Abducted at the Altar: A Daring Masquerade, Hidden Identity, and Irresistible Passion

Crowns & Kilts #3

by Cynthia Wright

From a New York Times bestselling author comes an irresistible romance of 16th century Scotland!

When a spirited Scottish lass crosses paths with a charismatic Outlander, sparks fly that threaten to set fire to their separate worlds…

Vibrant Fiona MacLeod has never left the Isle of Skye, except in the pages of cherished books. However, everything changes when her mother makes a deathbed request that Fi travel to Falkland Palace and experience the royal court. It may be her last chance to see the world before she is married off to an overbearing Highland warrior.

Across the ocean in Europe, architect Christophe de St. Briac enjoys a perfectly-ordered life. He’s a rising star among the artistic builders of the Renaissance and has his pick of women to warm his bed - until King François I pressures him to accept a project at Scotland’s Falkland Palace. 

Although Fiona and Christophe are from different worlds, they soon find their passionate souls have everything in common. But while they seem to be on a collision course with destiny, dark forces are conspiring to keep them apart…
 
Connecting Books
YOU AND NO OTHER (Thomas & Aimée)
OF ONE HEART (Andrew & Micheline)
ABDUCTED AT THE ALTAR (Christophe & Fiona)

The St. Briac Family in the 18thcentury
THE SECRET OF LOVE (Gabriel & Isabella)
HIS MAKE-BELIEVE BRIDE (Justin & Mouette)
 
 
 
 

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Medieval, Audiobook

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 21, 2018

About the author

Cynthia Wright is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, best known for her Rakes & Rebels series, 16 intertwining historical romances starring the irresistible Raveneau & Beauvisage families. Her other acclaimed series are Crowns & Kilts and Rogues Go West. Romantic Times Magazine hails Cynthia's novels as "Romance the way it was meant to be."

Cynthia lives in northern California. She enjoys riding a tandem bike and taking road trips in an airstream trailer with her Colombian-born husband, Alvaro & their corgi, Watson. She is also devoted to her two teenage grandsons who live nearby.

You are invited to visit Cynthia's website (where you can sign up for her newsletter and peruse the Books Page):
http://cynthiawrightauthor.com/

You are invited to join Cynthia's private Facebook reader group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/98606...

View her "Behind the Books" boards on Pinterest:
http://pinterest.com/cynthiawright77/

RAKES & REBELS: The Raveneau Family series:
1 - SILVER STORM (André & Devon)
2 - HER HUSBAND, THE RAKE: a sequel novella (André & Devon)
3 - SMUGGLER'S MOON (Sebastian & Julia)
4 - THE SECRET OF LOVE (Gabriel & Isabella)
5 - SURRENDER THE STARS (Ryan & Lindsay)
6 - HIS MAKE-BELIEVE BRIDE (Justin & Mouette)
7 - HER IMPOSSIBLE HUSBAND (Justin & Mouette)
8 - HER SECRET ROGUE (Anthony & Frederica)
9 - HIS FIERY ANGEL (Benedict & Camille)
10 - HIS RECKLESS BARGAIN (Nathan & Adrienne)
11 - TEMPEST (Adam & Cathy)

RAKES & REBELS: The Raveneau Family intertwines with RAKES & REBELS: The Beauvisage Family series:
1 - STOLEN BY A PIRATE: a prequel novella to RESCUED BY A ROGUE (Jean-Philippe & Antonia)
2 -RESCUED BY A ROGUE (Alec & Caro)
3 - TOUCH THE SUN (Lion & Meagan)
4 - SPRING FIRES (Nicholai & Lisette)
5 - HER DANGEROUS VISCOUNT (Grey & Natalya)

CROWNS & KILTS: The St. Briac Family
1 - YOU & NO OTHER (Thomas & Aimee)
2 - OF ONE HEART (Andrew & Micheline)
3 - ABDUCTED AT THE ALTAR (Christophe & Fiona)
4 - RETURN OF THE LOST BRIDE (Ciaran & Violette)
5 - QUEST OF THE HIGHLANDER (Lennox & Nora)

ROGUES GO WEST
1 - BRIGHTER THAN GOLD (Jack & Katie)
2 - IN A RENEGADE'S EMBRACE (Fox & Maddie)
3 - THE DUKE & THE COWGIRL (Geoff & Shelby)
Read less

Reviews

[Julie Singer · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s nothing better than when Five-Star storyteller starts a new series, so I have been anxiously awaiting this first book in Cynthia Wright’s Bridges of Sky series. One of the reasons I love this author is that she finds ways to weave together her characters from different stories and series so that even though each book is a fresh, new adventure, the reader continually gets wonderful glimpses of favorite couples and families from previous novels. With Cynthia Wright there is no such thing as just getting a couple to their happily ever after and then abandoning them after a short epilogue. Friendships and family ties keep letting us visit their lives as they grow their love through the ages, generation after generation.

ABDUCTED AT THE ALTAR gives us a chance to get to know Christophe de St. Briac, brother of Thomas from YOU AND NO OTHER. Driven and focused on his goals, Christophe doesn’t have time for romantic entanglements. Although he has already built a fulfilling career as an architect and master builder, Christophe dreams of a chance to redesign portions of King Francois I’s palace, The Louvre, considering that to be the pinnacle of success Much to his surprise, the king is offering him a chance to achieve that life-long dream, but only after he grants His Majesty one request---accompany his god-daughter, the new bride of Scotland’s King James V, to Falkland Castle and watch over her under the guise of assisting in the redesign of Falkland Palace.

The last thing Thomas wants to do is travel to the wilds of Scotland, but since when is a royal request considered optional?

Meanwhile, Magnus MacLeod is reluctantly making that same journey to the Scottish court to fulfil his wife’s dying wish that their only daughter Fiona get a chance to see the world outside of their home on the Isle of Skye. Growing up on the remote island’s forbidding cliffs, Fiona had always longed to travel and see the world that she had only read about in her mother’s book. Although still mourning the loss of her dear mother, Fiona is looking forward to the trip, thinking it could be her only chance for adventure before returning to her home to most likely live there taking care of her father and married to some odious man of his choosing, for the rest of her life. Dreams of traveling, adventure, and finding true love will always only be that for Fiona—just dreams.

But Fiona’s faithful gyrfalcon has other plans for his mistress, as he and Fiona roamed the grounds of Falkland Palace early one morning, flying away to land on the arm of a handsome stranger. Sparks fly from the very first moment they meet, but both resist the pull with all their might, even as others try everything they can to keep them apart.

As with all of this author’s books, the setting is described in such detail that you feel like you are watching a movie in Technicolor instead of looking at a black and white e-reader screen. Every detail from the design of the castles to the personalities and habits of the real-life characters is carefully researched and carefully incorporated in a way that it enhances the story without feeling like a history lesson. I loved the glimpses into the life of King James V and his Queen Mary and the beautiful description of life on the Isle of Skye. I dare you to try to read this book without feeling the urge to Google some of the places and people as you go along.

The story itself is well written and thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. There are quirky characters to add a touch of humor, wonderful pets (who can resist a hero with a trusty canine?) that add color, heart pounding danger, mystery and intrigue that will keep you turning pages, and a beautiful romance that will leave you sighing. Without giving away any details that might spoil the story, I will say there was a love scene that both took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes at the same time because of how much raw emotion spilled from the pages. Cynthia Wright pens some of the most beautiful love scenes you will ever experience. They never feel forced or gratuitous, but instead further develop the story and the relationship between the characters. I can’t wait for this story to come out as an audiobook, but I will make sure to not listen to certain scenes while driving for fear of fainting behind the wheel.

I highly recommend this book, as well as all of the other wonderful stories by Cynthia Wright. Even though they are all connected in one way or another, you can start with any series and work your way through any way you like. Each new tale is just as mesmerizing as the last and I can’t wait for the next one!

[Lynne Shear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again, Cynthia Wright has a hit on her hands with those adorable and incorrigible St. Briac men and in this romantic adventure, we meet Christophe St. Briac, the suave, slightly arrogant, creative, independent and handsome French man who is brought to Scotland by Marie of Guise when she marries James V, to work on Falkland Palace. It is here that he meets the vibrant, intelligent and beautiful Fiona McLeod and so the fun begins.
This is a passionately romantic book, but as usual Cynthia's witty and amusing wordplay not only brings these wonderful characters to life, but keeps you entranced in this delicious tale. Not only has Cynthia done her historical homework captivating Scotland and its atmosphere, but she also manages very cleverly to weave in a darker background story, which is played out by some wonderful secondary and family characters, including Raoul the dog, and Erik the gyrfalcon,who are just as engaging, adding to this great adventure, which ends up on the beautiful and rugged Isle of Skye. Both Fiona and Christophe have demons and family duty chasing them, will they be able to shirk these to have their happily ever after.... only time will tell!
I loved it and am really looking forward to the second Brides of Skye."

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading Cynthia Wright's novels for nearly 40 years and I love each one just as much as the one before. The St. Briac family series is especially one of my favorites and was glad to have those characters reappear in this novel set in Scotland (Now on my travel wishes--who knew how gorgeous Scotland is??). I have stopped reading almost all historical romance, but will never stop reading this author's books.

**I received an ARC to review. This review is 100% honest and fully mine.

[Lucia · Rating 2 out of 5]

El comienzo era prometedor y realmente me había enganchado. Con el paso del libro, el interés fue disminuyendo y hacia el final, se volvió urgente la necesidad de terminarlo.
Los personajes no fueron del todo consecuentes con sus acciones. Hubo cuestiones personales que hubieran sido muy interesantes para ahondar.
Con respecto al climax, se resolvió demasiado rápido. Sin mucha lógica con lo que se venía construyendo.
En conclusión, el libro prometía mucho pero no terminó de cumplir.

[Vickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

About halfway through I skipped to the end. It may be HR burnout.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always excited to hear of a new Cynthia Wright book. And this would be the first in a new series, The Brides of Skye, set in Scotland! Never fear, Beauvisage fans, there are still ties to the beloved St. Briac family.

Set in 1538, we meet Fiona MacLeod who has spent all of her life on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. She longs to explore the world, beyond the pages of her books, but duty keeps her at her mother’s sickbed, running the home for her warrior father and brothers. On her deathbed, Eleanor extracts a promise from her husband, Magnus...let Fiona have a chance to experience the royal court at Falkland Palace. Magnus, devastated by his wife’s death, carries out her request. But he knows that nothing will come of the visit, because Magnus has arranged for Fiona to be married to Ramsay MacAskills, a move that will help settle the tension between the two clans. Unfortunately, Fiona is very uncomfortable with the match, but fears she has no choice.

Over in France, Christophe de St. Briac, having studied with Michelangelo, loves his work as an architect. However, he is not happy when he is pressured by his brother Thomas and King François I to help renovate Falkland Palace, where the King’s goddaughter, Mary of Guise, will live after marrying King James of Scotland. Christophe is reluctant, but persuaded after the promise of a renovation of a lifetime is made.

At Falkland Palace, Fiona and Christophe meet and slowly (and somewhat reluctantly) become enamored of each other. Fiona is hoping for a chance to enjoy her freedom before she is forced to be a dutiful daughter by marrying a man she does not like. Christophe does not want any changes to the life he already enjoys and is anxious to return to France to embark on a renovation of a lifetime. And yet, the feisty Fiona intrigues him. But their path is not an easy one, as outside forces conspire to keep them apart forever.

I thoroughly enjoyed Wright’s latest entry in the St. Briac saga. The reader is reacquainted with old friends as Christophe makes his way from France to Falkland Court in Scotland. For me, as a reader (and librarian), a successful historical fiction/romance book pulls me into the time period and makes me want more. Abducted at the Altar does just that. As always, Wright’s attention to detail and historical accuracy are spot on. I appreciated her descriptions of food, clothing, and the settings. I am excited to read more about Scotland. Her supporting cast of real historical figures also ring true.

Fans of Cynthia Wright will delight in her newest book, savoring the medieval romance and the new characters that appear, just knowing that they will quite likely show up again. After all, this is the first in a series. New readers can also enjoy Abducted at the Altar as a stand-alone book, but will want more. Luckily for them, they can go back to You and No Other and Of One Heart to learn more of the St. Briacs. I highly recommend visiting Cynthia Wright’s Pinterest boards, where you can see pictures of historical figures, clothing, and castles of the time. And Erik.

I was given a free advanced copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Eileen Dandashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW

I’ve read or listened to author Cynthia Wright’s books for a long time. I always start a read knowing I’ll be entertained with fully-developed gentle, honorable characters who end up taking part of my heart when the tale is complete. Her diabolical antagonists are wily and devious — a pleasure to see them fail with their schemes.

This tale is not the exception. Narrator Tim Campbell makes the listen a page-turner with his fantastic flexibility between French accented English and the Scottish brogue. He positively takes the characters Wright creates to a higher level!

Fiona MacLeod is a dutiful child, particularly to her family. She loves her mother and father very much. When her mother dies, she has only her father, who is devastated by her mother’s death. He is a man who can’t seem to let go of his daughter and plays right into the hands of the antagonist. He seems to be a weak man, but with a good heart.

Fiona has her dreams, perhaps more than the average highland lass, thanks to her mother teaching her how to read and write and the hours of reading together. When she meets St. Briac she is intrigued with him, spending time questioning him about the places he’s lived.

The antagonist whom we find has reasons to do what he does, is misguided with some mistruths. He is quite the unsavory sort, but Fiona’s father doesn’t see his bad character for he hides it with smiles and a lordly demeanor. Her father betrothes her to him without her consent. Should she do as her father wishes? Afterall, many highland marriages are made for alliances and not love. But Fiona wishes for more. She wants to be loved and to love her husband.

Christophe St. Briac is every bit the rogue – women in his bed, but leave them before morning. His passion is to create beautiful buildings. As an architect, he had grand plans for Le Louvre and had been given a promise to work on that dream when he’d done a little favor for the King. I enjoyed getting to know the man behind the work-driven one. He is attracted to wee Fiona, and she to him. But Christophe doesn’t consider himself a marrying man. Will his love to her be strong enough to keep him from returning to France?

Wright’s tales leave a smile on my face and a light heart. She entertains with conflicted characters, humor, and passionate, determined heroes and heroines who struggle to reach their happy ever after–all the while cheered on by the reader/listener!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, author Cynthia Wright takes you on an exciting journey to the 16th century with flawlessly crafted factual historical data incorporated. She eloquently creates intrepid characters and physical Scottish and French locals. This is another series you will want in your library to read over and over.
This is the story of a man's broken soul brought on by a childhood terror that rendered him unable to give himself to love. Christophe, Chevalier de St. Brian (couldn't you just melt) studied architecture with the likes of Michelangelo. The French king promises him the project of a lifetime-redesign the Louve...but first...Christophe must accompany the king's God-daughter, Marie de Guise, as she travels to Scotland to wed James Stewart V, King of Scotland. And he is to oversee the refurbish Falkland Castle to a more French style, ensuring Queen Mary's happiness.
He is surprised by his feelings for the feisty, intelligent, Faulkner girl from Skye that thwarts protocols for this, her one chance at freedom from the drudgery of Duntulm Castle in Skye. Together they conquer the things that hold them back from living and loving. Fiona learns her inner strength, that she need not be the doting caretaker to her recently widowed father and her two lazy brothers and Christophe quits hiding from life (in his work as an architect). They both lead one another to love.
NOTE**** Not to worry, Tim Campbell's (French Fox) smoldering narration is coming!!!!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Cynthia Wright Triumph



Cynthia Wright doesn't miss any essential ingredient when telling an entertaining story.  My pen didn't hover with indecision over the rating stars, it confidently marked FIVE. 


Before the prologue is finished, tension and fear has begun to hook the reader into the plot.  Fear for the safety of the protagonist is introduced with a background scene and two brief sentences.  "She had to pass Ramsay in the arched doorway.  He towered over her, attempting as usual to impose his will on her."  


The novel introduces quirky characters and weaves in well researched major and minor facts.  The Black Plague has a major impact on the characters yet plays a minor part in the story.  And, our gorgeous hero plays a set of tennis on the first indoor tennis court.  (Gorgeous? Take a peak at the sexy cover.  Cynthia commented, "Yet they are fully clothed." ) 


Readers who delight in finding characters and settings from previous novels will not be disappointed.


My favorite and well traveled central character?  Enjoy discovering why I fell in love with Raoul. .........and this delicious novel!


PMA

[Roy Murry · Rating 4 out of 5]

ABDUCTED AT THE ALTAR



CYNTHIA WRIGHT



Review by Author Roy Murry



When France and Scotland joined by marriage, a regal mandate, in the 1500s, one of the main characters, Christophe, Chevalier de St. Briac, must journey to Scotland to refurbish that King's castle. In his endeavor, he meets Fiona, a cultured lass of a robust and wealthy family.

From that moment on, a whirlwind of events commences based on the Scottish culture's moors clashing with the French. However, Fiona and Christophe's engagements and conversations are above the fray, putting them in harmony with each other.

Each must overcome an evil put upon them by another to be together. This situation leads to an unexpected ending, hooking the reader into the next chapter in the 'Crowns & Kilts' series.

The story is a bit of a captivating experience, bringing history and cultural differences into the forefront. A romance novel with adventure is always an excellent read when written by a person with the style of a Cynthia Wright.

[Ren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glad it’s done

Was a long drawn out story and I was glad to reach the end. Fiona’s helplessness was getting on my nerves. She was the actual “damsel in distress waiting for her man to come save her” instead of fighting for herself. If it were not for her maid servant Violette , she would have been married to Ramsey.
I think my favorite character is Violette. She is strong-willed and doesn’t put up with anything she doesn’t want to do. I think her and Ciaran’s story will be much more interesting.

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful tale

I’ve always liked her books, and this one did not disappoint. Fiona feels that she must stay in Scotland to take care of her father and her brothers, but she longs to travel and see Europe. She meets Christophe at Falkland Palace, and she grows to care for him—although she doesn’t think he returns the feeling. He does, but his intentions for Fi are thwarted until he is finally able to talk her how he feels.

Very good characters, as usual. And although it’s part of a series (I had read book 1), it works perfectly as a standalone.

[Kathy Brickert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner!!

Cynthia Wright cannot write a bad book! And this latest one proved that true! Loved the characters and the dash of fantasy takes they half believe! Loved the addition of the faithful hound who stands by his master and the twist with Fiona having the huge falcon Eric! Makes the story richer to include them! I love the St Briac family! Fabulous read!

[Calyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ehhhhhhhhh Meh.

I don't know. I didn't connect with either of the MCs all that much. It seemed like they didn't spend all that much time really getting to know each other before they found this deep everlasting love. I have really enjoyed other books by this author but this one fell flat for me.

[Robin Ulmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this whole series!!

This book was one I couldn't put down but at times I knew what was coming and was afraid to read it. I kept going back all day to see how he survived. Oh, I couldn't stand it but had to know. Outstanding story, history, and of course steamy romance.

[Sylvia R · Rating 4 out of 5]

The altar waits

The title of this book, “Abducted at the Altar” helped keep me going as the plot twisted through many challenges the hero had to face, including his own dark past. I like the characters and the fact 5hat they came from different cultures. The descriptions of Falkland Castle and the isle of Skye were great.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abducted at the Altar ( Crowns & Kilts Book 3)

Fiona is betrothed to Ramsey but didn’t love him. He seemed to have a mean streak in him. Sure enough he tried to kill the real love of Fiona’s. He tried poisoning Fiona’s father. All and all author Cynthia Wright found a way to make real love to come together.

[Patricia Schuette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down.

This author transports you to Scotland in the 16th century. A French architect sent to the Falkland castle to rebuild it falls in love with a Scottish Lass. You will enjoy this book if you are interested in Scottish history.

[Fred J. Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little slow. Could not keep my interest for any length of time. Towards the end it got a little better.

A little slow. Could not keep my interest for any length of time. Towards the end, it got a little better.

[Katrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Read

Once picked up I found it hard to out down, this has been a long awaited book. The couple were very interesting and the history spot on. Well done Cynthia roll on to the next.

[Phyllis Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abducted at the Altar

This was a very entertaining and romantic tale of two star-crossed lovers from different countries and backgrounds. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

[Gareth Ellzey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing and delightful tale

Cynthia Wright has a wonderful flair for transporting the reader to far-away times and places. The protagonists, Fiona and Chrisophe, are engaging and romantic and the villain is appropriately sinister. It’s a riveting story.

[Joann · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very exciting

I truly didn't put this down and it's a very long book! The history and excitement really took it over the top, of course yummy French and Scottish hunks made me swoon also. So interesting, I even looked up some of the places to see for myself.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled a bit through this one. I felt it was trying to be romantic knock off of "The Pillars of the Earth" There was more description of building and historical facts than an actual story of two people. I didn't really care about the main characters and their relationship.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abducted

I used to think that I would love to have been born during an earlier time period. Learning what fates could be in store for a young woman makes me glad I was born in this age. Great story.

[John Boles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abducted at the Altar

Another great story by Cynthia Wright. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The intrigue and suspense of this story kept me involved right to the end. I could not ask for a better read. I would recommend this book to anyone.

[Orozcosl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I thoroughly enjoyed all parts of this book. The characters were very interesting and the plot developed involving all! Even Eric...
Now I am ready to read the next book in the series!!

[Holly Lenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abducted at the Altar is a cute romance between a French architect and a Scottish lass. It’s a shame that the lady does not stand up for herself- it would make everything so much simpler! Contains sex scenes.

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read. Not really a necessary add to the series, but always interesting to see what happens to other family members.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/18/2020)! 🎁