For generations, legend had stalked the battlements of the fortress Montsalvat. And now Alienor de Perpignan found herself promised in marriage to the man at the heart of the oft-whispered tales: Dagobert, Count de Pereille. A near-mythic being rumored to be a beast by day – and more than a man by night.That Alienor was his true-destined bride, Dagobert de Pereille had no doubt. Indeed, with her … with her exotic beauty and blade-bright spirit, she could be none other. But could he who bore the mark – and the curse – of ancient kings ever trust her enough to open his heart?
“Another delicious Delacroix delight!”—Affaire de Coeur
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I don’t think I’ve ever read anything like this book before. I am a huge fan of Deb Cooke so I was delighted to be able to read this one. It’s definitely medieval and quite mysterious. I kept reading to find the answers to the mysteries set out in this intriguing story. I’m glad it is the start of a trilogy. I will be ready to read more.
The hero is a man by night and a unicorn by day as he’s cursed. That’s what we’re told. The question is why. Count de Pereille, Dagobert is the last of a line of ancient kings. His quest is to take is rightful place on the throne. He’s protecting his keep and people by pretending to be a cursed changeling so the king doesn’t look too hard at his secret plottings with allies. Alienor Perpignan is the foster child of Guibert and mercenary who was handed the babe during a battle as her mother was killed. He was tired of the wholesale slaughter and quit to raise her. He’s been piecing together ever since who she is. Alienor finds herself married to a goat with one horn that everyone insists is a unicorn, and that it’s Dagobert by day. She doesn’t believe until he visits that night all man. I find I was just as confused as Alienor through much of the book. I, at times wanted to shake both Alienor because she wasn’t voicing her thoughts and Dagobert for his lack of trust. Life could have been so much better for both of them if they just said what they were thinking to each other instead of making assumptions and continuing on! Because I trusted Deb I continued reading as I had to see how she would end this tale with a HEA. We get a surprise at the end that was hinted at in the beginning of the story that made so much of the book make sense. I can’t wait to find the outcome of their exile to the east.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a very well-written, entertaining medieval romance. Alienor and Dagobert are matched in an arranged marriage. Once wed, they have to learn to trust each other, but there are many secrets surrounding them. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.
The Unicorn Bride is a tale full of fanciful imaginations designed to keep you guessing. As the reader, you are kept in the dark along with Alienor, the unwitting bride. Her pre-arranged marriage has her wed to a “unicorn”, but we do not know why. As the plot blossoms and events unfold, we learn the secrets to this extraordinary match. I felt her bewilderment, her awe and her irritation. I just could not put it down, I had to know what the heck was going on! The characters are well developed and relatable. This is one of Claire’s earlier books, so it lacks a little of the magic that she has developed over the years. But it was still a delight to read.
This was a unique twist on a medieval tale. With rumors swirling that the mysterious lord of Montsalvat was a beast by day and a man by night, what was Alienor supposed to do when she found herself promised to marry the man? In order to fulfill an ancient heritage and keep the line of royal succession going, Alienor and Dagobert were betrothed even before her birth. It doesn’t help matters that everyone at the ceremony seems to be in on some secret except for her. How can this marriage hope to succeed when there is so much deception?
And that’s what keeps the story going. Even when the major secrets are revealed, Dagobert and Alienor fail to confide in and trust each other, so of course, misunderstandings abound. While they feel great passion for one another, they aren’t sure it can ever be real love. I did like the love story, but I’m always in favor of telling the truth sooner!
There is a bit of bloody sword-fighting and genocide going on, so the themes can get serious at times. It was interesting learning about the persecution of the Cathars at this time in history. There is also adventure and intrigue as the story shifts to Paris and back again.
I enjoyed this tale. It moved along at a good pace, the romance was satisfying, and the secrets and intrigue kept me reading to find out more.