Orphaned after the Battle of Hastings, Lady Angela of Parr is taken before William the Conqueror to hear of her fate. As she’s fluent in French, William tells her to inform the other Saxon women that it would be best if they agree to the forced marriages he plans to make between them and his Norman barons. While Angela waits for the announcement of her own marriage, she encounters a handsome Norman blacksmith, Damien.

One of William’s knights, Sir Damien de Anesi, liked the look of the spirited Angela the first time he saw her. He hopes to win her hand in marriage, but is determined that she’ll accept him willingly rather than be forced into the match. He begins a stealthy courtship, not wishing to frighten Angela, and to his delight she’s receptive to his embraces. Then Damien discovers that Angela is to be wed to the loathsome Lord Bruin, a man who’s already buried three wives amongst talk of brutality. Now Damien and Angela must find a way to be together, even if they risk the king’s anger.

Angela is feisty and likeable, a real lady of the manor who cares for her people first and thinks of herself second. Damien is a sexy knight who knows what he wants and is prepared to do anything to keep Angela safe. I enjoyed the historical details of the food, clothing and other things relating to daily life, as well as the period language that made the story seem more authentic. There were a few editorial errors that pulled me out of the story in a couple of places, but overall Betrothed to the Enemy was a most enjoyable read.

Reviewed by: Maija