The Beauty Bride

The Jewels of Kinfairlie, Book 1

By: Claire Delacroix, Deborah Cooke

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

More cherished than gold are the Jewels of Kinfairlie, and only the worthiest may fight for their love...The Laird of Kinfairlie has unmarried sisters, each a gem in her own right. And he has no choice but to see them all wed in haste.

Lady Madeline's heart is not for sale - especially not to a notorious outlaw like Rhys FitzHenry. Yet Madeline's hand has been sold, to none other than this battle-weary warrior with a price on his head. A more dutiful maiden might cede to the Laird's command and meekly accept her fate, but Madeline has never been obedient. She decides to run away, though she never dreams that Rhys will pursue her. She does not expect this taciturn man to woo her with fanciful stories, much less that each of his enthralling tales will reveal a scar upon his shielded soul. She never imagines that a man like Rhys could imperil her own heart while revealing so little of his own feelings. When Rhys's past threatens his future, Madeline takes a leap of faith. She dares to believe him innocent - and risks her own life to pursue a passion more priceless than the rarest gem.

©2005 Claire Delacroix, Inc. (P)2014 Deborah A. Cooke

The Beauty Bride

I was newly introduced to this author. The first book was the Crusader Bride which I just loved. This book is also very good. The author really know how to spin a tale and keep the reader captivated. I liked the narrator a lot too. On to the next book for same author!

Strong emotions, good characters, good narrator

This was an interesting meet. I enjoyed the interactions between Madeline and Rhys. With so many secrets and misunderstandings, they were still able to find love. Her independence and his convictions made me love this couple. The narration by Saskia Maarleveld brought the story to live.

I received a copy of this audiobook as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.

Madeline's unconventional adventure

Where does The Beauty Bride rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I must say I was very impressed by the narrator's skill for performing so many different voices and accents while keeping the romantic flow of the story. She did an excellent job for such a difficult task.

What other book might you compare The Beauty Bride to and why?

This book is one of a series of four books I believe. I'm sure they are all excellent and most likely contain a similar premiss.

Which scene was your favorite?

One of my favorite scenes involves the fairy that only Elizabeth can see, drinking the ale and climbing over and round the tankards of everyone at the table. She was a delightful addition to this story, easy to visualize her practicing her mischief.

Any additional comments?

Historical Romance has pretty much always been my thing, so naturally I was familiar with the name Claire Delacroix. Reading "The Beauty Bride" was most enjoyable. The characters were strong, the plot was solid and intriquing, and it touched my heart with it's romance. There was romance, which I love, but not explicit sexual content, which is my personal preference. This author essentially picks you up and sets you down beside her characters in the story. I'm off to read the next one of this series. I would happily recommend reading "The Beauty Bride" to any of my friends. I didn't want to put it down.

An Addicting Medieval Romance

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.

A romance that will take your breath away!

Would you listen to The Beauty Bride again? Why?

The Beauty Bride is one of those rare novels that will stick with you long past the final chapters. The characters are exceptionally well done and I would listen to it again like one would visit a favorite friend. The tales told by Rhys, the hero in the story, are exceptional and I'd want to listen to those again to take away the touching lessons his tales told.

What other book might you compare The Beauty Bride to and why?

For readers who enjoy romance novels and authors like Sabrina Jeffries, Christina Dodd, and Heather Snow, Claire DelaCroix is sure to impress! Her writing is skillful, detailed, and writing in a manner that will capture the readers full attention and pull you into her magnificent tale of love, courage, and adventure.

What about Saskia Maarleveld’s performance did you like?

Saskia Maarleveld excelled throughout the entire novel. Her narration was even flowing, smooth, and easy to listen to. I was especially impressed by her range of voices and the way she captured the dialogue with the right mix of emotion. She added depth to the novel and I would listen to anything she narrates.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This was a book that was almost impossible to pause! The plot is intricately woven and captivating. The characters are so well done that I enjoyed every word, laughing out loud at some of the well written dialogue. I absolutely would have loved to have listened to this all in one sitting. I listen to audiobooks mostly while commuting, and I have to say for once I looked forward to Monday morning just so I could hear the end of this delightful tale.

Any additional comments?

The Beauty Bride is one of those rare novels that will stick with you long past the final chapters. The characters are exceptionally well done and I would listen to it again like one would visit a favorite friend. The tales told by Rhys, the hero in the story, are exceptional and I'd want to listen to those again to take away the touching lessons his tales told.

For readers who enjoy romance novels and authors like Sabrina Jeffries, Christina Dodd, and Heather Snow, Claire DelaCroix is sure to impress! Her writing is skillful, detailed, and writing in a manner that will capture the readers full attention and pull you into her magnificent tale of love, courage, and adventure.

This was a book that was almost impossible to pause! The plot is intricately woven and captivating. The characters are so well done that I enjoyed every word, laughing out loud at some of the well written dialogue. I absolutely would have loved to have listened to this all in one sitting. I listen to audiobooks mostly while commuting, and I have to say for once I looked forward to Monday morning just so I could hear the end of this delightful tale

Thoroughly enjoyable

Can't wait to start the next book in the series. These characters are finely drawn and complex and I wanted to stay in their company.

I wish the entire series had been narrated by Saskia Maarleveld- she is one of my favorites- well done!

Great story with a great narrator!

Great story, though long at times.
Love Rhys, Madeline and all the secondary characters that went after her. Love how the "aunt" led the chase. That bit of mystic/magical thing with the treasure and the "fairie" that is only seen by the sister added a fun side to the story.
Narrator, Saskia Maarleveld did one great job. She as a soft voice that makes listening to it very pleasant.

strong characters, a little heat and danger

Any additional comments?

The Beauty Bride followed familiar tropes but mixed in strong characters and twists. 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. 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 have me listening intently. Madeline is strong, independent and unafraid to speak her mind making for some wonderful moments, wicked banter and delightful spats. Delacroix created obstacles in pursuit of our HEA and I enjoyed the chase.

Engaging Story

The Beauty Bride is set in the 1400s and is the first in a trilogy about 3 siblings. This story features Madeline who is put up for auction by her brother, Alexander, when he is faced with a bad harvest and not enough money to feed those under his care. Rhys buys Madeline and they end up fleeing to his holding in Wales. I thought the narrator did a great job with Rhys's Welsh accent and also differentiated all the characters from one another. I'm hoping that the other two books in the series are released and use the same narrator. Time flew by while listening and I found myself looking for opportunities to listen.

Very good Story and Great Narration

I really enjoyed this story. It was very good and entertaining. I liked Rhys a lot. He was handsome, strong and sexy. Madeline was a very strong heroine as well as beautiful. These two had some good chemistry together. There were a couple of very nicely written sex scenes so its not rated G but not erotica.

The story line and plot was good. Their traveling escapade was fun. There wasn't much mystery or surprises really. Just a fun story. There was lots of dialogue throughout the entire book which was great.

As for the narration, it was great. I really like Saska Maarleveld she does a great job with the male voices and everyone gets their own distinct voice.

This was a free book and the audible was 1.99 so it was totally worth the money.