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Medieval Knights #2
The Marriage Bed
Sexual tension and chivalry make a compelling combination with daring exploits and devout prayer in Claudia Dain's delightful medieval romance.
As an orphaned heiress of marriageable age, Isabel of Dornei knew that safety lay in a swift wedding. But, instead of seeking out the man to whom she'd been promised, upon her father's death she rode to the nearby abbey in search of Richard, the one man she trusted above all others—handsome, chivalrous Richard, who sought his own redemption in the monastery, even as rebellious Isabel prayed to be free of her betrothal to a man she did not love.
Richard had been the most promising squire at the estate where she'd been fostered. And though she was his brother's promised bride, they'd soon become inseparable friends. Before she'd left for home, they'd shared a single, forbidden kiss that had ever since fueled all of Isabel's hopes and prayers. Surely a man capable of such a kiss, who was also renowned for his skill at arms, was not truly meant to be a monk.
On this, it seemed, both heavenly and temporal powers agreed, for Isabel's arrival at the abbey was quickly followed by the news that both of Richard's brothers were dead—and Richard had been commanded to fulfill the pact between their families and make Isabel his wife. The wedding was quickly arranged—but it would take more than prayers, and soul searching, and passionate memories to forge a true marriage between this beautiful maiden and her unwilling lord.
As an orphaned heiress of marriageable age, Isabel of Dornei knew that safety lay in a swift wedding. But, instead of seeking out the man to whom she'd been promised, upon her father's death she rode to the nearby abbey in search of Richard, the one man she trusted above all others—handsome, chivalrous Richard, who sought his own redemption in the monastery, even as rebellious Isabel prayed to be free of her betrothal to a man she did not love.
Richard had been the most promising squire at the estate where she'd been fostered. And though she was his brother's promised bride, they'd soon become inseparable friends. Before she'd left for home, they'd shared a single, forbidden kiss that had ever since fueled all of Isabel's hopes and prayers. Surely a man capable of such a kiss, who was also renowned for his skill at arms, was not truly meant to be a monk.
On this, it seemed, both heavenly and temporal powers agreed, for Isabel's arrival at the abbey was quickly followed by the news that both of Richard's brothers were dead—and Richard had been commanded to fulfill the pact between their families and make Isabel his wife. The wedding was quickly arranged—but it would take more than prayers, and soul searching, and passionate memories to forge a true marriage between this beautiful maiden and her unwilling lord.
393 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2001
15 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Dain
37 books99 followersIt was while writing a descriptive essay in seventh grade English (that was the assignment, to write a 'descriptive essay') that Claudia first fell in love. With descriptive essays. Boys being what they are in seventh grade, there was hardly much choice.
By her ninth grade year, Claudia was spending hours each week in her bedroom writing descriptive essays that heavily featured older boys (eleventh grade). She also practiced her kissing technique on a pole lamp next to her bed. It was less than satisfactory, but the writing was fun.
She attended the University of Southern California as an English major. She'd mastered kissing by this time and writing, strangely enough, was still fun. 'Strangely' because while it had become obvious to her that almost everyone enjoyed kissing, it was equally obvious that very few people enjoyed writing. This was as peculiar to her as, well, not enjoying kissing.
Clearly, something had to be done. The idea of combining kissing and writing seemed the obvious course of action. While Claudia does not claim to have invented the romance novel, she certainly has a lot of fun describing kisses and inventing men to bestow them upon. And not a one of her heroes looks remotely like a pole lamp. (And don't act like one either.)
Claudia was first published in 2000, is a two-time Rita finalist, and a USA Today Bestselling author. Which just goes to prove that you can make a career out of kissing and writing about it.
By her ninth grade year, Claudia was spending hours each week in her bedroom writing descriptive essays that heavily featured older boys (eleventh grade). She also practiced her kissing technique on a pole lamp next to her bed. It was less than satisfactory, but the writing was fun.
She attended the University of Southern California as an English major. She'd mastered kissing by this time and writing, strangely enough, was still fun. 'Strangely' because while it had become obvious to her that almost everyone enjoyed kissing, it was equally obvious that very few people enjoyed writing. This was as peculiar to her as, well, not enjoying kissing.
Clearly, something had to be done. The idea of combining kissing and writing seemed the obvious course of action. While Claudia does not claim to have invented the romance novel, she certainly has a lot of fun describing kisses and inventing men to bestow them upon. And not a one of her heroes looks remotely like a pole lamp. (And don't act like one either.)
Claudia was first published in 2000, is a two-time Rita finalist, and a USA Today Bestselling author. Which just goes to prove that you can make a career out of kissing and writing about it.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 6, 2012
I cannot even begin to explain the WTF-ery involved in this book! I actually kept reading just to see how bad it would get. Want a book that combines a TSTL heroine, whiny emo monk guy, medieval versions of emotional abuse and/or incest,and a dash of rape? This is for you.
Also? The craziest scene? SPOILER ALERT>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Virgin despoiled on 2nd night of marriage after husband spends wedding night in prayer. Said despoiling is complete with hubby shoving into her(unprepared, dry virgin space, holding her down, and punctuating each thrust with a statement such as " I do not want you to touch me" "I do not want to touch you", etc and so forth. THEN,when she is almost raped by some other dude the very next day? Husband soothes her panic by having the sex with her. But this time? She is totally into it. His mighty wang just fixes ALL THE THINGS.
WTF???
Also? The craziest scene? SPOILER ALERT>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Virgin despoiled on 2nd night of marriage after husband spends wedding night in prayer. Said despoiling is complete with hubby shoving into her(unprepared, dry virgin space, holding her down, and punctuating each thrust with a statement such as " I do not want you to touch me" "I do not want to touch you", etc and so forth. THEN,when she is almost raped by some other dude the very next day? Husband soothes her panic by having the sex with her. But this time? She is totally into it. His mighty wang just fixes ALL THE THINGS.
WTF???
February 28, 2017
Before I actually review this book, can we talk about the cover?
What exactly is going on here, and who thought this image would be a good idea? The guy's arm makes this weird triangular shape in the middle. His pose suggests he may be saying "Hey, babe. Check out my armpit." Judging by the look on her face peeking seductively through the negative space, she's into that. And then there's the unsightly headboard or pillow or something behind the guy's head.
All in all, not a great cover.
As for the book itself, it was a strange one. It was fraught with medieval ideas (appropriate to the setting, though not enjoyable to read) about a woman's sexuality and purity, and whether she's to blame when a guy tries to rape her. The hero was obsessed with these things regarding his wife. However, during an attempted rape scene, it was made clear that the man was doing this not because he thought she wanted it, but because he wanted it, thereby making clear she wasn't at fault. And eventually the hero comes around and stops acting like such an ass.
The setting lacked description, and the main characters didn't interact much with their surroundings. The characters didn't lack description and were sometimes interesting, but it seemed like the author tried to make them more central to the plot than they actually needed to be. Several of them seemed like they would have their own books in this series, and that was the only reason they appeared on these pages.
I'm a sucker for a monk as a romantic lead, so I did enjoy the romance. I might have liked it more written by another author, however. The inner dialogue of the hero and heroine got to be repetitive. I liked the way the hero resisted the heroine. But the description on the back mentions "a wedding night neither would ever forget." To me, that screams UNBRIDLED PASSION!!! In reality, this unforgettable wedding night consists of an entire night of prayer. The second night, when they actually consummate their marriage, is horrible for the heroine. So, yeah ... I guess both those nights are probably unforgettable.
The religious elements were well done, and this was a quick read. But I would only recommend it for diehard romance fans or those like me who are obsessed with passionate monks.
What exactly is going on here, and who thought this image would be a good idea? The guy's arm makes this weird triangular shape in the middle. His pose suggests he may be saying "Hey, babe. Check out my armpit." Judging by the look on her face peeking seductively through the negative space, she's into that. And then there's the unsightly headboard or pillow or something behind the guy's head.
All in all, not a great cover.
As for the book itself, it was a strange one. It was fraught with medieval ideas (appropriate to the setting, though not enjoyable to read) about a woman's sexuality and purity, and whether she's to blame when a guy tries to rape her. The hero was obsessed with these things regarding his wife. However, during an attempted rape scene, it was made clear that the man was doing this not because he thought she wanted it, but because he wanted it, thereby making clear she wasn't at fault. And eventually the hero comes around and stops acting like such an ass.
The setting lacked description, and the main characters didn't interact much with their surroundings. The characters didn't lack description and were sometimes interesting, but it seemed like the author tried to make them more central to the plot than they actually needed to be. Several of them seemed like they would have their own books in this series, and that was the only reason they appeared on these pages.
I'm a sucker for a monk as a romantic lead, so I did enjoy the romance. I might have liked it more written by another author, however. The inner dialogue of the hero and heroine got to be repetitive. I liked the way the hero resisted the heroine. But the description on the back mentions "a wedding night neither would ever forget." To me, that screams UNBRIDLED PASSION!!! In reality, this unforgettable wedding night consists of an entire night of prayer. The second night, when they actually consummate their marriage, is horrible for the heroine. So, yeah ... I guess both those nights are probably unforgettable.
The religious elements were well done, and this was a quick read. But I would only recommend it for diehard romance fans or those like me who are obsessed with passionate monks.
Want to read
May 22, 2016I know the reviews look scary but I cannot get the cover out of my mind. This "babe come smell my armpit" pose has bewitched me. A small perverse part of me really wants to know: is the book as bad as the cover??
May 13, 2025
3.5 stars.
Note that the status updates are messed up. I think I was closer to the end of the book than halfway when I first started marking my progress.
Claudia Dain is a bit of a hit-or-Miss author for me. I tried to get into her courtesan series, but it was a random title from her, Tell Me Lies, that I ended up loving for the passion and violent moments. It too required me to read it multiple times. There’s something about this author where I feel it’s pretty easy to give up on her writing, and lose interest, as I’ve seen other mutuals DNF her works.
However, I was gripped by this novel, especially the beginning. I loved the ascetic warrior in Richard, and the openly yearning Isabel, a pair of star-crossed lovers, as Isabel is betrothed to his eldest brother.
I love a hero who is deeply passionate, but restrained. Something about the dichotomy creates angst and tension in the relationship with the heroine. It also allows the heroine to be more forward, which is always a delight, since he will buffet her and do the right thing for her reputation, safety etc.
I loved his reluctance to be with Isabel AND the countless scenes of jealousy that we were treated to (I love a jealous hero 😝😝).
Yet the story does sag when the miscommunication becomes too simple. Richard has sexual hang ups regarding his normal lust, but was turned to shame by his foster lord. Isabel believes he does not love her but another. She just runs with this idea, even when he tells her otherwise. I like the big misunderstanding trope as it can create angst, but I often find they can be too simplistic when the leads don’t consider a plausible reason for what they see or are told by others. I need to be convinced more.
There are a few bloody scenes (medieval romances were NOT messing around 🤣), and the final reveal is interesting enough.
I did enjoy the conversations between secondary characters in romantic love games, as harmless flirting is a little bit of a lost art, don’t you think?
Note that the status updates are messed up. I think I was closer to the end of the book than halfway when I first started marking my progress.
Claudia Dain is a bit of a hit-or-Miss author for me. I tried to get into her courtesan series, but it was a random title from her, Tell Me Lies, that I ended up loving for the passion and violent moments. It too required me to read it multiple times. There’s something about this author where I feel it’s pretty easy to give up on her writing, and lose interest, as I’ve seen other mutuals DNF her works.
However, I was gripped by this novel, especially the beginning. I loved the ascetic warrior in Richard, and the openly yearning Isabel, a pair of star-crossed lovers, as Isabel is betrothed to his eldest brother.
I love a hero who is deeply passionate, but restrained. Something about the dichotomy creates angst and tension in the relationship with the heroine. It also allows the heroine to be more forward, which is always a delight, since he will buffet her and do the right thing for her reputation, safety etc.
I loved his reluctance to be with Isabel AND the countless scenes of jealousy that we were treated to (I love a jealous hero 😝😝).
Yet the story does sag when the miscommunication becomes too simple. Richard has sexual hang ups regarding his normal lust, but was turned to shame by his foster lord. Isabel believes he does not love her but another. She just runs with this idea, even when he tells her otherwise. I like the big misunderstanding trope as it can create angst, but I often find they can be too simplistic when the leads don’t consider a plausible reason for what they see or are told by others. I need to be convinced more.
There are a few bloody scenes (medieval romances were NOT messing around 🤣), and the final reveal is interesting enough.
I did enjoy the conversations between secondary characters in romantic love games, as harmless flirting is a little bit of a lost art, don’t you think?
October 9, 2008
his is a medieval historical romance with a very medieval mindset. Religion permeated society during the middle ages, and people Really Believed (though I could debate the quality of their belief, that's from my post-Reformation mindset). I liked that about this book. Faith played a huge part in the conflict and in the resolution of that conflict. Heroine is an heiress who's been pledged to marry a neighbor's son since she was a child. Hero is the 3rd brother of the heroine's betrothed. They were sent to the same castle for fostering and were best friends from the beginning. When they got older, the heroine fell in love with the hero and followed him around like a puppy-- which got him a lot of teasing. After a few years, the hero runs away to join a monastery. When the story opens, he's a novice monk, and struggling with his vocation. The heroine's father dies and she runs to the monastery for refuge from the knights in dad's castle before they decide to get rich quick by marrying the heiress. Except Dad told her to run to her fiance and marry him quick, for safety. She runs to the hero instead. Then, lo, and behold--the hero's two older brothers are dead. Just recently. And the hero's dad is determined that one of his sons will marry the heroine, and look, the only one left is the almost-monk. Except the almost-monk doesn't want to marry the heroine, because she'll drag him down into his greatest sin. This was an interesting book, but I didn't think the hero's angst was explained very clearly or consistently. I got a little tired of his whining long before he stopped. It didn't make a lot of sense to me, because Dain kept back the explanation a little too long. Yes, eventually, she did reveal all, but I already wanted to smack him upside the head. On the other hand, I LOVED the climactic confrontation with the old enemy--not a sword in sight. It was done with humility and apology and was fabulous. And then, afterward, we got the sword fight with an alternate bad guy. So, while the book was a little uneven, overall, I found it a pretty good read.
February 21, 2011
This book was fine until the explaination of the hero's reluctance:
May 3, 2014
I liked it, hence the three rating, however it did frustrate me at times. I felt there was a lot of repetition of facts and of the hero and heroine's inner conflicts - to the point I felt I was hit over the head by it and thought 'not again...I know this already!'With less repetition, which also slowed the pace, it would've earned another star from me!
avoid
May 28, 2023self note avoid
"This book was fine until the explanation of the hero's reluctance: he had been in lust with and having an affair another woman years earlier when the heroine thought he was fighting his desire for her. Even though he comes to love her, this just left a bitter taste in my mouth."
- Lisa Kay
"This book was fine until the explanation of the hero's reluctance: he had been in lust with and having an affair another woman years earlier when the heroine thought he was fighting his desire for her. Even though he comes to love her, this just left a bitter taste in my mouth."
- Lisa Kay
May 27, 2019
Wonderful book. I absolutely loved it.
December 14, 2024
#194 - 2024
Genre: Historical Romance, Medieval
Genre: Historical Romance, Medieval
September 4, 2012
I would give this book 6 stars if possible!!!! I found myself shocked several times, just completely off guard and ill prepared, and I LOVED THAT ABOUT THIS BOOK!!!! One minute I was hating the Hero and wishing he would just "get over it already, suck it up, be a man, life ain't fair, ya don't always get what you want" and the next I was gasping at just how much of a "man" he was being in his defense of our Heroine. This book truly embraces Medieval mindset and is unapologetic in expressing The Age!!!
April 25, 2013
It took a long time for me to warm up to this story. The religious tone of the medieval romances are sometimes hard to swallow for a modern reader. This one was much more steeped in that than most, which made the first 100 pages or so difficult to read. Once you get past that, though, it improves greatly. I'm not sure I want to continue reading this series, though. I should probably stick to the regency period.
August 19, 2008
I thought this was a sweet romance novel. While the story plot wasn't too deep I did enjoy not having to wade through tons of angst, attitudes and bad tempers for a change. The romance was believable, the characters had flaws (like real people, omg!) and the sex was very nice. I wish there were more books out like this.
November 3, 2009
wonderful!! Really enjoyed it. While reading, felt being engrossed by medievel atmosphere.
October 11, 2010
Not bad
December 25, 2011
I found the use of religion and its matter-of-fact treatment in this era very well done.
November 16, 2014
I did not finish this book. I couldn't stand the hero. I hated the way he consumated the marriage, he was selfish and rough.
January 25, 2024
I read this once a year. This remains my favorite medieval love story of all time.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews