The Bargain

by Julia Templeton

Book Overview

Saxon beauty Aleysia Cawdor is ripe and willing to do anything to protect her dear twin brother during a conquest that could strip her of her everything she has. Her last resort to insure their safety is to enter into a sensual bargain with her worst enemy, and to submit to the whims of his brutish ways. Norman knight Renaud de Wulf, battle-scarred and love-starved from a time too-long spent away from a woman, is eager to again feel the touch of flesh...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425214052
• ISBN13: 9780425214053
• Release Date: November 2006
• Publisher: Berkley
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 1.0" x 5.5"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

very good read !

i really enjoyed this book. the story as well as the characters were well developed. i look forward to read other books by this author.

Romance Junkies review of "The Bargain"

Aleysia of Braemere refuses to sit idly by and let her twin, Adelstan, be killed for defending their home. Shamelessly making a bargain with the Norman devil sent by King William, Aleysia devises a plan to gain his trust and free her brother. In her naiveté, Aleysia doesn't realize that in fighting her feelings for this fierce warrior, she just might lose more than her heart. Throughout his life, Renaud de Wulf has been taught honor and loyalty. He has also learned to never trust a woman. Arrogantly believing that no woman can outwit him, Renaud agrees to Aleysia's request and terms. The seasoned knight reasons that he will reap the benefits of Aleysia's plea for her brother's life quite lustily without becoming attached to the blonde haired siren he holds in his arms. Quite unexpectedly, however, the tables turn and Renaud finds himself craving Aleysia's innocent and passionate touch like he has never craved anything before. Neither Aleysia nor Renaud are prepared for the onslaught of feelings that each experiences. Aleysia torments Renaud at every turn as she manipulatively struggles to free her brother. Just when they seem to come to a tentative truce, an order by the king threatens to tear these two stubborn lovers apart. Before the king's edict can take place, a foe thought to once be a friend threatens Aleysia's very existence and it will be up to Renaud to save the woman he has come to adore. THE BARGAIN by Julia Templeton is a passionate historical tale set a few years after the Battle of Hastings during the period of time in English history when Normans and Saxons despised one another. The emotions and feelings of the characters portrayed in THE BARGAIN are extremely realistic. I could sense Aleysia's turmoil as she fights to do what she thinks is right for her brother while still falling in love with Renaud. Renaud de Wulf is downright deadly but a most virile and sensuous man. I sat back and smiled as I watched him succumb time and time again to Aleysia's wiles. Perfectly matched, yet fighting their attraction every step of the way, their capitulation is breathtaking! When I see the name Julia Templeton on the cover of a historical novel, I know within the pages is an extraordinary read. THE BARGAIN was that and more; it consumed me for hours! I had to know what was next for these wonderfully dynamic characters. To say that I enjoyed THE BARGAIN would be mundane; I savored this book and know without a doubt I will read it time and time again. THE BARGAIN released on November 7, 2006.

About Time!

I love erotic romances (emphasis on "romance", not just "erotica.") And having read several of Ms. Templeton's other works, I grabbed The Bargain with high hopes. I wasn't disappointed. She skillfully blends a very traditional medieval romance with steamy and plentiful love scenes. It's a perfect mix. The hero was just alpha enough and there was enough historical background to lay the foundation without becoming like a history class. With the over-saturation of vampires, faeries and witches in erotic romance these days, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that some publisher might realize there is still a market for medieval and even (gasp) western romance with an erotic flavor. Please keep them coming, Ms. Templeton!!

Sensual and Romantic

Renaud de Wolf, knight to King William, has come to reclaim Braemere, the fief which de Pirou, the man sent by the king before him, has lost back to its original owners-losing his own life in the process. Renaud has taken the castle, and now Adelstan Cawdor, who retook his home from the man who slew his parents, stands before him. Before things can go further, an arrow is loosed, striking Renaud in the shoulder. Only Adelstan's quick defense saves the culprit; his twin-his female twin, Aleysia. Seeing no other way out when she is brought before Renaud, Aleysia makes a bargain to be de Wolf's mistress in exchange for her twin's life. This is a well-written tale, in which the erotic abounds, but never overshadows the love story developing between its principles. The author focuses on the relationship between Aleysia and de Wolf, but there is also a sub-plot about de Wolf's sister Elena, and Renaud's first-in-command, Galeran. This author handles both with skillful ease. There are a few editing mistakes, and the solution to the obstacles standing in Aleysia and de Wolf's path seems a bit too easy, but these are minor complaints in an otherwise enjoyably well-developed and interesting story, with several plot twists and turns that help it along. The characters have dimension and extreme likeability in the case of the principles, while the villains of the piece show devious depth that rings true and adds to the story's appeal. This is a well-crafted medieval tale, and will be enjoyed by lovers of erotica, romance and a historical setting alike. Recommended. Reviewed by Lee M Copyright © 2006 CK2S Kwips and Kritiques. All rights reserved.

Masterful Medieval Erotic Blend

The Bargain is a medieval erotic pleasure! Norman Knight Renaud de Wulf conquers Braemere for King William. Upon his arrival he captures the young Saxon Lord Adelstan Cawdor, but is suddenly wounded by an arrow shot from the young Lord's twin. Renaud soon discovers this twin is a beautiful young woman, Lady Aleysia. A cold conqueror, he accepts "The Bargain" of her virginity and her warming his bed in return for him sparing her brother's life. Renaud soon discovers that once is not enough with this young and sensual beauty. The lust they expect, but soon Renaud and Aleysia find themselves struggling with their feelings of love, an intense struggle between conqueror and captured. Renaud finds his love for the beautiful Aleysia becoming stronger than his allegiance to his King and he continually finds himself giving into her demands for her brother's release. Soon he is sacrificing all for more of her. This is what makes this story even more erotic, as well as it being a delightful well-written historical romance that has a balance of story, character development, and erotica. It is the intense lust, pleasure and love that at times seems all consuming, which is what makes a good erotic read more than just a string of sex scenes. Julia Templeton is an author destined to be one of the top authors in erotic romance. This reviewer finds that when a Julia Templeton story is part of an anthology, her story always seems to outshine the others. Her books are a true delight for those who love the sensual that blends with a well-developed and researched story. And like her characters......her fans want more!

Excellent romance!

I've read all of Ms. Templeton's romances, and am a huge fan! Her latest, THE BARGAIN does not disappoint. If you want a spicier story, and a strong romance, perfectly combined, you'll enjoy the story of Aleysia and Renaud de Wulf.