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Bride Quest #2
The Damsel
A proud maiden, she vowed never to love again... until he rode back into her life.
"I come in search of a bride."
Once upon a time, the legendary knight, Burke Fitzgavin, galloped into Kiltorren Castle and fell in love with Alys, the lord's orphaned niece. But her uncle was determined that Burke marry one of his homely daughters instead. Through tricks and lies, Burke was sent away, believing that Alys wanted nothing of his heart.
Pledged to a Bride Quest, Burke has vowed not to return home until he finds his long-lost love. He returns to Kiltorren to discover that the fiery young innocent has become a woman, a servant on her uncle's estate. Paying penance for Burke's long-ago embrace, she wants nothing to do with him. Burke knows he must earn her trust again. Even as he slowly rekindles her desire, Alys's family attempts to thwart their romance--determined that Alys should not marry before her cousins do. But Burke is a warrior and this battle to win the hand and the heart of his one true love will be his greatest challenge ever. . . .
Watch for The Heiress , the crowning novel in the sumptuous Bride Quest trilogy of the three brothers Fitzgavin, which began with The Princess .
"I come in search of a bride."
Once upon a time, the legendary knight, Burke Fitzgavin, galloped into Kiltorren Castle and fell in love with Alys, the lord's orphaned niece. But her uncle was determined that Burke marry one of his homely daughters instead. Through tricks and lies, Burke was sent away, believing that Alys wanted nothing of his heart.
Pledged to a Bride Quest, Burke has vowed not to return home until he finds his long-lost love. He returns to Kiltorren to discover that the fiery young innocent has become a woman, a servant on her uncle's estate. Paying penance for Burke's long-ago embrace, she wants nothing to do with him. Burke knows he must earn her trust again. Even as he slowly rekindles her desire, Alys's family attempts to thwart their romance--determined that Alys should not marry before her cousins do. But Burke is a warrior and this battle to win the hand and the heart of his one true love will be his greatest challenge ever. . . .
Watch for The Heiress , the crowning novel in the sumptuous Bride Quest trilogy of the three brothers Fitzgavin, which began with The Princess .
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 9, 1999
About the author
Claire Delacroix
130 books523 followersNew York Times bestselling author Claire Delacroix sold her first book in 1992, an historical romance called ROMANCE OF THE ROSE. Since then, she has published over sixty romance novels and novellas, and has also been published under the names Claire Cross and Deborah Cooke. She has an honours degree in history, with a focus on medieval studies. She is an avid reader of medieval vernacular literature, fairy tales and fantasy novels.
For books written under the pseudonym, Claire Cross, see:
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For books written under Claire's own name, Deborah Cooke, please see:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
In October and November 2009, she was the writer in residence for the Toronto Public Library, the first time that the library has hosted a residency focused on the romance genre.
Visit her two websites here:
http://www.delacroix.net
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For books written under the pseudonym, Claire Cross, see:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
For books written under Claire's own name, Deborah Cooke, please see:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
In October and November 2009, she was the writer in residence for the Toronto Public Library, the first time that the library has hosted a residency focused on the romance genre.
Visit her two websites here:
http://www.delacroix.net
http://www.deborahcooke.com
Like her Facebook Fan Pages here:
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorClaireD...
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDebora...
Subscribe to her monthly newsletter to keep up to date and receive special offers:
http://eepurl.com/reIuD
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 5, 2017
The real star of this romance was the hero. This guy was the most loving, chivalrous, patient and loyal man ever. The heroine was just too naive and a little bit stupid. She believed all the ridiculous lies her jealous relatives were telling her and distrusted him for too long. I hated that he had to do so much grovelling to prove himself when everybody with simple common sense would have seen the relatives for the liars they are. Alys, the heroine, is beautiful and her two cousins are ugly. This makes aunt Deidre dress Alys up in rags and treat her like a servant. Apparently ugly Deidre was also jealous of her late sister who had been Alys' mother because all the men had preferred her to Deidre. Her present obsession is to get rich knightly husbands to marry her 2 mousy ugly daughters so she gets mad when the H prefers Alys.
As for the relatives, well they're more like cartoon villains. Dick Dastardly from the Wacky Races cartoon series and his dog Muttley ain't got nothing on these vicious screeching beasts. The aunt is skinny,ugly and evil. Cousin Malvina is fat, ugly and evil. The uncle is fat,ugly, hen pecked dim witted and ultra stupid. The younger cousin is nice but as cowardly as a mouse. This novel was so humorous. I didn't get a chance to really enjoy the actual romance between the MC's because I was too busy gaping at each successive outrageous crappy ass thing that aunt Deidre and Malvina kept saying and doing. The funniest thing was seeing Malvina flirting and batting her lashes at the H Burke while the poor man is trying not to vomit because she is just too gross. Seriously, Malvina is described as being really gross and ugly. These villains really do seem like cartoon characters.
But in the end Burke finds a nice shy husband for the friendly cousin while Malvina traps a guy who hates her into marrying her. She even tries to beat his ass when he insults her at one point. When he runs away from her, she and her parents follow, find him and force him to wed her. This shit was too funny ! All the craziness and hilarity overshadowed the romance but it was still a good novel for a bit of a laugh.
As for the relatives, well they're more like cartoon villains. Dick Dastardly from the Wacky Races cartoon series and his dog Muttley ain't got nothing on these vicious screeching beasts. The aunt is skinny,ugly and evil. Cousin Malvina is fat, ugly and evil. The uncle is fat,ugly, hen pecked dim witted and ultra stupid. The younger cousin is nice but as cowardly as a mouse. This novel was so humorous. I didn't get a chance to really enjoy the actual romance between the MC's because I was too busy gaping at each successive outrageous crappy ass thing that aunt Deidre and Malvina kept saying and doing. The funniest thing was seeing Malvina flirting and batting her lashes at the H Burke while the poor man is trying not to vomit because she is just too gross. Seriously, Malvina is described as being really gross and ugly. These villains really do seem like cartoon characters.
But in the end Burke finds a nice shy husband for the friendly cousin while Malvina traps a guy who hates her into marrying her. She even tries to beat his ass when he insults her at one point. When he runs away from her, she and her parents follow, find him and force him to wed her. This shit was too funny ! All the craziness and hilarity overshadowed the romance but it was still a good novel for a bit of a laugh.
May 20, 2014
Visual rating of this book (reaction to the heroine):
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The Cinderella premise is a favourite of mine (guilty pleasure), but this book has put me off it for life. I should have known what to expect from the blurb, for 'proud maiden' is ALWAYS code for 'bratty, inane, monumental idiot' kind of heroine
The writer manipulates her story in a manner that is so bizarrely incompetent we come to cheer the abusive aunt along, rather than feel sorry for the heroine's plight. In fact, I very much wanted to take the switch to her too. It is obvious that the author does not know how to handle this story, as it doesn't take long before the whole collapses into stupidity of titanic proportions. The heroine immediately and unquestionably believes anything a family who has abused and mistreated her throughout the years says to her, while she dismisses everything and anything the hero says (his profession of love, his offer of marriage) and does (he saves her from danger and from her family's abuse many times).
Because the writer does not know how to sustain her story, or create drama and conflict without violating the basic laws of logic, she ends up with a heroine who's stubborn, stupid, hateful and undeserving of the hero. I, for one wanted to see him mount his destrier and ride off to find a more worthy woman. You know, one with an IQ higher than that of mouldy bread. Simply awful.
[image error]
The Cinderella premise is a favourite of mine (guilty pleasure), but this book has put me off it for life. I should have known what to expect from the blurb, for 'proud maiden' is ALWAYS code for 'bratty, inane, monumental idiot' kind of heroine
The writer manipulates her story in a manner that is so bizarrely incompetent we come to cheer the abusive aunt along, rather than feel sorry for the heroine's plight. In fact, I very much wanted to take the switch to her too. It is obvious that the author does not know how to handle this story, as it doesn't take long before the whole collapses into stupidity of titanic proportions. The heroine immediately and unquestionably believes anything a family who has abused and mistreated her throughout the years says to her, while she dismisses everything and anything the hero says (his profession of love, his offer of marriage) and does (he saves her from danger and from her family's abuse many times).
Because the writer does not know how to sustain her story, or create drama and conflict without violating the basic laws of logic, she ends up with a heroine who's stubborn, stupid, hateful and undeserving of the hero. I, for one wanted to see him mount his destrier and ride off to find a more worthy woman. You know, one with an IQ higher than that of mouldy bread. Simply awful.
April 18, 2018
An enjoyable book. A little slow in the middle. A wonderful ending. Great series
November 10, 2017
Book two in the Bride Quest series brings us Burke, the man who tried to win Brianna’s hand with a troupe of performers in book 1, The Princess, though it was clear his heart was not in it. He had already given his heart to a woman three years prior to this poor attempt to win Brianna so when she charges him to go find this woman and win her, he does. What he finds is a spirited woman who is treated as a servant though she is directly related to the people of Kiltorren. She also hasn’t forgotten Burke and she doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind about what she thinks of his betrayal, abandonment, and the fact he has come to woo her cousin and not her. Or so she thinks. Lies told by the family to keep them apart come to light and her past with her dead mother's memory leave Burke with a challenge to prove to her his affections are real and that he doesn’t want a simple tumble in the hay, he wants forever. It was a cute story. Antagonists were really easy to hate; it almost had a stepsister and stepmother/ Cinderella vibe to it at times. The plot was slow at times and the character development could have been a bit more fast-paced. The story as a whole was enjoyable if a bit slow. There is one moment I found annoying though, near the end of the story when Burke goes to see his mother alone, Alys immediately jumps to the conclusion that he has come to his senses and left her after she promised him that she wouldn't doubt him again. I found her lack of trust in Burke a little frustrating. He proved himself to her and the first moment of testing that trust, she let her doubts and fears lead to her doubting him. I would have liked to have seen her trust in him more in that moment. Overall, it is a good story, not great, but good.
February 24, 2013
It reminds me a little bit of Cinderella.
October 22, 2017
Unforgettable Quotes:
A man who lives without risk does not truly live at all.
…that blood who offer naught deserve naught in return.
The reward is well worth the journey.
Little of merit is won on the first try.
I never am disappointed with the glorious stories Deborah Cooke/Claire Delacroix pens. Her stories reach deep into the emotions of her characters enfolding the reader into a world of greed, jealousy and love in its purity.
This series has a fairytale quality, and I particularly love the way the author phrases the dialogue. I began this series with The Princess which, if you haven’t read, would be a good starting point because it gives detail about the three brothers and his father. He is part of marriage wrought with little love – both his mother and father unable to love each other and express their love to Burke.
Three knights, brothers all, sent on a quest by Brianna (book one), to find something which would make her laugh. Whichever brother makes her laugh the longest and hardest, she would marry. She didn’t want to marry, and knew she wouldn’t laugh at anything they would return with. The brothers left reluctantly to do her bidding. Luc didn’t leave at all, he was her choice. As book one ends, Brianna orders, by punishment, Burke to seek his lady fair as a new quest. By not marrying Brianna, he lost his inheritance and his home. We know Brianna, so happy with her love, wants Burke to find his.
By Chapter 10, I was in love with Burke. He is a man of rare feeling and sensitivity.
Burke’s heart has been someone else’s for many years. He had asked for her hand. She refused and wouldn’t see him. Devastated he was, but then tried again a year later. The same results. She had even left Kiltorren castle, as was told by her aunt.
Sent on this quest, he looks for her again, starting at the castle he first met her. He finds no longer the same young girl, but a woman of rare beauty, compassion, loyalty and fortitude. Her love for her mother’s old maid, Heloise, is very touching. Heloise is the only link left of her mother who died shortly after her birth.
Her two cousins are not as desirable as some lassies are and have need to marry. Their mother, who’s Alys’s aunt, is delighted to see Burke grace their castle walls. He comes to say he is on a quest to seek marriage. This woman isn’t very nice, falls over herself to please Burke and place her daughters before him. Alys worries she will fall into her mother’s error of trusting too readily, giving her heart where it serves her false.
Alys is incredibly stubborn which frustrates Burke, however determined he is. Burke rarely loses his temper, always a smile and humor on his lips.
Alys is also a woman who is an unpaid servant to her aunt’s family. Burke’s heart, even more engaged, cries for her. Burke has never failed when he wants something. He wants her. He tries to woo the lass, reason with her. She’ll have none of it. She is also very confused because she can’t understand what Burke wants of her, if he wants her at all. There are lies, told them both, ferreted out.
One of her daughters, Malvina, doesn’t fall far from the tree. She’s conniving and self-centered. (I like what happens to her!)
This is a story about jealousy. Jealousy of long standing, between two sisters. The jealousy has eaten into an old woman’s heart and mind. It’s also a story of love which endures, even when not nurtured by the nearness of the one you love. It’s a story about giving everything up for love. Amazingly beautiful, thoroughly charming, a must-read for those who love Medieval romance of tender feelings and heroes who will not give up on love.
A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
A man who lives without risk does not truly live at all.
…that blood who offer naught deserve naught in return.
The reward is well worth the journey.
Little of merit is won on the first try.
I never am disappointed with the glorious stories Deborah Cooke/Claire Delacroix pens. Her stories reach deep into the emotions of her characters enfolding the reader into a world of greed, jealousy and love in its purity.
This series has a fairytale quality, and I particularly love the way the author phrases the dialogue. I began this series with The Princess which, if you haven’t read, would be a good starting point because it gives detail about the three brothers and his father. He is part of marriage wrought with little love – both his mother and father unable to love each other and express their love to Burke.
Three knights, brothers all, sent on a quest by Brianna (book one), to find something which would make her laugh. Whichever brother makes her laugh the longest and hardest, she would marry. She didn’t want to marry, and knew she wouldn’t laugh at anything they would return with. The brothers left reluctantly to do her bidding. Luc didn’t leave at all, he was her choice. As book one ends, Brianna orders, by punishment, Burke to seek his lady fair as a new quest. By not marrying Brianna, he lost his inheritance and his home. We know Brianna, so happy with her love, wants Burke to find his.
By Chapter 10, I was in love with Burke. He is a man of rare feeling and sensitivity.
Burke’s heart has been someone else’s for many years. He had asked for her hand. She refused and wouldn’t see him. Devastated he was, but then tried again a year later. The same results. She had even left Kiltorren castle, as was told by her aunt.
Sent on this quest, he looks for her again, starting at the castle he first met her. He finds no longer the same young girl, but a woman of rare beauty, compassion, loyalty and fortitude. Her love for her mother’s old maid, Heloise, is very touching. Heloise is the only link left of her mother who died shortly after her birth.
Her two cousins are not as desirable as some lassies are and have need to marry. Their mother, who’s Alys’s aunt, is delighted to see Burke grace their castle walls. He comes to say he is on a quest to seek marriage. This woman isn’t very nice, falls over herself to please Burke and place her daughters before him. Alys worries she will fall into her mother’s error of trusting too readily, giving her heart where it serves her false.
Alys is incredibly stubborn which frustrates Burke, however determined he is. Burke rarely loses his temper, always a smile and humor on his lips.
Alys is also a woman who is an unpaid servant to her aunt’s family. Burke’s heart, even more engaged, cries for her. Burke has never failed when he wants something. He wants her. He tries to woo the lass, reason with her. She’ll have none of it. She is also very confused because she can’t understand what Burke wants of her, if he wants her at all. There are lies, told them both, ferreted out.
One of her daughters, Malvina, doesn’t fall far from the tree. She’s conniving and self-centered. (I like what happens to her!)
This is a story about jealousy. Jealousy of long standing, between two sisters. The jealousy has eaten into an old woman’s heart and mind. It’s also a story of love which endures, even when not nurtured by the nearness of the one you love. It’s a story about giving everything up for love. Amazingly beautiful, thoroughly charming, a must-read for those who love Medieval romance of tender feelings and heroes who will not give up on love.
A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
September 20, 2017
Burke failed to do the Bride Quest posed to him by Brianna of Tullymullagh. He gave his heart to a damsel three years ago and never looked back. Now with Brianna married to his older brother he sets out to win his lady loves heart.
Alys of Kiltorren has been abused her whole life, by family. Now she thought what she had with Burke was something magical. With Burke back to get a bride she wants nothing to do with him. She does not believe he really wants her for herself. With her mothers death when she was a year old, all her has heard was that it was the whore's taint that she has to remember why she is not wanted.
Burke announces that he is there at Kiltorren for a bride which Alys takes wrong. He spends all his time trying to convince her that he only has eyes for one person and it is not her cousin.
Meanwhile, Millard De Villonne has just heard the tale of Lady Isibeal who waited for her Knight that she tamed and now he finally knows where his lady love is. He wants to get to his lady love and child. So he sends his nephew to retrieve Isibeal and her child. Talbot, the nephew, has other ideals about Isibeal and her child. Talbot believes he is the only one entitled to Millards estate and money.
Burke conveniences Alys and her shy cousin Bridget to go to Paris with him as that is where his friend Guillaume lives and would be perfect for Bridget. As things work out for Bridge and Guillaume, Burke takes Alys to meet his mother, who is not happy with the situation.
Alys is kidnapped by Talbot, Burke comes to her rescue, and then takes Talbot to his mother who has placed who Millard is by now. Talbot is made to pay by being disowned by Millard, wed to Malvina, the snobbish brute of an older cousin and sister to Bridget.
Burke is now married to Alys and Luc is married to Brianna. All eyes are now turning to Rowan. What will happen next cant wait to find out.
These are very much an adventurous, fun, lively reads. You get to meet courteous, loyal, strong character that will just wrap around your heart to give you that warm fuzzy feeling.
Alys of Kiltorren has been abused her whole life, by family. Now she thought what she had with Burke was something magical. With Burke back to get a bride she wants nothing to do with him. She does not believe he really wants her for herself. With her mothers death when she was a year old, all her has heard was that it was the whore's taint that she has to remember why she is not wanted.
Burke announces that he is there at Kiltorren for a bride which Alys takes wrong. He spends all his time trying to convince her that he only has eyes for one person and it is not her cousin.
Meanwhile, Millard De Villonne has just heard the tale of Lady Isibeal who waited for her Knight that she tamed and now he finally knows where his lady love is. He wants to get to his lady love and child. So he sends his nephew to retrieve Isibeal and her child. Talbot, the nephew, has other ideals about Isibeal and her child. Talbot believes he is the only one entitled to Millards estate and money.
Burke conveniences Alys and her shy cousin Bridget to go to Paris with him as that is where his friend Guillaume lives and would be perfect for Bridget. As things work out for Bridge and Guillaume, Burke takes Alys to meet his mother, who is not happy with the situation.
Alys is kidnapped by Talbot, Burke comes to her rescue, and then takes Talbot to his mother who has placed who Millard is by now. Talbot is made to pay by being disowned by Millard, wed to Malvina, the snobbish brute of an older cousin and sister to Bridget.
Burke is now married to Alys and Luc is married to Brianna. All eyes are now turning to Rowan. What will happen next cant wait to find out.
These are very much an adventurous, fun, lively reads. You get to meet courteous, loyal, strong character that will just wrap around your heart to give you that warm fuzzy feeling.
September 14, 2017
In this Cinderella inspired tale of Alys, the bastard niece of a jealous, cruel, and heartless aunt, the knight in shining armor who loves her has his work cut out for him in persuading her to take him seriously. After a lifetime of being taunted that she bears the “whore’s taint” of her deceased mother, Alys believes that Burke only wants to take his pleasure from her and then move on to marry someone more worthy. A series of lies on the part of Alys’ aunt and a pair of cruel cousins complicate matters even further, but supportive secondary characters see the love that Burke carries in his heart and eventually Alys is won over. The thing I love most about Ms. Delacroix’s books is the dialog that makes you feel you are in the time period in which the novel is set. There are no “modern” phrases that slip in, which in many novels can immediately jolt you out of the fantasy world the author has created. The writing is beautiful, creative and tight, with no extraneous descriptions to go off on tangents that are not relevant to the amazing story. Just loved this book! A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review, (though I had already purchased my own copy!). I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
July 12, 2023
In the second Bride quest book, Burke Fitzgavin brother of Luc Fitzgavin was sent on a quest to find his true love after Luc found his own true love in Brianna. Burke gave up his inheritance in an unusual act of defiance when his father Gavin demanded that he marry Brianna. Burke had met his true love 3 years earlier when he went to Kiltorren Castle to compete in a competition to win one of the daughters of this castle. Burke was not interested in either of the daughters but did find the orphaned niece to his liking. He even offered for her hand in marriage at the time but the father Collin told him that she refused his offer. Burke left then returned a year later to again see Alys and was told that she had left the holding and they didn’t know where she was. Finally, after Luc and Brianna sent him on his quest to win a bride he returned to Kiltorren and saw that Alys was indeed still there. Her family was awful to her and she was angry at him for leaving her to begin with 3 years before. Alys’s Aunt and Uncle demanded that their own daughters wed first and that Alys was not but a whore and should never wed. I love how Burke and Alys were able to come together in the end and live happily ever after.
September 20, 2017
Burke de Montvieux has been sent on a bride quest by his brother's new wife. She knew that someone special was on his mind. He will go back to the place he saw her last to find out where his Lady might be.
Alys of Kiltorren is the unwanted, illegitimate cousin to the household daughters. Like a typical Cinderella she works hard for her keep and is kept away from any eligible knights who pass through.
Three years ago there was a tourney, that changed the lives of our protagonists. Can they recapture what they had or will the family stop them?.
Our heroine has serious trust issues where men are concerned.
Our hero is very determined to get what he wants. He can be very sneaky about it.
Although this is part of a series you can easily read it alone. There is lots of emotion but also lots of fun.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Alys of Kiltorren is the unwanted, illegitimate cousin to the household daughters. Like a typical Cinderella she works hard for her keep and is kept away from any eligible knights who pass through.
Three years ago there was a tourney, that changed the lives of our protagonists. Can they recapture what they had or will the family stop them?.
Our heroine has serious trust issues where men are concerned.
Our hero is very determined to get what he wants. He can be very sneaky about it.
Although this is part of a series you can easily read it alone. There is lots of emotion but also lots of fun.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
September 27, 2017
Three years ago Burke de Montvieux visited Kiltorren went on a bride quest to Kiltorren Castle and met Alys, a woman who captured his heart. Through lies and deceit he left Kiltorren Castle believing Alys wanted nothing to do with him. Burke has vowed to never return home until his bride quest is completed and he finds his one true love so he returns to Kiltorren Castle and Alys. He means to battle for her hand in marriage and her love. Alys is so stubborn she will not listen to Burke or believe what she’s hearing. Burke faces the greatest challenge of his life to win Alys love and hand in marriage, but first he must convince the Lady. An enchanting story of romance between a the legendary knight and his Lady love.
This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.
This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.
September 19, 2017
This was a well-written, excellent book. A knight, Burke Fitzgavin, fell in love with Alys, the lord of Kiltorren Castle’s orphaned niece on first sight. Her uncle insisted that his daughters be married first, and Burke was sent away. He later returns, pledged to complete a Bride Quest and find his long-lost-love. They will have to battle their way through tricks and lies to find their path to love. I loved this book so much! This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is part of the Bride Quest series with related characters. I look forward to reading more books in this series, as well as others by this author. A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
June 15, 2018
Ah, yes, Burke is EVERYTHING we want in a swashbuckling hero!
In this second story, we learn why Burke was not interested in pursuing Brianna in the first book. Burke was already in love with Alys, but convincing her of that is just a little bit harder than rescuing her from her horrible family and unraveling the mystery of her parentage.
This story was completely enthralling, holding me spellbound start to finish. It's the ultimate historical romance escapism - absolutely exquisite, every page. The characters are true to the era, the action is non-stop, the romance is swoon-worthy and sizzling, and the ending is joyous and triumphant. I'd say it's the perfect book, but really, all the books in this series are just perfect.
In this second story, we learn why Burke was not interested in pursuing Brianna in the first book. Burke was already in love with Alys, but convincing her of that is just a little bit harder than rescuing her from her horrible family and unraveling the mystery of her parentage.
This story was completely enthralling, holding me spellbound start to finish. It's the ultimate historical romance escapism - absolutely exquisite, every page. The characters are true to the era, the action is non-stop, the romance is swoon-worthy and sizzling, and the ending is joyous and triumphant. I'd say it's the perfect book, but really, all the books in this series are just perfect.
March 3, 2024
I give this 2.5 but bumped it up to s 3.
Alys lives as a servant in her uncle and aunt's castle. Burke fell in love with her three years prior to when this story starts but was told lies by her aunt and cousin and left. He came again and was told more lies.
When Burke returns yet again, Alys chooses to believe more lies from her cruel aunt and cousin rather than trust Burke, who is all that is wonderful. It becomes ridiculous that she doesn't see through her family's lies.
Alys insists on taking everything Burke does the wrong way and the misunderstandings become tedious. No matter what Burke does, Alys does not trust him, which ends up putting her in danger.
The first part of the book was quite boring. It picked up somewhat in the second half.
Alys lives as a servant in her uncle and aunt's castle. Burke fell in love with her three years prior to when this story starts but was told lies by her aunt and cousin and left. He came again and was told more lies.
When Burke returns yet again, Alys chooses to believe more lies from her cruel aunt and cousin rather than trust Burke, who is all that is wonderful. It becomes ridiculous that she doesn't see through her family's lies.
Alys insists on taking everything Burke does the wrong way and the misunderstandings become tedious. No matter what Burke does, Alys does not trust him, which ends up putting her in danger.
The first part of the book was quite boring. It picked up somewhat in the second half.
September 18, 2017
The Damsel follows Alys, an orphan used and abused by her family. The knight Burke Fitzgavin won her heart three years past and then disappeared from her life. Now he's back and determined to make her his bride or so he proclaims. Alys struggles to believe Burke and his determined pursuit before they can find their way to an HEA full of family struggles and strife. I found Alys to be stubborn and aggravating as Burke won my heart more quickly than hers. A good historical romance with memorable characters enhanced with a little danger and adventure. My voluntary review is based upon a review copy.
October 16, 2017
The second book in the Bride Quest series, here we have the story of Burke who gives up his future inheritance in order to pursue his chance at true love. Burke's quest is to convince the lovely and elusive Alys of his love. The story is funny and lamentable, with interference from family and misunderstandings between the lovers.
Delacroix gives us a sense of time and place that is wonderful. Take a vacation in a medieval Irish castle, and become friends with Alys and Burke.
A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
I highly recommend!
Delacroix gives us a sense of time and place that is wonderful. Take a vacation in a medieval Irish castle, and become friends with Alys and Burke.
A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
I highly recommend!
September 25, 2017
Second book in this series, however works as a standalone also. Per the books description it is a bit of a Cinderella tale. Alys is charming, Burke is true and romantic as the hero, we were introduced to him from the first book, together they make a good couple. Alys' s family are basically horrible people except for the younger cousin. Fun read, almost everyone has a happy ending. There is violence and sex, but just small portion of the story. *A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
September 4, 2021
Although I did entirely understand Alys’ reluctance to believe in Burke’s honour, she did become quite annoying by half way through the story. However, the story had various interesting layers which added to the enjoyment. Burke’s undying devotion was very romantic. The lesser characters at Kiltorren are expertly drawn by their actions and words. I like the outcome for Brigid. It is only a small part of the story but a dear and tender one. Burke and Alys end up with far more than either of them expected.
September 27, 2017
The Damsel
A joy to read. Claire Delacroix's medieval romances are pure romance and adventure all rolled into one. Claire's medieval romances are full of strong heroines and fine, upstanding, honorable heroes.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
A joy to read. Claire Delacroix's medieval romances are pure romance and adventure all rolled into one. Claire's medieval romances are full of strong heroines and fine, upstanding, honorable heroes.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
February 25, 2018
I did like this book, but how much convincing can one person get? A good and honorable knight comes to sweep her away with love and affection and continually she makes every excuse to not believe in him. Loved the characters, but the storyline of continual disbelief of true intension dragged on and on.
August 20, 2019
Boring!
This book didnt get interesting until the end. I stuck with it because this author generally writes very well and although the first book was not great, it was still entertaining. I was very disappointed but am determined to read the next one in the series to see if this one was just a fluke!
This book didnt get interesting until the end. I stuck with it because this author generally writes very well and although the first book was not great, it was still entertaining. I was very disappointed but am determined to read the next one in the series to see if this one was just a fluke!
May 2, 2019
Enjoyable chick lit ... highly predictable but that is the point of chick lit ... doesn't challenge the reader but then chick lit is meant for sunny beaches and long plane flights ... rest and relaxation.
June 26, 2019
One of my favorites!
This book has held up years after my first reading. It is a Cinderella story as the author intended. Yet she manages to interweave all subplots together while showing why Burke and Alys are made for one another.
This book has held up years after my first reading. It is a Cinderella story as the author intended. Yet she manages to interweave all subplots together while showing why Burke and Alys are made for one another.
October 8, 2019
Heart stopping
I had my heart in my mouth a few times during this novel as the young lovers seemed to have the world against them. There were plenty of twists and turns and passionate moments. Even better than the first in the set and I'm off to read the third
I had my heart in my mouth a few times during this novel as the young lovers seemed to have the world against them. There were plenty of twists and turns and passionate moments. Even better than the first in the set and I'm off to read the third
September 30, 2021
Not as good as others
I have to admit I find it tiring when the heroine is so darn argumentative and cannot see the truth no matter how many times it is presented. Skip this one and read the Jewels of Kinfairlie.
I have to admit I find it tiring when the heroine is so darn argumentative and cannot see the truth no matter how many times it is presented. Skip this one and read the Jewels of Kinfairlie.
March 28, 2022
A fine Cinderella romance
Lovely tale of love lost and love found. Alys is a bit stubborn and naive while Burke is committed and determined. I enjoyed the journey to their happy ending. I am definitely hooked on this series.
Lovely tale of love lost and love found. Alys is a bit stubborn and naive while Burke is committed and determined. I enjoyed the journey to their happy ending. I am definitely hooked on this series.
April 15, 2024
Alys was irritating in the beginning with her complete refusal to even listen to Burke's explanations. Nit sure why she trusted her family so much considering their treatment of her. Really appreciated Burk's patience though, that was nice to see!
May 19, 2017
Loved it!
September 16, 2017
Really love this book and would highly recommend it! The story catches you at the start and before you know it you are finished and looking for more!
September 21, 2017
A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
Secrets and lies but the truth will triumph!!!!
Secrets and lies but the truth will triumph!!!!
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