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The de Lacis #2
Maiden Bride
In this enemies to lovers story, a battle-scarred soldier enters an arranged marriage and finds unexpected passion with his new wife.
Wed for his revenge!
Long believed dead, Nicholas de Laci has at last returned to England. He craves vengeance, but he is too late—his nemesis is slain. To claim his lands, Nicholas must wed his enemy's niece, Gillian Hexham.
Nicholas is determined to exact payment from his bride, but though he speaks words of revenge, the nights they share are filled with passion . . . Could Gillian be the one woman to heal his soul, by satisfying his cravings in a way he never imagined?
Wed for his revenge!
Long believed dead, Nicholas de Laci has at last returned to England. He craves vengeance, but he is too late—his nemesis is slain. To claim his lands, Nicholas must wed his enemy's niece, Gillian Hexham.
Nicholas is determined to exact payment from his bride, but though he speaks words of revenge, the nights they share are filled with passion . . . Could Gillian be the one woman to heal his soul, by satisfying his cravings in a way he never imagined?
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 1996
103 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Simmons
157 books204 followersDeborah Simmons is the author of twenty-five historical romances and novellas, published by Avon, Berkley, and Harlequin.
A native midwesterner, Simmons graduated cum laude from Wittenberg University and was a journalist before turning to fiction. Her first book, Heart's Masquerade, was published by Avon in 1989 and was followed by a number of Harlequin Historicals, including a USA Today Bestselling anthology. Her 2003 release, A Man of Many Talents, was a launch title for Berkley's Sensation imprint.
Two of her books have been finalists in the Romance Writers of America's annual RITA competition for excellence: The Gentleman Thief in 2001 and A Lady of Distinction in 2005.
Simmons has sold two million books in North America, and her work has been translated and published in twenty-four foreign countries, including illustrated editions in Japan. She is a member of RWA, Novelists Inc., and the Author's Guild.
"I like to think of my stories as adventures," Simmons says. Most take place in Regency or Medieval England, such as her popular series on the thirteen century de Burgh family. But no matter what the setting, you'll find interesting characters, romance, humor, and mystery.
A native midwesterner, Simmons graduated cum laude from Wittenberg University and was a journalist before turning to fiction. Her first book, Heart's Masquerade, was published by Avon in 1989 and was followed by a number of Harlequin Historicals, including a USA Today Bestselling anthology. Her 2003 release, A Man of Many Talents, was a launch title for Berkley's Sensation imprint.
Two of her books have been finalists in the Romance Writers of America's annual RITA competition for excellence: The Gentleman Thief in 2001 and A Lady of Distinction in 2005.
Simmons has sold two million books in North America, and her work has been translated and published in twenty-four foreign countries, including illustrated editions in Japan. She is a member of RWA, Novelists Inc., and the Author's Guild.
"I like to think of my stories as adventures," Simmons says. Most take place in Regency or Medieval England, such as her popular series on the thirteen century de Burgh family. But no matter what the setting, you'll find interesting characters, romance, humor, and mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
December 22, 2024
3.5 stars. Not bad. If you're in the mood for an alpha and a cruel hero paired with a feisty heroine, this book should be able to scratch that itch.
June 30, 2012
Okay, so, I read it because it involved the brother of the woman in The Devil's Bride. And it was...painful in places.
But you know who freaking saved it? Darius. Now, where the hell's the book where he's the hero?
But you know who freaking saved it? Darius. Now, where the hell's the book where he's the hero?
October 31, 2008
Nicolas de Laci has lived for revenge against his enemy Baron Hexman since the Baron left him to die in the East during the Crusades. Unfortunately, Hexman was killed by Nicolas's brother-in-low so he never got his revenge. When Nicolas hears that Hexman has a niece, he decides to marry her to enact his revenge since the King has decreed it anyway.
Gillian Hexman has lived at a convent for years. Her entire family died when she was younger and she spent some time on the streets before eventually ending up at the convent. When Nicolas shows up to marry her, she is afraid of him because she sees the hatred burning in his eyes.
Nicolas takes Gillian back to his castle where he decides he will make her life miserable. He knows she isn't really to blame for things her uncle did but he wants his revenge so bad that he ignores his conscience. He runs very hot and cold with Gillian, sometimes he is caring but most of the time he is very cold but he never physically abuses her, mostly he just says mean things and tries to control what she does. As he gets to know Gillian, he starts to warm up from the cold place he had been since returning from the Crusades. They both have strong wills so they create some fireworks during their fights because Gillian is pretty fiesty and doesn't take his treatment lying down. The couple eventually ends up in bed together where they find good use for all of the passion between them. Nicolas is still cold to Gillian during the day despite the love-filled nights until an illness shows him just how much she has come to mean to him. They still have some issues to work through once she is better but Nicolas really shows some growth emotionally and becomes a better man.
I enjoyed reading this nice little medieval romance. The hero was a bit of a jerk for the first half of the book but he never really harmed the heroine and had to battle himself act that way. The heroine was commendable because she never took his actions lying down and gave as good as she got. She called him on the ridiculous stuff he tried to do and won him over by being her caring and fiery self. The book is a shorter romance so there weren't a lot of background characters, it mainly focuses on the romance which was kind of nice.
Gillian Hexman has lived at a convent for years. Her entire family died when she was younger and she spent some time on the streets before eventually ending up at the convent. When Nicolas shows up to marry her, she is afraid of him because she sees the hatred burning in his eyes.
Nicolas takes Gillian back to his castle where he decides he will make her life miserable. He knows she isn't really to blame for things her uncle did but he wants his revenge so bad that he ignores his conscience. He runs very hot and cold with Gillian, sometimes he is caring but most of the time he is very cold but he never physically abuses her, mostly he just says mean things and tries to control what she does. As he gets to know Gillian, he starts to warm up from the cold place he had been since returning from the Crusades. They both have strong wills so they create some fireworks during their fights because Gillian is pretty fiesty and doesn't take his treatment lying down. The couple eventually ends up in bed together where they find good use for all of the passion between them. Nicolas is still cold to Gillian during the day despite the love-filled nights until an illness shows him just how much she has come to mean to him. They still have some issues to work through once she is better but Nicolas really shows some growth emotionally and becomes a better man.
I enjoyed reading this nice little medieval romance. The hero was a bit of a jerk for the first half of the book but he never really harmed the heroine and had to battle himself act that way. The heroine was commendable because she never took his actions lying down and gave as good as she got. She called him on the ridiculous stuff he tried to do and won him over by being her caring and fiery self. The book is a shorter romance so there weren't a lot of background characters, it mainly focuses on the romance which was kind of nice.
February 7, 2017
It is not my habit to write a review for a book that I rate two stars, but I felt the author's spoiler was worth noting. I absolutely ADORED book one, The Devil's Lady. Deborah Simmons gives away every bit of the suspense in that book in the opening pages of this sequel. My advice: READ BOOK ONE FIRST!!!!!
Book source: Purchased.
Book source: Purchased.
February 10, 2022
I enjoyed it! I have to say the first book was my favorite but this was well worth the read. Plot 5(1-10) steaminess 7.5(1-10)
February 28, 2015
Enjoyable, but fairly predictable. There was zero tension on my part in wondering if he'd ever actually enact vengeance on the h or do anything other than grouse and grumble. It was obvious from the minute he laid eyes on her that he would do nothing, but struggle against his lust/feelings.
Also, the constant bickering and hot/cold relationship got a bit tedious toward the middle. I like that the h stood up for herself, but them throwing things at each other and screeching in the great hall was a bit much.
It was nice when he took care of her when she,was,sick. I'm always a,sucker for that.
Also, the constant bickering and hot/cold relationship got a bit tedious toward the middle. I like that the h stood up for herself, but them throwing things at each other and screeching in the great hall was a bit much.
It was nice when he took care of her when she,was,sick. I'm always a,sucker for that.
Want to read
August 21, 20178/21/17 - 99 cents
February 13, 2022
Have thoroughly enjoyed this series! So glad I checked out this new-to-me author.
December 19, 2008
Maiden Bride by Deborah Simmons starts out with Nicholas de Laci brooding over the injustices done to him. His brother in law Piers, had stolen the vengeance he had sought against Lord Hexham and now he feels for and lives for nothing. Until the king sends a royal decree that he is to marry the last Hexham heir, Lady Gillian who has been living in genteel poverty in a nunnery. Gillian's uncle had escaped Nicholas' vengeance but now he has the last Hexham to sate that desire. As he journeys to her convent he delights in thinking up all sorts of punishments befitting her tainted blood. Then he sees the tall, voluptuous red head and his thirst for vengeance falters. He alternates between hating her and lusting after her and he soon drives everyone around him mad with his capricious moods. Pretty soon he cannot stop Gillian from worming her way into his heart and just when he has accepted her and the possibility of a future unclouded with hate, another Hexham heir steps forward. Can his newfound love overcome his once driving need for vengeance?
Nicholas de Laci has a single minded need for vengeance that is a little annoying. He's either brooding or yelling and it gets old sometimes. I liked him, but geez, shut up. Gillian tries to make the best of her situation but I think she was a little too much of a doormat. True, there's not much she can do when her lord of the castle husband lays down his feudal law, but still, there was always that nightshade option. Just a little sprinkle and then all her problems would be over.
Gillian calls Nicholas a selfish ba*t*rd several times over in this book and it's true. He is. He has this childish need to keep her only for himself that overrides all common sense. He refuses to let her out of the bedroom, refuses to let her take over her duties of chatelaine, refuses to let her help the sick. She is to live only for him and no one else is to come between them. It's almost as if he wants to stick her in his pocket and cart her around wherever he goes. The more onerous of his plans he does not carry out against her but just reading about his inner musings was enough for me to want to break out the poison. He is a little one dimensional with his constant drivel about vengeance but it's okay because it just lets Gillian shine more in this revenge tale. She is a brave, proud and hardworking woman who is doing the best she can, saddled with her lout of a husband. She's courageous yet vulnerable and when she stands up to Nicholas, it's priceless. Their ranting and raving at each other is also priceless. Since I'm a ranter and raver myself, I enjoyed reading about their fights.
Even though it probably sounds like I didn't like this book, I did. It was an amusing read with plenty of laugh out loud moments, most of them at Nicholas' expense. Even though he comes across as this domineering, hateful man, half of the book is spent with him trying to please his wife in his own bumbling, misguided way. So he's redeemed in my eyes. He may be a bullying lout, but he was a sweet, desperate in love, bullying lout, so I forgive him. :)
Nicholas de Laci has a single minded need for vengeance that is a little annoying. He's either brooding or yelling and it gets old sometimes. I liked him, but geez, shut up. Gillian tries to make the best of her situation but I think she was a little too much of a doormat. True, there's not much she can do when her lord of the castle husband lays down his feudal law, but still, there was always that nightshade option. Just a little sprinkle and then all her problems would be over.
Gillian calls Nicholas a selfish ba*t*rd several times over in this book and it's true. He is. He has this childish need to keep her only for himself that overrides all common sense. He refuses to let her out of the bedroom, refuses to let her take over her duties of chatelaine, refuses to let her help the sick. She is to live only for him and no one else is to come between them. It's almost as if he wants to stick her in his pocket and cart her around wherever he goes. The more onerous of his plans he does not carry out against her but just reading about his inner musings was enough for me to want to break out the poison. He is a little one dimensional with his constant drivel about vengeance but it's okay because it just lets Gillian shine more in this revenge tale. She is a brave, proud and hardworking woman who is doing the best she can, saddled with her lout of a husband. She's courageous yet vulnerable and when she stands up to Nicholas, it's priceless. Their ranting and raving at each other is also priceless. Since I'm a ranter and raver myself, I enjoyed reading about their fights.
Even though it probably sounds like I didn't like this book, I did. It was an amusing read with plenty of laugh out loud moments, most of them at Nicholas' expense. Even though he comes across as this domineering, hateful man, half of the book is spent with him trying to please his wife in his own bumbling, misguided way. So he's redeemed in my eyes. He may be a bullying lout, but he was a sweet, desperate in love, bullying lout, so I forgive him. :)
Read
October 10, 2017Oh yeah, finally found one. Historical Romance, possessive/jealous alpha itch... finally scratched.
March 6, 2019
Second read 3/5/2019. Solid. Slightly slow start with writing flow somewhat stilted, but pushed on to enjoy.
November 10, 2020
2nd in the series. You can read this as a stand alone. The characters from the first book make appearances. This is Nick's book.
So, our tortured hero finds himself forced to wed his worst enemy's niece. She's led a hard life as well. He's still a hard, cold man & furious with King Edward's edict. He plans on taking it out on the heroine. There is no rape in this book.
So, I didn't think this book rated as high as the first book. I did enjoy it though. Gillian & Nick find their own way & come to love each other. Although pretty predictable & the trope "confessions while delirious with fever" comes into play, it was a solid read. I recommend if you like medieval romance.
The lady on the cover looks nothing like the heroine is described.
So, our tortured hero finds himself forced to wed his worst enemy's niece. She's led a hard life as well. He's still a hard, cold man & furious with King Edward's edict. He plans on taking it out on the heroine. There is no rape in this book.
So, I didn't think this book rated as high as the first book. I did enjoy it though. Gillian & Nick find their own way & come to love each other. Although pretty predictable & the trope "confessions while delirious with fever" comes into play, it was a solid read. I recommend if you like medieval romance.
The lady on the cover looks nothing like the heroine is described.
March 25, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, and it's two outspoken characters. what begins as an order from the king, turns into a book of passion, bickering, temper, and love.I felt it was a good story to follow book one. Nicholas was not a man to be cheated, by wrong doing, but he really felt no pleasure in harassing his beautiful, and passionate wife, when she had been placed with nuns as a child, by the same scheming uncle. It had lots of twists, and turns.There was drama, and danger also, for both of them. The couple from book one also is brought into this story on several occasions. Nicholas does harass his wife, but she is no wilting flower. It never becomes physical, except in passion. I really enjoyed the ending, and the epilogue. 5 stars for me.
July 10, 2017
Hit the spot for possessive and obsessive H. The writing is a bit clunky is some parts though that prevented me from giving it 4 stars.
March 13, 2019
Other reviews are over harsh.
A lot of other reviews are over critical for what this book is. Don't read it if you want historical accuracy. I think that's ridiculous to expect it.
What I liked about it:
Hero(Nicholas) was delightfully jealous and possessive. He's emotionally scarred from his ordeal in the holy war and subsequent betrayal by his neighbor. He's been running on his anger as fuel so when he meets the heroine he's not sure how to feel anything else.
If you look at it with those thoughts in mind, he was in love with her almost instantly. Even with his talk of vengeance it was always about improving things for his heroine.
This heroine(Gillian) had a backbone. Other reviewers said she didn't because she didn't leave. Well where was she supposed to go? She couldn't go back to the convent and she had been homeless before. She new the outside world would be a 100x worse than anything the hero was going to dish out. So she stayed her ground and fought. Boy did she fight, she even punched him! For every mean thing Nick said Gillian had a rebuttal so when they finally had harmony they still loved to bicker.
What I didn't like: Nick stayed at the same level of angry a little too long. The biting things he said he never truly apologized for. He needed a better grovel.
The 'conflict' with the other heir was unnecessary or should of been done better. Even when that was resolved the author didn't tie up loose ends. Where did that guy get his information? Why are the eastern character in the book and utilize him so little. Sending him off on errands seemed like a cheap/lazy way of not having to write about him. I
Anyway, I liked this book. It's worth a reread in my the future.
Note: This is the second book in a series. The first one The Devil's Lady should be read first unless you have no plans to read it. The author covers the first books plot points and will spoil it for you.
A lot of other reviews are over critical for what this book is. Don't read it if you want historical accuracy. I think that's ridiculous to expect it.
What I liked about it:
Hero(Nicholas) was delightfully jealous and possessive. He's emotionally scarred from his ordeal in the holy war and subsequent betrayal by his neighbor. He's been running on his anger as fuel so when he meets the heroine he's not sure how to feel anything else.
If you look at it with those thoughts in mind, he was in love with her almost instantly. Even with his talk of vengeance it was always about improving things for his heroine.
This heroine(Gillian) had a backbone. Other reviewers said she didn't because she didn't leave. Well where was she supposed to go? She couldn't go back to the convent and she had been homeless before. She new the outside world would be a 100x worse than anything the hero was going to dish out. So she stayed her ground and fought. Boy did she fight, she even punched him! For every mean thing Nick said Gillian had a rebuttal so when they finally had harmony they still loved to bicker.
What I didn't like: Nick stayed at the same level of angry a little too long. The biting things he said he never truly apologized for. He needed a better grovel.
The 'conflict' with the other heir was unnecessary or should of been done better. Even when that was resolved the author didn't tie up loose ends. Where did that guy get his information? Why are the eastern character in the book and utilize him so little. Sending him off on errands seemed like a cheap/lazy way of not having to write about him. I
Anyway, I liked this book. It's worth a reread in my the future.
Note: This is the second book in a series. The first one The Devil's Lady should be read first unless you have no plans to read it. The author covers the first books plot points and will spoil it for you.
August 15, 2014
5 twinkling stars. Heh. :)
It's the second book I've read from the author and I'm completely loving her writing style!
The hero is supposedly hell-bent on revenge but for some reason, he can't do anything to hurt the heroine. Hmm.... ^_^ Nicholas fell for the heroine completely as he began to get to know her better. Aww. I love the scene when Gillian was bedridden. It showed that despite Nicholas' rough and gruff exterior, he's a real sweetie and a big softy inside. He was willing to give up on revenge which defined his existence all for the sake of love. If that's not true love, I don't know what is. =p And for god's sake, the man cried. :(( That man was supposed to be all tough but boy he's mush when it comes to the heroine.
The heroine, Gillian, is the perfect match for Nicholas. She doesn't cower and she gives everything she's got to show Nick that she's not one to be man-handled. lol. She's a little bit on the shrew side which is very contrary because she grew up in a convent. But hey, that just adds to the humorous factor in this whole story. I loved the scene when she's trying to seduce Nicholas to sleep with her! Haha.
Last point, I love it when the hero shows his jealousy! ^.^ It's a big plus for me. In sum, I enjoyed this story very much! <3 <3 <3 It'll be a huge loss on your part if you don't read this. So go! read it! :)
It's the second book I've read from the author and I'm completely loving her writing style!
The hero is supposedly hell-bent on revenge but for some reason, he can't do anything to hurt the heroine. Hmm.... ^_^ Nicholas fell for the heroine completely as he began to get to know her better. Aww. I love the scene when Gillian was bedridden. It showed that despite Nicholas' rough and gruff exterior, he's a real sweetie and a big softy inside. He was willing to give up on revenge which defined his existence all for the sake of love. If that's not true love, I don't know what is. =p And for god's sake, the man cried. :(( That man was supposed to be all tough but boy he's mush when it comes to the heroine.
The heroine, Gillian, is the perfect match for Nicholas. She doesn't cower and she gives everything she's got to show Nick that she's not one to be man-handled. lol. She's a little bit on the shrew side which is very contrary because she grew up in a convent. But hey, that just adds to the humorous factor in this whole story. I loved the scene when she's trying to seduce Nicholas to sleep with her! Haha.
Last point, I love it when the hero shows his jealousy! ^.^ It's a big plus for me. In sum, I enjoyed this story very much! <3 <3 <3 It'll be a huge loss on your part if you don't read this. So go! read it! :)
January 5, 2025
Rating - 1.5 stars
Really really should have DNF’d this. I found it really dull. I basically should have skim read this instead of making myself read this fully. This felt like a poor man’s “Prisoner of my Desire”. If you are in the mood for bat shit crazy romance just read that book and give this a pass.
The start was actually promising for this book - which is also why I kept persevering with the book. The first 60-70 pages gave me hope; however, this basically devolved into the hero just screeching like a banshee throughout. This wasn’t even a bodice ripper because he didn’t do anything - good, bad, or ugly.
Given the OTT premise and date of the book I was expecting more. I would have been ok if I hated the book for the plot, because older romance don’t always age well. However, being dull was a worse crime in my mind.
Giving it a half star to recognize the beginning only.
Really really should have DNF’d this. I found it really dull. I basically should have skim read this instead of making myself read this fully. This felt like a poor man’s “Prisoner of my Desire”. If you are in the mood for bat shit crazy romance just read that book and give this a pass.
The start was actually promising for this book - which is also why I kept persevering with the book. The first 60-70 pages gave me hope; however, this basically devolved into the hero just screeching like a banshee throughout. This wasn’t even a bodice ripper because he didn’t do anything - good, bad, or ugly.
Given the OTT premise and date of the book I was expecting more. I would have been ok if I hated the book for the plot, because older romance don’t always age well. However, being dull was a worse crime in my mind.
Giving it a half star to recognize the beginning only.
March 26, 2010
I am not crazy about this book . Uncomfort about it.
October 10, 2018
Nice in an underwhelming way.
A very paint by numbers medieval actually.
May 23, 2019
A velha trama onde o mocinho busca vingança se casando com uma mocinha inocente, se repete.
Assim como os demais o mocinho aprende e muda, mas este aqui demorou um pouco mais em sua busca inútil.
Não achei tão bom como o anterior, no geral não acontecem muitas coisas. Há uma quantidade um pouco maior de cenas hot que empobrece a trama.
Sophie Hexham não abaixa a cabeça com facilidade, deixa claro seus pontos de vista e é determinada. Fácil de gostar.
Nicholas de Laci, que era um verdadeiro iceberg no livro anterior, ficou com a vida de cabeça para baixo e todo seu ar superior pomposo foi abaixo. Altos barracos.
Por grande parte do tempo, descrever esse mocinho como um grandessíssimo idiota serviu com maestria. Não fazia o menor sentido fazer as coisas que ele fez.
Há uma pequena participação de Aisley e Piers. O suficiente para deixar saudades do livro anterior.
Há uma minúscula subtrama com um possível irmão de Sophie que não funcionou muito bem. Pelo menos foi curta.
Assim como os demais o mocinho aprende e muda, mas este aqui demorou um pouco mais em sua busca inútil.
Não achei tão bom como o anterior, no geral não acontecem muitas coisas. Há uma quantidade um pouco maior de cenas hot que empobrece a trama.
Sophie Hexham não abaixa a cabeça com facilidade, deixa claro seus pontos de vista e é determinada. Fácil de gostar.
Nicholas de Laci, que era um verdadeiro iceberg no livro anterior, ficou com a vida de cabeça para baixo e todo seu ar superior pomposo foi abaixo. Altos barracos.
Por grande parte do tempo, descrever esse mocinho como um grandessíssimo idiota serviu com maestria. Não fazia o menor sentido fazer as coisas que ele fez.
Há uma pequena participação de Aisley e Piers. O suficiente para deixar saudades do livro anterior.
Há uma minúscula subtrama com um possível irmão de Sophie que não funcionou muito bem. Pelo menos foi curta.
November 17, 2023
It's been so long since I have read anything good, so imagine my surprise when I found the joy that I was looking for in a genre that I generally avoid. I don't understand why this book is not as popular as it should be because I've seen novels that are basically copy-and-paste versions of multiple other books, which resemble poorly written Wattpad books, but are still immensely popular.
The best thing about this book is that the author wasn't trying to shove it down my throat that how palpable their chemistry was because it should be explained through their actions, not words, and the angst and passion that both Gillian and Nicholas had was clearly visible because lately I have read books that promise lot of angst but deliver none.
I'm grateful to the author for rescuing me from my reading slump. It's been a while since I've felt the sense of anticipation to see when they'll kiss and when Nicholas will begin to show affection for Gillian.
Overall, I had a great time reading this book and will definitely pick it up again.
The best thing about this book is that the author wasn't trying to shove it down my throat that how palpable their chemistry was because it should be explained through their actions, not words, and the angst and passion that both Gillian and Nicholas had was clearly visible because lately I have read books that promise lot of angst but deliver none.
I'm grateful to the author for rescuing me from my reading slump. It's been a while since I've felt the sense of anticipation to see when they'll kiss and when Nicholas will begin to show affection for Gillian.
Overall, I had a great time reading this book and will definitely pick it up again.
November 5, 2017
A Sequel to The Devil's Lady
I purchased this novel after finishing reading The Devil's Lady by Deborah Simmons several years ago. I re-read it and decided to know what happened to her brother. At first I wasn't so fond of Nicholas De Laci throughout the whole storyline. He is a narrow minded person only thinking on revenge and hating his brother-in-law of killing his enemy. Now that the king has discovered that Hexam has a niece and to end all of the land disputes between both families, they are order to married. Excited about the idea of finally getting his revenge on an innocent girl raised in a convent, he gets a rude awakening.
The heroine, Gillian, is a passionate and is not determined to let anyone put her down. Once married, all she wants is to have a family of her own. The problem is how to seduce her husband into sleeping with her in which was no problem. I loved the end when he acknowledged his feelings for her and they formed a family.
I purchased this novel after finishing reading The Devil's Lady by Deborah Simmons several years ago. I re-read it and decided to know what happened to her brother. At first I wasn't so fond of Nicholas De Laci throughout the whole storyline. He is a narrow minded person only thinking on revenge and hating his brother-in-law of killing his enemy. Now that the king has discovered that Hexam has a niece and to end all of the land disputes between both families, they are order to married. Excited about the idea of finally getting his revenge on an innocent girl raised in a convent, he gets a rude awakening.
The heroine, Gillian, is a passionate and is not determined to let anyone put her down. Once married, all she wants is to have a family of her own. The problem is how to seduce her husband into sleeping with her in which was no problem. I loved the end when he acknowledged his feelings for her and they formed a family.
October 17, 2022
I love when historical romances are fun to read. I couldn't put the book down!
Although the story was short, it was full of interesting details, and the classic "enemies-to-lovers" was hilarious to read. Especially when everyone would keep saying Nicholas had no temper or foul mouth, only for Gillian to bring that side of him.
I especially loved her. She managed to be both fierce and bold as well as kind and somehow a bit insecure. Reading her doubts about how to act with Nicholas, deciding to play the perfect "wife" to him, only for the next scene to jump on a table and make her husband chase after her was marvelous.
Nicholas was also very interesting, and I wonder if we know more about him in the first book - since I read the second first - because his backstory sounds amazing. Albeit I do have to conceive his jealous side was a bit too toxic at time and I worried for Gillian, but her being her didn't allowed that to slow her down!
Although the story was short, it was full of interesting details, and the classic "enemies-to-lovers" was hilarious to read. Especially when everyone would keep saying Nicholas had no temper or foul mouth, only for Gillian to bring that side of him.
I especially loved her. She managed to be both fierce and bold as well as kind and somehow a bit insecure. Reading her doubts about how to act with Nicholas, deciding to play the perfect "wife" to him, only for the next scene to jump on a table and make her husband chase after her was marvelous.
Nicholas was also very interesting, and I wonder if we know more about him in the first book - since I read the second first - because his backstory sounds amazing. Albeit I do have to conceive his jealous side was a bit too toxic at time and I worried for Gillian, but her being her didn't allowed that to slow her down!
September 6, 2025
This is a Harlequin historical so it lacks the writing chops and historic detail of more mainstream historical romance. The time period, customs, manners are not well explained, and the historical era seems to have minimal impact on the plot. The plot is basically a forced marriage between two 'enemy' families in medieval times and the main hero fighting off his lust to endlessly contemplating 'revenge' against his wife. At times this was so over-the-top that it feels satiric and is entertaining mainly in its outlandishness. The main hero literally acts like a lunatic despite being a 'mild-mannered' person making grandiose claims--Gillian the heroine is the strongest part of the story. It's a pretty accurate depiction of anxiety/panic attacks in the novel and a better treatment of SA than most Harlequins do. Gillian is endlessly fascinating, as well as Darius, which made the book more enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2018
Ahh, I really loved this. I loved the jerk hero and his intentions, and the strength of his revenge. I loved that the heroine wasn't ANYTHING like he expected and I loved the way they fought, even though he was so possessive of her. I loved the heroine - she was just brilliant.
This was not just about the revenge though, there was so much going on in the story and we got to see them together and fighting against outside forces. The only thing I disliked was the strange formatting of the book (no break of changes in point of view) and the fact that the couple from the previous book made such an extensive appearance and even had a pov in the storytelling. Fuck off. I don't want to hear what they had to say. Maybe it would've been better if I'd actually read the previous book, but I didn't.
This hit all the points that Dark Side of the Sun didn't. Fantastic. Will definitely read again.
This was not just about the revenge though, there was so much going on in the story and we got to see them together and fighting against outside forces. The only thing I disliked was the strange formatting of the book (no break of changes in point of view) and the fact that the couple from the previous book made such an extensive appearance and even had a pov in the storytelling. Fuck off. I don't want to hear what they had to say. Maybe it would've been better if I'd actually read the previous book, but I didn't.
This hit all the points that Dark Side of the Sun didn't. Fantastic. Will definitely read again.
June 28, 2023
Delightful. I loved how the book started out with the hero, cold and distant and unaffectionate, being disgusted by the love and affection demonstrated between his sister and her husband. HE, of course, would never behave in such a ludicrous and undignified fashion. Ahhhh, his fall into love was so much more delicious!
Very smooth writing, fun and somewhat predictable plot—I’m not complaining I love a good hero goes on revenge trope—and a wonderful, sweet heroine who brings the hero crashing heels over ass onto his knees
Safe. Hero’s past is mentioned briefly but nothing explicit, not a manwhore. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. No others, no cheating or sharing or abuse. HEA with epilogue
Very smooth writing, fun and somewhat predictable plot—I’m not complaining I love a good hero goes on revenge trope—and a wonderful, sweet heroine who brings the hero crashing heels over ass onto his knees
Safe. Hero’s past is mentioned briefly but nothing explicit, not a manwhore. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. No others, no cheating or sharing or abuse. HEA with epilogue
February 18, 2022
Great Story Even Though It Was Quite Repetitious At First
Once this story really got going, at about the 50% mark, it was really great. However, I was getting pretty disgusted with all the back and forth of the two MCs at the beginning. It was mainly Nicholas who was the problem. He treated Gillian terribly, screaming and shouting at her, then desiring her, then being disgusted with himself for giving in to his lust. Finally, an event occurred that got his attention and the book got significantly better afterwards. Although I still liked the book, it wasn’t as good as the first book in this series.
My rating: 4 Stars
Once this story really got going, at about the 50% mark, it was really great. However, I was getting pretty disgusted with all the back and forth of the two MCs at the beginning. It was mainly Nicholas who was the problem. He treated Gillian terribly, screaming and shouting at her, then desiring her, then being disgusted with himself for giving in to his lust. Finally, an event occurred that got his attention and the book got significantly better afterwards. Although I still liked the book, it wasn’t as good as the first book in this series.
My rating: 4 Stars
July 17, 2021
I’m actually shocked that this book has such a low rating. It was actually quite enjoyable. What I really liked about it was that the Hero wasn’t perfect, his imperfections were very noticeably acknowledged but the heroin. I loved that the heroin fought him tooth and nail in the hero’s stubbornness but in the end they accepted each other’s faults and they’re arguments became a form of affection.
This to me is more realistic than most romance novel relationships.
The imperfections are what make it interesting.
This to me is more realistic than most romance novel relationships.
The imperfections are what make it interesting.
April 6, 2022
Ugh this had such good potential!!! Got tired of the hero making a constant fool of himself and being all bark and no bite. He didn’t even give her a couple days of hell, just threatened!!! You begin to sound weak when you do that. At least shut up about your revenge and tainted blood if you aren’t going to follow through on any. If it was like he was mean and treated her horrible but then saw how good she was and started to like her, that would have made more sense. Instead it was instant attraction and he just lusted. Lots of cringey scenes.
May 1, 2022
Sofrível.
Não dá pra simpatizar com o personagem principal, Nicholas, um cavaleiro das cruzadas que decide se vingar de uma tentativa de assassinato, judiando da mocinha, uma garota de dezoito anos recém saída do convento.
É basicamente a trama de um bom bodice-ripper, mas Nicholas é tão insuportável na sua discussão sobre estupro, assassinato, inanição, etc. que fica difícil se entusiasmar.
Óbvio que tais temas eram comuns na época, mas tentar mesclar essa realidade aterrorizante com um romance de banca não deu muito certo.
Não dá pra simpatizar com o personagem principal, Nicholas, um cavaleiro das cruzadas que decide se vingar de uma tentativa de assassinato, judiando da mocinha, uma garota de dezoito anos recém saída do convento.
É basicamente a trama de um bom bodice-ripper, mas Nicholas é tão insuportável na sua discussão sobre estupro, assassinato, inanição, etc. que fica difícil se entusiasmar.
Óbvio que tais temas eram comuns na época, mas tentar mesclar essa realidade aterrorizante com um romance de banca não deu muito certo.
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