~ Review: The Reluctant Captive ~

From the depths of the Kenyan jungle, the author has brought us a story of politics, struggle and survival.  We've got a band of rebels, lead by a handsome African warrior fighting an oppressive government. His third in command, a fearless female warrior, takes it upon herself to kidnap an American citizen to draw attention to their plight. What more could you ask for? Love? Romance? How about this: The African rebel leader is drawn to the American hostage and she is attracted him. This infuriates the female rebel,
because she is in love with the leader. Now, not only is there love and romance, but jealousy and danger.  Now it's getting good.

Katherine Wellington, a financial advisor from Washington DC, is in Kenya to celebrate her uncle's new appointment. He is the first African American to be selected as one of the 24 directors of the World Bank, an international organization responsible for approving loans to countries in need of financial
help. While attending a banquet, Katherine is shown a picture of Kenya's most wanted criminal.  He is the leader of the rebel faction that has become a thorn in the government's side.

Nziguniziju (N Zee to her friends) is a great warrior whom all the rebels admire and most men lust after.  She is spoiled, conniving, manipulative and very dangerous.  She has her sights set on their leader, and nothing or anyone can deter her.  She devises a plan to help further their movement. She talks a fellow revolutionist, David into assisting her.  Wanting to impress their leader and also being in love with N Zee, David agrees. They kidnap Katherine thinking that she is the daughter of the newly appointed director.

Not too often I find myself admiring one of these heroines, but Katherine is a woman to be admired.  She stood up to her kidnappers and fought them every step of the way.  During the entire ordeal, she is confrontational, opinionated and speaks her mind about everything.  She is proud and defiant and refuses to become a victim.  Even when she is stripped near naked, she lifts her chin and stares them straight in the eye.  She's my kind of woman.

When they return to camp, N Zee presents the bruised, dirty and exhausted Katherine to their second in command, Kimya. The mild mannered Kimya is also secretly in love with N Zee (Girlfriend got it going on), but he is completely loyal to their leader.

Jackson Shugaa (great manly name), the golden-eyed rebel leader became government enemy #1 the day his father disappeared while in police custody.  He is furious with N Zee for carrying out a mission that wasn't approved by himself or Kimya. He decides that the kidnapping will cause more trouble for them and decides to return Katherine to her family. But in the meantime, she will stay in HIS hut and sleep in HIS bed. 

N Zee is seeing red.  Not only has her plan to get closer to Jackson backfired, but now she has introduced this beautiful American, Katherine, into to Jackson's life.  There is chemistry between Katherine and Jackson, but neither acknowledges it.  Then one night when Katherine's unconscious mind causes her to break down, Jackson tries to console her.  (And that's just the first few chapters)

One of my determining factors of a good book is if I'm reaching for a pen and some paper to take notes. While reading THE RELUCTANT CAPTIVE, they were never far from me.  Ms. Jackson does a great job developing her characters.  You get an in-depth look at what makes these people who they are.  N Zee reminded me of a modern day Cleopatra.  There was also a sense of pride
as I read this book. I had visions of proud warriors male and female of every hue and Egyptian kings and queens.

A daring kidnapping takes place in the first chapter that has your heart pounding and your eyes rapidly flashing across the pages soaking in every compelling detail.  The words on the pages came to life before my eyes and forced me to keep reading.  The author vividly paints a scene with her expressive words. I was thoroughly impressed by this first time author. Her chapters easily flowed from one to the other making the impressive 421 pages a very easy read.

Ms. Jackson's ability to incorporate different tribal customs and traditions into the story shows the depth of her commitment to give the readers an authentic story. Not only does the author give us an excellent love story, she injects a fair amount of humor throughout the story. I thought I would die laughing when Katherine got lost in the woods and that R&B hit by Atlantic Starr "Circles" was stuck in her head.  Humorous romance stories are at the top of on my list.

Ms Jackson most certainly has a career in this genre. THE RELUCTANT CAPTIVE is what we serious romance readers call an all-nighter.  You will not want to put it down until you get to the end.  And even then it was hard.

25th January 2001