The Truelove Bride: A Novel [Mass Market Paperback]

Shana Abe (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 28, 2009

The curse will last one hundred full years....

A notoriously fierce soldier, Marcus Kincardine wears his clan's tartan as a symbol of his heritage--and a reminder of the curse that haunts his kin. To rid them of this evil, the legend says, Marcus must wed a fabled warrior maiden with hair like an angel's halo, eyes the color of the rarest heather, and an extraordinary gift that makes her more formidable than any army. But first he must win the most desperate battle of his life...the one for her mind, her body, and her heart.

Lady Avalon d'Farouche can't deny she bears the telltale marks of the Kincardine legend, nor can she disown the strange, mystical intuition that allows her to see things others cannot. Yet Avalon believes she alone holds the key to her destiny--a future in which no man will own her. So when Marcus Kincardine seizes her for his own purposes, she never expects him to ignite a fiery passion within her. Still, she refuses to sacrifice her soul and fulfill the legend by surrendering to desire. But how long can she deny him...and how long will he let her?

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Setting: The Scottish Highlands, 1159
Sensuality: 7

A curse haunts Marcus Kincardine's clan and to break it, he must find and wed the Truelove Bride--a woman with silver hair, lavender eyes, and the skills of a warrior. Lady Avalon d'Farouche was raised by mad Scotsman Hanoch Kincardine and groomed to be the bride of the legend. The methods Hanoch used to train the orphaned girl as a warrior were violent and Avalon swore she'd have no part in the breaking of the curse. But when Marcus kidnaps the beautiful Avalon, her oath to refuse the fulfillment of the legend is threatened by the powerful attraction she feels for her handsome husband. And Marcus discovers his captive stirs a passion he's never known. But even if Marcus can convince Avalon to wed him, will he be able to save her from the evil presence that stalks her? And if they wed, will the ghosts that walk the glen finally find peace? --Lois Faye Dyer --This text refers to an alternate Mass Market Paperback edition.

Review

"Shana Abé breathes new life into ancient legends in this powerful, passionate and engaging tale."—Teresa Medeiros, author of Charming the Prince

"Shana Abé writes with intense, unforgettable emotion."—Jane Feather

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Bantam (July 28, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553592750
• ISBN-13: 978-0553592757
• Product Dimensions: 4.1 x 1 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,678,947 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Shana Abé is the author of Queen of Dragons, The Dream Thief, and The Smoke Thief. She lives in Denver, Colorado.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful, March 13, 2001

By 

Edith Morgan (Colorado) - See all my reviews

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

This book was a Rita Finalist for Romance Writer's of America and it deserves it. An interesting mix of fantasy and romance and martial arts. Set in the Scottish highlands, in an old castle, loads of atmosphere. But its not dark as much as it is darkly gorgeous. Abe writes with great feeling for both the hero and heroine, which is unusual. Usually the heroine in medievals is believable but the hero always needs work. Not here, Both Avalon and Marcus were understandable and interesting. The legend of the bride was an elegant touch and made their chemistry that much more believable. Avalon is especially unusual as a character. At first you wonder why she acts the way she does but then the backstory is revealed, very naturally, and everything comes together. She makes sense, and you feel for her. She actually has more of a typical hero's role, she is strong and lonely and can take care of herself. That makes Marcus more intriguing too, as he is the only one who could be her match. This is a magical story, truly one of Abe's best works. The writing is excellent and you want to savor it. A keeper.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HER BEST YET!!!!, November 3, 1999

By A Customer

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

I've read all three now, and I loved all three, and I am keeping all three! But this one was the best! Marcus and Avalon are _incredible_, so, so sexy, and the romance between them was breathtaking. His wooing of her was both convincing and touching. This lady sure can write!! Passion and emotion and deep, deep intensity. Can't think of another author quite like her out there. Can't wait for more books from her.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good, September 5, 2005

By 

Amanda "([e-mail])" (Florida) - See all my reviews

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

Okay...First of all this book IS very good. I think the problem for some might be the pace. This read is very similar in pace to Nora Roberts "Irish Trilogy." While reading, you know that's it's a very good book, but wish for a little more..."Pizzazz!" I definitely related to both characters. The heroine was resistant but had valid reasons. And I found the hero to be very... nice. And that's just it; they're both very "nice." The romance is "Sweet," not "Hot." The intrigue is more "Drama" than "Suspense." Which, as we all know, is really just preference, because this book is not flawed, it's very well written. I do wish that I hadn't spent my time on this one, only because I prefer more suspense, and "singe your finger's on the pages" intimacy. Like Sue Ellen Welfonder or Gaelen Foley. I hope this is helpful, happy reading.