The Captive (Captive Hearts #1) by Grace Burrowes

Historical Romance

From Goodreads:

He'll never be free...

Captured and tortured by the French, Christian Severn, Duke of Mercia, survives by vowing to take revenge on his tormentors. Before the duke can pursue his version of justice, Gillian, Countess of Greendale, reminds him that his small daughter has suffered much in his absence, and needs her papa desperately.

Until he surrenders his heart...

Gilly endured her difficult marriage by avoiding confrontation and keeping peace at any cost. Christian's devotion to his daughter and his kindness toward Gilly give her hope that she could enjoy a future with him, for surely he of all men shares her loathing for violence in any form. Little does Gilly know, the battle for Christian's heart is only beginning.

Grace Burrowes is back in very fine form with The Captive.  There is a tortured hero, a damaged heroine, and a hidden enemy.  Throw in a daughter who will not talk and romance to complete the mix.  I loved Gilly.  She endured a horrible marriage but emerges strong and full of empathy.  Christian needs someone like Gilly for himself and for his daughter. 

There is a hidden element in the plot that tells of the danger to both Gilley and Christian.  I did suspect that one character was not what he seemed and it turned out I was right.  There is also one character from the previous series that makes several appearances and plays an important part in The Captive.  All of this makes for a great read.

Sourcebook Casablanca published The Captive by Grace Burrowes in 2014.

I received an ARC of The Captive from Netgalley.