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The Unicorn Trilogy #1
Unicorn Bride
For generations, legend had stalked the battlements of the fortress Montslvat. And now Alienor de Perpignan found herself promised in marriage to the man at the heart of the oft-whispered tales: Dagobert, Count de Pereille. A near-mythic being rumored to be a beast by day- and more than a man by night!
That Alienor was his true-destined bride, Dagoert de Pereille had no doubt. Indeed, with her exotic beauty and blade−bright spirit, she could be none other. But could he who bore the mark− and the curse− of ancient kings ever trust her enough to open his heart?
That Alienor was his true-destined bride, Dagoert de Pereille had no doubt. Indeed, with her exotic beauty and blade−bright spirit, she could be none other. But could he who bore the mark− and the curse− of ancient kings ever trust her enough to open his heart?
379 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
34 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Claire Delacroix
123 books519 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:
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
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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 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 19, 2019
The Unicorn Bride is a tale full of fanciful imaginations designed to keep you guessing. As the reader, you are kept in the dark along with Alienor, the unwitting bride. Her pre-arranged marriage has her wed to a “unicorn”, but we do not know why. As the plot blossoms and events unfold, we learn the secrets to this extraordinary match. I felt her bewilderment, her awe and her irritation. I just could not put it down, I had to know what the heck was going on! The characters are well developed and relatable. This is one of Claire’s earlier books, so it lacks a little of the magic that she has developed over the years. But it was still a delight to read. 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.
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November 18, 2024I don’t even know what to say.
November 3, 2019
I don't think I've ever read anything like this book before. I am a huge fan of Deb Cooke so I was delighted to be able to read this one. It's definitely medieval and quite mysterious. I kept reading to find the answers to the mysteries set out in this intriguing story. I'm glad it is the start of a trilogy. I will be ready to read more.
The hero is a man by night and a unicorn by day as he's cursed. That's what we're told. The question is why. Count de Pereille, Dagobert is the last of a line of ancient kings. His quest is to take is rightful place on the throne. He's protecting his keep and people by pretending to be a cursed changeling so the king doesn't look too hard at his secret plottings with allies. Alienor Perpignan is the foster child of Guibert and mercenary who was handed the babe during a battle as her mother was killed. He was tired of the wholesale slaughter and quit to raise her. He's been piecing together ever since who she is. Alienor finds herself married to a goat with one horn that everyone insists is a unicorn, and that it's Dagobert by day. She doesn't believe until he visits that night all man. I find I was just as confused as Alienor through much of the book. I, at times wanted to shake both Alienor because she wasn't voicing her thoughts and Dagobert for his lack of trust. Life could have been so much better for both of them if they just said what they were thinking to each other instead of making assumptions and continuing on! Because I trusted Deb I continued reading as I had to see how she would end this tale with a HEA. We get a surprise at the end that was hinted at in the beginning of the story that made so much of the book make sense. I can't wait to find the outcome of their exile to the east.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The hero is a man by night and a unicorn by day as he's cursed. That's what we're told. The question is why. Count de Pereille, Dagobert is the last of a line of ancient kings. His quest is to take is rightful place on the throne. He's protecting his keep and people by pretending to be a cursed changeling so the king doesn't look too hard at his secret plottings with allies. Alienor Perpignan is the foster child of Guibert and mercenary who was handed the babe during a battle as her mother was killed. He was tired of the wholesale slaughter and quit to raise her. He's been piecing together ever since who she is. Alienor finds herself married to a goat with one horn that everyone insists is a unicorn, and that it's Dagobert by day. She doesn't believe until he visits that night all man. I find I was just as confused as Alienor through much of the book. I, at times wanted to shake both Alienor because she wasn't voicing her thoughts and Dagobert for his lack of trust. Life could have been so much better for both of them if they just said what they were thinking to each other instead of making assumptions and continuing on! Because I trusted Deb I continued reading as I had to see how she would end this tale with a HEA. We get a surprise at the end that was hinted at in the beginning of the story that made so much of the book make sense. I can't wait to find the outcome of their exile to the east.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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June 27, 2012Unicorn + unpronounceable names = bad idea
August 21, 2019
THIS WAS QUITE LOVELY, THOUGH SLIGHTLY HEAVY ON POLITICS...THE CHARACTERS WERE NOTHING LIKE BODICE RIPPERS H/h
HERO started out his marriage to his wife with a mythical lie, having her believe that he was a shape shifting goat who changes into a man at night. Passion wasn't their problem. Disguised as Alaric, by night he loves his wife and by day he is a simple man who befriends her. What they lacked was trust and communication. Though it made for an eventful writing. Sworn on the field by his father to carry on the family legacy of taking back what was rightfully theirs, D is considered a traitor of the Kingdom and frankly I skimmed a little on all the dry parts. Know that he's a dead man walking and he's always regretful of not being able to provide or be better for the woman he loves. He goes in with open eyes, knowing that his duty will eventually get him killed. So it's either love or duty for this man.
HEROINE was forced to wed a man promised to her since they were children. Most times the hero believed her to be smart but she truly fell for his trickery. Despite being married to a stranger, she accepted him in the marriage bed easily and was a faithful, loyal wife despite harbouring feelings for Alaric who also happen to her own husband. She's a strong person who was willing to fight and stand by her husband and also protective of the people she loves.
OVERALL while it wasn't special SPECIAL..it was also enjoyable although I can't say I'm extremely fond of all the dry stuff.
HERO started out his marriage to his wife with a mythical lie, having her believe that he was a shape shifting goat who changes into a man at night. Passion wasn't their problem. Disguised as Alaric, by night he loves his wife and by day he is a simple man who befriends her. What they lacked was trust and communication. Though it made for an eventful writing. Sworn on the field by his father to carry on the family legacy of taking back what was rightfully theirs, D is considered a traitor of the Kingdom and frankly I skimmed a little on all the dry parts. Know that he's a dead man walking and he's always regretful of not being able to provide or be better for the woman he loves. He goes in with open eyes, knowing that his duty will eventually get him killed. So it's either love or duty for this man.
HEROINE was forced to wed a man promised to her since they were children. Most times the hero believed her to be smart but she truly fell for his trickery. Despite being married to a stranger, she accepted him in the marriage bed easily and was a faithful, loyal wife despite harbouring feelings for Alaric who also happen to her own husband. She's a strong person who was willing to fight and stand by her husband and also protective of the people she loves.
OVERALL while it wasn't special SPECIAL..it was also enjoyable although I can't say I'm extremely fond of all the dry stuff.
June 1, 2020
I have had much cause to rue my OCD for finishing stories today.
Maybe it's because this book was written for a different generation, but.... I genuinely hated it. I did read the revised version though... so go figure.
Read this book if you're into a 'heroine' who is lied to, made a laughing stock, and is a regular doormat (the only time she did speak her mind, her mother-in-law was quick to tell the 'hero' it was pregnancy hormones). And a 'hero' who is, quite possibly, the worst husband I have ever read. Pile on interfering, poisoning tongues galore, a cult, plus a near rape because of the 'hero's' epic stupidity, and there you have it! A real winner (note the *heavy* sarcasm). I really wanted to throw something.
The only good thing I have to say about this book (yes, I'm surprised too :)), was that the hero actually showed a measure of backbone and assisted during the birth of their child. Seriously... the ONLY good thing. One star for that.
Maybe it's because this book was written for a different generation, but.... I genuinely hated it. I did read the revised version though... so go figure.
Read this book if you're into a 'heroine' who is lied to, made a laughing stock, and is a regular doormat (the only time she did speak her mind, her mother-in-law was quick to tell the 'hero' it was pregnancy hormones). And a 'hero' who is, quite possibly, the worst husband I have ever read. Pile on interfering, poisoning tongues galore, a cult, plus a near rape because of the 'hero's' epic stupidity, and there you have it! A real winner (note the *heavy* sarcasm). I really wanted to throw something.
The only good thing I have to say about this book (yes, I'm surprised too :)), was that the hero actually showed a measure of backbone and assisted during the birth of their child. Seriously... the ONLY good thing. One star for that.
August 7, 2021
Dal titolo sembrerebbe un romanzo fantasy invece non c'è alcuna magia.
La trama è quasi tutta incentrata sul complotto e dunque per me, la storia d'amore é troppo poco spazio dominato invece da fughe, intrighi e misteri.
Nonostante il risvolto avventuroso la narrazione mi è sembrata piatta e poco coinvolgente tanto è vero che ho fatto una gran fatica a finirlo.
E' anche vero che non manca qualche colpo di scena e un finale molto diverso rispetto a quelli a cui sono abituata ma nonostante questo non posso promuoverlo.
Per quel che riguarda i personaggi non mi hanno colpito particolarmente.
La trama è quasi tutta incentrata sul complotto e dunque per me, la storia d'amore é troppo poco spazio dominato invece da fughe, intrighi e misteri.
Nonostante il risvolto avventuroso la narrazione mi è sembrata piatta e poco coinvolgente tanto è vero che ho fatto una gran fatica a finirlo.
E' anche vero che non manca qualche colpo di scena e un finale molto diverso rispetto a quelli a cui sono abituata ma nonostante questo non posso promuoverlo.
Per quel che riguarda i personaggi non mi hanno colpito particolarmente.
June 29, 2020
Just okay
This book was a bit unexpected after reading and completely enjoying some of the author's other medieval stories, I was a little lost in this one. The characters were interesting and the story was good. For me the book felt off, I and I had a hard time really connecting with story. I might check out the next book just to see what the rest of this trilogy brings to the table.
This book was a bit unexpected after reading and completely enjoying some of the author's other medieval stories, I was a little lost in this one. The characters were interesting and the story was good. For me the book felt off, I and I had a hard time really connecting with story. I might check out the next book just to see what the rest of this trilogy brings to the table.
May 23, 2023
A romance with a leason.
A lot of the romances I read have a rocky start to them, but this was an interesting read. Considering the time period, the superstition was not unusual, but the deception was not a good start. This story gave a good example of how important communication & trust is in a relationship & not until that was achieved, did the lovers find happiness in their life together.
A lot of the romances I read have a rocky start to them, but this was an interesting read. Considering the time period, the superstition was not unusual, but the deception was not a good start. This story gave a good example of how important communication & trust is in a relationship & not until that was achieved, did the lovers find happiness in their life together.
June 12, 2025
This okay, but far from my favorite by this author.
Started off with a bang, but the lack of communication from the MMC was frustrating. He just wasn't great in general. Definitly had some exoticification of the MFC (I think her ancestry is from the Caucus region) as the book takes place in medieval France.
The "unicorn" part of it was ridiculous, but in-line with the antics of historicals from the 80s/90s.
Started off with a bang, but the lack of communication from the MMC was frustrating. He just wasn't great in general. Definitly had some exoticification of the MFC (I think her ancestry is from the Caucus region) as the book takes place in medieval France.
The "unicorn" part of it was ridiculous, but in-line with the antics of historicals from the 80s/90s.
August 24, 2019
A fantastic tale fraught with acts of chivalry, secrecy, betrayal and of course romance. The interesting premise and the history of these peoples are very slowly revealed as the heroine’s experiences occur. The reader is kept a bit in the dark, which makes for an intriguing read. This tale has many twists and turns and the ending was not what I had imagined.
August 16, 2019
A unique storyline unlike anything I've read before. I have to admit at times I was a little confused and frustrated with the characters thinking, not communicating but overall the romance and story was well worth the read.
August 21, 2019
This was a very well-written, entertaining medieval romance. Alienor and Dagobert are matched in an arranged marriage. Once wed, they have to learn to trust each other, but there are many secrets surrounding them. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.
August 14, 2019
This was a unique twist on a medieval tale. With rumors swirling that the mysterious lord of Montsalvat was a beast by day and a man by night, what was Alienor supposed to do when she found herself promised to marry the man? In order to fulfill an ancient heritage and keep the line of royal succession going, Alienor and Dagobert were betrothed even before her birth. It doesn't help matters that everyone at the ceremony seems to be in on some secret except for her. How can this marriage hope to succeed when there is so much deception?
And that's what keeps the story going. Even when the major secrets are revealed, Dagobert and Alienor fail to confide in and trust each other, so of course, misunderstandings abound. While they feel great passion for one another, they aren't sure it can ever be real love. I did like the love story, but I'm always in favor of telling the truth sooner!
There is a bit of bloody sword-fighting and genocide going on, so the themes can get serious at times. It was interesting learning about the persecution of the Cathars at this time in history. There is also adventure and intrigue as the story shifts to Paris and back again.
I enjoyed this tale. It moved along at a good pace, the romance was satisfying, and the secrets and intrigue kept me reading to find out more.
And that's what keeps the story going. Even when the major secrets are revealed, Dagobert and Alienor fail to confide in and trust each other, so of course, misunderstandings abound. While they feel great passion for one another, they aren't sure it can ever be real love. I did like the love story, but I'm always in favor of telling the truth sooner!
There is a bit of bloody sword-fighting and genocide going on, so the themes can get serious at times. It was interesting learning about the persecution of the Cathars at this time in history. There is also adventure and intrigue as the story shifts to Paris and back again.
I enjoyed this tale. It moved along at a good pace, the romance was satisfying, and the secrets and intrigue kept me reading to find out more.
August 20, 2019
Unicorn Bride is the first in the Unicorn Trilogy series by Claire Delacroix. The series was originally released in the 90's so this is not a new book, but it is the first time it has been released in ebook. The author has edited this version prior to re-release but she has stated that the story itself has not changed much. I have not read the original edition, so I can't make any comparisons there.
Unicorn Bride is my first Claire Delacroix book, although I have a bunch on my ereader, and I have also read some of her work by her alter ego, Deborah Cooke.
I thought Unicorn Bride was the perfect introduction to the historical world of Claire Delacroix, and it makes me wonder what has taken me so long to read her! The story had a bit of a fairy tale quality to it, that I enjoyed. It's full of action, romance, and intrigue, which begins on the very first page and doesn't really stop until the end. There were times when I was unsure how the author was ever going to pull of a happy ending, but somehow she managed it without abandoning all reason. I was so invested in the characters, and their story, that I found myself unable to put the book down until I finished. I am very much looking forward to reading more by this author, and hope that she re-releases the next book in the series in ebook, or that I can find an old copy of the original.
Unicorn Bride is my first Claire Delacroix book, although I have a bunch on my ereader, and I have also read some of her work by her alter ego, Deborah Cooke.
I thought Unicorn Bride was the perfect introduction to the historical world of Claire Delacroix, and it makes me wonder what has taken me so long to read her! The story had a bit of a fairy tale quality to it, that I enjoyed. It's full of action, romance, and intrigue, which begins on the very first page and doesn't really stop until the end. There were times when I was unsure how the author was ever going to pull of a happy ending, but somehow she managed it without abandoning all reason. I was so invested in the characters, and their story, that I found myself unable to put the book down until I finished. I am very much looking forward to reading more by this author, and hope that she re-releases the next book in the series in ebook, or that I can find an old copy of the original.
August 21, 2019
Alienor de Perpignan is betrothed by her adopted father to a mysterious man who she will meet for the first time on her wedding day. The legends of Montsalvat which whisper of Dagobert, Count de Pereille, as a purported man/beast, don’t begin to prepare her for her horrifying nuptials nor for her blissful nuptial night. The duality of her husband is only the beginning of the terror that stalks this couple, but as problems beset them, they begin to appreciate and trust one another, ultimately forming an unbeatable team which triumphs over the evil that threatens them. As always in Ms. Delacroix’s books, the story is told in language and sentence structure which, though easily read and relatable, gives a feel for the time the story is set in. Not many authors can accomplish this so beautifully (how many times do you find modern language or idioms sneaking into “historical” romances?). This story has it all, secrets, pledges, deception, betrayal, misunderstanding, trust, political intrigue, a unicorn (!), and finally, love. I highly recommend! 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 3, 2019
Not bad
But not as good as her later books. I liked the setting and time period, even the hero and heroine. But man, I thought they’d NEVER talk things out. It was almost painful. The ending was a bit of a surprise but still satisfying. I might read the next book about Thierry when it comes out. But if this is your first Claire Delacroix book, definitely check out the more recently written books. They’re wonderful.
But not as good as her later books. I liked the setting and time period, even the hero and heroine. But man, I thought they’d NEVER talk things out. It was almost painful. The ending was a bit of a surprise but still satisfying. I might read the next book about Thierry when it comes out. But if this is your first Claire Delacroix book, definitely check out the more recently written books. They’re wonderful.
August 25, 2019
Another winner
Claire Delacroix always delivers. This is a straight up historical novel, about a bridegroom who conceals a few facts from a wife and a wife who has a few secrets of her own. The setting is medieval France, during the Cather heresy. There is a excitement adventure and romance all told with classic sympathy and distinctive voice. A lovely story
Claire Delacroix always delivers. This is a straight up historical novel, about a bridegroom who conceals a few facts from a wife and a wife who has a few secrets of her own. The setting is medieval France, during the Cather heresy. There is a excitement adventure and romance all told with classic sympathy and distinctive voice. A lovely story
September 1, 2019
Great read!
I thought the Unicorn Bride had everything I love in a book. Romance, suspense and humor. I am extremely happy and excited that this is to be an trilogy! A person just can not go wrong in reading the stories by Claire Delacroix.
I thought the Unicorn Bride had everything I love in a book. Romance, suspense and humor. I am extremely happy and excited that this is to be an trilogy! A person just can not go wrong in reading the stories by Claire Delacroix.
October 28, 2012
I love her romances.
Want to read
April 25, 2013I want to read this SO BADLY
Read
April 8, 2016Frankly, I don't know whether to give this one star or five.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews