When I read this book back in '00 it was a new experience for me as I had never read a medieval romance before so I did not know what to expect other than that I have enjoyed all the past books by this author. So it was worth a shot!
Aric Neville has fought many wars victoriously. He is well known as the White Lion but he comes to a point when he can not continue fighting for something he no longer believes in. He throws down his sword, washes the blood from his hands, if not from his mind, and leaves it all behind. He secludes himself in a cabin and spends six months with barely more than his own company. But soon his seclusion comes to an end as he suddenly has a dilemma on his hands.
Gwenyth de Auburd had been born into a well family but when her parents died, she was sent to live with her uncle and aunt. They made her into no more than a servant, stripping her of confidence and dignity, causing her to grow up quite harsh. Her uncle orders servants to take her away and wed her off to the 'Sorcerer' or she would perish.
Thus is how Aric and Gwenyth are brought together. Aric is amazed such rude insults could come from the mouth of such a beautiful woman. The last thing he desires is a wife but he could not stand the alternative, he must wed her or see her dead. Gwenyth had only wanted to marry well and have a secure future, she does not want to marry Aric as he is nothing but a hermit. They wed and neither are happy with the union. Gwenyth proclaims her displeasure loudly and Aric vows to himself to find more pleasant ways to occupy her mouth. Another enjoyable couple!
I would like to thank Ms Bradley for broadening my reading horizons and showing me that romance is wonderful in any setting, even in medieval times. I eagerly look forward to Drake and Kieran's stories too. I feel sure this trilogy will astound alot of readers. Ms Bradley has a unique writing style all her own!
Drake Thornton was framed for the slaying of his father in a battle of the clans. His own half brother, whom is truly evil at heart, has him imprisoned and tortured beyond belief. But Drake's two trustworthy friends, brothers at heart, rescue him from his ordeal. Now Drake is whole and healthy, ripe for revenge against the man that has taken so much from him.
Averyl Campbell is to make a marriage that will restore her family and lands. She is unconvinced of her beauty, ingrained within her from childhood, so she feels she must accept her father's plans for her betroyal, which will also bring peace between the Campbell and MacDougall clans.
Drake swoops in for his revenge against his half brother and wisks Averyl away. He vows to keep her until her eighteen birthday which will make his brother's claim to the inheritance void without a marriage to secure it. However his plan goes far from smoothly as Averyl fights him every step of the way.......until she succumbs. Which is when his trial really begins, for with a heart so full of revenge and hate, how can there be room for love?
Such a powerfully written story! You will applaud the heroine's strength and feel for her weaknesses. You will grieve for the hero's hurt and cry for the proof of his love for his wife. This story truly touched my heart! A very satisfying second story in the trilogy....I can only hope Kieran's story is half as good!
Also I was quite honored that Shelley included me in the dedication
of this book which came as an unexpected surprise. I was so touched...thank you Shelley!
Kieran Broderick, whom is half Irish, must travel to Ireland to take an Irish wife and bring a stop to the rebellion of the people. He is not pleased with the King's order but ever faithful to the English crown, he reluctantly agrees. Of the four O'Shea sisters, Maeve is the one that catches Kieran's eye but the Irish beauty is against what he stands for and vows not to submit her body or her heart to this handsome rogue.
Kieran and Maeve's story is a very satisfying conclusion to Ms Bradley's medieval trilogy which left me quite fulfilled. With lots of action but most importantly tender moments that I believe readers look for in a romance story. And the love scenes were very nice too! Also hopefully there will be more stories from generations to come. As someone that had never read medievals before reading this trilogy, this author proved to me how great a romance story can be told in this time era. Five hearts all the way around....I loved it!
His Lady Bride Aug 2000
His Stolen Bride Dec 2000
His Rebel Bride March 2001HOME BACK
Thanks to Red's Backgrounds for the castle background
