The Hero Kidnaps the Heroine: List of 100+ Bodice Ripper Romances with this Plot

We explore the controversial trope of “hero kidnaps heroine.” This was a staple of bodice rippers, and its literary roots go back centuries.

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A Captivating Plot in Many Romance Novels

The “heroine kidnapped by the hero“ trope has always been popular in romances, particularly in the historical bodice ripper subgenre.

Although not reflective of authentic love stories, this dynamic plotline has fascinated readers with its escapist and fantastical elements.

So we’re clear—Stockholm Syndrome is not romantic at all in real life! But within the context of the no-holds-barred bodice-ripper, romances with these plots are gripping reads.

A Bodice Ripper Staple: Hero Takes the Heroine

A handsome man takes the heroine captive. Initially, he treats her cruelly, yet he also desires her. The hero may be driven to such reckless lengths due to lust, revenge, greed, or sheer madness.

Whatever his initial motives, it doesn’t make a difference. A love story that begins this way is likely contentious, making it a fitting trope for old-school romances.

We’re listing over 100 bodice-ripper romances from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s that feature the heroine getting kidnapped. But first, let’s delve into and explore the historical roots of this plot, its evolution in literature, and the reasons behind its enduring appeal to readers.

Historical Roots of the Kidnapping Trope

The concept of abduction leading to love has deep historical roots in literature.

In the ancient Greek myth, Hades, the God of Death, absconded with his niece Persephone, goddess of the spring season, to his kingdom. Compared to his philandering brothers, Zeus and Poseidon, Hades was a devoted husband to his bride.

Throughout history, authors have explored the theme in various ways, sparking debates and discussions about its portrayal.

Some of the greatest empires in history were born from the unions of powerful men and their hostage wives.

This legend is exemplified by the story of the Rape of the Sabine Women by the early men of Rome.

According to the tale, Romulus, the first King and founder of Rome, kidnapped Sabine women to provide Roman men with partners for procreation. During festivities, each young man in Rome would allegedly abduct an unmarried Sabine woman to become his bride.

The Evolution of the Kidnapping Trope in Literature

The novel Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded by Samuel Richardson, is considered one of the earliest English-language romance novels. Published in 1740, this novel captivated readers as it followed the story of Pamela, a virtuous young woman, and her trials and tribulations in resisting the advances of her employer, Mr. B.

Although Pamela’s relationship with her captor is complex and can be interpreted in various ways, the novel intrigued readers with its portrayal of love. It provided a satisfying romantic ending where the rakish abductor is ultimately transformed into a devoted partner.

Richardson’s exploration of themes such as class dynamics and female agency paved the way for future writers to delve into similar subjects.

From Ancient Rome to Modern Romance

The Echoes of History Reverberate in Literature

Recall the Sabine Women, the Mothers of Ancient Rome? In his 1937 short story The Sobbin’ Women, Stephen Vincent Benét humorously retells the legend of the women’s abduction.

That story inspired the 1954 Academy Award-winning musical film “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” Set in the 1850s, the movie follows Adam Pontipée and his six brothers, who all reside on a farm in the mountains.

As a result of Adam committing himself to a marriage of convenience, the brothers also decide they need wives. So they head to town and search for willing ladies. When asking doesn’t work, they whisk the women back to their remote home and spend a winter together before settling into domestic bliss.

The film is an engaging take on this old theme, filled with memorable songs and energetic dance numbers.

Tales as Old as Time…

Throughout the 20th century, the kidnapping trope continued to evolve, drawing inspiration from various literary works.

Edith M. Hull’s The Sheik, published in 1919, was the groundbreaking ancestor of the subgenre we lovingly know as “bodice rippers.” Set in the Algerian desert, the “semi-civilized” North African hero sees the arrogant Englishwoman, Diana Mayo, and wants her, so he takes her to his desert oasis.

As a result of this impetuous abduction, two individuals from different cultures clash, resulting in a thrilling romance.

Early Bodice Ripper Romances with Hero Who Kidnaps the Heroine

During the 1970s, the captor-captive plot surged in popularity. First, it was a common feature in the more passionate Mills & Boon books, which Harlequin published as their Presents line in North America. Later, they were an elemental part of bodice ripper romances, aka “sensual historicals.”

After the sensual historical genre grew in prominence, it became almost impossible to find a romance writer who never incorporated the captor-captive plot into their works.

Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, Rosemary Rogers, Janelle Taylor, Jude Deveraux, and Johanna Lindsey were some of the most renowned authors who used the kidnapping element. Their bodice rippers were epic bestsellers.

Whether it was a:

• Sheik sweeping the heroine to his oasis in the desert
• Norseman gone a-Viking
• Native American brave scouting the plains
• Pirate sailing the High seas
• Highland warrior from an enemy clan
• Gunslinger riding his horse across the desert of the American West
• Dissolute Regency rake bent on debauchery
• Or a most unchivalrous knight holding a lady hostage…

For decades, romance fans have been riveted by this controversial plot device that depicts the hero’s transformation from a brutal captor into a caring soulmate.

However, as we have witnessed, this fascination is not a trend from the recent past. The journey of love and redemption in these stories resonates with audiences worldwide on a mythic level.

Prisoner of My Desire, Johanna Lindsey, 1991

The Appeal of the Captor/Captive Trope

The evolving dynamics of this fictional element have fascinated audiences for centuries.

An arrogant hero asserts his dominance by taking the heroine as his prisoner and expecting her to comply with his commands.

The female protagonist not only faces the enmity of the hero but also that of his servants, relatives, and people.

She must navigate through numerous challenging circumstances. Regardless of whether she reacts with calm reserve, timidity, or ferocity, she is alone, surrounded by hostile forces.

Ultimately, the heroine must rely on her wits and resolve to endure and escape—if possible. Through this challenging journey, she discovers a hidden reservoir of inner strength she never knew existed.

In the end, it is the captor who becomes captivated by the heroine.

And so this narrative twist lets readers the kidnapper’s heart slowly being transformed by love and compassion.

Despite being labeled “problematic,” the captor and captive trope continues to exist in modern romance novels. From Dark New Adult romances to alien abduction stories, this theme endures due to its engaging allure of primal fantasy.

List: Bodice Rippers Featuring Heroes Who Kidnap Heroines

If you’re seeking a captivating break from the mundane, we present a curated list of over 100 bodice-ripper romances featuring heroes who kidnap heroines.

These thrilling tales depict bold actions by heroes as the women embark on unexpected personal adventures. We hope you find some intriguing reads on this list.

BOOK TITLE	AUTHOR	YEAR
Pirate’s Angel	Bauer, Marsha	1991
Beloved Outlaw	Benjamin, Linda	1986
The Prize	Berne, Martine	2000
No Gentle Love	Brandewyne, Rebecca	1980
Forever, My Love	Brandewyne, Rebecca	1982
Love, Cherish Me	Brandewyne, Rebecca	1983
Upon a Moon-Dark Moor	Brandewyne, Rebecca	1988
Desperado	Brandewyne, Rebecca	1992
The Game	Brenda Joyce	1995
The Spanish Rose	Busbee, Shirlee	1986
Gather the Stars	Cates, Kimberly	1996
Escape Not My Love	Coffman, Elaine	1990
The Copeland Bride	Cole, Justine	1983
Devil’s Embrace	Coulter, Catherine	1982
Devil’s Daughter	Coulter, Catherine	1985
Lord of Hawkfell Island	Coulter, Catherine	1993
Passion’s Chains	Creel, Catherine	1991
Wild Texas Rose	Creel, Catherine	1993
Mountain Mistress	Crenshaw, Nadine	1987
Captive Melody	Crenshaw, Nadine	1987
Edin’s Embrace	Crenshaw, Nadine	1989
Tell Me Lies	Dain, Claudia	2000
Blood Red Roses	Deauxville, Katherine	1991
Daggers of Gold	Deauxville, Katherine	1993
The Silver Devil	Denys, Teresa	1978
Spring’s Fury	Domning, Denise	1995
The Captain’s Captive	Dorsey, Christine	1991
Sea Fires	Dorsey, Christine	1992
Pirate’s Wild Embrace	Douglas, Kate	1989
Savage Dawn	Drymon, Kathleen	1984
Destiny’s Splendor	Drymon, Kathleen	1988
Into Passion’s Dawn (The Loves of Angela Carlyle, #1)	Dubarry, Michele	1981
Desert Hostage	Dunaway, Diane	1982
Highlands Hearts	Dustin, Sandra	1992
Forbidden Magic	Emm, Catherine	1987
Dawnfire	Erickson, Lynn	1984
Beloved Enemy	Feather, Jane	1987
The Eagle and the Dove	Feather, Jane	1991
The Hostage Bride	Feather, Jane	1998
Tara’s Song	Ferry Johnson, Barbara	1978
Storm Maiden	Gilgannon, Mary	1997
The Demon Lover	Holt, Victoria	1982
Wild Roses	Howell, Hannah	1997
The Sheik	Hull, E.M.	1919
Love Stone	James, Deana	1983
Lovefire	James, Deana	1985
Texas Star	James, Deana	1987
Blaze	Johnson, Susan	1986
Tender Feud	Jordan, Nicole	1991
The Darkest Heart	Joyce, Brenda	1989
Bewitching Kisses	Kirkland, Rainy	1991
Only With Your Love	Kleypas, Lisa	1992
Northward the Heart	Kurr, Maureen	1985
Highland Heather	Langan, Ruth	1991
Captive Bride	Lindsey, Johanna	1977
Fires of Winter	Lindsey, Johanna	1980
A Gentle Feuding	Lindsey, Johanna	1983
So Speaks the Heart	Lindsey, Johanna	1983
Heart of Thunder	Lindsey, Johanna	1983
Love Only Once	Lindsey, Johanna	1985
Secret Fire	Lindsey, Johanna	1987
Hearts Aflame	Lindsey, Johanna	1987
Defy Not the Heart	Lindsey, Johanna	1989
Gentle Rogue	Lindsey, Johanna	1990
Once a Princess	Lindsey, Johanna	1991
Prisoner of My Desire	Lindsey, Johanna	1991
Surrender My Love	Lindsey, Johanna	1994
Love Me Forever	Lindsey, Johanna	1995
Siren’s Call	Lovelace, Merline	1994
Firebrand Bride	Lynnford, Janet	1999
Taken By You	Mason, Connie	1996
Viking!	Mason, Connie	1998
Tender Warrior	Michaels, Fern	1982
Stormfire	Monson, Christine	1984
Rangoon	Monson, Christine	1985
Sea Jewel	Neri, Penelope	1986
Desert Captive	Neri, Penelope	1988
Desert Slave	North, Miranda	1989
Savage Autumn	O’Banyon, Constance	1984
Sweet Seduction	Pellicane, Patricia	1992
Passion’s Paradise	Pelton, Sonya T.	1981
Dakota Flame	Pelton, Sonya T.	1989
Savage Surrender	Peters, Natasha	1977
Dangerous Obsession	Peters, Natasha	1978
The Abduction	Potter, Patricia	1991
Wild Irish Heather	Price, Ashland	1991
Uncommon Vows	Putney, Mary Jo	1991
Outlaw’s Angel	Quinn, Colleen	1988
The Pirate’s Captive	Ransom, Dana	1987
Steal the Flame	Redd, Joanne	1991
So Wicked the Heart	Riefe, Barbara	1980
Forbidden Love	Robards, Karen	1983
Island Flame	Robards, Karen	1981
Tiger’s Eye	Robards, Karen	1989
Lady Valiant	Robinson, Suzanne	1993
Sweet Savage Love	Rogers, Rosemary	1974
The Wildest Heart	Rogers, Rosemary	1974
Wicked Loving Lies	Rogers, Rosemary	1976
Ecstasy’s Chains	Rosanne Bittner	1989
Last Flower	Sellers, Con	1980
Purity’s Ecstasy	Seymour, Janette	1978
Emmie’s Love	Seymour, Janette	1980
Skye O’Malley	Small, Bertrice	1980
Autumn Dove	Sommerfield, Sylvie F.	1989
Savage Ecstasy	Taylor, Janelle	1980
Tender Ecstasy	Taylor, Janelle	1983
Keeper of the Dream	Williamson, Penelope	1992
So Worthy My Love	Woodiwiss, Kathleen E.	1989
Silver Storm	Wright, Cynthia	1979

Final Thoughts on the Hero as the Heroine’s Abductor in Romance

The heroine-kidnapped-by-the-hero trope, though controversial, has captivated readers for centuries. Its portrayal in literature offers complex and intriguing dynamics between characters.

Readers root for the heroine as the kidnapper’s harsh nature yields before her more gentle spirit. Her will demands nothing less than freedom. So in the best of these romances, the hero and heroine act as complements, neither ruling with absolute tyranny over the other.

Although this fictional theme is a sensitive topic, we embrace the exploration of this fantasy. Romance novels provide a thrilling way to ignite the imagination because they offer a peek into an exciting yet forbidden world where love reigns supreme.

Your Opinion

What’s your opinion on love stories where the hero kidnaps the heroine?

Do you enjoy the captor-captive trope in romance novels? If so, what books with this plot are on your favorites list? What makes this element appealing to you as a reader?

Do you think there are any negative real-life dangers relating to this fictional device?

As always, please drop a comment, and let’s talk romance!