by Claire Delacroix
Series: The Jewels of Kinfairlie #2
Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld
Length: 13 hrs and 13 mins
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 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. Like a heroine in an ancient tale, Vivienne waited in the highest chamber of Kinfairlie’s tower for her fated lover. In the darkness he came for her, cloaked and hooded so that she would not see his face. He loved her sweetly, thoroughly...and Vivienne knew she had met her destiny. But in the morning light, her dream is shattered. Erik Sinclair of Blackleith is no romantic hero but a disinherited warrior who arranged her abduction to regain his own legacy. Outraged by Erik’s insistence that he needs her solely to beget a son, yet ensnared by the passion he awakens, Vivienne realizes that there is more merit in her taciturn spouse than he would admit. Erik is skeptical of her growing faith in his honor and her desire to recapture his stolen birthright... Little does he suspect that his rare gem of a bride intends to capture his barricaded heart as well.
The Rose Red Bride by Claire Delacroix is the second book in her Jewels of Kinfairlie series. I have been enjoying these medieval romances set in Scotland. Poor Alexander, Laird of Kinfairlie did not quite learn his lesson with the eldest sister because folks, he is at it again. Delacroix’s Jewels of Kinfairlie series is such a fun, uncomplicated listen and I have been enjoying the voice of narrator Saskia Maarleveld with her Scottish lilt.
Alexander arranges for a suitor for his sister Vivienne. At dinner, Alexander spins a tale to his sister about Kinfairlie’s tower and fairy lovers. She believes him and decides to sleep in the tower and await her fairy lover. A man comes indeed, but it is Erik Sinclair of Blackleith. In the dark of night, he woos her sweetly and then whisks her away to bare his son. Annnd then the fun begins.
I adored Vivienne and her spunky, outspoken manners. Erik is at first flabbergasted at her reactions to him and the banter and dance was delightful. Of course, our hero is seriously flawed! Given his history, one cannot help but fill sorry for the man even if at times we think Vivienne should give him a solid thrashing. Despite the intimacy, the romance developed slowly as we saw growth in our characters in mind and heart.
Madeline’s Aunt Rosamunde, adventures on the high sea and a spriggan named Darg added delightful side stories, mischief, and many a laugh. Our hero and heroine face danger, and a few setbacks along the way but I truly enjoyed their adventures. Delacroix weaves laughter into these tales and I laughed, even if the characters did not.
For me, Kinfairlie series on audio is like chocolate and peanut butter. While the tale is not overly complicated, listening is such a treat. Saskia Maarleveld is amazing and I think I would buy audios she narrated for her voice alone. She wooed me, made me laugh and captured the characters, souls, bringing them to life.
The Red Rose Bride was a pleasure to listen to and I am anxious for the next audio, The Snow White Bride. Apparently, after tricking two sisters they decide he needs to be wed!
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
Bookworm Brandee
This sounds fun, Kim. I love a snarky heroine and the interactions between Vivienne and Erik sound like a good time. And I like the comparison to chocolate and peanut butter – quite a treat!
Eileen Dandashi
I, too, loved this story. Claire Delacroix is an automatic for me author. I’ll read anything she writes. When her stories are paired with the lovely voice of Saskia Maarleveld, her story isn’t just a story, it’s an experience!
Renee
This was such a fun treat for me too. The interactions between the characters were so fun to see and quite entertaining and this author has such a great way of making her books come alive. This series is one of my favorites from this author, and I adored the Snow White Bride…so I hope you have a fun time with it.
Cyn
I don’t read a lot of medieval romances but I really should change that! This series sounds pretty good, happy to hear the audio book was great!
Great review, Kim!
Melissa (Books and Things)
This sounds like a fun one and I loved the audio short. Hm… might have to see if my library has this one. 🙂
blodeuedd
Hehe sounds fun 😀
Angela Adams
Great start to a series! Thanks for the post.
Ramona
Chocolate and peanut butter, huh? 🙂 Sounds delicious. Sometimes, the best stories are those not overly complicated, don’t you agree? And I do love a spunky heroine myself… Excellent review, Kimba.
kindlemom1
This sounds fantastic! I can’t resist a feisty heroine. 🙂 Happy Friday Kim!
Aubrey Wynne
Can I just say yum? Perfect for my next rainy day.
Jenny
Oooo I love a spunky heroine Kim! Especially in a historical romance where the heroes are all the more shocked that their women are not as quiet and demure as expected:) This sounds like a really fun read, consider me sold!
Candace
Oh this sounds excellent! I love the accent on the audio, it brings it more alive. I love the setting and time period SO much!
Sophia Rose
Oh boy! Alexander should go on the road with his abilities to sneak attack a woman into a marriage. I’ll get to this series eventually.
Braine Talk Supe
I do believe some books are better on audio and vise versa. If only I can concentrate long enough to actually listen. It took me 2 weeks to finish a 4 hour book! I’m hopeless when it comes to fiction audio.
Kris
Lol at the tale about the tower and fairy lovers! This sounds like a fun romance novel. I especially like the medieval Scottish setting! 🙂
Claire Delacroix
Thanks for the wonderful review, Kimberly!
And you’re right – book #3 of the Jewels of Kinfairlie, The Snow White Bride, as well as the linked short story, The Ballad of Rosamunde, are both in production and should be available in May. They’re taking a bit longer because Saskia is very busy, understandably so. 🙂
Red Iza
You’re increasing my historical to-read list, yay ! And thanks for the review, adding it to my list 😉