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The Bride Bed
From fast–growing USA Today bestseller Linda Needham, a medieval historical romance between a young maiden and the powerful knight who's taken over guardianship of her castle – and of her.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 2002
4 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Linda Needham
18 books44 followersLinda Needham is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of ten historical romance novels, seven full-length musicals and two stage plays, with four novellas scheduled for release through 2015. She writes full time from her home office near Portland, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 20, 2014
Linda Needham is a author, that gives me that "warm fuzzy" feeling and is one of those author that is
amazing in writing romances. I have noticed that her books have been coming in digital format. When I saw this one on sale, I just knew that I had to pick it up right away. The Bride Bed is a charming love story, it is set in the early 1100's and is a story of true love that isn't easy to hold onto.
It begins, when Lady Talia, has been tossed around with men trying to marry her and take control of her land and the castle and village she has protected since her father's death. Talia is about to marry a vile man, who is forcing her to marry him in exchange of leaving her younger sisters alone. Right when she is about to marry a man that would make her life hell, but then a knight takes over, a Sir Alex, who has been sent on a mission by the King. Alex, is determined to take control of this holding, and the ward is he is now over...a ward who is a grown and passionate woman who stirs his blood. He knows that there a lot more going on than meets the eye, but he can't resist how she feels in his arms, and how she is the first woman that makes him fear losing his heart...
The Bride Bed was a poignant and tender romance that had me falling in love...I adored this story and the set up of the plot was very intriguing. I adore Medieval Romances, partly because its a genre that not many authors delve into, and it offers a glimpse of a time that is full of sacrifice and passion. This story is about a woman who has sacrificed everything to save her people, who has spent years living in fear and working in secret just to have food and wood for the winters. Despite the arrival of Alex, and the feeling he stirs in her, she can't stop her mission, doing everything she can to protect the people that are her family. I loved her strength and determination to be independent and stand for those she loves. Not wilting flower this one...definitely full of courage and I enjoyed seeing her true self shine through in this story. Alex, has fought in the war, and finally has been awarded for his sacrifices, and now has been granted a reward. But this small holding, is not his goal...he wants to get a bigger piece of land, and find a beautiful heiress for a wife...that is until he kisses Talia and all his intentions for his future go out the window. Alex and Talia learn in this book, the meaning of fighting for those you love and that true love isn't something you find everyday...and will have to learn to trust in that.
I adored the way that this story developed, and the plot was very deep at times, and I had such fun reading this one, and the way that this author spins a story of mystery, passion and history. A story that pulls you instantly in, characters to adore, a plot to delve into, overall a love story full of zest, desire and power of true love. AMAZING!!!
amazing in writing romances. I have noticed that her books have been coming in digital format. When I saw this one on sale, I just knew that I had to pick it up right away. The Bride Bed is a charming love story, it is set in the early 1100's and is a story of true love that isn't easy to hold onto.
It begins, when Lady Talia, has been tossed around with men trying to marry her and take control of her land and the castle and village she has protected since her father's death. Talia is about to marry a vile man, who is forcing her to marry him in exchange of leaving her younger sisters alone. Right when she is about to marry a man that would make her life hell, but then a knight takes over, a Sir Alex, who has been sent on a mission by the King. Alex, is determined to take control of this holding, and the ward is he is now over...a ward who is a grown and passionate woman who stirs his blood. He knows that there a lot more going on than meets the eye, but he can't resist how she feels in his arms, and how she is the first woman that makes him fear losing his heart...
The Bride Bed was a poignant and tender romance that had me falling in love...I adored this story and the set up of the plot was very intriguing. I adore Medieval Romances, partly because its a genre that not many authors delve into, and it offers a glimpse of a time that is full of sacrifice and passion. This story is about a woman who has sacrificed everything to save her people, who has spent years living in fear and working in secret just to have food and wood for the winters. Despite the arrival of Alex, and the feeling he stirs in her, she can't stop her mission, doing everything she can to protect the people that are her family. I loved her strength and determination to be independent and stand for those she loves. Not wilting flower this one...definitely full of courage and I enjoyed seeing her true self shine through in this story. Alex, has fought in the war, and finally has been awarded for his sacrifices, and now has been granted a reward. But this small holding, is not his goal...he wants to get a bigger piece of land, and find a beautiful heiress for a wife...that is until he kisses Talia and all his intentions for his future go out the window. Alex and Talia learn in this book, the meaning of fighting for those you love and that true love isn't something you find everyday...and will have to learn to trust in that.
I adored the way that this story developed, and the plot was very deep at times, and I had such fun reading this one, and the way that this author spins a story of mystery, passion and history. A story that pulls you instantly in, characters to adore, a plot to delve into, overall a love story full of zest, desire and power of true love. AMAZING!!!
April 17, 2017
Trešiņš ir un paliek trešiņš. Kā saka - "I expect nothing from life and I'm rarely disappointed" :D Sākums bija tīri cerīgs, bet tad aizgāja par daudz ūdens liešanas, domāšanas un runāšanas. Kad tiku līdz juicy bits, grāmata jau bija apnikusi. Tā fundamentāli es neiebilstu pret mīlestību un atzīšanos tajā, bet tik daudz vāvuļot par mīlu seksa laikā? Bet varbūt tā kāda viduslaiku mode :D Bet nu vismaz esmu izpildījusi "proper trash lit" uzdevumu.
September 1, 2016
it took a year to get through this book. Premise was fair, written out it was weak and story was soooo tedious to read - really had to force myself to finish it - had to keep going back to it. Might have been better if it had been shorter by 30%
September 30, 2015
Talia has been a ward of 6 men in the past 2 years and nearly been married to/by all of them. Right before she's to marry the 6th, the castle is sieged and a new Lord takes over - another guardian. This guy is different though, he's strong and trustworthy and handsome too! So Talia begins to trust him and fall a bit in love with him. Only to find out he has no intention of staying, nor of marrying her...instead he plans to marry her to another, selling her wardship in exchange for a better castle and a better bride. But even he's not so sure he can go through with it, since he's already half in love with her. And so the romance and a bit of jealousy ensue.
This would have been a 4-star book but for two things in my opinion. First was the love scene. Talia goes from a not so annoying heroine to a highly irritating one with her suddenly seductive personality. She, who is supposed to be a complete innocent, becomes a practiced seductress all of a sudden. And she teases so knowledgeably. It's really quite disturbing. And I didn't care for her personality while she was doing it either. And I wasn't a fan of using the horse-back riding analogy and calling it a "spur." The other reason I wasn't so fond of it was because of the ending. It wrapped up way too quickly and rather suddenly. I mean, would an epilogue of killed us? We were told the solution/ending and never saw it. As it was, there were people whose reaction we probably would have wanted to know. Also, ending was totally unrealistic
This would have been a 4-star book but for two things in my opinion. First was the love scene. Talia goes from a not so annoying heroine to a highly irritating one with her suddenly seductive personality. She, who is supposed to be a complete innocent, becomes a practiced seductress all of a sudden. And she teases so knowledgeably. It's really quite disturbing. And I didn't care for her personality while she was doing it either. And I wasn't a fan of using the horse-back riding analogy and calling it a "spur." The other reason I wasn't so fond of it was because of the ending. It wrapped up way too quickly and rather suddenly. I mean, would an epilogue of killed us? We were told the solution/ending and never saw it. As it was, there were people whose reaction we probably would have wanted to know. Also, ending was totally unrealistic
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2015
Enjoyable, with an ending I would not have predicted. And I can nearly always predict how these books will end; who can't? I liked the cast of characters, and wanted them to have their HEA - an outcome that seemed increasingly unlikely because Sweet.
never-to-read
November 1, 2013DNF at 15%: Writing and story-telling wasn't to my liking.
January 28, 2012
I really love the way things seem to move so fast and yet time passes. Needham doesn’t seem to waste time in making things difficult and frustrating for her characters. Her characterization of Lady Talia has to be one of my favorites as the woman always takes matters into her own hands and will stop at nothing to see her people taken care of even if it means tearing down her own castle in the process. Yes, she is a virgin which can become quit repetitive in these stories but just because the woman is untouched doesn’t mean she doesn’t know how to drive a man to the brink of insanity with her femininity.
November 18, 2020
Nejlepší byly jednoznačně scény s králíčky. Což není mnoho.
Na jedné straně chuděra, kterou postrkují od jednoho nechutného ženicha ke druhému [Byť s výkřiky do tmy, že si ho nevezme i kdybys mi lichotil nebo hrozil oprátkou (s. 63). A to si před chvílí chtěla vzít odporného prasáka.], na druhé straně divoška, která bohatým bere a chudým dává. No nevím.
Nejsem si úplně jistá, že autorka udržela myšlenku.
s. 20 „Jsi moje schovanka.“
„Nikdy si tě nevezmu.“
(Ne že by ji žádal.)
s. 22 naše manželství nepřipadá v úvahu
A pak mu to jde ještě znovu oznámit v noci do jeho pokoje.
Jen proto, aby zjistila, že je nahý a tak ho příroda obdařila, že to manželství by nemuselo být zase tak špatné (s. 47).
s. 48 „Vtrhla jsi do mého pokoje uprostřed noci, abys mi zakázala sňatek s tebou?“
„Ne. To není důvod, proč jsem přišla.“
O ničem jiném nemluvila.
Pak najednou se chce vdávat a on neví, jak se jí zbavit.
Pak ji najednou miluje a chce si ji vzít. Ale ona ho miluje a vzít si ho nechce.
A on ví proč: Chce si ho nejdříve vyzkoušet v posteli.
OMG.
Hambatá scéna byla trapná. Před tím sice vymyslel, že si ji vezme jeho přítel (se kterým se ani neviděla), ale najednou je to pryč. Nic se neřeší. O příteli se už nemluví. Král se někam vytratil...
Alex přijde na to, co se chystala udělat, udělá tytyty, vyspí se s ní a udělá, co chce ona.
s. 19 odhalil hranatou, hladce oholenou bradu
Za pár hodin, s. 49: pak se poškrábal na bradě a jeho dva dny staré strniště
s. 46 spatřila plný džbánek vína a dva poháry u krbu, který dávno vyhasl
s. 61 Na truhlici v nohách postele stál malý soudek vína a dva poháry
s. 41 Fiona a Brenna jsou holčičky, které se hrdince téměř schovají pod její sukně.
Na s. 118 předstírají, že Brenna šla na schůzku s chlapcem?
s. 129 Brenna se měla dokonce vdávat
Autorka má všeobecně odvážné představy o středověku. Ale přece jenom – trouba na pečení chleba (s. 124)?
s. 124 mísila s denním světlem a byla unášena vzduchem v jasných slunečních paprscích
Po krátkém rozhovoru vyjde ven a Alex se zadíval na šedivou oblohu pozdního odpoledne.
s. 132 v bledém slunečním svitu
To je rychlé i na říjen.
s. 132 zarachotil závorou a přiměl ji, aby otevřela
Proč?
s. 60 A tak nadzvedl závoru na jejích dveřích a rovnou vstoupil
Pokud se chystá zbořit vlastní hrad, není trochu zbytečné, aby se vdávala za prasáky? To nedává smysl.
Celá ta myšlenka žádný hrad = žádný ženich = budeme si vesele žít na rumišti nedává smysl.
s. 21 hlavu plnou její medové vůně
s. 141 i když v prostoru prvního nádvoří k němu pronikl závan její vanilkové vůně
Inu, temný špinavý středověk. Sice neměli co jíst, ale každou chvíli voněla jinak.
s. 148, 149 Typicky ženská otázka, důvěrná, zkoumavá a do morku kostí rozčilující.
Tato otázka zněla: „Jaké má vlasy?“
s. 152 a se Štěpánovou podporou může doufat, že bohaté dcery mocných baronů či vdovy se značným jměním rády uzavřou manželskou smlouvu jako výkupné za život nějakého zajatého rytíře...
Nějaké zajatého rytíře? Proč by to proboha dělaly?
Hrdina celou dobu skuhrá, jak v dětství trpěl. Ale umí číst francouzsky a latinsky... Kde k tomu přišl?
s. 93 Celý život se někam stěhoval – z jedné bortící se barabizny do druhé, a pak, po Gilově smrti, musel být vždy krok před Jindřichovými šerify, potom se stal panošem a za čas vojákem, jemuž kromě jména patřilo jenom něco víc než malý stan, zbroj a pár truhlic...
A teď je v podstatě nejlepším královým kamarádíčkem?
s. 147 Vrhla na něho zpod dlouhých tmavěplavých řas úsměv
To bych chtěla vidět.
s. 207 Její koupel byla vychladlá
s. 209 Jak stahuje kotlík ze závěsu, přilévá do lázně horkou vodu, až se z kádě zvedá oblak páry
To musel být velký kotlík, když výsledkem byla (s. 212) kouřící káď (byť v ní bylo vody po kolena).
s. 214 našel ji v kádi, vlastně viděl jen její kolena, protože hlavu měla celou pod vodou a její vlasy pluly po hladině jako mořské řasy.
Měl by se odvrátit od té zlaté nádhery, od jejích nahých zad, oblých půlměsíců hýždí. Než myšlenku stačil plně zformulovat, náhle se posadila...
Takže zároveň viděl její kolena i záda? To musela nacvičovat s akvabelami.
s. 136 lůžka, „Teď
s. 158 myslela,“ Oči
s. 202 pěšině, „Takže
čárka - s. 67, 166
Na jedné straně chuděra, kterou postrkují od jednoho nechutného ženicha ke druhému [Byť s výkřiky do tmy, že si ho nevezme i kdybys mi lichotil nebo hrozil oprátkou (s. 63). A to si před chvílí chtěla vzít odporného prasáka.], na druhé straně divoška, která bohatým bere a chudým dává. No nevím.
Nejsem si úplně jistá, že autorka udržela myšlenku.
s. 20 „Jsi moje schovanka.“
„Nikdy si tě nevezmu.“
(Ne že by ji žádal.)
s. 22 naše manželství nepřipadá v úvahu
A pak mu to jde ještě znovu oznámit v noci do jeho pokoje.
Jen proto, aby zjistila, že je nahý a tak ho příroda obdařila, že to manželství by nemuselo být zase tak špatné (s. 47).
s. 48 „Vtrhla jsi do mého pokoje uprostřed noci, abys mi zakázala sňatek s tebou?“
„Ne. To není důvod, proč jsem přišla.“
O ničem jiném nemluvila.
Pak najednou se chce vdávat a on neví, jak se jí zbavit.
Pak ji najednou miluje a chce si ji vzít. Ale ona ho miluje a vzít si ho nechce.
A on ví proč: Chce si ho nejdříve vyzkoušet v posteli.
OMG.
Hambatá scéna byla trapná. Před tím sice vymyslel, že si ji vezme jeho přítel (se kterým se ani neviděla), ale najednou je to pryč. Nic se neřeší. O příteli se už nemluví. Král se někam vytratil...
Alex přijde na to, co se chystala udělat, udělá tytyty, vyspí se s ní a udělá, co chce ona.
s. 19 odhalil hranatou, hladce oholenou bradu
Za pár hodin, s. 49: pak se poškrábal na bradě a jeho dva dny staré strniště
s. 46 spatřila plný džbánek vína a dva poháry u krbu, který dávno vyhasl
s. 61 Na truhlici v nohách postele stál malý soudek vína a dva poháry
s. 41 Fiona a Brenna jsou holčičky, které se hrdince téměř schovají pod její sukně.
Na s. 118 předstírají, že Brenna šla na schůzku s chlapcem?
s. 129 Brenna se měla dokonce vdávat
Autorka má všeobecně odvážné představy o středověku. Ale přece jenom – trouba na pečení chleba (s. 124)?
s. 124 mísila s denním světlem a byla unášena vzduchem v jasných slunečních paprscích
Po krátkém rozhovoru vyjde ven a Alex se zadíval na šedivou oblohu pozdního odpoledne.
s. 132 v bledém slunečním svitu
To je rychlé i na říjen.
s. 132 zarachotil závorou a přiměl ji, aby otevřela
Proč?
s. 60 A tak nadzvedl závoru na jejích dveřích a rovnou vstoupil
Pokud se chystá zbořit vlastní hrad, není trochu zbytečné, aby se vdávala za prasáky? To nedává smysl.
Celá ta myšlenka žádný hrad = žádný ženich = budeme si vesele žít na rumišti nedává smysl.
s. 21 hlavu plnou její medové vůně
s. 141 i když v prostoru prvního nádvoří k němu pronikl závan její vanilkové vůně
Inu, temný špinavý středověk. Sice neměli co jíst, ale každou chvíli voněla jinak.
s. 148, 149 Typicky ženská otázka, důvěrná, zkoumavá a do morku kostí rozčilující.
Tato otázka zněla: „Jaké má vlasy?“
s. 152 a se Štěpánovou podporou může doufat, že bohaté dcery mocných baronů či vdovy se značným jměním rády uzavřou manželskou smlouvu jako výkupné za život nějakého zajatého rytíře...
Nějaké zajatého rytíře? Proč by to proboha dělaly?
Hrdina celou dobu skuhrá, jak v dětství trpěl. Ale umí číst francouzsky a latinsky... Kde k tomu přišl?
s. 93 Celý život se někam stěhoval – z jedné bortící se barabizny do druhé, a pak, po Gilově smrti, musel být vždy krok před Jindřichovými šerify, potom se stal panošem a za čas vojákem, jemuž kromě jména patřilo jenom něco víc než malý stan, zbroj a pár truhlic...
A teď je v podstatě nejlepším královým kamarádíčkem?
s. 147 Vrhla na něho zpod dlouhých tmavěplavých řas úsměv
To bych chtěla vidět.
s. 207 Její koupel byla vychladlá
s. 209 Jak stahuje kotlík ze závěsu, přilévá do lázně horkou vodu, až se z kádě zvedá oblak páry
To musel být velký kotlík, když výsledkem byla (s. 212) kouřící káď (byť v ní bylo vody po kolena).
s. 214 našel ji v kádi, vlastně viděl jen její kolena, protože hlavu měla celou pod vodou a její vlasy pluly po hladině jako mořské řasy.
Měl by se odvrátit od té zlaté nádhery, od jejích nahých zad, oblých půlměsíců hýždí. Než myšlenku stačil plně zformulovat, náhle se posadila...
Takže zároveň viděl její kolena i záda? To musela nacvičovat s akvabelami.
s. 136 lůžka, „Teď
s. 158 myslela,“ Oči
s. 202 pěšině, „Takže
čárka - s. 67, 166
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2023
"The Bride Bed" is a historical romance novel written by Linda Needham. The book was first published in 1996 and is set in medieval England.
The story focuses on the relationship between two main characters, Lady Alinor, and Sir Philip Darcourt. Lady Alinor is a wealthy and independent woman who has been forced into a political marriage with Sir Philip, a powerful and handsome knight. Despite their initial differences and the challenges they face, the two begin to fall in love and work to build a life together.
One of the standout elements of "The Bride Bed" is the vivid and well-researched historical setting. Linda Needham does an excellent job of bringing medieval England to life, and the reader is transported to a time and place that is both exotic and familiar. The attention to historical detail adds depth and richness to the story, and it makes the world of the novel feel authentic and immersive.
The characters in "The Bride Bed" are well-developed and relatable, and the reader is likely to be drawn in by their struggles and triumphs. Lady Alinor and Sir Philip are both strong and complex individuals, and their relationship is both passionate and tender. The supporting cast of characters is also well-realized, and they help to flesh out the world of the novel and provide a range of perspectives on the issues being explored.
The writing in "The Bride Bed" is smooth and elegant, and it provides a perfect backdrop for the romance at the heart of the story. Linda Needham has a talent for writing dialogue that is both natural and compelling, and her descriptions of the characters and the world they inhabit are rich and evocative.
In conclusion, "The Bride Bed" is a well-written and engaging historical romance that is sure to be of interest to fans of the genre. Its richly drawn characters, vivid historical setting, and passionate love story make it a standout in the field, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers. Whether you're a fan of Linda Needham or a newcomer to her work, "The Bride Bed" is a must-read for anyone who loves historical romance.
The story focuses on the relationship between two main characters, Lady Alinor, and Sir Philip Darcourt. Lady Alinor is a wealthy and independent woman who has been forced into a political marriage with Sir Philip, a powerful and handsome knight. Despite their initial differences and the challenges they face, the two begin to fall in love and work to build a life together.
One of the standout elements of "The Bride Bed" is the vivid and well-researched historical setting. Linda Needham does an excellent job of bringing medieval England to life, and the reader is transported to a time and place that is both exotic and familiar. The attention to historical detail adds depth and richness to the story, and it makes the world of the novel feel authentic and immersive.
The characters in "The Bride Bed" are well-developed and relatable, and the reader is likely to be drawn in by their struggles and triumphs. Lady Alinor and Sir Philip are both strong and complex individuals, and their relationship is both passionate and tender. The supporting cast of characters is also well-realized, and they help to flesh out the world of the novel and provide a range of perspectives on the issues being explored.
The writing in "The Bride Bed" is smooth and elegant, and it provides a perfect backdrop for the romance at the heart of the story. Linda Needham has a talent for writing dialogue that is both natural and compelling, and her descriptions of the characters and the world they inhabit are rich and evocative.
In conclusion, "The Bride Bed" is a well-written and engaging historical romance that is sure to be of interest to fans of the genre. Its richly drawn characters, vivid historical setting, and passionate love story make it a standout in the field, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers. Whether you're a fan of Linda Needham or a newcomer to her work, "The Bride Bed" is a must-read for anyone who loves historical romance.
February 3, 2017
Very good story, predictable, though. Alex has the authority over Talia's holdings and her person, a position granted by the King. He wants a heiress with land but Talia's holdings are small and poor, badly managed by other "guardians."
I think we all know what's going to happen with those two in the end. There is one surprise at the end that I thought I knew the outcome of, but I wasn't quite sure.
The story was consistent, the characters developed. We find some of their backstories, although I would have liked to know more. What of Alex's upbringing? Talia's family? Questions that could have been answered easily.
I think we all know what's going to happen with those two in the end. There is one surprise at the end that I thought I knew the outcome of, but I wasn't quite sure.
The story was consistent, the characters developed. We find some of their backstories, although I would have liked to know more. What of Alex's upbringing? Talia's family? Questions that could have been answered easily.
June 12, 2022
I enjoyed this very much. Lady Talia is a spitfire, bound and determined to protect her family and village from the ravages of war, which has visited Carrisford far too often. A strong and stubborn Lord Alex has been given control of Carrisford and Lady Talia is his ward. Needless to say, the two butt heads more often than not, which leads to quite a bit of humorous banter between the two. Each has a secret goal to achieve and quite often they manage to get in each other's way. The characters are engaging and the story line flows along nicely.
Well done.
Well done.
January 16, 2022
Honolulu beach read. Good but the ending was sudden and felt unfinished
January 2, 2012
This book was good, it was very well written. I loved the story of their relationship. I would have lied more from the end, but definitely good overall!
April 18, 2012
2.5*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews