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The Maiden Bride
A noblewoman takes her twin’s place in marriage to a Norman invader in this “absorbing, sexually charged” medieval romance from a USA Today –bestselling author ( Publishers Weekly ).
All her life, Linnea de Valcourt has been reviled as the cursed daughter of Maidenstone Castle. The younger of identical twins, she narrowly escaped a death sentence at birth. To save her beloved sister from marriage to the savage Norman conqueror who has laid siege to their castle, Linnea will sacrifice her own happiness by engaging in a dangerous deception.
Years of exile have driven Axton de la Manse to the brink of despair. Now he will have his vengeance by taking his enemy’s most prized possession, his eldest daughter. Once they wed and she is carrying the de la Manse heir, no one can dispute his claim to Maidenstone, the stronghold stolen from his family. That is, until the unthinkable He loses his heart to his bride, whose own desires ignite a fierce longing deep within Axton. Is their growing love enough to overcome the lies and treachery that could drive them apart?
With enthralling characters, passionate romance, and spellbinding adventure, the award-winning author of The Matchmaker and The Bridemaker “demonstrates that she is a master of her craft” ( RT Book Reviews ).
All her life, Linnea de Valcourt has been reviled as the cursed daughter of Maidenstone Castle. The younger of identical twins, she narrowly escaped a death sentence at birth. To save her beloved sister from marriage to the savage Norman conqueror who has laid siege to their castle, Linnea will sacrifice her own happiness by engaging in a dangerous deception.
Years of exile have driven Axton de la Manse to the brink of despair. Now he will have his vengeance by taking his enemy’s most prized possession, his eldest daughter. Once they wed and she is carrying the de la Manse heir, no one can dispute his claim to Maidenstone, the stronghold stolen from his family. That is, until the unthinkable He loses his heart to his bride, whose own desires ignite a fierce longing deep within Axton. Is their growing love enough to overcome the lies and treachery that could drive them apart?
With enthralling characters, passionate romance, and spellbinding adventure, the award-winning author of The Matchmaker and The Bridemaker “demonstrates that she is a master of her craft” ( RT Book Reviews ).
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 1996
698 people are currently reading
1004 people want to read
About the author
Rexanne Becnel
64 books119 followersRexanne Becnel is the author of more than twenty historical romance and contemporary mainstream novels, many of which appeared on the USA Today bestseller list. With the publication of her first novel, My Gallant Enemy, Becnel won the Waldenbooks Award for Best First-Time Romance Author and the Romantic Times Award for Best Medieval Romance by a New Author. While growing up, Becnel lived for a time in Germany and England, where she became fascinated by medieval history. After studying architecture at the University of Southwestern Louisiana, she worked as a building inspector for the Vieux Carré Commission, the agency of the City of New Orleans charged with protecting and preserving the distinct architectural and historic character of the French Quarter. Becnel lives in New Orleans with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
March 17, 2012
"Jim, how can you not like historicals?"
"I just don't like the genre. I think it's all the 'I'm the man and you have no choice in anything you do' thing. Or maybe I just tend to hate rape books."
"I finished one that I think you will like. You should give it a shot."
"Is the heroine a simpering idiot?"
"No, she's strong and brave."
"Is there any rape?"
"Not in the bodice ripping sense, no."
"Okay I'll try it."
And thus I was committed. And I'm paraphrasing here a conversation I tend to have about three or four times a year. So how did this one measure up?
************************************************************************************
Hi, my name is Linnae de Valcourt. I am the younger of a pair of identical twins. Ever since my birth my grandmother has hated me. She always thought the yonger twin was evil and should be murdered at birth. Fortunately, I wasn't murdered. But I was treated horribly for all my life. Then, our castle is sacked and my sister is to be betrothed to our family's nemesis. I of course am offered in her stead. I of course go by my sister's name and sacrifice my virtue to my my new husband. Again. and again. turns out I actually rather enjoy doing my wifely duties. of course it's all predicated on on a bunch of lies and deceptions. put on top of that a whole heaping helping of 'woe is me' and I still didn't like the book.
not a one star read but certainly not doing another one of these for at least several months.
"I just don't like the genre. I think it's all the 'I'm the man and you have no choice in anything you do' thing. Or maybe I just tend to hate rape books."
"I finished one that I think you will like. You should give it a shot."
"Is the heroine a simpering idiot?"
"No, she's strong and brave."
"Is there any rape?"
"Not in the bodice ripping sense, no."
"Okay I'll try it."
And thus I was committed. And I'm paraphrasing here a conversation I tend to have about three or four times a year. So how did this one measure up?
************************************************************************************
Hi, my name is Linnae de Valcourt. I am the younger of a pair of identical twins. Ever since my birth my grandmother has hated me. She always thought the yonger twin was evil and should be murdered at birth. Fortunately, I wasn't murdered. But I was treated horribly for all my life. Then, our castle is sacked and my sister is to be betrothed to our family's nemesis. I of course am offered in her stead. I of course go by my sister's name and sacrifice my virtue to my my new husband. Again. and again. turns out I actually rather enjoy doing my wifely duties. of course it's all predicated on on a bunch of lies and deceptions. put on top of that a whole heaping helping of 'woe is me' and I still didn't like the book.
not a one star read but certainly not doing another one of these for at least several months.
January 17, 2022
Really want to read a HR or bodice ripper where the heroine doesn't fall in love just after a night of sex
March 4, 2018
HOW CAN ANYONE RATE THIS A 2 STARS?! WELL I ENJOYED EVERY ANGSTY SECOND!
This book certainly kept me glued to my seat the whole day and I am ever satisfied with it.
OUR HERO is hell bent on revenge and reclaiming his birth right, the manor in which was stolen by the heroine's family. He is ruthless and has a menacing aura that people are afraid of him and when he has won the war between the families, Linnea takes the place of her twin to wed him as a way for him to further strengthen his hold on the manor and perhaps to assuage the feud. He is a man of great passion, somewhat hot tempered at times but not ballistic and he loves his family very much. Throughout the years of battle and losing two brothers and a father it has turned him into a hardened man with but a goal in mind, whereby he lost the need for laughter and joy. Almost possessed by his demons. There are moments he does stupid things but you forget he is a man in love who believes himself betrayed. It's human nature to want to hurt the one who hurts them, which then builds the angst and the part we all love, no matter how RIDONCULOUS the entire scenario played out.
OUR HEROINE is a brave, courageous and beautiful woman who has been casted as a curse to the family for being the second born twin, all the old people's belief. Now its up to her to save her family by duping Axton and finagle a way into his home and heart through his lust. However it didn't take very long for her to love him despite his brutishness. What I loved about her is how she is STRONG WHEN SHE NEEDS TO BE but MEEK and LOVING when she has to be. I hate those overly strong characters who overplay and become quite annoying by fighting back too much. Love is about give and take, so watching them was a fanciful dance.
OVERALL the chemistry and tension was there, the HEARTBREAKING moments which makes you angsty and the betrayal which is the highlight was there. I enjoyed every bantering moment, and those panty melting love scenes and the compromising. Loved it more when Axton came to his senses and does a tiny bit of groveling to win his lady love back. What I wish was an epilogue of their HEA and a baby would have been nice.
This book certainly kept me glued to my seat the whole day and I am ever satisfied with it.
OUR HERO is hell bent on revenge and reclaiming his birth right, the manor in which was stolen by the heroine's family. He is ruthless and has a menacing aura that people are afraid of him and when he has won the war between the families, Linnea takes the place of her twin to wed him as a way for him to further strengthen his hold on the manor and perhaps to assuage the feud. He is a man of great passion, somewhat hot tempered at times but not ballistic and he loves his family very much. Throughout the years of battle and losing two brothers and a father it has turned him into a hardened man with but a goal in mind, whereby he lost the need for laughter and joy. Almost possessed by his demons. There are moments he does stupid things but you forget he is a man in love who believes himself betrayed. It's human nature to want to hurt the one who hurts them, which then builds the angst and the part we all love, no matter how RIDONCULOUS the entire scenario played out.
OUR HEROINE is a brave, courageous and beautiful woman who has been casted as a curse to the family for being the second born twin, all the old people's belief. Now its up to her to save her family by duping Axton and finagle a way into his home and heart through his lust. However it didn't take very long for her to love him despite his brutishness. What I loved about her is how she is STRONG WHEN SHE NEEDS TO BE but MEEK and LOVING when she has to be. I hate those overly strong characters who overplay and become quite annoying by fighting back too much. Love is about give and take, so watching them was a fanciful dance.
OVERALL the chemistry and tension was there, the HEARTBREAKING moments which makes you angsty and the betrayal which is the highlight was there. I enjoyed every bantering moment, and those panty melting love scenes and the compromising. Loved it more when Axton came to his senses and does a tiny bit of groveling to win his lady love back. What I wish was an epilogue of their HEA and a baby would have been nice.
March 7, 2012
It's not that I expected fine literature or anything...but this was a disappointment. The story was thin, the character development was uneven and there was very little to flesh out the historical backdrop. The characters didn't leave you much to root for- even the main character got tiresome. 'He's abusive! I hate him! Wait- he's going to put the moves on me and I can't resist!'
Snore.
Snore.
October 9, 2023
Surface level love, only sex. Also h was a whiny, tstl martyr, honestly, story read like it was some parody.
Safety
- Sisters are identical twins, there are no differences between them, except that the h is slightly more spirted, and the h has a burn mark on her leg.
Even the H can’t tell them apart. The only way he can tell is that h doesn’t fear him, while her sister looks at him with fear.🙄
- when H finds out that twins switched places, he decides to re-marry the other sister, and keep the h as his mistress since he already slept with her. Yea, why do you need 2 clones.🤷🏻♀️ authors tries to say that h is more feisty, but they seemed the same to me.🤷🏻♀️
- cheating: kissing
he does kiss the other sister at 80% trying to see their differences, because he can’t tell them apart.🙄
Here’s the gross scene of him kissing the other sister.
“Then he let out a low growl of frustration, hauled her up to him, and kissed her.
He was not easy with her. He devoured her mouth and forced his tongue in. He tasted her with the ferocity of a man who could take whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted it.
Only when he tasted the salt of her tears did he finally thrust her away.”
- ow drama : after finding out that he married the wrong sister, in anger he calls for 2 maids for sex.(it’s hinted that nothing happened, but sounded like he tried. I skimmed read it, and missed what the H said about it. Didn’t really care. Silly book.🤷🏻♀️).
Safety
- Sisters are identical twins, there are no differences between them, except that the h is slightly more spirted, and the h has a burn mark on her leg.
Even the H can’t tell them apart. The only way he can tell is that h doesn’t fear him, while her sister looks at him with fear.🙄
- when H finds out that twins switched places, he decides to re-marry the other sister, and keep the h as his mistress since he already slept with her. Yea, why do you need 2 clones.🤷🏻♀️ authors tries to say that h is more feisty, but they seemed the same to me.🤷🏻♀️
- cheating: kissing
he does kiss the other sister at 80% trying to see their differences, because he can’t tell them apart.🙄
Here’s the gross scene of him kissing the other sister.
“Then he let out a low growl of frustration, hauled her up to him, and kissed her.
He was not easy with her. He devoured her mouth and forced his tongue in. He tasted her with the ferocity of a man who could take whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted it.
Only when he tasted the salt of her tears did he finally thrust her away.”
- ow drama : after finding out that he married the wrong sister, in anger he calls for 2 maids for sex.(it’s hinted that nothing happened, but sounded like he tried. I skimmed read it, and missed what the H said about it. Didn’t really care. Silly book.🤷🏻♀️).
August 8, 2022
Read: 2021
An abused girl switches place with her beloved twin. The H marry the wrong sister. He plans to show her whos boss but they both fall hard (sexual) for each other. There's anger and the angst turns to love.
Unfortunately, the truth will rip them apart.
This is one of my favorites by RB books!
An abused girl switches place with her beloved twin. The H marry the wrong sister. He plans to show her whos boss but they both fall hard (sexual) for each other. There's anger and the angst turns to love.
Unfortunately, the truth will rip them apart.
This is one of my favorites by RB books!
Read
January 10, 2022I FIRST READ THIS WHEN I WAS LIKE 14 AND FOR SOME REASON THE SCENE WHERE THE BROTHER SEES HER LYING ON THE BED HAS BEEN BURNED IN MY MEMORY
May 28, 2020
This book should include a trigger warning in the description. No romance novel should include the word “rape” so many times in relation to the love interests. Good god, I was over 80% of the way through and that was still a concern for Linnea. And, I’ll be honest, at that point I was basically skimming because I was so uncomfortable by this “relationship”.
Even if you take out the big red flag of RAPE, the plot was still uninspiring despite an interesting premise. Most of the content was used up for each character to be forlorn over their situation.
Any opportunities for “showing” their development or interactions are covered by a single character listing off “he said this” or “she did that”. I’d rather read an active conversation, not a summary.
Don’t let the updated cover fool you. I was looking for a quick, fun read, but instead, I’m just really glad it was free with my amazon prime account.
Even if you take out the big red flag of RAPE, the plot was still uninspiring despite an interesting premise. Most of the content was used up for each character to be forlorn over their situation.
Any opportunities for “showing” their development or interactions are covered by a single character listing off “he said this” or “she did that”. I’d rather read an active conversation, not a summary.
Don’t let the updated cover fool you. I was looking for a quick, fun read, but instead, I’m just really glad it was free with my amazon prime account.
March 20, 2021
Lovely medieval story about loss, honour and vengeance. The h is coerced by her family to make a fraudulent marriage with the H to save her beloved twin sister from him. He's finally able to avenge the loss of his father and re-take their home. Of course when he finds out his wife tricks him he's furious and casts her aside to marry her sister. She's been bullied her whole life by her family so tried to atone and protect them. She loves the H so tries to make it right for him. She's a brave heroine, a fighter and a good person. I loved her and her angry Hero, such wonderful writing.
July 4, 2021
"The Maiden Bride" is a first time read by Rexanne Becnel, new author to this reader. This story started off interesting but became a bit too wordy and boring early on. Not until the marriage did the story pick up and capture my attention. There was too much going on for me in this story...mostly too much hatred and abuse towards the heroine. Just an okay read for me.
April 4, 2021
2,5
“Исторически” чиклит от старата школа: обсаден средновековен замък, рицар (далеч не съвсем добричък), две красиви близначки (едната недоубита) и зла баба.
Честно казано, оказа се по-добро от очакваното, тук още не са се намесили новите канони с техния напълно безсъдържателен, но пък благопристоен захарен памук - все още се случва някой да пострада почти истински.
Честно казано, бабата имаше най-голям потенциал като злодей, язък, че не я използваха както трябва 😁 И хепи ендът си дойде след доста мъки, повечето от които - самосъздадени, разбира се. Иначе как се пишат толкова страници, ако всички са умни и се разбират?
Даже читавите guilty pleasures ги развалиха тези издатели в последно време, с калъпа на херцозите, вилите в Тоскана и някоя бабка на 165 години, желаеща да разкаже бурните си младини от кримската война 🤣
“Исторически” чиклит от старата школа: обсаден средновековен замък, рицар (далеч не съвсем добричък), две красиви близначки (едната недоубита) и зла баба.
Честно казано, оказа се по-добро от очакваното, тук още не са се намесили новите канони с техния напълно безсъдържателен, но пък благопристоен захарен памук - все още се случва някой да пострада почти истински.
Честно казано, бабата имаше най-голям потенциал като злодей, язък, че не я използваха както трябва 😁 И хепи ендът си дойде след доста мъки, повечето от които - самосъздадени, разбира се. Иначе как се пишат толкова страници, ако всички са умни и се разбират?
Даже читавите guilty pleasures ги развалиха тези издатели в последно време, с калъпа на херцозите, вилите в Тоскана и някоя бабка на 165 години, желаеща да разкаже бурните си младини от кримската война 🤣
January 9, 2023
One sentence summary: Axton de la Manse has won back his family home and plans to strengthen his claim by wedding the eldest daughter but he doesn't know that it is really her twin sister that marries him in the hopes of keeping her own family's claim alive.
Wow, this book was a page turner. I literally could not wait to see what happened between Axton and Linnea. There was a lot of angst in this one and it's definitely not for everyone. What was normal in medieval England is definitely not okay today ... the demanding of "husbandly rights" is heavy handed in this story ... but no doubt realistic.
Linnea's situation is an impossibly unfair one. She must pretend to be her twin sister in order to keep hope that her family can regain their home. Axton is not an easy husband but their hatred quickly ignites into an insatiable passion. I felt bad for her at every turn, especially since the position of women then was so precarious. With the future betrayal hanging overhead, the scenes have so much angst but I could not put this one down!
Wow, this book was a page turner. I literally could not wait to see what happened between Axton and Linnea. There was a lot of angst in this one and it's definitely not for everyone. What was normal in medieval England is definitely not okay today ... the demanding of "husbandly rights" is heavy handed in this story ... but no doubt realistic.
Linnea's situation is an impossibly unfair one. She must pretend to be her twin sister in order to keep hope that her family can regain their home. Axton is not an easy husband but their hatred quickly ignites into an insatiable passion. I felt bad for her at every turn, especially since the position of women then was so precarious. With the future betrayal hanging overhead, the scenes have so much angst but I could not put this one down!
March 21, 2021
Axton's Rules🐺🍆⛲💪🔪
ADULT Medieval 🏰Historical Romance💕 and Adventure. Hate to Hate enemies.... then Eventually 💘 Love.
Their castle 🏰 Conquered by their enemy, twin young women decide to switch places. The second born will take the place of the first born and marry Axton🐺🍆⛲💪🔪, the conquering laird.
Axton🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 is actually the rightful laird and he has waited years to get back his castle 🏰and lands. He decides to marry his enemy's daughter💃 to get some of the revenge he desires.
So he treats his new wife👰 pretty crappy, basically non consent. May be a trigger for some readers.
When Axton🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 finds out he has been duped, he is understandably even angrier! Lots of angst in this book. The twin he married has been treated like a doormat by her parents, and now Axton 🐺🍆⛲💪🔪continues with this treatment when she becomes his wife👰💔.
Unfortunately, this is pretty much the way life was for women in most of history. Many readers and writers try to put modern social values into their historical characters and it's just not realistic. It's fantasy. This book is more realistic than most in how Axton🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 treats his enemy bride👰.
in reality ,There were slaves, there were massive numbers of desperately poor, women and children were property, there was widespread lawlessness and sickness. Life was cheap. Women had large numbers of children because many of them died in infancy, plus there was no birth control. Men often married several times from their wife dying in childbirth.
The book does have a happy 💘ending.
ADULT Medieval 🏰Historical Romance💕 and Adventure. Hate to Hate enemies.... then Eventually 💘 Love.
Their castle 🏰 Conquered by their enemy, twin young women decide to switch places. The second born will take the place of the first born and marry Axton🐺🍆⛲💪🔪, the conquering laird.
Axton🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 is actually the rightful laird and he has waited years to get back his castle 🏰and lands. He decides to marry his enemy's daughter💃 to get some of the revenge he desires.
So he treats his new wife👰 pretty crappy, basically non consent. May be a trigger for some readers.
When Axton🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 finds out he has been duped, he is understandably even angrier! Lots of angst in this book. The twin he married has been treated like a doormat by her parents, and now Axton 🐺🍆⛲💪🔪continues with this treatment when she becomes his wife👰💔.
Unfortunately, this is pretty much the way life was for women in most of history. Many readers and writers try to put modern social values into their historical characters and it's just not realistic. It's fantasy. This book is more realistic than most in how Axton🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 treats his enemy bride👰.
in reality ,There were slaves, there were massive numbers of desperately poor, women and children were property, there was widespread lawlessness and sickness. Life was cheap. Women had large numbers of children because many of them died in infancy, plus there was no birth control. Men often married several times from their wife dying in childbirth.
The book does have a happy 💘ending.
May 11, 2023
Okay let me make something very clear to those who cannot hear in the back: if the sex was not consensual in the beginning, but you get turned on during the forced act, it is still not consensual. This is in fact rape. And to build a story around it is frankly disgusting, to build a romance around it? Deplorable.
This novel was written before I was born, and I really hope the author has since learned that this is not okay.
Anyways if the rape alone wasn’t enough to steer you towards better waters, let me further explain why this story is not worth reading.
- fmc is 17 (WTF )
- mmc is one dimensional and just awful. No redeeming qualities
- fmc’s sister is annoying af and is constantly made out to be a saint, but she puts up with the horrific abuse to the fmc. As well as letting her sister take the place for her in a truly horrific situation
- the romance is seriously nonexistent. Their “love” was just lust. And I will not change my mind on that.
-fmc has Stockholm syndrome
What a fucking train wreck.
This novel was written before I was born, and I really hope the author has since learned that this is not okay.
Anyways if the rape alone wasn’t enough to steer you towards better waters, let me further explain why this story is not worth reading.
- fmc is 17 (WTF )
- mmc is one dimensional and just awful. No redeeming qualities
- fmc’s sister is annoying af and is constantly made out to be a saint, but she puts up with the horrific abuse to the fmc. As well as letting her sister take the place for her in a truly horrific situation
- the romance is seriously nonexistent. Their “love” was just lust. And I will not change my mind on that.
-fmc has Stockholm syndrome
What a fucking train wreck.
April 8, 2022
This book was so good. It was well written , the story was interesting, and the setting was wonderful. THIS IS MY FAVORITE BOOK
April 26, 2025
3.75 stars
I liked it but it was like a caricature of the real thing. The grandmother was SO over the top evil and her father was SO over the top useless and wimpy. I felt angry on Linnea’s behalf. Her treatment as the second twin growing up was incredibly awful but ridiculously so. Was NO ONE nice to her at all? How did she put up with it with her temper?
Axton also had anger issues and really had no control over his libido although I admit, I liked his and Linnea’s chemistry and how he just couldn’t keep his hands off of her, regardless of where they were. But, overall, he just wasn’t that appealing an MMC. I liked Peter, the younger brother, and the mother of the two of them, who was kind to Linnea. Henry, the young duke, kept things interesting with his interest in Linnea. I loved Axton’s jealousy. I also liked how Linnea would sometimes say mean things when she lost her temper.
The most ridiculous thing of all was how Axton and Linnea felt they loved each other after two weeks, which is the amount of time it took for the lie (Linnea pretending to be her twin and the one to inherit the keep) to be exposed.
A nice way to pass the time but really too unrealistic to be taken seriously.
I liked it but it was like a caricature of the real thing. The grandmother was SO over the top evil and her father was SO over the top useless and wimpy. I felt angry on Linnea’s behalf. Her treatment as the second twin growing up was incredibly awful but ridiculously so. Was NO ONE nice to her at all? How did she put up with it with her temper?
Axton also had anger issues and really had no control over his libido although I admit, I liked his and Linnea’s chemistry and how he just couldn’t keep his hands off of her, regardless of where they were. But, overall, he just wasn’t that appealing an MMC. I liked Peter, the younger brother, and the mother of the two of them, who was kind to Linnea. Henry, the young duke, kept things interesting with his interest in Linnea. I loved Axton’s jealousy. I also liked how Linnea would sometimes say mean things when she lost her temper.
The most ridiculous thing of all was how Axton and Linnea felt they loved each other after two weeks, which is the amount of time it took for the lie (Linnea pretending to be her twin and the one to inherit the keep) to be exposed.
A nice way to pass the time but really too unrealistic to be taken seriously.
Read
May 23, 2024My Kindle tells my that I have purchased and read this book on the 2nd of April 2019, but to be perfectly honest with you, I don’t remember a thing about it!🫣😂 So because of that, I won’t rate it!
May 29, 2023
so much angst
November 28, 2021
A quick, sweet read.
This one was a lot heavy on the sex scenes for my taste. There was almost no character development beyond the bedroom sheets for the first half of this book.
I wanted to feel more for the character's and their plight but so much time was wasted on steam that the culmination and ending didn't have a lot of impact on me.
Liked it but didn't love it.
This one was a lot heavy on the sex scenes for my taste. There was almost no character development beyond the bedroom sheets for the first half of this book.
I wanted to feel more for the character's and their plight but so much time was wasted on steam that the culmination and ending didn't have a lot of impact on me.
Liked it but didn't love it.
November 24, 2018
I love medieval romances and The Maiden Bride didn't disappoint. I really liked the heroine, Linnea, but my feelings are mixed about Axton - he's a jerk and I never thought he redeemed himself.
Linnea is a twin who was born second - an evil girl according to her grandmother who wanted to kill her at birth - her mother prevailed and Linnea is left alive. But her life isn't the best, her grandmother torments her, and she is either ignored or despised by almost all of her family - except her twin sister.
Axton has vowed revenge on Linnea's family - her father won their home by force and killed Axton's father and brothers. When Axton successfully invades the castle he declares he will wed the eldest daughter to secure his claim. Linnea offers to pose as the elder sister and wed Axton, believing she will finally gain the respect of her grandmother.
Axton wants the eldest daughter who he believes is Linnea. He marries her and truthfully, isn't very kind to her. They burn up the sheets but he is dismissive and cold. Linnea lives in fear of the day he learns she has tricked him.
**Slight spoiler - Axton is awful to Linnea when he learns of her deceit, he plans to marry the elder sister instead and probably keep Linnea as his concubine. Ugh - how awful for both Linnea and her sister.
The end is satisfying though - but Axton should have had to grovel more. I did like this story, just not a huge fan of Axton, but Linnea loved him. Medieval romance readers will like this book!
Linnea is a twin who was born second - an evil girl according to her grandmother who wanted to kill her at birth - her mother prevailed and Linnea is left alive. But her life isn't the best, her grandmother torments her, and she is either ignored or despised by almost all of her family - except her twin sister.
Axton has vowed revenge on Linnea's family - her father won their home by force and killed Axton's father and brothers. When Axton successfully invades the castle he declares he will wed the eldest daughter to secure his claim. Linnea offers to pose as the elder sister and wed Axton, believing she will finally gain the respect of her grandmother.
Axton wants the eldest daughter who he believes is Linnea. He marries her and truthfully, isn't very kind to her. They burn up the sheets but he is dismissive and cold. Linnea lives in fear of the day he learns she has tricked him.
**Slight spoiler - Axton is awful to Linnea when he learns of her deceit, he plans to marry the elder sister instead and probably keep Linnea as his concubine. Ugh - how awful for both Linnea and her sister.
The end is satisfying though - but Axton should have had to grovel more. I did like this story, just not a huge fan of Axton, but Linnea loved him. Medieval romance readers will like this book!
January 5, 2016
Not nearly as good as Becnel's other books but an interesting read. I found the story a little far fetched at moments. But it turned into a fun guilty pleasure novel once I got past the things I found unbelievable.
One thing that ALWAYS gets me with romance novels. Usually whenever the heroine in the novel winds up hurting the guy, he resorts to hurting her by claiming he's had sex with other women.
For instance, once Axton became aware of Linnea's betrayal, he had two "wenches" sent up to his room. (He didn't wind up having sex with them but he pretended too.) Then when he wants to clear up the marriage by marrying Linnea's sister, he throws that in her face. How he's planning on banging Beatrix and doesn't care about Linnea.
The thing is, the girls in this books are usually known for the renown beauty. Girl, play his own game. Tell him you're going to find a nice guy to take care of you. Instead of constantly crying and pining after the hero that is currently treating them like a sack of potatoes.
One thing that ALWAYS gets me with romance novels. Usually whenever the heroine in the novel winds up hurting the guy, he resorts to hurting her by claiming he's had sex with other women.
For instance, once Axton became aware of Linnea's betrayal, he had two "wenches" sent up to his room. (He didn't wind up having sex with them but he pretended too.) Then when he wants to clear up the marriage by marrying Linnea's sister, he throws that in her face. How he's planning on banging Beatrix and doesn't care about Linnea.
The thing is, the girls in this books are usually known for the renown beauty. Girl, play his own game. Tell him you're going to find a nice guy to take care of you. Instead of constantly crying and pining after the hero that is currently treating them like a sack of potatoes.
February 16, 2025
I read this books a long time ago. It is one of those under appreciated gems. The female lead lives a life of mistreatment from her own family especially her grandmother. Her mother dies at child birth and her elder twin lives a privileged life due to some superstition. When a warrior conquers the castle our heroine is offered as his bride but under her sister's (the heir) name. Her grandmother knew that offering her in marriage under false pretenses will make the marriage null and make our heroine persona non grata and yet she still did it anyway. Our heroine finds unexpected kindness and rapport with the hero and the story takes it from there. Very Virginia Henley type book!
March 27, 2023
I’ve been so into twin swaps in historical romances lately. This book definitely has the forced seduction trope which a lot of people seem to hate, but I don’t mind it. I loved the heroine. She was brave and loyal, and she always tried to make the right choices even though she had no power as the last-born girl. I liked the Hero, but he definitely was quick to anger and long to hold a grudge.
May 7, 2017
not the time period for me. while I believe there is some historical accuracy to the relationship dynamics between men and women--I don't find it appealing as a romance.
April 7, 2019
A well written medieval romance. Didn’t enjoy the grandmother’s hate for the h just cos she was the second twin.
October 7, 2024
2.75 ⭐️
Sulla carta era tutto perfetto, sono stata presa fino al 35% poi mi sono scocciata. L’ho letto velocemente e ad una certa ho saltato le descrizioni inutili. Ci sono un sacco di elementi che amo: i due si odiano per delle giuste motivazioni diciamo, sono obbligati a sposarsi, lui è possessivo, c’è molta passione senza essere volgari, lei è bellissima, ha una famiglia orribile.
Insomma normalmente amo queste premesse e le ho amate anche qui ma arrivati al 40% per me si è rotto qualcosa. Magari l’hanno portata troppo per le lunghe. Mi sta bene che mi fai aspettare per il lago passionale ma prima dovresti costruirmi un minimo di rapporto tra i due. Mi piace quando i protagonisti litigano o hanno dei botta e risposta taglienti. Qui i litigi non mancano ma si ossa subito alla violenza e non si affronta quasi niente parlando.
Per un momento ho pensato che ci fosse un serio triangolo perché le conversazioni che avrei voluto vedere ci sono pure state ma con il personaggio sbagliato. Si arriva all’amore ma io giuro che mi son persa i passaggi che ci hanno portato qui, io non amo quando l’amore della coppia si basa sui rapporti che hanno avuto. E per me qui è così. Mi aspettavo di più perché era iniziato bene, forse la scrittrice si dilunga troppo nelle descrizioni e non ho amato il cambio di pov improvviso.
Mi aspettavo di più
Sulla carta era tutto perfetto, sono stata presa fino al 35% poi mi sono scocciata. L’ho letto velocemente e ad una certa ho saltato le descrizioni inutili. Ci sono un sacco di elementi che amo: i due si odiano per delle giuste motivazioni diciamo, sono obbligati a sposarsi, lui è possessivo, c’è molta passione senza essere volgari, lei è bellissima, ha una famiglia orribile.
Insomma normalmente amo queste premesse e le ho amate anche qui ma arrivati al 40% per me si è rotto qualcosa. Magari l’hanno portata troppo per le lunghe. Mi sta bene che mi fai aspettare per il lago passionale ma prima dovresti costruirmi un minimo di rapporto tra i due. Mi piace quando i protagonisti litigano o hanno dei botta e risposta taglienti. Qui i litigi non mancano ma si ossa subito alla violenza e non si affronta quasi niente parlando.
Per un momento ho pensato che ci fosse un serio triangolo perché le conversazioni che avrei voluto vedere ci sono pure state ma con il personaggio sbagliato. Si arriva all’amore ma io giuro che mi son persa i passaggi che ci hanno portato qui, io non amo quando l’amore della coppia si basa sui rapporti che hanno avuto. E per me qui è così. Mi aspettavo di più perché era iniziato bene, forse la scrittrice si dilunga troppo nelle descrizioni e non ho amato il cambio di pov improvviso.
Mi aspettavo di più
April 13, 2025
5 forget the world outside ⭐️
First of all, dont read all the reviews! This is a good story, no matter what it contains. It is riveting and it is pretty old school, but it is a very good time. It’s pretty dark! It’s not sweetness galore.
The blurb gives you a pretty solid idea of how we start off, and this book is not about betrayal, as much as it is about forgiveness. Keep that in mind as you read it. She betrays him, and he has to forgive her. The times for women, were very different, even compared to the Victorian era, and it can be difficult to read without getting mad at the book, it is however also a reminder of how far we have come.
Small spoiler:
There is definitely rape in the book, I was flabbergasted when I read the scenes. But this is pretty much how SA was dealt with up until the Me too movement. I am so proud of how far the last 10 years have taken this conversation, and this book is a reminder of where we used to be.
It’s pretty dark, Rina Kent has nothing on this author. Ms. Kent enters cringe territory quite often, this author however went real dark for me.
I hated the MMC, and my heart broke for the FMC. At the same time, I understood his anger and his situation. I had all the feels, especially in the last 40 %.
Should you read it? Absolutely, big yes! Do it today.
First of all, dont read all the reviews! This is a good story, no matter what it contains. It is riveting and it is pretty old school, but it is a very good time. It’s pretty dark! It’s not sweetness galore.
The blurb gives you a pretty solid idea of how we start off, and this book is not about betrayal, as much as it is about forgiveness. Keep that in mind as you read it. She betrays him, and he has to forgive her. The times for women, were very different, even compared to the Victorian era, and it can be difficult to read without getting mad at the book, it is however also a reminder of how far we have come.
Small spoiler:
There is definitely rape in the book, I was flabbergasted when I read the scenes. But this is pretty much how SA was dealt with up until the Me too movement. I am so proud of how far the last 10 years have taken this conversation, and this book is a reminder of where we used to be.
It’s pretty dark, Rina Kent has nothing on this author. Ms. Kent enters cringe territory quite often, this author however went real dark for me.
I hated the MMC, and my heart broke for the FMC. At the same time, I understood his anger and his situation. I had all the feels, especially in the last 40 %.
Should you read it? Absolutely, big yes! Do it today.
May 2, 2021
I was very angry in the course of reading this book because I didn't agree with any of the injustices being carried out. First Linnea's maltreatment was uncalled for and I can hardly believe the human race was this backward at a point in time. Then the idea of war the vengeance, was not welcome by me. In Axton's quest for revenge he stepped on too many toes and hurt too many people. I could almost feel the raw torment eating at Linnea's heart when her brother died and he refused to give him a proper burial. Already he never offered her comfort or condolences and he kept adding to her pain. How she could fall in love with him... I still don't understand.
It was even worse when he found out about the real Beatrix and what Linnea did to save her. He had the nerve to want to marry Bea and still keep Linnea as his whore. Men!!
Well I guess I'm being unfair since this book was an equally good book. A truly deserved 3 🌟 book by Miss Becnel.
It was even worse when he found out about the real Beatrix and what Linnea did to save her. He had the nerve to want to marry Bea and still keep Linnea as his whore. Men!!
Well I guess I'm being unfair since this book was an equally good book. A truly deserved 3 🌟 book by Miss Becnel.
January 6, 2025
Lot of angst - much more than I usually read.
Also the whole hero taking revenge from heroine, punishing her etc I'm not a fan of and YET. This book was kinda nice.
Maybe it's the way Becnel describes the hero, his actions, how he is also soft and kind not the typical brutal medieval hero. I also like how he isn't perfect and loses his temper lol.
I love that Linnea gets her happy ending after a lifetime of being ill treated. That finally after her sister there is someone to love her.
Medieval books do tend to have some really abhorrent characters/occurrences like marital rape, honour killing etc. The killing of a twin at birth was a horrible one I'd not heard of before - the first scenes in the book almost made me cry imagining them killing or burning a newborn baby! Absolutely despicable.
Also the whole hero taking revenge from heroine, punishing her etc I'm not a fan of and YET. This book was kinda nice.
Maybe it's the way Becnel describes the hero, his actions, how he is also soft and kind not the typical brutal medieval hero. I also like how he isn't perfect and loses his temper lol.
I love that Linnea gets her happy ending after a lifetime of being ill treated. That finally after her sister there is someone to love her.
Medieval books do tend to have some really abhorrent characters/occurrences like marital rape, honour killing etc. The killing of a twin at birth was a horrible one I'd not heard of before - the first scenes in the book almost made me cry imagining them killing or burning a newborn baby! Absolutely despicable.
December 23, 2024
Wonderful Medieval Romance
Traditional Medieval Romance.
Good characters, with well developed plot and interesting storyline. Not too intense with the bad guys, just the right amount of angst. Great HEA!
Traditional Medieval Romance.
Good characters, with well developed plot and interesting storyline. Not too intense with the bad guys, just the right amount of angst. Great HEA!
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