by Claire Delacroix
Series: True Love Brides #4
Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 4 cups
The maiden was just another treasure to be won - until she stole his heart and changed his life forever. Outraged that her beloved brother's soul is to be the Fae tithe to Hell, Elizabeth knows that she must save him. She is the only one in her family who can see the Fae, after all, and is already cursed by their king herself. Malcolm may have offered to replace his comrade out of honor, but Elizabeth knows who better deserves to live - and it is not the handsome rogue, Rafael, who is concerned with his own welfare alone. It should be easy to make a wager with a mercenary, especially as Elizabeth does not care about the cost to herself. To her surprise, though, Rafael proves to be the man who not only takes her dare, but banishes the Fae king's curse with kisses that turn her blood to fire. Could this hardened warrior, who appears to have no heart, be the destined love she has awaited? At first glimpse, Rafael believes Elizabeth to be an angel sent to judge him - and he knows what her verdict will be. He has made choices in order to survive and is not proud of them. But Elizabeth dares him to change, with an audacity that awakens a nobility of purpose that Rafael has forgotten he possessed. Can this bold maiden heal the wounds of his past? Can Rafael earn the right to grant her the life she deserves - and do so before the Fae king springs his trap, making Elizabeth his captive forever?
The Warrior’s Prize by Claire Delacroix is the fourth and last book in the True Loves Brides series. Once again, I chose to listen to the audiobook narrated by the lovely Saskia Maarleveld. Her lilt is perfect for the narration and her voice just pulls me into this story. The Warrior’s Prize ended up being my favorite book in the series.
Oh, what a suspenseful tale we find in the Warrior’s Prize! Elizabeth is the last unwed sister of Alexander’s and takes place at Ravensmuir. The beginning of the story overlaps with the ending of The Frost Maiden’s Kiss, Malcolm’s story and we faced intense battles and dealings with the Fae. The overlap worked wonderfully. Elizabeth has always been able to see the Fae and has caught the Fae King’s eye who seeks to trap her forever.
Rafael is a mercenary who fought with Malcolm and the reason Malcolm found himself in trouble with the Fae. Elizabeth sets out to make Rafael surrender to the Fae, but finds herself smitten. Of course, she is young and fancies a life as a mercenary’s wife to be thrilling and exciting. Despite his attraction to Lady Elizabeth Rafael knows he cannot ask this of her.
I was not sure if Rafael would cause me to swoon as he did Elizabeth but swoon I did. He was a fierce warrior and soothing on the eye but I am not a wanderer and I wondered if he was honorable enough. Delacroix soon had me falling for him and I felt he was perfectly suited for Elizabeth.
Impossible love and the devious Fae had me completely caught up in the tale. I wanted my HEA and anxious to see how it would all play out. This had me listening into the wee hours of the night and looking for excuses to grab my earbuds. In The Warrior’s Prize Delacroix weaved in so many twists that I found myself holding my breath and yelling at the characters. I love when an author gets me so caught up in the story that the characters become real. Both Rafael and Elizabeth are strong, determined and stubborn characters. The two together created an electricity that you could actually feel. Finvarra, the Fae King was wicked and the perfect villain. I loved seeing previous characters and others from the fairy realm.
Saskia Maarleveld has been the narrator throughout the series and I absolutely loved listening to her. Even her male voices were soothing and not that hoarse tone we often hear from female narrators. I could easily identify who was speaking as she drew me into the story.
The Warrior’s Prize was a fantastic ending to this wonderful story. I am anxious to begin a new audiobook series by Claire Delacroix.
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
Sarah
Ahhhh I love the narrators accent! It is PERFECT (listened to the sample). I haven’t read anything by this author but this series is definitely going on my TBR list. 😀
kimbacaffeinate
She rocks as a narrator
Melanie Simmons
It is always nice when you have an audiobook that makes you want to find reason to keep listening. I’ve always said that you can tell how great my audiobook is by how clean my house is. LOL I will keep finding things to clean just so I can keep listening. I’ve also played card games on my phone to keep listening. Really glad this series wrapped up well for you.
kimbacaffeinate
That is so true Melianne!!
Lorna
Can this one standalone? I think I downloaded a sample of Frost Maidens Kiss and then forgot about it. This really does sound like a good series 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I would say yes.
Christy LoveOfBooks
Glad it was a great ending to the series. Sounds like a swoony good time.
kimbacaffeinate
I had fun with this one 🙂
The Bibliophile Babe
This sounds so enjoyable!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks. I had an enjoyable time listening 🙂
Sophia Rose
Oh, it is fun when a rogue can turn over a new leaf and surprise everyone. And the fae king sounds like a worthy villain. Glad this one turned into a favorite. It sounds like it has all the ingredients for it.
kimbacaffeinate
Hehe..yes and I love when he surprises even himself!
Melissa (Books and Things)
This sounds perfect for me. Swoony hero, the fae, twists… *sigh* I recommended the whole series to my library… and guess what? The first book is free at amazon! Squee! Yes, I got it. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Squee…enjoy although I just love, love, love the narrator 🙂
Braine
I think I’ve read a book by her and its fantasy historical I think? I have to look up my shelves…
Nothing beats a good conclusion to a series. 4 books isn’t too taxing for us newbies too!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes I could see these being labeled Historical Fantasy with the Fae.
blodeuedd
I will listen a bit 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I love the narrator Linda 🙂
Felicia GeekyBlogger (
I have this one and you just made it move upable on my list. <—yes upable is now a word LOL
kimbacaffeinate
Bwahaha..I like upable 🙂 Enjoy
Angela Adams
Very intense-looking book cover. Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
Indeed. Thanks Angela
Lekeisha
Didn’t know this series has Fae in it. I’m glad you enjoyed this series so much, and this last book is your favorite.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, it is weaved throughout the series and quite good 🙂
Heidi
I always love books that feature the Fae. I haven’t tried this narrator before, so I will have to keep this series in mind for audio.
kimbacaffeinate
I have had fun with them, not to heavy and I love the Fae aspect 🙂
Debbie Haupt
Love, love, loved Elizabeth’s story and I have it on audible too, love love love this narrator for Deb’s/Claire’s series too. Now I just need some spare time to listen 🙂
Great review Kim, thanks
kimbacaffeinate
I am beginning the The Champions of Saint Euphemia series on audio this month..cannot wait!
kindlemom1
I love that you are reading these lately Kim, really makes me want to try them as well.
Have you recovered from the weekend yet? 😛
kimbacaffeinate
I will tempt you yet!
Nick
Gosh every time you review a book in this series, you make me want to drop everything and just pick them, Kim! I have them on my TBR so I’m getting there.
I do love the sound of the lovely Rafael. And it seems like the pairing of him and Elizabeth was great!
I’m glad this series ended with such a bang for you, Kim!
Wonderful review! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you love them. I will be starting the next series on audio this month..it involves some of the mercenaries from this series
Melliane
it’s great to see that the last book is the better! Not often the case! I’m glad to see you had such a great time with it!
kimbacaffeinate
Right. I am having fun listening to this author 🙂