M/M ROMANCE LOVERS ALERT!!! bev got some of our reading crew into this trilogy BIG time. And now a few of ’em are rocking back and forth in the corner just waiting for #3 to be released (by the way… it’s releasing at midnight). 😀 Tee hee!!!
I have a feeling some will be pulling all nighters. 😉 And I think these are M/M historical fantasy.
bev: When i read them they were Captive Prince Vol.1 & Captive Prince Vol. 2 by S.U. Pacat. Now it’s Captive Prince & Prince’s Gambit by C.S. Pacat. When I read them I think they were indie and now it looks like they are under Berkley. Price jump too. Ouch. A few blogs I read went crazy over them. I ended up reading them pretty much back to back in one sitting…. I’m going to re read the first 2 in Jan. They are pretty intricate and a bit dark. …They are so very very good ladies. Really.
Ashley: You should definitely try The Captive Prince series, by C. S. Pacat. There are two books in the series, with a third coming out soon.
Fabi: Bev, I’m at 40% in Captive Prince and I gotta tell you, I hate Laurent…with a passion. If he’s supposed to be redeemed later on I can’t imagine what it would take to do so. Really, no kidding, I hate him.
Michelle: Finished Captive Prince and moving to book 2. The plot is too intriguing for me to stop. I do agree with Fabi that finding anything positive about Laurent is beyond difficult but his growth so far is promising. I enjoy how nothing is spelled out but very subtle and read between the lines.
Fabi: Bev, I’m at 80% of Captive Prince. I love it I adore it, I want so more of it. I’ll have to go directly to book 2. I wish I’d read these closer to the release date of book 3. Oh, and I was right. There is a resemblance to Measure of Devotion, one of my all time favorite reads.
MichellleS: Just finished Captive Prince book one and moving right into book two. It was a slow build, but you really got to get the feel of the characters this way. I don’t hate Laurent anymore. I am now intrigued and can’t wait for the “fun” to start.
Fabi: I just finished Captive Prince, and like Michelle, I’m moving straight into Prince’s Gambit.
MichelleS: I finished Captive Prince 2, and I don’t want it to end! When is this book three coming out anyway? Wah! Things just got crazy good. What now? I hate leaving a great world behind. Ugh. P.S. Love this series. Definitely reading book three.
Michelle: I can barely wait for Captive Prince on Tuesday! I hope, I hope the trilogy finishes up on a high note……. Fingers crossed!
About book #1:
Damen is a warrior hero to his people, and the rightful heir to the throne of Akielos, but when his half brother seizes power, Damen is captured, stripped of his identity, and sent to serve the prince of an enemy nation as a pleasure slave.
Beautiful, manipulative and deadly, his new master Prince Laurent epitomizes the worst of the court at Vere. But in the lethal political web of the Veretian court, nothing is as it seems, and when Damen finds himself caught up in a play for the throne, he must work together with Laurent to survive and save his country.
For Damen, there is just one rule: never, ever reveal his true identity. Because the one man Damen needs is the one man who has more reason to hate him than anyone else . . .
- Captive Prince: Book One of the Captive Prince Trilogy
- Prince’s Gambit: Captive Prince Book Two (The Captive Prince Trilogy)
- Kings Rising: Book Three of the Captive Prince Trilogy
- Green but for a Season: A Captive Prince Short Story (Captive Prince Short Stories Book 1)
- The Summer Palace: A Captive Prince Short Story (Captive Prince Short Stories Book 2) – January 5th 2017
Don’t those covers look so pretty next to each other?
So how many of us are reading it? 4? 5? I think we can only count Michelle as a half ’cause she picks up a book, inhales it, and is on to her fifth book by the time some us are finished with the first. She should give us a head start. Lol
Omg, Fabi. I just clicked on here to say the same thing about the covers, lol.
I think five of us. And yes it is hilarious to do a BR with Michelle.
She will be done and all Bev what meaning do you think the title has? And I am all I don’t know we only started an hour ago and I just hit chapter 3.
Not available in e book x
I was more tired than I thought last night cause I fell asleep before midnight. Just got Kings Rising! Woohoo! Do we BR in this post or in the new releases one? So excited!!
I was thinking of using this one Anne, since its specific to the series. If no one else objects.
I won’t be starting it until late tonight, but I’m excited to start hearing what you guys are thinking.
I won’t be starting until later this afternoon or early evening. I don’t mind here. Just need to give the Michelles a heads up.
I think here is better too since its specific to the series. I won’t be starting till this afternoon too. Heading to work in a couple of hours.
Just left a message for MichelleS on the new releases post so she can join us here 🙂
Oh shut up you slow reading sissies! My schedule is slammed today so I can’t start until probably very late this evening so you should at least get to chapter 5 by the time I finish 😉
Bev, you reminded me…what does Flowers from the Storm mean? Huh!? *snicker*
lol Michelle, it’s too bad Tessa isn’t in on the buddy read. I think she’s one of the few that can keep up with your reading pace.
Where is everybody? I decided to start reading a little early. I’m still at work but sneaky, sneaky me has gotten to page 15, 7%.
Gah! I forgot how tummy twisting emotional this story is.
Just got home. After dinner so in about an hour I’ll get comfy and start. Soooo excited to read this one!
Fabi, yep Tessa can keep up with me. I have a feeling I will burn through this book too. The other two were fast reads for me.
Around an hour for me too. Can not wait.
Just got home from work. I’ll start in about an hour 😀 So excited!!
I’m at 14%…. GASP… My heart rate has been high since page one…
Thank goodness its not just me. Seriously tense moments.
But, I gotta head home now so it’ll be a couple of hours before I can get back to it. 🙁
Just sat down with it.
Read chapter 1 from Anne’s link. So go to chapter 2 and…..whoa. Was not expecting that.
I am at 8% and oh God! Whats going to happen now?!? I knew something was wrong!
Bev I am on Chapter 2 too and it was a surprise. I didn’t want to think the worse after reading Ch 1.
Oh God, I’m 3 pages away from chapter 2. Maybe I should finish my dinner wine first.
14%: I knew it!!!
15%: Why Laurent? Why would you say that!!! This book is so good!
End of chap 2. Ok, I feel better.
Although I’m sure its temporary from your reactions.
I’m completely absorbed in this book. The tension is palpable. Oh and the chair was too quick an end but bigger fish to fry I guess.
The chair? The Chapter 2 chair or an upcoming chair?
Do y’all remember the messenger at the end of book that was such a freak out moment? That hasn’t been explained has it?
Anne, I just got to that part. I’m going to be sick. I’ve never wanted to hurt someone the way I want to hurt Laurent. My opinion of him hasn’t changed in the slightest since book 1.
Fabi I know! But deep down I know he has feelings for Damen but he’s struggling cause D killed his brother.
In battle! The things Laurent has done. No…just no.
28%. Anne I literally said that out loud, lol.
I will admit it. I like Laurent. Yes. Yes I do.=-O
How can you? I’m at 16% and he is even more slimy manipulative and slithering snake than ever. I don’t get it. I just feel sick to my stomach.
I made it to 37%. Have to hit the sack. So much intrigue!! Betrayals left & right. I’m with Bev. I love Laurent. Right now, I love Damen more… But I just KNOW it’s going to circle back around & we’ll find out something that explains this whole crazy plot. I love all of Laurent’s mannerisms. And all the laces! Sigh….
Lol, OK then, I’m the odd man out. Nothing new. Looks like you guys will be finished long before me. I can only read it in buts and snatches. It’s just too much for me.
*bits
Clumsy typing tonight. Must be the wine. 😉
Yeah the chair in chapter 2. I didn’t like Laurent, then I did…now I’m not sure :/
I have to finish tonight or I will sit up thinking about it.
I love brilliant characters.
I, honestly, would hate anyone that killed someone I love. Then to guess at how his uncle was with him. And he hones his mind and even his battle skills. He builds loyalty in his personal guard. And I do not think it is all for besting the regent or Damen. He knows his uncle is not a good man. That he will not govern with the nations needs in mind and I think Laurent wants the best for his people.
@21% quote: He didn’t have Laurent’s ability to hurt with what mattered most.
Michelle, I can’t believe you can start and finish this book in one night even if you don’t sleep at all. I won’t even make it halfway. Shoot, I’ll be surprised if I make it to 30%.
This is a hard story for me to read.
Chapter 8. Been waiting for that.
Dang it Bev. I don’t know if I can stay awake until Chapter 8. lol
BR is the coolest thing ever.
I am at 37% and going to bed. This book is so good!! I feel there’s something major we dont know yet that will change everything.
Cool. You stopped at about the same place MichelleS stopped.
I really want to finish it but I’m sure bed for me soon too.
“And a belt,’ said Laurent.
–that made me laugh.
I’m getting tired.
Yup, me too. I got to chap 7 but I’m going to have to pick it up in the morning. If I stay up much later I’ll get my second wind – which will run out right about the time I have to go to work in the morning
I finished it already Fabi and it’s quarter to 1 here so that’s not too late a night for me. I’m not commenting at all yet but to say finish it so I can hear your take on Laurent.
You know who I hate? Jokaste. So very much.
This made me smile.
“I just thought I had a very fast pony.”
Have to put it down or will be late.
Charls.
You guys are all ahead of me. So can someone explain to me the Chapter 8 exercise/fight? This is the second scene now where I don’t understand the underlying purpose or meaning behind the conversation. What were they saying to each other between the lines? Or even on the lines. I just don’t get what the meaning at all.
———–
Michelle, goodness gracious woman. You make me jealous of your reading speed.
I’m going to put a big quote here. It’s not a spoiler because its way back from book 1. But if something hasn’t read book 1. Skip this post.
So, here’s what I can’t forgive. It’s brought up again in book 3.
“Nikandros said, ‘Your back.’ Damen flushed. Nikandros was staring at him as if he had needed to see it up close to believe it. The exposure was a shock. He knew . . . He knew there was scarring. He knew it extended across his shoulders, down to his mid-back. He knew the scars had been well taken care of. They didn’t pull. They didn’t twinge, even during the most strenuous sword work. The smelly salves that Paschal had administered had seen to that. But he had never taken himself to a mirror and looked at them. Now his mirror was Nikandros’s eyes, the stark horror in his expression. Nikandros turned him, put his hands on Damen’s body, spreading them over Damen’s back, as if touch would confirm what his eyes wouldn’t believe. ‘Who did this to you?’ ‘I did,’ Laurent said.”
And there’s all my hate bubbling back up.
***Spoilers for people who havent read books 1 and 2 or started this one***
Fabi I know what Laurent did was horrible, but he was punishing the man that killed his brother. Yes it was during a battle but still Damen did kill his brother during a one on one fight. He always knew who he was so doing all those things to him was because he hated him. I am not saying that what Laurent did is ok, but I understand where he is coming from. Also the world and time they are living in is violent and nothing is what it seems.
Its a horrible act that Laurent did. He wanted him dead, for sure. This is the man who killed his brother. I think that scene is interesting because I think Laurent is for the first time seeing it not through his hate and grief.
Chapter 8. I think she does a great job writing the fight scenes, so for me it was fun just for that.
I believe Laurent trained to be better than Damen. Book 2 he sees Damen fight and seems surprised when he says Damen is better. And Damen admires Laurent’s style. So they had a chance to compare.
I would have to read the dialogue again but it seemed to me they were both getting their anger out. Laurent’s about Damon killing his brother, changing his life, and that he now needs him to keep his kingdom. And his feelings of, well love, I think.
Damen his anger of being a slave. Wanting to prove he was an equal or even physically stronger. And also he is such a honest man and hated the lie, so then to find Laurent knew. And Laurent saying it all was a game.
on pg 219
“Damen felt every muscle in his body ache with the effort of not thinking of it. Of not thinking the other…”
Can anyone clarify? Thinking of what?
also pg 232
Laurent is wearing pants and puts on his jacket. I’d swear he was wearing a short toga when they left on their journey.
aaaannnnd
the biggest one for me so far…Laurent’s turn-about after talking to Jokaste. I don’t get it. How did that information make him go to Damen and ….ugh, can’t say because it’s a spoiler. But – he had a total change of heart and I can’t figure out why.
I don’t think I’ve ever been so confused with a book and still loving it and hating some of the characters and just chewing my nails off reading it. Total five star just for making me crazy. hahaha
Bev I totally agree about that scene. Laurent is for the first time seeing his “work” not through his hate and I want to believe he was feeling even a little regret.
I loved this scene! ‘I miss you,’ said Laurent. ‘I miss our conversations.’ Aww drunk Laurent is sweet lol
And on that scene when he’s drunk and his guard is down you can tell his true feelings for Damen. I loved seeing Laurent like that and saying what he truly feels. Love this book!!
Fabi, I feel like most of the subplots tie up by the end but the end is abrupt. I wanted an epilogue. Just getting home and I’m exhausted! Very glad I finished this book last night because I might just crash tonight. I did start Kiera Cass’s The Siren this morning which is very different so far and has my attention.
I’ll be honest since I think most are close to done. I didn’t love this last book. Too much was concluded too rapidly and the reactions I wanted from some were not satisfying. That big epic fight I wanted never happened either. Laurent redeems himself for me though.
I like the second half of the book better than the first half. But I mostly feel like an idiot reading it. I don’t understand the meaning in some scenes. Others seen inconsistent to me and worst of all, I’ve had to look up three words in the dictionary. I don’t think that’s ever happened to me reading a book published within the last 100 years or so. Yup. I’m feeling like the village idiot here.
Anne, I totally agree that drunk scene was sweet.
Nikandros is my favorite character. 🙂
Because he hates Laurent? Lol.
Fabi where you at? I’m @ 85%.
I think Damen was trying not to think of what the Regent would do to *spoiler*.
I’m not sure about the clothes. I would have to re read but might just be a continuity error.
I think he let his guard down. His feelings already being there. And knowing that Damen would be upset. Its what Damen did for him, send & keep all away. But also he may already have his plan in mind of his trade.
Fabi, um no. I use my kindle dictionary. *shrug*
Anne, loved that scene. I liked this.
“Nikandros was looking at Laurent.
“He’s very-”
‘You get used to it,’said Damen, with a little wellspring of joy inside him, because that wasn’t really true.”
I’m only at 71% Bev. I Nikandros because he seems the only sensible character in the whole book. Lol. Thank you for all the answers!//This second half is much easier to read.
I used my Kindle dictionary too Bev. But I had to download it because I’ve never had to use it before. It was good though, I learned a few new words.
The Charls scene was hilarious. I’d swear this is a totally different Laurent character than we saw in the first 2.5 books.
The inn scene in the second book is for me the first look at the real Laurent. Or maybe who he should of been if his brother & father had lived. I loved that scene.
Loving the second half too Fabi! The Charls scene was funny! Charls the cousin and Lamen lol!
I am 85% and I hate the Regent so much! Just die already!lol
Done.
Agree about the epilogue. And that it feels a bit abrupt. The book could of been twice as long and I would devour it though. But yes agree with Michelle, tied up too neatly.
Yet, I loved it. I really hope this author writes more.
I only made it to 63% tonight. Too much “life” getting in the way. I am almost afraid to read comments in case of a spoiler.
First, I am fanning myself because, well, you guys know, you read it. Woo-eee. That was hot.
A few favorite lines for me so far:
Chapter 5: “you mean he improves with time?” – “Not exactly” (about Laurent)
Chapter 7: “I’m not certain I can take your particular brand of honesty just at the moment” (Laurent to Damen)
Chapter 13: “Not even the King?” “especially not the King” (talking about consumating marriage in public) LOL
I still love Laurent, and Damen is just wonderful. The perfect “king”. Such great supporting characters. I hope this all ends well.
You guys wait for me!!!
I’m not going to open any other book tonight.
I’m going to miss these two.
MichelleS, I love those quotes and that chapter 13 scene, lol.
Of course we will wait for you. 🙂
If haven’t read the series skip this. But in chapter 2 I liked ….
“There was a man I was supposed to meet. He’s got all these ideas about honour and fair play, and he tries to keep me from doing the wrong thing. But he’s not here right now. Unfortunately for you.”
Guys theres going to be more Captive Prince! https://cspacat.com/announcing-the-captive-prince-adjacent-project/
Anne, that is awesome. Don’t think I will read that first one. Too sad.
Yeah Bev way too sad 🙁
Just finished and yes I felt the ending was abrupt too, but I still loved it! I needed more Laurent and Damen but since I know there’s going to be an epilogue released some time this year I am happy. I am going to miss these books. Wish there was something similar out there.
Just finished. Michelle, you were right. The second half of the book did it for me. I don’t even have a problem with the ending. It was perfect for me. The entire second half of the book had characters I adored.
Anne, there is a somewhat similar trilogy called Measure of Devotion. It’s not the same. It would be boring if it was, but its the only other one I’ve read with the same feel as this one. It’s maybe a bit darker and more gut wrenching in places but I loved it. It was hoping for something similarto it that convinced me to read Captive Prince.
Ladies, thank you so much for making this a buddy read. I’m not sure I would have gone to book 3 without the BR and it turned out to be my favorite of the trilogy.
Fabi thank you! I’ll make sure to check that series out.
Yes thank you guys for this BR. It made reading this book more special. We should BR again soon!
There’s a super interesting discussion on GR for those who’ve finished the book. I started reading from Feb 2 and skipped all the previous speculation. I love the ideas and theories and discoveries discussed.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/17988636-kings-rising-discussion-spoiler-zone?page=6
Fabi, so far just read a couple of the points.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
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I would have loved more smaller and a large final battle. To see also who was loyal to whom.
Jokaste, I was expecting her to be like Laurent. And wouldn’t have minded more interaction between them. But I think she is much more selfish than Laurent and harder. It is poignant if Damen is why she did what she did. But I think he is the only one she cares about, not the kingdom as a whole.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
Bev I completely agree! I was expecting a great battle at the end. I wanted to see the Regent and Kastor in battle against Damen and Laurent. Jokaste was a let down for me. I really was expecting more from her character.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
Oh and I am sure the Regent would’ve betrayed Kastor in battle. He would’ve killed him so he could be king of Vere and Akielos.
Anne, agree.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
There is the moment when Damen sees that the hall is already mostly filled with the Regent’s soldiers.
I did love one moment.
‘But uncle,’said Laurent,’ Guion isn’t who I brought.’
This is a sweet review & fun comments fro the blog that introduced me to the books.
https://smexybooks.com/2016/02/review-kings-rising-by-c-s-pacat-spoiler-free.html
Reminded me of another scene.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
The scene where Damen learns the truth about Laurent & the Regent. Even knowing he was playing into the Regent’s hands I was cheering.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
Oh Bev when Laurent said that I swear I cheered! I was like “yes!!! get him” lol
And how about the scene where Laurent hands himself to the Regent. I almost teared up! That was the part where I completely fell in love with him. He sacrificed himself to save Damen. Talk about love and redemption!
Loved that review!! I also loved when Laurent said Damen is very attractive. It was so sweet!
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
Yes Anne. I loved it when Laurent admitted Damen was hot. *fans self* whew did I love that.
So many are complaining about the lack of a big battle. *puts on devil’s advocate horns* But the entire series was intrigue and betrayel and one up-manship, so for me, the show down being a battle of betrayals and who outsmarted who was the perfect climax. Ditto for the ending. It started with a brother killed and ended with a brother killed. It started with Damen in chains and ended with Damen in chains. Just…gah…a beautifully poetic wrap-up.
After all my griping, I can’t stop thinking about it an entire day after finishing it.
Fabi, I still haven’t moved on. Tonight I will pick up a book.
I love Laurent’s reactions any time Damen tells him how wonderful he is.
Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler
Fabi, those are great points. I hadn’t thought about that. I think in regards to the big battle I liked the battle scenes. This is not always true, but she writes them well. Also, wouldn’t mind a longer book, lol. To see them building their kingdoms.
And then the book could be so tense I think it would of been a relief. But I see your point about the intrigue.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILERS
I finally finished…. the ole’ caboose here. LOVED this series. I didn’t want it to end. I love the very complicated relationship between these two men – both princes destined to be Kings, sworn enemies, and all that betrayal by their family members (uncle and brother). Well thought out. I, too, wanted more of Jokaste once she finally came into the picture. How about that scene in the carriage where Laurent puts the dress on? And how “beautiful” she is? LOL. Love Laurent. He’s so wicked smart. He’s almost too good at everything (that horse riding bullseye contest thingy). The swordsmanship. His intellect. So she had to balance that with a cold facade. Once that was toen down and he surrendered to his feelings with Damen (Lamen, LOL), I just melted. Okay okay – what about that scene where you know what happens and there are palms on the wall….. wowza…. kept fanning myself there too. Read it with my husband and son in the room. Occasionally I get embarrassed when I read something that crazy hot with people in the room.
Awesome recommendation. So what’s our next buddy read?
Depends on what we are in the mood for.
Marked in Flesh comes out next month & the next Mercy. Same day.
So, she says one of her inspirations for the book and Laurent was the Lymond Chronicles. Tons love this because of its intrigue, MC, writing, slow burn romance. But I’ve tried the first book twice and can only get a bit through cause goes right over my head. *sigh* but I want to read it.
I am still thinking of this book but The Last Hour of Gann is doing a great job in helping me with my book hangover. I need more Damen and Laurent though!
Anne – yipee! another TLHoG fan. I loved this series, but Gann is on another level all together. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that one. Meoraq is one heck of a character. All the best of Laurent & Damen wrapped into one big lizardman.
I have them on pre-order, Bev – that’s going to be an expensive day. They are both the exact same price (13.99 for Kindle, or 18.39 for hardcover). Deciding which to read first will be tough. I think it’ll have to be mercy, though, because I was loyal to her first.