"Another wonderful medieval romance from this talented author."

Alexander, new Laird of Kinfairlie, has many responsibilities thrust upon him when his parents die unexpectedly. With seven siblings to look after, as well as an estate in dire need of funds, Alexander's most pressing problem is finding a husband for his eldest sister, Madeline, who refuses to marry now that her one true love has been lost to her. After many heated arguments and finding no other alternative, Alexander is convinced by his Aunt Rosamunde and Uncle Tynan to offer Madeline's hand in marriage to the highest bidder at the same auction where they will be offering some of Ravensmuir's relics. Only the most suitable bachelors, handpicked by Alexander, will be invited to attend.

Ignorant of what is about to take place, Madeline and her sisters adorn themselves in their finest garb for the activities. When a special auction of the Jewel of Kinfairlie is announced, the girls are confused until it becomes apparent that the jewel referred to is Madeline. She can't believe her brother is doing this to her! And the men who are now avidly bidding for her hand are men she'd never wish to marry. Just as the bidding seems concluded, a handsome stranger (not on the list of invited suitors) emerges from the shadows to make an astounding offer. Rhys FitzHenry, a warrior with a price on his head, has just bought himself a bride.

Hah, that's what he thinks! Madeline will have none of the machinations of men and decides to steal away during the night. Never one to be defeated, Rhys is smart enough to anticipate her objective and is in pursuit. His rescue of Madeline from a false protector is just the start of their adventurous journey of discovery and enlightenment -- of both their pasts and their future. Though Rhys knows that Madeline's heart belongs to a lost love, he will gladly take whatever she can give him. After all, he's become used to settling for less his entire life. And Madeline learns that there's much more to this battle-weary man than expected, especially as he tells her wonderful tales. When Rhys' past threatens his very existence, Madeline believes in him and finds the strength to save this man she's come to love more than life itself.

This is another shining example of the expertise of Ms. Delacroix's writing of medieval romance. Once I started THE BEAUTY BRIDE, I became so involved with the intricate plot and the strong characters, I could not put it down. What a hero and heroine! I can't wait for the next books in the Jewels of Kinfairlie trilogy. THE ROSE RED BRIDE is coming in June 2005 and will be the story of Vivienne, Madeline's sister. Then in November 2005, Alexander will finally meet his match in THE SNOW WHITE BRIDE. If you haven't read this author's work, you should do so immediately.

Reviewed by Tanzey Cutter
Posted December 17, 2004

Summary

Alexander has a problem. It's not that his parents have tragically died, or that he has been made Laird of Kinfairlie years before he anticipated, or that their treasury is empty, or that he now has to take care of his seven younger siblings. It's that he has to marry off his sister Madeline, who has refused to ever wed. Madeline's betrothed died on the same boat as their parents and she won't even discuss it. So Alexander is forced to take matters into his own hands by auctioning Madeline off. But he never intended Rhys Fitzhenry to take part Rhys is a warrior who has fought the king to gain land. Clever and resourceful, he knows he needs an heir, and this auction is the perfect way to get one. After all, buying a wife is the simplest solution—love is so messy, after all. Furious that her brother would dare auction her off and desperate to ignore the passion mounting between them, Madeline flees...but Rhys won't be cast aside so easily. Can this strong and witty warrior catch his impetuous and bold bride?