The Overlord's Bride

This is the first book I've read by Margaret Moore. I'll be looking for more of her work. Her writing is refreshing in the fact that her leading couple (Raymond and Elizabeth) is so completely devoted to one another, neither of them treats the other badly because of simple suspicions. Even though they both have had very harsh pasts, and they are afraid of what the world holds, they lean on each other and show affection openly. The hero needed a bit of time to learn to trust... but once he realized what a gift his wife was to his life, he poured his heart out to her. To quote the book, "He closed his eyes and silently offered a fervent thanks to heaven for sending him Elizabeth, who could understand what he had endured..." Raymond's first wife died several years ago. She had broken his heart and destroyed his trust in women. Attacking him in his sleep, his wife damaged his throat to a point that his voice is permanently raspy. People fear him because he rarely speaks. When he does, it is a frightening sound. With his castle falling into ill-repair, Raymond knows he must remarry himself to a woman with a good dowry. Elizabeth has lived in a convent for over 13 years, suffering starvation and severe beatings at the hand of the Mother Superior. Her parents dead, she had lost hope of ever having a family of her own. When her uncle desires an alliance with Raymond, he gives Raymond Elizabeth's hand and dowry. Having been a homely child, and not having seen a mirror since entering the convent, Elizabeth is sure she is an ugly woman. When her husband seems cold towards her, she believes he is ashamed of her. Raymond fights the demons of mistrust. He also is protecting his home and people from his first wife's angry brother, Montross. Elizabeth is doing her best to make her husband proud, despite her homely appearance. She is determined to prove that she can be a worthy and helpful wife. Elizabeth's unflinching devotion and support of her husband against his enemies cause the walls around Raymond's heart to crumble. Once he gives in, he brings Elizabeth a mirror to prove how beautiful she is. Together, they take on both of their nemeses. They will see the Mother Superior removed from her position, and Montross's threats put to an end. Through their work and powerful love, they will build the family that both have only dreamed of.

After thirteen years in a convent, where she was starved and beaten, Elizabeth Perronet will do just about anything to escape. When her cousin Genevieve breaks her betrothal to run off with another man, Elizabeth's uncle comes to the convent and offers Elizabeth an ultimatum. Elizabeth must marry the man Genevieve was promised to, or spend the rest of her life in the convent. Elizabeth quickly agrees the marriage, even though she has never met Raymond D'Estienne, Genevieve's former betrothed. Elizabeth doesn't expect to find love in marriage, but longs for children and hopes to find happiness as a mother. Raymond is not looking for love either. His first wife betrayed him, and he is only remarrying to provide an heir. I really enjoyed this love story about two people who don't expect much from marriage finding out just how wonderful love can be. Margaret Moore is becoming one of my favorite historical romance writers. I'll definitely be reading all her books.

The Overlord's Bride was my first book to read by Margaret Moore, but not my last. The storyline was excellent. The characters' relationship flows from the beginning until the end with a beautiful love story. There is no jealous suitor or spiteful ex-girlfriend stirring up trouble. This book is totally about a man and woman healing each other's hearts and becoming one forever.

Raymond is the kind of hero you read a Medieval romance for - strong and tortured. He was betrayed by his first wife when she tried to kill him. He killed her in the subsequent fight and remains tortured about the events.Elizabeth? Well, she's just great. I loved the way she tried to strike bargains with Raymond like she was a guttersnipe bargaining for a penny. Too funny.I liked how they came together strangers and, by being honest with each other, they slowly gained each others' trust and built a relationship. This is a kind of "sweet" book, although there are some love scenes. But you really feel for these characters as they get to know each other.This is a definite keeper.

How could I resist a book with such a great title and a hero I've been waiting to meet ever since Genevieve Perronet jilted him in The Welshman's Bride? When he spoke in that sexy rasping whisper at the end of the first chapter, I knew Lord Kirkheath had been worth the wait! The first of many wonderful surprises in this book was how much I came to love the heroine, Elizabeth. After her childhood in a nunnery that would make Oliver Twist's orphanage look like Disney World, Elizabeth believes she's homely, and her aspirations are touchingly modest. Her severe upbringing has made her sympathetic to anyone in need, and very astute in judging people. These gifts help her see past Kirkheath's dark, brooding facade to the wounded man badly betrayed by love. I don't want to give away the plot because I found myself surprised again and again. Considering the amount of historical romance I read, that's no easy feat. I've been a fan of Margaret Moore for quite awhile. She's written almost a dozen books in the Warrior series, each with its own special spin. The Overlord's Bride is definitely my favourite...so far.