The Ravencliff Bride [Mass Market Paperback]

Dawn Thompson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2005

As the coach flew up the Cornish coast, Sara saw the end of her journey: Ravencliff Manor. She was now its Baroness. But what sort of man would rescue her from debtors prison by marriage, sight unseen, by proxy? Obviously, a wretch—the same sort of man who kept the curtains drawn and his house in a state of gloomy disrepair. The same sort of man who let a strange, wolf-like creature roam his grounds as if it were master. Of course, Sara would have accepted the proposal of the Devil himself to get out of Fleet, so she was resigned to her fate. Then she met her husband, hair black as sin and a handsome face, and all her assurance vanished. What strange curse had befallen Nicholas Walraven, and what secrets did he hide? What dark fortune had brought her to this place? For good or ill, she was now…THE RAVENCLIFF BRIDE.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Thompson creates such appealing characters that you’ll be hooked.”—Romantic Times

"A seductive brooding tale of dark love.”—Beatrice Small, author of The Last Heiress

 

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Known primarily as a Regency romance novelist, Thompson has also written historical paranormals and Celtic and Norse Medievals incorporating the history, theology, legend, and lore of her heritage, which was the ongoing focus of her research for over 35 years. Her works were published by Dorchester, Kensington, and Highland Press. She was an active member of her local RWA chapter and won several regional writing contests. A columnist for select woman’s publications for many years, she was also an award-winning poet, artist, and needlework designer and illustrator. Thompson passed away in 2008.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 340 pages
• Publisher: Love Spell (September 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0505526530
• ISBN-13: 978-0505526533
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #893,829 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Historical/Paranormal Author for Dorchester Books - The Ravencliff Bride (2005 RIO Award Winner), The Waterlord & The Falcon's Bride. Highland Press - Blue Moon Magic and Blue Moon Enchantment. Historical Fiction - Odin's Daughter (2005 RIO Award Winner) & Children of the Wind.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous New Paranormal Author Debuts with a WINNER!, February 8, 2006

By 

M. Rondeau (West Springfield, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Ravencliff Bride (Mass Market Paperback)

Without a doubt, Dawn Thompson's venture into the paranormal world should cause a big celebration for fans of this genre! With clean writing and a highly imaginative plot keeping you on the edge of your seat from first page to the last, this is a genuine treat and not to be missed!

Though she had been saved from debtor's prison and rescued out of the Fleet, by a fortuitous but unusual request for her hand in marriage; by proxy - from a man she'd never met; Sara knew she should be grateful. More than a bit anxious on the ride to meet her husband the new Baroness Walraven viewed a monstrous looking edifice bathed in darkness - Ravencliff. As she arrived at the front door of this ominous looking structure Sara could only think - she would finally meet the mysterious man who was her husband.

At first glance, Sara's imagination could never have conjured up the gorgeously attractive man that was Nicolas Walraven. Although she was certainly attracted, she could also tell from his burning eyes that he felt the same, so Sara found his `ground rules' of their marriage not only unusual but mystifying. The mystery of why he had plucked her out of prison, when he obviously could have had his pick of suitable brides was intensified. Told there would be no physical contact between them, Sara was more than willing to embrace the one living being that seemed to genuinely like her, the wolf-like dog Nero! When Nero saves her from being raped by Nicolas' childhood friend she is determined to keep Nero safe from the people who seem to want to see him gone - including her husband. It soon becomes apparent to Nicolas and his ever-present valet Mills, that Sara's attachment to Nero could get her killed or worse. Nicolas must now make a life altering decision, whether to trust and reveal his darkest secret knowing that it may lose him the woman he has come to love.

--- Impressive and moody, Thompson's book instantly intrigued me from the very beginning with dark tones and eerie imagery reminiscent of the great gothic novels penned by du Maurier and Holt. No doubt at all - this - is - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED reading offering the reader both a smorgasbord of emotions coupled with an absolute dream of a love story!

24 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 stars, September 5, 2005

By 

AK "Bro" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ravencliff Bride (Mass Market Paperback)

Freed from debtor's prison by a nobleman who asked only a marriage of convenience in return, Sara journeys to the Cornish coast to assume her role as Baroness. When she arrives at Ravencliff Manor, her new husband, Nicholas Walraven, is unfailingly polite, even kind, but he is also dark and brooding. Some hidden agony keeps them from crossing the space between them to act on the attraction they share. Sara's only true friend in the dark mansion is Nero, the huge dog who keeps watch over her and rescues her time and again. After Nero attacks and bites an evil man who would have attacked Sara, a second dog, a killer hound, begins stalking the grounds. This new development and the danger to Sara force Nicholas to tell her the dark secret that makes him fear to have a child ever.

***** This is a marvelous novel! Granted, it is fairly simple to figure out Nicholas' secret. Nonetheless, the impossible love theme combined with a chilling, eerie old house as the setting makes for an old fashioned, gothic thrilling romance. *****

Reviewed by Amanda Killgore, Freelance Reviewer.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Can I have my time back, please?, May 10, 2008

By 

T. Owens (Hampton, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Ravencliff Bride (Mass Market Paperback)

I like paranormal romance novels, and this book seemed like it would be good based on previous reviews. The female lead, Sara, ruined this story for me. I have never hated a main character so much. She is hard-headed and has no common sense, repeatedly getting herself into situations that could have been prevented. I think the author was trying to make Sara look strong and independent, but she came across as an idiot who needed to be taken care of in an almost child-like way. I finished the story, hoping it would get better, but it did not. It's going in the trash, which I've never done before. I won't torment someone else by passing it on.