The Beauty Bride by Claire Delacroix

February 11th, 2015 Kimberly Review 60 Comments

11th Feb
The Beauty Bride by Claire Delacroix
The Beauty Bride
by Claire Delacroix
Series: The Jewels of Kinfairlie #1
Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld
Length: 12 hours and 56 minutes
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Narration: 4.5 cups

More cherished than gold are the Jewels of Kinfairlie, and only the worthiest may fight for their love...The Laird of Kinfairlie has unmarried sisters, each a gem in her own right. And he has no choice but to see them all wed in haste. Lady Madeline's heart is not for sale - especially not to a notorious outlaw like Rhys FitzHenry. Yet Madeline's hand has been sold, to none other than this battle-weary warrior with a price on his head. A more dutiful maiden might cede to the Laird's command and meekly accept her fate, but Madeline has never been obedient. She decides to run away, though she never dreams that Rhys will pursue her. She does not expect this taciturn man to woo her with fanciful stories, much less that each of his enthralling tales will reveal a scar upon his shielded soul. She never imagines that a man like Rhys could imperil her own heart while revealing so little of his own feelings. When Rhys's past threatens his future, Madeline takes a leap of faith. She dares to believe him innocent - and risks her own life to pursue a passion more priceless than the rarest gem

It has been quite some time since I have read a medieval era romance. I was delighted for the chance to listen to The Beauty Bride by Claire Delacroix. This is the first novel in her Jewels of Kinfairlie series featuring unwed sisters and a brother who must marry them off post haste. Fairies, a stranger, danger and deceit had us racing across the countryside and falling for Rhys FitzHenry.

Coffee dates with The Beauty Bride

First date: Lady Madeline is the oldest unwed sister of Alexander, the new Laird of Kinfairlie. The coffers are running low and he must see them all wed. Madeline is refusing even though her beloved is believed dead. She holds out hope for his return and asks for more time. Alexander arranges of all things an auction to sell the first of his rarest gems to the highest bidder. Men he believes worthy have been invited to bid for her hand. Oh lordy, Madeline is none too happy. We see a little magical element here as the youngest sister sees a fairy and I immediately found her to be a kindred spirit. Rhys FitzHenry an uninvited guest manages to win the bid.  Madeline is drawn to him but fearful and quickly decides to run away. Accompanied by her groomsmen she flees in the middle of the night.

Second date: At dawn, all hell breaks loose as we learn Madeline’s long lost love has returned and that she and Rhys are missing. Things are about to get interesting. Delacroix shares another relationship in the castle and I am curious to know more. I adore how her female characters are strong, and speak their mind. Madeline is in great peril but thankfully unbeknownst to her Rhys isn’t far behind.  Rhys is not a trusting soul and keeps his emotions in check. It is obvious he has a thing for Madeline despite his declarations that he needs her to secure his keep. The man is sexy but rough around the edges and lordy is he stubborn. His use of stories to communicate his feelings was sweet and I loved when he spoke in his native tongue. *swoon* Kidnapping, king’s guards, secrets and quibbles had me listening intently. Ruined, Madeline takes a leap of faith.

Third date: Ah, I want to bash the man’s head in. Rhys needs to let down his guard and trust Madeline. I understand as the author has done a splendid job of sharing his past with us. As they make their way across the countryside, they get to know each other and I could not help but laugh at their bickering and wicked banter. These two have no problems communicating while lying down but put some clothes on them and they get stupid. I enjoyed the way Delacroix allowed the relationship to build slowly as they began to understand each other. This final date has them being pursued as they make their way to his keep in Wales. Twists, betrayals, confession and revelations had me entranced as we made our way towards happily ever after.

The Beauty Bride followed familiar tropes but mixed in strong characters and twists, and I found myself swept up in the story. Saskia Maarleveld did a fine job with the narration, although I struggled at first getting use to Rhys’s voice. Her accent added to the story and I loved her interpretation of Madeline. The Rose Bride and the Snow White Bride will feature the other sisters of Alexander. I look forward to their adventurousness romances.

 

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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. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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60 Responses to “The Beauty Bride by Claire Delacroix”

  2. Candace

    I love the medieval period! I’m not sure about the romance, it might frustrate me a little but since there’s reason for the ‘issues’ I might be okay with it. I’m glad you enjoyed!

  3. Bookworm Brandee

    I love strong, outspoken heroines, too. And that you were swept away in a medieval setting says a lot about how well the author built the world. I’ll have to check out this one!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I must not have had my coffee, normal I give them a Gibbs’ slap in the back of the head..LOL

  5. Ramona

    Lol. don’t bash Rhys’s head in – they might lock you up and then who will be left to write these fantastic reviews, eh? I love this cover, and your review makes the story very appealing, but I don’t really do well with historical fiction. I think they require a certain type of patience, which I just don’t have. But wonderful review, as always!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It depends on whether the tale is heavy on period details, and this was light. It was more character driven.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ha..yes i tend to get passionately involved and have been know to talk aloud to the characters and author

  9. Michelle

    Clothes cause misunderstandings, lol! I’m glad you enjoyed this one. I don’t think I’ve ever read a medieval era romance before.

  10. Rashika

    I haven’t read a lot of medieval romances but the few I’ve read just don’t work for me. I just start feeling awkward when a book is set any time before the 1700’s .-.

    But sometimes, a girl just has to let minor issues to enjoy some good banter 😉

    I am glad you enjoyed this one, Kimba! 😀 I shall go check this out! 😀

    Lovely review! 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This is very character focused so not to heavy on the period deets.

  11. Melissa (Books and Things)

    I honestly would have passed on this one because of the cover (I know… I know…) but you have convinced me that this is one I would enjoy. Hm… don’t know if I’ve done a historical romance on audio yet…

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I did Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase..omg so good on audio and Outlander. ..yum

  12. Heidi

    Wow You wanted to bash his head in, huh…. I am glad that it all worked out, wouldn’t want any book violence.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      LOL, more like a slap in the back of the head Gibb’s style (NCIS)

  13. Mary

    LOL! It’s both a good thing and a bad when a character gets under your skin like that. But I do love me some wicked banter!

  15. Sarah

    I haven’t read a medieval historical romance in ages! This author is completely new to me, but I’m very curious. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      You might know here under her other name -Deborah Cooke. She writes in several genres.

  16. Debbie Haupt

    Kim wow, what a great review of one of my all time favorite author of all genres that she writes in, whether it’s historical, fantasy, contemporary or YA. I want this one now too!

  17. Sophia Rose

    Hey, this looks familiar. I might have an ebook copy. So glad its good. You have me eager to try it since its been a while since I picked up a Medieval romance too.

    Oh wow, they had a rough start, didn’t they?

  18. Lily

    Characters are what make up a good read for me and it definitely seems like this one has a great set of characters. I’ll be keeping my eye out for this one. Lovely review Kim 🙂

  19. Jenny

    I’m completely fine with familiar tropes in a romance as long as there are strong characters to go along with it. Clearly there are in this one, so I’m adding it to the list. As I do with almost every book you recommend 🙂

  20. Nick

    ” The man is sexy but rough around the edges and lordy is he stubborn.”
    Sounds like my kind of man! Haha! I sure do enjoy these male characters who simultaneously make me want to swoon and smack their faces repeatedly. I have never heard of this author before, but your review has be interested. I’ll have to check out her books.
    Great review, Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes, they think they know what they are about but really they don’t till it smacks them over the head..lol

  22. Katherine

    I don’t think I’ve read a medieval romance in years if ever. I like the sound of the strong characters and the twists even if you do want to smack Rhys upside the head. Thanks for sharing! I’ll have to look for this one.

  23. kindlemom1

    LOL @ Christy. I love her!

    It has been forever since I have read one of these as well. Glad you enjoyed this so much!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Right..can’t you just picture her walking around butt naked acting like a scholar?

  24. Claire Delacroix

    Thanks for the great review! I have a soft spot for Rhys and always am glad when someone else appreciates him. He really is a rough diamond, IMO. 🙂

    btw, the next book in the trilogy, The Rose Red Bride, is available in audio as of this morning.

    Thanks again!
    Claire
    aka Deborah

    • kimbacaffeinate

      those are two of my favorite things..you can just feel the attraction simmering below the surface of their remarks even as they deny it

  27. Cynthia

    Great review. Ha, love the line about them getting stupid with clothes on. Funny. This sounds like a fun read.

  28. Christy

    “put some clothes on them and they get stupid”

    That’s why I like to be naked as often as possible. Clothes cause my IQ to drop. lol. This sounds like a lot of fun!

  29. Melliane

    I’m not a fan of the cover I confess but like you it’s been a while since I’ve read a medieval novel. Really a long time! But I’m curious, i should try again! thanks for the discovery!