The Border Bride

For generations along the border of England and Scotland, the Darnleys and the Kirallens have fought a bloody feud that has brought nothing but death and destruction to both families. But finally, there is hope for peace. Laird Kirallen has proposed that his only surviving son, Jemmy, marry Darnley's daughter, Maude. Darnley has no choice but to accept, or watch his own son die. But he won't send his beloved Maude to live with the savage, bloodthirsty Kirallens. Instead, he blackmails Alyson, his illegitimate daughter, into taking Maude's place, by holding Alyson's little brother hostage. Neither Jemmy nor Alyson enters into this marriage willingly. Jemmy wishes to return to the sea he loves. Alyson is forced to betray her values and live a lie to save her brother. Against her better judgment, Alyson falls in love with Jemmy, but must hide her feelings to keep up the pretense of being spoiled, haughty Maude. I highly recommend this wonderful Medieval Scottish romance, set in 1375. I can't wait to read the author's other book, which is a sequel to this one.

The Border Bride is the best romance I've read in years. It has everything--history, adventure, and of course, a wonderful romance between the main characters, Alison and Jemmy, set in 14Century Scotland. Liz English is a bold, exciting new voice in the romance genre. I couldn't put this one down.

The Darnleys and the Kirallens have been feuding as long as anyone alive can remember, but the feelings between Laird Darnley and Kirallen's eldest son Ian escalated into a loathing so fierce that Ian is killed. This so devastated Laird Kirallen that all he wants now is for the killings to stop. Thus, when Laird Darnley is captured, Kirallen demands a marriage take place between Jemmy, his youngest son and Darnley's daughter. Darnley agrees to the marriage, but still filled with hatred, he plots a devious plan. He has his brother Robert train his bastard daughter Alyson in the ways of a noble in order to masquerade as Maude. Alyson was never acknowledged by her father and worked as a lowly servant, and she doesn't want to be a part of his plan, but when Darnley holds a knife to her younger brother Robin's throat she reluctantly agrees. Her half-sister Maude is a haughty, spoiled girl who treats everyone with contempt and is disliked by the servants, while Alyson is a small, delicate, sweet natured young woman. Knowing about her father's deceitful plan, she walks into the church to utter marriage vows with much trepidation. It's only thinking of Robin's safety that gives her the courage to face what is to come. The wedding feast is torture enough, but how will she ever get through the night?Jemmy Kirallen grew up in the shadow of his older brother Ian and their foster brother Alistair, an inseparable duo. Jemmy dreamed of other lands, and sailed away to find his own home. He has his own ship and crew now and loves the rolling seas, but when he learns of Ian's murder, he immediately sails for Scotland. He knew his father would be devastated, but he wasn't expecting the frail, aged man he meets upon his return. Neither is he expecting to be forced into marrying the daughter of the clan's enemy. However, he agrees with his father and will do whatever is necessary to bring peace to the clans. He isn't looking forward to the marriage, but when his lips briefly touch his brides to seal their vows, he's shocked by the sensation the kiss brings.Elizabeth English weaves a tale with the mastery of an experienced writer, yet this is just her debut title. She introduces conflict between her characters, and a well-worn plotline takes on a fresh look. The romance element between Jemmy and Alyson is brought about slowly. While there is a `misunderstanding' between the couple, it's done in a way that the reader can accept, being more like `circumstance' rather than misunderstanding. Ms. English also introduces an element of the paranormal as a ghost is present. I was left wondering about the ghost's story, and would liked to have known a little more of his resolution before he found his rest. I truly believe Elizabeth English will be a voice to reckon with in the medieval genre. THE BORDER BRIDE captivated me and I am looking forward to the sequel of Alistair Kirallen's story. I've found a new author to put on my automatic buy list and believe you, too, will fall

Elizabeth English is a wonderful writer and certainly someone to watch. Her characters sparkle, her plotting is wonderful and I love the ghostly element in the book. Romance at its finest.

A very entertaining and engaging read that is sure to please romance fans. Lots of intrique, action, a hero to die for, what more do I need to say? I was very impressed with the historical accuracy and the research that grounds the writing. This author is permanently on my watch list. Can't believe I'll have to wait until early next year for the second book.