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Maiden Bride (Harlequin Historical, No 332)

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Married for Revenge
Lovely!

Maiden Bride (Harlequin Historical, No 332)
Deborah Simmons
Manufacturer: Harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0373289324

Customer Reviews:

Married for Revenge.......2002-07-05

Nicholas de Laci lived for revenge. His hatred against Lord Hexham was all consuming, it was what fed him. When it was taken from him by his brother-in-law, he was furious. His hatred was so great that when he found out from the king that the niece of Lord Hexham was alive and living in a convent and if he married her, he would by way of marriage, inherit the demense that was Hexham, he was more than willing. He would wed the niece and exact his revenge upon her for the sins of her uncle. He would make her pay - he would make her a slave.

Gillian Hexham was an innocent. She never even knew her uncle, had never even laid eyes upon him, but she knew hatred when she saw it and the eyes of Nicholas de Laci were hard as ice and bore right into her soul. She would be torn from the relative safety of the convent and forced to marry this handsome knight who hated her because of her 'tainted' blood.

Nicholas' passion for hate was overcome by the passionate resistance of Gillian who fought his proposed enslavement. They would end up enslaved by one another.

This was a marvelous story to see the healing powers of love and family, with the characters wonderfully drawn out making it hard to put down. The sexually provocative love scenes will take your breath away. A wonderful sequel to the Devil's Lady. Do try to find a copy - you will not be disappointed.

Lovely!.......2002-01-27

Not being a great medieval romance fan, I wasn't too sure about reading this. I picked it up used. However, I've enjoyed Ms. Simmons other books that I've read. This one proved to be no exception.

Nicholas made me laugh. So hell bent on revenge only to be caught up in confusing emotions about his bride. And Gillian was perfect. She had a temper and a brain. But she isn't of the
Too-Stupid-To-Live variety of heroine. She had good reason to fear Nicholas and lived accordingly as she learned more about him.

Their romance grew so naturally. Love didn't happen in a day or a week. I don't like books where "forever" happens in a very short time. I almost cried when Nicholas called her back from death.

My only reason for the 4 stars is I would like to have had some of the secondary characters fleshed out a bit more. I figured out there is a previous book about Nick's sister, Aisley and The Red Knight. Got to find that! I would like to have known more about Darius. And Gillian's brother never seemed real. I felt he was sort thrown in to give a bit of fireworks toward the end. Oh well.

The Maiden Bride
Average customer rating:

I wavered between two and three stars for this book

Arouses the Interest.

This book is the BEST book I have ever read!!!!

A Book Highly Recommended

Are we all reading the same book?

The Maiden Bride
Rexanne Becnel
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0312959788

Book Description

Born in shame....All her life the ravishing Linnea de Valcourt has been reviled as the "cursed" daughter of Maindenstone Castle.Redeemed by deceit....Now, to save her beloved twin sister from a terrible fate, she will sacrifice herself by impersonating her as the bride of conqueror Axton de la Manse. Yet how is it that she feels such fiery passion when she lies with this grim despoiler of her home?A hostage to love....Revenge for years of exile has driven the magnificent Axton to possess his archenemy's daughter-little knowing that, as he imprisons her in his arms and drowns in her stormy sea-green eyes, he is throwing away the key to his soul. But Linnea's family, gathering forces to reclaim Maidenstone, will soon reveal their trickery. How can she hide from him the truth about his imposter's bride?

Customer Reviews:

I wavered between two and three stars for this book.......2006-02-27

I thought that I would really like this book, since I'd really enjoyed one of the author's other books "Dangerous to Love".

And at first, this book lived up to my expectations. I devoured the first half of it in a day. I just couldn't put it down. Everything was so well drawn: the historical detail, the heroine's hopes and fears, her struggles to be seen as worthy, even though superstition marks her, the second twin, as evil...it really captured my interest.

But after the halfway mark, the story started to die. The author started to cram the book with sex scene after sex scene. Soon, I was rolling my eyes and muttering "oh, for Pete's sake, are they doing it AGAIN?" It seemed like they did nothing but jump each other's bones. Sexual tension in a romance novel is necessary, but it needs to be handled delicately, not something that sledgehammers the reader into oblivion. I skipped so many pages of sex that it wasn't even funny.

I tried to get past this and still enjoy the story. But the hatred that the characters had (every single one of them) got to be too much. Everybody was filled with so much hate. Everybody hated someone. Everybody hated each other. It got to be ridiculous. Yes, revenge is a major motivating factor, but should it be the only one (besides lust) that keeps the story moving? Even right up until the end, everyone was filled with hate, which made the last few pages of 'let's forgive and forget' rather unbelievable. I started off liking the hero, but by the end, he was such an abusive jerk that I wanted to pick up a fireplace poker and brain him with it. Seriously, the relationship between the hero and heroine was an abusive and very unhealthy one. If a man ever treated me like this, I would have run far far away. I had to force myself to finish this book, when so many times, I was ready to give up. I had to rationalize with myself that since I'd invested this much time in it, I might as well finish it. A good book doesn't make you do that.

I will give this author another chance, as I have another of her books in my 'to be read' shelf, and because "Dangerous to Love" was enjoyable. But if the next book of hers I read is as bad as this one, I'll cross her off my list. I don't recommend this book. If you really feel that you must read it, borrow it from the library. Don't waste money on it.

Arouses the Interest........2003-11-20

Splendid feel of medieval times: fortified castles, powerful men, strange superstitions. A time in history dressed in dark moods, dark beliefs, and dark conspiracies.

Lady Linnea de Valcourt had the misfortune of being born second -- the second identical twin. The setting is the middle ages -- bewitched times -- strange superstitions reign high. Many believed twin births were the symbol of evil -- the sharing of a soul. The first baby possessed all the good of that divided soul; the second child held all the evil. Therefore, they should destroy the second child. Only through their mother's love did little Linnea live. She survived the infant death but not the marked childhood -- a childhood filled with resentment, rejection, and deterrence. Linnea's brothers and her vicious grandmother encouraged such appalling behavior.

Move forward eighteen years and now they call upon Linnea to save her family. She will be the substitute bride and marry their hated enemy Axton de la Manse. Linnea will execute a scheming plot, the result -- de la Manse's collapse and death.

Rexanne Becnel filled the storyline with mystery. I couldn't determine the direction the author was choosing, but such deception was an excellent tactic. Each chapter's ending dispensed astonishment much to this reader's fascination.

The sensuality is hot - interesting use of a gold chain. I am new to Becnel's work, but I will be checking out more of her material.

Grace Atkinson, Ontario - Canada.

This book is the BEST book I have ever read!!!!.......2003-07-23

I have read a million books, but, this book is by far the best that I have ever read! I bought this book for A REALLY GOOD PRICE and boy, what a steal!! This book is worth ten times what I paid for it!! Axton and Linnea were one of the most powerful couples that I have ever read about. I felt like I was there going through it all with them and I wanted to slap Linnea's grandmother(even though she got around to it eventually). Her family is so horrible. I cannot tell you how great of a book this is. You have to read it for yourself. I fell in love with Axton myself! And this is NOT one of those books where there are a thousand little misunderstandings that drive you crazy and have you beating your head against the wall by the end. It is a very well thought out book, set in a wonderfully romantic time, with two of the strongest lead characters that I have ever read about!! I have never read Rexanne Becnel before, but, I am buying all of her books and this one is going on my favorites pile to be read forty more times!!

A Book Highly Recommended.......2003-03-22

I bought this as a 2nd hand book and after reading it I was amazed on how good the story turned out to be. This book is worth more then the price it was given. The characters were unique especially Linnea. Her story made me laugh and the same time angry on how she was treated by Axton and her grandmother. The entire book was not just all about love but it also depicted the human history of multiple births. I highly recommend this book to all you people who believe that love conquers all!

Are we all reading the same book?.......2001-12-11

After reading this book, I re-read all these low-rated reviews and I wonder...what book where these people reading? This is a good, page-turner. You will hate putting it down and love picking it up again. It's a romance novel! I almost didn't read this because of the comments. There is no rape in the book, the hero is heroic and the mean actions of some of the characters are not overwhelming. One of them is hateful, the others are just misguided due to ignorance. It's a good lesson from the "What doesn't kill us makes us stronger" school of character development. It's a good read, it's fun, it has a lot of good sex and it's not too long. What else do you want?

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Back of the book

Swan Bride (Swan Maiden, Book 1)
Lindsey
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0671689142

Customer Reviews:

Back of the book.......2002-11-04

Moira grew to womanhood in the realm of Myr, wise in the arts of women.. and utterly innocent of the ways of men. Her delicate beauty belied her inner strength.. yet she wondered, trembling. For tonight she passed through the circle of stones into the world of men..
Wulfsun was every mesmerizing inch a man, hard muscled and tawny maned. No Viking was more feared, for Wulfsun fought without mercy, and expected none. until he captured a maiden as beautiful as moonlit shadows, and was enslaved for all time. He would have her willing or not at all, though his blood coursed hot with wanting her. And though Moira wore a golden collar of thralldom, her desire for the mighty warrior was the greater bondage. IN the long northern night, they surrendered at last to their sweet destiny. But Wulfsun would go forth once more, to die.. or claim forever the free, enchanting heart of his own.

Average customer rating:

Delightful!
An RWA Top Ten Book of 2000 for good reason!
A very good romance, rather thin in the historical part
Good and Sweet !
The Maiden Bride

The Maiden Bride
Linda Needham
Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0380796368

Book Description

Widowed, Lady Eleanor arrives at the castle of the husband she never met, ruthlesswarlord Nicholas Bayard. As she explores, a huge shadow overtakes her in the darkness of the tower: an intruder who commands her to leave his castle. Eleanor informs him that she is the wife of the late Lord Nicholas. Shocked to realize that the bride he'd thought had died in the Plague is not only alive, but beautiful and bold, Nicholas hides his identity. But Eleanor is a temptation he cannot resist, and when she learns his true identity, she shows him that love is the greatest miracle of all.Widowed, Lady Eleanor arrives at the castle of the husband she never met, ruthless warlord Nicholas Bayard. As she explores, a huge shadow overtakes her in the darkness of the tower: an intruder who commands her to leave his castle. Eleanor informs him that she is the wife of the late Lord Nicholas. Shocked to realize that the bride he'd thought had died in the Plague is not only alive, but beautiful and bold, Nicholas hides his identity. But Eleanor is a temptation he cannot resist, and when she learns his true identity, she shows him that love is the greatest miracle of all.Widowed, Lady Eleanor arrives at the castle of the husband she never met, ruthless warlord Nicholas Bayard. As she explores, a huge shadow overtakes her in the darkness of the tower: an intruder who commands her to leave his castle. Eleanor informs him that she is the wife of the late Lord Nicholas. Shocked to realize that the bride he'd thought had died in the Plague is not only alive, but beautiful and bold, Nicholas hides his identity. But Eleanor is a temptation he cannot resist, and when she learns his true identity, she shows him that love is the greatest miracle of all.

Customer Reviews:

Delightful!.......2001-10-05

This was a fun story with entertaining characters. lots of smiles, and laughs, plus, great passion. don't miss out on reading this one.

An RWA Top Ten Book of 2000 for good reason!.......2001-05-19

THE MAIDEN BRIDE was voted one of the Romance Writers of America's Top Ten Favorite Books for 2000. It definitely belongs on that list!

Linda Needham is an ace at creating wounded heroes we all can love. Nicholas Bayard has lost his son to the Black Death, and feels it's God's punishment for his own violent acts as a soldier. He's astounded when the gentle, ever-optimistic Lady Eleanor--to whom he was married by proxy--shows up at his castle. He had believed her dead, and had pledged to enter a monastery to make up for his sins. Torn between his promise to God and his promise to a woman he's never met, Nicholas is a true romantic hero. You'll be rooting for Lady Eleanor to save him from himself from page one!

Brava to Linda Needham--I can't wait to pick up her next book!

A very good romance, rather thin in the historical part.......2001-02-18

Having read all of Julie Garwood medieval romances may have spoiled me for other medievals. I found this one rather lacking in the vivid descriptions of dress, housing, meals and customs I've so loved in other books.

That said, I found the book quite good in character development and plot. A sweet, caring and feisty lady who believes she's a widow without having ever met her husband, and who lost her whole family to the plague decides to bring her husband's abandoned castle back to life. And for that purpose she gives all kind of people a chance to remake their life with her and help her rebuild the castle. Arriving there, she meets a lonely knight, doing penance for the death of his son. How she lifts him from his despair and makes a good life for both themselves and their people makes for a very nice reading.

Good and Sweet !.......2000-12-16

"The Maiden Bride" is one of those good books, where the main character tries to do some good and doesn't have any of those selfish or secret agendas that benefit themselves.

Eleanor is an optimistic and hopeful person, by nature. She journeyed to Faulkhurst with her friends, to claim a castle, which belonged to her through a marriage when her husband supposedly died. (Eleanor never met her husband and the marriage they had were really nothing. Because the marriage conditions/duties were never fulfilled and the marriage was just basically a signing of papers) Eleanor and her friends went to Faulkhurst and all she found was an empty town with a crummy castle and a person that resembled a gargoyle. The gargoyle introduced himself as Nicholas.

In truth, Nicholas is the husband that Eleanor married, but Nicholas doesn't reveal himself because of some internal pain he's going through. As time passes and little miracles are performed because of Eleanor's faith and trust, they fall in love. But the problem is that Nicholas's true identity is hidden and when it's revealed, would Eleanor forgive him?

I liked this book because it was really sweet. It wasn't one of those books where it was mostly about sex. There were a little more to it, like the rebuilding of the castle. The reason I liked this book was because of the character Eleanor. Eleanor showed so much hope and trust and she created small miracles and made the people her family. Eleanor reminds me of this character in "The Abduction of Julia" by Karen Hawkins. "The Abduction of Julia" is also another good book and I recommend it to people who liked "The Maiden Bride" or vice versa.

The Maiden Bride.......2000-11-27

As all her other books this one is equally wonderful. I'm never able to put her books down after I've started one until I'm finished. Thanks Linda. Please keep up the good work! Lori

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The Maiden Bride LARGE PRINT
Linda Needham
Manufacturer: Avon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0739409670

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The Maiden Bride
Linda Needham
Manufacturer: Avon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000B9NY7Q

Product Description

Believing herself widowed, Lady Eleanor arrives to claim the castle of Lord Nicholas Bayard, the husband she married by proxy and never met. When she encounters a menacing character, she informs him that she is the wife of the late Lord Bayard - never suspecting that the stranger is none other than Lord Bayard himself.

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The Maiden Bride
Linda Needham
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
ASIN: 0788795503

Product Description

Unabridged. Six audio cassettesin a plastic clamshell case/approximately 9 hours play time. Ex-library

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The Maiden Bride
Cindy Harris
Manufacturer: Leisure Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0843946504

Blue Book Baltimore Society Visiting List One Hundred and Fourteenth Edition A Register of the Society of Baltimore with Members Residing in Maryland and Out-of-State Debutante List, Debutante Calendar, Maiden Names of Brides and Officers of Clubs

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Blue Book Baltimore Society Visiting List One Hundred and Fourteenth Edition A Register of the Society of Baltimore with Members Residing in Maryland and Out-of-State Debutante List, Debutante Calendar, Maiden Names of Brides and Officers of Clubs
Mrs. Richard Miller, Editor Roebuck
Manufacturer: Blue Book, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MMRNC4

526 marriages of Milwaukee's St. Stanislaus Parish 1900-1909: With cross-indexes to names of brides and grooms, maiden names of mothers of brides and grooms, and surnames of fathers of widows

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526 marriages of Milwaukee's St. Stanislaus Parish 1900-1909: With cross-indexes to names of brides and grooms, maiden names of mothers of brides and grooms, and surnames of fathers of widows
Mary K Popovich
Manufacturer: Archangel Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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ASIN: 0967781906

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