Kidnapped
By Shiela Stewart
Linden Bay Romance
February 2007
ISBN: 978-1-60202-031-3 paperback, 978-1-60202-030-6 e-book
160 pages
$5.49
Her captors are disguised as Betty Rubble and Bart Simpson. Liz Cromwell fears Betty's sneering lewd comments, but Bart seems to be a gentleman…no, he's a softy. Their bumbling gives her a clue that these two have never before kidnapped someone.
Mac Tyrell agrees to this fiasco to save his family's farm. Keeping Elizabeth Cromwell for six days will garner him two hundred thousand dollars; enough to pay off the bank and start his horse ranch. Bringing his friend, Terry into the plan is his only mistake, at least for the moment. Icing his chin after Liz cold-cocks him, has Mac thinking twice about kidnapping her.
Loaded with action and humor though peppered with suspense, Kidnapped is an entertaining story. As Mac attempts to make Liz's ordeal "comfortable" however, she is forever trying to escape. Cannot imagine why since he feeds her, lets her go to the bathroom, and allows her to sleep in his bed, while he takes the chair. Could it be tying her to the chair that makes her want to leave? He even saves her from Terry's unwanted advances and attends to her cut lip.
Mac's calling her "princess" does not endear Liz to him, but she's so cute when fired up and her sassy mouth is simply kissable. He does forget to retie her bindings, which in her last getaway has her as far as the back door before being recaptured. In this instance Mac struggles to bind her to the bed so sprawls across Liz's body to keep her from wiggling. This position raises both their libidos.
Liz's next attempt at fleeing has her falling face first into the floor, knocking her out. Mac revives her but a new plan forms in Liz's mind. Worried she has a severe concussion Mac forgets to tie her to the bed. Fetching the juice she requests, Mac's return has Liz knocking him out with a lamp. Now, it's his turn to be tied to the bed, while at Liz's mercy. However, her plan earns them both better rewards, which includes appeasing their overflowing sexual hunger.
Ms. Stewart writes a lively plot with stunning characters. Liz is a smart woman who takes every opportunity to escape the kidnappers. Aiming to distract, her brazen, witty banter with Mac is engaging, which also shows her bravery. Having never committed a crime before, Mac's desperation is genuine in saving his farm, though he is naturally a kind and easy-going man. He's impressed by Liz's cunning drive to escape, given that she hails from an affluent home life. Mac treats Liz well, worrying over her injuries and comfort. The sex is arousing where the couplings are wanton and racy. Kidnapped is an exciting though brisk story that is quite enjoyable.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewed by Pamela Craft-Jenewein©
Feb. 22, 2007
