Beauty Bride (Jewels of Kinfairlie, #1)

by Claire Delacroix

Alexander's parents have just died, making him the Laird of Kinfairlie years before his time. Now he faces a problem far greater than the dwindling family treasury: He must marry off his sister Madeline in order to save Kinfairlie. But Madeline won't hear of it, as she is still grieving for her betrothed, who died in the same shipwreck that killed her parents. Out of desperation, Alexander contrives to auction Madeline off to the highest bidder. However, he never expected it to be Rhys Fitzhenry, a warrior with questionable intentions. Furious that her brother would treat her like chattel, Madeline flees-but Rhys will not be put off that easily. For he has battled kings to make his fortune, and from the moment he first locked eyes with Madeline, he knew who the queen of his heart would be...

• ISBN10: 1417713534
• ISBN13: 9781417713530
• Publish Date: 1 January 2005
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 7 April 2021
• Imprint: Turtleback Books
• Edition: Turtleback School & Library ed.
• Format: Hardcover (Library Binding)
• Language: English

Reviews

[inlibrisveritas]

I originally heard of this series from Kimba over at the Caffeinated Reader, who really enjoyed several of Claire’s books. I haven’t read a true medieval romance and I really needed something light and fun, and that’s exactly what I found.

The Beauty Bride introduces us to Madeline, a woman of high standing who has yet to marry much to her older brother’s chagrin. She’s willful and intelligent, and believes her heart to belong to one man…a man who very well may be dead. I loved Madeline. She has a fiery personality and isn’t one to run from opposition, even when their armed or twice her size. She challenges things that don’t make sense to her and anyone who irks is sure to receive at least one small verbal barb. Her growth both before the book begins and as it proceeds is a wonderful one, and I loved getting to see her discover just how much a heart can change over time…and how one’s reputation can mean bunk when faced with reality. Rhys (pronounced RE-ease) was a maddening yet lovable counterpart. He had so many secrets and stories he didn’t want to tell, and it was a treat to see Madeline really work her way through the cracks in his defenses. To make matters better they didn’t just have the problem of a “forced” marriage, instead they had to navigate learning about both themselves and one another, outside interference, and doubts that had plagued them both since the first pages.

Delacriox’s writing is really well done and has a sense of ease about it, that I didn’t expect from novel set in medieval times. I learned quite a few new words and it sent me on quite a few little google trips to see if the history matched up nicely, it seems to. She painted the island under the English throne wonderfully, and I think it paired beautifully with Deborah A. Cooke’s narration. Her voice was clear and really brought out the personality in all of the characters. I loved all the different accents and voices she used, and it definitely made it easy to tell who was talking without being told. If life hadn’t gotten in the way I would have blazed through this audiobook in a matter of a few days.

Overall I enjoyed this addicting little tale and I have already added the rest of the series to my TBR! I can’t wait to see how this series continues and to get to know the adorable Kinfairlie family even more.

[kimbacaffeinate]

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.

Audio provided by publisher/author This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer