What do you think?
Rate this book
The Knights of Brittany #2
The Mercenary's Bride
Brice Fitzwilliam is finally paid his due: awarded the title and lands of Thaxted, the warrior waits to claim his promised virgin bride!
But Gillian of Thaxted will be no man's prize! She will not submit to the conquering knight's powerful physique, dark, piercing eyes or the bold way his arm drapes protectively over her at night....
Brice thought he would pleasure his new wife out of duty--but it's become a nightly pleasure of his own! Now he risks exposing a chink in his armor if he succumbs totally to his new bride....
But Gillian of Thaxted will be no man's prize! She will not submit to the conquering knight's powerful physique, dark, piercing eyes or the bold way his arm drapes protectively over her at night....
Brice thought he would pleasure his new wife out of duty--but it's become a nightly pleasure of his own! Now he risks exposing a chink in his armor if he succumbs totally to his new bride....
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2010
About the author
Terri Brisbin
224 books554 followersTerri Brisbin is the USA TODAY Bestselling author of more than 50 historical, paranormal and fantasy romances and her books have been released in more than 20 languages and 25 countries around the world since 1998. Her current and upcoming releases will be with Harlequin Historicals and self-published, too.
When not living the glamorous life of a romance author in the southern NJ suburbs, Terri spends her time being a mom of 3, a grammy of 4 and a dental hygienist. And she's always plotting and planning future stories and trips to Scotland .
For more info (more than you could possibly want or need to know) visit her website – www.terribrisbin.com .
When not living the glamorous life of a romance author in the southern NJ suburbs, Terri spends her time being a mom of 3, a grammy of 4 and a dental hygienist. And she's always plotting and planning future stories and trips to Scotland .
For more info (more than you could possibly want or need to know) visit her website – www.terribrisbin.com .
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 8, 2018
3.5 stars.
A decent read.
Both of the characters were pleasant enough. The hero did force the heroine to marry him. But otherwise, I have no complaints. The hero proved himself better in each event.
The heroine was right not to trust anyone and especially the hero. But it was good to see how they learn to trust each other by giving them the space they needed.
I felt sad for the heroine's parents. Although the relationship of the heroine's parents was questionable still I felt the sacrifice they made for the heroine's safety.
About the plot - I find nothing new which I haven't read before. But the writing, the characters was pleasant enough which is why I ranked it more than average.
A decent read.
Both of the characters were pleasant enough. The hero did force the heroine to marry him. But otherwise, I have no complaints. The hero proved himself better in each event.
The heroine was right not to trust anyone and especially the hero. But it was good to see how they learn to trust each other by giving them the space they needed.
I felt sad for the heroine's parents. Although the relationship of the heroine's parents was questionable still I felt the sacrifice they made for the heroine's safety.
About the plot - I find nothing new which I haven't read before. But the writing, the characters was pleasant enough which is why I ranked it more than average.
September 7, 2010
The Mercenary's Bride, in the Knights of Breton series, is related to The Conqueror's Lady. As always Terri Brisbin can be counted on for a "good" read, but this one is not necessarily a great read. In previous books I've read by her, and in this book, the underlying theme is trust. She uses this in quite a few of her books, and to be honest I hope she moves on from this as its getting to be a bit old.
Brice is a new Baron after William on Normandy conquers England in 1066. He's given a barony and told to go "conquer it" and marry the heiress there or secure another noble lady from the area. The heiress in question is Gillian of Thaxted, who again tiresomely, has an evil brother and "will be no man's mistress". Of course Brice falls almost instantly in love with Gillian, who alternates between a shrinking violet and a haughty lady of the realm.
This plot has been done to death and I hope Brisbin and others will come up with something a little more original in the future. If you're looking for a "great" Brisbin read, I suggest The King's Mistress or The Maid of Lorne. 3 stars/C
Brice is a new Baron after William on Normandy conquers England in 1066. He's given a barony and told to go "conquer it" and marry the heiress there or secure another noble lady from the area. The heiress in question is Gillian of Thaxted, who again tiresomely, has an evil brother and "will be no man's mistress". Of course Brice falls almost instantly in love with Gillian, who alternates between a shrinking violet and a haughty lady of the realm.
This plot has been done to death and I hope Brisbin and others will come up with something a little more original in the future. If you're looking for a "great" Brisbin read, I suggest The King's Mistress or The Maid of Lorne. 3 stars/C
November 1, 2012
Hot historical romance story. Very hot, with explicit sexy scenes and romantic at the same time. Love, awesome sex, romance, historical, and it's part of series, what's more to ask?
April 6, 2011
I just didn't find the book very interesting. It started out ok, then it just kind of fizzled out. I didn't really believe that they loved each other so much, when all they'd shared was a bed. Several times throughout the book, the author wrote how the same thing happened to so-and-so (referencing the first book in the Knights of Brittany series). The same plot elements are being used again... and again later.. and yet again later. I understand making the statement once, to establish a connection between the 2 friends, etc, but was it really necessary to re-use several different situations from book 1? And then reference that fact each time? I get it, Brice and Giles are friends. Good friends. And he was present at key events in Giles life, so that when the SAME situation presented itself in Brice's life, he could act accordingly. I felt like it was too forced.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2012
Set in 1066-1067 England, I really enjoyed reading this story. Though Brice is an alpha male, his character had a sensitive and tender side to him which was brought out nicely and with a great pace as the story evolved. Gillian was nicely portrayed as a strong, independent woman instead of a simpering, whimpering female, as so often happens with some of the historical romances. Good entertainment!
December 16, 2012
I really like these books. They are fun for me to read, always enjoyed historical fiction and period pieces and though, this is not my particular favorite history period and I am not crazy about reading anything war related, I find the violence is justified as it was the way people lived in those days. Their lives are filled with the passion driven out of the intensity with which they fight and love.
April 1, 2024
This was one of those books that is underpinned entirely by unrealistic and infuriating insta-lust. I hated it.
So - the book opens with our heroine on the run from the enemy, she's captured and forced into marriage within the space of, like, an hour. The marriage in consummated in a dreadful way, three thrusts and he's out of there. It's so horrible she cries for the whole night... and then for NO REASON AT ALL the very next day she's yearning for this guy. Her loins are throbbing, her tittays are swelling, and she's moaning in the back of her throat like an alleycat in heat. She lustily invites sex once more, and they have some sort of wild porno session with multiple orgasms and a whole catalogue of positions.
Because the sex is sooo goooood, and because her pussy continues to throb all the damn time (the less I hear about this woman's pulsing vagina the better) she decides 'I trust him' and becomes his devoted wife and biggest cheerleader. This enemy solider who has invaded her country, taken her lands, and forced her into marriage. No conflict over this, the dick is that good you see, she now trusts him implicitly and spends the entire rest of the book mooning over how hot he is and being his devoted little handmaiden. She had no other character, no personality outside of 'ohhh my nipples once more are hardening'.
I find these sorts of book so infuriating, because I want the heroine to be an interesting person with thoughts and hopes and interests outside of being sexually aroused by her husband. Boo.
So - the book opens with our heroine on the run from the enemy, she's captured and forced into marriage within the space of, like, an hour. The marriage in consummated in a dreadful way, three thrusts and he's out of there. It's so horrible she cries for the whole night... and then for NO REASON AT ALL the very next day she's yearning for this guy. Her loins are throbbing, her tittays are swelling, and she's moaning in the back of her throat like an alleycat in heat. She lustily invites sex once more, and they have some sort of wild porno session with multiple orgasms and a whole catalogue of positions.
Because the sex is sooo goooood, and because her pussy continues to throb all the damn time (the less I hear about this woman's pulsing vagina the better) she decides 'I trust him' and becomes his devoted wife and biggest cheerleader. This enemy solider who has invaded her country, taken her lands, and forced her into marriage. No conflict over this, the dick is that good you see, she now trusts him implicitly and spends the entire rest of the book mooning over how hot he is and being his devoted little handmaiden. She had no other character, no personality outside of 'ohhh my nipples once more are hardening'.
I find these sorts of book so infuriating, because I want the heroine to be an interesting person with thoughts and hopes and interests outside of being sexually aroused by her husband. Boo.
October 8, 2023
The plot of this is better than the writing. The author head-hops a LOT, and some words are used incorrectly throughout (bespoke, for example, is not a fancy old fashioned way to say “spoke”). But I really liked Gillian, the protagonist, and the story of her family’s strife was interesting.
Brice, the love interest, I found hilarious. Literally every time he even thinks about his wife he is suddenly walking around entirely consumed with nothing but his raging erection, that he can’t control, that is just constantly throbbing with lust for this woman. Is he a grown man or 16 years old? His internal dialogue is genuinely 80% boners and tits.
Anyway, I finished it, weirdly written head-hopping be damned. And I’d probably try the author again, tbh. The plot was interesting enough to keep me reading.
Brice, the love interest, I found hilarious. Literally every time he even thinks about his wife he is suddenly walking around entirely consumed with nothing but his raging erection, that he can’t control, that is just constantly throbbing with lust for this woman. Is he a grown man or 16 years old? His internal dialogue is genuinely 80% boners and tits.
Anyway, I finished it, weirdly written head-hopping be damned. And I’d probably try the author again, tbh. The plot was interesting enough to keep me reading.
November 24, 2019
Carino anche questo, meno sforbiciato del primo, grazie agli dei, sempre un po' retrò e forse non del tutto accurato, ma apprezzabile, come quasi tutti i romanzi della sua decade.
Mi ha colpito come, nonostante non ricordi una qualsiasi descrizione fisica di Brice, me lo sono riuscito a figurare lo stesso senza problemi.
Mi sarei aspettata Gillian un po' più risentita sul finale, per la questione dello zio, ecco questa leggerezza è stata un po' una pecca.
Mi ha colpito come, nonostante non ricordi una qualsiasi descrizione fisica di Brice, me lo sono riuscito a figurare lo stesso senza problemi.
Mi sarei aspettata Gillian un po' più risentita sul finale, per la questione dello zio, ecco questa leggerezza è stata un po' una pecca.
July 3, 2017
Brice 💕
June 7, 2018
A lovely tale through and through.
April 26, 2020
Devorei cada página desse livro em uma sentada. Nunca pensei que ia me apaixonar tanto pelos romances da Terri e pelos mocinhos que ela criou. Apaixonada 😍😍
January 8, 2021
DNF. Boring....
February 26, 2015
My Favorite of the Trilogy
I absolutely loved this book! It's the second in Ms. Brisbin's "The Knights of Brittany" trilogy. I haven't read book one of the trilogy as yet, but didn't feel as though I was missing anything by reading this book first. It's the first novel by Ms. Brisbin that I've read, but by no means will it be the last! As a matter of fact, as soon as I finished this one I went straight into book three, His Enemy's Daughter, which I loved just as much as I did this one. FYI, book one in the trilogy is The Conqueror's Lady (The Knights of Brittany, #2) (I'm on the waitlist at my local library for their digital copy of that book. I can't wait!)
Ms. Brisbin is a seasoned author and it shows in her work. This book is extremely well written, the characters wonderfully dynamic, and the story that unfolds is absolutely amazing! Brice Fitzwilliam is of illegitimate birth. He and his two best friends, also bastards, were trained to be knights by their foster father, a nobleman, who took them in and raised them as his own, along with his legitimate son. When the call to arms came from Duke William of Normandy, the three men joined the Duke's forces in hopes of finding land, wealth, and a future in England.
Brice's dreams comes true when he is awarded the title of Baron and given Thaxted, a powerful estate in Northern England. In order to secure his claim, he is ordered, by the newly anointed King William, to marry Lady Gillian--heiress to the lands Brice has been awarded--if possible. After traveling to his new lands, Brice discovers that Thaxted's gates have been closed against him and he is forced to await reinforcements in order to take the keep by force.
In the meantime, Lady Gillian flees Thaxted and the control of her hateful half-brother, Oremund; It is her intention to seek sanctuary at a nearby convent. Unfortunately, while traveling alone, she encounters Brice and his force of Norman knights. At first Gillian is not aware that Giles is the Norman who has been given, not only her lands, but also her person. When he doesn't accept her story of being a maid traveling to the convent on business for her mistress, she is terrified that he and his men intend to use her for their pleasure.
When Brice finally reveals his identity to her and his plan to marry her immediately, Gillian is shocked and furious. Brice, however, will not be deterred from his course to have Gillian wedded and bedded ASAP, in order to fortify his claim to Thaxted. But, Gillian is no shrinking violet. Seeing no other recourse than to capitulate to Brice's demand that she marry him immediately, Gillian is nevertheless determined to avoid the "bedded" portion of Brice's plan. LOL
Once the two are wed, the story progresses at a nice, quick pace to it's conclusion, complete with HEA. Brice quickly learns that Gillian is a force to be reckoned with, a smart, intelligent woman, with a mind of her own, I loved the interactions between the two. Brice feels an instant attraction to Gillian and finds himself drawn to the spirited beauty. I loved how protective and caring he was towards her, even from the very beginning, although he tries to hide it behind a somewhat harsh façade.
As for Gillian, she is forthright, and determined. She is also very distrustful, as she has been let down time and again by people who should have cared for her. This lack of trust on her part, plays a pivotal role in the relationship between herself and Brice, and does lead Gillian to act a bit stupidly at times. Thankfully, she quickly comes to her senses. As Brice uncovers more and more of Gillian's family history, he gains a better understanding of his wife, and begins a campaign to gain her trust. There is a lot of sexual tension between Gillian and Brice and the love scenes are steamy, and descriptive, although not crude.
Oremund, the villain of the piece, is determined to regain control of Thaxted, and of Gillian. Oremund is convinced that Gillian knows the location of gold their father supposedly hid away; their father's intent being that this gold was to be part of Gillian's dowry. Oremund's obsession with finding the gold is the driving force for all his villainous conduct and provides an intriguing aspect to the story's plot.
I absolutely loved this book and would highly recommend it as an amazing read. Happy reading!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2015
This was better than the second book. the pacing was much better as the development of their relationship was so clearly and understandably portraited.
I liked that Brice developed back to the person he was at the beginning of the second book - you could the strain fo Giles experiences and his waiting for his keep. Although I am not sure I like him more than Giles, as Giles was a great hero.
I liked Gilian as well and she was a great character. I liked that she decided to trust Brice when she discovered her feelings for him. she was trustworthy and honest and also very intelligent and stubborn. it was great that Brice could honor these qualities.
it is not often that this strength in a heroine is done so well without letting her appear shrewish or too proud
I think I will read Sorens story next -although I promised I would stop the medieval books, but I think I have to read his story
all in all, a solid and enjoyable read
I liked that Brice developed back to the person he was at the beginning of the second book - you could the strain fo Giles experiences and his waiting for his keep. Although I am not sure I like him more than Giles, as Giles was a great hero.
I liked Gilian as well and she was a great character. I liked that she decided to trust Brice when she discovered her feelings for him. she was trustworthy and honest and also very intelligent and stubborn. it was great that Brice could honor these qualities.
it is not often that this strength in a heroine is done so well without letting her appear shrewish or too proud
I think I will read Sorens story next -although I promised I would stop the medieval books, but I think I have to read his story
all in all, a solid and enjoyable read
August 21, 2014
I wish I could give this one three and a half stars. With a bit more polish it would have merited four stars for sure. I just can't stand when the author reminds me of the same information repeatedly, particularly when it's part of a series. There's no excuse for reiterating the fact that there are two other "beautiful bastards" for at least the third time two thirds of the way through the second book in the series. Other than that annoyance, the tale was a light, fairly fun read. It also packed in way more than Brisbin's standard number of steamy scenes for better or worse. I also lean toward three stars rather than four because the main character, Brice, doesn't seem as brooding and grumpy here as he did in the first installment (as a sidekick to Giles). It seemed like inconsistent writing rather than an abrupt departure upon meeting his mate. Still, I enjoyed reading the tale.
October 31, 2010
I have read a few Terri Brisbin romances and this is one of my favourites. Quick and easy to read. I really liked Brice and Gillian and felt the love growing between them. I love reading a romance set in this time period. Set in 1066 William of Normandy has just taken the throne of England. Brice is a Norman and Gillian is a Saxon. Brice has just been awarded, regardless of his bastard birth, the holding and lands of Thaxted and as Gillian is the lady of Thaxted, he has also been given her hand in marriage as part of the bargain. Her half brother Oremund isn't quite so willing to give up his claim as he believes there to be gold hidden within the keep. Well worth the read.
December 11, 2012
I got a bunch of Terri Brisbin's books, because I saw the cover of this one, The Mercenary’s Bride, and thought it was just gorgeous. (Yes, I totally judged a book by its cover.) So I started, but I was so annoyed with the hero. SUCH A JERK. And he’s all with the expecting everything and lording it over the heroine, and so I was tempted to give up. But then on the “wedding night” the heroine totally tricked him (took advantage of him thinking she’s such a weakling) to totally THROW A SWORD AT HIM WHEN HE’S TURNED AROUND. Ahem. That was sweet, because she knocked him out, too. Way to be awesome, heroine.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2016
I decided to read this book because I really like Terri Brisbin's work and I really wanted to discover this one.
Honestly, I was disappointed really soon because there were too many sensual scenes or at least, it seems that it was the only matter of the book...
I tried to continue, hoping that somehow the book would be better...
Well, I let it down before the middle of the story... I like reading love story but not one where nothing happens except for sex or for the characters to think of nothing else than sex...
I will be certainly more careful when I pick another book of this author and really hope it will be better than this one.
Honestly, I was disappointed really soon because there were too many sensual scenes or at least, it seems that it was the only matter of the book...
I tried to continue, hoping that somehow the book would be better...
Well, I let it down before the middle of the story... I like reading love story but not one where nothing happens except for sex or for the characters to think of nothing else than sex...
I will be certainly more careful when I pick another book of this author and really hope it will be better than this one.
February 11, 2013
Brisbin is an entertaining writer with a real flare for the times of the Norman Conquest. This is another lovely story, tracing the rise of the Normans who came for wealth, land, titles and glory, and the Saxons they encountered, married and then finally become part of. I loved Brice and Gillian, both were very well thought out and described. Their passion was well demonstrated and the plot interesting. The Saxon Oremund was such a horrid villain that he made the perfect contrast to the base-born but inherently noble Brice. Nice weekend read.
September 2, 2016
Everytime you read Terri Brisbin you fall in love with her novels just a little more. She has a way of making the rest of the world dissapear while you follow the love story she's written. The alpha males, the strong women, and the twists and turns they take in discovering their love. Though this story isn't particularly special, what it does have is the quality that I've come to expect from Ms. Brisbin. A good solid novel.
March 19, 2012
I love this book with a passion.
I mean, how often do you find a romance novel where you love both the hero and heroine?
Him being strong, funny, and ridiculously romantic, and her being expressive and headstrong to a point where it isn't annoying.
And the cover isn't raunchy and risqué.
TAKE MY ADVICE AND READ THIS BOOK!I
I mean, how often do you find a romance novel where you love both the hero and heroine?
Him being strong, funny, and ridiculously romantic, and her being expressive and headstrong to a point where it isn't annoying.
And the cover isn't raunchy and risqué.
TAKE MY ADVICE AND READ THIS BOOK!I
January 2, 2015
i am so happy because i was able to find and buy it. thanks to book sale. hehe:) one more to go and i will be completing terri brisbin's bastard knight series na. so happy :):):) its a good read... i love their story... ♥ brice ♥ gillian ♥
January 31, 2016
A land grant from William the Conqueror turns over a castle and the defeated lord's daughter to a conquering bastard knight. He catches up with the lord's daughter as she tries to escape to a convent. Learning to trust is a big theme of this book, surrounded by adventure and great sex.
Read
August 1, 2010#2 of 3, Knights of Crittany. Linked to The Conqueror's Lady, Medieval
February 8, 2013
Not big on the whole medieval historicals... I know too much about their lack of hygiene and horrible diet. Quick read if this is your cup of tea.
March 2, 2011
Judging contest book.
December 26, 2016
Third re-read of one of my favorite historicals. Love all of Brisbin's historical romances.
September 23, 2015
I really enjoyed the characters. It was well thought out story. I would read it again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews