Captured

Professional Reviews

5 ANGELS: "This beautiful, compelling story came about through a dream. In putting it down in writing, author Julia Rachel Barrett has produced an absorbing, well-written story that had me so caught up I read every last word of it in one evening. A day later, I'm still marveling at her gift for world-building. Both main characters are strong, appealing individuals who alternately tugged tears and then laughter from me. I loved Ekkatt's yellow cat eyes and long blue-black hair, not to mention the hard muscles beneath his bronzed skin. I loved Mari's ability to explain the human condition to Ekkatt, his fondness for potty-mouth English and her enjoyment in teaching him how to kiss. I loved the tender loving care he took of Mari, a woman so much smaller than himself that he thought of as delicate and breakable when she was far from it. Most of all, I loved Mari's witty, wise-cracking personality, her fortitude and soft heart. Her rapport with Ekkatt is so amazingly beautiful it took my breath away. Captured is one of the best books I've ever read. Beyond that, what more can I say, other than keep dreaming, Julia!" --Merrylee, Fallen Angel Reviews

5 DELIGHTFUL DIVAS, RECOMMENDED READ: "Julia Barrett created a unique, new world and plot with Captured. The characters were so well fleshed that I became a part of their lives and never wanted the book to end. The sex is hot, and Ekkatt is certainly one alien to be desired! Nothing is rushed between the two, but progresses naturally and believably. The plot is strong and stands alone. The dialogue is laugh-out-loud funny, at times, and always true to the characters. Bravo to Ms. Barrett. I will definitely be picking up her future novels and highly recommend Captured." -- Stacey, Dark Diva Reviews

5 TEA CUPS, RECOMMENDED READ: "Julia Rachel Barrett has created a complex sci-fi romance that I adored. Her sense of humor was priceless! The sex scenes were hot, but the developing romance took the prize in Captured. I highly encourage you to take this journey…to lose yourself in a different world. Captured is a sci-fi romance you don’t want to miss out on. I want more from Julia Rachel Barrett!" --LynnMarie, Happily Ever After Reviews

4.5 BLUE RIBBONS: "Stolen moments are two words that come to mind when I think of the love story between Mari and Ekkatt. I loved watching and reading as Ekktatt's entire existence as a transporter comes into question - especially when he thinks of Mari. Their life together is dangerous - they could be recaptured at any time. But the most important fact that stands out is the fact that despite differences and preconceptions, these two loving people fell in love. That is what made Captured a tender and well told romance." -- Natalie S., Romance Junkies

4.5 HEARTS: "Julia Rachel Barrett has written an engaging novella in which she fully develops a world similar to, yet quite different from our own. The book also poses several interesting questions about colonizing different species together and allows its readers to reach their own conclusions. I thoroughly enjoyed Mari and Ekkatt's journey, and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys "other world" stories filled with three-dimensional characters living and working in a world that has a long, uneasy history with Earth." -- Kathryn, The Romance Studio

4 STARS: "Mari’s and Ekkatt’s story drew me in like a moth to a candle. I was eager to learn more about this other world, and Ekkatt’s and Mari’s romance was very addictive. All in all, Captured was a surprisingly believable, sweet love story that I adored." -- Janna, E-Romance Reader

4 STARS: "Captured is the first book I have read by author Julia Rachel Barrett and I really enjoyed it. Mari Damon never in her wildest imaginings, thought she would find herself being held captive in a cage on a spaceship. Trying to get her bearings, Mari listens as her captors discuss their cargo. The language sounds familiar - Mari can almost pick out a word or two - and with time and patience she is sure she can speak this language. Ekkatt has never had one of the females wake ahead of schedule. When the red haired female speaks to him - he responds in English, telling her she must go back to sleep. But when the female attempts to carry on a conversation with him - Ekkatt is amused and curious. Surely it would not hurt to allow her to remain awake. Mari sees befriending Ekkatt as her only chance of survival - but she is not aware of the strict laws the Attun race have in place. Human women are seen as nothing more than cattle - and the Attun do not interact with cattle. Captured is a great read. The entire premise of this book is unlike any I have read before and I would be happy to read more."-- Michelle Greathouse, Michelle's Book Blog

A-: "Sci fi/futuristic book #2 for the weekend! This one was quite different than the first. Captured was not about the action, it was about the characters. It still had tons of cool details about this alien society, but the real story was about the relationship between the alien hunter and his human cargo. Barrett puts forth an incredible thought-provoking premise for this novel...what if an alien species sees humans as a source of....food? Kidnaps us and treats us like cattle, then auctions us off to hungry aliens? Cripes....gives me shivers just thinking about it. Needless to say, this brings up a lot of disturbing themes, including similarities with Jews in Nazi Germany. Barrett certainly does not shy away from difficult material. The bottom line: the book is very well written, the love story is totally believable and evolves in a very emotional way, and the plot had me spell-bound (if not a nervous freakin' wreck) until the very end. The end was perfect for a sci fi story, although the romance-lover in me wanted an epilogue...hee hee! My only concern with this book (and frankly, all of the sci fi books I have been reading lately) is that I'm not quite sure erotica and sci fi is a great combination. Bottom line: loved the premise, the characters, and Barrett's intelligent narrative." -- Penelope's Romance Reviews

"Incredibly unique, Captured skillfully blends a sensuous romance with a dark sci-fi story. Captured is painfully brutal at times, but also mixes passion with heart pounding action. Mari and Ekkatt are fascinating main characters with pain and angst in their pasts, yet never willing to give up or give in. Not only is the overall story compelling, there are little twists and turns throughout the plot which makes it really hard to put down. Eroticism, drama, action, heart, and soul – Captured has it all!" -- Lisa, Joyfully Reviewed

"The way the relationship between Mari and Ekkatt developed was surprisingly robust. So were the sci-fi world-building elements. Personally, I think this story would make a great addition to a SFR anthology." -- Rebecca, Dirty Sexy Books

Excerpt

ADULT EXCERPT

“Yeah…yeah…yeah…” Mari teased, wiping the tears from her face. “Your hearing is better. Your eyesight is better. Your sense of smell is better. You are stronger and faster and oh-so-much larger in certain places than the average human male. I get it, Ekkatt. Now bring all those marvelous qualities here, and make love to me like you mean it.”

Ekkatt grinned at her. “That will make you feel better?”

“Oh yes, fucking you will make it very much better.” Mari grinned right back.

“Ah, if you feel that way, then there is something I would like to try.”

“Really? What?” Mari asked.

“Yes, a position that is of significance to my people, but I have been concerned about your size in comparison to mine.”

“Sounds intriguing…”

“That is what I appreciate most about you and fucking, little human, you are so eager, so primitive.”

“Oh yes, big Attun,” Mari laughed. “When it comes to fucking, we humans take pride in our primitive behavior.” She let out a shriek as Ekkatt grabbed her by the ankles and pulled her from beneath the blankets. He flipped her onto her stomach.

“I want to watch this dragon mark while I fuck you. The day I saw you in the hot spring, you made me hard. Like now.” He pressed his swollen cock against her thigh. “I find this portion of your anatomy appealing.” He squeezed her bottom. “It is round and smooth, and I like the way your waist meets your hips, with this curve.” His hand stroked her hip. “I can see a hint of pink, here.” He ran a finger through the wet folds between her legs.
“Oh…Ekkatt…”

“Stretch your arms above your head, Mari, so I can watch the dragon move.”

Mari did as she was told. She felt a long finger slip inside her, then two. She heard herself whimper.

“You are wet for me, human, so wet, and I have barely touched you.”

“Touch me more then…”

Ekkatt growled and pulled her up onto her hands and knees. He lay on his back, slid between her legs, and brought her to his mouth. His tongue lapped at her; his teeth nipped. Mari cried out at the pleasure. It was almost too much. She tried to move away, but Ekkatt kept a firm grip on her hips and held her in place. He licked wherever he wished. His tongue slid inside her as she came, and Mari heard him growl. She felt the fierce vibrations from his throat as his tongue lapped at her.

Ekkatt pushed her back up onto her hands and knees, moving behind her. Both desire and fear pooled in Mari’s stomach. Ekkatt was big. He was so big that she didn’t know if she could take him.

“In my world,” his voice sounded low, deep, “the first mating is always like this. With the man behind. I want you this way, Mari. I will take care not to hurt you, but I want you this way. I have wanted to fuck you like this from the moment I saw you in the spring.”

Mari sobbed at his words. She wanted him this way just as much as he wanted her, but he was so thick, so long, and so very hard. He pressed against her as she gasped at the sensation and the pressure. “I will take care, little human,” Ekkatt repeated. He trailed kisses from the back of her neck down to her bottom. “Be at ease, I will not hurt you.”

* * * *

Ekkatt gazed at the rounded bottom he held in his hands. His eyes wandered along the curve of her lower back, and he watched the motion of the dragon tattoo as the muscles beneath Mari’s skin rippled. He could see the glistening pinkness between her legs and the opening to her body. Just the sight aroused him so that he feared he would reach his peak before he had entered her completely. He forced himself to keep his movements slow and careful. She was so small and so tight, and in this position he would be buried very deep within her.

“Mari…I…”

“Yes, Ekkatt. Yes.”

He pushed the head of his uus inside, and she whimpered. Her heat surrounded him, her body gripped him, and her noises made him harder than he’d imagined a man could be. Although he felt her flinch he drove himself deeper. He pulled back and thrust again but took care to keep his movements measured and controlled. He began to murmur soft words of love in his own language. He soothed her and calmed her. At his words, Mari’s muscles relaxed, and she was able to take more of him. He withdrew from her again, nearly all the way, then he pressed himself home and plunged deep within her. Mari jerked beneath his hands, but she didn’t pull away. He heard her exhale and he could feel the mouth of her womb against the head of his uus. The realization struck him that he had already given her what her god had taken from her, another child. His child. The revelation of their fertility and the knowledge that he would have descendants filled him with joy.

“Mari,” he growled her name while he told her in his own tongue how much she meant to him. He thrust again and again. He was nearly mindless with need. He heard the pleading in her voice, and he feared he was hurting her greatly.

“Shall I stop?” he managed to ask between gritted teeth.

“Oh. God. No,” Mari answered. “If you stop, I’ll kill you.”