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Bride Quest #4
The Countess
“Be mine for a year and a day and I will possess your heart forevermore!”
Driven from her late husband’s estate, Countess Eglantine de Crevy fled to wildest Scotland to claim a castle, only to find a ruin — and a clan chieftain standing guard. Kinbeath was hers, she declared, vowing to rebuild the manor and launch a bride quest so her daughters could marry for love. But Duncan MacLaren had devised a bride quest of his own, swearing to win the land — and the fiery countess — in a war of sweet seduction…
Eglantine declared she would never be captured by this barbarian. Yet Duncan awakened passions she had never known before. She promised to fight him with every weapon at her command even as he vowed to woo her for a year and a day — and make her his pagan bride.
Each thought Kinbeath the prize the most desired, a prize to be won at any price. Until passion turned to love, and the chieftain found himself fighting for the heart and hand of the woman he was born to possess.
Driven from her late husband’s estate, Countess Eglantine de Crevy fled to wildest Scotland to claim a castle, only to find a ruin — and a clan chieftain standing guard. Kinbeath was hers, she declared, vowing to rebuild the manor and launch a bride quest so her daughters could marry for love. But Duncan MacLaren had devised a bride quest of his own, swearing to win the land — and the fiery countess — in a war of sweet seduction…
Eglantine declared she would never be captured by this barbarian. Yet Duncan awakened passions she had never known before. She promised to fight him with every weapon at her command even as he vowed to woo her for a year and a day — and make her his pagan bride.
Each thought Kinbeath the prize the most desired, a prize to be won at any price. Until passion turned to love, and the chieftain found himself fighting for the heart and hand of the woman he was born to possess.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2000
814 people are currently reading
1129 people want to read
About the author
Claire Delacroix
123 books518 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:
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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:
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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 114 reviews
March 11, 2018
Eglantine and Duncan
Eglantine de Crevy leaves Arnelaine Manor with her daughters and the Arnelaine-Crevy staff for the wilds of Scotland. There she encounters Duncan MacLaren, the Chieftain of Clan MacQuarrie, and his men. Eglantine and Duncan both want the same thing -- Kinbeath (Ceinn-beithe in the Scots' tongue) and its surrounding lands.
For Eglantine, Kinbeath is her last hope. She has left all she knew to provide for her daughters. All she had not been granted; a love match. Duncan must hold on to Ceinn-beithe for hereditary reasons and for his king. Duncan falls hard for Eglantine, but does he have the hope of winning her love in return?
This novel is filled with hope, but also assumptions based on past experiences. It is good to note the character growth of Eglantine. Duncan was captivating with his singing and story telling. He charmed the hearts of his listeners and his ladies. The plot was simple but good. The only thread left hanging within the story is Alienor and Iain's story. We assume they had an HEA. Overall, this was a good story with likeable characters. I look forward to reading more books by Claire Delacroix.
Eglantine de Crevy leaves Arnelaine Manor with her daughters and the Arnelaine-Crevy staff for the wilds of Scotland. There she encounters Duncan MacLaren, the Chieftain of Clan MacQuarrie, and his men. Eglantine and Duncan both want the same thing -- Kinbeath (Ceinn-beithe in the Scots' tongue) and its surrounding lands.
For Eglantine, Kinbeath is her last hope. She has left all she knew to provide for her daughters. All she had not been granted; a love match. Duncan must hold on to Ceinn-beithe for hereditary reasons and for his king. Duncan falls hard for Eglantine, but does he have the hope of winning her love in return?
This novel is filled with hope, but also assumptions based on past experiences. It is good to note the character growth of Eglantine. Duncan was captivating with his singing and story telling. He charmed the hearts of his listeners and his ladies. The plot was simple but good. The only thread left hanging within the story is Alienor and Iain's story. We assume they had an HEA. Overall, this was a good story with likeable characters. I look forward to reading more books by Claire Delacroix.
March 23, 2018
DNF at page 120.
As most of my goodreads friends know, I'm a HUGE fan of Claire Delacroix and her work. I've read almost everything she has ever written and I've grown to like her more with her newer series.
That said, this is an older book. I've liked other books in the Bride Quest series, but it has been inconsistent (loved The Princess but didn't like The Damsel). I'm very much a character-centric reader. The plot can be nuts, but if I like the character's and find them to be believable even if their circumstances are not, I can still really enjoy the story. From the outset, I was excited about The Countess. Eglantine is a tough as nails woman who lives in a time when women had no choices. She has married and buried two husbands, both of whom were a disappointment, and she refuses to bow to the will of her times and let her daughters suffer the same fate as she. So, she packs up her family, goes to the wilds of Scotland, and lays claim to the only property still left to her that her feckless husband hadn't lost--all so her daughters can have a shot at happiness. Loved this! She was cool, collected, and willing to sacrifice all for her family. I was really excited for the story and to see what hero Delacroix had lined up. This woman deserved a man who would recognize her strength and fight for her cause.
And then...Duncan comes on the page. My enjoyment deflated. Heavens, the man was a huge jerk. He assumed everything wrongly about Eglantine, touched her when she clearly DID NOT welcome his advances, and he interfered in how she handled her daughters. It was just too much. Usually, Delacroix's heroes are tough but they recognize the value of their heroines early on and do everything they can to win them. I love that chivalry element. However, in this, while perhaps he develops it later on (I didn't want to read to find out), Duncan just manipulates the situation and immediately can only think of bedding her while at the same time assuming she is a useless waste of space since she is a noblewoman. What I think was supposed to be a battle of the sexes just looked like a bout of bullying--not what I've come to love about Delacroix's heroes. And Eglantine? The strong woman was still there, but even as Duncan abused her, she was still attracted to him. Ugh how I hated this. After how the woman fought against overbearing men, it seemed wildly out of character for her to be so tempted by yet another bully, especially with all that was at risk for her daughters.
Overall, not what I expected and not something I wanted to finish. I didn't believe in the romance between the leads which is my main reason for always reading romance. I think I've become pickier with time so perhaps 10 years ago I would have enjoyed this. But Delacroix has excellent work out there. For those curious about her work, start on her Champions of St Euphemia series or the Jewels of Kinfairlie...those were excellent.
As most of my goodreads friends know, I'm a HUGE fan of Claire Delacroix and her work. I've read almost everything she has ever written and I've grown to like her more with her newer series.
That said, this is an older book. I've liked other books in the Bride Quest series, but it has been inconsistent (loved The Princess but didn't like The Damsel). I'm very much a character-centric reader. The plot can be nuts, but if I like the character's and find them to be believable even if their circumstances are not, I can still really enjoy the story. From the outset, I was excited about The Countess. Eglantine is a tough as nails woman who lives in a time when women had no choices. She has married and buried two husbands, both of whom were a disappointment, and she refuses to bow to the will of her times and let her daughters suffer the same fate as she. So, she packs up her family, goes to the wilds of Scotland, and lays claim to the only property still left to her that her feckless husband hadn't lost--all so her daughters can have a shot at happiness. Loved this! She was cool, collected, and willing to sacrifice all for her family. I was really excited for the story and to see what hero Delacroix had lined up. This woman deserved a man who would recognize her strength and fight for her cause.
And then...Duncan comes on the page. My enjoyment deflated. Heavens, the man was a huge jerk. He assumed everything wrongly about Eglantine, touched her when she clearly DID NOT welcome his advances, and he interfered in how she handled her daughters. It was just too much. Usually, Delacroix's heroes are tough but they recognize the value of their heroines early on and do everything they can to win them. I love that chivalry element. However, in this, while perhaps he develops it later on (I didn't want to read to find out), Duncan just manipulates the situation and immediately can only think of bedding her while at the same time assuming she is a useless waste of space since she is a noblewoman. What I think was supposed to be a battle of the sexes just looked like a bout of bullying--not what I've come to love about Delacroix's heroes. And Eglantine? The strong woman was still there, but even as Duncan abused her, she was still attracted to him. Ugh how I hated this. After how the woman fought against overbearing men, it seemed wildly out of character for her to be so tempted by yet another bully, especially with all that was at risk for her daughters.
Overall, not what I expected and not something I wanted to finish. I didn't believe in the romance between the leads which is my main reason for always reading romance. I think I've become pickier with time so perhaps 10 years ago I would have enjoyed this. But Delacroix has excellent work out there. For those curious about her work, start on her Champions of St Euphemia series or the Jewels of Kinfairlie...those were excellent.
May 31, 2020
I have read all the other books in the 'Brides Quest' series and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. That's part of the reason "The Countess" was such a disappointment. The writing was just as good, the storyline was interesting. The problem narrowed down to one thing - and it was a book breaker. Eglantine is written as a strong, courageous, woman of high values and the will to accomplish them. She takes charge of her family and flees to an unknown land with nothing but a deed, bravely confronting whatever challenges beset her, all for her passionate commitment to see her daughters virtue protected and their opportunity to find love and a better life for themselves. Then, less than TWO days after their arrival, she succumbs to the man who is fighting her for the land and jumps into bed with him...WHAT?!?!? What happened to her strength, her moral fiber, her example, everything we learned and have come to love about her? That is such a HUGE breach of character that it actually stops the book. Because of it, nothing can be really believable afterward. It just doesn't work.
May 28, 2018
This was a truly delightful tale about a young woman who comes into her own and then fights like a lioness to protect her daughters and see them happily married. In order to do so, she moves their entire household to a remote estate in Scotland (after her husband's death) and all but stumbles over the one man who would be her perfect match, a highland chief. I loved their chemistry, her two-year-old's tantrums, the loyalty that slowly develops between the Scots and the outsiders as well as the fact that her "evil" stepdaughter reveals herself as simply another young woman, who has been dealt a harsh fate. A wonderful story about love and loyalty, friends and family! Highly recommended!
December 14, 2015
This book is a hard 3.75stars!! Romance, highland men, an excellent story descriptive scenes that make you feel apart of the story. Duncan is amazing, hot and every women's fantasy. Eglantine (horrible name) took some getting used to. Now I commend her on putting her children first and even understand her hesitation to trust men to a point, but when Duncan proves over and over how honorable he is with not just words but action and she still didn't trust him? Let's just say she got on my nerves causing me to deduct stars. Had our h been more tolerable then this would have been solid 4/4.5 read, sadly her name and character with Duncan (not her kids she is an excellent mom) ruined that rating. Still a good read to anyone who loves some Scottish historical romance. No cliffhanger and HEA.
July 20, 2019
I love the romance! Its written in a way that you can see things happening. A light, entertaining read. Passion is very descriptive so be prepared! (I was surprised at this, not expecting it at all)
May 24, 2016
3,75 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date ecember 28, 2014
“Be mine for a year and a day and I will possess your heart forevermore!”
Driven from her late husband’s estate, Countess Eglantine de Crevy fled to wildest Scotland to claim a castle, only to find a ruin — and a clan chieftain standing guard. Kinbeath was hers, she declared, vowing to rebuild the manor and launch a bride quest so her daughters could marry for love. But Duncan MacLaren had devised a bride quest of his own, swearing to win the land — and the fiery countess — in a war of sweet seduction…
Eglantine declared she would never be captured by this barbarian. Yet Duncan awakened passions she had never known before. She promised to fight him with every weapon at her command even as he vowed to woo her for a year and a day — and make her his pagan bride.
Each thought Kinbeath the prize the most desired, a prize to be won at any price. Until passion turned to love, and the chieftain found himself fighting for the heart and hand of the woman he was born to possess.
••••••••••••••••
REVIEW: 3.75stars---THE COUNTESS is the fourth installment in Claire DeLacroix’s BRIDE QUEST historical romance series. This is Countess Eglantine De Crevy, and Scottish Clan leader Duncan MacLaren’s story line.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Eglantine and Duncan) THE COUNTESS focuses the building relationship between Countess Eglantine De Crevy-a twenty eight year old, twice widowed mother of three, and Scottish Clan chieftan Duncan MacLaren-a man who is determined to claim Eglantine as his own. Following the death of her second husband, Eglantine discovered she had been left destitute, and without any source of help but for a legal deed claiming her husband owned property in the wilds of Scotland. Fearing for her daughter’s life, betrothed to an abusive and violent man, Eglantine headed to Scotland to claim what she believed was rightfully hers. Enter Duncan MacLaren –the man who would steal her heart but not before a series of mishaps befall Eglantine’s travelling party.
The relationship between our leading couple begins acrimoniously as Eglantine claims rightful ownership of the land that Duncan claims to belong to his Clan. There back and forth rivalry consumes a good portion of the story line, as does the struggle to survive against someone who wants Eglantine gone. The $ex scenes are intimate without the use of graphic sexual language or imagery.
There is a large number of secondary and supporting characters including Eglantine’s three daughters, her large ensemble of servants, vassals and support staff. We are also introduced to Duncan’s Clan-a group of rough men who live off of the land.
THE COUNTESS is an entertaining story line; a tale about two people pushed together by circumstance who must battle one another’s strengths and weakness on a path towards their happily ever after. The premise is enlightening; the characters are colorful, animated and energetic; the romance is sensual and passionate.
Copy supplied by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date ecember 28, 2014
“Be mine for a year and a day and I will possess your heart forevermore!”
Driven from her late husband’s estate, Countess Eglantine de Crevy fled to wildest Scotland to claim a castle, only to find a ruin — and a clan chieftain standing guard. Kinbeath was hers, she declared, vowing to rebuild the manor and launch a bride quest so her daughters could marry for love. But Duncan MacLaren had devised a bride quest of his own, swearing to win the land — and the fiery countess — in a war of sweet seduction…
Eglantine declared she would never be captured by this barbarian. Yet Duncan awakened passions she had never known before. She promised to fight him with every weapon at her command even as he vowed to woo her for a year and a day — and make her his pagan bride.
Each thought Kinbeath the prize the most desired, a prize to be won at any price. Until passion turned to love, and the chieftain found himself fighting for the heart and hand of the woman he was born to possess.
••••••••••••••••
REVIEW: 3.75stars---THE COUNTESS is the fourth installment in Claire DeLacroix’s BRIDE QUEST historical romance series. This is Countess Eglantine De Crevy, and Scottish Clan leader Duncan MacLaren’s story line.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Eglantine and Duncan) THE COUNTESS focuses the building relationship between Countess Eglantine De Crevy-a twenty eight year old, twice widowed mother of three, and Scottish Clan chieftan Duncan MacLaren-a man who is determined to claim Eglantine as his own. Following the death of her second husband, Eglantine discovered she had been left destitute, and without any source of help but for a legal deed claiming her husband owned property in the wilds of Scotland. Fearing for her daughter’s life, betrothed to an abusive and violent man, Eglantine headed to Scotland to claim what she believed was rightfully hers. Enter Duncan MacLaren –the man who would steal her heart but not before a series of mishaps befall Eglantine’s travelling party.
The relationship between our leading couple begins acrimoniously as Eglantine claims rightful ownership of the land that Duncan claims to belong to his Clan. There back and forth rivalry consumes a good portion of the story line, as does the struggle to survive against someone who wants Eglantine gone. The $ex scenes are intimate without the use of graphic sexual language or imagery.
There is a large number of secondary and supporting characters including Eglantine’s three daughters, her large ensemble of servants, vassals and support staff. We are also introduced to Duncan’s Clan-a group of rough men who live off of the land.
THE COUNTESS is an entertaining story line; a tale about two people pushed together by circumstance who must battle one another’s strengths and weakness on a path towards their happily ever after. The premise is enlightening; the characters are colorful, animated and energetic; the romance is sensual and passionate.
Copy supplied by the author.
December 7, 2015
It was entertaining, but I just couldn't get into the characters. The plot lines were started, then changed out too quickly. It just didn't work for me.
The countess Engelina runs from her estate after her latest husband's death to keep her daughter from having to wed in an arranged marriage. She runs to a land deeded to her husband in Scotland that is said to be worthless. She meets Duncan, a clan chief. He falls in love, but it takes her forever to reciprocate.
Seems like it could be good, but too many other things are brought in just to tie this story to the others that it made it silly. Burke had no need to be there, or of the bitrh of the babe. It just made it look like the author was trying too hard.
The countess Engelina runs from her estate after her latest husband's death to keep her daughter from having to wed in an arranged marriage. She runs to a land deeded to her husband in Scotland that is said to be worthless. She meets Duncan, a clan chief. He falls in love, but it takes her forever to reciprocate.
Seems like it could be good, but too many other things are brought in just to tie this story to the others that it made it silly. Burke had no need to be there, or of the bitrh of the babe. It just made it look like the author was trying too hard.
September 6, 2018
Odd distracting name
Loved everything about this book except the Countess name. I like an unusual or old world name but Eglanten was just distracting to me. Each time it was in the text, it just, sort of, stopped the flow of reading. It was just an odd name.
Loved everything about this book except the Countess name. I like an unusual or old world name but Eglanten was just distracting to me. Each time it was in the text, it just, sort of, stopped the flow of reading. It was just an odd name.
July 9, 2012
A little slow and long winded. I liked the characters and the story, but I found myself skimming through parts and not missing much.
June 13, 2020
Another winner!
I don’t know how she does it, but book 4 in the bride quest series is as entrancing as the first 3, and yet, totally different! In the Countess, we have a woman of sterling character, who was promised in marriage at her birth to one of her father’s dearest friends. As he was 30 at that time, it was not a young girl’s dream come true, but at 14, she was married, and a mother at 15. Unfortunately she had a daughter, and her husband was displeased. He died choking on a chicken bone. When she tried to aid him, he refused and demanded a male servant. Too bad he didn’t get there in time. Her stepson tossed her out of the house before the funeral!
Her second husband was her own choice. Unfortunately, she didn’t choose wisely. He gave her a snow job and rushed her to the alter. No sooner did she confess that she loved him, than he began spending her money on drinking and gambling, until there was nothing left. He died of illness ignored, telling her that he had gambled away their home, which in fact wasn’t his, but granted to him by his brother-in-law to administer. He did offer her a property he gained in another riotous evening, located in Northern Ireland, but he knew nothing of it. Her daughter had been promised by her first husband to one of his cronies. She determined to escape with her household and head for Ireland, to spare her daughter what she had been through.
Perhaps you can guess some of the rest? But remember, the path of true love rarely runs smoothly!
I don’t know how she does it, but book 4 in the bride quest series is as entrancing as the first 3, and yet, totally different! In the Countess, we have a woman of sterling character, who was promised in marriage at her birth to one of her father’s dearest friends. As he was 30 at that time, it was not a young girl’s dream come true, but at 14, she was married, and a mother at 15. Unfortunately she had a daughter, and her husband was displeased. He died choking on a chicken bone. When she tried to aid him, he refused and demanded a male servant. Too bad he didn’t get there in time. Her stepson tossed her out of the house before the funeral!
Her second husband was her own choice. Unfortunately, she didn’t choose wisely. He gave her a snow job and rushed her to the alter. No sooner did she confess that she loved him, than he began spending her money on drinking and gambling, until there was nothing left. He died of illness ignored, telling her that he had gambled away their home, which in fact wasn’t his, but granted to him by his brother-in-law to administer. He did offer her a property he gained in another riotous evening, located in Northern Ireland, but he knew nothing of it. Her daughter had been promised by her first husband to one of his cronies. She determined to escape with her household and head for Ireland, to spare her daughter what she had been through.
Perhaps you can guess some of the rest? But remember, the path of true love rarely runs smoothly!
October 17, 2022
Countess Eglantine De Crevy is forced to flee her home after her husband dies and leaves her with nothing. But her husband had bethrothed their 14-yr old daughter Jacqueline to an abusive older man. She packs up her 3 daughters and travels to the Highlands of Scotland to claim the land on Kinbeath she has a deed for. When she arrives she finds the Clan MacQuarrie headed by chiefton Duncan MacLaren living on her land. Duncan and Eglantine believe they are both entitled to the land. Eglantine and Duncan agree to marry for one year and a day in a hand-fasting arrangement to determine the rightful claim. There are steamy romantic scenes as Eglantine and Duncan fight for Kinbeath. I really enjoyed this medieval historical romance novel.
September 23, 2023
“The Countess” by Claire Delacroix is the 4th book in the Bride Quest series. This story follows Countess Eglantine de Crevy as she flees her home after her husband's death. She vowed not to force her daughters into arranged marriages with men they did not love. She left with her girls and a retinue of followers to find a castle Kinbeath in the wilds of Scotland. She was surprised to find not only that the castle was in ruin but that it was also protected by the foreboding Duncan MacLaren. Duncan and his followers were not happy to have the foreigners show up and stake their claim on Kinbeath. Eglantine’s determination and strong spirit made Duncan start on a bride quest of his own to win her heart. I enjoyed the story that Claire weaves around Eglantine and Duncan.
May 28, 2019
The Countess
This was a good book about the different ways of the French and the Scottish. The way the people live and how they were treated was very well written. The families of some were better off than others but still managed to survive in the country they traveled too. This was a story of how one woman moved her family to unknown territory and kept them alive and well. She kept her daughters from being used and abused by older men and gave them a better life than she had. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
This was a good book about the different ways of the French and the Scottish. The way the people live and how they were treated was very well written. The families of some were better off than others but still managed to survive in the country they traveled too. This was a story of how one woman moved her family to unknown territory and kept them alive and well. She kept her daughters from being used and abused by older men and gave them a better life than she had. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
October 28, 2023
Eglantine (horrible name) is escaping to Scotland with her household to save her 14 yr old daughter, Jacqueline, from a horrid marriage to an old man. Duncan is protecting his land from her claim.
I liked both characters but I didn't like how Eglantine's trust issues regarding Duncan continued repeatedly throughout the book. It became redundant.
Eglantine's two year old daughter was adorable and showed how wonderful Duncan was.
I really didn't like the way characters from previous books showed up out of nowhere with an irrelevant plot-line in the middle of the book.
I liked both characters but I didn't like how Eglantine's trust issues regarding Duncan continued repeatedly throughout the book. It became redundant.
Eglantine's two year old daughter was adorable and showed how wonderful Duncan was.
I really didn't like the way characters from previous books showed up out of nowhere with an irrelevant plot-line in the middle of the book.
June 18, 2017
A wonderful historical romance story. This book will transport you back to the early settlers of Scotland, with in-depth descriptions of the beauty of the land. Great plot as Eglantine and Duncan strive apart and together to overcome adversity and learn to trust one another and their feelings while still staying true to those they care about. Packed with adventure and action from the beginning, you won't want to put this book down until you've reached the happily ever after.
February 18, 2018
Strong Heroines
This was a wonderful medieval romance that I read almost straight through. I had trouble putting it down. I literally read into the wee hours of the night. In what would have floored a weaker woman, Elginetine rallied her meager resources and headed, with her whole household, into the unknown, into distant Scotland. She was so brave. This book has a HEA. I would recommend this book to everybody.
This was a wonderful medieval romance that I read almost straight through. I had trouble putting it down. I literally read into the wee hours of the night. In what would have floored a weaker woman, Elginetine rallied her meager resources and headed, with her whole household, into the unknown, into distant Scotland. She was so brave. This book has a HEA. I would recommend this book to everybody.
February 21, 2018
Another captivating tale
The author uses language with cadence of the middle ages to create characters of modern sensibilities. The heroine has endured two bad marriages and escapes with a group of vassels to land in Scotland she thinks she owns. The land is already occupied by the hero who also has an interest in staying and the two match sits in delightful ways. The supporting characters are strong and the story moves along well, nearly tightening loose ends.
The author uses language with cadence of the middle ages to create characters of modern sensibilities. The heroine has endured two bad marriages and escapes with a group of vassels to land in Scotland she thinks she owns. The land is already occupied by the hero who also has an interest in staying and the two match sits in delightful ways. The supporting characters are strong and the story moves along well, nearly tightening loose ends.
April 22, 2018
The Countess
Another good romantic read in The Bride Quest series. The heroine is a strong character resigned to never find love but is adamant about her daughters having a choice of love. The hero is a man who shoulders responsibility for situations that were not his but has now found love and strives to prove his love to the heroine. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Another good romantic read in The Bride Quest series. The heroine is a strong character resigned to never find love but is adamant about her daughters having a choice of love. The hero is a man who shoulders responsibility for situations that were not his but has now found love and strives to prove his love to the heroine. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 27, 2018
this was probably about the 5th time I have read this book, and I have loved it every time!!! I love this series, but I think this one is probably my fav. I love all of her historical books, but this is my favorite time period. The story was great with lovable characters, her words just flow and you can picture the story in your mind with such ease. She has all the emotion and and a great HEA. I read anything with her name on it, and this is one is on my Keeper shelf.
February 6, 2018
A wonderfully written, stand alone, book. The plot and characters are well developed and entertaining. I fell in love with Duncan and Eglantine and when the book ended I wanted to read more about their lives together. You won’t want to put the book down once you start reading. Kudos on a great book.
March 12, 2018
The Countess (The Bride Quest Book 4)
The love story of Duncan and Eglantine, and Alienor and Iain. Eglantine is on the run from a very old knight who was betroth to her fourteen year old daughter. She hose to Scotland to a place want by the Scottish king and Duncan. Duncan must fight her for the land but he come up with a better plan, marry Eglantine. Great love story.
The love story of Duncan and Eglantine, and Alienor and Iain. Eglantine is on the run from a very old knight who was betroth to her fourteen year old daughter. She hose to Scotland to a place want by the Scottish king and Duncan. Duncan must fight her for the land but he come up with a better plan, marry Eglantine. Great love story.
March 29, 2018
A third chance for love...
Eglantine leaves France with only her daughters' futures in mind, but finds herself being pursued by a savage Scotsman. Duncan MacLaren never thought to be chieftain and never expected to find the love of his life. Their tale of discovery and redemption in the wilds of Scotland is a romantic adventure not to be missed.
Eglantine leaves France with only her daughters' futures in mind, but finds herself being pursued by a savage Scotsman. Duncan MacLaren never thought to be chieftain and never expected to find the love of his life. Their tale of discovery and redemption in the wilds of Scotland is a romantic adventure not to be missed.
June 5, 2020
Now THIS is a story!
I've suffered so many horrible, amateurish books lately that one that's crafted is a rarity and a joy. This has well-defined characters, conflict, danger, villains, a bitchy stepdaughter, reconciliations, and goddess be praised, an editor. Only thing I was missing was to see one more pregnancy at the end to seal the deal.
I've suffered so many horrible, amateurish books lately that one that's crafted is a rarity and a joy. This has well-defined characters, conflict, danger, villains, a bitchy stepdaughter, reconciliations, and goddess be praised, an editor. Only thing I was missing was to see one more pregnancy at the end to seal the deal.
February 10, 2021
Good
Good characters. The storyline was different and that made it enjoyable. Not too graphic sex scenes. No foul language which worked for me. The only thing that bothered me was all the ‘twas, ‘twill, etc when the author was just telling something, not when the characters were talking. That could have been cut out. It started getting annoying.
Good characters. The storyline was different and that made it enjoyable. Not too graphic sex scenes. No foul language which worked for me. The only thing that bothered me was all the ‘twas, ‘twill, etc when the author was just telling something, not when the characters were talking. That could have been cut out. It started getting annoying.
November 10, 2022
This is a thoroughly enjoyable tale, a love story that goes from enemy to lover. Eglantine is twice widowed from loveless marriages and flees with her daughters and an entourage to Scotland to save her daughter from a loveless marriage contract. They face many hardship and challenges and arrive to find her property being held by "Scottish heathens"
February 4, 2018
Trust issues
Love love love!!!! Truly an adventure of a woman whose been through the sad and misleading moments of a marriage. The heroine is a remarkable character overall and the hero in this novel is very charming indeed.
Love love love!!!! Truly an adventure of a woman whose been through the sad and misleading moments of a marriage. The heroine is a remarkable character overall and the hero in this novel is very charming indeed.
February 24, 2018
Tis a glorious story Aye to be sure, I don't think I'm going with your
As I write this review I have to say something about how you doing this.But it's a good storyline and you can't just ignore the sacrifice and fortitude of history.
As I write this review I have to say something about how you doing this.But it's a good storyline and you can't just ignore the sacrifice and fortitude of history.
March 25, 2018
A good story but too much sex detail!
I really enjoyed the tale. It was fast paced and realistic but I felt the author spoiled it with too much sexual description! I have never wanted to be in someone else's bed watching everything!
I really enjoyed the tale. It was fast paced and realistic but I felt the author spoiled it with too much sexual description! I have never wanted to be in someone else's bed watching everything!
February 17, 2019
Enthralling
The struggle that the Countess went thru was something no woman should have to endure to find the true love she deserved. Thanks, Claire Delacroix, I will be reading the next in this delightful series.
The struggle that the Countess went thru was something no woman should have to endure to find the true love she deserved. Thanks, Claire Delacroix, I will be reading the next in this delightful series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews