Sorcha and her cousin save him and take him to their castle to help him heal from his wounds.
Upon knowing that Dougal was taken captive by the enemy, and without money or any means to rescue her brother, Sorcha decides to demand a ramson from Sir Ruari's family. But she also has to fight her attraction to him, whilst he has to learn to deal with some "pecularities" of the lady's family, especially the ones related to a curse.
I'm glad I could read this re-issue as I missed when it was released some time ago. The plot, with some twists, is interesting and I liked the way how Sorcha has to manage so much responsibility in a time women were seen only as chattel..
*This a voluntary review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

My Lady Captor by Hannah Howell, is a historical Scottish romance. I loved it and recommend it to all the Scottish romance book lovers out there. The story was descriptive, the plot was strongly developed and all the characters worked well together. It had all the elements to make a reader enjoy the story. The humor was great and even the spirits who appeared had a sense of humor. The story moved at a slow steady pace but I was okay with that as it was an enjoyable book.

Netgalley gifted me with an advanced copy in exchange for my review.

Lady Sorcha Hay is searching the battlefield for Dougal her younger brother, the Laird of Dunweare and Clan Hay, when she finds another injured man, Sir Ruari Kerr, laird of Gartmohr injured on the battlefield who informs her he’s been taken captive by the English. Her cousin Margaret finds another survivor, who turns out to be Ruari's cousin Beatham. Lady Sorcha is penniless and she decides the only way to she can pay for her brother’s freedom is by taking a hostage Laird Ruari and him for ransom herself. Both Ruari and Beatham are held hostage and none too happy about it! Ruari is out for revenge, taken hostage by a beautiful woman. As Sorcha awaits the ransom demands from the English she and Margaret grow closer to their hostages. Ruari hates the fact he’s a hostage, but Sorcha is everything he’s dreamed of in a women. When Sorcha gets her brother back and Ruari leaves to go back to his family will he take her heart with him and heart’s desire lost? The fates have brought them together, can they find a way to be together and have their HEA!!!

This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

I have read a few books by MS Howell before and I have to say this one was not my favorite one. It was really slow in the beginning for me. It wasn’t until about 30% into the book that I actually started to like it. Overall it was a sweet and cute read if you were interested in just the love story between Sorcha and Ruari. The whole spirit talking part of the book just was not my cup of tea and was hard for me to stay vested in the story because it seemed silly.

Lady Sorcha Hay is on the battlefield looking for her brother when she finds Sir Rauri Kerr, still alive. He informs her that her brother was taken by the English and she helps heal his injuries and takes him to her home. Little does he know she plans to ransom them to get the money to save her brother. Sparks fly but Rauri still plans for revenge. This is a fast-paced fun and steamy read. I loved the characters and the chemistry. A good historical read.

Enjoyed this book. However, at some moments the story was a little slow.
But still a great read, overall.
More than just a few laugh at loud moments.
I do highly recommend this book!!!

*I received my copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review