The Devil's Bargain

by Allegra Gray

Savoy, 1202 The daughter of a lowly merchant, Celia Lyndon has no business falling in love with a nobleman—especially not the very nobleman who has taken her father captive. But when she offers herself up to gain her father's freedom, she learns that some bargains aren't as simple as trading goods and coins. The winter months she must spend at the castle show her that Nicolas of Savoy is far more than a fierce knight. He is a powerful ruler, a fair judge, and, most intriguing, he is lonely. Every day her heart betrays her a bit more—but can Nicolas see past their circumstances and let his feisty prisoner breach the walls that guard his heart? Nicolas of Savoy has trained for knighthood his entire life—a good thing, because the lands he inherited upon his brother's death are under constant attack. Nicolas usually makes an example of anyone who would do him harm. He has no way to distinguish marauder from merchant—that is, until a brave maiden steps forward to offer herself in place of one of the men lined up for execution. Intrigued by Celia's proposition, he agrees, only to discover his new prisoner is even more dangerous—how can he desire someone so much, when he isn't even certain she can be trusted?

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical

330 pages, Paperback

First published November 25, 2013

About the author

Allegra Gray is a former military officer--turned English professor--turned homeland defense analyst. One thing she has always been, though, is a storyteller. Allegra wrote her first book at the age of 5 (it has yet to be published).

Allegra began her publishing career while teaching in the English department of the U.S. Air Force Academy, but soon discovered that non-fiction, academic work was not enough to satisfy her creative drive. She turned to fiction, and launched her career as a novelist with Kensington Publishing, with the release of a historical romance, “Nothing But Scandal” in 2009.

Allegra lives in Colorado and writes novels full of steamy intrigue that interweave her love of history, legend, and romance.

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I Fall In Love

As Celia and her father came to Chillion to sell their wine and cheese, they got caught up in a betrayal of the castle.

[Joan Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captured my attention from the first page!

This was a wonderful and captivating story that captured and held my interest from the very first page. The characters were interesting and I enjoyed how the romance progressed. Nicolas and Celia were an awesome couple and Hans made for a very evil villain. The rescue scene near the end was just brilliant and I loved how it played out. Highly entertaining and definitely highly recommended for all medieval romance lovers.

[Aurrora James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful medieval tale

I really enjoyed Nicholas and Celia's tale. It had action and adventure and plenty of romance. Nicholas was a strong and fair hero who didn't believe in love until Celia arrived. Very sweet.