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!

Publisher: Berkley Trade (November 2006)