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Lords of Eire #1
Black Sword
1323 A.D.
Devlin de Bermingham, an Irish knight to the core, is the bastard son of the Earl of Louth and the descendent of Irish kings. He is also a strong proponent that the Irish should rule Irish lands. Rebelling against his English overlord, the Earl of Kildare, he captures one of Kildare's castles south of Wicklow. Known as Black Sword, a rebel who is both admired and feared, Devlin has set the events in motion for an enormous Irish revolt. Every Norman settlement in Ireland is at risk because of Black Sword's actions and the stage is set.
The Lady Emllyn Fitzgerald is the sister of the Earl of Kildare. When her brother sends his fleet to quell the uprising on his lands, she stows away on one of the vessels in order to follow the object of her affection, a strong young English knight sworn to her brother, into battle. It is her intention to prove to the man she is worthy and brave enough to be his wife, but she truly has no grasp of the seriousness of her folly. As the English fleet makes landfall along the Wicklow coast, disaster strikes - Black Sword and his army of Irish rebels are waiting for them. In a devastating night of blood and mayhem, the English armada is destroyed and Lady Emllyn is taken a prize.
Join Devlin and Emllyn as they embark upon a journey of a lifetime where both will face death, defeat, and disaster, but most terrifying of all, face their growing feelings for one another in a world that would see them torn apart. How is it possible for two people from two completely different worlds to find a love so deep that it will see each of them make sacrifices for the other? Will they be able to remain together or will politics and war keep them apart?
Join the unforgettable adventure of a lifetime and experience what lengths Devlin and Emllyn with go to in order to be with each other, lengths that will transcend their loyalty to their own people and jeopardize their very freedom. For a love that was never meant to be, they will risk all.
Devlin de Bermingham, an Irish knight to the core, is the bastard son of the Earl of Louth and the descendent of Irish kings. He is also a strong proponent that the Irish should rule Irish lands. Rebelling against his English overlord, the Earl of Kildare, he captures one of Kildare's castles south of Wicklow. Known as Black Sword, a rebel who is both admired and feared, Devlin has set the events in motion for an enormous Irish revolt. Every Norman settlement in Ireland is at risk because of Black Sword's actions and the stage is set.
The Lady Emllyn Fitzgerald is the sister of the Earl of Kildare. When her brother sends his fleet to quell the uprising on his lands, she stows away on one of the vessels in order to follow the object of her affection, a strong young English knight sworn to her brother, into battle. It is her intention to prove to the man she is worthy and brave enough to be his wife, but she truly has no grasp of the seriousness of her folly. As the English fleet makes landfall along the Wicklow coast, disaster strikes - Black Sword and his army of Irish rebels are waiting for them. In a devastating night of blood and mayhem, the English armada is destroyed and Lady Emllyn is taken a prize.
Join Devlin and Emllyn as they embark upon a journey of a lifetime where both will face death, defeat, and disaster, but most terrifying of all, face their growing feelings for one another in a world that would see them torn apart. How is it possible for two people from two completely different worlds to find a love so deep that it will see each of them make sacrifices for the other? Will they be able to remain together or will politics and war keep them apart?
Join the unforgettable adventure of a lifetime and experience what lengths Devlin and Emllyn with go to in order to be with each other, lengths that will transcend their loyalty to their own people and jeopardize their very freedom. For a love that was never meant to be, they will risk all.
328 pages, ebook
First published February 27, 2014
466 people are currently reading
466 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Le Veque
326 books2,088 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 83 reviews
February 26, 2014
This book is Phenomenal! I’d give it more stars if I could!
I read this book in less than a day. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.
Yes! This book was all I thought it would be and more. I LOVED it.This was her best.. if not then one of the best books she has written! All of the characters have life.
The heroine is smart and level headed. She is a strong fighter but out of necessity not out of the desire to prove herself. She is not pouty or petty (a trait that grates on my nerves) she has a strong womanly courage that is admirable.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who wishes to be swept away for a while!
Kathryn Le Veque is always a pleasurable read! I cannot put her books down. I can’t wait to start another.
I was sad to reach the end…. Kathryn I want more!! I am totally in Love with Devlin.
I read this book in less than a day. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.
Yes! This book was all I thought it would be and more. I LOVED it.This was her best.. if not then one of the best books she has written! All of the characters have life.
The heroine is smart and level headed. She is a strong fighter but out of necessity not out of the desire to prove herself. She is not pouty or petty (a trait that grates on my nerves) she has a strong womanly courage that is admirable.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who wishes to be swept away for a while!
Kathryn Le Veque is always a pleasurable read! I cannot put her books down. I can’t wait to start another.
I was sad to reach the end…. Kathryn I want more!! I am totally in Love with Devlin.
August 13, 2016
4 and ½ Stars! Medieval Irish Bodice Ripper!
Set in Wicklow, Ireland in 1323, this is the story of Lady Emllyn Fitzgerald who disguised herself as a boy to stow away on a boat full of soldiers sailing to Ireland in order to see the knight she loves. The boat is a part of her brother’s, the Earl of Kildare’s English fleet, which is destroyed by the Irish led by Devlin de Bermingham (aka “Black Sword”). Emllyn is captured and is taken as the spoils of war by Devlin, who tells her she will be his “broodmare” concubine.
In the crushing defeat, over a thousand English are slain but thirty soldiers remain. Emllyn agrees to a bargain whereby she will help Devlin spy on an English holding to the south if Devlin will show her the surviving England soldiers. She is hoping to find among them her beloved knight. Meanwhile, Devlin tells her he will never let her return to England and Emllyn knows because she has been ruined, even if she were free, she could never marry.
This book begins with a bodice-ripping scene in the early chapters and a very alpha male hero, but by the middle of the book, he’s softened into a man who is sensitive, thoughtful and very much in love. He becomes less interested in defeating the English and more interested in recovering the woman he wants who, because of his own devious plans, has slipped into the hands of another. The story has lots of twists and turns with treachery and secrets, and an intricate plot that will keep you turning pages.
Emllyn is a strong heroine you will admire and there are some very unusual secondary characters added to make it interesting (a half crazy aunt and a “lady” who isn’t, to name a few).
Set in Wicklow, Ireland in 1323, this is the story of Lady Emllyn Fitzgerald who disguised herself as a boy to stow away on a boat full of soldiers sailing to Ireland in order to see the knight she loves. The boat is a part of her brother’s, the Earl of Kildare’s English fleet, which is destroyed by the Irish led by Devlin de Bermingham (aka “Black Sword”). Emllyn is captured and is taken as the spoils of war by Devlin, who tells her she will be his “broodmare” concubine.
In the crushing defeat, over a thousand English are slain but thirty soldiers remain. Emllyn agrees to a bargain whereby she will help Devlin spy on an English holding to the south if Devlin will show her the surviving England soldiers. She is hoping to find among them her beloved knight. Meanwhile, Devlin tells her he will never let her return to England and Emllyn knows because she has been ruined, even if she were free, she could never marry.
This book begins with a bodice-ripping scene in the early chapters and a very alpha male hero, but by the middle of the book, he’s softened into a man who is sensitive, thoughtful and very much in love. He becomes less interested in defeating the English and more interested in recovering the woman he wants who, because of his own devious plans, has slipped into the hands of another. The story has lots of twists and turns with treachery and secrets, and an intricate plot that will keep you turning pages.
Emllyn is a strong heroine you will admire and there are some very unusual secondary characters added to make it interesting (a half crazy aunt and a “lady” who isn’t, to name a few).
October 14, 2021
4 - 4.5 stars. Read this for Regan Walker’s Historical Romance Review blog, Oct. is Medieval month. This was a pretty good one! It’s a bodice ripper with a very Alpha male who falls in love and it changes him. There’s a good plot with a twist. Be sure to read the epilogue there’s actual history related to a piece that’s in the book and it’s a charming take on what may have been. I recommend it. I also own 5 of her de Wolfe series I hope some of them are as good as this one!
July 15, 2023
I heard the author rewrote the beginning of the story and renamed it. I definitely understand that the first time was probably a more accurate picture for the times, but at least she understood that some people shied away from it because of that. But I did not expect a rewrite on it. Its her world, her book and her story to tell.
Wow this sucks!
I am speechless. Yes I did finish the book and yes the last part of the book was better but the H was awful. He was a rapist and the biggest picture ever. I could not get past the raping. I will try this author again but be warned this is not a good book. I am glad I got it on Kindle Unlimited. I wouldn't pay to read about an abusive H!
Wow this sucks!
I am speechless. Yes I did finish the book and yes the last part of the book was better but the H was awful. He was a rapist and the biggest picture ever. I could not get past the raping. I will try this author again but be warned this is not a good book. I am glad I got it on Kindle Unlimited. I wouldn't pay to read about an abusive H!
March 10, 2014
"Everything leads me to thee"
Do you like quirky characters? Check. Dominate Alpha Hero? Check. Pet Raven? Check.
This story is another great winner by Kathryn Le Veque...about an Irish Rebel Knight and the journey he and his lady take to fulfill their love. Their love is summed up in one easy quote..."Everything Leads Me to Thee" (KLV)
As with will all of Kathryn's stories it has a great cast of characters. Some are extremely quirky and some will make you laugh out loud. There is also a twist in there that you will probably never see coming. I didn't, and I can usually guess that kind of stuff.
For all lovers of Medieval Romance, its a MUST read!
Enjoy!!
Do you like quirky characters? Check. Dominate Alpha Hero? Check. Pet Raven? Check.
This story is another great winner by Kathryn Le Veque...about an Irish Rebel Knight and the journey he and his lady take to fulfill their love. Their love is summed up in one easy quote..."Everything Leads Me to Thee" (KLV)
As with will all of Kathryn's stories it has a great cast of characters. Some are extremely quirky and some will make you laugh out loud. There is also a twist in there that you will probably never see coming. I didn't, and I can usually guess that kind of stuff.
For all lovers of Medieval Romance, its a MUST read!
Enjoy!!
January 13, 2015
Trigger Warning
This book should have carried one. The first chapter got right into it with the male lead raping... yes raping... the female lead. I couldn't get through it. The writing is stilted and terrible, so I almost stopped reading before that scene. I decided to continue, hoping things would get better. They didn't, and I found myself facing a scene of rape in all sense of the word. I stopped reading and navigated to the end to leave this review. Books containing topics that can trigger someone's trauma should really come with a warning. So glad I used prime to borrow the book instead of buying it outright.
This book should have carried one. The first chapter got right into it with the male lead raping... yes raping... the female lead. I couldn't get through it. The writing is stilted and terrible, so I almost stopped reading before that scene. I decided to continue, hoping things would get better. They didn't, and I found myself facing a scene of rape in all sense of the word. I stopped reading and navigated to the end to leave this review. Books containing topics that can trigger someone's trauma should really come with a warning. So glad I used prime to borrow the book instead of buying it outright.
August 6, 2016
From the first page of Black Sword till the last page, this book will keep you turning the pages. Devlin de Bermingham lived and survived in a cruel and hard age. His world consisted of conquering all. Black Sword, from the first page, shows us Devlin's world. Both Devlin and his conquered Lady Emllyn Fitzgerald, are strong, aggressive people, who grow through their circumstances, to care for each other deeply. Devlin expresses his self in violent words and actions, he soon learns to soften his self because of his passion for Emilyn. At the same time, Emilyn sees a man different from the one who captured her. She sees a man sensitive and capable of love, and loving deeply. They both grow and overcome their first hatred for each other, and learn the more loving, sides of each. Through out each page, I enjoyed the emotion of "on the edge reading". This was one book that I couldn't wait to see what happened on the next page. I literally could not put it down, staying up to the early hours of morning to finish it. It more that kept my interest! I would so strongly recommend Black Sword to everyone. If possible, I would of gave it a lot more stars!!!
March 3, 2014
The relationship of Devlin de Bermingham, the Black Sword, and Lady Emllyn Fitzgerald did not start off under the most auspicious of circumstances. In fact, I actually loathed Devlin for the first few chapters (!!) but Ms Le Veque did an amazing job of redeeming his character. Devlin and Emllyn's love unfolds in a story that's richly detailed, sensual, full of adventure and surprises with a dense, intricate plot. I also loved the sarcastic humor - makes the characters so relatable. The final chapter so beautifully encapsulates Devlin and Em's relationship *sigh* - Ms Le Veque is an expert at delivering THE PERFECT HEA!!!
March 4, 2014
Kathryn has done it again. She manages to write a novel, based in Ireland during a time of war, turmoil, and ever changing politics and twist it into a fabulous romance. The romance between Devlin (the Black Sword) and Emllyn is slow in developing due to their difficult beginning. Keeping true to the times, Kathryn pulls no punches, taking the reader on a journey of lust, conquering, dominance, war, and eventually love. As always, the writing is superb, the descriptions excellent, and the characters swoon worthy. Another amazing novel!
August 1, 2023
Black sword
awesome and intense BARN BURNER of a story! I needed a drink (and I don't drink) to read but couldn't put it down! love the modern day link..that's the brilliance of this writer that other writers lack. So many twists and turns that left me saying "what...OMG" are you kidding me?!?" Lol!! as always...can't wait for the next one!
awesome and intense BARN BURNER of a story! I needed a drink (and I don't drink) to read but couldn't put it down! love the modern day link..that's the brilliance of this writer that other writers lack. So many twists and turns that left me saying "what...OMG" are you kidding me?!?" Lol!! as always...can't wait for the next one!
March 10, 2014
WOW! This was an amazing book. It makes you really think about the time period and wonder if there really were men like that. Great epilogue too I wasn't expecting that.
March 7, 2019
“Everything I am belongs to you…I will love you until I die.”
Devlin de Bermingham is a brutal Irish knight fighting the English to regain his people’s lands. He is known as the Black Sword for in battle, the blood of his enemy is seen dripping darkly from his blade. During a gruesome battle against his foe, the Earl of Kildare, Devlin soundly defeats Kildare’s army and takes his sister as spoils of war. But after ravishing the lady, Devlin becomes remorseful, and works towards gaining her trust as well as her forgiveness. “Once his captive, she was now so much more. She was all.”
Lady Emllyn Fitzgerald is enamored with one of her brother’s knights. Shunned by the young knight, Emllyn stows away on one of her brother’s ships never realizing it was on a doomed journey. Taken hostage, she is offered to the fearsome Irish knight, Black Sword. While locked in his chamber, she curses her foolishness and fears she will soon be passed around to all the men and then fed to the dogs. What she didn’t count on was falling for the warrior that took her innocence, and in return offered her his heart. “The barbarian in you ruined me…but the warrior in you…he is a different man, one whom is trying to save his people. I can understand that. But the barbarian…I hate him as much as he hates me.”
Devlin and Emllyn are enemies on sight, but over time, they find they are everything to each other, and no one will keep them apart…for it is said that for Devlin and Emllyn, “Everything leads me to thee.”
For my review, I will first touch upon the “rape” scene between Devlin and Emllyn. Yes, he did take her by force, but in the context of the times, this was very common, and the author handled it well. Had this not been a romance, most likely Emllyn’s true fate would have been much worse. That being said, this scene could cause a trigger for some readers, and the author does note it in her remarks. So if you fear this is a storyline out of your comfort zone, Kathryn LeVeque has several other historical romances for your reading pleasure. I’ve read several and can offer recommendations.
Now, on to how much I enjoyed this story! Loved it! Devlin and Emllyn are perfect for each other! Both are strong in character and fiercely protective of what belongs to them. I did not want their story to end! And that Epilogue…wow…when I finished, I wanted to stand up and give the author a standing ovation!
This Irish lassie gives Black Sword 5+ Stars! Did I mention I loved it?! LOVED IT! Highly recommend!
Devlin de Bermingham is a brutal Irish knight fighting the English to regain his people’s lands. He is known as the Black Sword for in battle, the blood of his enemy is seen dripping darkly from his blade. During a gruesome battle against his foe, the Earl of Kildare, Devlin soundly defeats Kildare’s army and takes his sister as spoils of war. But after ravishing the lady, Devlin becomes remorseful, and works towards gaining her trust as well as her forgiveness. “Once his captive, she was now so much more. She was all.”
Lady Emllyn Fitzgerald is enamored with one of her brother’s knights. Shunned by the young knight, Emllyn stows away on one of her brother’s ships never realizing it was on a doomed journey. Taken hostage, she is offered to the fearsome Irish knight, Black Sword. While locked in his chamber, she curses her foolishness and fears she will soon be passed around to all the men and then fed to the dogs. What she didn’t count on was falling for the warrior that took her innocence, and in return offered her his heart. “The barbarian in you ruined me…but the warrior in you…he is a different man, one whom is trying to save his people. I can understand that. But the barbarian…I hate him as much as he hates me.”
Devlin and Emllyn are enemies on sight, but over time, they find they are everything to each other, and no one will keep them apart…for it is said that for Devlin and Emllyn, “Everything leads me to thee.”
For my review, I will first touch upon the “rape” scene between Devlin and Emllyn. Yes, he did take her by force, but in the context of the times, this was very common, and the author handled it well. Had this not been a romance, most likely Emllyn’s true fate would have been much worse. That being said, this scene could cause a trigger for some readers, and the author does note it in her remarks. So if you fear this is a storyline out of your comfort zone, Kathryn LeVeque has several other historical romances for your reading pleasure. I’ve read several and can offer recommendations.
Now, on to how much I enjoyed this story! Loved it! Devlin and Emllyn are perfect for each other! Both are strong in character and fiercely protective of what belongs to them. I did not want their story to end! And that Epilogue…wow…when I finished, I wanted to stand up and give the author a standing ovation!
This Irish lassie gives Black Sword 5+ Stars! Did I mention I loved it?! LOVED IT! Highly recommend!
March 16, 2014
I just finished reading Black Sword. Wow, I can say that it has a spot right after my two fav books (Which happen to be Kathryns also) Rise of the Defender and The Dark Lord. Devlin reminds me of Jax in that he is all warlord having to grow and learn something new and unfamiliar. I liked this book from beginning to end. Kathryn had twists in there that blew me away. I so wasn't expecting one of them at all. I love books that keep you reading. I am not like most women who like books for the romance. I like them for the banter and fighting and visual. I usually flip through the romance. Skim it a bit. So when I can read a book like this and think wow everyone gets something out of it (like most of her books), I am happy. I also want to note, that Auntie Eefha is someone I want guarding my back. I just loved her. Crazy as heck but lovable. If you have issue's with controversial issue's then don't read this, but you will surely miss out on one of the best books out there. This book is medieval Irish warfare and love. Devlin and Emllyn make for a good H/H. Weird you start out rooting for England or Ireland. But not in the end.
April 2, 2014
This was a good, entertaining read. I really enjoyed the Irish setting as it gave the atmosphere a lot more 'grit'. The supporting cast of characters were also memorable and added something to the story - from the mad aunt and the pithy medic to the lovesick lord and his 'unladylike' daughter - I liked Le Veque's depiction of them all.
The only thing that made this a four (rather than five) star read (for me) was the relationship between Emllyn and Devlin. I know the 'rape' scenes in this book have been controversial, although true of the time, but I felt the relationship between the hero and heroine jolted slightly. Devlin goes from being an alpha-male who takes any woman he wants to one of Le Veque's most loving, sensitive heroes so far. I'm not saying that Devlin couldn't have changed his ways, I just found his transition too fast and too extreme to hold true. As a hero, I preferred Gaston le Russe in 'The Dark One', who develops hugely as a character without losing 'credibility'. That said, this was still a memorable historical romance set in Medieval Ireland.
The only thing that made this a four (rather than five) star read (for me) was the relationship between Emllyn and Devlin. I know the 'rape' scenes in this book have been controversial, although true of the time, but I felt the relationship between the hero and heroine jolted slightly. Devlin goes from being an alpha-male who takes any woman he wants to one of Le Veque's most loving, sensitive heroes so far. I'm not saying that Devlin couldn't have changed his ways, I just found his transition too fast and too extreme to hold true. As a hero, I preferred Gaston le Russe in 'The Dark One', who develops hugely as a character without losing 'credibility'. That said, this was still a memorable historical romance set in Medieval Ireland.
December 15, 2023
2023- Now called "Lord of Black Castle"
I'm really struggling with this. Since when does being raped multiple times lead to "true love"?!
The author's note at the end says
And what about Devlin and Emllyn… their beginning was rough, no doubt. Did he rape her? That depends – at the time, that wasn’t considered abuse. It was considered claiming a prize, so you have to take it in the context in which it was intended. That’s how wives were claimed in many cultures. But did Emllyn have Stockholm Syndrome, relating to her captor as she did? Absolutely not. She figured out how to survive, and then she figured out what made de Bermingham tick. After that, she discovered the man beneath the legend and fell in love with him.
I vehemently disagree with the author! Yes, rape was part of the conquering actions throughout history, but it wasn't "claiming a prize", it was rape!
2nd reading 2023- Same opinion as the first time!
I'm really struggling with this. Since when does being raped multiple times lead to "true love"?!
The author's note at the end says
And what about Devlin and Emllyn… their beginning was rough, no doubt. Did he rape her? That depends – at the time, that wasn’t considered abuse. It was considered claiming a prize, so you have to take it in the context in which it was intended. That’s how wives were claimed in many cultures. But did Emllyn have Stockholm Syndrome, relating to her captor as she did? Absolutely not. She figured out how to survive, and then she figured out what made de Bermingham tick. After that, she discovered the man beneath the legend and fell in love with him.
I vehemently disagree with the author! Yes, rape was part of the conquering actions throughout history, but it wasn't "claiming a prize", it was rape!
2nd reading 2023- Same opinion as the first time!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2014
This was a long, and very good story.
It begins with a very bone-headed stunt of Emllyn stowing away on board ship to be with her beloved. It is stunts like this that made me want to smack Emllyn a few times. Yet, I did like her. She has her principles, and she sticks to them even at the risk of her own life.
Devilin, the Black Sword is a very interesting man who believes his world is ordered, and he is prepared to free Ireland from the English but Love has plans that throw Devlin's plans off to the wayside.
I do tend to like shorter stories but sometimes you come across a story that is one to savor, and it is one you never want to end. This story also has a terrific twist to it that I did not expect!
It begins with a very bone-headed stunt of Emllyn stowing away on board ship to be with her beloved. It is stunts like this that made me want to smack Emllyn a few times. Yet, I did like her. She has her principles, and she sticks to them even at the risk of her own life.
Devilin, the Black Sword is a very interesting man who believes his world is ordered, and he is prepared to free Ireland from the English but Love has plans that throw Devlin's plans off to the wayside.
I do tend to like shorter stories but sometimes you come across a story that is one to savor, and it is one you never want to end. This story also has a terrific twist to it that I did not expect!
January 29, 2020
THIS BOOK SHOULD HAVE A RAPE SCENE WARNING!!
I just couldn't get past the first chapter with the rape scene that wasn't a rape? scene. I really viewed it as a full on rape. And it happens multiple times well into chapter two! That's when I put the book down for good. By all the high praises and comments I thought this was going to be a great book. Saddens me so many seem "ok" with the lead male character raping the lead female character. There is no romance in that.
I just couldn't get past the first chapter with the rape scene that wasn't a rape? scene. I really viewed it as a full on rape. And it happens multiple times well into chapter two! That's when I put the book down for good. By all the high praises and comments I thought this was going to be a great book. Saddens me so many seem "ok" with the lead male character raping the lead female character. There is no romance in that.
April 22, 2014
4.5/5.0
Wow.... just, wow! This book hits the hands with a bang, twists the heart and makes it pound then doesn’t let go until the last breath is exhaled at the close!
Read full review in the 2014 April issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Wow.... just, wow! This book hits the hands with a bang, twists the heart and makes it pound then doesn’t let go until the last breath is exhaled at the close!
Read full review in the 2014 April issue of InD’tale Magazine.
June 3, 2024
An interesting journey of a young English lady held captive by an Irish Lord after an English raid gone wrong. Feelings grow the more they are together, as well as the intimacy between them, as another enemy takes the Black Lord's castle. You can't help but root for this couple despite their adversities. Another winner from Le Veque.
December 26, 2018
Good writing style and interesting plot but unfortunately the very rape like/ dubious consent sex scenes (especially at the beginning of the book) just did not do it for me...too bad there were so many of them. I found myself skipping alot of the book because of it.
January 17, 2015
4.5/5.0
A gripping read! Grittier than most romances set in this time period, this story doesn't shy away from the realities of the age but still succeeds in winning the reader's heart.
A gripping read! Grittier than most romances set in this time period, this story doesn't shy away from the realities of the age but still succeeds in winning the reader's heart.
February 7, 2019
Excellent Read...but
This was a very good book. I liked the H and h and how they both developed into people who were able to overcame their inbred prejudices and learned to love each other. Because of them two cultures learned how to live in peace. The reason for the 4 stars was some of the characters really didn’t fit the period. There was an openly gay couple, a prim and proper daughter who slept around with her boyfriend and other people if she got the chance. Her father was aware of it and confronted her once by berating and belittling her, but no punishment was given to her or the boyfriend. That definitely didn’t fit the time period. A doctor who was repulsive and vulgar, yet the company commander never said anything because he was the only doctor. I think between England & Ireland he could have found someone else! Lastly, there was a cray aunt who talked in riddles, did whatever she wanted to, including smoking a pipe filled with horse dung, traveled all over the place & nobody gave a darn. I must confess that I did like her though. However, this was the last straw, the H&h made wild passionate love while the crazy aunt was still in the room because they forgot she was there! Really??? I l still love Kathryn Le Veque though.
This was a very good book. I liked the H and h and how they both developed into people who were able to overcame their inbred prejudices and learned to love each other. Because of them two cultures learned how to live in peace. The reason for the 4 stars was some of the characters really didn’t fit the period. There was an openly gay couple, a prim and proper daughter who slept around with her boyfriend and other people if she got the chance. Her father was aware of it and confronted her once by berating and belittling her, but no punishment was given to her or the boyfriend. That definitely didn’t fit the time period. A doctor who was repulsive and vulgar, yet the company commander never said anything because he was the only doctor. I think between England & Ireland he could have found someone else! Lastly, there was a cray aunt who talked in riddles, did whatever she wanted to, including smoking a pipe filled with horse dung, traveled all over the place & nobody gave a darn. I must confess that I did like her though. However, this was the last straw, the H&h made wild passionate love while the crazy aunt was still in the room because they forgot she was there! Really??? I l still love Kathryn Le Veque though.
October 1, 2019
Lagi-lagi buku tentang tawanan perang yang jatuh cinta ke orang yang menangkapnya. Tapi kali ini ada twist dan plotnya beda dari plot untuk tema seperti ini. Apakah stockholm syndrom? Sepertinya sih tergantung. Yang jelas buku ini diawali dengan battle yang brutal. Lalu proses heroine, Emelyn, tertangkap--yang tegang banget dan nyesek karena dia dianggap spoils of the war, tentu saja dia mengalami kekerasan (secara mental dan seksual) dari hero kita, Devlin. Yah mungkin karena abuser-nya ganteng macho hot, makanya Emelyn ada seneng-senengnya gitu 'digarap' Devlin 😅 Tapi tenang aja nanti bakal ada redeem-nya. Karena mereka berdua bakal ada perasaan yang deep dan passionate. Menurut saya buku ini banyak banget adegan gituannya, mungkin yang paling banyak yang pernah saya baca dari novel Kathryn Le Veque. Overall, sebenernya buku ini bisa dapat bintang 5 dan bakal jadi fave saya banget. Cuma sayangnya dia antiklimaks. Berasa di akhir kaya dikebut ceritanya. Gak ada epic battle juga, padahal kalau dituliskan pasti bakal seru banget karena digambarkan sebagai 'bloodbath'. Tau-tau kelar gitu aja dan happy ending. Epilognya ada hint reinkarnasi (?).
September 15, 2023
I loved it! Suspenseful and Gripping! Lord of Black Castle will keep you spellbound as it takes you on a rollercoaster ride that brims with tension building twists and turns, trials and tribulations, danger, secrets and suspense that will keep you sitting on the edge of your seat. I love Kathryn Le Veque books that gives readers a well-written story, filled it with flawed characters who manage to grow and yet retain their personalities which captivates you from the beginning until the very end, sizzling passion, and with great dialogue. You just have to fall in love with Eefha, Devlin's aunt and the way Emllyn knows when she enters a room. With setting descriptions and action sequences that are wonderfully vivid that brings the story to life and as the uncertainties escalates the suspense builds and danger abound which brings this read together perfectly.
January 26, 2025
Loved the secret
Devlin de Birmingham was an Irish knight known as Black Sword and the bastard son of the Earl of Louth and the descendant of Irish kings. He also felt that the Irish should rule Irish lands. He was rebelling against his English overlord, the Earl of Kildare and captures one of Kildare’s castles south of Wicklow. Because of his events he has started an Irish revolt.
Lady Emllyn Fitzgerald was the sister of the Earl of Kildare. When her brother sends his fleet to quell the uprising on his lands she stows away on one of the vessels so she could follow the object of her affection a strong young English knight sworn to her brother.
When the English fleet makes landfall along the Wicklow coastline Black Sword is waiting and the English armada is destroyed and Lady Emllyn is taken. There is a secret that is later told. This was an exciting story.
Devlin de Birmingham was an Irish knight known as Black Sword and the bastard son of the Earl of Louth and the descendant of Irish kings. He also felt that the Irish should rule Irish lands. He was rebelling against his English overlord, the Earl of Kildare and captures one of Kildare’s castles south of Wicklow. Because of his events he has started an Irish revolt.
Lady Emllyn Fitzgerald was the sister of the Earl of Kildare. When her brother sends his fleet to quell the uprising on his lands she stows away on one of the vessels so she could follow the object of her affection a strong young English knight sworn to her brother.
When the English fleet makes landfall along the Wicklow coastline Black Sword is waiting and the English armada is destroyed and Lady Emllyn is taken. There is a secret that is later told. This was an exciting story.
January 19, 2019
Emllyn Kildare realises very quickly that she has been a very stupid young woman. She stowed away on one of her brother's war ships that attempted to land in Ireland. The result is more violence than she could ever imagine.
Devlin de Beringham is known as the Black Sword. He leads the Irish rebels against the English that are stealing their land. His castle is one that he reclaimed from them.
This book starts with a scary amount of violence that some readers might not like, but it is necessary to learn about the characters and the power of love. A fascinating medieval adventure, romance with great characters. Even a mischievous healer and a mad aunt.
I was completely hooked all the way through. I loved every page.
Devlin de Beringham is known as the Black Sword. He leads the Irish rebels against the English that are stealing their land. His castle is one that he reclaimed from them.
This book starts with a scary amount of violence that some readers might not like, but it is necessary to learn about the characters and the power of love. A fascinating medieval adventure, romance with great characters. Even a mischievous healer and a mad aunt.
I was completely hooked all the way through. I loved every page.
October 8, 2019
Excellent!
Another wonderful story by K. Le Vecque. Two people, Devlin and Emmlyn, brought together through off circumstances when she disguised herself in order to show away in the shop we love interest is headed out to eat on. When the ship is destroyed she winds up a spoil of that war and becomes the concubine of Devlin, the Irish knight known as Black Sword. Where Ms Le Veque gets the ideas for these stories, I cannot imagine. But she has to be a genius to come up with a plot such as this. Even after the plot is established early in the book Le Veque still throws in twists and turns that put further tension on the outcome of the book. I love this author!
Another wonderful story by K. Le Vecque. Two people, Devlin and Emmlyn, brought together through off circumstances when she disguised herself in order to show away in the shop we love interest is headed out to eat on. When the ship is destroyed she winds up a spoil of that war and becomes the concubine of Devlin, the Irish knight known as Black Sword. Where Ms Le Veque gets the ideas for these stories, I cannot imagine. But she has to be a genius to come up with a plot such as this. Even after the plot is established early in the book Le Veque still throws in twists and turns that put further tension on the outcome of the book. I love this author!
July 15, 2022
Good book
Cate decided to follow a knight whom she loves on the ship to Ireland. She wishes him to see how good of wife she can be . What she didn't expect was the black sword men to attack the ship upon not even landing on it shores.
Taken captive she comes eye to eye with the black sword him self . When she refused to state her name Devlin decides he will get his answers best way he can from this English lass. With luck on his side he has his enemy's sister or so he think. Good book recommend
Cate decided to follow a knight whom she loves on the ship to Ireland. She wishes him to see how good of wife she can be . What she didn't expect was the black sword men to attack the ship upon not even landing on it shores.
Taken captive she comes eye to eye with the black sword him self . When she refused to state her name Devlin decides he will get his answers best way he can from this English lass. With luck on his side he has his enemy's sister or so he think. Good book recommend
September 19, 2023
Both books
It’s sad when change, is believed for the better. I simply adored the Black Sword, a women was thought as property.No, rights. It was a harsh bitter life. But, we put chivalry, shining knights, and romance in books to lull our minds to dream. Sometimes we have to realize how harsh life really was, my god women in the USA were only given the right to vote not until 1919! Horrific things happen in life, sadly. Kathyrn Le Veque books are entertaining and mesmerizing, I thank you for letting me enjoy her books.
It’s sad when change, is believed for the better. I simply adored the Black Sword, a women was thought as property.No, rights. It was a harsh bitter life. But, we put chivalry, shining knights, and romance in books to lull our minds to dream. Sometimes we have to realize how harsh life really was, my god women in the USA were only given the right to vote not until 1919! Horrific things happen in life, sadly. Kathyrn Le Veque books are entertaining and mesmerizing, I thank you for letting me enjoy her books.
May 13, 2017
Black Sword
I love everything Medieval and anything Kathryn Le Veque writes is a five star rating for me. This was a gut wrenching story of war, betrayal, passion, and love in a turbulent time. I felt this book depicted what reality must have been like to a degree. The characters are awesome. As usual Ms. Le Veque delivers a powerful story!
I love everything Medieval and anything Kathryn Le Veque writes is a five star rating for me. This was a gut wrenching story of war, betrayal, passion, and love in a turbulent time. I felt this book depicted what reality must have been like to a degree. The characters are awesome. As usual Ms. Le Veque delivers a powerful story!
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