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 seen…
Newly 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 himself…even 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. Esmeraude’s 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 crusader’s worn and weary heart…a treasure Bayard is determined to keep shielded forever.
“A magical tale…brims with rich, historical detail, entertaining banter and romantic tension!“
Publishers Weekly
“Humorous, clever and just plain fun, The Temptress delights and captivates. Claire Delacroix has certainly found her niche with the Bride Quest series, and the latest addition is a fine example of her ability to write stories that entertain and lift our spirits.”
Romantic Times
A Rhapsody Book Club Selection
Second Place
2001 Best Long Historical Romance
Greater Detroit RWA Booksellers’ Best Awards
(In the same year, The Beauty won first place in this category.)
“Ms. Delacroix’s Bride Quest series reaches a thrilling and fantastic conclusion with this beautifully written story. Another top-notch medieval from this gifted author!”
Old Book Barn Gazette
Buy The Temptress ebook:
“Five Stars! With The Temptress, Delacroix quenches the thirst of even the most parched of historical romance readers!”
Lynne Remick for January Magazine
“Five Stars! Excellent! Mix in a bit of magic and The Temptress makes a most satisfying read. This was my first book by Claire Delacroix but it won’t be my last!”
Karen Larson for ScribesWorld Reviews
“The Temptress is a feast for those who have a craving for medieval romances!”
Rendezvous
“A perfect blend of romance, humor and magic!”
Compuserve Romance Reviews
“Ms. Delacroix’s medieval romances are always superb, and The Temptress is an excellent example of why her novels are such enthralling and satisfying reads. This one is a winner on all counts!”
Romance Reviews Today
Buy trade paperback:
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original publication of The Princess, there are two new print editions being published of each of the Bride Quest medieval romances, featuring new cover illustrations. Here’s the new illustration of Bayard and Esmeraude:
This illustration appears on the case laminate of the new hardcover, which also includes the new bonus story, Easter at Airdfinnan.
Order the new hard cover edition of The Temptress:
The new illustration is also on the cover of the new mass market paperback of The Temptress, which also includes the new story, Easter at Airdfinnan.
Here are all four of the current editions of The Temptress: the ebook on the left, the new mass market paperback, the trade paperback, and the new hardcover, shown here with its dust jacket:
Order the new mass market edition of The Temptress:
Continue to The Bride Quest Bundles
Claire Delacroix 