The Frost Maiden's Kiss (True Love Brides, #3)

by Claire Delacroix

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.

• ISBN10: 1927477395
• ISBN13: 9781927477397
• Publish Date: 9 August 2014
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Deborah A. Cooke
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 360
• Language: English

Reviews

[kimbacaffeinate]

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.

Audio provided by author This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer