This novel was outstanding. Claire Delacroix's writing creates such a vivid description of the scenes in the novel that the reader can't help but feel they are wrapped up in the story. Her storytelling is beautifully done, both in the novel itself and in the delightful tails that the characters enjoy recounting to each other during the novel. The Rose Red Bride is a combination of storytelling and modern day writing at it's best. The story is both moving and enchanting.Vivienne Lammergeier is reluctant to marry. Not that she isn't eager to be a wife and mother, but none of the suitors she has met has held her attention. Her brother, Laird of Kinfairlie, Alexander Lammergeier is eager to marry Vivienne as he has several younger sisters to care for and with the dwindling accounts for his lands, one more sister settled and one less mouth to feed is crucial. After learning the woes of auctioning a sister to marriage in the earlier novel in this series, Alexander tries to be patient and to let Vivienne choose a suitor, but as time passes the situation grows more desperate. When an old flame from Vivienne's past reappears and asks Alexander for her hand in return for coin for Kinfairlie, Alexander is thrilled at the prospect. Perhaps Vivienne's reluctance to marry has to due with her harboring feelings for a beau from her past.Vivienne is eager to meet a man that will captivate her senses, a man like she has heard of in tails of princes come to find their one true love. After a particularly moving story of a fairy prince who comes through a secret portal, Vivienne is eager to see if some truth lies behind the tail. When she is awakened in the night to a strange visitor her heart leaps at the prospect of her dreams coming true. It's only in the early morning light that she soon realizes that everything may not be what it seems in the shadows of the night. In fact, her whimsical yearnings may have put her in greater danger than she could have ever imagined. Danger that may cost her her life, or perhaps her heart.Erik Sinclair of Blackleith will do anything to reclaim his land and more importantly his two young daughters who are all but lost to him. With the betrayal of his younger brother, Erik is left for dead and everything he once cherished has been taken. The only hope Erik has of reclaiming his land is to have an heir of unquestionable lineage in order to get a neighboring leader to back Erik in his quest to recapture what should be rightly his. In order to have that heir, Erik is in need of a woman. A woman who can bear him a son quickly. A woman whose family is eager to find her a mate. A woman like Vivienne Lammergeier.What follows is a remarkably beautiful tail of love, betrayal, trust, and sacrifices. Vivienne is hoping for a prince but instead encounters a scarred, damaged man desperate to win back his children. Erik, who has learned not to trust others, seeks a woman for nothing more than an heir with no commitment made, but instead encounters a woman whose strong determination, steadfastness, and resilience will leave him battling with himself over the nature of his growing feelings. The chemistry between the two is potent and intoxicating. Their interaction and dialogue will leave the reader on the edge of their seat to see where things go next. Sometimes one finds exactly what they were looking for in the place they least expect it, and sometimes one finds what they could have never imagined right in front of their eyes.The book is complimented by an array of interesting and delightful characters. The plot is interesting with twists to keep the reader guessing what will happen next.I listened to the audio version narrated by Sassia Maarleveld who absolutely perfected this novel. With her beautiful voice and her enchanting accent this audiobook made you want to close your eyes and listen with all your attention. The narration was excellent and added even more depth to the story and the characters. The pace was perfect and the language clear. A brilliantly done narration to be sure!I highly recommend this novel.
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Alexander arranges for a suitor for his sister Vivienne. At dinner, Alexander spins a tale to his sister about Kinfairlie’s tower and fairy lovers. She believes him and decides to sleep in the tower and await her fairy lover. A man comes indeed, but it is Erik Sinclair of Blackleith. In the dark of night he woos her sweetly, and then whisks her away to bare his son. Annnd then the fun begins.I adored Vivienne and her spunky, outspoken manners. Erik is at first flabbergasted at her reactions to him and the banter and dance was delightful. Of course, our hero is seriously flawed! Given his history one cannot help but fill sorry for the man even if at times we think Vivienne should give him a solid thrashing. Despite the intimacy, the romance developed slowly as we saw growth in our characters in mind and heart.Madeline's Aunt Rosamunde, adventures on the high sea and a spriggan named Darg added delightful side stories, mischief and many a laugh. Our hero and heroine face danger, and a few setbacks along the way but I truly enjoyed their adventures. Delacroix weaves laughter into these tales and I laughed, even if the characters did not.For me, Kinfairlie series on audio is like chocolate and peanut butter. While the tale is not overly complicated, listening is such a treat. Saskia Maarleveld is amazing and I think I would buy audios she narrated for her voice alone. She wooed me, made me laugh and captured the characters souls bringing them to life.The Red Rose Bride was a pleasure to listen to and I am anxious for the next audio, The Snow White Bride. Apparently, after tricking two sisters they decide he needs to be wed!Audio provided by author. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
—Kimba
