In the resplendence of William the Conqueror’s London court, the lovely Saxon captive Nicholaa was forced to choose a husband from the assembled Norman nobles. She chose Royce, a baron warrior whose fierce demeanor could not conceal his chivalrous and tender heart. Resourceful, rebellious, and utterly naive, Nicholaa vowed to bend Royce to her will, despite the whirlwind of feelings he aroused in her. Ferocious in battle, seasoned in passion, Royce was surprised by the depth of his emotion whenever he caressed his charming bride.
In a climate of utmost treachery, where Saxons still intrigued against their Norman invaders, Royce and Nicholaa reveled in their precious new love…a fervent bond soon to be disrupted by the call of blood, kin, and country!
REVIEW: If I had to name my top five books by Julie this one would definitely be in it. I think this was one of the very first books by her that I ever read. When I knew that Julie would be the spotlight author I knew that this would be the very first re-read that I did.
Nicholaa is a woman that will do anything to protect her home and her family, especially now that there is a new king on the throne. She has sent packing every soldier that the King has sent to bring her to court, all except Royce.
Royce is the King’s favorite Baron and a stick in the mud about certain things, but he does it in a way that won’t crush Nicholaa’s spirit.
This book has it all, a great romance, a conflict that makes perfect sense for the time period, sexual tension, humor. In my opinion this book defines great romance.
I enjoyed watching these two fall in love and work out their differences. They came from two different cultures, he’s Norman and she’s Saxon. The Saxon King is dead and the new King is Norman. He wants her to bend to his will, and she wants him to bend to her will.
One of my favorite scene’s is when they finally admit their love to each other, even though they both know that they love the other, they other has no clue.
If you have never read a Julie Garwood book I suggest that you start with this one.
I give this a 4.75 out of 5 
I love this book! It's such a good re-read too. I fall in love with Nicholaa and Royce each and every time I read this book but I have to say that my favorite part of this book was Justin. I love seeing him get his strength back and then seeing him come to accept Royce as a brother. *sigh*
I wish JG would write Justin's story. I would love that even more! I always wonder what happened to the older brother and the baby.
I love this book! It may have been the first Julie Garwood book that I read too. Either this one or The Secret. It comes in a close second for me as a favorite. Yes, Justin's story is great and I just love the way that Nicholaa keeps saying that Royce is arrogant about his looks. 🙂
Rowena,
Funny that you should mention that because I have always wondered the same thing and also wanted Justin to get his own story.
Kay, I loved that also.
My favorite parts were the lectures that she completely tuned out, and the no crying rule. That one made me laugh out loud.
Necessity is the mother of invention...................................................
This is one of my favs. I just love Royce. The women are so tough in Julie Garwoods books. I mean you see the men as these tough strong guys but the women are usally equals in their own way.
Lisa