cover image The Heiress: The Bride Quest #3

The Heiress: The Bride Quest #3

Claire Delacroix. Dell Publishing Company, $7.99 (384pp) ISBN 978-0-440-22589-8

Delacroix's third historical novel in the Bride Quest series continues with the escapades of irresponsible Rowan De Montvieux. Rowan loves a challenge, especially when issued by his two brothers, and he can't resist when they dare him to seek and wed the richest heiress in Ireland. When he arrives at the London docks, en route to Ireland, he is approached by a man intent on selling him a slave girl named Ibernia. The autocratic air of the young slave leads him to believe that she comes from wealth, so he buys her. Ibernia tells Rowan that she knows the richest heiress in Ireland and promises to lead him to Broynwan of Ballyroyal if he will release her from bondage. Delacroix's subplots create much intrigue but at times can both confuse and impede the narrative. However, in the second half of the book the author successfully combines the storylines and kicks up the pace. (Sept.)