Captive of Sin Book

I don't know why the books featuring "Gideon" often turned out to be 4 - 5* winners for me (even tho' the hero's name is far from my "Fav names" list), e.g., Amanda Quick = Ravished - 5* ; Jane Feather = The bride hunt - 4* ; Anne Gracie = The perfect rake - 5*). COS is no exception. Mayhap 'cuz I tend to gravitate towards dark, brooding, taciturn, tortured, spy hero who has survived unspeakable horrors, has to constantly battle his inner demons upon his return to human race, blessed w/ a talent for foreign language, is over-protective of the damsel in distress, thinks he should keep heroine @ foot's length, tries to send her away for her own good (why do dudes always think they know what's best for their chicks ?) & is afflicted w/ a triple whammy (agoraphobia, claustrophobia & PTSD). I wanted to take Gideon into my flat bosom & never let go. I luved Charis' unconditional love & steely determination to seduce & weaken his seemingly-impenetrable barricade. It's prolly my 2nd or 3rd fav book of the year, after Meredith Duran = Written on your skin. I was once again hypnotized by AC's evocative prose. She just can't write a bad book IMHO. This was definitely what "To desire a devil" shoulda been. The execution is the difference here. H/H meet from the 1st page & spend almost the entire book together (except for a v. brief separation). Bonus points for internal conflicts (I just adore heroes who acutely feel their unworthiness & fear of hurting their heroines) & evolving relationship. I could see why they gradually fall in luv as they get to know each other, even tho' Charis has luved him from the start & keeps telling him to free himself from his inner guilt for having survived his ordeal when his comrades have perished. Her healing touch is exactly what he needs even if none of the doctors have prescribed luvmaking as a surefire remedy. He keeps backing away from her pursuing love but despite his resistance, he finally comes to terms w/ his feelings. His heroic deeds have catapulted him into a national celebrity status, he chafes @ his label but is not above using it when it comes in handy in protecting Charis. He inspires admiration & loyalties from his BFF & inferiors for his bravery during his harrowing captivity (I'd need lifelong therapy if that were me) & who could blame Charis for developing a case of hero-worship for the martyr-like chap. I was captivated by the beautiful portrayal of Gideon's inner struggle & sexual healing. Aside from Gideon's dubious miracle, the intense, perilous journey towards HEA simply wowed me. AC sure does know how to pen the best tortured H/H in romancelandia.

On a side note, I was kinda bummed when I got my copy in the mail & the last few chapters were damaged by the deluge (been raining like there's no tomorrow, U'd think the clouds have commuted from Seattle) & sloppy delivery < V shakes grubby paws @ USPS & Mother Nature >, but I was glad it didn't ruin the entertainment value. Just like the flawed H/H, this physically-flawed copy of mine will stay on my keeper shelves forever =)~