"Satisfying Historical romance"

It is a time of great civil war in England, Stephen and Maude are fighting over the crown and Lady Talia's castle is a strategic coup in their battle. Lady Talia is tired of the fighting, tired of death and destruction, and tired of being a pawn. She has been a "ward" of six men who took her castle by force, and now a seventh, Alexander de Monteneau, has come by order of King Stephen. It is true that Alexander has not raped and pillaged as the others before him did. Even though she is attracted to him and he seems a very good man, she must think of the welfare of her people. For the good of her people, she has a daring plan that will stop the pillaging of her castle once and for all.

Lady Talia is a strong, independent woman, who has learned to be sneaky in order to survive the conquering hordes that continuously descend upon her. She is a great leader, who will risk her own life and happiness to save her people.

Alexander does not know what to make of his ward. He came expecting a meek and mild lady but instead found an intelligent, determined lady who is experienced at getting her own way in the end. She has him stymied; he must fight his attraction for her, because he seeks to marry an heiress with a title, in order to compensate for his bastardy and landlessness.

Talia grows to love Alexander, but knows of his plan to marry a wealthy heiress. She questions him about the man that he will choose for her to marry. When I pictured these scenes, I had to laugh, because I knew that Alexander was eaten up with jealousy.

THE BRIDE BED is a very good read with a wonderful hero and heroine. Even though it takes place during a civil war, it has many light moments. It has wonderful secondary characters. I especially liked the three elderly knights who try to protect Talia. I was surprised by the ending, because I definitely didn't foretell Alexander's choice. I really wish that the book had contained an epilogue, for I didn't want to leave the characters so soon. All in all, this book gave me a happy feeling of satisfaction, and I'm looking forward to Ms. Needham's next release.

© Copyright 2002
Reviewed for ParaNormal Romance and BOOK ISLE Paperbacks

Reviewed by Marlene Breakfield
Posted September 6, 2002