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The legendary sword of the House of de Winter, champions of kings, leads the charge in this dark and turbulent time between Henry III and Simon de Montfort...1264 A.D. - Davyss de Winter is the champion for King Henry III, a powerful and arrogant man that descends from a long line of powerful knights. He is also a much-sought after man and has had more than his share of female admirers, including a besotted baron's daughter who bore him bastard twins.His mother and family matriarch, the Lady Katharine de Warrenne de Winter, loses patience with her son's behavior and betroths him to a woman she hopes will tame his wild ways. She selects a young woman from a lesser noble family with no political ties or ambitions, a perfect match for her son's prideful personality. Enter Lady Devereux d'Arcy Allington.Ayoung woman of astounding beauty, Devereux wants nothing to do with Davyss. When Davyss, in protest of the marriage, sends his sword Lespada to the marriage ceremony, Devereux is beyond offended. Livid, she battles tooth and nail, refusing to marry a sword by proxy, until Lady Katharine intervenes. Cornered, Devereux is forced to marry Lespada because her groom refuses to show up for the ceremony. When Davyss gives in to his curiosity and meets his wife for the first time, he is overwhelmed with her beauty. Roughly consummating the marriage, he has set the tone for what both Davyss and Devereux believe will be a loveless, hateful marriage. But when Davyss begins to realize what he's done, he swallows his considerable pride and is determined to get to know the woman he married, a woman of grace and compassion like nothing he has ever known before.Though trials and tribulations, Davyss and Devereux's bond only strengthens. When Davyss is involved in the Battle of Evesham against Simon de Montfort, Devereux faces her own life and death situation. Lespada is a love story for the ages.Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2011
276 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Le Veque
324 books2,083 followersJuggernaut Indie author Kathryn Le Veque is a 'tour de force' in publishing.
Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.
Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.
Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.
Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
December 24, 2023
Reread: 12/24/23
A disappointing book! I was hoping I was wrong about this book, but I was right the 1st time. This was definitely not KLV's best work. The romance felt forced. I just couldn't connect with the MC. The h was too modern. She's was very annoying in the beginning, that it was hard to root for her. I did like the H.
I did like the history part! I'm always fascinated by Simon De Montford. He's such an interesting man. His ideas and beliefs were too advanced for that time period.
I would recommend skipping this book ! Instead, try Wolfe or The Dark One
Read: 3/26/21
It was okay. The author can do better than this one.
A disappointing book! I was hoping I was wrong about this book, but I was right the 1st time. This was definitely not KLV's best work. The romance felt forced. I just couldn't connect with the MC. The h was too modern. She's was very annoying in the beginning, that it was hard to root for her. I did like the H.
I did like the history part! I'm always fascinated by Simon De Montford. He's such an interesting man. His ideas and beliefs were too advanced for that time period.
I would recommend skipping this book ! Instead, try Wolfe or The Dark One
Read: 3/26/21
It was okay. The author can do better than this one.
August 13, 2012
Reviewed By BlackTulip for Confessions from Romaholics
Kathryn Le Veque delivers here a fabulous epic novel filled with drama, passion, danger, political intrigues, betrayals, abductions, despair and so much more. This is rather different from the previous book I read “The Dark Lord“, which is a very good thing because I’m always looking for diversity, and this one was as entertaining and exciting to discover.
The reign of Henry III was marked by constant fighting and standoff with the barons. In the year 1264, a rebellion is brewing and is on the verge of breaking out. Simon de Montfort, at the head of the faction, is the King’s major opponent. It is in these uncertain times of constant insecurity and peril that our story takes place.
While marriage by proxy wasn’t unusual in medieval times, to have to kiss a sword at the end of such a ceremony, even if it belonged to the conspicuously absent groom, was unheard of. Such a wedding could only mean a rough beginning under unfavorable auspices, to say the least!
The first one to suffer this humiliating situation is the unwilling bride, Lady Devereux d’Arcy Allington, and this didn’t even begin at the church. A group of brutish knights came to her door, invaded the sanctity of her bedroom and took her away under much protest—granted, she resisted and there were some injuries among the knights, but to no avail. In the end, she found herself forcibly married. The scene seemed certainly funny at first but the result wasn’t. Marriage is for life after all …
Devereux is a young lady after my own heart, and she has a very big one, but when she’s pushed to her limits, she kind of explodes, and says very precisely everything she has to say and does everything she has to do, nothing more, nothing less. She’s not your typical young Lady, she’s educated and curious, her reasoning is intelligent and she has a sense of humor. Her late mother had a great influence on her and the way she understands life and lives it. As a legacy, her mother left her with the “House of Hope” created to help every person in distress, sick or homeless, which was, unfortunately, very common at the time. This charitable work is Devereux’s main focus in life.
Devereux and her absent groom, Davyss de Winter, are poles apart in personality and upbringing, and what an understatement! He’s the King’s champion and had a lot of success on tournament and battle fields and with women. He’s praised and feared at the same time by everybody. All this, has turned him into a selfish, arrogant and vain young man who cares only for his own glory. And at his age he still reacts like a spoiled child. He sends his sword to annoy his mother, never thinking for one second of his bride and her possible adverse reaction. And unfortunately for her, he acts no differently on their wedding night.
Very quickly in the story, it’s very easy to predict that if nothing changes our two heroes are going to have a very hard if not miserable future together. Davyss certainly has found his match in Devereux, this young Lady isn’t afraid to speak her mind. There will be many uncertainties, doubts and inner battles for both of them facing a situation that seems impossible most of the time. What an enormous challenge for both of them to overcome and what a great story to read!
There’s a formidable older woman, Lady Katharine de Warrenne de Winter who is Davyss’ mother and is the kind of character that improves only on further acquaintance. She’s a very determined and influential person in this story. She’s wise and knows what she’s doing, even if, at one point, she had her doubts about this unconventional marriage and the way it will turn out.
One of the numerous attractions of this story is that when a problem seems to resolve itself, another one arises and from one page to another you never know what’s going to happen next. There is absolutely no downtime because there’s always so much going on.
Historical facts and fiction are effortlessly blending one with the other. I love Ms. Le Veque’s very special way to tell a story and the impact it has on me. Each time, she creates another very inventive and absorbing historical novel for our great pleasure. My addiction is stronger than ever and I’ll certainly read more of her books very soon. I give it 5 stars.
Kathryn Le Veque delivers here a fabulous epic novel filled with drama, passion, danger, political intrigues, betrayals, abductions, despair and so much more. This is rather different from the previous book I read “The Dark Lord“, which is a very good thing because I’m always looking for diversity, and this one was as entertaining and exciting to discover.
The reign of Henry III was marked by constant fighting and standoff with the barons. In the year 1264, a rebellion is brewing and is on the verge of breaking out. Simon de Montfort, at the head of the faction, is the King’s major opponent. It is in these uncertain times of constant insecurity and peril that our story takes place.
While marriage by proxy wasn’t unusual in medieval times, to have to kiss a sword at the end of such a ceremony, even if it belonged to the conspicuously absent groom, was unheard of. Such a wedding could only mean a rough beginning under unfavorable auspices, to say the least!
The first one to suffer this humiliating situation is the unwilling bride, Lady Devereux d’Arcy Allington, and this didn’t even begin at the church. A group of brutish knights came to her door, invaded the sanctity of her bedroom and took her away under much protest—granted, she resisted and there were some injuries among the knights, but to no avail. In the end, she found herself forcibly married. The scene seemed certainly funny at first but the result wasn’t. Marriage is for life after all …
Devereux is a young lady after my own heart, and she has a very big one, but when she’s pushed to her limits, she kind of explodes, and says very precisely everything she has to say and does everything she has to do, nothing more, nothing less. She’s not your typical young Lady, she’s educated and curious, her reasoning is intelligent and she has a sense of humor. Her late mother had a great influence on her and the way she understands life and lives it. As a legacy, her mother left her with the “House of Hope” created to help every person in distress, sick or homeless, which was, unfortunately, very common at the time. This charitable work is Devereux’s main focus in life.
Devereux and her absent groom, Davyss de Winter, are poles apart in personality and upbringing, and what an understatement! He’s the King’s champion and had a lot of success on tournament and battle fields and with women. He’s praised and feared at the same time by everybody. All this, has turned him into a selfish, arrogant and vain young man who cares only for his own glory. And at his age he still reacts like a spoiled child. He sends his sword to annoy his mother, never thinking for one second of his bride and her possible adverse reaction. And unfortunately for her, he acts no differently on their wedding night.
Very quickly in the story, it’s very easy to predict that if nothing changes our two heroes are going to have a very hard if not miserable future together. Davyss certainly has found his match in Devereux, this young Lady isn’t afraid to speak her mind. There will be many uncertainties, doubts and inner battles for both of them facing a situation that seems impossible most of the time. What an enormous challenge for both of them to overcome and what a great story to read!
There’s a formidable older woman, Lady Katharine de Warrenne de Winter who is Davyss’ mother and is the kind of character that improves only on further acquaintance. She’s a very determined and influential person in this story. She’s wise and knows what she’s doing, even if, at one point, she had her doubts about this unconventional marriage and the way it will turn out.
One of the numerous attractions of this story is that when a problem seems to resolve itself, another one arises and from one page to another you never know what’s going to happen next. There is absolutely no downtime because there’s always so much going on.
Historical facts and fiction are effortlessly blending one with the other. I love Ms. Le Veque’s very special way to tell a story and the impact it has on me. Each time, she creates another very inventive and absorbing historical novel for our great pleasure. My addiction is stronger than ever and I’ll certainly read more of her books very soon. I give it 5 stars.
January 21, 2018
Excellent book. Once again Kathryn Le Veque has produced a wonderful story with such strong and interesting characters you can't put the book down! She is a very talented writer and if you love historical romances you can't do better than her books.
March 31, 2016
Audio:
I've been listening to a lot of this author for the past several weeks. I love her but she has some annoyances that wear me out. For instance, the author felt the need to BEAT INTO OUR HEAD that the hero was BIG. Within a 3 minute span I heard this about Davyss: He lowered his bulk, he shifted his enormous body, his big hands did this or that, his big body etc... WE GET THE POINT HE IS BIGGGGGGGGG. Now mind you this is all within a 3 minute period. We were constantly reminded of the same things throughout the book.
Davyss wasn't very likable IMO......... Devereux wasn't either...she was shrewish, sad or crying for one thing or another. I'll give her credit for how she handled the Spanish Ladies who surrounded the princess. For the most part the secondary characters were better than the main characters. Lady Katharine was probably the best character out of all of them followed closely by the fighting Priest. I hated Hugh. Was also disappointed that there was NO mention of The DeShera brothers considering that Davyss was heavily involved in their story.
Also can we have a normal name for once? DAVYSS? DEVEREUX? The priests name was so over the top, I can't even fathom how his name is spelled--although I liked his character.
I think it's time to give Ms. Le Veque a break. Unfortunately I have two other books that are connected so I have to try to get through those... Then I'm on a hiatus from her for a bit.
I've been listening to a lot of this author for the past several weeks. I love her but she has some annoyances that wear me out. For instance, the author felt the need to BEAT INTO OUR HEAD that the hero was BIG. Within a 3 minute span I heard this about Davyss: He lowered his bulk, he shifted his enormous body, his big hands did this or that, his big body etc... WE GET THE POINT HE IS BIGGGGGGGGG. Now mind you this is all within a 3 minute period. We were constantly reminded of the same things throughout the book.
Davyss wasn't very likable IMO......... Devereux wasn't either...she was shrewish, sad or crying for one thing or another. I'll give her credit for how she handled the Spanish Ladies who surrounded the princess. For the most part the secondary characters were better than the main characters. Lady Katharine was probably the best character out of all of them followed closely by the fighting Priest. I hated Hugh. Was also disappointed that there was NO mention of The DeShera brothers considering that Davyss was heavily involved in their story.
Also can we have a normal name for once? DAVYSS? DEVEREUX? The priests name was so over the top, I can't even fathom how his name is spelled--although I liked his character.
I think it's time to give Ms. Le Veque a break. Unfortunately I have two other books that are connected so I have to try to get through those... Then I'm on a hiatus from her for a bit.
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March 28, 2024
I finally couldn't take any more and skimmed the last 30-ish pages. The characters were all terrible, it had the most dry writing in a romance book I think I've ever read, and my biggest fury inducing pet peeve when the heroine is propped up at the expense of all of the other women characters. Devereux is perfect and all the other women are whores, dull, silly, or annoying, based on how this novel was written.
And I'm sorry, how are you going to absolutely berate the mother of his twin girls for wanting to marry him when that's what he should've done in the first place? And when Davyss isn't even involved in their lives? He's a deadbeat and you're yelling at her?! Telling her any whore can give a man children. OMG the audacity!!! I was coasting through this story, not really feeling anything for it but wanting to see it to the end, but that scene just really had me seeing red.
I blame myself for not DNFing early on when I knew there was something not clicking for me, but someone's suggestion that this was a heart-wrenching love story had me hanging on to any hope.
And I'm sorry, how are you going to absolutely berate the mother of his twin girls for wanting to marry him when that's what he should've done in the first place? And when Davyss isn't even involved in their lives? He's a deadbeat and you're yelling at her?! Telling her any whore can give a man children. OMG the audacity!!! I was coasting through this story, not really feeling anything for it but wanting to see it to the end, but that scene just really had me seeing red.
I blame myself for not DNFing early on when I knew there was something not clicking for me, but someone's suggestion that this was a heart-wrenching love story had me hanging on to any hope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2016
5***** Yet again Kathryn le Veque has written a marvellous historical romance. This one starts with the most unusual wedding I have ever read about. Our heroine, most unwillingly has to marry a sword because the hero is no happier at having to marry than she is. You will have to read the book to find out how such a bad start can turn into a love story. The story is set against the difficult politics of being the King's champion at a time when his throne is threatened. Especially when family matters need tending. This book gives you everything you could want in a romance. I loved it.
December 29, 2019
Re-reading.
Just as great as the first time I read it. ;)
Just as great as the first time I read it. ;)
April 1, 2021
Lespada, the sword of his ancestors, was sent in place of Davis de Winter to his wedding. Needless to say, that went over like a lead balloon. Davis, the Kings Champion, had his hands full with the spitfire of a woman his mother betrothed his to. Wonderful story by Kathryn Le Veque that seems to pull you right back to the time and place of the story. You can’t help but love her many historical romance novels. ❤️
June 7, 2020
One of my favorite books by Le Veque. I have read it a number of times and just finished it again a few days ago.
February 5, 2023
** 3.75 stars **
I liked the MCs, the pace and the love story. The epilogue was so good. I didn't like info dumping and the too many sugary/mushy words that the leading man was spouting in the second part of the book. Overall, I enjoyed the characters and the period that the author was describing.
I liked the MCs, the pace and the love story. The epilogue was so good. I didn't like info dumping and the too many sugary/mushy words that the leading man was spouting in the second part of the book. Overall, I enjoyed the characters and the period that the author was describing.
December 8, 2021
Definitely one of her best and one of these books you want to re read.Davyss de Winter managed to even push Gartan and William de Wolf in the shadows.I hope there are more de Winter books coming
October 28, 2013
Engaging Tale of an Arrogant Knight Set in 13th Century England
This was my first by Le Veque. It’s a medieval romance set in England beginning in 1264 and tells the story of Sir Davyss de Winter, a knight of King Henry and nephew of the Earl of Surrey, and Lady Devereux Allington, daughter of a neighboring landowner.
When his mother, a strong matriarch, arranges a marriage for Davyss to Devereus, he reluctantly agrees only because his powerful mother insists. He’d prefer to remain unwed. Likewise, Devereux has no desire to marry the powerful knight because he is arrogant, selfish and his ways violent and she is against violence. Devereux spends her time helping the poor and the victims of violence.
Instead of attending his own wedding, Davyss sends his sword, “Lespada.” When he does show up (after the de Winter knights physically subdue Devereux and the wedding takes place), Davyss locks his bride away in his castle without food or water. Then, in a moment of lust, he rapes her (up against a wall no less—and a very well-written scene it was, too). Devereux’s reaction to this is a bit surprising (she “mostly enjoyed” it), yet she does find the will to leave. When his mother comes to call on her new daughter in law shortly after, and learns what has happened, she agrees to Devereux’s request to go home to her father and her charity work. Understandably, the girl wants nothing to do with the de Winter clan. Several weeks later, Davyss can’t get his new wife out of his mind and decides to pay her a call.
This is a saga covering many years as Simon de Montfort battles King Henry for the throne and Davyss and Devereux fall in love and each changes for the other. To my way of thinking Davyss’ change came on a bit suddenly (together with his lust for his wife), but I enjoyed the play in their relationship. Le Veque has done her research of the background history of the time and the battles that determined the throne of England. The story is richer for it. The tale held my interest, and I would read more by this author. There is a bit of “head hopping” (quick changes in point of view), which left me dizzy at times, and some form of address issues (once she is married she is no longer Lady Devereux but Lady de Winter and his mother would not be “Lady Katherine,” but Katherine, Lady de Winter). And I did think it unusual a baron’s daughter would have given herself to a man and birthed bastard twins, all while seemingly being unaffected. Still, I can recommend it as an engaging tale.
This was my first by Le Veque. It’s a medieval romance set in England beginning in 1264 and tells the story of Sir Davyss de Winter, a knight of King Henry and nephew of the Earl of Surrey, and Lady Devereux Allington, daughter of a neighboring landowner.
When his mother, a strong matriarch, arranges a marriage for Davyss to Devereus, he reluctantly agrees only because his powerful mother insists. He’d prefer to remain unwed. Likewise, Devereux has no desire to marry the powerful knight because he is arrogant, selfish and his ways violent and she is against violence. Devereux spends her time helping the poor and the victims of violence.
Instead of attending his own wedding, Davyss sends his sword, “Lespada.” When he does show up (after the de Winter knights physically subdue Devereux and the wedding takes place), Davyss locks his bride away in his castle without food or water. Then, in a moment of lust, he rapes her (up against a wall no less—and a very well-written scene it was, too). Devereux’s reaction to this is a bit surprising (she “mostly enjoyed” it), yet she does find the will to leave. When his mother comes to call on her new daughter in law shortly after, and learns what has happened, she agrees to Devereux’s request to go home to her father and her charity work. Understandably, the girl wants nothing to do with the de Winter clan. Several weeks later, Davyss can’t get his new wife out of his mind and decides to pay her a call.
This is a saga covering many years as Simon de Montfort battles King Henry for the throne and Davyss and Devereux fall in love and each changes for the other. To my way of thinking Davyss’ change came on a bit suddenly (together with his lust for his wife), but I enjoyed the play in their relationship. Le Veque has done her research of the background history of the time and the battles that determined the throne of England. The story is richer for it. The tale held my interest, and I would read more by this author. There is a bit of “head hopping” (quick changes in point of view), which left me dizzy at times, and some form of address issues (once she is married she is no longer Lady Devereux but Lady de Winter and his mother would not be “Lady Katherine,” but Katherine, Lady de Winter). And I did think it unusual a baron’s daughter would have given herself to a man and birthed bastard twins, all while seemingly being unaffected. Still, I can recommend it as an engaging tale.
February 14, 2016
Davyss de Winter is being forced to marry by his mother. His mother feels it is time for him to do and secure their legacy. Davyss doesn't not feel the same but understands her potion. So when the time comes for the marriage and to meet the bride...he chooses to send his sword in his place. The sword will represent him on his wedding as a defiant move against his mother but still have the marriage outcome. Lady Devereux d'Arcy Allington is also being forced to marry Davyss and does try to run from his solders that have been send to gather her and bring her to the wedding. Devereux is really pissed off that Davyss would send his sword in place of himself. But Davyss is hiding in the church and at the end of the wedding does come forth to confront Devereux. They are both instantly attracted to one another. Davyss starts to feel that he has made a mistake in not being the proper groom from the start but does things still that hurt Devereux. Davyys is a spoiled in away and used to people wanting only to please him. So he is taking back from Devereux attitude and does things he is quickly sorry for. Also his past with other women start to haunt their relationship too.
I really enjoyed this book and their is separate book with Davyss and Devereux older son 'Swords and Shields ' that I had too read since I loved these two characters and wanted to see how they were doing.
I really enjoyed this book and their is separate book with Davyss and Devereux older son 'Swords and Shields ' that I had too read since I loved these two characters and wanted to see how they were doing.
July 2, 2013
Compassionate Heroine + Dashing Knight = A Love Story For The Ages...
This a great quick Romance that takes you back into time of political intrigue and dashing knights. The Heroine Devereux is a bit of surprise. When you first meet her you get the impression she's kind of a brat. In her defense I would be too if my intended sent his sword to marry me in his place! You quickly discover Devereux is more than what she appears. She's thoughtful, compassionate, and very giving. She has a heart of gold and spends most of her days taking care of people before she was forced to marry Davyss. Davyss the hero in this story comes across in the beginning as very arrogant and egotistical. But don't despair! He quickly grows into a loving husband after a few bumps in the road. He is a changed man after having a good womans love. Some people don't understand the new Davyss and this does create some interesting conflict in the story.
If you like a story that is rich in detail, political intrigue, and romance this is the story for you!
Check it out!!!
November 4, 2015
Love Upon Lespada
This is my second time reading Lespada. Davyss de Winter and Devereaux's story was incredible. Davyss is a knight, who is the King's champion, in his mid-thirties, but also a warrior who cannot go against his mother. She will disinherit him if he refuses to marry the woman she has chosen for him. Therefore, he knows he has been bested by his mother, but he feels if he has to comply...it will be his way. He sends Lespada with his brother in his place.
Lady Devereux is a hellion who refuses to wed the de Winter knight. His knights have been instructed to get her to the church to wed. Little did they know one knight would receive a black eye, one would be insulted and another would have a bloody nose.
These two are in for a wild ride. This medieval tale was very entertaining not only with some humorous events throughout, but with the seriousness of medieval politics, and a sincere romance filled with passion, commitment and loyalty.
This author tells tales like no other.
This is my second time reading Lespada. Davyss de Winter and Devereaux's story was incredible. Davyss is a knight, who is the King's champion, in his mid-thirties, but also a warrior who cannot go against his mother. She will disinherit him if he refuses to marry the woman she has chosen for him. Therefore, he knows he has been bested by his mother, but he feels if he has to comply...it will be his way. He sends Lespada with his brother in his place.
Lady Devereux is a hellion who refuses to wed the de Winter knight. His knights have been instructed to get her to the church to wed. Little did they know one knight would receive a black eye, one would be insulted and another would have a bloody nose.
These two are in for a wild ride. This medieval tale was very entertaining not only with some humorous events throughout, but with the seriousness of medieval politics, and a sincere romance filled with passion, commitment and loyalty.
This author tells tales like no other.
June 20, 2013
Didn't finish it. I was actually really looking forward to this one! I had a serious urge to read a historical romance set in the medieval times because of a movie I watched and loved. This one seemed to have pretty good ratings so I thought I would try it.
I can't say I really got all that far with it. The whole thing just frustrated me! They all talked oddly... Not even what I would consider Medieval English, just old fashioned and strange... For instance to agree to do something one of the characters says, "I will be agreeable". Why not just say "yes"? What's the point in the characters speaking in a dated way if the style of it isn't even true to that era? I may be wrong, I just don't think they spoke like that then...
And then the whole story line just wasn't doing it for me. It was just, bleh.
I can't say I really got all that far with it. The whole thing just frustrated me! They all talked oddly... Not even what I would consider Medieval English, just old fashioned and strange... For instance to agree to do something one of the characters says, "I will be agreeable". Why not just say "yes"? What's the point in the characters speaking in a dated way if the style of it isn't even true to that era? I may be wrong, I just don't think they spoke like that then...
And then the whole story line just wasn't doing it for me. It was just, bleh.
August 1, 2021
I think it’s the worst book I’ve ever read. The characters were awful. h : judgmental, manipulative, self righteous. H was like a kicked puppy, he lost his balls when he married if he ever had them.
The author had really no knowledge of life in medieval times. Sweetheart, really? She dressed by herself ? He didn’t have a squire to help him get his gear on and off, such a mighty warrior.?
There was no story, nothing happens other than the heroine throwing tantrums and H running around her to calm her down.
The plot, unbelievable: she fall down the stairs and she didn’t even loose the baby? She had such a difficult delivery, almost died but she went to have 2 more children, Really in 1265?
Ok. I’m stopping now. I ranted enough.
The author had really no knowledge of life in medieval times. Sweetheart, really? She dressed by herself ? He didn’t have a squire to help him get his gear on and off, such a mighty warrior.?
There was no story, nothing happens other than the heroine throwing tantrums and H running around her to calm her down.
The plot, unbelievable: she fall down the stairs and she didn’t even loose the baby? She had such a difficult delivery, almost died but she went to have 2 more children, Really in 1265?
Ok. I’m stopping now. I ranted enough.
January 14, 2014
3.5* I read Lespada right after reading The Wolfe and could not help but compare the two as they share many common elements. After the detailed and captivating story of The Wolfe, I wanted more from Lespada. For example, I wish the side characters were more developed (what was the strife between Lady Frances and Nikolas and how did they mend their relationship?). I did appreciate how the Hero transforms from a total cad to a loving husband and father. Great epilogue. I love Ms Le Veque's voice, and look forward to reading more of her books.
March 5, 2020
Huge disappointment! As always beautifully written but the characters were appalling. I reached 85% of the book and stopped reading when heroine badmouthed hero’s ex mistress saying that “every whore can bore any man children”. Very bitchy approach to a women her husband impregnated and left with two kids, not caring about them. He was the villain in this situation.
Not gonna mention his brother Hugh. Terrible characters all of them
Not gonna mention his brother Hugh. Terrible characters all of them
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2015
I consider Ms. LeVeque's stories realistic,historical fairy tales. Each comes with a healthy dose of historical accuracy and darkness while telling a story of complete and utter romance. This one shows both aspects at their very best!
March 14, 2013
**3.5**
May 6, 2013
My first Le Veque book ever and one of my all time favorites
March 16, 2014
I LOVED this book. I cheered, I cried and I couldn't sleep. I can't wait to read more.
October 7, 2017
Memorable Quote: “Esteem comes from the heart, not the hand.”
My Thoughts: This story strikes a sweet chord with me. Hero is obliged to marry Lady Devereux, because Lady Katharine, his mother, decides the matter. Lady Katharine, a bitter, strong, determined old woman is very controlling and neither son, Davyss or Hugh, dare go against her. Holding the purse strings of the de Winter family, the men can’t deny her wishes. She holds losing their inheritance over their heads, which makes a delicious story when you learn what each character is made of.
Davyss is the kings champion, leading his army. His uncle and godfather, whom he loves very much, a last link to his father, other than his mother, is against the king. In fact, his uncle uses his close relationship with Davyss to undermine his fealty to his king.
Davyss marries Lady Devereux through proxy – his sword Lespada, is sent to represent him. He does what his mother wants, but does it his way, with a bit of distaste. Unfortunately, Lady Devereux is not a woman to submit to such a marriage without her wishes or desires met. She fights tooth and nail with the knights, including Hugh, to keep from being abducted from her home, for that is how it feels to her. She is obliged to submit, but not before bruising the knights, and Hugh’s ego. While Davyss sees Lady Devereux as proud and arrogant, I, on the other hand, see him and his brother as arrogant and just plain jerks!
Eventually Lady Katharine intervenes and logically talks Lady Devereux down. She kisses the sword, unwillingly, along with saying yes to the marriage. Unbeknownst to her, Davyss had come to the ceremony hiding in the shadows. He’s stunned by her beauty and reconsiders how he’s handled the whole thing. He has a lot of work to mend the situation.
He isn’t aware what a jerk he is, vis-à-vis the way he treats his virgin wife consummating the marriage. But soon realizes, he was the only one feeling lust, while she was scared, hurt and used.
Hugh is also quite despicable. He’s an extremely good-looking man, is used to having woman run after him. After he met Lady Devereux and tried to keep her from flailing around trying to escape the abduction, he whispers in her ear, if she handles it right she could have two brothers and not just one. Of course, this infuriates Lady Devereux further.
Davyss tries to make amends with his initial approach to Lady Devereaux, but his lusty past of bedding any and all women, time and again, comes to haunt him. Hugh continues making life miserable for both his brother and Lady Devereux.
Davyss comes to love his new wife, to distraction. She becomes the sun and moon to him.
Lady Devereux for all her spunk and feistiness, isn’t the most careful person and often steps into dangerous situations.
Lady Katharine is a surprise to me. For such an old woman, she is made of steel, a lioness when it comes to protecting her sons. She is one of my favored characters.
Tim Campbell narrates par excellence, very much in the spirit of the story pacing befitting the action. His portrayal and desperation of Davyss had me in tears.
All in all, Le Veque once again comes away with a winner. This tale takes me to a world of excitement, tenderness and passion.
My Thoughts: This story strikes a sweet chord with me. Hero is obliged to marry Lady Devereux, because Lady Katharine, his mother, decides the matter. Lady Katharine, a bitter, strong, determined old woman is very controlling and neither son, Davyss or Hugh, dare go against her. Holding the purse strings of the de Winter family, the men can’t deny her wishes. She holds losing their inheritance over their heads, which makes a delicious story when you learn what each character is made of.
Davyss is the kings champion, leading his army. His uncle and godfather, whom he loves very much, a last link to his father, other than his mother, is against the king. In fact, his uncle uses his close relationship with Davyss to undermine his fealty to his king.
Davyss marries Lady Devereux through proxy – his sword Lespada, is sent to represent him. He does what his mother wants, but does it his way, with a bit of distaste. Unfortunately, Lady Devereux is not a woman to submit to such a marriage without her wishes or desires met. She fights tooth and nail with the knights, including Hugh, to keep from being abducted from her home, for that is how it feels to her. She is obliged to submit, but not before bruising the knights, and Hugh’s ego. While Davyss sees Lady Devereux as proud and arrogant, I, on the other hand, see him and his brother as arrogant and just plain jerks!
Eventually Lady Katharine intervenes and logically talks Lady Devereux down. She kisses the sword, unwillingly, along with saying yes to the marriage. Unbeknownst to her, Davyss had come to the ceremony hiding in the shadows. He’s stunned by her beauty and reconsiders how he’s handled the whole thing. He has a lot of work to mend the situation.
He isn’t aware what a jerk he is, vis-à-vis the way he treats his virgin wife consummating the marriage. But soon realizes, he was the only one feeling lust, while she was scared, hurt and used.
Hugh is also quite despicable. He’s an extremely good-looking man, is used to having woman run after him. After he met Lady Devereux and tried to keep her from flailing around trying to escape the abduction, he whispers in her ear, if she handles it right she could have two brothers and not just one. Of course, this infuriates Lady Devereux further.
Davyss tries to make amends with his initial approach to Lady Devereaux, but his lusty past of bedding any and all women, time and again, comes to haunt him. Hugh continues making life miserable for both his brother and Lady Devereux.
Davyss comes to love his new wife, to distraction. She becomes the sun and moon to him.
Lady Devereux for all her spunk and feistiness, isn’t the most careful person and often steps into dangerous situations.
Lady Katharine is a surprise to me. For such an old woman, she is made of steel, a lioness when it comes to protecting her sons. She is one of my favored characters.
Tim Campbell narrates par excellence, very much in the spirit of the story pacing befitting the action. His portrayal and desperation of Davyss had me in tears.
All in all, Le Veque once again comes away with a winner. This tale takes me to a world of excitement, tenderness and passion.
December 26, 2017
The title of this book is about the sword.
Devereaux has been betrothed to Davyss, and on her wedding day, she is dragged to the altar to marry..... his sword.....
So begins what turns into love, but it was very bad at times and Davyss was quite the rake before he was married.
Besides the love story between Devereaux and Davyss, there is the political machinations of Simon de Montfort against King Henry and his son Prince Edward (I think this was King Henry II?). Devereaux starts out on the side of Montfort, but when he seizes power, and seeks to control her husband by kidnapping her and holding her as hostage, she sees him in an unfavorable light in comparison to King Henry, whom she met earlier and there was quite a catfight between Devereaux and the pregnant Princess' ladies.
Devereaux also manages a charity which was begun by her mother, when she is there, and when she is not, the charity is in the excellent hands of Stephen.
The book never seemed to be quite over until the Epilogue, where the secret of Davyss parentage was revealed - though it was given as hints at certain places throughout the book.
Devereaux has been betrothed to Davyss, and on her wedding day, she is dragged to the altar to marry..... his sword.....
So begins what turns into love, but it was very bad at times and Davyss was quite the rake before he was married.
Besides the love story between Devereaux and Davyss, there is the political machinations of Simon de Montfort against King Henry and his son Prince Edward (I think this was King Henry II?). Devereaux starts out on the side of Montfort, but when he seizes power, and seeks to control her husband by kidnapping her and holding her as hostage, she sees him in an unfavorable light in comparison to King Henry, whom she met earlier and there was quite a catfight between Devereaux and the pregnant Princess' ladies.
Devereaux also manages a charity which was begun by her mother, when she is there, and when she is not, the charity is in the excellent hands of Stephen.
The book never seemed to be quite over until the Epilogue, where the secret of Davyss parentage was revealed - though it was given as hints at certain places throughout the book.
March 10, 2022
Sweet love story.
I loved this book. Davyss deWinter is everything you would expect from a knight. He is handsome, brave, strong, skilled, feared, arrogant, respected and of course he is a womanizer who has no plans to marry. His mother has other plans. She arranges a marriage for him behind his back. In protest, he sends his sword to the wedding instead and the beautiful Devereaux is forced into a marriage by proxy. Davyss sent his knights to bring her to the church for the wedding and she went kicking a screaming. She did not want to marry him either but she had no choice. Once Davyss saw her beauty he had second thoughts about his wife but still planned only for a marriage in name only. He roughly consummated the marriage and left her in tears. Devereaux wanted nothing to do with him after that and returned home to her father. For the next 6 weeks they could not stop thinking about each other. The way the author brings them together over time and shows the transformation they each go through is very well done. Great characters and storyline includes family drama, betrayal, battles, and a beautiful love story.
I loved this book. Davyss deWinter is everything you would expect from a knight. He is handsome, brave, strong, skilled, feared, arrogant, respected and of course he is a womanizer who has no plans to marry. His mother has other plans. She arranges a marriage for him behind his back. In protest, he sends his sword to the wedding instead and the beautiful Devereaux is forced into a marriage by proxy. Davyss sent his knights to bring her to the church for the wedding and she went kicking a screaming. She did not want to marry him either but she had no choice. Once Davyss saw her beauty he had second thoughts about his wife but still planned only for a marriage in name only. He roughly consummated the marriage and left her in tears. Devereaux wanted nothing to do with him after that and returned home to her father. For the next 6 weeks they could not stop thinking about each other. The way the author brings them together over time and shows the transformation they each go through is very well done. Great characters and storyline includes family drama, betrayal, battles, and a beautiful love story.
December 15, 2017
I never get tired of reading epic medieval romances such as this one. Aside from one or two present day words used in present day context (like process and dynamics) I have been deeply entrenched in the story. This is a tale not as much about a knight but about strong intelligent women who are behind the molding of a true knight's character (and completing his education/knowledge about women in general and wives in particular). In Davyss's life are two such women ~ his mother and later on his beloved wife. Lespada is Davyss de Winter's sword and stood as a proxy groom to his reluctant marriage to an equally vehemently fighting reluctant Devereux. To this inauspicious and strenuous beginning thus started a beautiful love story complete with blood and gore, kings, usurpers, betrayals, secrets; altogether a very Good read. P.S. ~ I would like to know more about Lespada, though, I am sure there is a story there.
May 5, 2018
Thought I would dip my toe back in the KLV water after a couple weeks of very detailed and seriously well-researched historical fiction and boy this was not the easy going, day at the beach, drinking cocktails read I had hoped for. The h/Devereux was like nails on a chalkboard.
If I had the willpower I just might go back through and count how many times the word "enormous" is used. Everything is enormous ... H/Davyss is enormous ... arms, legs, and all matter of appendages are enormous... keeps, castles, fields horses, towers, appetites for lusty encounters ... all are enormous! It is too much for a simple girl like me to comprehend. KLV story lines are generally pretty good and she typically develops good characters, which often makes it easier to overlook errors and cumbersome language choices. However, this was a let down given the epic lead-up (in previous books) to the almighty "LESPADA"!! Just fell flat for me and I might send KLV a thesaurus for Christmas.
If I had the willpower I just might go back through and count how many times the word "enormous" is used. Everything is enormous ... H/Davyss is enormous ... arms, legs, and all matter of appendages are enormous... keeps, castles, fields horses, towers, appetites for lusty encounters ... all are enormous! It is too much for a simple girl like me to comprehend. KLV story lines are generally pretty good and she typically develops good characters, which often makes it easier to overlook errors and cumbersome language choices. However, this was a let down given the epic lead-up (in previous books) to the almighty "LESPADA"!! Just fell flat for me and I might send KLV a thesaurus for Christmas.
May 8, 2018
Strikingly handsome Davyss de Winter, is a self assured, arrogant, hot tempered, self centred man who is used to having his own way, especially when it comes to the ladies, but his matriarchal mother has other ideas and arranges a marriage for him. Enter the stunningly beautiful, intelligent and charitable Lady Deveraux d'Arcy Allington, who has been chosen by Davyss' mother. From a nightmare of a beginning for Deveraux, her journey takes her on a roll a coaster ride of twists and turns, as Davyss tries to win her love. A strong and enduring love that is surprising to both of them. Set in the turbulent times of Simon de Montfort, it is not only their love that is tested. This is a an emotional and lovely story, which can be humerous as well and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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