Pagan Bride
Alessandra is a beautiful young woman of English heritage living in an Arabian palace.  Her mother Sabine was sold into slavery when she was pregnant with Alessandra and she has never known any other life.  But her mother wants her to return to England before she weds an Arab who will begin his harem with Alessandra.  When Alessandra makes it clear she has no intention of going to England, Sabine creates a plan to force her to leave.  Lucien de Gautier realizes his only chance to escape from slavery is to be a part of Sabine's plan.  Sabine buys him and passes him off as a eunuch, instructing him to watch over Alessandra until they can escape.  Lucien realizes the moment he sees Alessandra that he must have her, but he is torn between his duty to Sabine and the desire that burns in his soul.  Despite his arrogant attitude, Alessandra feels something for Lucien that she has never felt for her betrothed.  But when he finally kidnaps her she vows to fight the Englishman any way she can.  Once Alessandra tells Lucien her mother's secret-- that her last name is Bayard, she realizes she may lose Lucien forever.  The Bayards and de Gautiers have been at war for over a hundred years and even though she has never been a part of the feud, Lucien sees Alessandra as an enemy-- and a possible pawn against her father.  England is more different than Alessandra could ever have imagined. Feeling out of place, she has a difficult time adjusting to the way an English lady should act.  She meets the father she has never known and other relatives-- some who want her gone.Lucien's return to England is just as traumatic.  His family has lost most of it's land to the Bayards while he has been gone and he intends to get it back. His prideful determination may win him his land back, but the prize he wants most of all is Alessandra.  An exhilarating, breathtaking adventure! Tamara Leigh captivates her readers with spellbinding tales of exotic lands! Pure magic!  An enchanting book filled with fascinating characters! Ms. Leigh spins a web of romance and adventure that wraps around the heart and won't let go!Kristina Wright  --Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc.  All rights reserved--FromLiterary Times