The Bought Bride
The Bought Bride takes place in 1088 in the former Viking city of York. Norman knight Judhael de Brionne sees Lady Rhoese of York and is instantly attracted to her. Rhoese, on the other hand, has no time for men, especially the Norman knight who has managed to purchase the king’s permission to marry her without her consent and thereby acquire ownership of her property as well as her body. Rhoese is hell-bent on taking revenge on a former lover and now extends her efforts to her Norman husband, despite her growing need for his expert lovemaking. If this isn’t enough for a girl to contend with, there are accusations of witchcraft. As in any rumor, there is an element of truth, but Rhoese is so inept at her spells that she inadvertently turns them on herself. Love triumphs in the end. What sets The Bought Bride above and apart from the average historical romance is Juliet Landon’s clear, concise writing style and her scholarship. She has obviously walked, spiritually if not actually, through the mucky streets of 11th century York, and imparts her knowledge of the time and place to the reader.
