Freed from her constrained life by the death of her autocratic father, Hera decides to take up a companion position where no one knows her. But as her assignment turns increasingly sinister, she turns to Justin, the doctor who attended her father before he died, for help.

This is the second book in Mary Lancaster's The Duel series, which follows the aftermath of a duel in which an army officer kills the cold-hearted Duke of Cuttyngham. Hera is the duke's daughter, and Justin the friend of the man who fought the duel. I enjoyed the first book a great deal, and enjoyed this one too - but in a different way.

This is primarily the story of Hera, who decides to go undercover as a lady's companion in an effort to discover herself outside the constrained role of duke's daughter. I enjoyed seeing her blossom, gaining both confidence and love. Her relationship with Justin is endearing, and I liked how he supported her and saw through her cold facade right away.

However, I did feel that the B-plot of George's imprisonment and escape rather stole the show. He's easily the most intriguing character in the book, and his flight is what the story is focused around. I almost wished this was a different book, in which George is the hero (though his heroine certainly couldn't be Hera). With so much of the action being devoted to his side-plot, we are left with less of a focus on Hera and Justin's romance than I would have liked.

This is the second installment of The Duel series. Some events from the prior book carry into this one, so to get a full understanding of the story, I think it would be best to start with the first book, Entangled, if you haven't already read that. Dr Justin Rivers still questions how the Duke of Cuttyngham passed, since during the duel he took part in with Major Butler, the shot was not aimed directly at him. He meets with the deceased duke's daughter, Hera, and is instantly drawn to her and she to him. Hera, however, later leaves for Lincolnshire, hoping to change her life after her father's sudden death. She doesn't expect to see Dr Rivers again, but he lives in the nearby village where his father is the vicar. Hera left her home to become a companion to Lady Astley, but realizes when she gets there that something is not right. Hera is surprised to see Justin the same parish, but when she needs help, she is relieved she has someone she can trust to turn to. Suspense and intrigue surround the two in this latest installment that continues the mystery of the late duke's death. The characters are well-developed and the story is well-paced with plot twists that had me turning the pages. An absolutely riveting read and exciting addition to the series. I am looking forward to reading the next one!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Captured by Mary Lancaster

I could not wait to read. As always the characters are wonderful. She is looking for an escape from the pressure of social and finds it when her father is killed in a duel, so she thinks. This book will keep you intrigued and not wanting to put down.
I received this for giving an honest review. Thank you NetGalley

Another great read from Mary Lancaster! I was so delighted to hear about another member of this unique family and it did not disappoint. I can't wait for the next installment!

Regency Romance with Mystery

Once her father died, Hera was free to be who she wanted. She chose to be a companion; however, before she left home, she met Justin. He was the doctor solving the mystery around her father’s death. Little did she know that their destinies would intertwine.

When Hera traveled to her post under a different name, she found out that the lady who sought her company needed her for someone else. She wanted her to be a companion for a young man who had more to him than met the eye. George was an enigma. Just who was he? He was a mystery, begging to be solved. Hera was going to find out, and Justin, the doctor she met in her other life as a duke's daughter, was going to help her to get to the bottom of the mystery. It turned out that he was the vicar’s son in the same town where she now lived. Only Justin knew Hera's secret. As the two worked to solve George’s mystery, they went on the run and found love along the way. There was just one problem. Justin was too stubborn to ask the duke’s daughter for her hand. He thought he was beneath her. Could she change his mind?

This is an entertaining Regency romance with mystery and suspense. I enjoyed it and look forward to what comes next in this series.

The book is entertaining. I found some very quite moments between the main characters. The promise of romance is definitely a slow burn through the book, The book is engaging for people who love every single detail to a blossoming romance. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I am totally enjoying this series by Mary Lancaster. For your full reading enjoyment I would read Entangled, the first book in the series before this book.
Justin and Hera were great characters, and from different social classes that showed how easy it is to fall in love. To me, George was such an important character in this story. Thank you Mary for adding George's story.
I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.

I dont quite understand the title. She nor he were 'captured. She was guarded, stifled, controlled and manipulated. Then spread her wings to try her freedom I throughly enjoyed the storyline. And the personalities of the characters. The side story and redemption was well worth the read.
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book

You can't miss by reading this series.
I recommend reading ENTANGLED first since characters and events continue in this book. The mystery of the Duke of Cuttyngham's death from a duel is still questioned by Dr. Justin Rivers when he knows Major Butler's shot was not aimed at the Duke. Justin meets the dead Duke's daughter, Hera. Drawn to each other for this moment in time, they know they will never see each other again. Fate says otherwise, when they meet in the village where Justin's father is the vicar. Lady Hera has run away from her home, taking a job as a companion to Lady Caroline Astley. It seems she's not a companion to the lady, but to a family ward. Only he's not a child. Definitely a mystery. As Hera and Justin solve the mystery, they are on the run to right a wrong. Kisses and a clean romance. What a rush to the end!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Lady Hera Severne has been looking for an escape from society pressure. The sudden death of her father seems to give her that.
Dr. Justin Rivers is a surgeon who has seen too many deaths on the battlefield.
This historical romance has lots of family drama . It's the second book in a series. While I have read the previous one, and think it makes this one better. You don't "have" to have read it to enjoy this one. This is not the story that I personally thought would be second. Now I'm not sure what I thought would happen, is going to. There are lots of twists and turns. I'm hoping for books for Victor and George.
A great series and I can't wait for the next book.
I loved it.

The Duke of Cuttyngham dies in a duel & his daughter Lady Hera Severne finds herself floundering in her new freedom, and instantly attracted to sardonic doctor, Justin Rivers. Determined to change her life, she applies to be the companion to Lady Astley and learn about life & so travels incognito to Lincolnshire. Who should she meet there? Yes you’ve guessed it Justin whose family lives in the nearby village. Lady Astley appears to have little need of a companion. Rather she wants a carer for her husband’s strange but amiable adult ward George. Noises in the night, mystery, suspicion, and locked doors eventually force her to flee with Justin’s help - and her charge. Inevitable scandal follows them to Brussels, where Justin’s duty lies.
The second book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own there are threads running through the series. Another wonderful read from the author, the characters have depth, the pace is good, there’s not only ongoing mystery about the duel but also the mystery surrounding the lovely George who stole the book. I loved both Hera & Justin the chemistry between the couple just grew & grew plus they worked together as a team. A riveting read & I'm now eagerly awaiting the next book
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This intriguing and suspenseful novel makes interesting reading as the late Duke of Cuttyngham dies during a duel that he instigated, but whether he actually died from a bullet wound or some other mysterious reason is up for debate. The doctor who attended to her father after the shooting finds his way to the Duke's estate to ask questions that needed answering and he is intrigued by Lady Hera who together with her brother, does not mourn their father with any sign of sadness. Hera takes the opportunity to escape her family home and applies for a position as a companion, but quickly realizes that not all is well in the new household. Dr. James Rivers turns up in the same parish, and Hera is beyond miffed by the turn of events, but when she needs help, she knows whom to turn to. Hera's charge would probably be considered a savant in our era, but little was known about the condition in 1815. Nevertheless, when it would appear that both George and Hera are in danger, it is George's special skills and Justin's sense of foreboding that result in their escape. The novel comes to a dramatic conclusion with some amusing moments as various parties arrive in Brussels, just prior to the final battle at Waterloo. I receive a copy of this well-written and entertaining romance through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Whereas the first book in this series was responsible for setting up the premise Captured was able to get on with things without a lot of exposition. The first book also had the extra plot problem of the main characters not really being in a situation where they could move forward with their romance without creating quite a bit of scandal, that is not so much of an obstacle for Hera and Justin. Having gotten a little hint that Hera was not as cold as originally thought by her stepmother it was great to get to learn more about her. I also really enjoyed the few scenes she had with her brother and am very much looking forward to getting to know more about him. This book overlaps with the first book giving us the opportunity to see what Hera was up to while Rosmund and Giles were on their own adventure. The extra mystery surrounding George added just the right amount of extra drama to the story. It was also a clever way to have Hera and Justin to cross paths again - a bit of a coincidence that she would take a position in the same village he was in while visiting his family, but not so far outside of the realm of possibilities to seem too convenient. Justin's backstory with his family and his own war scars was interesting as well and developed him more as a character. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, partly for the next romance and partly for more clues as to what Hera's uncle has been up to.

Ooh, I love, love, LOVE where this series is going! The characters tug you in, wrap you up and make you care!
Hera and Justin have this warmth and chemistry that makes you think they have known each other forever, not days. With this underlying deep curiosity about the other that shines through and compels them to mutual like, inspite of society dictate, honour and a fear of irredeemably falling.
The plot flows so fluidly, glows with slow burn romance and keeps surprising you until you never quite know where the tale is heading next or what's around the corner, yet, you are just so happy to be swept along for the ride.
With the added mysteries surrounding the facade of friendly smiles, from family and staff, in Hera's new role as companion and niggling suspicions permeating the air, with a touch of gothic intrigue, regarding the dubious circumstances encircling the endearingly intelligent and deliciously charming George, you will be emotionally hooked and thrumming with tension until the end.
Where the common thread surrounding the duke's death - emblazoned in The Duel of the series' title - continues in the background from book one and becomes ever closer to being solved. However, you don't need to have read book 1 to become fully submerged and enjoy this one. Despite, me highly recommending you do as it will also allow you to fully appreciate the comfort and joy of familiar, adored characters as they sprinkle a spot of levity and heart into the mix.
A great read that left me eagerly anticipating the next. Where I wholeheartedly hope a future romance is in the cards for George now too!

An excellent continuation and a book that had me reading nonstop from beginning to end. Just… wow! This is a story that will capture your imagination and make you feel so many emotions you will not want to put this book down. Hera and Justin are such wonderful and lovely characters on their own way and together they make such a sweet and amazing couple. I was absolutely captivated with the characters, the story and especially the mystery side. A wonderful story full of twists and turns and love. A great series and I can't wait for the next book!

What an interesting and different story. At the heart is the romance between a duke's daughter and a doctor who thinks he isn't good enough for her. Then we have the mystery of George who turns out to be such a delightful and key character to the story who is imprisoned for being a little different which was handled in a very touching way . I haven't read the first book but this didn't affect my enjoyment of this story highly recommended. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

What an original story! I loved how Hera was willing to step out of her comfort zone to live in the real world and meet the amazing George! Justin is a pit bull with a bone desperately trying to figure out how Hera’s father died from such an “innocent” gun shot wound. Seeing George displayed in such a positive light for an affliction that is now known in this lifetime, but back then was thought of idiocy was delightful! To revisit with Rosamund and the Major from Book 1 was a delight as well. Hope to see Vincent’s story soon and perhaps the mystery solved!

I received this ARC for free and these are my own opinions

5 stars

An excellent continuation of the series. Dr Justin is still trying to solve the mystery of whether the Duke was ill before he took part in the duel. He meets Hera, the duke's daughter and finds that she is going to become a companion because she wants to become useful. Hera pretends she's an ophan without any relatives and then finds out she's not going to be companion to the lady of the house but their "Ward". The ward is a man treated poorly and kept under lock and key. Justin's vicar father lives in the next village and becomes suspicious about "George". Hera and George have to escape and join Justin on his way to Waterloo. He's going to provide medical assistance. I really enjoyed this book and am now really keen to read part 3.

I really recommend this series as well as other Mary Lancaster books.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I so enjoyed reading this book and as usual, Mary Lancaster weaves a story that will capture your imagination and make you feel so many emotions. Hera and Justin are such wonderful characters in each their own way and together they make such a powerful couple. I was absolutely captivated with the story, especially the mystery surrounding "George".

Hera, a Duke's daughter who is tasting freedom for the first time in her life, takes on a job as a companion but she soon discovers that all is not what it seems to be. Justin, a doctor who attends to the wounded in the war against Napoleon, is completely entranced by Hera but thinks himself beneath her. When circumstances puts them together, love soon won't be able to be ignored.

Well written and quite riveting!!

There are some books you read and enjoy but do not remember them and then there are some books you inhale, devour and BREATHE. Captured is one of these books.