Reviews with content warning for Kidnapping - To Capture His Heart

Reviews tagging 'Kidnapping'

To Capture His Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen

5 reviews

kwthor's review

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emotional funny hopeful mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

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haley49's review

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

A fun, sweet, spice free romance with mysterious happenings.

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a_ab's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

This book was very predictable, but it did what it set out to do very competently, so the predictability was not much of a detriment.

Despite several mysteries with multiple suspects, the book felt rather static - there isn't much character development for anyone. But the main cast is charming and pleasant enough to observe, so lack of development wasn't a huge issue either.

Overall I found the book enjoyable and well written, but not special or memorable. Which should make it rereadable whenever I am in a mood for something predictable and easy.

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themeadowlibrary's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

“Perfectly normal, just another day at a house party where anyone might be guilty of crimes large or small.”

The definition of an “easy read”, this mystery peppered with romance is light and sweet.

If you’re looking for a fast, fun mystery, this is the one for you. It’s not overly complex even though it does deal with some deeper themes.

Our main characters (Eva and Nathan) are so adorable. The way he talks openly and frankly with her and perceives her feelings is truly refreshing. He’s a great detective and he starts to use those resources in their relationship, which is a cool detail. Also, I love a jealous hero, but I love even more that Nathan knows he shouldn’t be jealous no matter what, saying, “He was not used to the sudden surge of possessiveness that he knew could not be healthy.” I couldn’t wait for them to end up together.

The side characters range from truly evil to so charming. Sammy especially was a favorite of mine, and I enjoyed how Eva and Nathan’s relationship with him also grew. Nathan’s mom and sisters are fun to read. Maybe some of them will get books in the future?

The writing is good but clunky at times. Sometimes she uses big words and I’m not sure she completely knows the definitions. I don’t mean this in a mean way, it’s just a tiny bit off. The mystery was fun and yet a little bit obvious. I absolutely loved all the historical details about things like photography.

Overall this is a nice book that I absolutely recommend!

Tropes: Friends to lovers, fake dating

CW: Kidnapping, murder, violence, toxic personalities

I received an eARC of this book via NetGalley. Opinions are all my own.

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danaslitlist's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

5.0

The story is rather fast paced yet doesn't seem to feel rushed in any way. The tension and suspense the looms in the shape of Mr. Toole's haunting presence acts as the perfect catalyst to spur the reader into a sense of urgency upon reading. We're also provided with the cruelty and drama of the social setting which adds another layer of tension to the situation that equally drives the pace forward.

Our heroine is intelligent, caring, and daring, Evangeline (or Eva) who works as a portrait photographer in a time where women were relegated to just a handful of “appropriate” jobs outside of being a wife, mother, and running a home. She's fast on her feet and smart as a whip and uses her problem solving abilities often. She's content in her life without a marriage yet not devoid of want for a romantic love. And like Nathan she looks out for those around her and takes all under her wing if they should desire it.

Nathan is the the stereotypical elder son and head of his family, and bachelor who loves his job, Nathan doesn't love the idea of a marriage. Well at least now the idea of marriage unless it's to Eva it seems. He is a detective and friend to the photographer, their mutual respect laying the foundation for his affection to blossom. Nathan is a good son to his mother, going as far as to appreciate and understand her genius in it's entirety and crediting the success of the family to her, and a good brother to his sisters. Nathan looks out for everyone, especially those who are in a position where they cannot do so themselves or have had a difficult time in the past.

I absolutely adore that the story truly reads like an old romance novel. It adds such a romantic aura to the experience as well as creating an entirely enveloping atmosphere. Allen transports you to 1886; her time researching the time period showing beautifully as she paints the setting of Seaside, England. Just as charming as the author's writing style is the dialogue. It's engaging and each character has a clear personality that shines through. Even the minor characters such as Nathan's mother's dialogue encapsulates who she is and fleshes her out to make her feel just as real as everyone else. It truly shines through in regards to the main cast especially.

This is the first book I've read by Nancy Campbell Allen and at thirty four percent I know in my heart that she is an author with whom I share a kindred spirit. Her writing is compelling and heart felt and beautiful. Not only that but her writing feels familiar and easy to read. I feel as if I've picked up a letter from a friend sharing her story. I will most definitely be looking forward to reading the rest of Allen's works and recommending “To Capture His Heart” to anyone who will listen.

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