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de Lohr Dynasty #6

Spectre of the Sword

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1203 A.D.

The Lady Elizabeau Treveighan is the illegitimate daughter of Geoffrey, Duke of Brittany. Elizabeau was sent to foster at a very young age, her identity known only to a herself and the earl who fostered her. When her half-brother Prince Arthur is murdered and rumors begin to fly that the opposition to King John intends to marry her to a Teutonic prince and supplant her and her new husband as the rulers of England, she suddenly becomes a very hot, and very dangerous, commodity.

Sir Rhys du Bois is charged with keeping Elizabeau safe until her arranged marriage can occur, but the task turns into one of monumental proportions. It's one harrowing flight after another as Rhys tries to keep Elizabeau from harm's way. Somewhere in the process, they fall madly in love with each other and the knight finds himself battling duty and love in order to stay on task. Torn, but with a tremendous sense of duty, he cannot escape the feelings that are swamping him, and Elizabeau does not make it easy for him. Her love for him supersedes her loyalty to her country, and to a family name that has only meant heartache for her.

When Elizabeau is finally captured by the king's men and slated for execution under the charge of treason, Rhys will risk everything to save her from the executioner's sword. However, Rhys is betrayed by another knight and soon, he too is slated for the executioner's axe. As Rhys and Elizabeau face death together, allies come together for a covert operation that will save their lives. It's a race against time before King John's men can execute the last legitimate heiress to the throne and her protector turned lover.

179 pages, ebook

First published April 1, 2008

364 people are currently reading
488 people want to read

About the author

Kathryn Le Veque

326 books2,088 followers
Juggernaut 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.

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5 stars
646 (65%)
4 stars
241 (24%)
3 stars
81 (8%)
2 stars
12 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Carolyn.
2,233 reviews
December 26, 2017
This is such a beautiful love story! It also contains beloved characters from past and future books. Fabulous! Still love it after three reads. ;)
Profile Image for Petula.
3,102 reviews88 followers
July 21, 2014
5***** I wish I could put these stars in the proper place but they just won't work.
This book is one of the best love stories I have ever read. Kathryn Le Veque gives us everything we could want. An illegitimate princess and a knight who holds his duty above all else. From the very start the story grips you. I could not put it down. It shows that a love story can be enjoyable without spending all the time in the bedroom. Mind you when she goes there its so beautiful in this case it brings tears to your eyes. Some of the family names are familiar from other books but it is not a part of a series. You can read it as a stand alone ,but be warned once you have read it you will rush of to find some more.
Its good job she has a large back catalogue. I have already read 14 of them in a few weeks. It won't take me long to read the rest. Keep them coming Kathryn. :-)
Profile Image for Jayne Castel.
Author 96 books406 followers
August 27, 2013
Best Le Veque so far - fantastic story of a love that can never be with a great build up of tension between the lovers: Elizabeau and Rhys. She is the illegitimate heir to the throne, he is the knight charged with protecting her. She is promised to someone else but when Elizabeau falls in love with her protector, all hell breaks lose. This novel wasn't of such an epic length as some of her others, but I think Spectre of the Swords is the most powerful of all Le Veque's books I've read so far. A great read!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
Want to read
April 23, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/22/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Liloshadow (ReNee).
90 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2013
It was an emotional roller coaster. But I liked the ride!! The characters in this story were amazing...they practically leapt off the pages. The hero Rhys is a DREAM. And the ending was so heartbreaking and beautiful I didn't know whether to shout with joy or cry. You just have to read the ending to understand. LOVED the epilogue!!

Check out this beautiful moving story...you won't be sorry!!
Profile Image for Mattahhari.
25 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2015
Rhys Du Bois has become one of my favorite characters in Le Veque's books. Spectre of the Sword put him in a very vulnerable spot and it was refreshing to see the breathtakingly handsome knight fall in love. i loved this story from beginning to end!
Profile Image for TJ.
3,307 reviews291 followers
September 8, 2015
I don't think I'm a fan of the "doomed love" trope. It leaves the entire reading experience rather depressing throughout, even though we know there will be a happy ending. Still, Ms. LeVeque does such a amazing job of keeping me turning those page that I can't give this one less than 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jo Ann.
1,067 reviews5 followers
February 20, 2014
Kathryn Le Veque can do no wrong!! Loved that the heroine was strong willed and confident. GREAT epilogue. Always enjoy catching up with characters from other books.
Profile Image for &#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews114 followers
August 23, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Rhys and Elizabeau are the couple who faced the ultimate challenge.
What do you do when the woman you love is the next Queen Of England?
How do you fight against that?
Surely there is not much hope for happiness or hope for a good outcome on your part .
But Rhys is not only the ultimate knight and warrior ,he’s got Honour coming out of his ears , the poor man tries so hard to be and do what he knows is right.
Elizabeau is not doing this by choice, she never wanted the job, doesn’t want to be chased the length of England, and never wanted to go with the big scary knight , but we don’t always get what we want .
When they fall , it’s quick and hard and all consuming and really written beautifully, all through this book your emotions are engaged, you feel every touch and tear , it’s a stunning book with a wonderful romance element from these two main characters .
Recommended Read for all fans
Profile Image for Kasie.
110 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2018
MUST READ💖💞Another Wonderful Love Story💞💖

Where to start after reading the "DARK LORD & DEVILS DOMINION" I had totally forgotten about Rhys du Bois and how gorgeous, respected, & AMAZING that Man was. So of course Rod du Bois (Rhys little brother) being in "DEVILS DOMINION" made think back to How Rhys & Elizabeau's AMAZING TRUE LOVE STORY! Therefore I could not help myself in reading it for the 4th time. It is an EDGE of Your Seat, Very Sad, a Major Tear jearkeing Ride! I was an Emotional Wreck (AGAIN LOL) reading this book. It never ceases to Amaze me What people would give up & do for TRUE LOVE! My onnly questions are what happened to Conrad & Carys & (WILL OR DOES) Rod get his story because she hints at "AN AMAZING ADVENTURE for Rod & one of Jax de Velts daughters at the end of "DEVILS DOMINION?"
Profile Image for Cindy Coker.
211 reviews6 followers
June 28, 2019
How have I just read this book? What an incredible story! I have read Unending Love with Maddie du Bois several times; it is one of my all time Le Veque favorites! Why I never picked up the story of his father Rhys before now I will never know!
An incredible tale! With an a phenomenal hero who will have you charmed from page 1 and a heroin that is strong, intelligent and worthy of the hero she has been given.
I’ve cried while reading on several occasions but this Epilogue after reading the love & trials/tribulations in this book, I’m a wreck right now! So in awe of how the story comes about and the genius that is Kathryn Le Veque! What an incredible read!! I wish there were more stars to give!
And not to mention the journey includes a de Wolfe & the de Lohr brothers! So many wins for this book; 5 stars are not enough
Profile Image for LINDA.
8 reviews
February 27, 2018
Good historical romance. After a rather unbelievably fast falling “in love” the story became much more interesting. I really liked that once the heroes realized they loved each other their conflicts were from outside sources and not of their own making. So many stories keep the main characters apart because of immaturity, misunderstandings, jealousy, selfishness etc and it drives me crazy to read something that could be resolved with an honest straightforward conversation. This story was an unwavering love with great obstacles that appeared to be unable to be overcome. Well done!

I would recommend to everyone. Great characters. Believable and engaging storyline. Pretty good editing. Not many grammatical or spelling errors.
Profile Image for Rosemary Hughes.
4,192 reviews23 followers
November 7, 2019
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title.
They came to safe guard her from her Uncle's assassins, now that she was heir to the throne, since her half brother's death.
A giant of a knight was to be her only escort, his size overwhelmed her, but she refused to let them know of her fear. Together they took off on the greatest adventure of their lives, a dangerous and torturous trip, with fear, and possible capture or death, their constant companions.
However, they're reliance on each other, grew to friendship and admiration, which in turn grew to something more powerful. She was his mission, and although they both did not want, in the end, to fulfill his noble commitment, they would... or die in the process!
1,052 reviews4 followers
March 1, 2022
Forbidden Love.

This may be one of my favorite KLV books so far. I love, love , love Rhys. He is everything you would expect from a knight and more. The “more” is his deep and never ending love for Elizabeau. He starts out as her protector tasked with getting her safely to her betrothed before the kings assassins get her. There are many obstacles along the way, including the fact that they fall deeply in love. Rhys has to decide if he will complete his mission and give Elizabeau over to her betrothed or if he will find a way to keep her for himself. Of course, the deLohr brothers are heavily involved in this story and I can’t get enough of them. Well worth reading. In fact, I may read it again.
Profile Image for S. Nomakeo.
Author 6 books6 followers
June 29, 2021
I received a free copy of this audiobook from AudiobooksUnleashed in exchange for an honest review.
One of my favorites from this prolific author along with excellent narration made this a great read. Elizabeau Treveighan finds herself next in line for the throne when her brother is murdered by the current King. She is his next target. Sir Rhys du Bois is designated her champion and tasked to get her safely to the arms of her betrothed. A rich historical setting and historical figures set the scene. Sir Rhys du Bois fights the king's soldiers sent to kill them and fights his own sense of honor.
Profile Image for Christina Adams.
284 reviews
January 31, 2019
Rhys and Elizabeau's story is really one of constant twists and turns, so not only do you get the romance between the two, but you also get the adventure that happens around them. The two really have a lot in common and the story is a really good one. I also enjoyed the epilogue, so that I could see what happened to the couple.

I will say that the audiobook was hard to listen to. The Narrator is not that great. Brad Wills that does quite a few books of Kathryn Le Veque's is one of the best narrator's for her books, the one for this particular one is a hard listen. Be aware!
642 reviews
November 20, 2019
Wonderful story!

This was another of Kathryn Le Vecque 's better books. This story of the great love of Lady Elizabeau Treveighan and Sir Rhys de Bois is one also one of great adventure and intrigue. From the moment of their meeting they are plunged into a race to save her life and as it ends up, both almost wind up on the chopping block. Kathryn Le Vecque is a genius story teller and whether her history is all true or NOT, she is a great historian!
1,004 reviews5 followers
May 10, 2023
Spectre of the Sword

Take an eighteen year old illegitimate royal girl and plan to wed her to a Teutonic prince to take over England. First she needs to get to the prince. Enter a thirty year old knight and put them on the run, alone, trying to escape assassins sent by the king. What could happen??
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,576 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2017
Good book

You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so that I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
Profile Image for Nancy.
Author 14 books83 followers
August 30, 2018
This was a quick entertaining read. I don't know enough about the history of the era to know if there really was such a 'potential queenly succession' situation in real life, but the premise was a novel one.
Profile Image for Margaret.
3,235 reviews35 followers
March 7, 2019
4 1/2 STARS
A LOVER IN DISGUISE
One knight's mission to protect the woman who would be a queen, becomes the knight's fight to deny his love. Le Veque writes another great love story with lots of tension which borders on grief. A RECOMMENDED READ!
Profile Image for Lorrie Moar.
578 reviews9 followers
July 4, 2019
Whatta incredible read this book was! I laughed and I cried and it just broke my heart to see such pain and hurt these two go through but ohhh the loving and the laughter made it worthwhile. Truly great read!!
Profile Image for Sylvia Laurel.
157 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2020
A Great Story

This was a great story with lots of unrequited love and yearning until they both admit to each other but major problem that keeps them apart. It has a couple of very sexy scenes.
3 reviews
October 31, 2022
I couldn't put the book down!

This is truly one of this author's best books. Many interesting twists and turns. Exciting! Beautiful love story. It's definitely one of my favorites by Kathryn
Le Veque
Profile Image for Crystal Butler.
524 reviews3 followers
September 7, 2023
Good story

Elizabeau was to be the queen of England only King John was looking for her to kill her to keep the throne. Rhys, a knight who was sworn to Christopher de Lohr was to be her escort to her betrothed Prince Conrad. Along the way she is captured by the kings men.
14 reviews
January 18, 2024
Another winner!

You will not find another author who writes such a beautiful HEA story. I have read almost everything she has written and I constantly reread them! They give me hours of pleasure I can find no where else!
19 reviews
July 12, 2025
fantastic as always

Kathryn. Ever fails and never disappoints. He talent to create characters that have dimension and depth. Her storylines are wonderful and intriguing. I always look forward to every book of hers.
192 reviews2 followers
November 8, 2017
Spectre of the Sword

I have just discovered Kathryn's books and am happy that
I have she is marvelous and very good or should I said great. Thank you again. Ada G.
Profile Image for Magdalana Conin.
214 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2018
Loved it! Read all Kathryn's books! She is the best author I've ever read and I've got all her books, can't wait for the next one to come out!!!!
Profile Image for Beth.
1,290 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2018
This was good!!
* Excited to read about his oldest son.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

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