The Warrior

The Rogues of Ravensmuir #3

by Claire Delacroix

Dear Reader—

Alluring and dangerous, the Hawk of Inverfyre came to rest at my father’s house, his motives unknown. His seduction was breathtaking. I resisted him, this enigmatic warrior, but his kiss transported me to a time and place where his relentless pursuit and my passionate surrender made perfect sense.

’Twas then I erred. My defenses harried, I was tricked into marriage by the Hawk and taken by force to his lawless castle. I have vowed to flee: The grounds abound with rogues and whores, and the servants whisper of murdered wives. And yet, his dizzying touch hints that we have lived here before – he as the castle’s intrepid founder and I as his betrayed lover.

Am I the bride who will break the spell of Inverfyre? Or have I been captured by a scheming sorcerer, only to be ravished and discarded like so many before?

—Lady Aileen of Abernye

“Delacroix’s satisfying tale leaves the reader hungry for the next offering.”—Booklist

“Gripping, entertaining and unforgettable… a wonderfully complex Scottish romance!—Bookloons

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Medieval, Historical, Fantasy, Medieval Romance

Unknown Binding

First published March 1, 2004

About the author

New 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

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:
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Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Rogues of Ravensmuir takes place 18 years after the first two books, and focuses on Gawain and Evangeline's son, Michael, known as Hawk. Hawk returned to Inverfyre to reclaim his mother's lands and waged war for 18 years. On his arrival he meets Adaira, the old hag who aided Evangeline. There is a lot of history between the souls of Adaira and Hawk. Adaira dies in his arms and 18 years later he still can't forget her words or the visions she shared with him. When he lays eyes on Aileen, his soul recognizes her for who she truly is, his soul mate and Adiara reborn (also Anne, and every other reincarnation that she has taken since their love began). Without going into too much details on the back story of the two main characters, Michael, Hawk, pretty much kidnaps her and forces her into marriage. Not the best way to start a life together even if they are drawn to each other from the moment they lay eyes on each other. Her developing visions, his doubts about whether he can truly trust her or anyone so close to the final battle to win Inverfyre, and their burgeoning understanding that their souls have lived many lives all ending the same way--with one betraying the other and their chance at a happy ever after lost yet again for another life time, blend into a story that is hard to put down. I really looked forward to reading this one, the whole concept of two souls joined forever yet never truly succeeding in being together was intriguing. It didn't disappoint and it definitely didn't hurt that Aileen isn't some meek pushover. She stands up and fights for what she wants when she realizes that it is up to her to win Hawk and prove to him that he can trust her. Very enjoyable. I loved it.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the author.

[Reading Fanatic · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3 1/2 Stars**

So much about this book is good; I should have loved it, yet I didn't. If I could, I would rate it 3 1/2 stars, but since I can't I rated up, because honestly, it's closer to a 4 star read than a 3 star one. Since as I'm one of those people who doesn't understand when someone rates a book 3 stars and says only that it was "a good read"--if it really was good, why only 3 stars????--I will do my best to say what it was about the story that gave me pause. First of all, from a technical point, the book is quite good; it's well written, with nicely developed characters, and has a very interesting plot. Aileen is smart, witty, and independent; Hawk is fierce, brave, loyal, and protective. He's also utterly devoted; although torn between her and his ambition to regain his family lands in it's entirety. On the other hand, it could do with some fine tune editing. There were a lot of missing words; words like "to", "the", "many" and the like. Although the editing mistakes weren't copious, nor too distracting, there were enough of them, and they were noticeable enough, that a number of times I was jarred out of the story.

The plot is basically one about a couple who have been in love for centuries, rejoining each other from one life to another. Then in one particular life, the earthly ambitions of one and the pride of another are allowed to get in the way of true love, dooming the couple to everlasting unhappiness. Now, Michael, the reincarnation of his ancestor, Magnus has the opportunity to right the wrongs of the past and reunite with his soul-mate, reincarnated as Aileen. When the story begins we meet Michael (aka the Hawk) traveling arriving in Scotland to claim his estate, his birthright through his mother's side. While en route, he encounters an old hag, who tricks him into a kiss which causes him to see visions. These visions are of a man (who is him, but not him) and a woman. For the next eighteen years Michael is consumed with fighting to regain his family lands. Now Michael (now known as the Hawk) has regained all of he lands, except a small portion which remains in the possession of the thieving MacLarens. During the years, Michale is haunted by the memory of the woman from his vision; every woman he meets is compared to this unknown woman, and found lacking.

Hawk and Aileen meet when he visits her father's lands. As soon as he lays eyes upon her, Hawk is drawn to Aileen. One kiss later, and he determines that she, and no other, will be his bride. Afraid to risk a rejection of his suit, Hawk decides to kidnap Aileen from her father's keep and forces her to marry him. Once the couple marry they spend the next few days traveling to Hawk's lands. Up until the point where they arrived at Hawk's keep, I was loving the story. Once they arrive; however, things started to take a downward turn for me. For one thing all the events that unfold during the rest of the story take place over a brief three day period. For another, the romance that develops between Hawk and Aileen seemed more based on their past history than anything that occurs during this three day period to which the reader is privy. They don't spend much time together, and the times they are together they spend talking about the visions; at first Aileen thinks Hawk is some kind of sorcerer who inflicts the vision on her in order to addle her mind, while Hawk denies that there are any visions at all.

There is also some distrust on the part of Hawk towards Aileen., which ultimately ended up annoying me. I could understand his being wary about the visions and his reluctance to admit his own past experience with the visions, considering how superstitious people were back then and how quickly one could be accused of being a witch, however, I couldn't understand how he came to distrust Aileen because of those visions. He chose to marry Aileen at a very critical point in his campaign to win back the last section of his lands that was still in the hands of his enemy, and because his plans were so delicate he was very suspicious of anyone and everyone, including Aileen. He even goes so far as to question the timing of his having met her and tried to remember how it is that he came to hear about her! On some level he seemed almost paranoid! Now don't get me wrong; I wouldn't want to give the impression that Hawk mistreats Aileen because of his distrust of her, because he doesn't. More than anything, Hawk does not want to lose Aileen because he instinctively knows that if he does, he will never be happy. So, he keeps his distrust to himself, but ends up giving her mixed messages, which frustrates her.

On example of his conflicting behavior is when Hawk tells Aileen that he will not force her to his bed, but will only bed her at her behest. Aileen then initiates a kiss, and things start to get hot and heavy. However, in the same way that when Hawk kisses Aileen, she sees visions, when SHE initiates the kiss, HAWK sees visions. So, when Aileen kissed Hawk he saw a vision that spooked him; something that convinced him that maybe he was right not to trust Aileen. When he sees the vision, he immediately ends the intimacy between them and walks out without telling Aileen the reason he's leaving. This leaves Aileen feeling confused and frustrated because she doesn't know whether or not she's done something one, and she thinks that maybe Hawk doesn't really desire her.

Another thing that I really really didn't like is the fact that once Aileen becomes convinced that her visions are true and that her destiny is tied up with Hawks, she does everything she can to get him to believe her and, to my mind, her pride gets subverted a little too much along the way. Here's an example, the night Hawk walks out on her without consummating the marriage, Aileen hears something that leads her to believe that Hawk left her bed to go have sex with one of the who*es living in the keep. She's angry, yet the next time they meet face to face she again offers herself to him and asks him to bed her. Only later does she remember that he had had sex with one of the prostitutes and confronts him about it--BTW she was mistaken in her belief.

It's little things like that in the story that annoyed me, even though I completely understood that the bond between Aileen and Hawk stretched for several lifetimes. I guess the main issue I had is that Aileen seemed to be doing more to fix things than Hawk was, although he does make up for it very nicely in the end. Nevertheless, I found myself getting aggravated quite a bit, and even did a few eye rolls. Nonetheless, despite my issues, I still say I should have loved this book. I'm a little aggravated with myself that I didn't. But we can't force these things; you like what you like, and most times there's nothing you can do about it. FYI, this is not a clean romance. There are a couple of love scenes, which, while being descriptive, were not IMO, overly graphic. Happy reading!

[Sylvia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buena historia, pero en ratos se me hizo algo pesada.
Aunque no puedo negar que lo más interesante fueron los momentos donde había recuerdos de las vidas de los antepasados de nuestros protagonistas.

[April ♥"LOS" ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this whole trilogy and how they tied together. It's been a while since I've read a historical romance and I forgot how much I love them. There is just something about Scottish highlanders and the romances centered around them that are irresistible:) I would highly recommend this series to romance fans.

[Gary Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

21st book read in 2012.

Number 71 out of 253 on my all time book list.

Follow the link below to see my video review:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4Tq_m...

[MJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I am a sucker for reincarnation and I wish it was used more often in historicals. Luckily, it fits in with this story of two people whose destiny connects time and time again until they can get it right. I think this book had a lot of potential but it didn't blow me away. I wish the MCs had more development in their love story. Unfortunately, we have to rely on their past lives and experiences to really know that they loved each other.

[Bettye McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hawk, Michael Lammergeier, has been fighting for 18 years to regain his birthright, Inverfyre. When he stops at Abernye and sees Aileen Urquhart, he knows immediately that she is the bride he has been seeking. He kidnaps her in the night, marries her and takes her to Inverfyre.

This is a medieval tale of love and war and ancient curses.

[Shellie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading the background to the rest of the series.

[Paranormal Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many lifetimes ago, the heroine ancestor was betrayed by the man she loved, her husband, when he chose another woman over her. As such, in her pain she cursed him. In present time the heroine lives in a keep with her love sick and weak-willed father and her young spoiled stepmother. The heroine is well past marrying age and her fear of intimacy with men has given her the reputation of being a cold ice maiden. She isn't beautiful, she is far too tall and that paired with her habit of speaking her mind has made her all but unmarriageable. So, the heroine has gotten it into her head that if a man should ever offer to marry her, it could only be because he loved her, and she woman only accept because she loved him in return.

When the hero comes to her home she is distrusting of the man they call the Hawk. Not entirely because of his reputation as a ruthless killer but mostly because he never stops staring at her. He insists on her company around the keep and even has the audacity to steal a kiss from her in the hallway. The heroine, who is usually unresponsive to men finds him annoying and scary but so damn alluring. But when she sees a strange vision of him in another life, he becomes distant and stalks off. That night he comes to her in her room, wraps her up in his cloak and kidnaps her. Thinking he means to rape her, she is astonished to find herself in a church and married to the notorious Hawk.

The hero may not have come with the intention of finding a wife but when he lays eyes on the heroine he is instantly captured within her power. Though he may not want to acknowledge the curse on his line or the fact that he knows they are reincarnated past lovers but, in his heart, he knows that he'll do anything to have the heroine as his own. He many not feel entirely pleasant by the way he initiated their marriage but his fear of losing her made him act rashly. But now that he has her, he wants to savor her and for her to crave him in return.

The heroine fights her prison at first before planning and executing her escape. But then she sees a vision that shows her the connection between them, how they are destined for each other and vows to see the curse ended and happiness restored but her husband is making the task a difficult one with his distrust and stubbornness. I thought this was a decent book if a bit old fashioned and far too much talk of rape. I'm not the try of woman to feel affronted by the treatment females received in this time period and I admired the heroine for acknowledging how things are but at the same time striving to change them. I could rationalize the whole kidnapping and forced marriage deal because though the heroine claimed the hero threatened to rape her, in actuality she desired him and the connection between them from their past lives made her crave him. No, it was the hero who frustrated me at times. He kidnapped her, married her against her will and then had the gull to distrust her when she offers him her help and loyalty. And he turns away her advances because he fears acknowledging any notion of these visions or of fate or anything like that. Over all I enjoyed this story but I felt it dragged quite a bit in regards to actual plot. There wasn't much of anything going on. Their relationship was a frustrating one but I was charmed by the heroine's quick temper and wit as well as the hero's desire to see that fire in her eyes. No matter what she did, he never lost his temper with her and if not for talk of visions of a curse, he would let her get away with murder if she was accept the fact that she was meant to be his wife. A pleasant story.

[Dorine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hawk of Inverfyre is a warrior intent on seizing what he believes is his, including Lady Aileen of Abernye. Once The Hawk sets his eyes on his prey, no man can stop him from claiming it, as his own. Riding a dark stallion and dressed in dark garb, The Hawk exudes mystery and intrigue right from the beginning, as the story sweeps into an adventure born as a destiny. This couple is fated to have a dark, torrid affair filled with passion that breaches time and space. Two old souls reunited in new bodies, haunted by visions of past treachery and deceit.

Lady Aileen had accepted her fate, as unmarriageable, spending her days within her father's walls, avoiding her step-mother's cruelty whenever possible. Her reputation, as an ice maiden and her prowess with bow and arrows only incensed more criticism. Who was this dark visitor called The Hawk that could melt her inhibitions with one stolen kiss and whose sorcery brings visions of a past life? Why is he within Abernye's walls, never stating his purpose for his visit? Before long, Aileen will know The Hawk's intention, as the pair are taken on a journey neither of them expects.

If you enjoy a dark, mysterious hero with a husky voice and sensual appeal, then THE WARRIOR will not be a disappointment. The Hawk is a hero that transudes dark sensuality that will leave you breathless, as much as he surprises you with his tenderness. I had thought that THE SCOUNDREL had swept me away into a world that couldn't be bested. But, Claire Delacroix has created an emotional romance filled with a mystical plot that surpasses her second in the trilogy. As the legacy of these two people unfolds in their dreams and visions of the past, I was captured in the magical ways of medieval times. THE WARRIOR is a sensual romance that has found a place on my keeper shelf, to be revisited again and again. THE WARRIOR is in my top 5 reads of the year (2003) and The Hawk is my number one favorite hero.

2012 Note - Even though I reviewed this for Romance Junkies years ago, The Hawk remains one of my favorite heroes of all time.

Review Courtesy of Romance Junkies.

[Anne Patkau · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Warrior" by Claire Delacroix X-rated "Heat built within her, a simmering in her very veins" .. inferno conjured by his sure caress .. "the fire exploded" p261, in ear-pleasing archaic near-poetic manner of speech. In 1390 Scotland, brave Hawk, seventh son (enough mystic signs) of Magnus Armstrong comes to claim ancestral lands. (Reincarnation wheel turns him "in a new guise" p159, source of screwups, mis-timed wrong addresses p34.) His men accidentally kill crone Adaira, mistaking as an attack her deep kisses that invoke visions of past naked loving and betrayals "she had already betrayed him" p264 entwining two destinies p143. "We must be wrought each for the other" p263, Twenty years later, his mature kisses rouse similar memories "do you think there is a certain number of them that must appear, or will there always be another?" p174 in tall young spinster archer Lady Aileen "I refuse to surrender my wits to marriage" p153. By illogical reasoning, both accusing the other of witchcraft and denying same, he marries and kidnaps her, the night they meet. "Affection is to be shared, for it replenishes itself in greater measure once spent" p171.

Over-many pages drag interminable dreams p191, taste-sound-sight total sensory visions p281, prophecies, deep voice "not her own" always-been-there scarred falconer Tarsuinn p158, unexplained impossibilities - pulsing heart silver bark trees p123. Greedy neighbor one-eyed Dubhglas McLaren invades, overpowering the keep with mercenaries, after a traitor lures away the six (or so, who can keep track of more than the Cupid targeted pair?) horsed protector knights. (Sort-of spoiler: Why do Inverfyre-ians not drug enemy drinks again?) Maidservant Nissa and generous-with-favors Guinevere are mutually hooked on two of his knights (practical joker Sebastian and healer Ahearn), so require a new priest in residence to compound Happy Ever After traditional pregnant epilogue suggesting sequels. Glimpses hint at individuals - French petite snotty stepmum Blanche - but go no deeper. Although this romance fills a niche expertly, Shrek and Fiona are my current preference. http shrek ever after.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Rogues of Ravensmuir takes place 18 years after the first two books, and focuses on Gawain and Evangeline's son, Michael, known as Hawk. Hawk returned to Inverfyre to reclaim his mother's lands and waged war for 18 years. On his arrival he meets Adaira, the old hag who aided Evangeline. There is a lot of history between the souls of Adaira and Hawk. Adaira dies in his arms and 18 years later he still can't forget her words or the visions she shared with him. When he lays eyes on Aileen, his soul recognizes her for who she truly is, his soul mate and Adiara reborn (also Anne, and every other reincarnation that she has taken since their love began). Without going into too much details on the back story of the two main characters, Michael, Hawk, pretty much kidnaps her and forces her into marriage. Not the best way to start a life together even if they are drawn to each other from the moment they lay eyes on each other. Her developing visions, his doubts about whether he can truly trust her or anyone so close to the final battle to win Inverfyre, and their burgeoning understanding that their souls have lived many lives all ending the same way--with one betraying the other and their chance at a happy ever after lost yet again for another life time, blend into a story that is hard to put down. I really looked forward to reading this one, the whole concept of two souls joined forever yet never truly succeeding in being together was intriguing. It didn't disappoint and it definitely didn't hurt that Aileen isn't some meek push over. She stands up and fights for what she wants when she realizes that it is up to her to win Hawk and prove to him that he can trust her. Very enjoyable. I loved it.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the author.

[Melissa Cannito · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pleasant ending to the Ravensmuir trilogy. I will start off by saying that this book can stand alone and does not need to be read with the other two books. They are only useful as a back story to this one.

This is the story of Michael (AKA the Hawk) Lammergeier returns to his mother’s family seat in Scotland after growing up in Italy with his parents and adopted sister. The Hawk meets his mother’s old visionary who tells him the story of the original Laird of Iverfrye and the lady he loved. The story is tragic in that these two lovers were destined to make the same mistakes in every carnation of their lives. The Hawk is warned to learn from their mistakes and proceeds to spend the next eighteen years building a new castle and searching for his soul-mate.

He finds his soul-mate in Aileen of Abernye. He tricks her into marriage and returns with her to Iverfrye to begin their lives together. As their married lives unfold and begin to make the same mistakes, but realize what they are doing and learn to trust each other. They overcome the obstacles put in front of them in order to live their lives as they were always meant to.

Ms. Delacroix has given another great book that is interspersed with actual history. I look forward to reading her next book.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very well-written, enjoyable book! In early 15th century Scotland, The Hawk has come to Inverfyre to reclaim his inheritance, stolen by a rival clan. When he meets Aileen of Abernye he recognizes that she is his destined bride. They kiss, and she has inexplicable visions and becomes sure the two of them are reincarnated and have known and loved each other in previous lives. Their courtship, and how they come to understand what they are to each other, as well as The Hawk's efforts to bring peace to his property and people, was fascinating to read. I couldn't put the book down. The Warrior can be read as a stand-alone story, though it is the third in a three-book series. The previous two books provide some background information. Copy gifted by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathie (katmom) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this one from GOODREADS.COM and it arrived signed!

This is the story of Aileen and the Hawk...their lives have been intertwined for centuries.

She's the honeysuckle and he's the hawthorne.

Together they are stronger than they are separately.

At some point in their past a hurt so severe as to cripple one of them has occured. Hate is the other side to love and it can be just as strong as love.

Visions of times past...hopes for love restored...treachery during the present, it's all here in this book.

It was an enjoyable read, I'd recommend it!

[Jillian]

A great conclusion to the Ravensmuir trilogy. A historical romance filled with strong characters, adventure, a brilliant plot and of course, steamy romance. I adore historical romances and this one does not disappoint.

If you have not read the first two, the Hawk and his new bride will give you the incentive to pick up the first two to read. Great trilogy, well written and rich with history. I was given a free copy of this book from the author for my honest review.

[Bonnie Colvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Claire Delacroix! Her Medieval romances are fantastic! The Warrior is #3 The Rogue and The Scoundrel were before, I just happened to have both of them. I was so HAPPY when I won The Warrior on Goodreads! Transport yourself back into a magical time filled with romance of a time long ago, you will be glad you did. Almost forgot I received my copy signed by Ms. Delacroix!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still can't believe my luck in finding such a wonderful author via a free Pixel of Ink ebook. In Warrior, Claire Delacroix gifts us with another clever and skillful story with likeable and memorable characters and wonderful attention to description and detail. It's rewarding to have her bring so many past characters together for the grand finale of Warrior. Loved it!

[Amanda Sebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through Goodreads First Reads. If you love mideavel romance, you will love this book. This is a great story, by a great story teller. Claire Delacroix has a way with words that keeps one attention until the very last page.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the trilogy. The Rouge, The Scoundrel and The Warrior. I found these in a used book store and saw the name Claire Delacroix remembering that she writes the Dragonfire novels under Deborah Cooke. When the Characters change their choices they can change their outcome. So romantic.

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! The dreams and flashbacks were added into the story at the right moments that just kept me interested and wanting to read more! Copy gifted by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[TJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first Delacroix book that I really did'nt care for. She tried to incorporate reincarnation into the plot, without much success. It only muddied an otherwise fun and interesting story.

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claire Dleacroix is fastly becoming one of my favorite authors. This was a perfect ending to a great series.

[Csuebill80 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sensuous, intriguing, romantic, mysterious, all words to describe this book. The characters are quite unforgettable.

[Donna]

boring

[Cherie]

This is the third of a series of books I've tried by this author. She just doesn't work for me. I give up.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last is truly the best in this series! Awesome action that just doesn't stop. I was given an ARC for an honest review

[Chris Coulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanting tale full of magic

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 3 of Highland Heroes: Three Scottish Medieval Tales