The Wolf & the Witch

Claire Delacroix is a master storyteller and “The Wolf and the Witch” is an excellent start to her new “Blood Brothers” series set in the 1300’s Scotland and France.

Maximilian de Vries Is cruelly denied his rightful inheritance. After his uncle’s funeral he, his half brothers and entourage, set out to claim an abandoned, and all but destroyed keep that was promised to him. When he arrives he finds that the keep and the surrounding area has been kept by women who claim to be witches in an effort to scare them away. Alys Armstrong, is the orphan of a man he feels responsible for killing so he decides he must marry her, thereby staking an irrefutable claim to the keep.

The author has created evocative characters that are well developed and defined. Our hero and heroine are both strong willed characters. The dialogue is well written and intriguing. The details provide the vision which serves to heighten the drama. This of course impacts the characters, who have great chemistry, through each step of the story. I appreciate the authors imagery and her descriptions which allow you to visualize each scene and feel the characters emotions.

The author gives us a fantastic story as the mores of time dictate. I loved that she gives you the characters points of view. We are able to see their backstories and developing personalities. She weaves a story from beginning to end with threads of intrigue, mystery and treachery as a web is spun that will hold you spellbound from the moment you begin the journey with Max and Alys. From the first sentence to the last, I could not put it down.

Thank you so much Ms. Delacroix for this wonderful story of finding love and common desires where least expected. Fantastic start to a new series! I can’t wait for the next book!

The Wolf and the Witch
By Claire Delacroix

Series: Blood Brothers, Book #1

Publisher: Deborah A. Cooke

Kilderrick, Scotland
Samhain, 1375
October 31/ November 1st

Maximilian de Vries also known as the Silver Wolf, whose legacy was stolen from him all because his father was rotten to the core and had forced himself on his mother. Everyone hated his mercenary father, but still he should not of had his legacy stolen from him. He found out he his two cousins were really his half brothers and all had the same father and have a ruined keep in Scotland.

This keep that had been promised to him is being held by women claiming falsely they are witches. The leader of the women is Alys Armstrong who is the dead Lairds heiress his daughter , one woman brave enough to reject him but Maximilian has tried to make resolutions and compromises but she refuses at every turn . So the last result must be marriage no matter if she likes it or not they would be wed!

This spit fire Lass is out for retaliation no matter what and has a wrath that seems to be equal to Maximilian’s own rage! Alys Armstrong feels this man has stolen everything from her and will never agree to any of his suggestions. So it comes down to the battle of the sexes. Now who will win. Yes soon they have no choice but to join sides as Kilderrick is in jeopardy. Plus the passion between the two of them cannot be denied. So who will win Maximilian or Alys?

Will they both lose this keep they love or will these two enemies soon realize there is a thin line between love and hate. Which will it be? Read and find out.

Another phenomenal Claire Delacroix book that I absolutely loved. It is filled with so many twists and turns I was holding on to the edge of my seat. Both Maximilian and Alys are strong, brave and protective. He is swoon worthy and she is a beauty with brains! I absolutely devoured this book from start to finish. So a dazzling start to another brilliant Claire Delacroix novel. Been reading her books for over two decades so I really wasn’t surprised as she always sweeps me into her brilliant stories!

This is a book I highly recommend and I know all historical romance readers will absolutely love it.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the author. I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.

When Maximilian de Vries is cruelly cut from his rightful inheritance, he, together with several half brothers, sets out to claim an abandoned, and all but destroyed keep that was promised to him. Unfortunately for Maximillian and the company of villeins who accompanied him, a group of nearly feral women have already claimed the woods around the keep and do their best to scare the group away, by pretending to be witches. When Maximillian finds out that one of them, Alys Armstrong, is the orphan of a man who he feels responsible for killing, he decides his best course of action is to marry her, thus staking an irrefutable claim to the keep. Alys and her companions, however, have a very different plan. When Maximillian turns out to be nothing at all like Alys feared, sparks fly. External threats complicate their HEA, but all is resolved in a beautiful and heartwarming conclusion. Ms. Delacroix’s writing is wonderfully descriptive, with period appropriate dialog and morals. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one! A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.