The Hunter and the Heiress (Blood Brothers 2) by Claire Delacroix-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 15, 2022

Nothing could be further from Amaury de Vries’ expectations than being compelled to join a company of mercenaries in the wilds of Scotland, much less one led by his notorious half-brother. He chafes to return to his former life of privilege and knows a wealthy bride will allow him to regain his stolen legacy. Elizabeth is a prize unexpected—beautiful and an heiress—and when she is abducted by barbarians, Amaury’s path is clear. He may not be the sole contender for the lady’s hand, but he knows himself to be the best one—and he will use whatever means necessary to seal his triumphant claim.

All Elizabeth D’Acron desires is to wed for love, but her inheritance has made her both a pawn and a prize. Caught between warring chieftains, her defiance blossoms—she chooses instead to flee with Amaury and make a marriage of convenience, hoping her trust in the gallant knight is not misplaced. She does not expect the beguiling fire awakened by Amaury’s touch, much less his unexpected conquest of her heart, and she dares to hope that true love has found a way.

But Elizabeth’s legacy is not so readily claimed—when Amaury’s plan is revealed, she is shattered to learn that her chivalrous husband is no different from other men. Recognizing that the true prize is his lady wife, Amaury rejoins the company of mercenaries and leads the battl to ensure Elizabeth’s freedom, whatever the cost to himself. Can these two lovers overcome the wounds of the past to build a future together? Or will the secret behind Elizabeth’s inheritance destroy any such hope forever?

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REVIEW:THE HUNTER AND THE HEIRESS is the second instalment in Claire Delacroix’s adult BLOOD BROTHERS historical, medieval romance series focusing on half-brothers Maximilian, Amaury and Rafael. This is hunter and knight Amaury de Vries, and former heiress Elizabeth d’Acron’s story line. THE HUNTER AND THE HEIRESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Amaury and Elizabeth) THE HUNTER AND THE HEIRESS follows in the aftermath of Amaury’s estranged uncle’s demise, wherein our hero will discover the truth about his family history. Meeting Elizabeth d’Acron, friend and ‘sister of the heart’ to his half-brother Maximilian’s wife Alys Armstrong, stirred something deep within our story line hero but Amaury found himself rescuer and protector when Elizabeth fell victim to a kidnapping, in response to her need to escape an arrange marriage. Returning Elizabeth to her ‘betrothed’ felt all kinds of wrong, and in the aftermath of her wedding and subsequent spiral out of control, Amaury and Elizabeth went on the run, in the wake of threats against Elizabeth’s kin. All was not well upon Elizabeth’s return home, a home and village she no longer recognized, as her uncle who laid claim to the inherited lands failed to look after the people in charge. What ensues is the building relationship between Amaury and Elizabeth as our couple struggle to regain a foothold of the family land, and the potential fall-out as Amaury must prove he is worthy of our story line heroine, a woman who is worth more than he could have ever imagined.

The relationship between Amaury and Elizabeth begins in book one THE WOLF AND THE WITCH, a story where Elizabeth and her ‘sisters’ are accused of being witches. Elizabeth was in hiding, refusing to marry a man she did not love, and Amaury , desperate for coin, captures our heroine, in an effort to return her to her future husband. Elizabeth is a strong willed, self-sufficient heroine with feminist type beliefs before her time. Always hoping to marry for love and not duty, Elizabeth is constantly at odds with Amaury’s ‘old-fashioned but era specific beliefs’ about women and men. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate but mostly implied, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of energetic, and colorful secondary and supporting characters, most of whom have questionable morals and attitudes towards women, money, ownership and $ex. We are introduced to Elizabeth’s estranged Uncle James, as well as several suitors who believe Elizabeth is their’s for the taking.

THE HUNTER AND THE HEIRESS is a detailed and intriguing story of power and betrayal, vengeance and determination, love and honor. The premise is captivating; the romance is seductive and spirited although Amaury refuses to admit there is any chance of a future with our story line heroine; the characters are startling and intense.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE WOLF AND THE WITCH

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy