by Claire Delacroix
Series: True Love Brides #3
Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld
Genres: Historical Romance, Paranormal
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
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.
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.
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
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!
Aurian
Adding the Fae to a historical romance sure makes me curious about this series. Adding it to my wishlist.
Lorna
Scotland, Fae, and romance? Love it 🙂 And I just got it on Audible. Thanks 🙂
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!
Wattle
This sounds like an interesting series, I find the idea of historical romance and paranormal clashing to be quite enticing!
The Bibliophile Babe
Historical paranormal? I’m intrigued!
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.
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.
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/
Mary Kirkland
For a historical this sounds like a good one.
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.
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
I’m not so much into the fae either but a medieval keep in Scotland sounds just my speed!
Angela Adams
What an intense expression on that gentleman! Thanks for the post!!
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.
Candace
This narrator does sound good. I also love the setting of this one. It sounds great!
Grace MyBookSnack
I haven’t tried this narrator yet. She sounds great, and the book seems like a great read. Lovely review!
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!
Tyler H. Jolley
I’m not usually a fae fan, but this sounds pretty interesting. The paranormal aspect has me intrigued.
Quinn's Book Nook
I’ve never read a book like this before. it sounds pretty unique. I’m glad you enjoyed it and that the narrator did a wonderful job.
Lekeisha
I love Fae stories, and this one sounds like a great one. Glad you enjoyed it!
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!)!
Angel Erin
I’ve never heard of this series. I’m not sure if it’s for me, but I’m glad you enjoyed it! 😀
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.
melliane
OOOOh Faes, I love them so much in stories! It sounds like a great story there so I’m curious
blodeuedd
*waves*
Christy LoveOfBooks
I’m not the biggest Fae fan, but this does sound like a good one.