The Beauty Bride

(This book is Book One of the Jewels of Kinfairlie Series)

Laird Alexander of Kinfairlie has five sisters and little coin - a horrible combination. He needs his sisters wedded, but with no dowry to speak of, it looks to be a daunting, if impossible, task. The only thing of value he has is the Jewel of Kinfairlie, so he decides to auction it off to the highest bidder to fill his coffers.

This Jewel of Kinfairlie is lovely, unique, and a priceless gem to grace any man’s castle. She is also spitting mad at the thought of being sold to the highest bidder like so much livestock. Lady Madeline, beautiful as she is, is about to meet her intended husband, like it or not.

Rhys FizHenry is an experienced, battle-hardened warrior bent on winning back his inheritance. When he purchases the hand of Lady Madeline, he thinks her to be someone else entirely. He immediately finds that she is not your typical, biddable, shy maiden when she runs from her brother’s dictates and finds herself in a spot of trouble. Rhys rides to her rescue, and so starts a spirited romp through the countryside, as Rhys and Madeline find each other and come to learn that they have much in common and can fill the holes in each others’ hearts.

I immensely enjoyed this tale of lust at first sight, mistaken identity, betrayal, and the awakening of a deeper, richer, more enduring love as the characters grow to know and trust one another. Claire Delacroix is always a winner for me with her tales of chivalry, passion, and lush romance - I simply love her books. I found this one to be a great read, and recommend it highly to anyone liking a rousing, medieval-period romance.

Reviewed by: Michelle