The Temptress (The Bride Quest) [Mass Market Paperback]

Esmeraude, is the youngest daughter of Countess Eglantine de Crevy, Now of a marriageable age, her mother and step father Duncan have assembled a number of eager knights who will vie for her, as much as for her dowry and womb. Yet, like many of the maids in this series her heart is full with the expectation of seeking her own destiny: a lovematch. Bayard of Villionne is a battle hardened Crusader who, despite is conflict with his choice of liege Lord, is held captive by the desires of his grandmother and family honor. When he arrives at Ceinne-beith as a well accomplished knight he doubts not that he will succeed for the hand of the young maid, who he assumes is an maid of country innocence. He rises to the challenge of the pursuit of this maid, not unlike those same challenges found on the battlefield.

But can he stay one step ahead of an evil bent on keeping him in his place, and one surely bent on destroying Esmeraude as well. Of course is it any wonder with THE TEMPTRESS's fairytale-like quality there should be just such evil. Unlike those of our childhood fairytales, there is not a traditional
dragon to slay but one of a two legged variety readers should discover early in the book.

Although a fun read there are a number of elements of the story that bothered this reviewer. First and foremost was the heroine who at times seemed to be so out of character for the time period(ie... her willingness to give her virginity away so casually and putting her need to find a man to love her rather than what she could bring to the relationship) Virginity being a gift that can only be given once, seemed to be less important to her than giving her heart. Yet, to this reviewer the giving of such a gift seems to be convincing only when she knows the receiver also has given his heart to her. Thier coupling certainly was well written, one the reader will enjoy.

The hero, who made the book for me was also not without his contradiction of character. At first in the presence of Emeraude's family and other knights his chivalrous honor shines through like a beacon proclaiming all the good that a fairytale knight should be with honorable declarations of his intentions. Certainly he outshines the other knights present with his diplomacy at the court of the Lord of Isles and elsewhere. So when did his armor get tarnished, or at best lose a bit of its shine?

When he meets our tempting maid he knows who she is yet quite wilingly takes what is offered, not very chivalrous in the great scheme of things. This reviewer would have enjoyed seeing him with a bit more angst both above and below the beltline. Denial of ones desires makes the gift all the more special. But with this said, this is after all a work of fiction, a well crafted journey where the reader escapes the woes of the real world: one where evil is conquered but only when true love is found.

THE TEMPTRESS has wonderful secondary characters, especially Celie. She provides the heroine with a level headed sidekick who knew the score from the start. For loyal readers of the series the appearance of not only Duncan and Eglantine but Angus and Jacqueline will add to the enjoyment of Bayard's and Esmeraude's quest of the heart as well. Also Ms Delacroix does more than just an adequate job with her medieval voice, she has a rare gift readers should enjoy. For it is not so much her choice of words that are exceptional, but the development of the medieval syntax of her speakers. Although not overpowering with historical references, this is after all a fairytale that should be read for the plot and characters rather than for a sense of Scottish history.

Can this reviewer give THE TEMPTRESS a thumbs up? You bet. Although not quite as good as the first three books with the Irish setting this one is a nice conslusion to the Scottish trilogy. Fans will feel like they have come home to the highlands.

To win a young damsel's hand in marriage seems a simple challenge until the chase begins - Esmeraud's challenge makes her far more exciting than Bayard had dared hoped - But when he follows her across the waters and has to resuce the seductive little minx in disguise he not only knows he has found her but he suddenly realizes she is much too intriguing to ever let her slip through his hands.

"The Temptress" is a magical tale that I found to be both exciting and appealing.

John Savoy
C.E.O. & Financial Advisor
Savoy International
Motion Pictures

For example: I was shocked with how fast the heroine threw herself at the hero and slept with him just to lose her virginity. It didn't make sense to me that a medieval woman would do that. She was also TSTL at times. The hero was better and he is the only reason I finished reading the book, sad to say. I really got confused when the goddess Fortuna appeared in a tree and was commenting on the hero and heroine. Whats up with that?! Also there were looooong stretches of a poem inserted into the book that went on for chapters and chapters of time. It was a nice poem/story but it seemed like it was just there to fill pages. It took away from the book I thought.

Like I said. Maybe I just did not get this book. Other reviewers seemed to like it so I guess you just have to be the judge. My copy is already in the trade box for the UBS.