Okay, here it comes, we all know that historical romance can be hit or miss. While history thrills some, I'm not as impressed.  But, I adore Claire Delacroix's chick lit books written under the name Claire Cross, so I found myself curious about her historicals.  As a result, I picked up THE BEAUTY BRIDE.  Want to know the end result?  I am thrilled beyond belief that I picked this book up and let myself get enchanted.

Alexander, the Laird of Kinfairlie, finds himself in a tough predicament.  He needs to get his sisters married off, particularly the oldest, Lady Madeline.  Madeline's betrothed dies on the battlefield, and she seems quite happy living a life in mourning.  Madeline is pretty blatant about her plans to never marry.  So Alexander does something despicable, he sets up an auction to sell his sister to the highest bidder.

When Madeline realizes she has been duped, she becomes furious, even though the highest bidder intrigues her.  The stranger, Rhys FitzHenry, apparently, has a bounty on his head after being charged with treason by the King of England.  Plus, his kisses warm her to the core.

Rhys knows he will be safe once he is back on his family's land, Caerwyn.  Rhys is due to inherit Caerwyn.  Until it is discovered that Rhys' older cousin died giving birth to a baby girl.  That baby would now be twenty-three and could stand to take Caerwyn away.  Rhys searches high and low until he finds Madeline, who is believed to be the missing relative.  When he learns she is being auctioned, Rhys makes sure he places the winning bid.  A union between the pair would solidify his inheritance.

The pair start a tenuous marriage, but it is also filled with passion.  Rhys is nothing like Madeline imagined, but she refuses to give her heart to another.  Rhys finds Madeline's spirit makes for a very suitable match.  As the newlyweds start their journey to Caerwyn, they have no idea of the danger that lurks in the shadows...

THE BEAUTY BRIDE is delightful.  It can seem a bit of a challenge as you get to know the wide array of key players, and Welsh names.  Stick with it--jot down names and relations if you have to--and visit author Rhys Bowen's site for a quick guide on Welsh pronunciations.  Whatever you do, don't give up, you'll be missing a gem.

Historical detail, while there, is not overplayed.  Instead, it is the characters that drive this romance.  The purposeful fairy, Darg, brought a smile to my face time and time again.  I adored Rhys, who is a big softy beneath his manly attitudes.  Madeline is just as intriguing; she's feisty, smart, and outspoken.

This is the start to Claire Delacroix's new series.  I am hoping that each sister, in time, will be given her own story.  I know that Alexander and Vivienne's stories are coming this year; but it is Elizabeth, the youngest, who most intrigues me.  Elizabeth is twelve and is the only person who can see Darg.  I would love to see Darg and Elizabeth able to match wits one on one without playing secondary parts.  Here's to hoping that Elizabeth's story will follow in the next few years!