From Publishers Weekly
Inspired by an intriguing bit of historical trivia, Becnel (Heart of the Storm) spins an absorbing, sexually charged tale of revenge and redemption in 12th-century England. Linnea de Valcourt is the youngest of identical twins, a status that nearly condemns her to death in infancy because of the belief that the second of a pair of twins is cursed. Reviled by all, she is befriended only by her "good" twin, Beatrix. When the family's castle falls to conqueror Axton de la Manse, he seeks to secure his claim by marrying the de Valcourts' eldest daughter: Beatrix. To prove her worth to her family, Linnea takes her sister's place, giving her scheming grandmother time to find a more acceptable suitor to claim both Beatrix and the castle. The tension between husband and surrogate wife is unrelenting as they torment and gradually come to love each other, with the heroine's deception powering an exciting climax. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Literary Times
On the day of their birth, Lady Harriet de Valcourt demands that her son Edgar kill the second born twin as it is believed to be cursed. But Edgar loves his wife, so to appease both women, he brands the second twin in order to tell them apart. Beatrix is favored by her family and she wears beautiful clothes whereas Linnea is treated poorly, even shunned, especially by her grandmother who never made a secret of the fact that she had wanted Linnea to be killed. But now Linnea has a chance to right all the wrongs by saving her sister from fate. Axton de la Manse attacks Maidenstone Castle which had been his home before Edgar won favor with King Stephen and was awarded the castle. Axton defeats de Valcourt and wins Maidenstone back, and to secure it twice over, he will marry the daughter of his enemy. But Axton doesn't know there are twins. Linnea is prepared to save her sister, the only person who truly loves her, from their enemy by trading places with her and thus making the marriage to Axton null and void. Linnea has learned from years of emotional, mental and sometimes physical abuse, how to protect herself, and she believes her plan will finally prove her worth to her family. But neither Axton nor Linnea is prepared to fall in love, which they inevitably do. After several days, Linnea learns that Axton is a gentle, kind, and fair man, unlike her father or brother. More than anything she wants to tell him the truth, but he finds out for himself before she has a chance to confess. Axton is angry and he distrusts her now. Lady Harriet, who had taken Beatrix away, has found a suitor for Beatrix and he will fight for her birthright. Axton must fight all over again to win Maidenstone Castle plus he intends to marry Beatrix to safeguard his heritage. There is no doubt in Linnea's mind that Axton will win the tourney, but she cannot stand to see her sister marry the man she loves, so Linnea leaves Maidenstone. Yet Axton realizes he cannot be happy without Linnea, but after all the cruel things he has said and done to her, can he win her back as well? And what about Beatrix?A superb medieval romance! Ms. Becnel has expertly penned a stunning portrayal of medieval life that is sure to please old and new fans alike! Rexanne Becnel knows her stuff and she showcases it in The Maiden Bride! She is an exceptionally talented author! I love medieval romances and I highly recommend Rexanne Becnel! Rexanne Becnel brings medieval history to sensual life!Gloria Miller -- Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved


Review
"Rexanne Becnel combines heartfelt emotions with a romance that touches readers with the magic and joy of falling in love." --Romantic Times

"A master medieval writer. Ms. Becnel writes emotional stories with a deft hand." --The Time Machine



Book Description
Born in shame...

All her life the ravishing Linnea de Valcourt has been reviled as the "cursed" daughter of Maindenstone Castle.

Redeemed by deceit...

Now, to save her beloved twin sister from a terrible fate, she will sacrifice herself by impersonating her as the bride of conqueror Axton de la Manse. Yet how is it that she feels such fiery passion when she lies with this grim despoiler of her home?

A hostage to love...

Revenge for years of exile has driven the magnificent Axton to possess his archenemy's daughter-little knowing that, as he imprisons her in his arms and drowns in her stormy sea-green eyes, he is throwing away the key to his soul. But Linnea's family, gathering forces to reclaim Maidenstone, will soon reveal their trickery. How can she hide from him the truth about his imposter's bride?



About the Author
Critically acclaimed romance author Rexanne Becnel has written nine previous novels, including Heart of the Storm, When Lightning Strikes, Where Magic Dwells, A Dove at Midnight, The Rose of Blackword and Thief of My Heart. For her work, My Gallant Enemy, Becnel received the Waldenbooks 1991 First Time Romance Author Award and the Romantic Times Best Award for Best Medieval Romance by a New Author. She lives in New Orleans with her family.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

All her life Linnea de Valcourt has been reviled as the "cursed" daughter of Maidenstone Castle. Now, to save her twin sister from a terrible fate, she will sacrifice herself by impersonating her as the bride of conquere Axton de la Manse. Yet how is it that she feels such fiery passion when she lies with this grim despoiler of her home?

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly