"exciting, action-packed historical romance"
In 1834, American sea merchant Gavin Elliot sets sail from
The East Indies for London after making his fortune in
trade. He plans to reestablish his family name previously
disgraced among the aristocracy. On his journey to England, Gavin stops at the island of
Maduri where Sultan Kasan surprisingly orders a personal
visit from the sea captain. While there, Gavin learns that
English widow Alexandra Warren is held in bondage after her
ship was captured by pirates. Alexandra's eight-year-old
daughter is either dead or incarcerated elsewhere. Though
he knows not to intercede, the honorable Gavin challenges
Kasan to play Lion's Game in which his loss means two
decades of servitude, but a victory frees Alexandra. Of
course, Gavin has never played before while his opponent is
a pro in this deadly encounter. THE BARTERED BRIDE is an exciting, action-packed historical
romance that never slows down until the tale is completed.
The story line is loaded with a taste of an exotic 1830's
environment that provides a fresh outlook to the audience.
The lead couple is a courageous duo though the odds of
Gavin defeating Kasan in the Lion's Game seems greater than
Douglas-Tyson and would have been kept off Vegas and
White's books. Still Mary Jo Putney continues to provide a
vast panorama of an intriguing bygone era by placing her
romances in unique locals. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted March 31, 2002
SummarySweeping from the exotic temptations of the Orient to the
ruthless grandeur of 19th century London, The Bartered
Bride is a compelling romantic adventure that begins with a
daring act of courage. After building a fortune amid the
splendor and dangers of the China seas, American adventurer
and merchant prince Gavin Elliott is sailing for London,
where he intends to establish himself in the society that
forced his family to leave in disgrace when Gavin was only
a child. But fate intervenes on an infamous island in the
East Indies when he tries to save a European woman being
sold at a slave auction.
Alexandra Warren ventures to Australia as a young bride
eager for adventure. A dozen years later she is returning
home as widow and mother when a pirate attack separates her
from her beloved daughter and condemns Alex to a life of
servitude. Then a miracle arrives in the form of a steely-
eyed Yankee captain willing to risk everything to set her
free.
A shocking turn of events brings an unexpected alliance
with her rescuer, and Gavin and Alex arrive in London as
intimate strangers joined by too many painful secrets. Yet
attraction and affection soon overcome the trial of their
first meeting. Until the past reaches out to change
Gavin's life—and threatens the passionate love he has found
with his irresistible bartered bride.
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