Welcome to Book One in the exciting new series, Guard of Six! Historical Romance that can only be brought to you by the Queen of Medieval Romance!
Love Alpha males? Enemies to Lovers? Tortured heroes? Absolution has it all.
Sir Torran de Serreaux is the leader of Henry III’s personal guard. Known as the Guard of Six, they are an elite group made up of knights from the finest and oldest families in England. They have a reputation for being powerful, fearless, and dedicated.
They are also mortal men with demons and Torran has more demons than most.
It has been three years since the fall of Simon de Montfort and, still, there are lingering de Montfort supporters in England that are being systematically rooted out and subdued. At a particularly nasty battle at Kennington Castle, Torran and the royal army manage to raze the castle and kill all but two members of the oppositionist’s family – a lovely young woman and her excitable younger brother.
Torran is introduced to Lady Andia St. Albans.
The family of St. Albans were great supporters of de Montfort. Torran takes Andia and her brother to London as prisoners. Henry, as punishment to the St. Alban’s family, orders the siblings thrown in the vault. Torran, who is fighting a great attraction to Andia, has other ideas.
Keeping them at his family’s London townhome.
Torran keeps them as his personal prisoners because the truth is that there’s something about Andia that intrigues him. She’s reserved, but very intelligent, but he is coming to suspect that Andia is hiding something. He can’t help but feel she’s harboring secrets, much as he is, and has he tries to figure him out, she is trying to figure him out as well. But all of the suspicion in the world can’t dampen the sparks that fly between them.
Passion that roars like a wildfire.
In the complex political world of England’s politics, Torran and Andia are major players. When the truth of Andia’s involvement in her family’s support of Simon de Montfort is revealed, Torran must make a choice. Can he forgive a woman he’s fallen in love with?
Or is he the one who must seek absolution?
Books in the Guard of Six series AbsolutionDestructionAnnihilationObliterationInsurrectionRetribution
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.
This was not up to KLV standards. The author seemed to add every character from her other books. It was unnecessary, and it took away from the story. As far as the MC...meh.
The story started out interesting. The H is sent to take the castle from a traitor to the crown. He finds that the Lord is dead and only the man's daughter and son are alive. He has to deliver the pair to King Henry. On the way, he falls in love with the h. When she's sick, he takes her to his home and doesn't want to let her go. What will he do when King Henry demands his hostages back?
Problems: 1. The villains of the story were dull and easily defeated. 2. The brother was soo annoying. I wanted to spank him too. 3. I didn't buy the romance. It was rushed and unconvincing. 4. The story was constantly interrupted from returning characters. I remember most of them from her other books. Though I loved them, I didn't need them all in the story. They brought nothing to the story, so what was the point?
Conclusion: This might be the lowest rating I've ever given a KLV book. The author is so much better than this!
Absolution by Kathryn le Veque is the start of a new series known as Guard of Six. These men are the king’s hand-chosen guards, and all men who have had a woman problem. Sir Torran de Serreaux is a member of that number, although his woman problem is a little different. He had been a priest and had had to give that up because of the talk. Long story.He liked his new life as a king’s guard. They were an interesting group, each naming their swords. Torran’s was Absolution. He was fond of giving his victims absolution as he cut off their heads. The king is still ridding himself of the followers of Simon de Monrfort and reclaiming loyalties. Some change loyalties easily but the Guard of Six is presently at Kennington Castle to reclaim it for the king. Leading the army into an arduous battle had been challenging but now most of the castle’s army was dead as was it’s leader, the Earl of Ashford. In fact, the only two of the family that were still alive was his daughter, Andia, and his young son Aeron, both of whom he was angry with, but, loyal to the king, he put them in the back of a wagon to transport to meet the monarch. The trip was a challenge, but in the end Torran convinced the king that Andia was too ill to travel the final leg.
Torran was a compelling characters, different than many of Le Veque’s but in essence the same. His background as a priest rendered him inexperienced with women. Thankfully, Andi was nearly as inexperienced as he and so there were no games to play. He was strong and loyal. Torran was typical Le Veque male lead and the reason so many of us read her novels. The story was a little different, but so Le Veque that her fans will not be disappointed. Tor was a fair man and dealt with the remaining Ashfords fairly while remaining loyal to his king. I always drop everything to read Le Veque’s newest novel as I know I will be rewarded with it’s quality. This book is a refreshingly new series, but in it we meet some old favorites. This is another advantage to Le Veque’s books: it is indeed a small world she has created and I love every minute of it!
I was invited to read Absolution by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #KathrynLeVeque #Absolution
The start of a new series, Guard of Six, Sir Torran de Serreaux, the premier knight of King Henry III, the King of England and known as the Guard of Six, was untouchable. Torran had a deadly sword known as absolution which would silence people forever. Torran believed that he was indestructible and that nothing or no one could shake him. Death didn’t bother him because he had killed enough times. Torran’s faithful friends and companions were also part of the Six and were just like Torran. When Torran storms the keep of Lady Andia St Albans, daughter of the Earl of Ashford and her troublesome brother, Aeron, he can’t help but be amazed by her strength and beauty. Andia and Aeron are entrusted to Torran for safe-keeping. Pretty soon, Torran has slowly fallen for Andia and, despite her being his prisoner, she has fallen for him too, but when King Henry demands Andia, can Torran let her go without a fight? What a fantastic medieval romance that you can’t help but get caught up in! The richly detailed tale moves quickly with lots of action and intensity, so that it isn’t hard to imagine all of it. Ms. Kathryn Le Veque lovingly writes these characters, as if they are real people. Pulling you into the story so it becomes a part of you. Sure, you see some old familiar characters from her other books who happen to enrich the story, making it seem believable. It’s nice to see these immovable, lethal knights have a soft spot for women and children. Especially Torran, because he was going to be a priest but fell from grace, but he is still redeemable in not only the King’s eyes but Andia’s too. There isn’t much sex and the one described is a little humorous because Torran is supposed to be good at all things and isn’t the greatest at it. I did get irritated with Aeron and Andia’s uncle, but his death was pretty quick. Luckily, Aeron does get better as the story moves along, and I do hope he gets a book soon. I do eagerly look forward to the next in the series though, and while I wait I will just read this one again!
This is a fast-paced and suspenseful novel and I found the opening passages somewhat horrifying, but then what war is not horrendous? Torran is ordered to raze and destroy Kennington Castle and take the surviving family members to King Henry as prisoners to be made an example of. Despite his determination to carry out his mission, Torran cannot help feeling disturbed by the lovely Lady Andia, although her younger, undisciplined brother is enough to drive a saint to despair. Fortunately, there is one man who is not affected by the boy's foul mouth and insults and Torran gladly hands the lad off to the knight. Reaching London, Torran has second thoughts about immediately handing Andia and her brother over to the King and as he is forced to help care for her, his stony heart starts to crack. Torran is Andia's enemy but she comes to recognize his kindness and gentleness towards her, and that despite her brother's behavior, he is the first man that the lad reluctantly respects. I felt the strong attraction between the main characters and as it becomes evident to everyone around them, it arouses Torran's fellow knights' concern, but before he can act, the matter of Lady Andia is taken out of his hands. The suspense carries through to the closing chapter, forcing Torran to recognize how deep his feelings for Andia have become. The novel, although part of a series, is a standalone and comes to a successful conclusion. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Traitors must be punished, and if said traitor dies in the siege of his lands then his children will suffer the punishment.
Torran is a Knight of the Six which is a group of knights who surrounds King Henry. Henry charges Torran to take Kennington Castle from St. Albans, because St. Albans supported Simon De Montfort against Henry. St. Albans dies in the attack. St Albans children, 22 year old Andia and 7 year old Aeron in defense of their home kill a knight by dropping an iron pot full of rocks and dirt on top of his head. This knight, Yancey, happened to be Torran's good friend. So while the siege was successful, Torran lost his best friend. He had all the opposing men killed in search of whoever killed Yancey.
Andia and her brother hide, but are soon found. Andia, understanding the nature of war, cared nothing for what her father was into. She tried her best to be diplomatic while Aeron is running off at the mouth, until he screams about murdering the knight.
Here sets the conflict, but once Torran meets Andia while she struggles to keep her brother quiet and behaved he isn't so quick to follow through on his plans of death to whoever killed his friend. But what about King Henry? As the days pass, Torran wants to keep her for himself.
The relationship did happen sort of fast, but with the backstories of the characters it made sense. Neither one had known a lot of kindness, and they both provided it for each other. I think these kids are gonna be okay.
What a terrific story! As one of the king's protectors, Torran leads his Guard of Six in the attack on Andia's family's estate after her father aligns himself with one of the king's enemies. After the castle is conquered and the earl is dead, his children - Andia and her very young but arrogantly outspoken brother - are taken as captives back to London.
This author has proven to be a master at growing a beautiful love in the rockiest of environments, and the love between Torran and Andia blossoms oh-so-slowly but surely as they transform from captor/captive to guarded friends to passionate lovers.
All throughout this transition we see the political maneuvering behind the scenes as various forces seek their own advantage from the castle and title that are now up for grabs. There are assassins at large as well, hoping to profit from all the upheaval.
The king's solution was pivotal, and beautifully executed. Torran and Andia do finally get their HEA, after a hard-fought battle that brings out the best in all of them, even the bratty Aeron.
Oh, and did I mention DUAL virgins? If that's your jam, this is the book for you! I devoured this book as fast as I could and will reread it again before the next book is out. Highly recommended, as are all KLV romances! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
What a fantastic medieval romance that you can’t help but get caught up in! The richly detailed tale moves quickly with lots of action and intensity, so that it isn’t hard to imagine all of it. Ms. Kathryn Le Veque lovingly writes these characters, as if they are real people. Pulling you into the story so it becomes a part of you. Sure, you see some old familiar characters from her other books who happen to enrich the story, making it seem believable. It’s nice to see these immovable, lethal knights have a soft spot for women and children. Especially Torran, because he was going to be a priest but fell from grace, but he is still redeemable in not only the King’s eyes but Andia’s too. There isn’t much sex and the one described is a little humorous because Torran is supposed to be good at all things and isn’t the greatest at it. I did get irritated with Aeron and Andia’s uncle, but his death was pretty quick. Luckily, Aeron does get better as the story moves along, and I do hope he gets a book soon. I do eagerly look forward to the next in the series though, and while I wait, I will just read this one again!
Torran is the leader of the Guard of Six who are charged with protecting the King. Their latest mission was to take over castle Kennington to punish Lord Ashford for his support of Simon de Montfort. In the process, Ashford was killed and his kids were taken prisoner for the King and escorted to England. The oldest of those children was the very beautiful Andie who Torran was attracted to immediately. But she was the enemy and Torran was loyal to the King. There are some familiar characters in the book which was a pleasant surprise. There was also a plotting relative, an assination plot, an unruly child, a secret from the past, and involvement from an executioner knight that made this story captivating from the beginning. Great book and I look forward to the next one.
A new series by Kathryn Le Veque....so exciting!!! I so enjoyed this first book in the Guard of Six series and I'm now really looking forward to reading all their stories. In this one we meet Torran and Andia, as well as Torran's sword "Absolution"!!
Torran is the leader of King Henry III's Guard of Six and is completely dedicated to serving his King...until he meets Andia! After attacking her home and taking her and her young brother prisoners, life gets very interesting for him!! Although he's supposed to bring them straight to King Henry as political prisoners, he ends up bringing them to his family home and although he fights the attraction, his heart has other ideas. There are also a couple of twists that I never saw coming!!
My awe of Kathryn Le Veque's writing continues, it's no wonder she's known as the Queen of Medieval romance:)
If you are patient long enough, fate will reward you. That's what Torran deserve auxiliary learned first-hand as the de facto leader of The Guard of Six, personal protectors to Henry III. At 36, he had been a priest, then was taken in by the King to be part of his personal guard. After sacking Castle Kennington, the seat of the disgraced Earl of Ashford, he met the earl's daughter, Andria, and suddenly he felt odd pangs of emotions he had never felt before. She, too, felt a pull toward Torran, but there will be challenges to surmount on the way to their HEA, including a sassy and spoiled younger brother and a greedy uncle.
I love Kathryn's writing of this historical period and look forward to reading the tales of the remaining Guards. Highly recommend.
Absolution is the first book in the new series, Guard of Six.
Sir Torran de Serreaux is the leader of Henry III’s personal guard, known as the Guard of Six. The six are knights from the finest and oldest families in England.
Three years since the fall of Simon de Montfort, there are de Montfort supporters being dealt with. After the fall of Kennington Castle, Torran and the army kill all but two members of the family –a daughter and her much younger brother and heir to the title.
Torran is introduced to Lady Andia St. Albans and a love story is born.
The story is wonderful, but there was a lot of history and characters in the beginning to get through which made it tough to stick with the story. Once you get past the first few chapters the story picks up speed and it quite enjoyable.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
First in series: Guard of Six. Torran is one of six in King Henry s inner circle and his sword is named Absolution. He is joined by many to do the bidding of the King in destroying the holdings of Earl Ashford due to disloyalty. With the Earls death, Torran becomes responsible for the two children Andia and Aeron planning to bring them to the King. Adventures, weather, and illness contrive to thwart him and he slowly becomes drawn to Andia. Many characters from past books make an appearance lending to the story. Enjoyed the fact that the six guards have names for their swords. Also amazing to me is all the names of the children born to Andia. Strong women during these times. I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.
The first of a new series by one of the most outstanding authors of historical romance. We open with a horrendous battle which was very common during that part of history. Torran's mission is to bring all hostages back to King Henry. In a fasted paced story, what evolves is a love story between Torran and his hostage Andia. There are some surprises within the story that define both the main characters beautifully. The secondary characters add even more depth to the overall plot as we follow these two on the adventure that will lead to a beautiful ending. The story is full of espionage, family issues, suspense and more. This author never leaves you without a craving for more of her creativity so as you read book one, be prepared for another awesome series.
A fresh and wonderful complex novel of war, chaos, deception, some plans to murder the king, and within all of that was where a sizzling romance bloomed. I found this novel absolutely delightful and another 5 star novel by Kathryn LeVeque. Many favorite knights from previous novels were there. I've read their stories previously and enjoyed reading of them as part of tis novel. Sir Torran de Serreaux was a Sterling Warrior, the leader of the Guardians of the 6, of the, protectors of the King,. It the time of Henry the 3rds reign. Andia St Albans was a beautiful daughter of the seized castle. Andia and her brother, Aeron (spoiled brat!) were the captured children of St Albans.
Politics, Comrades, Assassins, Charming Romance A terrific beginning for this new series with several very interesting characters that made this a very enjoyable read. Torran being a former priest made this story even more interesting and Andia's strong personality only added to the depth of this story. Both characters gave me a sweet and surprising romance right from the start with, lots of gripping action, espionage. family dynamics, super enjoyable sub characters, and so much more. I certainly look forward to more of the series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
Another great book by Kathryn Le Veque, and a great start to a series. I'm a late comer to the Le Veque world, but I still appreciate the author's note at the beginning of the book to explain the cameos and easter eggs that will be featured in the book. I love how her stories are so interconnected.
Andia and Torrance were fantastic characters. I will say that their wedding night was one of the most adorable, wholesome encounter that I've ever read. Truly a comedy of errors.
I look forward to to Stefan's story AND also Aeron's story! Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Sir Torran de Serreaux is the leader of King Henry's Guard of Six which is the first book in a new series. The story starts with a horrendous battle at Kennington Castle after King Henry ordered Kennington Castle and all of Earl Ashford's holdings destroyed due to his disloyalty. Torran becomes responsible for Ashford's two children Andia and Aeron. Young Aeron is definitely a handful, believing everyone should do as he says. This is a fast paced story, you definitely feel the connection between Torran and Adia. It is interesting that each member of the Guard of Six gives their mighty sword a name. Looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
Andia and her brother, Aeron, were watching their home being destroyed by the King's men because of their father's disloyalty. And now he was dead and Aeron is now the 7 year old Earl of Ashford . Torran de Serreaux is the leader of the King's men and takes both Andrea and Aeron captive but before e can deliver them to the King she falls very ill and they have to stop at one of his parents homes. As always, Kathryn Le Veque has written a marvelous story about love, lies and coming of age of a 7 year old brat who has been taught the world owes him because he's an Earl. Such a great story.
The start of a new medieval romance series by our favourite author. It has everything we adore from her books. Battles, intrigue, giggles, and a great romance. The hero is someone totally new to me, and I loved him. He is a huge strong knight, but not without his vulnerabilities. There are visits from old friends. There is also a very naughty but brave little boy who is the brother of our heroine. They both have some very harsh lessons to learn.
I really can't wait to read the rest of the series. All these new heroes in this group.
Excellent new Le Veque novel. New characters and family dynasty to enjoy. Absolution is the name of a sword, and it’s not one you want to meet in battle that’s for sure.
I loved this , a new idea with The Guard of Six, Henry’s bodyguards. It’s fast paced but with loads of information about the time and History, it’s got some wonderful characters and moments. I enjoyed it a lot and I’m looking forward to the next instalment.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
This is going to be another brilliant series by this author. The first book is about Tarron and Andie. He is part of the elite guard who looks after King Henry and he is tasked with destroying Andie’s home as her father is a traitor to the crown. He then has to take Andie and her brother to London as prisoners of the king. Feelings develop between them, but can either of them act on their feelings if one is a prisoner and the other the gaoler? Another brilliantly developed story with well drawn characters.
This is another great series in the making! Even as a stand alone novel. I absolutely love how Kathryn brings people from different houses I’ve read about into a new novel so that I can see a little of them through the years. This is the beginning of another great series and I look forward to reading all of the Guard of Six novels. If you are new to her books hang on because you will be hooked and want to read all her books!
I enjoyed the the story. The writer did a great job of keeping me entertained. I always love it when the writer tells me a story that lets me travel to the characters world. The romance was sweet and beautiful, but I would liked for the heroine to be be older than twenty. Maybe she can be twenty four. I understand ladies during this time were young, so perhaps the FMC’s age should not be addressed. That’s another option to to take. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
He was one of King Henry’s Guards of Six, and by the king’s order, he invaded her castle and caused the death of her father. Could such a couple stand a chance? They started out as enemies, but love just might have the final word. To find out how this could be, you must read this entertaining, medieval romance, full of battles, treachery, and intrigue. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it.
This was an entertaining, well-written medieval romance. It was steamy, thrilling, action-packed, fun and I couldn't put it down. This is the first book in a new series, though it can be read as a standalone story. I enjoyed this medieval romance and look forward to reading more books in this series as well as other books by this author.
Each adventure I read gets better and better! I love reading about all these families! This adventure was really exciting and interesting. The characters were awesome!!! I really loved the incredible way you write about all the legacy families! I never tire of reading your adventures!! Please keep them coming! Thanks for sharing your story!
Yet another totally awesome Le Veque Medieval story!
A new series that proves to be just as good as all Kathryn Le Veque's books. A hard knight that finds love with his prisoner. And her little brother pretty much steals the show. Such a good book that had me living their lives and now I am so looking forward to the rest of this series!
Another great story by Kathryn Le Veque that will transport you back in time to Medieval England with its intrigue and espionage. Glorious knights fight to defend the King. Torrance, previously a priest, turned leader of the Guard of Six, unexpectedly finds love in an unexpected crisis. Great read, don’t miss it!
There is nothing that she writes that I do not read!! She has the ability to build amazing characters, and describe situations that make you feel you're there! She is hands down, one of my favorite authors. And I am very serious about reading. It is October 3, 2024, and this finishes the 81st book I've read this year!