To Protect

The Knight School Chronicles

by Cecelia Mecca

Love and loyalty collide in a medieval tale of swords, secrets, and sacrifice.

England, 1152

Sir Roland de Vere, renowned as one of England’s most formidable swordsmen, faces a choice between duty to his family and allegiance to a secret knightly order. At a time when political strife threatens to tear the realm apart, Roland’s loyalty is further tested when he falls for Amalia, a fierce and passionate lady’s maid whom he can never call his own.

As they embark on a mission to overthrow the king, Roland and Amalia’s journey becomes a delicate dance of love and political intrigue. With each step, Roland risks not only his noble standing as an earl’s eldest son but also the safety of those he holds dear.

Will Roland’s commitment to duty shatter his chance at love? Can Amalia entrust her heart to a renowned charmer like Sir Roland de Vere? Find out in the second installment of The Knight School Chronicles.

Genres: Historical, Historical Romance, Romance, Medieval, Fiction, Medieval Romance

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2024

About the author

Your escape awaits...

Cecelia Mecca is the bestselling author of steamy historical romance and also writes contemporary small town romance as Cissy Mecca and romantasy/PNR as C.L. Mecca.

Armed with a Ph.D. and lots of chai, she's known for giving readers "heroines who you want to be your best friend." When these ladies meet alpha-males who try to gain control, sparks fly until the very last page. One reader says, "No one can so completely whisk you away like Cecelia."

Our Highlander-loving author can be found in Northeast, Pennsylvania thinking up new ways to tame both medieval and contemporary bad boys. She is firmly House Stark and Gryffindor and loves all things fantasy, especially when tinged with a bit of steamy romance.

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Reviews

[Francesca Likes Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one more than the previous book in the series, To Honor.

This book starts during the events of the previous book, so it is not a standalone. You need to read To Honor before reading this. We get to see what happened to Amalia after she sent away for safety to Castle Blackwood while events in To Honor are happening. What happened? She fell in love with a knight of course!

This is a class difference romance between Roland the Rake, the heir to an earldom, and the the best swordsman of the group. He immediately smitten with Amalia and pursues her. However, Amalia is not dumb and calls Roland out that he is just a rake and just wants to have sex because he would never actually marry her, and she is not interested in being a his mistress.

Roland does back off...but circumstances and their mutual attraction keep getting in the way of them ignoring each other. We get more into the politics and historical events in this book as well. I LOVED that Empress Matilda makes a cameo and we get to see how certain historical events played out with Roland and Amalia.

I also really liked how their class differences was discussed not just by those around them, but by the couple. They have a few conversation about it, and their options in order to be together.

This was well written and engaging. If you liked book one, then you will enjoy this as well. Once again this book is on the shorter side, so things moved a little too quickly for my taste, but overall it was enjoyable and I look forward to reading more books in this series.

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so enjoying Cecelia Mecca's newest series, The Knight School Chronicles! Book 1 was awesome and so is book 2!!!! This time it's Sir Roland de Vere's story and to be honest, this swoon worthy hero was born to protect so it's the perfect title for his story. His life's goal is to protect the would be queen and see the king overthrown but once he meets Amalia, all he wants is to protect HER! Choosing between her, his family and the secret knightly order has him questioning everything.

Amalia, a lady's maid, is under Roland's protection and although she is deeply attracted to him, she knows nothing can happen between them because of their different stations in life. They say love can overcome all difficulties but she hates the thought of him losing everything because of her. Your heart will ache for them but you will also rejoice when they finally do get their HEA:)

Between the historical facts and the author's imagination, it all blends to make a wonderful passionate story. I now can't wait for book 3!!!

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written medieval historical with strong characters in Roland and Amalia. The author does a great job taking you back to the day with her descriptive scenes and intriguing storyline. The secondary characters all help to bring the story around. She brings all the emotions, desires and passion as well as the battles and confessions. She does a fantastic job bringing her story to life and delivers a wonderful story. Loved and recommend reading.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord Roland de Vera is Noble and an Earls son! Amalia is the daughter of a farmer and a lady’s maid to her dear friend Evelina we met previously!
These two do not have a future! Everyone warms Amelia about Roland even to tell her he is betrothed! Amalia tried to keep her distance but Roland broke his betrothal before courting her!
There friends shining example called to them along with the dangers in trying to install Mistress Matilda as Queen!
Roland father an Earl should not have been called your grace!
Can Roland’s father accept his path including the woman he loves!
Roland’s quick thinking in battle saved his brother Geoffrey life! But can he marry the woman he loves and keep an Earldom!?
Roland is a man in love and has vowed the impossible! Bravo 4.7 stars

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Great Great Story!

Cecelia has never written an awful book!!! This story was so terrific. I just loved the characters and storyline so much. I can’t wait for the 3rd one to come out. Roland, Alden, Darien, Gareth and Sir Eamon are such strong characters. Lady Evelina, Amelia and Lady Elara are also very strong characters. I think the 3rd book will be about Aiden and Elara 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️ I’m so glad that things worked out at the end. And in the bonus scene I guessed it correctly just before Aiden did 🥳🥳🥳 On to another story. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊😊

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given that Roland was the ladies’ man of the group, I wasn’t sure I was going to like his book that much. Plus, the fact that the name Roland just invokes Schitt’s Creek for me, I wasn’t so sure this hero would work for me. Yet, he did it in every way. I loved Roland’s devotion to Amalia once he realized his feelings and his lack of care for their differences in station. Their relationship was actually very endearing, and I loved how they came together with relatively little fuss. This was a very solid story, and I really enjoyed it.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Favorite Author did it again! I agree that Cecelia Mecca has never written an awful story. I have read most of her books and loved them all! "To Protect" A wonderful story of Sir Roland and Amalia.
Roland was a gentleman and Amalia was a Lady to him, and he wanted to protect her. I am happy it turned out okay for them in the end! I am looking forward to Book 3, I have not seen the Bonus section yet. It Should tell us whose story is next!

[Crystal Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sir Roland and Amalia’s story

Sir Roland de Verne was one of Englands most formidable swordsmen who has sworn allegiance to a secret knightly order. who is in love with a lady’s maid and unable to make her his own.
Amalia was a farmers daughter who went to be a lady’s maid to Evelina. When Gareth and Evalina run off to get married Amalia was brought back to Blackwood castle. This is where she meets SIR Roland and their journey begins.

[Nancy Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing story bringing you back in time!

Roland and Amalia’s story is an interesting one that their friends certainly enjoy watching as it evolves. Roland may be resistant at first but comes to the conclusion that he has found his perfect love, but in the world they live in can they truly be together? Another great story by Cecelia Mecca that leaves you wanting to read the next book in this series.

[Jo Quivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book!

Loved the story of Roland and Amalia, Roland a knight and Amalia a maid (herbalist/healer) fall in love. This book has secrets, sacrifices, and loyalty a must read, all the characters play an important role. Ms. Cecelia Mecca has a way of telling a story I couldn't put it down can't wait to read the next book.

[B. Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by Cecelia Mecca and it won't be my last one. I was drawn into this medieval romance story with a background of a king that was a captive and a would-be queen. Families are split apart, and Sir Roland de Vere falls for Amalia, a lady's maid. It was a great book and I will be reading the next book, To Love, and thank Ms. Mecca for this book!!! 5 stars!!!

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Historical Romance

I have enjoyed this book. Roland and Amelia were meant for each other. I have studied on Ancestry and I am supposed to have a couple Knights in my family tree and it would be interesting to hear their story.

[Gaia Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rake gets caught

This was an exciting next in series for the Guardians of the Sacred Oak. Roland and Amalia are wonderful characters with interesting chemistry and personalities.

[Philomena cro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love conquers all

what I liked about the book was the history and the love that prevailed through everything that they faced together.

[SHERRY · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

Ms. Mecca has a way of weaving a story that grabs you and spins you around so you can't put it down until the last page.
Looking forward to the next book!

[Ann Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This was a great book with fabulous characters. The pace flows nicely and the book is a quick read. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Nora Griswold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story and with intriguing elements. Loved the love story. Recommend to read

[jamie p mchugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

This book reminds me a lot of a certain other author who writes about English nights And love It really is good Read

[kristine bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book

I was unable to put this book down. It was exciting from the beginning till the end, plus it had a happy ending.

[Darlene Summers · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was okay

Although the first one was good this one was better but the books don’t seem to mess the story together so they both seem lost

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another guardian knight finds rather lady he wants to spend his life with but it comes with obstacles to overcome within his family and his duty to protect the queen Matilda

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable and well written.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read

[Laurel Irvine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Play hard, love harder

To Protect.
Number 2 in the Kight School Chronicles.
Roland and Amalia. They drew me in with every page. I loved the strength Amalia has. It brought out the best in Roland. And how hot is that!
Thank you, Cecelia. Can't wait for number 3.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Protect
The Knight School Chronicles
Book 2
Cecelia Mecca
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sir Roland de Vere is known as one of England's best swordsmen even though he's not one to boast about it. He faces a choice between his duty to family and his allegiance to what he believes is just, and that is a secret knightly order. At this time in the year 1152, life is full of political strife that threatens to tear the realm apart. Now, Roland's loyalty is further tested when he falls for a lady's maid named Amalia, whom he believes he will never be able to call his own.

Amalia is fiesty and quite brave. We met her in the first book, and now this is her story. Before Amalia knows it, she is involved with the order and taken in as one of their own to be their healer.

As Roland, Amelia, and the rest of the order embark on an important mission to overthrow the current King and have Matilda crowned as queen, their journey becomes a delightful dance of love and political intrigue. There will be conflict but with each step, Roland risks not only his noble standing as an Earl's son (a title he has never really cared for or coveted) but also the safety of those he holds dear.

I don't know how Cecelia Mecca does it, but each book seems to get better than the previous book. I was absolutely captivated by this story. I couldn't put it down, and when I had to, I was not impressed with whoever needed my attention and made me stop reading. This book has it all a feisty heroine who thinks she's not good enough to be a Countess, a hero who doesn't care that he is heir to his father's earldom, and totally action packed. I also love the historical significance that the author added to the story. This author really does her homework when she writes a book. This book was totally amazing, and I read it like I was sipping a fine wine that I never wanted to finish. When I did finish, I was a little sad, but just knowing that there will be another book has put a new smile on my face. Ms. Mecca, you never cease to amaze me with your incredible writing and talent.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

How is it possible that every book by this talented author just keeps getting better? The plot is well-researched and written and the romance between Sir Roland and Amalia runs parallel to actual historical events, keeping one glued to the pages of the novel. Tasked with keeping Amalia safe was a bit like letting a fox loose amongst the chickens, especially as Roland has a “love them and leave them” reputation. Amalia is only too aware of the knight's background and struggles with her feelings for him when she receives repeated warnings about him. Finding herself en route to London with the royal entourage, Amalia is grateful for Roland's protective presence, but when they come under attack she sees a side of him that makes her all the more aware of how precarious their situation is. Sir Roland de Vere has had to leave everything he holds dear behind him to fight for a cause he believes in, but Amalia takes him by surprise. He finally understands how his best friend succumbed to love and marriage but knows that letting his feelings for Amalia take root in his heart, jeopardizes his future with his own family even more than is already the case. Whilst there is still more to the story, Roland and Amalia finally find the happiness they so deserve in one another. I received a copy of this heartwarming romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[djc- · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roland is a Lord and a knight who is fighting a war on the side he believes is best for his country. He knows he has to keep his focus in helping to achieve their goal but when he sees Amalia his concentration seems to wonder. He is fascinated by her and is interested in getting to know her better. Amalia is a lady's maid and feels she is not worthy of Roland and does not want to be responsible for all that he will lose if he stays with her. They are both in a difficult spot concerning the differences in their station in life. There are some who think they are not suited and will strongly voice their opinions. Roland and Amalia soon have to decide if their love is strong enough to overcome all of the obstacles that they face.
The men go on a treacherous mission and since Amalia is skilled in healing with herbs she is asked to go along to help with any wounded. Things get more complicated when the conflict in their country becomes very dangerous. During one of the skirmishes Roland is in for a major surprise.
The historical background in the story was very fascinating and enjoyable to read. I am a big fan of Cecelia's books and once you start a story you can't wait to see what will happen. I look forward to next book in this series.
I received an issue of this book which I voluntarily read and evaluated; all opinions expressed are my own.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

England, 1152 & Sir Roland de Vere, renowned as one of England’s most formidable swordsmen, faces a choice between duty to his family and allegiance to a secret knightly order. At a time when political strife threatens to tear the realm apart, Roland’s loyalty is further tested when he falls for Amalia, a fierce and passionate lady’s maid whom he can never call his own. As they embark on a mission to overthrow the king, Roland and Amalia’s journey becomes a delicate dance of love and political intrigue. With each step, Roland risks not only his noble standing as an earl’s eldest son but also the safety of those he holds dear.
The second book in the series & it could be read on its own but I’ve said it before about the author’s books when they are this good I’d highly recommend reading from the beginning. I loved both Roland & Amalie the chemistry between them sizzled & I loved how he fell so hard for her, he was protective & caring. I’m sure she kept pinching herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming as Roland was quite a catch. I also loved the mix of fact & fiction which this very talented author seamlessly interwove to make an engrossing romance
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Lorrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had the perfect title! My favorite part of this story was the way Roland protected Amalia. Beyond heart-throbbing!!

Amalia: Kind, humble, lady's maid who loved working with herbs. She finds herself alone at a castle mainly filled with the men while her lady is off with her new husband. She's attracted to Roland more than she cares to admit but knows it's futile that a knight, an Earl's son, would ever ask for her hand. He was destine to marry for an alliance or land, most likely a woman of his father's choosing. So why couldn't her heart listen to her mind?

Roland: One of the best swordsman of his time. Living up to his father's reputation was always daunting for him and he strived to earn a reputation on his own. Not to mention he was on opposite sides of conflict when it came to who should reign over England. So meeting Amalia only added one more thing to the list his father would hold against him. Should one kiss change his way of thinking? One thing he did know was that he'd do anything to protect her. Above all else.

Great read, would highly recommend and one thing is always promised by this author: a timeless romance surrounded by historical events. I was gifted with an ARC and wanted to post my thoughts.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a real, fascinating person named Empress Matilda in history. Read about her! Cecelia Mecca has given the readers a treat by incorporating some of Matilda's story into this series of books about the knights who trained to protect her and put her on the throne of England. 1152 was a dangerous time with intrigue, battles and divided loyalties. Some families, like the main character Roland's family, were on different sides of the conflict over the true monarch. Roland is a great characters: honorable, funny and heir to an earldom if his father doesn't disown him first. He is also quite the ladies man. Amalia is also a great character, full of spirit, courage and compassion and she knows full well that her growing attraction to Roland is impossible because of their class differences. That makes for an intriguing, steamy and romantic tale and you will want to see if they can solve this dilemma. There is plenty of action and excitement as the knights of the Sacred Oak come to the aid of Matilda. Read this book (and series)! I volunteered to read and review and early copy.