The Ravencliff Bride

by Dawn Thompson

Rescued from debtors prison by marrying a stranger, Sara arrives at Ravencliff Manor to meet her new husband, a dangerously handsome man who is tormented by a dark curse, and vows to be his salvation. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0505526530
• ISBN13: 9780505526533
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Love Spell
• Length: 340 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.3" x 6.6"

Customer Reviews

Couldn't put it down

I loved the characters, loved the plot and the book kept me up way too late. I just had to finish it. I can't wait to read another of Dawn Thompson's books.

Fabulous New Paranormal Author Debuts with a WINNER!

Without a doubt, Dawn Thompson's venture into the paranormal world should cause a big celebration for fans of this genre! With clean writing and a highly imaginative plot keeping you on the edge of your seat from first page to the last, this is a genuine treat and not to be missed! Though she had been saved from debtor's prison and rescued out of the Fleet, by a fortuitous but unusual request for her hand in marriage; by proxy - from a man she'd never met; Sara knew she should be grateful. More than a bit anxious on the ride to meet her husband the new Baroness Walraven viewed a monstrous looking edifice bathed in darkness - Ravencliff. As she arrived at the front door of this ominous looking structure Sara could only think - she would finally meet the mysterious man who was her husband. At first glance, Sara's imagination could never have conjured up the gorgeously attractive man that was Nicolas Walraven. Although she was certainly attracted, she could also tell from his burning eyes that he felt the same, so Sara found his `ground rules' of their marriage not only unusual but mystifying. The mystery of why he had plucked her out of prison, when he obviously could have had his pick of suitable brides was intensified. Told there would be no physical contact between them, Sara was more than willing to embrace the one living being that seemed to genuinely like her, the wolf-like dog Nero! When Nero saves her from being raped by Nicolas' childhood friend she is determined to keep Nero safe from the people who seem to want to see him gone - including her husband. It soon becomes apparent to Nicolas and his ever-present valet Mills, that Sara's attachment to Nero could get her killed or worse. Nicolas must now make a life altering decision, whether to trust and reveal his darkest secret knowing that it may lose him the woman he has come to love. --- Impressive and moody, Thompson's book instantly intrigued me from the very beginning with dark tones and eerie imagery reminiscent of the great gothic novels penned by du Maurier and Holt. No doubt at all - this - is - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED reading offering the reader both a smorgasbord of emotions coupled with an absolute dream of a love story!

The Ravencliff Bride -- a great read!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from cover to cover. Ms. Thompson has woven an intriguing tale with an unusual twist. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good gothic, or just a good read. You won't be disappointed.

Historical Paranormal at its best!

Dawn Thompson's latest is a true "keeper". I LOVED THIS BOOK! The Ravencliff Bride has, what could quite possibly be, the best first chapter I've ever read! Right from the beginning, Dawn reels you in and keeps you hooked! It tells the tale of brooding hero, Nicholas Walraven, and his new bride, Sarah, who cannot fathom why such a handsome, wealthy man would need to buy a wife. After her first few nights at Ravencliff manor Sarah, begins to understand that things, where her husband's concerned, are not what they seem. But will she learn too late that, in her quest to uncover the truth behind Nicholas's secret, she risks losing much more than just her heart in the process? This book was a joy to read! The characters, even the hairy ones, are well written and wonderfully developed. For anyone looking for an intriguing paranormal/gothic romance that offers a slightly different story line than what's available now, I highly recommend this book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

4.5 stars

Freed from debtor's prison by a nobleman who asked only a marriage of convenience in return, Sara journeys to the Cornish coast to assume her role as Baroness. When she arrives at Ravencliff Manor, her new husband, Nicholas Walraven, is unfailingly polite, even kind, but he is also dark and brooding. Some hidden agony keeps them from crossing the space between them to act on the attraction they share. Sara's only true friend in the dark mansion is Nero, the huge dog who keeps watch over her and rescues her time and again. After Nero attacks and bites an evil man who would have attacked Sara, a second dog, a killer hound, begins stalking the grounds. This new development and the danger to Sara force Nicholas to tell her the dark secret that makes him fear to have a child ever. ***** This is a marvelous novel! Granted, it is fairly simple to figure out Nicholas' secret. Nonetheless, the impossible love theme combined with a chilling, eerie old house as the setting makes for an old fashioned, gothic thrilling romance. ***** Reviewed by Amanda Killgore, Freelance Reviewer.