Bride of the Beast

I loved this book....Sir Marmaduke Strongbow deserved to be loved ...even though it took awhile before Lady Catherine discovered that he was the soul mate for her. I like books that make me cry and make me smile...this book does it. Oh and I loved the sensual parts too. The only complaint I have is these books cannot be written fast enough for me....so I wait impatiently for the next book by Sue-Ellen Welfonder.

.(...)but it certainly won't be my last. Wow, what a scorcher! You know when you read a romance novel and the author writes something like this: "And then he proceeded to tell her, in great detail, exactly what he planned to do to her." And you wish the reader was let in on the conversation? Well, in this book, you are. It has some of the most erotic dialogue I have ever read in a historical novel. Not gross or vulgar, just pleasantly explicit. Our hero, M. (that's what I call him, because he has the worst name I have come across in a romance novel. The heroine never screams out his name in passion, thank goodness, because it would sound ridiculous) is determined to help Caterine get over a trauma from her past so he woos her body and soul, and it is a tender, frustrating and very sexy process. I can only hope her other stories are as good.

I believe Sue-Ellen Welfonder is THEE best historical writer of Scottish romance I've ever read. This author goes to great lengths to research her era, and travel to the places she writes about; incorporating accurate historical surroundings, traditions, beliefs, and folklore, to place her incredible characters in. I was completely taken by the heartwarming emotions of Sir Marmaduke Strongbow, a battle torn knight scarred and maimed, living life with a face too frightening to behold; and the headstrong woman he was sent to save, Lady Caterine Keith.With each turn of the page I escaped into the heart of this story, its emotional intensity actually making me believe I was there......and I definitely didn't want to leave. When I read the last page I was disappointed....not in the book...but that I was finished, and I'd have to say goodbye to characters I had grown to love.I wait with anticipation to read the next, and the next, and the next Sue-Ellen Welfonder novel. This author is a champion in what she does. A better read cannot be found.

Lady Caterine Keith of Dunlaidir is in need of a champion to defend her strategically located castle. She's been widowed twice and doesn't want another husband. Well, maybe a pretend one would do. Her matchmaking sister, Linnet, the bride of Duncan MacKenzie, sends Sir Marmaduke Strongbow to her aid. He is a battle-scarred warrior who is valiant and true, but will only accept her offer if she will marry him and be a true wife to him. In addition, Marmaduke has to fight off some viscous suitors and help a young laird find his rightful place in Dunlaidir. He has his work cut out for him. You will love his techniques in love and battle. Oh, what a knight!BRIDE OF THE BEAST is a thrilling story that delves into the deep emotions of Caterine and Marmaduke as they struggle to overcome their past and find a love not only to chase the shadows away, but also to last forever. It is so sensual at times it gives you goose bumps. The power and magnificence of Marmaduke will leave you breathless. Ms. Welfonder spins pure magic with her vibrant characters she brings to life in Scotland in 1330. It makes you wish you were living then and sharing the love and the danger. No wonder Ms. Welfonder won the award for Best First Historical Romance with DEVIL IN A KILT recently. With writing like this, Ms. Welfonder is headed for super stardom!Suzanne Coleburn, Winner of the Melinda Helfer Fairy Godmother Award 2002/Reader to Reader Reviews