Maiden Bride
Nicholas de Laci's only purpose in life is revenge against Baron Hexham, but his brother-in-law killed the baron and as far as he knows, there are no more Hexham family members to take his revenge upon.  Nicholas is not very close to his sister, and the concept of family doesn't mean much to him.  Then one day, a messenger arrives from the king and announces that a female Hexham heir has been found and the king demands that Nicholas marry her to settle the dispute of the lands.  Nicholas is overjoyed with the prospect of being able to carry out his revenge after all.  Nicholas finds her at the convent where she is living, and marries her before going to his home.  Gillian Hexham is glad to be out of the confining, sheltered life, but she is wary of this warrior who has claimed her as his wife. Nicholas tells her that as the Hexham heir, her blood is tainted and that to have his revenge, she will be his slave.  Gillian is a spirited woman who defies him every chance she gets, and they have rousing fights.  A game of Hoodman Blind results in a searing kiss, and while Nicholas admires her feistiness, he is frustrated because his desire for his beautiful wife is more intense than his desire for revenge; and he gives in to his physical desires.  Though Gillian and Nicholas begin to accept their feelings for each other, illness, old fears, and the surprise appearance of another Hexham may just destroy their already fragile relationship.  Maiden Bride was a joy to read!  The story was well written and it held my interest from beginning to end. Great characters!  A good choice for entertaining reading!Well developed and strong characters!  Ms. Simmons skillful writing lets the reader 'see' the changes in her dynamic characters! Deborah Simmons has written a wonderfully entertaining story! Maiden Bride has humor, sensuous love, and tremendous characters that make it a sure bet! A delightful tale that assures Ms. Simmons' place in the literary world of romance!Gloria Miller  --Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc.  All rights reserved--FromLiterary Times