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The Bride Gift
Finalist in the EPIC eBooks Awards 2015 for Historical Romance
1153, in the period dubbed ‘The Anarchy’, King Stephen and Empress Maud are not the only ones embroiled in a fierce battle of the sexes.
Determined to control her own destiny, wilful Helena of Lystanwold has chosen just the husband to suit her purposes. But when her banished guardian uncle attempts to secure her future and climbs through her bedroom window with a new husband by a proxy marriage, she understandably balks. Notorious warrior Guy of Helston is everything Helena swore she would never marry; a man who lives by the sword.
This marriage finally brings Guy close to his lifetime dream of gaining lands and a title. He is not about to let his feisty bride stand in his way. A master strategist, Guy sets out to woo and conquer his lady.
Against a backdrop of vengeance, war, and betrayal, Guy and Helena must learn to forge a united front or risk losing everything.
1153, in the period dubbed ‘The Anarchy’, King Stephen and Empress Maud are not the only ones embroiled in a fierce battle of the sexes.
Determined to control her own destiny, wilful Helena of Lystanwold has chosen just the husband to suit her purposes. But when her banished guardian uncle attempts to secure her future and climbs through her bedroom window with a new husband by a proxy marriage, she understandably balks. Notorious warrior Guy of Helston is everything Helena swore she would never marry; a man who lives by the sword.
This marriage finally brings Guy close to his lifetime dream of gaining lands and a title. He is not about to let his feisty bride stand in his way. A master strategist, Guy sets out to woo and conquer his lady.
Against a backdrop of vengeance, war, and betrayal, Guy and Helena must learn to forge a united front or risk losing everything.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2014
336 people are currently reading
940 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Hegger
47 books642 followersBorn British and raised in South Africa, Sarah Hegger suffers from an incurable case of wanderlust. Her match? A hot Canadian engineer, whose marriage proposal she accepted six short weeks after they first met. Together they’ve made homes in seven different cities across three different continents (and back again once or twice). If only it made her multilingual, but the best she can manage is idiosyncratic English, fluent Afrikaans, conversant Russian, pigeon Portuguese, even worse Zulu and enough French to get herself into trouble.
Mimicking her globe trotting adventures, Sarah’s career path began as a gainfully employed actress, drifted into public relations, settled a moment in advertising, and eventually took root in the fertile soil of her first love, writing. She also moonlights as a wife and mother.
She currently lives in Draper, Utah, with her teenage daughters, two Golden Retrievers and aforementioned husband. Part footloose buccaneer, part quixotic observer of life, Sarah’s restless heart is most content when reading or writing books.
Mimicking her globe trotting adventures, Sarah’s career path began as a gainfully employed actress, drifted into public relations, settled a moment in advertising, and eventually took root in the fertile soil of her first love, writing. She also moonlights as a wife and mother.
She currently lives in Draper, Utah, with her teenage daughters, two Golden Retrievers and aforementioned husband. Part footloose buccaneer, part quixotic observer of life, Sarah’s restless heart is most content when reading or writing books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
September 19, 2014
I saw this book listed as "to read" on someone else's list on Goodreads and thought it must be a great clean romance, or they wouldn't have listed it. I was wrong. Part of me wants to give this 4 stars and yet this book is not clean and the lower rating is a warning to my friends and family. It has interesting characters and an intriguing story line but I really could live without all of the bedroom scenes. I will be deleting this book from my library. So, for all others to read this review, you will have a better idea of what you're getting into.
August 11, 2020
The beginning of this book had me fighting back tears. I didn’t even really know Roger or Nell and yet their parting moved me. This opened my heart to the rest of the novel. Nell was as hot headed as they come and honestly, I was glad Guy did not spar with her. His silence was so amusing and I chuckled whenever Nell made reference to it.
For a while it was slow paced, mostly with Nell going back and forth about her feelings for Guy. It was amusing to read about though. And Guy was really sweet with his few words so that kept me entertained.
Helena’s actions after Geoffrey was injured appalled me. I’ve read about hot headed females but her actions just made her plain blank toxic. Why would you fling your husband’s clothes out and spill wine over them because he agreed to let a HEALER treat his squire instead of you? Ugh, I was bearing with her rash actions and thinking for most of the book but this reaction just made me feel she didn’t deserve a gentle soul like Guy. Worse, he was even apologizing for breaking down the door when it was she who had barred him out of his chamber after having a long, tiring day for no reason at all.
All in all this was an okay read. I would have enjoyed it better without that particularly nasty display of Nell’s character.,
For a while it was slow paced, mostly with Nell going back and forth about her feelings for Guy. It was amusing to read about though. And Guy was really sweet with his few words so that kept me entertained.
Helena’s actions after Geoffrey was injured appalled me. I’ve read about hot headed females but her actions just made her plain blank toxic. Why would you fling your husband’s clothes out and spill wine over them because he agreed to let a HEALER treat his squire instead of you? Ugh, I was bearing with her rash actions and thinking for most of the book but this reaction just made me feel she didn’t deserve a gentle soul like Guy. Worse, he was even apologizing for breaking down the door when it was she who had barred him out of his chamber after having a long, tiring day for no reason at all.
All in all this was an okay read. I would have enjoyed it better without that particularly nasty display of Nell’s character.,
October 18, 2018
An Unwanted Marriage Turns to Love
Set in England in 1153, this is the story of Helena of Lystanwold, whose uncle has fallen out with King Stephen and fled England, leaving his castle and his niece to Guy of Helston. We are led to believe Helena’s uncle somehow managed to marry her to Guy before Guy arrives. Helena (“called “Nell”) is not happy as she already had a man picked out, one she can manipulate, whereas Guy, a warrior, is called the “Scourge of Farringdon”.
Guy goes about his new duties with few words for his reluctant bride. Helena decides to take her husband in hand by seducing him to get him to kill the man responsible for her sister’s death. Guy readily agrees to both (he was intending to kill the guy anyway) and becomes the consummate lover.
A cleverly told story, which takes pains to convey a medieval feel (with some unusual phrasing I assume was meant to speak of the era). The story held my interest and kept me turning pages as Helena comes to see that the man she had chosen is really a pathetic figure and the man who waits in the shadows to take her is a true villain and not her friend.
Set in England in 1153, this is the story of Helena of Lystanwold, whose uncle has fallen out with King Stephen and fled England, leaving his castle and his niece to Guy of Helston. We are led to believe Helena’s uncle somehow managed to marry her to Guy before Guy arrives. Helena (“called “Nell”) is not happy as she already had a man picked out, one she can manipulate, whereas Guy, a warrior, is called the “Scourge of Farringdon”.
Guy goes about his new duties with few words for his reluctant bride. Helena decides to take her husband in hand by seducing him to get him to kill the man responsible for her sister’s death. Guy readily agrees to both (he was intending to kill the guy anyway) and becomes the consummate lover.
A cleverly told story, which takes pains to convey a medieval feel (with some unusual phrasing I assume was meant to speak of the era). The story held my interest and kept me turning pages as Helena comes to see that the man she had chosen is really a pathetic figure and the man who waits in the shadows to take her is a true villain and not her friend.
May 10, 2016
I really dislike stupid women...
Or men for that matter. The female protagonist of this early medieval piece is Helena, a 22 year woman who is willfully and ridiculously head strong and hot tempered. So much so in fact that she endangers herself and others multiple times in the 72% of the novel that I read before I got disgusted and quit.
The aggravating part is that she knows this about herself but continues to act childishly throughout the novel. It's not that she doesn't have some legitimate complaints , it's that she acts so foolishly and recklessly that it's highly unlikely she ever exact the revenge for her sister's death. I also understood her anger at being married off against her will, but after finally accepting Sir Guy, her husband, she continued to act the shrew.
Bottom line: I got tired of her temper tantrums and flailing about. I did not enjoy this book.
Or men for that matter. The female protagonist of this early medieval piece is Helena, a 22 year woman who is willfully and ridiculously head strong and hot tempered. So much so in fact that she endangers herself and others multiple times in the 72% of the novel that I read before I got disgusted and quit.
The aggravating part is that she knows this about herself but continues to act childishly throughout the novel. It's not that she doesn't have some legitimate complaints , it's that she acts so foolishly and recklessly that it's highly unlikely she ever exact the revenge for her sister's death. I also understood her anger at being married off against her will, but after finally accepting Sir Guy, her husband, she continued to act the shrew.
Bottom line: I got tired of her temper tantrums and flailing about. I did not enjoy this book.
May 16, 2014
A good read
A good read
It's a well written book with well-rounded characters. The book will grab your attention and not let go. The history is accurate except for 1 minor detail which the author apologizes for at the end in the author's note. I am surprised this book had no ratings at the time I read and wrote this one.
A good read
It's a well written book with well-rounded characters. The book will grab your attention and not let go. The history is accurate except for 1 minor detail which the author apologizes for at the end in the author's note. I am surprised this book had no ratings at the time I read and wrote this one.
May 1, 2019
This was sent to me as a free KU read so I thought I would give it a try. Sarah Hegger is a new author to my list of authors. The storyline is interesting for this historical romance. I like HR's but not that much into medieval timing and didn't think that the story portrayed much of that era (imo).
I thought the H/h were idiotic individuals and it could be seen throughout parts of the story that made this reader frustrated with the characters. In addition, it would have been a very nice read of love, intimacy and HEA, but there was way too many bedroom scenes. I like the occasional love scenes but not as fillers in places to engage the reader. At times I wanted to DNF but like to give some novels a chance to redeem in the end. This one disappointed.
Modest 2-Stars
I thought the H/h were idiotic individuals and it could be seen throughout parts of the story that made this reader frustrated with the characters. In addition, it would have been a very nice read of love, intimacy and HEA, but there was way too many bedroom scenes. I like the occasional love scenes but not as fillers in places to engage the reader. At times I wanted to DNF but like to give some novels a chance to redeem in the end. This one disappointed.
Modest 2-Stars
September 6, 2017
On the plus side, the storyline is refreshing and the time period is new to me, as most of my historical romance reads are either regency or Victorian. The downside is that I didn’t like any of the characters, with Helena in particular grating on my nerves. I know that writing "strong female leads" is all the rage these days, but here we just have stubbornness paired with stupidity. As for Rosalind... ugh.
June 28, 2014
I had the pleasure of devouring this little medieval morsel and wow… I am so excited to tell you all about it.
I’ve been reading historical novels for a long time. Medieval times are one of my very favorite types to read, especially when there are strong spunky heroines. In those times, I think you’d have to have a pretty strong backbone as a woman just to survive. I can’t imagine it any other way. Plus, they are so fun to read!
Helena is one of these women.
She had my heart from scene one, battling her uncle and his decision to marry her off to Guy of Helston. You can just picture her defiance, and you root for her the whole way through.
Immediately, this book had me hooked. The writing is freaking flawless. Absolutely beautiful. It’s been a long time since I’ve read such a wonderfully detailed and honest book like this, and it was refreshing. There was not a moment when I wasn’t engaged; between the excitement, danger, and the tension between the Hero and Heroine.
And let me tell ya… there’s some serious tension between these two. Right off the bat, they are bumping heads, but what I really loved was Helena’s resistance to stand down, and Guy’s admiration for her spunk and determination. Unlike a lot of Heroes, he actually welcomed her questioning manner and her hot temper. When she threw a fit and he’d smile… crush. My heart was all flutters and swoon.
I have already demanded that several friends read this. In fact, if you are a historical romance lover, this is not a book you want to pass up. This brought about a new found love of the genre for me and made me wonder why it’s been so long since I’ve read one.
My book funk has been demolished, and I look forward to any and everything Mrs. Sarah Hegger writes. In fact, I can’t wait to read more.
I’ve been reading historical novels for a long time. Medieval times are one of my very favorite types to read, especially when there are strong spunky heroines. In those times, I think you’d have to have a pretty strong backbone as a woman just to survive. I can’t imagine it any other way. Plus, they are so fun to read!
Helena is one of these women.
She had my heart from scene one, battling her uncle and his decision to marry her off to Guy of Helston. You can just picture her defiance, and you root for her the whole way through.
Immediately, this book had me hooked. The writing is freaking flawless. Absolutely beautiful. It’s been a long time since I’ve read such a wonderfully detailed and honest book like this, and it was refreshing. There was not a moment when I wasn’t engaged; between the excitement, danger, and the tension between the Hero and Heroine.
And let me tell ya… there’s some serious tension between these two. Right off the bat, they are bumping heads, but what I really loved was Helena’s resistance to stand down, and Guy’s admiration for her spunk and determination. Unlike a lot of Heroes, he actually welcomed her questioning manner and her hot temper. When she threw a fit and he’d smile… crush. My heart was all flutters and swoon.
I have already demanded that several friends read this. In fact, if you are a historical romance lover, this is not a book you want to pass up. This brought about a new found love of the genre for me and made me wonder why it’s been so long since I’ve read one.
My book funk has been demolished, and I look forward to any and everything Mrs. Sarah Hegger writes. In fact, I can’t wait to read more.
May 16, 2014
JESU.
This is the first medieval story I've read (since history class in high school that is) - I cannot begin to explain how well written and thought out this story is! I will try not to list any spoilers here.
Helena is a strong, stubborn, passionate woman, proving capable of not only taking care of herself, but everyone she loves at Lystanwold.
Guy is - he is fantastic. From the moment he climbs into Helena's bedroom with her uncle and she says 'Who are you?' only to be answered with 'He's your husband.' - I was in love.
I adore the fact that these two were thrown together - that Guy didn't vie for her affections, he simply had to be himself and it all played out just as it should have. Ms. Hegger did a marvelous job of giving us a feel for the time period this story is set in without distracting from the perfection of the love story she has weaved here. She simply took my breath away with these characters.
From Bess, who I never even met but cried for, to Geoffrey's sweetness - and Helena & GUY! I love them so much. Such great, well rounded, interesting characters! And the hatred she spurred in me for Ranulf! PERFECT. As far as the connection these two have? You will be holding your breath when she gives him a bath, and yearning for your very own GUY when things finally happen between them.
This story will suck you in from the first chapter - and you will not put it down until you're finished, medieval reader or not, this is a love story you HAVE to read! I promise you will love it and your heart will never be the same.
THANK YOU for your words, Ms. Hegger! I'm looking forward to your next release!
This is the first medieval story I've read (since history class in high school that is) - I cannot begin to explain how well written and thought out this story is! I will try not to list any spoilers here.
Helena is a strong, stubborn, passionate woman, proving capable of not only taking care of herself, but everyone she loves at Lystanwold.
Guy is - he is fantastic. From the moment he climbs into Helena's bedroom with her uncle and she says 'Who are you?' only to be answered with 'He's your husband.' - I was in love.
I adore the fact that these two were thrown together - that Guy didn't vie for her affections, he simply had to be himself and it all played out just as it should have. Ms. Hegger did a marvelous job of giving us a feel for the time period this story is set in without distracting from the perfection of the love story she has weaved here. She simply took my breath away with these characters.
From Bess, who I never even met but cried for, to Geoffrey's sweetness - and Helena & GUY! I love them so much. Such great, well rounded, interesting characters! And the hatred she spurred in me for Ranulf! PERFECT. As far as the connection these two have? You will be holding your breath when she gives him a bath, and yearning for your very own GUY when things finally happen between them.
This story will suck you in from the first chapter - and you will not put it down until you're finished, medieval reader or not, this is a love story you HAVE to read! I promise you will love it and your heart will never be the same.
THANK YOU for your words, Ms. Hegger! I'm looking forward to your next release!
May 9, 2016
A fairly straightforward historical romance set during the wars between Stephen Empress Maude. Helena of Lystanwold is married by proxy to Guy of Helston. They didn’t even meet until after the wedding day.. Guy’s motive is to possess Lystanwold, (which he does once he’s married to Helena). Helena’s uncle’s motive in pushing for the proxy wedding is to give Helena protection from the grasping, cruel Ranulf, near neighbour with his beady eye on Lystanwold and the earldom.
Yeah, OK it’s not as if you haven’t read this story before in all its variants. Reluctant bride (tick) marries hunky knight (tick) against her will (tick) but they fall for each other regardless (tick) and he saves her from a fate worse than death / death / rampaging hoards (tick). She’s usually feisty (tick) and unforgiving (tick) but it all ends up happily ever after(tick). Having said that this kept me turning the pages. It’s a light read, but engaging.
The sexual tension is handled well and the pace is nicely done. There’s tension with Rosalind whom Helena sees as ‘the other woman’ and Helena takes a while to get over her jealousy. I like Rosalind and could have happily read something with her as the main character. Towards the end of the book, however, both Helena and Guy acquire a sudden dose of stupid and act completely out of character which annoyed me somewhat. I did feel as though they acted for the sake of plot rather than following their own character traits to their logical conclusions, but everything else worked well.
Yeah, OK it’s not as if you haven’t read this story before in all its variants. Reluctant bride (tick) marries hunky knight (tick) against her will (tick) but they fall for each other regardless (tick) and he saves her from a fate worse than death / death / rampaging hoards (tick). She’s usually feisty (tick) and unforgiving (tick) but it all ends up happily ever after(tick). Having said that this kept me turning the pages. It’s a light read, but engaging.
The sexual tension is handled well and the pace is nicely done. There’s tension with Rosalind whom Helena sees as ‘the other woman’ and Helena takes a while to get over her jealousy. I like Rosalind and could have happily read something with her as the main character. Towards the end of the book, however, both Helena and Guy acquire a sudden dose of stupid and act completely out of character which annoyed me somewhat. I did feel as though they acted for the sake of plot rather than following their own character traits to their logical conclusions, but everything else worked well.
July 26, 2021
Helena and Guy are a dynamic power couple for the Middle ages. She is brave and intelligent and he is powerful and protective. The story was engaging and well written.
June 29, 2015
If you are a fan of The Wolf and the Dove, you will enjoy this book by Sarah Hegger. Wulfgar's part is played by Guy, Aislinn is Helena, and there are even similar protagonists: the wimpy ex-fiancee, the vampy ex-mistress, and the dastardly foe. This book is shorter, so it has fewer minor plots and less emphasis on description, but the feel of the medieval era comes through very well. It is set in 1153, just as Empress Matilda (Maude) is trying to wrest control of England from King Stephan. Shifting loyalties during this uprising set the stage for how Guy comes to be married by proxy to Helena. The book opens with him sneaking through the bedroom window of her keep to inform her they are now married.
Guy's silent, hardened warrior is quickly enchanted by the feisty and beautiful Helena. Progress in their relationship is hampered by her lack of acceptance of having a marriage foisted on her, which is further sidetracked by her lightning quick temper. Sarah Hegger was able to write a character plagued by a vicious temper who did not come off seeming childish or bratty -- well, at least for more than a day. Remorse quickly follows for Helena, and she is gracious enough to admit when her temper gets the best of her. To his credit, Guy loves how her temper is usually ignited by injustice. He quickly finds that he loves all of Helena, and her fiery demeanor is one of the most wonderfully challenging things about her. Helena proves herself wise beyond her years and used to managing a massive estate. Guy is no fool and values her abilities.
Outside forces start pulling at Guy and Helena before their relationship has a chance to solidify, and certainly before a good amount of trust is established between the new couple. Reactions to dire and dangerous situations will require a leap of faith on both their parts.
Guy's silent, hardened warrior is quickly enchanted by the feisty and beautiful Helena. Progress in their relationship is hampered by her lack of acceptance of having a marriage foisted on her, which is further sidetracked by her lightning quick temper. Sarah Hegger was able to write a character plagued by a vicious temper who did not come off seeming childish or bratty -- well, at least for more than a day. Remorse quickly follows for Helena, and she is gracious enough to admit when her temper gets the best of her. To his credit, Guy loves how her temper is usually ignited by injustice. He quickly finds that he loves all of Helena, and her fiery demeanor is one of the most wonderfully challenging things about her. Helena proves herself wise beyond her years and used to managing a massive estate. Guy is no fool and values her abilities.
Outside forces start pulling at Guy and Helena before their relationship has a chance to solidify, and certainly before a good amount of trust is established between the new couple. Reactions to dire and dangerous situations will require a leap of faith on both their parts.
May 20, 2014
I don't think I've picked up a romance set in medieval times since my last pass through Karen Marie Moning's Highlander series. Sarah Hegger's, The Bride Gift, got me back in the grove quite nicely. In fact, this book reminded me a lot of those older KMM books. Spunky heroine--check. Hot, wise hero--check. Damn good story and solid characters--check and check.
Super solid debut! And I hear she's got a lot more coming out soon. I'll be sure to pick those up too.
Super solid debut! And I hear she's got a lot more coming out soon. I'll be sure to pick those up too.
July 26, 2017
Great Read
I say, if you like stubborn, spoiled, loving females with a lot of big, tall handsome knight,. that knows how to love a woman, this is a very good start to drool over.
But truly, this is a very good read. I had a hard ti.e putting this book down.
I say, if you like stubborn, spoiled, loving females with a lot of big, tall handsome knight,. that knows how to love a woman, this is a very good start to drool over.
But truly, this is a very good read. I had a hard ti.e putting this book down.
August 31, 2015
Loved this book
This book actually has a story. This isn't just a bodice ripper.
I enjoyed this book and I will look for Sarah Begged books again.
This book actually has a story. This isn't just a bodice ripper.
I enjoyed this book and I will look for Sarah Begged books again.
October 7, 2020
This could have been so good! The hr is such a spoiled brat. She was horrible! She was 22....22..even an 15 yr would have been more matured. That character ruined the whole book.
July 28, 2017
Set in th 1100s in England, this is a tale of the time when Queen Maud of Scotland was challenging King Stephen's claim to the thorne of England.
The story begins with Roger, Eral of Lystanwald, exiled by King Stephen, sneaking into his own keep and waking his heir, his niece, Helena, to tell he that (1) he is exiled and (2) that he executed her marriage to Guy of Helston, aka "The Scourge of Helston." Roger is trying to protect Helena and his people from Ranulf, and evil earl in a neighboring earldom who wants Helena and all Roger's propert
Helena, or Nell, as she's known, has no interest in Guy. In fact, she intended to marry her cousin, Colin, so she resents Guy. But, as time goes on and Guy asserts his natural leadership abilities, she finds herself attracted to him.
The couple has its ups and downs - a pregant former lover of Guy's shows up unannounced; Ranulf tries to usurp Guy's claim to the earldom (and Helena); the king shows up; Colin causes trouble, etc.
The story begins with Roger, Eral of Lystanwald, exiled by King Stephen, sneaking into his own keep and waking his heir, his niece, Helena, to tell he that (1) he is exiled and (2) that he executed her marriage to Guy of Helston, aka "The Scourge of Helston." Roger is trying to protect Helena and his people from Ranulf, and evil earl in a neighboring earldom who wants Helena and all Roger's propert
Helena, or Nell, as she's known, has no interest in Guy. In fact, she intended to marry her cousin, Colin, so she resents Guy. But, as time goes on and Guy asserts his natural leadership abilities, she finds herself attracted to him.
The couple has its ups and downs - a pregant former lover of Guy's shows up unannounced; Ranulf tries to usurp Guy's claim to the earldom (and Helena); the king shows up; Colin causes trouble, etc.
November 15, 2017
It's wasn't executed well, unfortunately. The dialog was off...modern phrases modified with a few old sounding words. Like "Oh, be silent" to replace "oh, be quiet."
The plot is good, the setting seemed realistically historical enough, and I liked the heroine expect for the fact that she acted way too immature at 22, especially for that time period. She always seems to be throwing a tantrum instead of worrying about her subjects. She could have been a good character. She's feminine but still trying to keep hold of the little power she has in her time period, and that's something that could've been done better without her acting like a kid sometimes.
The male character's pov really threw me off as well. He does not sound like a normal man at all and mixed with the weird sounding dialogue, it was hard to read. I liked reading about him from Nell's perspective though. The story would've been better if it was all from her pov.
The plot is good, the setting seemed realistically historical enough, and I liked the heroine expect for the fact that she acted way too immature at 22, especially for that time period. She always seems to be throwing a tantrum instead of worrying about her subjects. She could have been a good character. She's feminine but still trying to keep hold of the little power she has in her time period, and that's something that could've been done better without her acting like a kid sometimes.
The male character's pov really threw me off as well. He does not sound like a normal man at all and mixed with the weird sounding dialogue, it was hard to read. I liked reading about him from Nell's perspective though. The story would've been better if it was all from her pov.
July 30, 2017
The storyline is intriguing, and as a history major I really find the historical period interesting. However, the history as written here isn't all that well taken into account and really has little to do with the storyline as written.
It's mostly a story about a (way too overly) stubborn and willful young woman and the (we are told many times) very tough guy Guy she is wed to for her protection. It made me crazy that she didn't just work with him to save her keep and keep the villain out of the picture, especially given the (of course secretly homosexual) cousin she is in love with is a horrible person and hits her.
I like romance stories where they have to work at it, and fight a little, but the girl in this story acted outright childishly at points and that's not sexy. But Guy was a good character and the growing love, minus the pettiness, was well written as well as the bedroom scenes.
The whole mistress-baby story could have been omitted.
It's mostly a story about a (way too overly) stubborn and willful young woman and the (we are told many times) very tough guy Guy she is wed to for her protection. It made me crazy that she didn't just work with him to save her keep and keep the villain out of the picture, especially given the (of course secretly homosexual) cousin she is in love with is a horrible person and hits her.
I like romance stories where they have to work at it, and fight a little, but the girl in this story acted outright childishly at points and that's not sexy. But Guy was a good character and the growing love, minus the pettiness, was well written as well as the bedroom scenes.
The whole mistress-baby story could have been omitted.
July 23, 2017
Fast paced and well written
Most of the characters were well-developed and interesting. There were places where the story line was a bit contrived, however, with people taking actions that seemed a bit forced, and with out-of-the-blue plot turns, especially at the end. (Spoiler alert: don't read any further if you care.) E.G. Who knew Henry was missing? And how likely is it that Guy would have recognized him from having been in a battle against him? Isn't war a bit too chaotic for checking out faces? Suddenly the ex-fiancé Colin is in love with another man? But overall, it was a good story.
Most of the characters were well-developed and interesting. There were places where the story line was a bit contrived, however, with people taking actions that seemed a bit forced, and with out-of-the-blue plot turns, especially at the end. (Spoiler alert: don't read any further if you care.) E.G. Who knew Henry was missing? And how likely is it that Guy would have recognized him from having been in a battle against him? Isn't war a bit too chaotic for checking out faces? Suddenly the ex-fiancé Colin is in love with another man? But overall, it was a good story.
May 24, 2019
I was excited to find The Bride Gift by Sarah Hegger buried in my e-reader. I thought I was up to date on all of her books. Go me! The Bride Gift is a spectacular historical romance. Ms. Hegger provides readers with a book that is well-written and populated it with outstanding characters. Guy is a warrior serving King Stephen. When his mentor, Roger, asks him to marry his niece Guy agrees. Helena is shocked and angry when her uncle informs her she is now married to Guy. Helena and Guy's story is packed with drama, humor, action, sizzle and suspense. I enjoyed every page of this book and can't wait for my next book by Sarah Hegger. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
February 26, 2019
It didn't suck. I picked this up for maybe $0.99 or possibly free and didn't have high hopes based on the cover. That's right i judged this book by its cover and was a bit surprised.
Pros:
No instalove.
The sexytimes didn't feel rushed.
No weirdly placed hymen.
No bleeding.
Yea consent!
Cons
Helena/Nell is immature for 22
Guy is revealed to have a stutter but never actually stutters
Rosalind could use some depth
Baby-movie
I might be tempted to read other books by this author
Pros:
No instalove.
The sexytimes didn't feel rushed.
No weirdly placed hymen.
No bleeding.
Yea consent!
Cons
Helena/Nell is immature for 22
Guy is revealed to have a stutter but never actually stutters
Rosalind could use some depth
Baby-movie
I might be tempted to read other books by this author
September 14, 2019
I enjoyed this book.
Politics, love, murder, kidnapping, war. Put it all together and you get a pretty good romance novel. This book had an interesting story and characters that you love and those you hate and those you just aren't sure about. Plus an unwanted marriage that turns into love. It was a good book.
There is sex within marriage that is quite explicit. Also as a trigger warning, there are some very violent scenes/situations, both bloody violent and sexually violent.
Politics, love, murder, kidnapping, war. Put it all together and you get a pretty good romance novel. This book had an interesting story and characters that you love and those you hate and those you just aren't sure about. Plus an unwanted marriage that turns into love. It was a good book.
There is sex within marriage that is quite explicit. Also as a trigger warning, there are some very violent scenes/situations, both bloody violent and sexually violent.
June 26, 2025
Engaging Historical Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Bride Gift was such a fun and engaging historical romance! I loved the chemistry between the main characters — their banter kept me smiling, and the storyline had the perfect mix of romance and tension. The historical details added a nice layer without weighing the plot down.
If you're into strong heroines, swoony moments, and historical flair, definitely give this one a try!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Bride Gift was such a fun and engaging historical romance! I loved the chemistry between the main characters — their banter kept me smiling, and the storyline had the perfect mix of romance and tension. The historical details added a nice layer without weighing the plot down.
If you're into strong heroines, swoony moments, and historical flair, definitely give this one a try!
July 26, 2017
Delightful story.
Strong independent women put in shocking circumstances by an uncle whom loved her. He knew she needed a very strong good man to take care of her. Which he did but it took time for his feisty wife to realize it. This story has well developed characters , great plot and overall enjoyable read.
Strong independent women put in shocking circumstances by an uncle whom loved her. He knew she needed a very strong good man to take care of her. Which he did but it took time for his feisty wife to realize it. This story has well developed characters , great plot and overall enjoyable read.
July 27, 2017
I enjoyed this book. I love historical romances and this is at the top of my list. It has a unwanted marriage (on the bride's part), which leads to trouble. Leave it to her uncle to know what is good for her. Helena is willful and refuses to accept her husband. Guy is a war harden knight longing for a home. The two make a very interesting pair. But of course, there is a happy ending.
July 29, 2017
Delightful story
I loved this story. Strong, believable characters and the kind of man every women wants and deserves. Loved that neither of them could be pushed around or weak in the mind. Story line grew and finished nicely. Fun read with glass of wine and open mind to fairytale love.
I loved this story. Strong, believable characters and the kind of man every women wants and deserves. Loved that neither of them could be pushed around or weak in the mind. Story line grew and finished nicely. Fun read with glass of wine and open mind to fairytale love.
February 22, 2019
When Helena's guardian decides to marry her off without her knowing, she is not having it. Turns out she has no choice and she has to learn to get along with this man and his family. Through it all she realizes where she stands and what the benefit is for her and her country.
This is a really fast read and I enjoyed it.
This is a really fast read and I enjoyed it.
May 12, 2019
Arranged marriage with a terrific hero. I loved his loyalty. A man of few words, he meant what he said. The heroine was a bit spoiled but grew on me. She was still very likeable and took responsibility for her behaviour. I enjoyed the partnership they formed and the love that developed. I wish there was an epilogue.
December 5, 2016
Started off good
It was alright, I got bored half way in.
I wish the author didn't use such cheesy words sometimes, especially during sex scenes. Milky?
Also told us how tough and rough he was a few to many times.
It was alright, I got bored half way in.
I wish the author didn't use such cheesy words sometimes, especially during sex scenes. Milky?
Also told us how tough and rough he was a few to many times.
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