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Bride Quest #3
The Heiress
No woman can resist the charms of Rowan de Montvieux. But the dashing rogue is in no hurry to marry—until his family dares him to find a bride…or risk losing his inheritance. So Rowan sets out on a Bride Quest, vowing to wed only The Heiress.
But his journey is interrupted when a slave merchant offers to sell him a ragged peasant girl who carries herself like a queen. Intrigued and never imagining she is the sought-after Bronwyn of Ballyroyal, an heiress in disguise, Rowan buys her, offering her his protection if she will lead him to the bride he seeks.
Never has he met a woman so proud, so beautiful, so defiant. He suspects she is no commoner and vows to uncover her secrets and melt her fiery resolve. But the perilous voyage to Ireland kindles passions that risk both their lives, as the slave girl who would not be mastered slowly takes possession of his wary heart.
But his journey is interrupted when a slave merchant offers to sell him a ragged peasant girl who carries herself like a queen. Intrigued and never imagining she is the sought-after Bronwyn of Ballyroyal, an heiress in disguise, Rowan buys her, offering her his protection if she will lead him to the bride he seeks.
Never has he met a woman so proud, so beautiful, so defiant. He suspects she is no commoner and vows to uncover her secrets and melt her fiery resolve. But the perilous voyage to Ireland kindles passions that risk both their lives, as the slave girl who would not be mastered slowly takes possession of his wary heart.
Unknown Binding
First published September 7, 1999
74 people are currently reading
363 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:
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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
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 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 23, 2022
I love almost everything Claire Delacroix writes, but this story did not work for me, entirely due to the heroine. I thought the mystery of the heiress, the revenge plots, the witty hero with sea sickness and a bawdy squire were all amazing ingredients for a story. But the heroine. Wow was she impulsive, stupid, and self-centered. She made so many poor choices and acted holier than thou so often in the first 150 pages I just didn't care what happened to her. Thus, I DNF it. This is a rarity--please check out Delacroix's other books. Her latest series beginning with The Wolf and the Witch is outstanding.
October 29, 2017
After both his half brothers are now wed and happy, Rowan takes their dare in the heat of the moment. Not realizing the true consequences that it will entail. To find the riches bride he can in Ireland.
For the journey he must undertake will be by boat, which he doesn't handle well, and then by having this heiress fall in love with him under his terms. His foster mother, Lady Margaux of Montvieux, has decreed that if Rowan does not bring a bride, a rich one, to Montvieux by Yule then he will be disinherited.
Rowan was not one to refuse a dare. Only didn't count on the bride he found being a stubborn, willful, feisty woman of his unknown dreams. For that was Bronwyns of Ballyroyal. The, so called, richest heiress in Ireland.
Rowan is tricked into buying a "slave" names Ibernia who stands tall and regal. As they make their way to Dublin to Bronwyn, Rowan makes deals with Ibernia due to her wanting her own way.
She understands more than she wants to let on and conveniences Rowan to take a ship with Venetian pirates. Ibernia pits Baldassare di Vilonte against Rowan so that she can get home as soon as possible. Once underway to Dublin, Ibernia finds that she is on a slave ship. Now she tricks Rowan into winning the release of all the slaves.
Baldassare is a merciless merchant that wants money and prestige more than anything besides his revenge against the one man that ended his father and left him for dead.
Now Baldassare has a plan to get Ibernia to talk about people in Ireland and see if maybe she knows where he might find his enemy, Niccolo the Falcon for his ability to find great deals on various items for trade and make a fortune.
Ibernia, Brownwyn wanted to protect her father as she knew that is who Baldassare was searching for. As things heat up on board ship with Rowan Ibernia also plays to Baldassare to get more information as to what he wants to do with her father and how much of a danger Baldassare really is.
The Book is full of twists and turns with the character that will have you reading to see if Rowan will claim his reward or will Bronwyn win her freedom and Rowan the way she wants them. Will Baldassare seek his revenge or will Bronwyn stop him first.
To tell you more will only give you spoilers. For this book is so exciting and a thrill to read. You will just fall in love with Rowan and cheer for the small wins Bronwyn gets.
For the journey he must undertake will be by boat, which he doesn't handle well, and then by having this heiress fall in love with him under his terms. His foster mother, Lady Margaux of Montvieux, has decreed that if Rowan does not bring a bride, a rich one, to Montvieux by Yule then he will be disinherited.
Rowan was not one to refuse a dare. Only didn't count on the bride he found being a stubborn, willful, feisty woman of his unknown dreams. For that was Bronwyns of Ballyroyal. The, so called, richest heiress in Ireland.
Rowan is tricked into buying a "slave" names Ibernia who stands tall and regal. As they make their way to Dublin to Bronwyn, Rowan makes deals with Ibernia due to her wanting her own way.
She understands more than she wants to let on and conveniences Rowan to take a ship with Venetian pirates. Ibernia pits Baldassare di Vilonte against Rowan so that she can get home as soon as possible. Once underway to Dublin, Ibernia finds that she is on a slave ship. Now she tricks Rowan into winning the release of all the slaves.
Baldassare is a merciless merchant that wants money and prestige more than anything besides his revenge against the one man that ended his father and left him for dead.
Now Baldassare has a plan to get Ibernia to talk about people in Ireland and see if maybe she knows where he might find his enemy, Niccolo the Falcon for his ability to find great deals on various items for trade and make a fortune.
Ibernia, Brownwyn wanted to protect her father as she knew that is who Baldassare was searching for. As things heat up on board ship with Rowan Ibernia also plays to Baldassare to get more information as to what he wants to do with her father and how much of a danger Baldassare really is.
The Book is full of twists and turns with the character that will have you reading to see if Rowan will claim his reward or will Bronwyn win her freedom and Rowan the way she wants them. Will Baldassare seek his revenge or will Bronwyn stop him first.
To tell you more will only give you spoilers. For this book is so exciting and a thrill to read. You will just fall in love with Rowan and cheer for the small wins Bronwyn gets.
October 30, 2017
Rowan de Montvieux agrees to go on a bride quest or risk losing his inheritance. He knows no woman can resist his charms and set out to wed an heiress. On his way to Ireland to find an Irish heiress he becomes intrigued when a slave merchant offers to sell him a ragged peasant girl who carries herself like a queen. Little does he know Ibernia is actually Bronwyn of Ballyroyal, an heiress in disguise trying to get home. Rowman thinks to sample her charms as she leads him to the he heiress he seeks. Ibernia’s drawn to his roguish charm she comes to know the real Rowan as she leads him to the heiress he seeks in Ireland, one Bronwyn of Ballyroyal. What a captivating story of adventure as they lock horns and engage in battle, sizzling passion and desire follow them every step in their journey.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
October 22, 2017
This was a well-written, excellent historical romance. This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is part of a series (The Bride Quest) with related characters. Rowan de Montvieux agrees to go on a bride quest or risk losing his inheritance. On his journey he encounters a peasant being sold by a slave merchant, and intrigues by the mystery he senses, he agrees to take her along in exchange for her help locating the bride he seeks. She is actually Bronwyn of Ballyroyal, an heiress in disguise, and during the journey she comes to know Rowan for the man he really is. I loved this book and can't wait to read more books in this series as well as others by this author. I received a copy of this book with no expectation of a review. I have voluntarily posted a review consisting of my honest opinions.
June 15, 2018
After watching his brothers fall to wedded bliss, Rowan is determined not to be so easily led by a woman. Until his brothers challenge him with his own Bride Quest. Never one to back down from a challenge, Rowan heads off to find his heiress or risk losing his own inheritance.
Ah, but he's distracted in that pursuit by a lovely peasant girl who just might be more than she seems. These two are so perfectly-matched that their steamy chemistry is only surpassed by their snarky verbal repartee.
Rowan has quite the adventure on the way to his beloved, one filled with action, suspense, and lots and lots of sizzling romance. The story encompasses family feuds, clan politics, international travel, just about everything a reader could want in a medieval romance. Each part works beautifully together to take the reader on an amazing journey that won't soon be forgotten.
Ah, but he's distracted in that pursuit by a lovely peasant girl who just might be more than she seems. These two are so perfectly-matched that their steamy chemistry is only surpassed by their snarky verbal repartee.
Rowan has quite the adventure on the way to his beloved, one filled with action, suspense, and lots and lots of sizzling romance. The story encompasses family feuds, clan politics, international travel, just about everything a reader could want in a medieval romance. Each part works beautifully together to take the reader on an amazing journey that won't soon be forgotten.
August 5, 2023
The Heiress by Claire Delacroix is a fairy tale of sorts involving a bride quest. The last of Gavin Fitzgerald’s sons set out on a search for a bride. His two brothers have challenged him to marry the most wealthy woman in Ireland. He set off to track down Bronwyn of Ballyroyal to woo her into being his wife. He was interested in a wife who would provide a life of leisure for him. He was waylaid in the port and ran into a woman who needed his assistance. She carried herself regally even tho he saved her from being a slave. She said her name was Iberna but he knew that to be a lie. She forced him into securing a ship captained by what they would later learn was a madman. During their trip to Ireland, they became closer and even lovers but she was not inclined to tell him who she really was. This is a great story of survival, disguise, and enemies to lovers.
October 25, 2017
This is an entertaining and amusing story. Rowan is an carefree guy trying to win a dare. Ibernia is a strong survivor trying to get home. They lock horns and engage in battle from the minute they meet. Rowan thinks to have her and then marry Bronwyn, but Ibernia wants nothing to do with him. They have a very drama filled adventure on their way to see Bronwyn. The storyline is engrossing and suspenseful and the characters are captivating.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
October 10, 2019
Risky but it works
I thought it a nice change of pace that the heroine wasn't a virginal maid but it was risky because she had been raped. I'm not sure the following seduction could really have been achieved but as this is fiction I was prepared to move past it. The rest of the book was excellent, lots of exciting happenings and suprises. I've read 18 of this authors books in 40 days and I can say this was among the best
I thought it a nice change of pace that the heroine wasn't a virginal maid but it was risky because she had been raped. I'm not sure the following seduction could really have been achieved but as this is fiction I was prepared to move past it. The rest of the book was excellent, lots of exciting happenings and suprises. I've read 18 of this authors books in 40 days and I can say this was among the best
September 7, 2021
Another highly enjoyable story in this series. I really like Rowan as a character. His self-confidence is brilliant and is at the centre of who he is. There are several funny episodes in this story: when Bronwyn eats without manners, when Troubadour is found and when Rowan and Bronwyn share the bath! You can’t help but smile and chuckle! Again this story has several layers and it is especially nice to see a different side to Gavin and Margeux. The story is complex and interesting.
October 23, 2017
The author has a talent for not only telling a tale, but also drawing you into it. Her writing sets the tone and the descriptions bring the period into focus. The story is engaging and exciting with twists and turns aplenty to keep you turning the pages. This was maybe my favorite of the Bride Quest series!
November 13, 2017
Another delightful tale from Claire Delacroix's medieval world about the third Fitzgavin son, Rowan. A merry knight with troubadour leanings and no stomach for the high seas meets his love match in a feisty merchant's daughter. An adventure to enjoy.
I have voluntarily posted a review consisting of my honest opinions.
I have voluntarily posted a review consisting of my honest opinions.
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.
July 9, 2018
A little slow to start, tear jerker at end. Enjoyed it.
July 31, 2019
I loved this book!
I loved this book. I just couldn't put it down. I read well past my bedtime. Anyone who loves a good Highlander book would love tis book.
I loved this book. I just couldn't put it down. I read well past my bedtime. Anyone who loves a good Highlander book would love tis book.
June 8, 2020
Adult fairytale
Good character development. Language used is true to time period. Plot twists you don’t see coming. Romantic, sexy and love wins.
Good character development. Language used is true to time period. Plot twists you don’t see coming. Romantic, sexy and love wins.
March 27, 2022
Very satisfying
I love a happy ending. After all the struggle and strife it's so satisfying to see the bad guys vanquished and the hero and heroine joining forces for good.
I love a happy ending. After all the struggle and strife it's so satisfying to see the bad guys vanquished and the hero and heroine joining forces for good.
April 21, 2022
This was a fun read! Take a Knight on a bride quest who has women swooning over him, add in a slave girl who trusts no one and watch the battle begin! What an adventure!
April 21, 2022
Loved It
February 6, 2024
Buy them aii
Have read the first three books. Very hard to put down. Claire Del across rites enthralling romances. I love her work and on to the rest of the stories.
Have read the first three books. Very hard to put down. Claire Del across rites enthralling romances. I love her work and on to the rest of the stories.
January 18, 2023
4.5⭐️
This was a good and cute historical romance and I really enjoyed it. Especially the characters
This was a good and cute historical romance and I really enjoyed it. Especially the characters
October 19, 2017
Youngest son Rowan wants nothing to do with responsibilities, preferring to live the life of a carefree rogue, enjoying the favors of women and the occasional wager. When his brothers dare him to find a bride (as they have recently done) he not only takes the wager, but increases the difficulty by declaring he will marry the wealthiest heiress in all of Ireland. When on his way he comes across a beautiful slave in the custody of a truly cruel and despicable trader, he can't help but purchase her. So begins the battle of wills and wagers between "Ibernia" and Rowan, as he tries to both escort her to safety and win his brother's wager. The puzzle of Ibernia is one Rowan is determined to solve while Ibernia is equally intent on keeping her own secrets, having run away from an unsatisfactory betrothal. In the end neither of them gets what they wanted, but everything they desire. As always, Ms. Delacroix writes in a style that is at home in the time period, with beautiful prose, totally believable dialog and an unexpected resolution. I highly recommend this book, along with the first two books of The Bride Quest series, "The Princess" and "The Damsel." Though all are standalone novels, you will definitely want to read them all, they are just that good! A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review, (though I had already purchased my own copy!).
October 23, 2017
The Heiress was wildly, entertaining as the two main characters matched wits in a world of secrets and impulsive schemes. Ibernia runs away from home to avoid an arranged marriage to only be enslaved and sold to knight Rowan of Montvieux. Rowan is on a bride quest to marry the wealthiest heiress in Ireland but cannot help but to be drawn to the strong willed young lady he has freed from bondage. Not believing in love or any responsibilities, Rowan seeks marriage only to please his stepmother and best his half brothers. Ibernia holds her identity close to her vest as she falls for Rowan all the while pledging he will never win her hand or the heiress's that he seeks. Contrary and apt to cause more problems than she solves, Ibernia is strong willed and stubborn as she fights for a chance at love and freewill. Danger, and old enemies keep the couple on their toes as they must battle for their HEA. I found the plot and dialogue engaging and highly amusing for another great read from this author. My voluntary and unbiased review is based upon a review copy.
October 30, 2008
Rowan de Montvieux has accepted an impossible dare from his brothers--he must wed the wealthiest heiress in Ireland, and his mother has threatened to disown him if he fails to return to Montvieux without a bride. On his way to Ireland, a slave merchant offers to sell him a peasant girl. Rowan is more honorable than he pretends and hates to see the girl in such circumstances. After buying her he vows that his roguish charm will allow him to sample her passion, even as she leads him to the heiress he seeks, one Bronwyn of Ballyroyal.
Rowan is my favorite Fitzgavin brother, due to his carefree manner and charming attitude. His brothers are far too serious, so Rowan brings a certain enjoyment to his tale.
Rowan is my favorite Fitzgavin brother, due to his carefree manner and charming attitude. His brothers are far too serious, so Rowan brings a certain enjoyment to his tale.
October 25, 2017
Rowan de Montvieux is a happy go lucky Knight who will do anything for a dare. That is how he has ended up looking for the wealthiest heiress in Ireland to be his bride. His brothers have sent him on a bride quest. He is very confident that with his considerable charm, he will have no problem.
Bronwyn of Ballyroyal made a very bad decision a few months ago, that ended with her as a slave. Now she has half a chance to get home, if she can fool the handsome Knight who bought her into taking her.
This is a marvellously funny and entertaining adventure. There is a nasty villain that will make the voyage dangerous and some very emotional moments.
This is part of a very good series. I have read all of them so far, but you can easily read this on it's own.
I loved it.
Bronwyn of Ballyroyal made a very bad decision a few months ago, that ended with her as a slave. Now she has half a chance to get home, if she can fool the handsome Knight who bought her into taking her.
This is a marvellously funny and entertaining adventure. There is a nasty villain that will make the voyage dangerous and some very emotional moments.
This is part of a very good series. I have read all of them so far, but you can easily read this on it's own.
I loved it.
October 27, 2007
Part of the Bride Quest series, Rowan has taken his brothers' challenge and set off for Ireland to find an heiress. First, he stops in London, and just wants to sleep, but he encounters a slave for sale that he can't resist! She is dressed like a slave, and is restrained, but her eyes tell a different story, along with the way she holds herself. Rowan purchases her, only to discover that she is from Ireland and can aid him on his quest. Ibernia, the name she gives her new owner, is not what she seems. She is in fact a wealthy heiress, but she just wants to get home.
October 25, 2017
Third book of this series, yet it can be a standalone. To really understand Rowans father and brothers it is worth reading the previous books. Well worth the while to read, this book has a little of everything. Adventure, mystery, romance, intrigue all with likable characters to enjoy the ride with. Best, it ends with multiple happy endings for many characters. 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.
November 6, 2017
Another delightful tale from Claire Delacroix's medieval world about the third Fitzgavin son, Rowan. A merry knight with troubadour leanings and no stomach for the high seas meets his love match in a feisty merchant's daughter. An adventure to enjoy.
I have voluntarily posted a review consisting of my honest opinions.
I have voluntarily posted a review consisting of my honest opinions.
March 17, 2024
This was probably the first in this series where I found both hero and heroine to be to stupid for my liking.
This is also the one I remember the least of. The writing is the same as in the first two in the series.
I'll leave you with the fact that sea sickness was a minor plotline.
Onwards to the next one.
This is also the one I remember the least of. The writing is the same as in the first two in the series.
I'll leave you with the fact that sea sickness was a minor plotline.
Onwards to the next one.
July 26, 2009
Two brothers dare their younger brother to go to Ireland and marry a Heiress. On the way he meets a slave merchant who offers him a slave who holds her self like a queen. As he travels he begin to wonder if love is possible.
December 29, 2013
"The Heiress" was kind of an interesting premise that never really developed. Honestly, I didn't really like the main characters and the plot was plodding and quite predictable. I would not recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews