The Dumont Bride

Anjou Province, France 1194 - Christian Dumont, was once known as the Comte de Langier, before treasonous acts against Richard, Coeur de Lion, by his father brought he and his brother Geoffrey close to deaths door. Now he has been summoned by the King and given an offer he cannot refuse. He is to have his title, wealth, and lands restored if he travels to England and consent to a royal command from Queen Eleanor. He knew not what the task would be but knew that whatever it was, if it meant saving his beloved brother?s life, he would agree.Arriving in England, weak from months of imprisonment, he cannot help but be impressed by the demesne of Castle Greystone, and more so by the Countess, Emalie Montgomerie whom he finds he is to wed. Queen Eleanor, has contrived a plan to protect Emalie, from the vile and corrupt Prince John who is trying his best to wrest control of the valuable lands belonging to her. Emalie and Christian find themselves as helpless pawns as the feuding royals battle one another over territorial control. Christian thinks himself lucky to find himself in such a situation, until he finds that the young woman he is married to carries a child of rape, a rape that she refuses to name or remember. Both hide the truths of the dishonors dealt to them ? dishonors that stemmed not from their actions but from the actions of others. Yet, in spite of this, a love develops between them based upon the honor and goodness they finally discover in one another. This was an amazing story that I finished in one sitting it was so riveting. From the political machinations, to the heartbreaking love that was almost torn apart, and to the most surprising ending! The characters came alive on the pages with vivid historical background, sparkling dialogues and beautiful and very passionate love scenes. This was indeed a phenomenal read that gets solid GOLD ratings! Put this on the keeper shelf!

Terri Brisbin has become a MUST BUY on my romance writer's list. Her stories are always entertaining and evocative. This one is her best to date. She is one of the very few authors I can truly count on to continue improving her craft. Very well done! I simply cannot wait for the next one.

A masterpiece story that exemplifies historical romance at its finest, THE DUMONT BRIDE receives a perfect 10 from Historical Romance Writers. Depleted physically and mentally Christian's days are numbered as he and his brother waste away in prison. Paying the price for their father's traitorous deeds, who has already met his fate with the hangman, Christian receives an offer from King Richard he simply cannot refuse. Sent to Queen Eleanor to do as she bids, he blindly accepts this offer to have his lands, titles, and wealth restored to his family IF he agrees to what the Queen requests of him. Not knowing what this request is, and realizing this will be his only chance to save his brother, Geoffrey, who is dying and to save himself, he agrees. He arrives at Greystone Castle, an impressive land holding to meet with Queen Eleanor. There he discovers he is to be wed to Emalie Montgomerie. Protected by the Queen Eleanor who has devised a plan to remove her from the grasp of the vile Prince John, Emalie finds herself a pawn in this power play for her land and her wealth. A victim of a rape she can not remember, she is now at the mercy of the royals and her fate is yet unsealed. Still dealing with his physical depletion from imprisonment he finds himself dealing with fever and weakness, something he is not accustomed to. He wants to hide his predicament until he finds out what role he plays in the political maneuvers of Queen Eleanor, King Richard and Prince John. Both Emalie and Christian are powerless to fight the love that develops between them despite the mistrust, confusion, and politics surrounding their marriage.This story was riveting from start to finish. It defied conventional storylines and continued to surprise each step away. Traditional resolutions that were expected did not come. Ms. Brisbin weaves a tale of love, passion, acceptance, and political intrigue that is sure to become a classic. Bravo, Ms. Brisbin!