CLAIRE DELACROIX

Once upon a time, the legendary knight Burke Fitzgavin galloped into Kiltorren Castle and fell in love with Alys, the lords orphaned niece. But her uncle was determined that Burke marry one of his homely daughters instead. Through tricks and lies, Burke was sent away believing that Alys wanted nothing of his heart.Pledged to a Bride Quest, Burke has vowed not to return home until he finds his long-lost love. He returns to Kiltorren to discover that the fiery young innocent has become a woman, a servant on her uncles estate. Paying penance for Burkes long-ago embrace, she wants nothing to do with him. Burke knows he must earn her trust again.Even as he slowly rekindles her desire, Alys family attempts to thwart their romancedetermined that Alys should not marry before her cousins do. But Burke is a warrior and this battle to win the hand and the heart of his one true love will be his greatest challenge ever

Princess Brianna of Tullymullagh is determined to marry only for loveuntil her fathers holding is conquered and the king decrees that she must wed one of the victors sons. Thinking she can outwit this condition, Brianna issues a challenge: the son who brings her a gift that makes her laugh will win her hand.Thus begins the Bride Quest of the three brothers Fitzgavin.Burke and Rowan, knights both, ride out on Briannas quest, each intent upon triumph. Only Luc refuses to participate, for he knows that a princess had no place in the life of a battle-weary warrior like himself. Brianna is not inclined to accept his refusalshe tempts him and awakens his slumbering senses with her alluring beauty and her sweet kisses. Luc has sworn to lay down his sword foreveruntil he is the sole one who can defend the fair maiden who has claimed his shielded heart.

Five years after the end of The Heiress, the brothers Fitzgavin gather at Castle Tullymullagh with their wives and families to celebrate the Yule, and a gentle ghost seizes the opportunity to add to the good fortune of all. This short story and epilogue to the Bride Quest I is available in ebook on its own, and is included in the new mass market paperback and hard cover editions of The Heiress. Although it actually occurs after events in The Countess, you dont have to read Eglantine and Duncans story before this one.

Be swept away by the classic fairy tale medieval romance trilogy by the "Queen of Medieval Romance"! Three brothers set out on a Bride Quest at the behest of Princess Brianna and each find love of legendary powerIn The Princess, Brianna challenges three knights to compete for her hand, declaring that she will marry the one who brings her a gift that makes her laugh. She hopes to avoid the kings dictate and marry for love, but Luc has no interest in surrendering to a beautys whim. He has abandoned his life as a knight and put down his sword foreveror so he thinks, until Brianna tempts him to fight for her love.In The Damsel, Burke returns to Ireland in the hope of claiming the hand of Alys, the beauty who haunts his dreams. Consigned to the custody of her cruel relatives, Alys has lost hope in any happiness, but Burke lays siege to her assumptions with resolve, restoring both her faith and her love. But when the secrets of the past threaten the couples future, will their love be enough to defend them?In The Heiress, Rowan takes his brothers challenge and vows to win the hand of the richest heiress in Ireland. There is no place for love in this charming rogues heartuntil he finds himself buying a beautiful slave girl, one who provokes him into reconsidering all he knows to be true, and daring him to win her heart, if he can.

Driven from her late husbands estate, Countess Eglantine de Crevy fled to wildest Scotland to claim a castle, only to find a ruin and a clan chieftain standing guard. Kinbeath was hers, she declared, vowing to rebuild the manor and launch a bride quest so her daughters could marry for love. But Duncan MacLaren had devised a bride quest of his own, swearing to win the land and the fiery countess in a war of sweet seductionEglantine declared she would never be captured by this barbarian. Yet Duncan awakened passions she had never known before. She promised to fight him with every weapon at her command even as he vowed to woo her for a year and a day and make her his pagan bride.Each thought Kinbeath the prize the most desired, a prize to be won at any price. Until passion turned to love, and the chieftain found himself fighting for the heart and hand of the woman he was born to possess.

No woman can resist the charms of Rowan de Montvieux. But the dashing rogue is in no hurry to marryuntil his family dares him to find a brideor risk losing his inheritance. So Rowan sets out on a Bride Quest, vowing to wed only The Heiress.But his journey is interrupted when a slave merchant offers to sell him a ragged peasant girl who carries herself like a queen. Intrigued and never imagining she is the sought-after Bronwyn of Ballyroyal, an heiress in disguise, Rowan buys her, offering her his protection if she will lead him to the bride he seeks.Never has he met a woman so proud, so beautiful, so defiant. He suspects she is no commoner and vows to uncover her secrets and melt her fiery resolve. But the perilous voyage to Ireland kindles passions that risk both their lives, as the slave girl who would not be mastered slowly takes possession of his wary heart.

Esmeraude of Ceinn-beithe knows that she alone can name the winner of her heart. To the knights gallant who ride from afar to do her bidding, she issues a challenge: a riddle that is both quest and test. And then she flees, daring her suitor to follow. Thus begins the Bride Quest of Bayard of Villonne, to compete for the hand of a woman he has never seenNewly returned from the Crusades, Bayard has warned his family of a pending attack upon their estate. When they pay no heed to his message, he swears to protect the family holding himselfeven if its price is a marriage of convenience. It seems a simple matter to win the hand of a rural maid in a barbarian contest until the chase begins. Esmeraudes challenge makes her far more intriguing than Bayard had dared to hope.But when he follows her across the waters and rescues a tattered, ravishing damsel in disguise, he knows he has found her. Recklessly, she offers herself to the handsome stranger. But not even a passion that touches both their souls can win her hand. For Esmeraude will settle for nothing less than total surrender of the crusaders worn and weary hearta treasure Bayard is determined to keep shielded forever."A magical talebrims with rich, historical detail, entertaining banter and romantic tension."Publishers Weekly

Vivienne, joven soñadora y amante de los cuentos de hadas, es obligada a casarse por dinero con un desconocido caballero, Erik de Blackleith, que necesita una esposa noble que le dé un heredero con el que recobrar sus derechos a la herencia familiar. Vivienne, condenada a su papel de madre, decide luchar con todas sus fuerzas para abrir el gelido corazon de Erik y hacer realidad sus sueños de amor.

Lady Eleanor ha aprendido a ser deseada sólo por su fortuna y, cuando acepta el matrimonio con Alexander de Kinfairlie, lo único que espera es vivir segura. Pero su marido la colma de atenciones y vuelve a despertar en ella la pasión, sin preocuparse por su riqueza... Una riqueza que los enemigos de Eleanor desean a cualquier precio...

Lady Aileen de Abernye es seducida por un peligroso y tentador caballero, conocido como el Halcón de Inverfyre, quien la desposa y la lleva a la fuerza a su castillo, lleno de forajidos y prostitutas. Allí la servidumbre murmura historias sobre esposas asesinadas y Aileen se pregunta si su destino es romper el hechizo de Inverfyre.

Lady Aileen de Abernye es seducida por un peligroso y tentador caballero, conocido como el Halcón de Inverfyre, quien la desposa y la lleva a la fuerza a su castillo, lleno de forajidos y prostitutas. Allí la servidumbre murmura historias sobre esposas asesinadas y un hechizo causa a los esposos visiones en las que ambos coinciden a través del tiempo. ¿Será Aileen capaz de romper este maleficio…?

First Knights includes four medieval romance series starters from the Queen of Medieval Romance, Claire Delacroix. Be swept away to a realm of pageantry and chivalry, where each knight competes for his ladys favor, each lady knows her hearts desireand love conquers all. Included in this digital bundle are four first-in-series medieval romances: One Knight Enchanted, The Princess, The Beauty Bride and The Crusaders Bride. In One Knight Enchantedbook #1 of the Rogues & Angels seriesAnnelise seeks refuge at a keep when she is separated from her party and pursued by hungry wolves. The price of admission is marriage to its mysterious lord, and she agreesonly to find herself in a luxurious palace, and seduced by her secretive spouse. Her new husband believes he is doomed, but Annelise knows that love can conquer all. Can she save her husband from the curse placed upon him, or will breaking her promise to him cost any chance to win his wary heart? In The Princessbook #1 of the Bride Quest seriesBrianna is obliged to choose one of three brothers as her husband. Instead, she challenges them, vowing to wed the one who brings her a gift that makes her laugh. She has no intention of laughing at all, but one brother, Luc, declines to follow her whim. Sparks fly between the willful princess and the disillusioned knight after his brothers depart, and from this battle of wills, an unexpected love dawns. When the other knights return, will Luc take up his sword again to defend the maiden who has claimed his heart, or will Brianna be compelled to wed another? In The Beauty Bridebook #1 of the Jewels of Kinfairlie seriesMadeline flees her arranged marriage to the notorious outlaw Rhys FitzHenry, only to be pursued and seduced by her stubborn betrothed. Is she just a possession to this man who wants a son above all else, or can she capture his love for her own? Why does Rhys tell her so many stories, and what do they reveal about her enigmatic husbands hidden heart? In The Crusaders Bridebook #1 of the Champions of St. Euphemia seriesthe widow Ysmaine makes a marriage of convenience, accepting the offer of a Templar knight in Jerusalem who is leaving the order to return to France. When their party is attacked, Ysmaine learns that Gaston carries a secret treasure in trust for the Templars, Ysmaine knows that her new husbands survival may depend upon her assistanceand that this man of honor has stolen her heart. Can she persuade him of the merit of love and trust before its too late? The First Knights digital boxed set includes four thrilling series starters by Claire Delacroix, bursting with medieval romance, adventure, suspense, and love everlasting. Be swept away to Claires medieval world in this introduction to four of her medieval romance series today!

Embittered by his losses and thwarted in his pursuit of vengeance, Murdoch is sworn to avenge his father by striking a blow against his enemy, the Silver Wolf. But the wise woman of the woods offers herself in exchange for peace, Murdoch cannot resist temptation. The mysterious beauty lights a fire in his blood, a need for more than vengeance, and Murdoch finds himself enchanted.Nyssa is blessed with visions of the future to come, but believes that she is the last of her lineage of healers. When she dreams that her sisters daughter yet lives but is in peril, she knows she must find the child, defend her and teach her. She strikes a bargain with Murdoch, a warrior with fearsome fighting skills, to aid in her quest, never guessing that her need for his touch will be so overwhelmingly powerfulor that she has the power to heal his wounds from the past.Bound together by passion, Murdoch and Nyssa journey north to confront the shadows of her past. When Nyssa surrenders to her enemies for the sake of her sisters child, Murdoch realizes that he must defend justice everywhere, beginning with the rescue of his belovedno matter the cost to himself. Can Nyssa and Murdoch each relinquish the burden of the past to claim the promise of a future together?

A mercenary convinced that each man must see to his own survival first, Rafael has learned to savor the moment and its pleasures. He is interested solely in conquest and coin, not any promise of the futureuntil an alluring maiden challenges him, defying him to stake a claim. Rafael cannot resist Ceara with her flame-red hair and keen wits, but their cat-and-mouse game takes a dangerous turn when Ceara is stolen by her kin. Rafael cannot stand aside when the damsels survival is at riskthough if she has stolen his shielded heart, she must never know of his weaknessCeara fled an arranged marriage, determined to wed for love or not at all. A horsewoman and huntress herself, she has encountered no man worthy of her affectionuntil she matches wits with Rafael, with his flashing eyes and seductive touch. She knows the handsome warrior seeks only one prize from her, but hopes to steal his heart. When she is captured and compelled to return to her betrothed, she is thrilled that Rafael lends chase. When he claims her as his own bride, Ceara dares to hope for more than a marriage of convenience.But Rafael appears to be interested solely in conquest and passion, and their match becomes a battle of wills. Will Ceara be cast aside when her newfound spouse is offered the prize he desires above all else? Warrior and damsel, can these two wounded souls learn to surrender the truth of their heartsbefore their union is shattered forever?

Six years after the end of The Temptress, the family have all been invited to Airdfinnan to celebrate Easter, as well as the knighting of Jacqueline and Angus oldest son Fergus. Theres also a betrothal planned between their oldest daughter, Annelise, and Rowans son, Nicholas. An arranged marriage between the pair might make sense, but more than one person in attendance is keeping quiet about their doubts. The mysterious vine that bloomed during Bayards courtship of Esmeraude is growing again, though, seemingly determined to ensure that the path of true love succeeds. Will Nicholas make a love match instead of an arranged marriage? This novella and epilogue to the Bride Quest II is available in ebook on its own, and is included in the new mass market paperback and hard cover editions of The Temptress.

Una fascinante y romántica historia de amor en la mágica Edad Media.Vivienne, joven soñadora y amante de los cuentos de hadas, es obligada a casarse con un desconocido caballero, Erik de Blackleith, que necesita una esposa noble que le de un heredero con el que recobrar sus derechos a la herencia familiar. Condenada a su papel de madre, decide luchar con todas sus fuerzas para abrir el gelido corazon de Erik.

Una apasionante novela de la reina del romance medieval.Escocia, 1421. Lady Madeline de Kinfairlie intenta huir para no casarse con un hombre al que no conoce, pero la boda se celebra. Sobre su marido, Rhys FitzHenry, pesa una orden de busqueda y captura, acusado de alta traicion. Poco a poco, Madeline va creyendo en la inocencia de Rhys y surge el amor. La joven tendra que salvar a Rhys, secuestrado por un antiguo enemigo.

El corazón de Fergus estaba roto para siempre, hasta que Leila lo tentó a amar de nuevo…En su regreso triunfante a Escocia y siéndole confiada la preciosa reliquia de los Templarios, Fergus se sorpre

Fergus heart was broken foreveruntil Leila tempted him to love againReturning home to Scotland triumphant and entrusted with the precious relic of the Templars, Fergus is stunned to learn that his beloved Isobel has wed another man. He knows he will never love again, so a marriage of convenience to his friend and comrade, Leila, seems a fitting compromise. At least it will give Leila the security of a home and husband, even if it offers far less than Fergus desired of marriageLeila fears her past will pursue her, compelling to return to her former life, until Fergus offers the ideal solution. She yearns for more than a practical match with the valiant Highlander, but hopes to win his heart before revealing the love she has kept secret from him. All might end well, if Fergus former betrothed would just relinquish her hold upon himWhen those who hunt the Templar treasure in Fergus possession identify its location, both Fergus and Leila could lose far more than their marriage. Will they triumph over the past and trust each other in time to find happiness together?

Duncan loved and lostuntil Radegunde convinced him to surrender his heart again.After the loss of his wife, Duncan has earned his way as a warrior-for-hire, certain he will never have a home of his own again. Merry Radegunde convinces him to celebrate the life he has and Duncan finds himself unexpectedly beguiledthough he knows the difference in their ages means any match is doomedRadegunde has never cared for the rules of others and sees no reason to deny true love. She vows to win Duncans reluctant heart and convince the honorable warrior to not only love again but hope for more than mere survivaland Duncan is seduced. He takes her hand in his, vowing a match for a year and a day, hoping he can build them a future in that timeBut possession of the Templar treasure imperils those they serve and love, compelling Radegunde and Duncan to choose between their own desires and the greater good. Duncans own legacy holds the key, but can he claim his birthright without sacrificing his dream of a future with Radegunde?