Dr. Theophrastus Campbell leads a comfortable life, along with his twin brother, buried in academia. His unique gift for obscure languages goes unnoticed as he teaches University students to conjugate Latin. Everything in his world is just as it should be; restrained, understated, boring. He would give anything to break away. In all his daydreams of adventure, Theo never expected it to arrive in the form of an outrageously attractive Outlier covered in intriguing tattoos. And Theo never thought the price he might pay for adventure would be his own freedom.

Captain Park Jun-Seo leads a dangerous life, running a Crew of misfits through Restricted space as he desperately searches for the key to completing his parents’ work. Work that could mean the difference between life and death for countless others. In all of his frantic searching, Jun never expected to find the key in the form of a beautiful professor with more brilliance than good sense. And he never thought the price he might pay for knowledge would be his own heart.

Stoic Jun and irrepressible Theo must work together to break the code before their time is up. Falling into bed together is effortless, but their growing connection wasn’t in the plan. Theo charms his way beneath Jun’s skin with every nonsensical move he makes. Jun must decide if he can make room in his harsh, goal-driven life for the unpredictable force of love. Theo begins their journey as a lighthearted adventure—until he cracks Jun’s tough facade to reveal the hero within. Theo must decide if he can risk his battered heart when Jun is risking everything.

In the lawless depths of space, can two captive hearts set each other free?

Purchase: Amazon.com

Goodreads: Captivated by A.C.Thomas

Review

Rating: 5 stars

*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*

Latin teacher Dr Theo Campbell leads a rather mundane life. He secretly longs for something exciting to happen. Needless to say being kidnaped wasn’t quite what he had in mind, but Theo takes it in his stride as he is suddenly thrust into the adventure of a lifetime. His captor, Captain Park Jun-Seo isn’t what he imagined either, but as Jun’s motivations for Theo abduction become clear, he quickly realises that Jun isn’t as bad as he likes to make himself out to be. Quickly the two of them find themselves working together and becoming closer. Jun makes it clear that he is not interested in a more meaningful relationship, but Theo rapidly falls for his captor and realises that despite what he says, Jun has come to care for him too. However, Jun’s feelings for Theo may well lead him into more danger.

This is the second novel in The Verge series but can be read as a standalone which is what I did. I absolutely loved Theo. His way of saying things and the language he uses is beautiful and even though some of the characters find it extremely frustrating at times, I loved every second of dialogue. On numerous occasions I found myself smiling even though the situations that he was in were quite serious. Jun is a complete contrast. He is often serious and expresses his frustration, but he has a kinder side that Theo’s opposite personality slowly manages to draw out. The two of them balance the other well and it is easy to see how they fall in love.

The world building in Captivated has been well-crafted and thought out. The technology created is very believable and I like how the author’s simplistic explanations of how it works does not leave you bogged down or lost. The plot moves at a steady pace and Theo’s unique way of viewing the world make the actions scenes even more compelling.
I cannot recommend Captivated enough and will certainly be checking out the first novel in the series!