"Touching Scottish Romance"

Lady Caterine Keith has buried her second husband and is resolved never to love or marry again. But a corrupt English Knight is planning to take the Keith castle- Dunlaidir - and marry Caterine. Her devoted companion takes matters into her own hands, and sends to Lady Caterine's sister, Linnet Mackenzie, for a champion to defend Dunlaidir and save Caterine through marriage.

Sir Marmaduke Strongbow, an ally of Linnet MacKenzie's husband, is the obvious choice to be Lady Caterine's champion. He is honorable, strong and devoted to Linnet. He has a scarred face and wounded soul, but Linnet suspects that he could be the perfect man to heal Lady Caterine's equally scarred spirit.

Caterine is willing to go along with a sham marriage until she realizes from Sir Marmaduke's accent that he is English. She has sworn she will never marry an Englishman and she can barely tolerate Sir Maramaduke's presence in the castle. But he recognizes immediately that she is the woman for him. So he begins a campaign to win her over. He will start by helping her step-son grow into the leadership of Dunlaidir castle and its remaining armed men. His will protect the inhabitants of the castle. And he will use every opportunity to get near Lady Caterine and convince her that despite his scarred face he is the farthest thing from a beast.

BRIDE OF THE BEAST is a great, character-driven novel, with a fast-paced enjoyable plot. Sir Maramaduke is patient, kind and deeply compassionate. He also has great strength of character and bravery and is the perfect champion for any damsel in distress. Caterine is strong, brave and willing to fight for what she believes in. But both have personal demons to exorcise before they can truly be free to love. BRIDE OF THE BEAST is a very enjoyable, romantic read. Don't miss it!

Reviewed by Cynthia Meidinger
Posted December 1, 2002

Summary

A HEADSTRONG LADY, A BATTLE-TORN KNIGHT, AND A LESSON IN TEMPTATION!

Twice wed and twice widowed, Lady Caterine Keith has no need for a champion. She can fend off unwanted suitors on her own and guard her Scottish stronghold without the help of any man. But her sister, knowing better, sends a make- believe husband—a knight with a battle-scarred face almost too frightening to behold. Sir Marmaduke Strongbow has a secret ambition. He wants not Caterine's land but her hand in marriage and her heart to own. With tantalizing caresses, he will show her how a real champion lays siege ... and how love is impossible to fight.