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Border #0.5
The Ward's Bride
Their marriage is forced. Their passion is real.
The WardEnglish knight Sir Adam Dayne is offered the ultimate prize by the earl who raised lordship of Langford castle. All he must do is accept a betrothal to the Scottish Marcher warden’s beautiful daughter, a match made to keep peace at the tumultuous Anglo-Scottish border. Sir Adam relishes the prospect—until he meets the woman he is to wed.
The BrideLady Cora Maxwell hates everything English, including the self-assured new lord who has claimed her hand in marriage. Desperate to return home to Scotland, Cora displays increasingly outrageous behavior in the hopes of dissuading the Englishman from the marriage. But when Adam proposes a unique challenge, Cora is forced to face her greatest fears and the burgeoning desire he has awakened in her.
The Ward’s Bride is a prequel novella to the bestselling 11-book Border Series but can also be read as a standalone with its own HEA. Transport yourself back to the 13th century Anglo-Scottish border and get ready to begin your new favorite adventure.
The WardEnglish knight Sir Adam Dayne is offered the ultimate prize by the earl who raised lordship of Langford castle. All he must do is accept a betrothal to the Scottish Marcher warden’s beautiful daughter, a match made to keep peace at the tumultuous Anglo-Scottish border. Sir Adam relishes the prospect—until he meets the woman he is to wed.
The BrideLady Cora Maxwell hates everything English, including the self-assured new lord who has claimed her hand in marriage. Desperate to return home to Scotland, Cora displays increasingly outrageous behavior in the hopes of dissuading the Englishman from the marriage. But when Adam proposes a unique challenge, Cora is forced to face her greatest fears and the burgeoning desire he has awakened in her.
The Ward’s Bride is a prequel novella to the bestselling 11-book Border Series but can also be read as a standalone with its own HEA. Transport yourself back to the 13th century Anglo-Scottish border and get ready to begin your new favorite adventure.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2017
358 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
Cecelia Mecca
81 books811 followersYour escape awaits...
Cecelia Mecca is the bestselling author of steamy historical romance and also writes contemporary small town romance as Cissy Mecca and romantasy/PNR as C.L. Mecca.
Armed with a Ph.D. and lots of chai, she's known for giving readers "heroines who you want to be your best friend." When these ladies meet alpha-males who try to gain control, sparks fly until the very last page. One reader says, "No one can so completely whisk you away like Cecelia."
Our Highlander-loving author can be found in Northeast, Pennsylvania thinking up new ways to tame both medieval and contemporary bad boys. She is firmly House Stark and Gryffindor and loves all things fantasy, especially when tinged with a bit of steamy romance.
FREE prequels:
Jump into her worlds with a free prequel: https://meccaromance.com/cissy-mecca/insider/
Website www.meccaromance.com
Amazon: https://buff.ly/2M0g6FZ
TikTock: https://www.tiktok.com/@meccaromance
Reader Group: https://buff.ly/2OuFXLu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meccaromance/
Cecelia Mecca is the bestselling author of steamy historical romance and also writes contemporary small town romance as Cissy Mecca and romantasy/PNR as C.L. Mecca.
Armed with a Ph.D. and lots of chai, she's known for giving readers "heroines who you want to be your best friend." When these ladies meet alpha-males who try to gain control, sparks fly until the very last page. One reader says, "No one can so completely whisk you away like Cecelia."
Our Highlander-loving author can be found in Northeast, Pennsylvania thinking up new ways to tame both medieval and contemporary bad boys. She is firmly House Stark and Gryffindor and loves all things fantasy, especially when tinged with a bit of steamy romance.
FREE prequels:
Jump into her worlds with a free prequel: https://meccaromance.com/cissy-mecca/insider/
Website www.meccaromance.com
Amazon: https://buff.ly/2M0g6FZ
TikTock: https://www.tiktok.com/@meccaromance
Reader Group: https://buff.ly/2OuFXLu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meccaromance/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
October 10, 2021
The setting was 1245 Scotland. The story felt average.
This story featured Sir Adam (English) & Lady Cora
(Scottish) who wed. She put her energy into the H
setting her aside IE by having the cook prepare her
'native dishes': actually substandard meals, besting
him in use of the longbow, etc. The H fostered with
Sir Richard's father and these two men, close in age,
were like close brothers.
Lady Cora came across as a selfish, single-minded
woman. Sir Richard had the best line to the hero,
"go win that stubborn lass to your side."
This story featured Sir Adam (English) & Lady Cora
(Scottish) who wed. She put her energy into the H
setting her aside IE by having the cook prepare her
'native dishes': actually substandard meals, besting
him in use of the longbow, etc. The H fostered with
Sir Richard's father and these two men, close in age,
were like close brothers.
Lady Cora came across as a selfish, single-minded
woman. Sir Richard had the best line to the hero,
"go win that stubborn lass to your side."
November 23, 2017
I really liked this story. It is a novella but didn't appear too short. It is well written, Cora and Adam are both like-able characters, you can understand how both feel in this unexpected situation. He is Alpha but also considerate and she appears timid and shy but is a 'hellion'. Some parts really made me laugh.
Book two is out soon and i will definitely read it.
Book two is out soon and i will definitely read it.
September 8, 2020
When the earl who raised him as if he were his own son offers Sir Adam Dayne the lordship of Langford Castle, Adam can’t refuse the man who’s like a father to him. But to keep the peace on the fractious English-Scottish border, Adam must also marry the daughter of the Scottish border warden. Adam is eager to do anything to help his foster father, until he meets his reluctant bride and wonders just what he’s agreed to.
Lady Cora Maxwell harbors nothing but resentment for the English. She comes up with a plan almost immediately, hoping to convince her new husband to send her back to Scotland by acting in increasingly infuriating ways. But Adam is determined not to disappoint his foster father, so he issues Cora a challenge of his own, forcing her to open herself up to the unwitting attraction she’s come to feel for Adam.
This was a fun novella, but I must say I was not a fan of Cora. She was extremely judgmental and wouldn’t give Adam even the slightest chance despite his impeccable behavior towards her. Poor Adam had the patience of a saint and I loved his relationship with Richard. I’m eager to continue my attempt at listening to the Border series in order. This was a new-to-me narrator, but I enjoyed his voice and will look for more of his work.
Lady Cora Maxwell harbors nothing but resentment for the English. She comes up with a plan almost immediately, hoping to convince her new husband to send her back to Scotland by acting in increasingly infuriating ways. But Adam is determined not to disappoint his foster father, so he issues Cora a challenge of his own, forcing her to open herself up to the unwitting attraction she’s come to feel for Adam.
This was a fun novella, but I must say I was not a fan of Cora. She was extremely judgmental and wouldn’t give Adam even the slightest chance despite his impeccable behavior towards her. Poor Adam had the patience of a saint and I loved his relationship with Richard. I’m eager to continue my attempt at listening to the Border series in order. This was a new-to-me narrator, but I enjoyed his voice and will look for more of his work.
March 15, 2017
*** 3 Cranky Stars ***
An arranged marriage between warring factions. English Knight, Sir Adam Dayne, is offered the prize of Langford Castle by his foster father. All he has to do is marry Lady Cora Maxwell, daughter of the Scot's Marcher Warden's daughter.
Cora is not a fan of the English. She has no intention of living in England and longs to return to Scotland. Hoping to discourage Adam's affections, she finds the opposite happens.
This was a fun, easy read over the weekend. It follows a well-worn path and fans of the genre won't be disappointed.
There were parts of it, however, that I squinted. It seemed to have incredibly romantic notions about that time period and English-Scot relations, but if you're looking for a short escape, I'm sure you'll enjoy this.
June 5, 2021
I liked this short read. Adam and Cora from the beginning intrigued me with the love match. The writer maintained the story around the marriage match of Adam and Cora. I liked that the writer didn’t write Cora as a crying simpleton. I was happy to read that Cora could match intelligence and strength with any man. Adam was very mesmerized by his wife. I liked that the writer wrote Adam’s character, determined to seduce his wife. This is a quick read with some spices scenes from the married couple.
February 10, 2017
The Ward's Bride: Border Series Prequel Novella by Cecelia Mecca is a fantastic Medevial Novella. Prequel to a new series, which promises to be an awesome series. "Border", series. Only a 104 pages of pure deliciousness.
Sir Adam Dayne, an English knight, is offered a prize that can't be refused, by the lordship of Langforful castle. All he must do is accept a betrothal to the Scottish Marcher warden’s eldest daughter, Lady Cora Maxwell, beautiful and fiesty. Only one problem, she hates everything English, including this sexy, handsome Knight. This match will hopefully, keep the peace on the tumultuous Anglo-Scottish border.
Well written with engaging and captivating characters. The storyline is fast paced, intriguing and passionate.
I was glued to the pages, instantly. I read it in one setting. I enjoyed the interaction between Adam and Cora, as their attraction intensifies. But, will they be able to hold the peace, find their HEA, and keep the peace between the English and Scottish border.
Filled with plenty of action, a secret or two, romance, intrigue and love. Ms. Mecca manages to bring this Novella together for an enticing, captivating and seductively intriguing story. I would recommend "The Ward's Bride" for fans of Medevial romance, Border romance, intrigue, and novellas. Great job, Cecelia Mecca! I can't wait to read more of the "Border" series.
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed: AprilR
Sir Adam Dayne, an English knight, is offered a prize that can't be refused, by the lordship of Langforful castle. All he must do is accept a betrothal to the Scottish Marcher warden’s eldest daughter, Lady Cora Maxwell, beautiful and fiesty. Only one problem, she hates everything English, including this sexy, handsome Knight. This match will hopefully, keep the peace on the tumultuous Anglo-Scottish border.
Well written with engaging and captivating characters. The storyline is fast paced, intriguing and passionate.
I was glued to the pages, instantly. I read it in one setting. I enjoyed the interaction between Adam and Cora, as their attraction intensifies. But, will they be able to hold the peace, find their HEA, and keep the peace between the English and Scottish border.
Filled with plenty of action, a secret or two, romance, intrigue and love. Ms. Mecca manages to bring this Novella together for an enticing, captivating and seductively intriguing story. I would recommend "The Ward's Bride" for fans of Medevial romance, Border romance, intrigue, and novellas. Great job, Cecelia Mecca! I can't wait to read more of the "Border" series.
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed: AprilR
April 5, 2017
The Ward's Bride is a very interesting prequel to an exciting new historical series. In this short story, lords of England and Scotland attempt to find peace in the borderlands between Scotland and England after years of conflict. To seal the deal, the Scottish lord pledges his eldest daughter in marriage to the adopted son of the English earl. While arranged, political marriages were common amongst the nobles in those times, Cora did not want to suffer a loveless marriage to someone from a different country and culture, who was a sworn enemy not too long again. I felt for Cora's frustration since women were so powerless in those days, caught between the control of their fathers and husbands. Their only other choice was to enter a convent.
The Ward's Bride does a good job of portraying the history and relationships of the times. Bitterness and tension build as Cora feels homesick and trapped in a loveless marriage like her mother's marriage. But she is far from meek and helpless. Despite her feelings and desire to go home in shame, love and sexual tension develop between Adam and Cora and the book has some steamy bedroom scenes. You will not know the outcome until the very end. I cannot wait to read the next stand-alone books in this new series and continue with some of the characters introduced in this prequel. I volunteered to read this book and this is my honest review.
The Ward's Bride does a good job of portraying the history and relationships of the times. Bitterness and tension build as Cora feels homesick and trapped in a loveless marriage like her mother's marriage. But she is far from meek and helpless. Despite her feelings and desire to go home in shame, love and sexual tension develop between Adam and Cora and the book has some steamy bedroom scenes. You will not know the outcome until the very end. I cannot wait to read the next stand-alone books in this new series and continue with some of the characters introduced in this prequel. I volunteered to read this book and this is my honest review.
April 27, 2019
I chose Cecelia Mecca’s The Ward’s Bride to read today and am so happy I did!
It’s a novella, the first book of her Border series. (Someone posted looking for novellas recently, try this one!)
Our hero, Adam, is awarded a lordship, a castle, and an unwilling wife. Cora wants nothing to do with the English and is determined to find a way back home.
Adam is wonderful. I loved him as a hero. He’s sweet to his new bride, he’s loyal, caring, he’s possessive, he’s understanding. Just perfect.
Cora was a tad frustrating due to her refusal to accept her new position, but she does come around.
I haven’t read many novellas/short stories. They usually feel unfinished to me, or it’s hard to get the tension across, or I feel like the sex happens too fast. I didn’t get any of that here, it was wonderful. It has tension and the story works beautifully for a quick read. I’m definitely planning to try more from this series.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
It’s a novella, the first book of her Border series. (Someone posted looking for novellas recently, try this one!)
Our hero, Adam, is awarded a lordship, a castle, and an unwilling wife. Cora wants nothing to do with the English and is determined to find a way back home.
Adam is wonderful. I loved him as a hero. He’s sweet to his new bride, he’s loyal, caring, he’s possessive, he’s understanding. Just perfect.
Cora was a tad frustrating due to her refusal to accept her new position, but she does come around.
I haven’t read many novellas/short stories. They usually feel unfinished to me, or it’s hard to get the tension across, or I feel like the sex happens too fast. I didn’t get any of that here, it was wonderful. It has tension and the story works beautifully for a quick read. I’m definitely planning to try more from this series.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
February 22, 2017
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I was pleasantly surprised. It has all the elements of a good historical romance with a stubborn heroine and sexy, strong minded hero. Even though Lady Cora was bartered in exchange for peace between warring nations, she has a mind of her own and her loyalties remain with Scotland and her family. She finds that the husband she meets at the altar is a surprise but is unable to change her mindset to accept the marriage. Adam is an honourable man and goes the extra mile in wooing his wife, trying to win her over by charm rather than force. However, he is equally loyal to those he loves and they reach a stalemate. A charming romance that tugged at my heartstrings and I will definitely be watching out for this author in the future. I received a gift copy of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review.
February 15, 2017
To Keep the peace between the border Scots and English Adam has to marry the Scottish warden’s daughter, Cora. One problem~ she does not like anything that has to do with the English.
Cora is a great match for Adam, the handsome knight. She doesn’t sit back and take things she is feisty. She slowly falls for Adam and vice versa. But the one thing she really wants is to go back home.
Can Adam convince her to stay and see what can happen with them or will she leave?
The author did an excellent job with this story. I was turning the pages and soaking up everything I could. The characters are fun to to see what happens and the side characters are just as funny and caring. Fast paced, romance what more could a girl want.
Cora is a great match for Adam, the handsome knight. She doesn’t sit back and take things she is feisty. She slowly falls for Adam and vice versa. But the one thing she really wants is to go back home.
Can Adam convince her to stay and see what can happen with them or will she leave?
The author did an excellent job with this story. I was turning the pages and soaking up everything I could. The characters are fun to to see what happens and the side characters are just as funny and caring. Fast paced, romance what more could a girl want.
February 25, 2017
I recieved this book on Instafreebie for an honest review. Good novella.
Negotiations for Scottish boarder peace expanded to include an arranged marriage. Terms acceptable for everyone except the spirited bride who has other ideas.
I liked the dynamics & would of loved an expanded version. Will look for works by this author.
Negotiations for Scottish boarder peace expanded to include an arranged marriage. Terms acceptable for everyone except the spirited bride who has other ideas.
I liked the dynamics & would of loved an expanded version. Will look for works by this author.
October 21, 2020
Adam is given land by by his overlord but he is more like a father to him as his son richard is a brother to him. Upon meeting the scots warden for the boarder they decide he would wed the boarder scot daughter Cora and given title n land.
Cora isnt happy to being wed to new english boarder lord and having to move to England. As she plots a way to get put to the side and go home to Scotland she learns her groom is handsome and kind. Yet Scotland is her home and wishes to return
Good book highly enhoyable
Cora isnt happy to being wed to new english boarder lord and having to move to England. As she plots a way to get put to the side and go home to Scotland she learns her groom is handsome and kind. Yet Scotland is her home and wishes to return
Good book highly enhoyable
April 5, 2017
The Ward's Bride is a prequel novella in the Border Series by Cecelia Mecca. There is no cliff hanger, so although it is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand alone story.
Sir Adam Dayne is an English Knight, and at that start of our story he and his fellow soldiers are meeting with Scottish soldiers in an attempt to bring peace between the two sides. A contretemps between Adam's foster brother, Richard, and one of the Scots brings shame upon the latter. Richard is heir to an Earldom, and is married. Their father (Adam's adopted father) makes Adam a Lord and gives him Langford Castle which makes him eligible for a good marriage. The Scottish Warden in charge of the Scottish side of the peace treaty offers his daughter's hand in marriage to Adam as a way of showing good faith and in order to keep the treaty sound. It's not particularly what Adam wanted, especially as he hadn't even met the woman, but he agreed to the betrothal.
Lady Cora Maxwell hates the English and everything to do with them. She is furious when she learns she is to be married to Adam. She can't refuse her father though, and agrees to go through with it. She secretly plans to make Adam refuse to marry her by being as unreasonable as possible during the weeks they will spend together before the wedding. Plans which falter from the start when he foresees her possible plans and they marry the day after she and her family arrive at his castle.
Despite their marriage, Cora is determined to still make Adam give up on her, and although they are married, she wants him to let her live back in Scotland. She will do anything to make him want rid of her, but the longer she stays with him, and the calmer he seems to be over her antics, the more she starts to think he's not such a bad person after all. Can she trust him, an Englishman, not to hurt her, can she spend her days never seeing her real home again? And what of poor Adam, he didn't ask for the marriage either, but despite Cora's behaviour, he not only finds her intriguing, and loves her spirit, but he also is very very attracted to her. An attraction that isn't coming to anything when she manages to persuade him to give her time to get to know him before consummating their marriage.
This was an absolutely wonderful short read, with fabulous wit and sass from our heroine being met with charm and patience from Adam. Their marriage wasn't from choice, and they certainly have some obstacles to overcome, but reading about them, and if they can get past those obstacles was a real delight. There were some very funny moments that kept the book light despite some of the more serious moments. Considering this was only a novella, I think the characters had depth, and the storyline was exciting and made me want to read straight through to find out how it ends.
I very much enjoyed this book and definitely want to read the rest in the series as they become available.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
Sir Adam Dayne is an English Knight, and at that start of our story he and his fellow soldiers are meeting with Scottish soldiers in an attempt to bring peace between the two sides. A contretemps between Adam's foster brother, Richard, and one of the Scots brings shame upon the latter. Richard is heir to an Earldom, and is married. Their father (Adam's adopted father) makes Adam a Lord and gives him Langford Castle which makes him eligible for a good marriage. The Scottish Warden in charge of the Scottish side of the peace treaty offers his daughter's hand in marriage to Adam as a way of showing good faith and in order to keep the treaty sound. It's not particularly what Adam wanted, especially as he hadn't even met the woman, but he agreed to the betrothal.
Lady Cora Maxwell hates the English and everything to do with them. She is furious when she learns she is to be married to Adam. She can't refuse her father though, and agrees to go through with it. She secretly plans to make Adam refuse to marry her by being as unreasonable as possible during the weeks they will spend together before the wedding. Plans which falter from the start when he foresees her possible plans and they marry the day after she and her family arrive at his castle.
Despite their marriage, Cora is determined to still make Adam give up on her, and although they are married, she wants him to let her live back in Scotland. She will do anything to make him want rid of her, but the longer she stays with him, and the calmer he seems to be over her antics, the more she starts to think he's not such a bad person after all. Can she trust him, an Englishman, not to hurt her, can she spend her days never seeing her real home again? And what of poor Adam, he didn't ask for the marriage either, but despite Cora's behaviour, he not only finds her intriguing, and loves her spirit, but he also is very very attracted to her. An attraction that isn't coming to anything when she manages to persuade him to give her time to get to know him before consummating their marriage.
This was an absolutely wonderful short read, with fabulous wit and sass from our heroine being met with charm and patience from Adam. Their marriage wasn't from choice, and they certainly have some obstacles to overcome, but reading about them, and if they can get past those obstacles was a real delight. There were some very funny moments that kept the book light despite some of the more serious moments. Considering this was only a novella, I think the characters had depth, and the storyline was exciting and made me want to read straight through to find out how it ends.
I very much enjoyed this book and definitely want to read the rest in the series as they become available.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
February 19, 2017
Wow, what a great prequel to the series.
I read this is one sitting! A bit of history with a bit of humor and the oh so important magic when 2 people click!
I loves this and have no hesitation in recommending it and I can't wait for the next book!
I read this is one sitting! A bit of history with a bit of humor and the oh so important magic when 2 people click!
I loves this and have no hesitation in recommending it and I can't wait for the next book!
March 1, 2017
This book is everything I love in romance books. It is a must to read. Could not put it down. Can't wait to read more from this author.
February 13, 2017
In order to keep peace between border Scots and Englishmen at a meeting, Scottish Adam is given the lordship of a castle - and an English bride, Cora. The problem is, the bride hates all things English and is determined to do everything she can so that Adam will send her home. This is a quick, entertaining read. Enjoyed it.
February 17, 2017
I absolutely loved this story. I'm always cautious not to read books with half naked men on the cover but this was truly a very sweet love story.
August 7, 2017
Book: The Ward’s Bride
By Cecelia Mecca
Series: Border Series Novella Prequel
Reviewed by Barb Massabrook (of)
1)Tartan Book Reviews
2)Purple Tulip Book Reviews
3)Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
Heat Rating: 🔥
Overall Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Coldstream, Scotland , 1245
Due to tension during peace talks among the borders there was an attack. To make amends it is decided English Knight, Sir Adam Dayne, will wed Scottish Cora Maxwell. She is the daughter of the Scot’s Marcher Warden.
Neither Adam or Cora find this forced marriage appealing. Cora hates everything English and plans to dissuade his decision. Cora wants to return home to Scotland to see her family again. She doesn't want to be abandoned in some forlorn keep in Southern England!
Even though it was a forced marriage Adam is an honorable man and very protective for those he cares for. He knows he is going to have to court his wife to keep her. Yet will it be enough?
A beautifully written novella that I absolutely loved from start to finish. This is my first book by author Cecelia Mecca but definitely won't be the last. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
I received a complimentary reader’s copy that I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.
The Ward's Bride (Border Series Prequel Novella) - Amazon.com
By Cecelia Mecca
Series: Border Series Novella Prequel
Reviewed by Barb Massabrook (of)
1)Tartan Book Reviews
2)Purple Tulip Book Reviews
3)Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
Heat Rating: 🔥
Overall Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Coldstream, Scotland , 1245
Due to tension during peace talks among the borders there was an attack. To make amends it is decided English Knight, Sir Adam Dayne, will wed Scottish Cora Maxwell. She is the daughter of the Scot’s Marcher Warden.
Neither Adam or Cora find this forced marriage appealing. Cora hates everything English and plans to dissuade his decision. Cora wants to return home to Scotland to see her family again. She doesn't want to be abandoned in some forlorn keep in Southern England!
Even though it was a forced marriage Adam is an honorable man and very protective for those he cares for. He knows he is going to have to court his wife to keep her. Yet will it be enough?
A beautifully written novella that I absolutely loved from start to finish. This is my first book by author Cecelia Mecca but definitely won't be the last. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
I received a complimentary reader’s copy that I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.
The Ward's Bride (Border Series Prequel Novella) - Amazon.com
May 7, 2017
'The Ward's Bride' by Cecelia Mecca is a Prequel Novella for the "Border" series. This is the story of Sir Adam Dayne and Lady Cora Maxwell. This book is about 120 pages long and my first book by Ms. Mecca.
Adam is an adopted son of sorts to Lord Kenshire and best friends with Lord Kenshire's son Richard.
Lord Kenshire and Lord Maxwell who is the Scottish warden of the Eastern March try to come together to end the fighting that has been between the England and Scotland. In doing so they have given Adam land, title and a Scottish wife. Cora is Lord Maxwells oldest daughter and will be Adam's wife. Adam is happy enough to go along with this marriage to end the fighting and to get the land and Title. But Cora isn't so happy about leaving her family and she does not like anything English.
I enjoyed watching Cora and Adam's story play out!
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Adam is an adopted son of sorts to Lord Kenshire and best friends with Lord Kenshire's son Richard.
Lord Kenshire and Lord Maxwell who is the Scottish warden of the Eastern March try to come together to end the fighting that has been between the England and Scotland. In doing so they have given Adam land, title and a Scottish wife. Cora is Lord Maxwells oldest daughter and will be Adam's wife. Adam is happy enough to go along with this marriage to end the fighting and to get the land and Title. But Cora isn't so happy about leaving her family and she does not like anything English.
I enjoyed watching Cora and Adam's story play out!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
February 9, 2017
This is not a genre I usually read. The author is local to my area so I thought I would try it. I was intrigued by the description and cover. It was an amazing find! The characters are so well developed- I was immediately sucked into the book and could not stop reading until I was done.
This is a prequel for a release in March- I cannot wait to go to her book signing and get the Thief's Countess. Counting the days!
This is a prequel for a release in March- I cannot wait to go to her book signing and get the Thief's Countess. Counting the days!
May 18, 2017
This story made me smile and cry, my favourite type of story.
If you like Lynsay Sands historicals or Amanda Quick this author is one to keep an eye on.
If you like Lynsay Sands historicals or Amanda Quick this author is one to keep an eye on.
December 13, 2018
This is my first read by Ms. Cecelia Mecca. She was highly recommended by a friend of mine. I was definitely not disappointed. This novella introduces the Border series that is set in the Medieval times and focuses on the Border wars between England and Scotland.
The story-line brings Lady Cora Maxwell of Scotland into the life of Sir Adam Dayne of England in the year 1245. Fighting at the borders between the two countries, Cora is offered by her father, Sir John Maxwell, the Scottish warden to Sir Dayne of Langford, England as a peace offering to initiate the alliance between the two countries.
Cora unhappy with the offering of her person and the thought of residing in England for the remainder of her days plots her escape so she is able to return to her homeland. Will she be successful or will Adam woo her into staying as his wife?
Read this enchanting novella to find out the answers. I, for one, am so happy I did. I was gifted this book by the author. I chose to leave this review voluntarily.
The story-line brings Lady Cora Maxwell of Scotland into the life of Sir Adam Dayne of England in the year 1245. Fighting at the borders between the two countries, Cora is offered by her father, Sir John Maxwell, the Scottish warden to Sir Dayne of Langford, England as a peace offering to initiate the alliance between the two countries.
Cora unhappy with the offering of her person and the thought of residing in England for the remainder of her days plots her escape so she is able to return to her homeland. Will she be successful or will Adam woo her into staying as his wife?
Read this enchanting novella to find out the answers. I, for one, am so happy I did. I was gifted this book by the author. I chose to leave this review voluntarily.
February 8, 2017
I read this prequel in 2 1/2 hours! It is a great teaser for the series, setting up the characters and chemistry between the love-interests is great but not raunchy. I loved it. I am excited for the first book to come out March 1st, The Thief's Countess.
May 9, 2017
In spite of the fact that this novella suffers from what I like to call 'prequel, first book of a series syndrome', I actually enjoyed it. Yes, Adam and Cora were forced to marry to keep the peace -or at least keep it for a short a while- between border rivals (Scots and English) and like most prequels lust and love were pretty much one and the same and yet the fast pace didn't annoy me. I liked Adam's sense of honour and Cora's feistiness and hey, they actually talked and got to know each other before having sex! Imagine that! I can't give prequels more than three stars unless they are more than a three hundred pages, which actually can be done but for some strange reason most authors go for the neck breaking speed, disorienting introduction to their series.
I shall continue reading Ms Mecca's series of course.
I shall continue reading Ms Mecca's series of course.
March 9, 2018
I think it was delightful to read
To me it was definitely worthy of 5 stars. It is the best novella I have read. It was short, but I loved the H and h from almost the first. The heroine was a little shallow and selfish at first, but she and the hero started to have some feelings that developed fairly rapidly. I felt there wasn’t a lengthy waist of time getting to understand them both. I had to see what happened next. To me it was very romantic, and had a few laughs along the way. It was a little steamy in parts, but only added to story. Happy with end. I definitely recommend this book. Do yourself a favor and read. I can’t wait to read next book in series.
To me it was definitely worthy of 5 stars. It is the best novella I have read. It was short, but I loved the H and h from almost the first. The heroine was a little shallow and selfish at first, but she and the hero started to have some feelings that developed fairly rapidly. I felt there wasn’t a lengthy waist of time getting to understand them both. I had to see what happened next. To me it was very romantic, and had a few laughs along the way. It was a little steamy in parts, but only added to story. Happy with end. I definitely recommend this book. Do yourself a favor and read. I can’t wait to read next book in series.
October 1, 2017
I really enjoyed this story! Not many authors do a very good job with building up a romance in novella and they often feel rushed. Mecca did an excellent job with showing the romance between Adam and Cora and I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything.
I always love historical romances were the H/H have conflicting loyalties to their countries. It just adds another layer of complexity to their characters. This looks to be the theme of Mecca's Border series and I can't wait to read the rest of them!
I always love historical romances were the H/H have conflicting loyalties to their countries. It just adds another layer of complexity to their characters. This looks to be the theme of Mecca's Border series and I can't wait to read the rest of them!
September 19, 2017
I came across the prequel when it was being offered for free. Free is my favorite four lettered word. Plus, I like romance novels set in this time period so I thought "Why not?" I really wasn't expecting much since it was a free offering, but WOW! As soon as I finished (at 3:00 am because I couldn't put it down) I tried to order the next book in the series. Imagine my dismay to discover that it wasn't released yet. I just hate waiting! Go ahead and get this book. You wont regret it. Its a great introduction to the series.
June 2, 2020
Scared of a loveless marriage, Cora tries to get Adam to set her aside with her with her virginity intact.
Then Edward shows up with a piece of news about Adam's new border bride. She is handy with a long bow. Very good with a long bow. She even helped Edward with his handling of a long bow. And Adam did not like it. There was a challege issued. If she won then he would leave her alone. He win then, one night with him. So who one? And what was the Challege? A great read or listen. I love Cecelia Mecca.
Then Edward shows up with a piece of news about Adam's new border bride. She is handy with a long bow. Very good with a long bow. She even helped Edward with his handling of a long bow. And Adam did not like it. There was a challege issued. If she won then he would leave her alone. He win then, one night with him. So who one? And what was the Challege? A great read or listen. I love Cecelia Mecca.
October 3, 2018
Once I started reading this novella, I couldn't put it down until I'd finished it!! Such a great story and you can't help but fall in love with both Adam and Cora. I can't even imagine what it would be like being forced into an arranged marriage but I would hope it would end up like their story:) Always a treat to read a book by this author, one of my favourites!! I now look forward to reading the rest of the series, this prequel completely whetted my appetite for more! Very well done!!
dnf
March 31, 2022I really didn't like this novella. Both main characters were unlikable. The fmc was manipulative to her new husband, but she should have just communicated with him. The mmc was mostly alright, but then he bragged about his past sexual exploits to his new wife. It's a really short book, but I quit at 44%.
I'll probably try something else by this author, because I did like a novella in the spin off series.
Hopefully this book was just a fluke.
I'll probably try something else by this author, because I did like a novella in the spin off series.
Hopefully this book was just a fluke.
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