The Frost Maiden’s Kiss by Claire Delacroix

January 14th, 2016 Kimberly Review 26 Comments

14th Jan
The Frost Maiden’s Kiss by Claire Delacroix
The Frost Maiden's Kiss
by Claire Delacroix
Series: True Love Brides #3
Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld
Genres: Historical Romance, Paranormal
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Heat Level: One FlameOne FlameOne Flame
Narration: 4 cups

She enchanted him with a kiss - but winning her love would demand all he possessed. After eight years abroad, Malcolm returns to Scotland with a fortune, a companion even more hardened than he and a determination to restore his inherited holding. But when that companion falls into peril, Malcolm seizes the chance to repay an old debt, trading his own soul for that of his doomed comrade. Knowing his days are limited and determined to leave a legacy of merit, Malcolm rebuilds Ravensmuir with all haste, though he fears he will never have an heir. A night of violence has left Catriona with no home and no faith in the honor of men. She expects little good from a visit to her lady's brother, Laird of Ravensmuir, a known mercenary. But the handsome laird challenges her expectations with his courtesy, his allure - and his unexpected proposal. Knowing it is her sole chance to ensure her child's future, Catriona dares to accept Malcolm's hand. She soon realizes that this warrior fights a battle of his own and that she holds the key to his salvation. Little does she realize her past is in hot pursuit, seeking to destroy all she holds dear - including the laird who has thawed the frost of her reluctant heart.

historical paranormal ROMANCE well written

The Frost Maiden’s Kiss by Claire Delacroix is the third novel in the True Love Brides series and was narrated by the talented Saskia Maarleveld. Delacroix takes us to Ravensmuir where Malcolm has returned to rebuild his ancestral home before time runs out. Engaging, surprising and filled with twist I found myself enchanted by The Frost Maiden’s Kiss.

Once again, Delacroix weaves in Fae and lore into this tale. Set along the shores of Scotland she paints the world in vivid color. Malcolm has just returned home to his crumbling keep. Eight years ago he left to seek his fortune as a mercenary. Malcolm was an interesting character with a soft side hidden beneath his hardened exterior. His travels were dark times, and in an act of returning a debt, he made a bargain with the Fae to be paid on Midsummer’s Eve. While he no longer hopes of leaving an heir, he does hope to restore Ravensmuir to its former glory as his legacy. One cannot help but fall for this noble and handsome laird.

Catriona arrives at Ravensmuir in the service of Lady Vivienne, the laird’s sister. She is fearful of Malcolm, but quickly finds he is something unexpected. The attraction between them happened almost immediately. Catriona’s condition made things interesting, but the romance was slow-building and came from friendship, trust, respect, and admiration before it flamed into something more. Catriona is outspoken despite or perhaps because of, all  that she has endured. I loved her spunk and bravery even when she was shaking in her skirts.

Delacroix is a fantastic storyteller; she twisted danger, suspense, magic and humor into this romance. The story held me spellbound and I lost myself within its pages. Again, she delighted me with stories and song of the Fae. The secondary characters particularly the villains were fully developed providing ample reasons to want to throttle them. Maids, siblings and more meddled with the romance and it added humor as only loved ones meddling can do.

Saskia Maarleveld is the perfect narrator with her animated lilt. She adds another layer of enjoyment to an already delightful tale. I love her accent, pacing and even her male voices have a soothing and realistic tone to them.

If you are looking for a medieval romance with tales of the Fae, danger and heart The Frost Maiden’s Kiss is sure to make you smile.

 

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

26 Responses to “The Frost Maiden’s Kiss by Claire Delacroix”

  1. Deborah Cooke aka Claire Delacroix

    Thanks for the wonderful review, Kimberly! I love how Saskia narrates my books and am glad you enjoyed this one. The final book in this series, The Warrior’s Prize, is in its quality check at Audible so should be available any day now. It’s also narrated by Saskia.
    Thank you again!

  2. Aurian

    Adding the Fae to a historical romance sure makes me curious about this series. Adding it to my wishlist.

  3. Cyn

    Historical, paranormal and set in Scotland? Very tempting despite me not liking fae stories that much, haha. The author sounds like she really knows how to create a magical story full of suspense, humour and romance! Glad you enjoyed this one Kim, great review!

  4. Wattle

    This sounds like an interesting series, I find the idea of historical romance and paranormal clashing to be quite enticing!

  5. Sophia Rose

    Oh, this does sound delightful. I read one of her books a while back and enjoyed it, but it was straight medieval. This twist with the paranormal makes me want to grab this one.

  6. kindlemom1

    Dang you and all your wonderful historical romances you are reading lately. I will seriously have to make more time of these this year.

  7. Carolyn

    Ah, Kim: your fantasy and magical material definitely belong in “Ethereal“! I hope I persuade you to join this year. If your dance card is full, do you still advertise unique, exciting challenges? Mine need a plug with your kind of reach. 🙂 I am just premiering a new one, making RIEDEL Challenes a quartet! Hugs from the prairies, Carolyn. https://cmriedel.wordpress.com/riedel-challenges-2016/

  8. Katherine

    I’m not sure I’ve ever really read a Medieval romance but this is the year for trying new things and Delacroix is one of those names that I’ve seen for years. This sounds like a fun read with interesting characters.

  9. Angela

    You sold me at Scotland and Fae, plus I love it when the hero is hard on the outside but hiding a soft interior.

  10. Debbie Haupt

    Here Here Kim I totally agree but then you know how much I love Deb/Claire! In fact I’m reviewing The Snow White Bride audible edition today on the blog it’s #3 in her Jewels of Kinfairlie series and tells the love story of Malcom’s brother Alexander. Love these trips back to the distant past and the narration of Saskia, priceless!

  11. Nick

    Sounds like this series and this audiobook narrator keep on being amazing! I should try them one of these days. I wish these covers were better though (I’m such a cover snob!)!

  12. Bookworm Brandee

    This sounds like something right up my alley, Kimberly. I’ve been listening to some medieval romances of late and I like that this one includes the fae. I’ve also recently heard good things about Saskia Maarleveld so thanks for the audio snippet. Yep, I can definitely listen to her for hours. 🙂 I’m off to add this series to my Audible wishlist.