THE BARGAIN

Author: Julia Templeton ISBN: 0425214052 11/2006 EROTIC HISTORICAL Publisher: BERKLEY HEAT
Time Period: Medieval

HE SAW... Saxon beauty Aleysia Cawdor is willing to do anything to protect her dear twin brother during a conquest that could strip her of her everything. Her last resort is to enter into a sensual bargain with her worst enemy, and submit to his brutish ways. HE CONQUERED... Love-starved Norman knight Renaud de Wulf is eager to again feel the touch of flesh. He's going to take what's coming to him-the vulnerable woman who's been waiting to fulfill her obligation in the most intimate way imaginable. Body and soul. HE CAME... Never would de Wulf guess the true motives for Aleysia's submission-or where their heated nights would take them.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Saxon rebel, Aleysia Cawdor, made a devil's bargain when she offered her maidenhood to Norman conqueror Renaud de Wulf in exchange for her twin brother's life. Little did she expect the battle-scarred but handsome knight to be a skilled lover who brought her great pleasure.

The teenage Aleysia is soon torn between the delights of the bedchamber, her brother's prison, and her betrothed's desire to help her escape. Her brother, loyal to his cause, is starving in prison, while she is safe in the castle that once belonged to their parents. Her betrothed, a much older Scottish laird, as well has become increasingly unpleasant. It is hard to fight her new loyalty to Renaud.

Set in 1069 Northumbria, THE BARGAIN is well-plotted, with real conflicts for all of the main characters. In fact, the weakest part of this erotic historical romance is probably the erotic bits. While sexy, it became somewhat repetitive, despite the introduction of some Gypsy dancing. However, I enjoyed it very much as a historical romance, and Templeton is a talented author whose books I have enjoyed in the past.

Heather Hiestand