"Fun and passionate medieval romp"

Reina de Champeney is a lady born and bred, petite and delicate, but with a will of iron. Her responsibilities are vast, as are her talents and wealth. She has successfully managed her father's holdings ever since he went crusading. She has also managed to avoid marrying the useless and conniving men who are vying for her money . . . um, I meant hand, in marriage.

Ranulf Fitz Hugh is a bastard -- literally -- but he has amassed a fortune from selling his sword to wealthy lords. His dream is to own a small desmesne and finally have a home. To make that dream a reality, he takes a job for a gnarly, greedy old man and sets off to bring that man his bride. It doesn't take him long to realize that Reina has no intention of marrying the duplicitous lecher, and when she proposes marriage between the two of them, Ranulf reluctantly agrees. He gains control over a huge amount of land and wealth, but what will he do with such a delicate flower for a wife?

He soon learns that she is anything but flower-like. I was drawn to Ranulf's inner vulnerability. Such a strong, masculine man who has suffered so much is a compelling fantasy for women of all ages, and Reina is no different. Being such a determined busy- body, she sets out to fix his problems and avenge his hurts, forging a strong bond with her husband along the way.

In a tale written in classic Lindsey style, Reina sets out to educate her husband on the finer points of marriage. And Ranulf does everything he can to seduce his tiny wife. The conflict between man and woman is believable and well planned, the characters are intelligent, strong, and perfect for each other, and the setting is beautifully detailed. It almost makes me want to live in a smelly, damp castle, surrounded by toothless people who are afraid of bathing, if it means I can meet a man like Ranulf (who, by the way, bathes quite frequently).

Reviewed by Kelley Hartshorn
Posted November 13, 2002

Summary

A KIDNAPPER'S PROMISE

Reina's cerulean eyes blazed with scorn as they fell upon the golden giant of a man before her. This was the knight Ranulf, her kidnapper, who was pledged to deliver her into the worst kind of bondage - marriage to the craven Lord Rothwell.

But Reina was no acquiescent girl to accept fate's whim. To save herself from the union being forced upon her, she offered Ranulf a bargain: Become my husband yourself. In exchange for your protection, I will make you a great lord.

The nuptial bed was not part of the bargain. And the haughty Ranulf soon made it clear that he would accept no marriage of convenience: Come to me of you own free will - or I will take you!