Favorite Lines: "Netta eyed the trenchers of food Angus had served. She stepped aside to avoid a fallen branch and spied a cluster of worms on a leaf. She clinched her teeth. Seeing Angus' back was turned, she shuddered and picked up the leaf. Taking a prepared trencher, she shook two of the squirmy things on the food. They would be for Mereck." (p. 85)

When her father announced that she would wed the next man to enter the castle barbican, Netta of Caer Caldwell decides to run away. On her way out, she meets Mereck of Blackthorn, a terrifying warrior wearing blood spattered clothing with beautiful, sympathy filled eyes.

Netta persuades the barbarian release her and takes refuge with her best-friend/neighbor, Elise, who is about to travel to Scotland. They decide that Netta will go with her...dressed as a servant.

Mereck, aka the Baresark, was following the overlord of Caer Caldwell's order to check on the welfare of its heiress. He also happened to be the lucky bastard given the heiress in marriage. Unfortunately, the bride-Netta-has been told horror stories about him and flees.

Mereck decides to woo her, determined to whisk her away from her abusive father and to not give her his heart.

Sophie Johnson has written a historical romance set in 1073 England/Scotland about a headstrong heiress and an illegitimate warrior thrown together and destined to save each other.

Midnight's Bride has the feisty and innocent heroine and the damaged world weary man for a hero. Together the couple is capable of great love. Separate they are consumed by inner demons and abusive relationships.

The inner demons that plague Mereck stem from old wives' tales heard during childhood. The superstitions followed him throughout life and it isn't until he decides to face them that he discovers exactly how strong he really is.

Netta's issues come from being the daughter (or so she thinks) of an abusive man who wants to be rid of her. The pain she feels at being rejected/abandoned by her father is a slow constant burn inside of her.

Both Mereck and Netta have complicated relationships with their siblings. Netta because her stepsisters are treated better. They reminded me of the stepsisters in Cinderella by the way they looked down their noses at her. Mereck's relationship with his brother is different though. He erected barriers between them thinking that he wasn't good enough. His brother loves him and wants only the best for him.

There were moments during Midnight's Bride that I rolled my eyes at the over done displays of innocence by Netta and Elise; other times they had me smiling. I never became emotionally tied to the story or its characters, but I wanted something to take me away from the real world for a time and I found that in Midnight's Bride.

Scooper