To Love

The Knight School Chronicles

by Cecelia Mecca

In the throes of England’s bloody Anarchy, forbidden love is awakened.

A strategist, teacher and key player in a secret knightly order fighting to restore Queen Matilda to the throne, Lady Elara Wycliff dedicates her life to the cause. Amidst political maneuvers and hidden plots, her days take a tantalizing turn when she meets Alden, the blacksmith’s son who dreams of becoming a knight.

The sole recruit without land or title, Alden of Shirsten St. Mary forms a forbidden bond with his Strategies instructor. He and Lady Elara’s connection defies their stations and threatens to unravel the very order they’re sworn to protect.

When a traitor within Castle Blackwood endangers their cause, Alden and Elara must navigate their forbidden romance amidst threats from within the order, culminating in a pivotal battle in Winchester where Alden’s loyalty is tested, his dreams of knighthood hanging in the balance.

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 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

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Elara Wycliff dedicates her life to the cause of restoring Queen Matilda to the throne. She’s a strategist, teacher, and key player in a secret knightly order where she meets Alden, the blacksmith’s son who dreams of becoming a knight. When a traitor within Castle Blackwood endangers their cause, Alden and Elara must navigate their forbidden romance amid threats from within the order, culminating in a pivotal battle in Winchester where Alden’s loyalty is tested, his dreams of knighthood hanging in the balance.
The third book in this riveting series, which follows four close friends who are all recruits in the order. I don’t know how the author does it but each time I pick up one of her books I think it can’t be as good as the last & each time it is. I love the mix of fact & fiction. The characters oozes depth, the pace never lags. I loved both Alden & Elara & loved their journey to a HEA, their chemistry sizzles & they make a formidable team in tracking down the traitor. A very well written captivating, unputdownable book
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

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

Whew didn’t think this series could get much better but this was one I could not see coming!
We have Lady Elara Wycliff who is one of the instructors for the Knights and men chosen by the order!
She has been trained by her father and she is clever, stoic and very beautiful! She keeps herself apart from the men! She had to guard her integrity and her virtue! Alden is not yet a knight he is a black smith from Shirsten St Mary! It is Alden greatest desire so he is very careful in his speech and manners!
As not only an instructor and a Lady Elara father is at court and a rumor stated that she married a Scot to protect her whereabouts!
These two make a very interesting pair! Both loyal both fighting an attraction due to the huge difference in their stations!
We saw in the last story that love conquers all! But these two are practical and involved in exposing a possible traitor in their midst?
Who would possibly betray the order when they all vowed to be there in support of Empress Matilda!
They work towards a common goal but secret meetings and a few innocent touches stoke an inferno they dare not give into!
When mysterious things happen that men and horses in danger so does the increase in their clandestine meetings!
When Alden is called into battle is a chance to prove himself!
Can he become a Knight so he can marry his lady? Is such a thing some for a simple blacksmith? Nonstop action! Bravo

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely my favorite book of the series. Strong, silent Alden was always the hero I couldn’t help rooting for and I loved seeing the real person behind Elara’s aloof façade. I loved the element of the forbidden here, but I loved it even more when they both decided they were no longer hiding their feelings for one another and wanted to have a true relationship. It was also really satisfying to see Alden, who thought himself a bit inferior in some ways, get the girl everyone else wanted. Even more satisfying was how he fawned over Elara and eased the loneliness she’d clearly been feeling. I loved their story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical romance is set in a very difficult political time in English history.  Our heroes in this series are all undergoing specilist training to be even better warriors than they already were. One of the instructors is our female heroine. As with everyone in the organisation, if she makes a mistake, many lives will be at risk. 

In this story, we get a lot of intrigue and mystery.  The unlikely pair have many obstacles to overcome if they hope to be together.  

Great fun. 

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow! This series is based on true events in British history involving a dangerous power struggle for the throne. To Love is especially full of suspense, intrigue and sizzling romance as the main characters try to find a traitor in the midst of the secret society of knights. I love that the hero of the story, Alden, is the son of a blacksmith and not a nobleman and knight like the other recruits who train to put Empress Matilda on the throne. And I also love that Elara is an instructor in strategy despite being a woman. They make a powerful pair with lots of chemistry and sparks. The book can stand alone but it is fun to revisit characters from the previous 2 books in the series. The ending is great and I can't wait for the final book in the series to wrap things up.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

A brilliant story of love against the odds, from Cecelia.

Alden is a Blacksmith training he hopes, to one day be granted the privilege of becoming a knight.
He has the Honour, the desire and the ability, now he just needs the opportunity.

Alara is an amazing lady, she is an inspiration to Alden , she’s also stolen his heart.
The two are drawn closer together when they are tasked with discovering the truth about a possible traitor in their midst.

But the two end up discovering a lot more than that. Now they have a love that neither can deny or admit, their stations in life mean they can never be together.

A beautiful book full of action and intrigue, passion and angst.
I loved this and it’s my favourite so far in the series.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Love
The Knight School Chronicles Series
Cecelia Mecca
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lady Elara Wycliff is a strategist, teacher, and key player in the secret knightly order whose sole purpose is to restore Queen Matilda to the throne. Her life has been dedicated to the cause with no time for anything more. Until things start looking up. She meets Alden, the blacksmiths son, whose only dream so far is to become a knight.

Alden of Shirsten St. Mary is the only recruit that holds no land or title, but that doesn't matter to Lady Elara, who forms a forbidden bond with him.

Then, when a traiter inside the castle endangers their cause, Alden and Elara must learn to tread lightly and ferrit out who it is while navigating their forbidden romance.

Will Alden come out of this with a knighthood and a new title? Or will he be resigned to always being the Blacksmiths son? And will they ever be able to let their love flourish out in the open, or will it die before it has the chance to bloom?

Incredible! This book was fantastic. Cecelia Mecca has a way with words that can speak to your soul. This is one of my go-to authors, and this book right here is just another perfect reason to read anything this author writes. The main characters will dance their way right into your heart. Alden is so brave and true, while Lady Elara is the warrior woman that we all want to be. You never knew what was coming next in this book. I've read the other books in the series, and I never would have thought that Lady Elara had such a heart. Strong and brave, she will rush right into the fray, and I do believe that this character was the medieval equivalent to our modern-day lie detectors. The other thing that I have immensely enjoyed about this series so far is the fact that all of the previous main characters from the previous books are in this one as well. I feel like I'm a part of something special when I read Ms. Mecca's books. I can't wait for the next story. I have a feeling that the next story is going to blow all of the previous stories away. In the best way!

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set against the backdrop of actual historical events, I found this novel brings to life the reality of war and the struggle for power between Stephen of Blois and Empress Matilda in an incredibly violent period of history. I particularly appreciate that the author manages to articulate the era in a mode of speech we can all relate to. The love story between Lady Elara and the blacksmith's son, Alden should never have happened, and yet the attraction between them arced and sizzled even before they found themselves alone in conversation. Elara is tasked with instructing the recruits in the Knight School at Castle Blackwood in Strategy and despite his origins, Alden is a match for her in every way. When it becomes clear that there is a traitor in their midst, Elara chooses Alden to assist her in rooting out the culprits, which brings them into closer proximity making it impossible for them to deny their feelings. When a heartbreaking and bloody battle takes place, Elara dreads the outcome, but despite the enormous losses, Alden finds the way to success, returning to Elara to cement their love. I received a copy of this well-written and riveting romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[djc- · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a complicated conflict in England's anarchy. Elara is a strategist assign in helping to train a group of men in their mission to put the correct person on the throne. Alden is a blacksmith's son who is hoping to be made a knight one day. When it is discovered that there is a traitor in their group, the two start to work together to find out who that person might be. Their feelings for one another start to grow the more they work to uncover the traitor. Alden does not believe he is good enough for Elara but his feelings and their chemistry continues to grow. As their investigation goes on the danger to them just gets worse. Alden now has to go on a mission and Elara wishes she told him what was in her heart because there is a chance he will not come back. There are so many complications they are trying to work out and some surprises are in store the pair.
I really enjoyed this story. These are incredible characters and you just want them to get their HEA. This has been a wonderful series and I look forward to what happens next. Cecelia's stories are always so exciting, suspenseful and romantic. Once you start one you can't wait to see what will happen next.
I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Reva Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third story about impossible love affairs that take place in 12th-century England as Empress Matilda was fighting for her place on the throne. The setting is the secret KNIGHT SCHOOL at Castle Blackwood. Lady Elara is the only female because her father taught her all his skills as Chief Strategist at the king's court, and has her now secretly at Blackwood teaching the recruits how to use the skills her father taught her. One of the recruits, Alden, is unique in that he is the king's blacksmith's son, the only recruit who is not a knight. He has had a master swordsman teach him skills with his personally crafted sword. His deepest desire is to become a knight. Elara is attracted to his intelligence and his adherence to the knight's creed. When she is charged with finding the spy in their midst, she chooses Alden as her secret ally and gives him keys to enter her rooms by a secret passageway so he can report to her every evening. They admit their passion for one another.

I recommend this book. Readers are surprised by how Mecca arranges for Lady Elara and Alden to get their hearts' desires.

[Lorrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a traitor among them, can Alden and Elara find them before all is lost?

Elara: Highly intelligent woman teaching the men in strategies on how to read people, how to look for certain behaviors, what to look for when time is of the essence before and during battles. But there's a traitor amongst them and they need to figure out who it is because not only would their cause be exposed, but lives are at stake.

Alden: A blacksmith's son joined the cause with the hope of returning the rightful ruler to the throne. He has admired and watched Elara from a distance knowing he could never have her because she is above his station. And once he's chosen to work closely with Elara, he's finding it increasingly difficult to curb his urges.

This is a story of blooming love, treachery, and a betrayal you won't see coming. I was gifted with an ARC and wanted to post my thoughts. I love this author, she offers a fable within a true piece of history. I would recommend this book!

[Cherie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery, Traitor, Undeniable Cravings in this Love Story.
Wow, what a captivating love story this turned out to be. 
How wonderful it is when an author can write words on page and bring the reader right into the undeniable passion and desire between two characters that will made this reader's heart pound, stomach quiver and my fingers gripping the pages to turn as fast as I can read them.
An incredibly good story with lots of intrigue, denying true love only to actually find true love with many ladies' fan worthy secret rendezvous.
We also catch up on some of the knights of the Castle Black School from prior books of this amazing series
💖Special Mention: A father's profound advice was so inspirational. It truly added some depth to the story.
💋Passionate Desire⚡⚡⚡
👀Thank you to the author for all of the research of the many historical facts present in this story.
🙋‍♀️I voluntarily read and reviewed and advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better and I'm serious when I say once you start reading it, you won't want to put it down! This time it's Alden and Elara's story and there's not a dull moment!! He is a blacksmith's son, wanting to be a knight and she's his Strategies instructor, way above his station, but the attraction between them is a force to be reckoned with. No matter how much they try to ignore it, it soon becomes apparent that love has them both in its grip and there's no fighting it.

With the war going on trying to get Queen Mathilda back on the throne, trying to find the traitor in their midst and trying to hide their forbidden love, their story is intense and steamy. Now I can't wait to read the next story in The Knight School Chronicles!!!

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

[Crystal Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great story

Elara was taken to castle Blackwood for her safety, it was a training ground and a meeting place for a secret order (The Guardians of the Sacred Oak). Lord Theobald Sterling, Eamon and Adrian Fitzwarren who recently had given his life were the founders. Elara’s father worked for the king as his Royal Strategist and he told that Elara was married to a Scotsman so no one knew where she was. They wanted King Stephen off the throne and Mathilda given her rightful place.
Alden was a trainee at Blackwood, he was not a knight and couldn’t be as he was only a blacksmith’s son but he was very good with a sword. He happens upon Elara in her secret garden and as when they first met they both felt something. But both knew it could go nowhere.

[Annette Drewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome action-packed story which grabbed my interest from the very first page. Alden and Lady Elara are from two different backgrounds who should never have met. They certainly should not have fallen in love. Whilst tasked with uncovering a traitor amongst the knights at Castle Blackwood, their relationship blossoms and the chemistry is off the chart. Lots of suspense, intrigue and treachery are incorporated into this wonderful story alongside some historic facts of the war between Stephen of Blois and the Empress Maude. I love this series so far and highly recommend it. Give it a try!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merry Old England 1152!!

More Knight School Chronicles, with the secret Guardians of the Sacred Oak. They have a traitor amongst them. Who better than the Strategies instructor to ferret out the culprit. Meanwhile our now favorite cast of characters, if you've read prior books, continue to prepare to reinstate the rightful Queen.

While most are knights, we also have Alden, who is ‘just’ the son of a blacksmith. There are a few non-traditional matchings from the prior stories, but our current couple focus seems to have no future together.

Love these stories of danger, intrigue, politics, loyalty, noble steeds, chivalry and romance.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Zsa Zsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This enthralling mix of history, romance, and mystery unfolds during the chaotic era of England's Anarchy. The third book in the series ensnares with its portrayal of the clandestine love affair between Lady Elara Wycliff and Alden, the son of a blacksmith who dreams of knighthood. The narrative skillfully intertwines political intrigue, covert schemes, and climactic battles, creating a riveting tale that holds your attention captive. The bond between Elara and Alden is both delicate and exhilarating, steering them through perils and deceit, and rendering their story a compelling read for enthusiasts of historical romance and adventure.

[Shannon Janssen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"To Love: A Medieval Romance" is the third book in The Knight School Chronicles and Cecelia Mecca continues to amaze me with her books. The way she weaves fact and fiction creating wonderful characters and powerful stories always leaves me ready for more. I devoured this book, I was drawn in right from the start and did not want to put it down until I was finished. There is palpable chemistry between Alden and Elara. There is so much to this story, friendship, loyalty, betrayal, suspense, and love. I cannot wait for more from Cecelia Mecca

[Jess Boschock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third story about forbidden love affairs. Lady Elara is the only female because her father taught her everything she knows. The relationship between her and her father is one to admire. One of the recruits, Alden he is the king's blacksmith's son. He is not a knight but desperately yearns for it. Elara and Alden attraction is undeniable and together they must fulfill her mission. This is an amazing story in the series and so well written.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Mecca is doing a phenomenal job with this series!

Each of these knights, or potential knights have wiggled their way deep into my heart, and obviously into the hearts of their lady loves!

Elara is so strong, and has so much at risk.

Alden is a blacksmith's son. What could he possibly offer a "Lady?"

Can these two possibly get an HEA? Or are they both doomed working to bring the proper monarch back into rule!

Emotional, fast-paced, intriguing, wonderful read!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Love

At first I thought it started slow. Then I kept reading and was not pleased with Alaric not accepting responsibility for the serving maid who is pregnant. Then a lol den getsvknighted and accepted to the orderso I smiled And Then Darien gets called by his father secretly and none of the guys can go with and something is happening soooooo....... there will be ANOTHER BOOK in this story...... okay I am ready for this!!!!

[B. Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second 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 captive king and a would-be queen. Families are split apart, and Alden, son of a blacksmith, falls for Lady Elara, his strategist teacher. It was a great book and I will be reading the next book, To Desire, and thank Ms. Mecca for this book!!! 5 stars!!!

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Love
Cecelia Mecca

This is a remarkable love story. The intrigue and suspense just make the love story that much more touching. The author has rendered her characters with a loving hand and really cares about them enabling us to care about them too. This whole series is impressive and demonstrates how incredibly talented the author is. I recommend this book and the entire series.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot thickens as it seems, for now, the mission is lost as the Order fights vigorously to restore Empress Matilda to the throne. And amid it all, Lady Alara and Alden find kindred spirits in each other. I loved their story and of course, the historical aspects. Looking forward to continuing this series. I can't wait to read what happens next!

[R Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This outstanding story is the third installment of the secret night school at Castle Blackwood. Elara and Alden's story is a richly told tale. I appreciate the authors use of historical events and how she manages to make her heroes and heroines realistic. This is an incredible story full of intrigue, mystery and of course, a happily ever after.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite author has done it again! To Love is a story about love, treachery and betrayal! There is a traitor among them and Lady Elara choose Alden to work with her to find the traitor. I started reading it yesterday, and could not put it down. I finished it last night. Such a beautiful story of Love! I was also happy that Alden finaly became a Knight and that Lady Elara and Alden were able to get married. I recommend this book! Wonderful!

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Mecca brings another fantastic story to the series! She does a beautiful job painting her scenes as she takes you back to the day in realistic fashion. She brings strong characters, a steamy chemistry and romance , adds in all the emotions and moves the story fluidly. I loved reading and would recommend this book. I'm looking forward to the next book!

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

[Loreli Jessee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing book will take you places you never expected. Elara is so very intelligent, she is someone others can aspire to emulate. All the surprises, totally unexpected twists, exciting moments, vibrant characters, will have you turning the pages without stopping. The intriguing detail, gripping scenes, and well rounded characters will have you riveted throughout.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amidst political unrest. Lady Elara trains warriors. One catches her eye. Alden carries a tendra for her. When they work together to catch a traitor, their night's heat up. But they must keep their relationship a secret. With the help of friends and then going to battle makes them realize the love they have for each other.

[Barbara A Canjura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attraction

I loved this story it was great. You can't tell the heart whom to love! I just love how Alden & Elara fell in love. I bet am stop reading your stories till I finish. I cannot wait for the next book & sad its last in the series. The Brotherhood dedication is amazing. It would be great surprise to see stories from Border Series next generation!