The Wolf & the Witch: A Medieval Scottish First-in-Series Romance

Claire Delacroix

May 2021 · Blood Brothers Book 1 · Deborah A. Cooke

About this ebook

The three sons of a notorious mercenary should never have met…but now that they are sworn allies, the Scottish Borders will never be the same…

Denied his rightful legacy, Maximilian de Vries devised a plan to avenge himself upon his father and see his own future secured. Allied with his two half-brothers, he descends upon ancient and mysterious Kilderrick, determined to seize the keep once promised to him, regardless of the price. A woman rumored to be a witch is the sole one bold enough to defy him but Maximilian has a solution—he will take her to wife, whether she be willing or nay, and seal his claim.

But this powerful warrior has yet to match wits with Alys Armstrong, a maiden with a thirst for vengeance and a fury that might exceed his own. Alys has no intention of capitulating to the proud and powerful rogue who stole everything from her—no matter how seductive his touch might be—and she does not share his compulsion to fight fair.

Bitter enemies from the outset, Maximilian and Alys’ match is a battle of wills. When passion flares, will either of them be able to resist temptation? And when Kilderrick itself is in peril, will they join forces to save the holding they each prize—and the unexpected love they value above all else?

* * *

The Blood Brothers series:

1. The Wolf & the Witch

(Maximilian and Alys)

2. The Hunter & the Heiress

(Amaury and Elizabeth)

3. The Dragon & the Damsel

(Rafael and Ceara)

4. The Scot & the Sorceress

(Murdoch and Nyssa)

* * *

series starter, medieval romance, medieval scottish romance, arranged marriage, marriage of inconvenience, enemies to lovers, abduction, war of wills, second chance, beauty and the beast, scotland, medieval romance, band of brothers

Ratings and reviews

I was skeptical in checking it out due to the book description but came across review sounded like this story was about love, loss, redemption and healing, I've learned to not judge a book by the book description and learned to pay attention to reviews because not all book description are accurate or sometimes they lack description and reviews tend to give more info and helps get a "feel" of the plot of the story and both main character's character so I checked it out hoping the main characters would not do revenge and not force marry the girl main character and hoping it was a story of healing, redemption and love as it seemed to be described in review! Warning: not suitable for children or those who don't like or can't handle dark themes and don't like inappropriate/sexual content like me!!! Overall, Not my cup of tea!!! too dark, and depressing!! Parts of the story were also really messed up!!! I would only recommend this story to those who can stomach dark themes, violence and people suffering!!!

THE WOLF AND THE WITCH is the first instalment in Claire Delacroix’s adult, historical, BLOOD BROTHERS medieval romance series. This is mercenary Maximilian de Vries aka the Silver Wolf, and Alys Armstrong’s story line. Told from several third person perspectives including Maximilian and Alys, THE WOLF AND THE WITCH follows in the aftermath of the demise of Jean le Beau, Maximilian De Vries’ father, a wicked man whose death was grieved by no one including his long-suffering wife and numerous illegitimate children. Denied his rightful claim to the family estate and titles, Maximilian, along with his two half-brothers Rafael and Amaury, and a large contingent of former employees and friends, head out to rebuild the ruins of Scotland’s Kilderrick castle, and in doing so, Maximilian discovers the rightful heir to Kilderrick is alive and claiming to be a witch. Enter Alys Armstrong, and the woman with whom Maximilian will fall in love. What ensues is the acrimonious and embattled relationship between Maximilian and Alys, and the potential fall out as the past returns seeking revenge against our story line couple. There is a large ensemble case of secondary and supporting characters many of whom find safety and solace with Maximilian’s band of travelling forgotten. We are introduced to Maximilian’s estranged half brothers Rafael and Amaury, as well as Alys’ fellow ‘witches’ Elizabeth, Ceara and Nyssa, three woman seeking refuge from painful pasts and forced servitude. The requisite evil has many faces. THE WOLF AND THE WITCH is a story of family, betrayal, vengeance and loss. A tale of hope and forgiveness, secrets and lies, love and a happily ever after. The premise is intriguing and edgy; the romance is intimate and passionate; the characters are spirited, strong and inspiring.

This was a great way to start a series. The characters and story line were well written and the book kept my attention from start to finish. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.