The Highlander's Curse

<strong>Coffee dates with The Highlander’s Curse</strong><br /> <br /> <strong>First date:</strong> Young Annelise of Kinfairlie is walking in the woods outside her brother-in-law’s keep when a handsome young hunter named Garrett MacLachlan saves her from a wolf attack. Garrett has been cursed and it often disables him but when he is around Annelise, the malady lessens. These two share a moment and both find themselves smitten. But alas, Garrett is an outcast. Can he reclaim his stolen legacy and win Annelise? I am all in as once again Delacroix has captured me with her characters and the need to know about the curse. <br /> <strong>Second date:</strong> An evil adversary, disapproval from Anneliese’s family and  curse torment our lovers.  Delacroix gives us a villain to loath and loathe him I did. We learn about Garrett’s curse as meddling family members aid Annelise.  We soon find ourselves embarking on an adventure to reclaim Garrett’s legacy. A strange white wolf and danger from our adversary led to an intense adventure. However, we still find time for love and share some pleasurable moments with this young couple. <br /> <strong>Third date:</strong> One of things I adore about this series and Delacroix’s historical romances is the way she weaves in the FAE and Scottish lore. The story of Garrett’s curse was riveting and I would have loved to be in the great hall of the keep as these tales were regaled. The author has a gift for capturing the reader and allowing them to merge with the world. Even though the romance began as insta-love, it built and strengthened along the way, allowing me to root for this couple and wish them happy. We face peril before Delacroix wraps up the tale providing answers and setting up the next book in the series. I pulled my earbuds out smiling and eager to return to this world. <br /> <br /><strong>Narration:</strong> Saskia Maarleveld has been the narrator of both the Kinfairlie series and the True Love Brides series. Her lilt and portrayal of the characters has made listening thoroughly enjoyable. Even her male voices are unique without that raspy tone that is often common with female narrators.<br /><br />Audio provided by author.<a href="http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2015/12/highlanders-curse-claire-delacroix.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer</a>

Claire Delacroix is really knocking it out of the park with this series. For years now, Delacroix has been treating us to Fae folklore and a fun group of siblings from Kinfairlie.<br /><br />I don't usually read historical romances with paranormal, but I make an exception for Delacroix because I love the blend of medeival folklore, adventure, and romance that Delacroix creates in every story in this series.<br /><br />In Highlander's Curse, we are treated to seeing a romance develop between a cursed, reclusive hunter and a gentlewoman with crippling shyness but a soothing spirit. There is an immediate attraction between the two when our hero, Garrett, rescues Annelise from a wolf and realizes that they are comfortable in each other's company (a rarity for both).<br /><br />This story has a strong presence of the Fae and even has an element of shape shifting. Bits and pieces of an ages old mystery are told through stories given by the characters, all from different perspectives. I really enjoyed putting together the clues and trying to figure out the mystery along with the characters. Garrett is trying to figure out his past, understand his curse, and move forward to reclaim his birthright, but there is a dark force working against him to make sure he never returns. It is up to Annelise and Garrett to unravel the mysteries of the past in order for them to be together and seize the future.<br /><br />The Highlander's Curse is the second in her True Love Brides Series, which is about the younger siblings of the Jewels of Kinfairlie series. I love the setting she created here and the bonds between family are always beautifully present.<br /><br />If you are looking for a different type of storytelling (she uses more medieval language), paranormal elements, adventure, and sweet romance, I recommend the series (start with The Beauty Bride). The sex scenes are not graphic and are more old fashioned, along the lines of Julie Garwood or Candace Camp.<br /><br />I really like her and recommend her for any friend looking for something a little different.

<br /><br /><br />The Highlanders's Curse is another magnificent read in Claire Delacroix's True Love Bride Series, this is book two. If you are a fan of her Kinfairlie or Ravensmuir you will absolutely adore this series. As it is a continuation of Laird Alexander of Kinfairlie sisters. If you are a fan you will remember he decided to give all his sisters the choice to marry for love.<br /><br />In this marvelous tale is is about the gentle, shy introverted and third eldest sister Annelise who meets her fate by meeting a hunter Garrett MacLachlan. Garrett saves her life by killing a wolf that would of ripped out her throat! Annelise who is not normally comfortable around men, but finds this hunter both attractive and safe and almost soothing to her tender hearted soul. The chemistry is almost immediate, but what she doesn't know is that Garrett is half fae and has horrible curse set on him as well. Garrett us also trying to get back a legacy that was lost to him but need to figure out his ailment as it got worse after he drank a cup at the holding which should be his!<br /><br />Garrett MacLachlan saves the beautiful maiden and for the first time in a long time feels almost soothing in her presence which is unusual as his curse is hearing the thoughts and feelings of others. Annelise also feels stronger in his presence and no feel to hide whi thin herself as usually is the case when she is around men. In a bold move she invites Garrett to meet her brother in law Laird Murdoch Seton and sister Isabelle with whom she is staying with for the time being. As Murdoch is trying to find a husband for Annelise at Alexander's request. Garrett accepts the offer but the closer he get to the Seton Lands the sicker he becomes. He especially gets violently ill when he can feel others hate where he near passes out and has a violent seizure like episode. He knows he cannot stand the pain and knows he cannot accepts Annelise's gracious offer without making a fool of himself. As most think he is simpleminded or just plain insane when theses episodes happen. Good hearted Garret decides to make it up by skinning the wolf he killed to save her and curing the fur and making it into<br /><br />Annelise is very disappointed and her brother in law she can tell does not believe the story of this hunter plus her will not let her court anyone without the proper backgrounds a holding, a title etc. Of course Annelise does not care about any of that as she knows it is Garret she wants as a husband even if she has to live in the forrest and live off the land! Then she meets this knight who has offered for her hand and Annelise can feel something is so wrong about him and then when he offers Garrett's wolf's pelt as gift she really worries and know this Knight is evil! Yet he brother in law is not convinced and Annaelise does the only thing she can runs away to her beloved. Yet there are many on her trail that wish both her and Garrett doom plus a white wolf is following them. <br /><br />Is this wolf friend or foe or means to rip their throats out? Is it a fae wolf or a real predator wolf that only preys and eats to survive? Or will Annalise and Garrett be each other salvation as they both feel strong when they are in each other's presences. Could she be the one the breaks his curse? Or will she show him that this curse can be turned around and become a gift? So many unanswered questions that you will have to read this fantastic book to find the answers.<br /><br />This book is absolutely fabulous, a real page tuner, fast paced and action packed! It is an adventure, mystery, suspense and love story all built into one amazing book. To me that's really both incredible and wonderful at the same time!<br /><br />So hold onto your favorite Scot's kilt as you are going on quite a bumpy ride with so many twist and turns you won't know or your coming or going! <br /><br />The Highlander's Curse by Claire Delacroix is quite a treat, a truly wonderful and amazing book and I highly recommend it! <br /><br />Reviewer's Note: After you have finished reading The Highlander's Curse, please follow and read The Frost Maiden's Kiss. Another wonderful book which was only just released which is book 3 in The True Love Bride Series as I have left a 5 star review with that lovely book as well. I can't wait for Elizabeth's and Raphael's story in book 4 The Warrior's Prize coming out in December 2014. Of course start with book 1 The Renegade's Heart. This entire series has blown me away! Love it! :)<br /><br />Happy reading~ B<br />

I love the mixture of Fae lore with historical romance in this book.<br /><br />Highlander Garrett MacLachlan has been cursed by the Fae to always hear the thoughts of those around him, making it nearly impossible for him live among others and reclaim his rightful home. Living a quiet life in the forest seems to be the only option available to him. Until he meets the woman who can quiet the voices in his head and bring him peace.<br /><br />Annelise of Kinfairlie has always been a shy young woman, with no interest in the adventures of others. When a simple walk in the woods puts her in harms way, she is saved by a handsome hunter. With an unlikely boldness, Annelise grants this hunter a kiss as a reward. She is inexplicably drawn to this hunter and finds herself living an adventure of her own. <br /><br />I love the relationship that forms between Garrett and Annelise. It is so touching to watch as each of the Kinfairlie daughters find their true love.

I was already a fan of this series but this book made me fall in love! Crazy twists and turns—loved every moment of it!

This author takes you back to the times of Fae, curses, and where those of honor do the right thing. Where not all is resolved as you finish the last page, she will leave you smiling eager to pick up the next in the series.<br /><br />Annelise is much like many a young girl – shy with a desperate wish not to be so. Since Kinfairlie and Ravensmuir are magical lands where the Fae abound, so it is, there is a natural spring in the glade where village folk come to pray for healing. It is also a place many a young maiden pray for their dearest desire, placing a ribbon soaked in the spring on a bush whose limbs grow over the spring. Annelise wished for boldness, a husband and both very soon. She knew herself to be so shy she couldn’t possibly entertain a young man’s interest.<br /><br />Author Claire Delacroix introduces Garrett MacLachlan into the tale, on the trail of a cunning wolf he’s been tracking for weeks. Reaching the natural spring, the wolf is drawn to the water for it has a thirst it must quench. However, seeing the young woman, Annelise, it changes its mind, a morsel to eat was more in demand. Garret sees the way of things when he reaches the spring, killing the wolf directly. Strong this man might be, as gorgeous a man there would be, but, sadly, he cannot be among men. His curse is strong and he is better living alone…except when he meets Annelise he finds some peace. How can this be?<br /><br />Will the prayer at the spring bear fruit? Will Annelise be bold enough to reach for what she wants?<br /><br />Will Garrett, gifted by the gods, yet cursed, be able to believe in himself and demand better for himself?<br /><br />Narrator Saskia Maarleveld, with her warm alto voice knows how to tantalize a listener. Her voice modulation easily captures the gender, emotion and spirit of each character. I’ve had the pleasure of listening to her in other narrations. She’s extremely talented, perfectly grasping the poignancy of each scene.<br /><br />As with all I’ve read or listened to by Claire Delacroix, she holds me entirely engrossed and never am I disappointed with the telling. I love the rather archaic pattern of speech she uses in the Jewels of Kinfairlie and Lammergeier saga. Her stories are a perfect blend of magic, suspense, passion, honor, deceit and greed. She has me listening well beyond the time I should be doing something else. Simply delightful entertainment–on that you can rely! If you haven’t started reading Claire Delacroix, you are missing a wonderful magical land where dreams do come true, yet danger lurks beyond the shadows.<br />

<strong>Garrett Fae, Annalise Shy</strong><br /><br />Out of all of this series, I have to confess I adore Garrett’s story the most. Garrett is the most unexpected type of person who you can’t help but love. Annalise is shy, and at first rather boring as she doesn’t really do much in anyway, so to pair her with Garrett was quite a surprise. The story was unlike anything I have read before, yet still in line with The True Brides series in as much as the other family members are mentioned. This is a journey well worth the read. Loved it.

I love this series! I thought this story was well written and the storyline was fresh and unique. <br /><br />I am looking forward to the next book.

Annelise of Kinfairlie has just about given up on finding true love. She is under the care of her Brother-in-law who is just as protective of her as her own brother. Garrett MacLachlan has been doomed since his birth and never really had any hope for his life as his inheritance has been taken from him as a infant. Different backgrounds and different lives but fate brings these two together one day in the forest. But will Garrett be able to battle his own demons and trust Annelise with his dark secrets? Will Annelise be able to convince her brother-in-law that Garrett is her true love while tying to convince Garrett that he holds her heart? This book has much adventure and mystery through out its pages. You will not want to put it down once you start.

A good continuation of the series. I liked how this played out, but I was disappointed on Murdoch as he was trying to force Annelise into a decision she didn’t want. It was as if he wasn’t honoring her brothers vow. I loved how Annelise grew from meek to strong and Garrett found peace with her. I also liked how the author used fae stories to move the story along. It helped fill in some gaps. I listened to this on audio and really like the narrator.