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Lady #3
Pagan Bride
DANGEROUS ~ Believing only death will prevent him from returning to England, Sir Lucien de Gautier answers his king’s call to arms. When he is captured and his family refuses the ransom demand, he finds himself bound to the oars of a galley. Enraged and embittered, he has no hope of escape—until a rich merchant’s wife offers him freedom. In exchange, he agrees to smuggle a virtuous young woman out of a harem and onto a ship bound for England, unaware the real danger lies in the bond forged between him and his fiery charge. But when he learns she is as much his enemy as those who enslaved him, can he forgive her? More, can he forget her?
IMPETUOUS ~ Determined to wed her childhood friend, a betrothal her English mother will go to any length to break, Alessandra refuses to abandon the only life she has known in Algiers—even if it means compromising her faith. But when she is entrusted to a new bodyguard whose scarred face and soul draw her to him, she soon discovers the bold Englishman is only playing a part, biding his time until he can fulfill his end of a treacherous bargain. Desperate to turn him from his course, she reveals her identity, but only succeeds in gaining his contempt. Now that he knows the truth, will he ever feel for her all she feels for him? And will it be enough for her to forsake her world to live in his?
Note: LADY OF FIRE is a "clean read" rewrite of Tamara Leigh's 1995 Bantam Books bestseller, PAGAN BRIDE. Unlike LADY AT ARMS and LADY OF EVE, it is a standalone novel.
IMPETUOUS ~ Determined to wed her childhood friend, a betrothal her English mother will go to any length to break, Alessandra refuses to abandon the only life she has known in Algiers—even if it means compromising her faith. But when she is entrusted to a new bodyguard whose scarred face and soul draw her to him, she soon discovers the bold Englishman is only playing a part, biding his time until he can fulfill his end of a treacherous bargain. Desperate to turn him from his course, she reveals her identity, but only succeeds in gaining his contempt. Now that he knows the truth, will he ever feel for her all she feels for him? And will it be enough for her to forsake her world to live in his?
Note: LADY OF FIRE is a "clean read" rewrite of Tamara Leigh's 1995 Bantam Books bestseller, PAGAN BRIDE. Unlike LADY AT ARMS and LADY OF EVE, it is a standalone novel.
389 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
146 people are currently reading
467 people want to read
About the author
Tamara Leigh
70 books967 followersTamara Leigh signed a 4-book contract with Bantam Books in 1993, her debut medieval romance was nominated for a RITA award, and successive books with Bantam, HarperCollins, and Dorchester earned awards and appeared on national bestseller lists.
In 2006, the first of Tamara’s inspirational contemporary romances was published, followed by six more with Multnomah and RandomHouse. Perfecting Kate was optioned for a movie, Splitting Harriet won an ACFW Book of the Year award, and Faking Grace was nominated for a RITA award.
In 2012, Tamara returned to writing historical romance with the release of Dreamspell and the bestselling Age of Faith and The Feud series. Among her #1 bestsellers are her general market romances rewritten as clean and inspirational reads, including Lady at Arms and Lady of Conquest. In late 2018, she released Merciless, the first book in the new AGE OF CONQUEST series, followed by Fearless and Nameless, unveiling the origins of the Wulfrith family. Psst!—It all began with a woman. Watch for Heartless in Spring 2020.
Tamara lives near Nashville with her husband, a German Shepherd who has never met a squeaky toy she can’t destroy, and a feisty Morkie who keeps her company during long writing stints.
Connect with Tamara at her website www.tamaraleigh.com, Facebook, Twitter and [email protected].
In 2006, the first of Tamara’s inspirational contemporary romances was published, followed by six more with Multnomah and RandomHouse. Perfecting Kate was optioned for a movie, Splitting Harriet won an ACFW Book of the Year award, and Faking Grace was nominated for a RITA award.
In 2012, Tamara returned to writing historical romance with the release of Dreamspell and the bestselling Age of Faith and The Feud series. Among her #1 bestsellers are her general market romances rewritten as clean and inspirational reads, including Lady at Arms and Lady of Conquest. In late 2018, she released Merciless, the first book in the new AGE OF CONQUEST series, followed by Fearless and Nameless, unveiling the origins of the Wulfrith family. Psst!—It all began with a woman. Watch for Heartless in Spring 2020.
Tamara lives near Nashville with her husband, a German Shepherd who has never met a squeaky toy she can’t destroy, and a feisty Morkie who keeps her company during long writing stints.
Connect with Tamara at her website www.tamaraleigh.com, Facebook, Twitter and [email protected].
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 28, 2017
There is always something to be learned (as a writer) while reading Tamara Leigh's books. Oh, who am I kidding. It's sheer delicious pleasure reading her novels. But really. I do learn things. Like there will never be another amazing hero who compares to Sir Garr. Or the patience of a saint found in Lucien. Or that I'm so glad my status as "wife" doesn't have "first" or "second" before it! Wow!
July 13, 2020
The first time I tried to read this, I was not really interested. I think it had something to do with this being the third book in the series and I had yet to read the second one. Whatever the case, I am very glad I came back to this one upon completion of the second in the series. I did skim a few parts to get back to the hero and heroine. But what an adventure! Loved it!!
Okay, so the second time was much better. While this is a clean read, it is the steamiest clean book I have read.
Alessandra was raised in the harem where her English mother was sold as the 3rd wife of Jabbar. She was betrothed to his heir, Rashid. Since her father was her mother's first husband, they are not half-siblings like it sounds. She was fiery and fierce. Alessandra would not kowtow to anyone including her soon to be mother-in-law. Her mother, Catherine, has decided that Alessandra should no longer live in the harem as it is dangerous. She ends up murdered by poison from Rashid's mother.
Lucien is an Englishman who left England to fight in the French war. Afterwards, he was sold into slavery. Catherine purchased him at the auction planning on bringing him into the harem where only eunuchs were welcomed in order to save her daughter. She plans with Lucien to take Alessandra back to England.
The sexual tension between Alessandra and Lucien is palpable. Nothing untoward, no profanity, and no sex but talk about chemistry!!
They overcome the obstacles of the mid-East and all the trails and troubles being back in England causes too.
While I originally thought this to be a dull read, reading it with new eyes opened a new appreciation to clean authors that can write steamy romance. Don't get me wrong, I love squeaky-clean love stories. But you can't go wrong with some tension between lovers either.
These do not have to be read in order. While they make up a "series," they are not linked.
Okay, so the second time was much better. While this is a clean read, it is the steamiest clean book I have read.
Alessandra was raised in the harem where her English mother was sold as the 3rd wife of Jabbar. She was betrothed to his heir, Rashid. Since her father was her mother's first husband, they are not half-siblings like it sounds. She was fiery and fierce. Alessandra would not kowtow to anyone including her soon to be mother-in-law. Her mother, Catherine, has decided that Alessandra should no longer live in the harem as it is dangerous. She ends up murdered by poison from Rashid's mother.
Lucien is an Englishman who left England to fight in the French war. Afterwards, he was sold into slavery. Catherine purchased him at the auction planning on bringing him into the harem where only eunuchs were welcomed in order to save her daughter. She plans with Lucien to take Alessandra back to England.
The sexual tension between Alessandra and Lucien is palpable. Nothing untoward, no profanity, and no sex but talk about chemistry!!
They overcome the obstacles of the mid-East and all the trails and troubles being back in England causes too.
While I originally thought this to be a dull read, reading it with new eyes opened a new appreciation to clean authors that can write steamy romance. Don't get me wrong, I love squeaky-clean love stories. But you can't go wrong with some tension between lovers either.
These do not have to be read in order. While they make up a "series," they are not linked.
August 15, 2018
I was not disappointed! I love these Medieval Romances.
June 29, 2015
I liked it
I admit, I was a little hesitant to start this one when I read the synopsis and learned that at least part of the story took place while our heroine was part of a harem. But, I've enjoyed Ms. Leigh's other books and knew I would probably end up liking this one as well. Which I did, it was an interesting book and gave me a glimpse into history that I hadn't thought much about.
Alessandra's mother, Sabine, was sold into slavery and became the third wife to a wealthy merchant in Algiers. Alessandra was raised in a harem (he had three wives and a bunch of concubines) and had a happy childhood. Surprisingly, her mother was allowed to continue her Christian faith and raise her daughter as a Christian as well (I found that a little hard to believe). When her mother learns she is sick and won't live much longer she plans for Alessandra to escape and return to her true father in England. Sabine finds an English slave and buys him with the condition that if he returns her daughter to England he can have his freedom.
The first part of the book takes place in Algiers and while I found it interesting I was really just looking forward to when they would get back to England. Alessandra is still an innocent and naive in many ways, but having been raised in a harem she also probably knows a lot more about intimate relationships than most girls and is curious. To be honest, I didn't like how she kept offering herself to Lucien (thank goodness he was a man of honor). I get that she was drawn to him and curious about the feelings he stirs, but it would have gone against both her Christian and Muslim upbringing to be offering herself to him. We also learn a bit more about eunuchs (maybe more than I wanted to know) and their role, which is bizarre IMO.
About halfway through I really started to get invested in the story (not that the first half didn't keep me reading, but I guess the harem lifestyle is just a turnoff for me) and especially when they made it back to England. I love medieval settings. It was fun to see Alessandra and Lucien reunite with their families.
The relationship between Lucien and Alessandra was fun to watch evolve. My only complaint is that Lucien kept pushing Alessandra away, but she just kept coming back and baring her heart and he would continue to push her away. I think he started to take her for granted and I really wanted to see him actually fight for her. While I enjoyed the story and liked the characters, I didn't quite love them. Alessandra was a likable enough character, but she did drive me nuts at times. Lucien has a lot of pride and has a violent streak It did help to know that he really was in love with her, even if he wasn't ready to admit it yet. He was ALWAYS there for her and would do anything for her. They do have great chemistry and I enjoyed their love story.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and well written. I liked the overall story and characters and even hope that Lucien's brothers will get their own stories someday.
Content
Romance: Pretty clean. Mild innuendo, talk of wanting each other, etc. Closed door intimacy after marriage
Language: None
Violence: Mild
Religious: None-Mild, talk of being Christian, but no preaching
Source: Amazon Kindle
I admit, I was a little hesitant to start this one when I read the synopsis and learned that at least part of the story took place while our heroine was part of a harem. But, I've enjoyed Ms. Leigh's other books and knew I would probably end up liking this one as well. Which I did, it was an interesting book and gave me a glimpse into history that I hadn't thought much about.
Alessandra's mother, Sabine, was sold into slavery and became the third wife to a wealthy merchant in Algiers. Alessandra was raised in a harem (he had three wives and a bunch of concubines) and had a happy childhood. Surprisingly, her mother was allowed to continue her Christian faith and raise her daughter as a Christian as well (I found that a little hard to believe). When her mother learns she is sick and won't live much longer she plans for Alessandra to escape and return to her true father in England. Sabine finds an English slave and buys him with the condition that if he returns her daughter to England he can have his freedom.
The first part of the book takes place in Algiers and while I found it interesting I was really just looking forward to when they would get back to England. Alessandra is still an innocent and naive in many ways, but having been raised in a harem she also probably knows a lot more about intimate relationships than most girls and is curious. To be honest, I didn't like how she kept offering herself to Lucien (thank goodness he was a man of honor). I get that she was drawn to him and curious about the feelings he stirs, but it would have gone against both her Christian and Muslim upbringing to be offering herself to him. We also learn a bit more about eunuchs (maybe more than I wanted to know) and their role, which is bizarre IMO.
About halfway through I really started to get invested in the story (not that the first half didn't keep me reading, but I guess the harem lifestyle is just a turnoff for me) and especially when they made it back to England. I love medieval settings. It was fun to see Alessandra and Lucien reunite with their families.
The relationship between Lucien and Alessandra was fun to watch evolve. My only complaint is that Lucien kept pushing Alessandra away, but she just kept coming back and baring her heart and he would continue to push her away. I think he started to take her for granted and I really wanted to see him actually fight for her. While I enjoyed the story and liked the characters, I didn't quite love them. Alessandra was a likable enough character, but she did drive me nuts at times. Lucien has a lot of pride and has a violent streak It did help to know that he really was in love with her, even if he wasn't ready to admit it yet. He was ALWAYS there for her and would do anything for her. They do have great chemistry and I enjoyed their love story.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and well written. I liked the overall story and characters and even hope that Lucien's brothers will get their own stories someday.
Content
Romance: Pretty clean. Mild innuendo, talk of wanting each other, etc. Closed door intimacy after marriage
Language: None
Violence: Mild
Religious: None-Mild, talk of being Christian, but no preaching
Source: Amazon Kindle
December 1, 2014
Tamara Leigh is one of my favorite authors. One whom, I buy her novels on release day and can't wait to get started, because she does not disappoint! Case in point - Lady of Fire, a "clean read" rewrite of Leigh's novel, Pagan Bride. From the beginning the story captured my attention and held it fast. The characters, the chemistry, and the plot urge you to rapidly speed through this story.
While I could see where some of the plot was headed, it did not in any way take away from the story or my enjoyment of it! So, if you are in the mood for romance and adventure, kept clean, then look no further. Delve into this one, you will not be disappointed.
4 1/2 Stars!
While I could see where some of the plot was headed, it did not in any way take away from the story or my enjoyment of it! So, if you are in the mood for romance and adventure, kept clean, then look no further. Delve into this one, you will not be disappointed.
4 1/2 Stars!
July 22, 2014
Lucien de Gautier is sold as a slave in Algiers but is offered a chance for freedom if he takes a young woman to England with him. Alessandra is not so willing to go, however. And so starts a battle of wills. Who will win?
Read originally back in the 90s and I have read it a few times since. Not a big fan of harems and exotic settings but this one worked for me.
Read originally back in the 90s and I have read it a few times since. Not a big fan of harems and exotic settings but this one worked for me.
October 3, 2021
I read Pagan Bride, not the rewrite.
June 16, 2015
So this is another clean re-write of a previously released book by the author. I had enjoyed the other two re-writes I read. I read this book right after finishing another series by the author that was clean from the first release and not a re-write. What I noticed most is that the re-write was still mostly concentrated on the insta-love/lust and physical longing between the characters All. The. Time. Or at least a lot of the time. And, oh yeah with some other story details on the side to fill out the background. Whereas the Age of Faith series had to intentionally focus on a story in which the characters interacted and fell in love, which made the stories more interesting and more was going on besides the feelings between the two love interests constantly. Yes, there was still plenty of mushy "feelings" stuff, but there was more to the stories than just that.
I did think the different setting and situation of this story over others I've read in this time period was very interesting and unique.
I did think the different setting and situation of this story over others I've read in this time period was very interesting and unique.
February 11, 2015
This was a very different read than one normally comes across with a medieval romance. The setting in the middle east and the mingling of the very different cultures is intriguing and exciting. A little of a history lesson as it mashes up two very different worlds created a beautiful storyline. The main characters were fun and complex and had a lot of fun fire and romance between them. The story had a tidy conclusion, but with a wide myriad of side characters left me wishing for a fuller series of books to explore everyone's story. Overall, it was a satisfying trip through a more exotic area of medieval history.
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www.cleanromancereviews.com
December 29, 2014
I read the clean re-write of this called "Lady of Fire". It was a little strange, but still fun. I enjoyed the adventure and the romance was....weird. haha. I really do like Tamara Leigh's re-writes.
September 20, 2007
truly the dregs of the trashy romance genre...
April 15, 2018
3.5 stars
I really liked this story a lot, but there were a few parts that kind of bugged me even though they were true of the time period. The harem of women was bothersome and the story of the main character's mom kind of got under my skin. The mom gets stolen away, sold into slavery, bought into this harem of women, befriends one of the eunuchs and comes to love a man who seems sort of abusive. Again I understand that this was the time and some of this goes on today but it just seemed a little too much.
Content: Clean-ish. There's a lot of innuendo in this book and a lot of talk around sex.
Language: Clean
Religious: Yes. But the hypocritical bishop also bugged me with his thirst for blood. There is talk of faith and Chrisitanity.
Again I like this story but there were just parts of this that weren't my favorite.
Happy reading!!
I really liked this story a lot, but there were a few parts that kind of bugged me even though they were true of the time period. The harem of women was bothersome and the story of the main character's mom kind of got under my skin. The mom gets stolen away, sold into slavery, bought into this harem of women, befriends one of the eunuchs and comes to love a man who seems sort of abusive. Again I understand that this was the time and some of this goes on today but it just seemed a little too much.
Content: Clean-ish. There's a lot of innuendo in this book and a lot of talk around sex.
Language: Clean
Religious: Yes. But the hypocritical bishop also bugged me with his thirst for blood. There is talk of faith and Chrisitanity.
Again I like this story but there were just parts of this that weren't my favorite.
Happy reading!!
August 22, 2021
Once again I enjoyed my time spent in medival times when it's Tamara Leigh doing the writing.
I really loved how this book took me on a journey from a land you don't see much in historical fiction set in this time period.
It begins in Algeria!
Interesting how the clash of cultures was handled and the bit of intrigue woven into the tale.
The heroine was definitely an interesting character, at times I wished she wasn't quite so clingy with the hero, but it was pretty true for her character and everything she was going through.
I really appreciated the authentic feel of the tournament, I rarely see these events handled in a way in medieval fiction that doesn't feel like a spontaneous renaissance fair. Once again this author just makes you feel like you are truly in this time period!
This is a clean rewrite of the author's GM novel and I enjoyed it!
4.5 stars
I really loved how this book took me on a journey from a land you don't see much in historical fiction set in this time period.
It begins in Algeria!
Interesting how the clash of cultures was handled and the bit of intrigue woven into the tale.
The heroine was definitely an interesting character, at times I wished she wasn't quite so clingy with the hero, but it was pretty true for her character and everything she was going through.
I really appreciated the authentic feel of the tournament, I rarely see these events handled in a way in medieval fiction that doesn't feel like a spontaneous renaissance fair. Once again this author just makes you feel like you are truly in this time period!
This is a clean rewrite of the author's GM novel and I enjoyed it!
4.5 stars
December 6, 2019
Hot Arabian nights and Harem or Honorable English Lord?
Oh to share or not to share, that is the question! Begrudgingly rescued by an English Knight sold into slavery pretending to be a eunuch should Lady Alessandra really prefer Sir Lucien de Gautier and monotony over the colorful, exciting harem life she has been raised to expect? Her mother before her has chosen and she has only to comply with the plan, but not without a life altering fight and flights! Love this author's stories!
Oh to share or not to share, that is the question! Begrudgingly rescued by an English Knight sold into slavery pretending to be a eunuch should Lady Alessandra really prefer Sir Lucien de Gautier and monotony over the colorful, exciting harem life she has been raised to expect? Her mother before her has chosen and she has only to comply with the plan, but not without a life altering fight and flights! Love this author's stories!
September 10, 2017
Content: LOTS of sexual references without details, attempted rape, harem life and setting, some violence, very light Christian references.
I was disappointed with soooooo many sexual references. It seemed like that is all the main characters thought of. I would have preferred a little more depth to their relationship as well as more development outlining the cultural differences.
I was disappointed with soooooo many sexual references. It seemed like that is all the main characters thought of. I would have preferred a little more depth to their relationship as well as more development outlining the cultural differences.
August 12, 2019
A note: Tamara Leigh cannot plot. The worst part is, she writes romances where you don't need anything complex and still her stories trip and fall over gigantic plot holes, not once but repeatedly.
Second note: body language. It doesn't matter if the heroine is paraded on a slave market, or scolded by a step-mother, rest assured she will thrust her chin up. An earthworm displays richer body language than Leigh's heroines.
Second note: body language. It doesn't matter if the heroine is paraded on a slave market, or scolded by a step-mother, rest assured she will thrust her chin up. An earthworm displays richer body language than Leigh's heroines.
March 14, 2022
Very unlikeable heroine
Hard to get into this one. I'm 1/3 of the way through and annoyed enough with Alissandra that I may not keep reading. She's the least likeable female character I've ever come across in a Tamara Leigh book. So far she's a spoiled brat, stubborn, willful, disobedient, disrespectful, and I have yet to find a positive quality. She's impossible to root for. I keep hoping Lucien will just sort of abandon her and continue on his journey.
Hard to get into this one. I'm 1/3 of the way through and annoyed enough with Alissandra that I may not keep reading. She's the least likeable female character I've ever come across in a Tamara Leigh book. So far she's a spoiled brat, stubborn, willful, disobedient, disrespectful, and I have yet to find a positive quality. She's impossible to root for. I keep hoping Lucien will just sort of abandon her and continue on his journey.
August 26, 2019
From the exotic sun soaked Maghrib, to the cold verdant baronies of England, Lady of Fire is an engaging novel set in the 15th century. I enjoyed the animated exchanges between the fiery heroine and the reluctant hero. Tamara Leigh has a wonderful talent for writing characters that the reader can sympathize with and cheer for.
March 26, 2022
loved it
This was a pleasant change, as it began in the Middle East in a harem! Alessandra is a spitfire , not easily controlled by those around her. When Lucien basically kidnaps her for her own good, she doesn’t go quietly, fighting him the whole way. She also goes from one disaster to another, and it seems he’s always there to save her. Well written clean romance.
This was a pleasant change, as it began in the Middle East in a harem! Alessandra is a spitfire , not easily controlled by those around her. When Lucien basically kidnaps her for her own good, she doesn’t go quietly, fighting him the whole way. She also goes from one disaster to another, and it seems he’s always there to save her. Well written clean romance.
January 3, 2019
A re-read for sure <3
I especially loved the vivid descriptions of Algiers and Alessandra's comparisons of England. I fell in love with Lucien and Alessandra as their story twisted and turned throughout the book. This was a hard one to put down!
I especially loved the vivid descriptions of Algiers and Alessandra's comparisons of England. I fell in love with Lucien and Alessandra as their story twisted and turned throughout the book. This was a hard one to put down!
June 25, 2020
Fire indeed.....WOW! This book was aptly named. The sparks flying between Alessandra and Lucien practically leap off the pages. Definitely a book to curl up with on a cold's winter night as no heater is required or needed while reading.
June 8, 2023
Fire
I was pulled in from the beginning. The descriptions of the time, places and things gave me mental pictures to accompany the story. I did, however, guess wrong on who the major culprit was.
I was pulled in from the beginning. The descriptions of the time, places and things gave me mental pictures to accompany the story. I did, however, guess wrong on who the major culprit was.
October 10, 2017
Wonderful!
Another great story! Love all her books...one of my favorite authors will be looking forward to the next book if hers.
Another great story! Love all her books...one of my favorite authors will be looking forward to the next book if hers.
April 17, 2018
Excellent, as is everybody this author!
April 21, 2018
Lady of Fire
I loved this story. I look forward to reading more of her books. I recommend everyone to read this book. Kattie
I loved this story. I look forward to reading more of her books. I recommend everyone to read this book. Kattie
February 7, 2019
Well written, this reminded a little too much of a dual Cool Hand Luke.
August 26, 2019
DNF at 30%- this book has a gross misrepresentation of Islam
January 16, 2020
How I enjoyed this tale--from the sweltering realm of spices, harems & slave markets of Algiers to fog-ridden England--what a wild ride.
September 11, 2020
This was a really good book. I enjoyed the time period and the author did a great job with character development and the element of surprise. I will read more from this author.
December 2, 2020
Love love love this book! So much vibrancy so much emotion and turmoil. this one is a must read!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews