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De Russe Legacy #3
Beast: Great Bloodlines Converge
The blood lines of seven great houses come together in the greatest knight of them all.He bears the name of de Russe, but the bloodlines of seven great houses converge in the greatest knight England has yet seen.As the uncle of Gaston de Russe, the Dark One, Sir Bastien de Russe beholds a great and terrible legacy, one that makes him both the target and the leader, the hunter and the hunted. His story is the most powerful of all. 1431 A.D. - As the premier knight for the Duke of Bedford, Bastian has been assigned a great and terrible task - he becomes the jailer for the Maid of Orleans, Joan of Arc. At first her enemy, he comes to know the woman who has fought so hard to free France from English rule, and an odd but symbiotic friendship grows. On the day Joan is taken to meet her death at the stake, Bastian is both her escort and her comfort. But before the flames are lit, Joan begs Bastian for one last favor. Reluctantly, he complies, but the rumors are already flying fast and furious about the English knight and the Maid. Some say he loves her; some say she has bewitched him.Hoping to remove Bastian from France and from whatever spell the Maid may have cast upon him, the Duke of Bedford makes arrangements to return him to England and to a new assignment - as the protector of young King Henry VI. Additionally, Bastian is awarded a bride for his services in France, but it an award he doesn't want. His bride, Lady Gisella le Bec, daughter of the great Richmond le Bec (from the novel GREAT PROTECTOR), has no desire to marry a man who was rumored bewitched by the Maid of Orleans.With neither Bastian or Gisella having any choice in the matter, a hasty marriage is made.Thus begins their saga. Through triumph, intrigue, battles, and grief, Bastian and Gisella come to know one another and in spite of everything, a powerful love begins to bloom. But Bastian still has a promise to fulfill, a promise he made to the Maid just before she died, and it is this promise that drives him to risk both his life and Gisella's. From the dungeons of Rouen to the royal halls of London, don't miss this deeply romantic and exciting adventure. Great passion and great benevolence abide in the man known as the Beast.Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!!
413 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2014
504 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Le Veque
324 books2,085 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 62 reviews
August 16, 2017
Mostly a story about how a medieval knight who was tasked with watching over Joan of Arc befriending her, taking her heart from the pyre, and trying to secretly bury it in Winchester, per her request.
A forced marriage along the way, a boat load of characters, and some clandestine wheeling and dealing between French knights and English knights.
The romance is a small portion of this with a very real feeling 1400s feel, the author knows her time and place.
There's a story here, just not one I found too entertaining; medieval mundane.
A forced marriage along the way, a boat load of characters, and some clandestine wheeling and dealing between French knights and English knights.
The romance is a small portion of this with a very real feeling 1400s feel, the author knows her time and place.
There's a story here, just not one I found too entertaining; medieval mundane.
December 30, 2014
4 and ½ Stars - An Arranged Marriage Neither Wants Leads to Love between a Noble Knight and His Lady
This is the 3rd in the de Russe series. Set in 1431, it’s the story of Sir Bastien de Russe, first knight of the Duke of Bedford, who, while fighting in France, was assigned the job of guarding the captured Maid of Orleans, Joan of Arc. During the course of her captivity, they became friends. Before he death at the stake, she asks Bastian to bring her remains back to England to bury. He doesn’t do that, but he does bring back a piece of her.
The Duke of Bedford, orders Bastien to London to become the “Lord Protector” for young King Henry. For his service, Bastien receives lands, the title “baron,” and the hand of Lady Gisella le Bec. Bastien and Gisella get off to a bad beginning when Bastien shows up at the manor where she lives and she is engaged in a play he finds appalling.
While neither desires to wed, they quickly get over that and a sweet romance develops. Le Veque does an excellent job of portraying their budding romance. For all his bravado with his men, Bastien is a softy when it comes to the women in his family and, uncharacteristic of a warrior, he is comfortable showing emotion, both tears and “giggles.”
It’s a tale with many characters, some no doubt from earlier books in the series, and some historical, but it can be read as a stand alone. Le Veque develops the secondary characters well. There is much action and intrigue as the French patriots who want the part of the Maid’s remains Bastien took from France and his new wife misunderstands his feelings for the Maid.
This is a long one at 418 pages and a lot of it is taken up with medieval life, the food, the travel and the obligations of a knight serving nobility, and the relationships between Bastien and his family, all of which are well described. The ending was sweet and the epilog endearing. Fans of Le Veque’s work will love it.
The de Russe Legacy series
BLACK ANGEL
DARK KNIGHT
BEAST
This is the 3rd in the de Russe series. Set in 1431, it’s the story of Sir Bastien de Russe, first knight of the Duke of Bedford, who, while fighting in France, was assigned the job of guarding the captured Maid of Orleans, Joan of Arc. During the course of her captivity, they became friends. Before he death at the stake, she asks Bastian to bring her remains back to England to bury. He doesn’t do that, but he does bring back a piece of her.
The Duke of Bedford, orders Bastien to London to become the “Lord Protector” for young King Henry. For his service, Bastien receives lands, the title “baron,” and the hand of Lady Gisella le Bec. Bastien and Gisella get off to a bad beginning when Bastien shows up at the manor where she lives and she is engaged in a play he finds appalling.
While neither desires to wed, they quickly get over that and a sweet romance develops. Le Veque does an excellent job of portraying their budding romance. For all his bravado with his men, Bastien is a softy when it comes to the women in his family and, uncharacteristic of a warrior, he is comfortable showing emotion, both tears and “giggles.”
It’s a tale with many characters, some no doubt from earlier books in the series, and some historical, but it can be read as a stand alone. Le Veque develops the secondary characters well. There is much action and intrigue as the French patriots who want the part of the Maid’s remains Bastien took from France and his new wife misunderstands his feelings for the Maid.
This is a long one at 418 pages and a lot of it is taken up with medieval life, the food, the travel and the obligations of a knight serving nobility, and the relationships between Bastien and his family, all of which are well described. The ending was sweet and the epilog endearing. Fans of Le Veque’s work will love it.
The de Russe Legacy series
BLACK ANGEL
DARK KNIGHT
BEAST
October 4, 2024
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Fantastic Historical Medieval Romance from a great author.
I adore this book
💋💋
Fantastic Historical Medieval Romance from a great author.
I adore this book
November 16, 2024
Lovely Story
The towers at Rouen castle was housing a prisoner, not just any prisoner but a women who worked for the French Jehanne la Purcell. Sir Bastion de Russe (The Beast)was her guard and he felt bad at the way she was treated, by John de Lancaster the Duke of Bedford and the clergy. The Duke was a son to Henry IV. Lord Bedford planned a scheme to have de Russe to take his wife home and while gone he had the guards put the prisoner back into boys clothes and taking away her feline clothes which broke her agreement and would be sentenced to death. When de Russe returned he discovered what happened and tried to get her to run, but she had no where to go and would not put him in a position that would see him in trouble. She wanted him to take her remains after death to Winchester Cathedral where she would make her presence known as she did in life to the ones who did this to her. He told her he could not as it would be treason but agreed to put her remains in the river. When all was done people left and he remained feeling bad for her when Lord Bedford came up and told him to remove all the remains, he said he would and dump them I the river. As he sifted through the ashes he finds her heart that had hardly been touched. He puts it in a small wooden box and puts it in his saddlebag not realizing one of Bedford’s men saw him. Bedford orders de Russe to go on a mission to London. To be a body guard to the young King Henry. He also granted him Etonbury castle and the title of Baron Henlow and a large section of Bedfordshire lands. He also gave him another title that he wasn’t ready to use unless he was forced to and lastly a marriage contract which he did not want to acknowledge.
The towers at Rouen castle was housing a prisoner, not just any prisoner but a women who worked for the French Jehanne la Purcell. Sir Bastion de Russe (The Beast)was her guard and he felt bad at the way she was treated, by John de Lancaster the Duke of Bedford and the clergy. The Duke was a son to Henry IV. Lord Bedford planned a scheme to have de Russe to take his wife home and while gone he had the guards put the prisoner back into boys clothes and taking away her feline clothes which broke her agreement and would be sentenced to death. When de Russe returned he discovered what happened and tried to get her to run, but she had no where to go and would not put him in a position that would see him in trouble. She wanted him to take her remains after death to Winchester Cathedral where she would make her presence known as she did in life to the ones who did this to her. He told her he could not as it would be treason but agreed to put her remains in the river. When all was done people left and he remained feeling bad for her when Lord Bedford came up and told him to remove all the remains, he said he would and dump them I the river. As he sifted through the ashes he finds her heart that had hardly been touched. He puts it in a small wooden box and puts it in his saddlebag not realizing one of Bedford’s men saw him. Bedford orders de Russe to go on a mission to London. To be a body guard to the young King Henry. He also granted him Etonbury castle and the title of Baron Henlow and a large section of Bedfordshire lands. He also gave him another title that he wasn’t ready to use unless he was forced to and lastly a marriage contract which he did not want to acknowledge.
February 11, 2017
This was a tale of epic proportions that had me enthralled from page one. It centers around Bastian de Russe named The Beast due to his being the greatest knight England has ever known. Descended from the bloodlines of great knights of the past, Bastian is the epitome of honor, strength and fortitude. This story takes him on quite a journey from fulfilling a young woman's last dying request to protecting a young king to finding the love he never expected to have. Filled with lots of intrigue, suspense, passion, humor, loss and love, this novel sweeps you into the drama of the time period. It is both fascinating in the details and rich with compelling characters and a gripping story line. If you love all consuming historical romance, then this book is a must read.
November 1, 2019
Great read!
Another great Le Vecque novel. I never tire of reading her books. This was about the great love of Giselle and Bastian "The Beast" de Russe , who were contracted to marry when Bastian was sent back from fighting in France to become the protector of 9 year old King Henry. Bastian had been both maker and confidante to Joan of Arc, and after her death a lot of rumors circulated, casting some doubts about the loyalty of Bastian de Russe. I loved the history (yes, I know there is a lot of license used in "historical adjustments") but there is also real history involved and it all makes a great story!
Another great Le Vecque novel. I never tire of reading her books. This was about the great love of Giselle and Bastian "The Beast" de Russe , who were contracted to marry when Bastian was sent back from fighting in France to become the protector of 9 year old King Henry. Bastian had been both maker and confidante to Joan of Arc, and after her death a lot of rumors circulated, casting some doubts about the loyalty of Bastian de Russe. I loved the history (yes, I know there is a lot of license used in "historical adjustments") but there is also real history involved and it all makes a great story!
July 22, 2019
Another great story by Kathryn Le Veque. I loved Bastian, but I don't understand and it was never explained about his heritage. Said he came from 7 great families and that is hard to see even in the family trees provided. At any rate. I loved the story, it was neat how the Joan of Arc story was intertwined into this one. Lots of depth in this story.
Again Brad Wills narrated and I love when he narrates. I also love the epilogues at the end that tell you what happens...their children and where they ended up. Great house. Great Family.
Again Brad Wills narrated and I love when he narrates. I also love the epilogues at the end that tell you what happens...their children and where they ended up. Great house. Great Family.
August 15, 2019
The Maid
I cant even put into words how much I loved this book. I cried when The Maids heart was buried in the corner of a secluded place in the Church. Bastion was a truly Noble Knight. Gigi was a strong intelligent and beautiful women. I was sad when Lord Braxton was taken away so soon. And very happy King Henry got to experience some freedom. Can't wait for more of Kathryn Le Veque's new books. A loyal fan.
I cant even put into words how much I loved this book. I cried when The Maids heart was buried in the corner of a secluded place in the Church. Bastion was a truly Noble Knight. Gigi was a strong intelligent and beautiful women. I was sad when Lord Braxton was taken away so soon. And very happy King Henry got to experience some freedom. Can't wait for more of Kathryn Le Veque's new books. A loyal fan.
February 10, 2017
Excellent
All of Kathryn's books have such a realism to them that at one point or other, they make me cry. Actually, it was at several points in this book! The story of Joan would make anyone cry and Bastions admiration of her makes a wonderful part of the story. As usual, a great read!
All of Kathryn's books have such a realism to them that at one point or other, they make me cry. Actually, it was at several points in this book! The story of Joan would make anyone cry and Bastions admiration of her makes a wonderful part of the story. As usual, a great read!
April 30, 2020
Excellent Story
Kathryn's story are so full of wonder and beauty, you feel as if your watching through a hole in time rather than reading a book. I enjoyed this story of Gisella and Bastan so much. The struggles, the love and young King Henry were all excellent story lines. I hope you'll like it too. Happy Reading!
Kathryn's story are so full of wonder and beauty, you feel as if your watching through a hole in time rather than reading a book. I enjoyed this story of Gisella and Bastan so much. The struggles, the love and young King Henry were all excellent story lines. I hope you'll like it too. Happy Reading!
May 4, 2020
This is another masterpiece by Kathryn Le Veque! This story was intriguing, engrossing, and very touching emotionally. Not only did I love the romance between Gisella and Bastian, I also loved the characters of Braxton and a young King Henry. This is one of my favorites that I am sure I will read again. No one writes medieval romance like this author.
August 12, 2020
An Interesting and Intricate Historical Romance
The story was very touching and interesting story because part of the story alluded to Joan of Arc . Bastion de To see was her jail or in France. His love story was in part wrapped up with Joan although she was only referred to as Joan once. Get your tissue ready.😢
The story was very touching and interesting story because part of the story alluded to Joan of Arc . Bastion de To see was her jail or in France. His love story was in part wrapped up with Joan although she was only referred to as Joan once. Get your tissue ready.😢
April 4, 2022
Another keeper by Katheryn Le Veque.
I especially liked her portrayal of a very young King Henry. He was a mere child with no contact with the outside world until "Beast" entered his world. It was interesting to see the King grow up and analyze situations and possible actions.
Add to this a smidge of information on Joan of Arc and you have a quality read.
I especially liked her portrayal of a very young King Henry. He was a mere child with no contact with the outside world until "Beast" entered his world. It was interesting to see the King grow up and analyze situations and possible actions.
Add to this a smidge of information on Joan of Arc and you have a quality read.
April 18, 2019
Great book!
Oh my! You take me back to the world of great families,knights,deep love and honor. I couldn't get enough of this book. This series has some twist and turns. It's well worth the time to read!
Oh my! You take me back to the world of great families,knights,deep love and honor. I couldn't get enough of this book. This series has some twist and turns. It's well worth the time to read!
December 17, 2020
The Beast
I wasn’t sure about the start but continued to enjoy every word. The story of the maid made it so much more and knowing about Joan of Arc my whole life was stunning.I again enjoyed the continuous stories of all the families.
Thank you
I wasn’t sure about the start but continued to enjoy every word. The story of the maid made it so much more and knowing about Joan of Arc my whole life was stunning.I again enjoyed the continuous stories of all the families.
Thank you
March 13, 2021
WOW
You would quarter the first *****books that she would waver in her writing or run thing together BUT not Kathryn Le Vegue. This is just another great book. Her stories are so interesting and unforgettable. I can't wait to read another one.
You would quarter the first *****books that she would waver in her writing or run thing together BUT not Kathryn Le Vegue. This is just another great book. Her stories are so interesting and unforgettable. I can't wait to read another one.
February 20, 2024
Another great story by Kathryn LeVeque
Truly a leader in story telling, this story is a must read book. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat, with it's ups and downs. Your will learn how tricky love can be, and the true meaning of the word love.
Truly a leader in story telling, this story is a must read book. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat, with it's ups and downs. Your will learn how tricky love can be, and the true meaning of the word love.
April 12, 2018
Beast
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book. I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book. I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie
October 16, 2018
I was enthralled from page one....an epic story.
January 15, 2019
Beautiful story
Great book this story is so clearly beautifully written and touching I swear I didn’t want this book to end it even made me do some research as I read
Great book this story is so clearly beautifully written and touching I swear I didn’t want this book to end it even made me do some research as I read
March 7, 2019
A promise to THE MAID brings danger to a great a knight and to the family he loves. Another great Le Veque story of a knight with honor. ABSOLUTELY A KEEPER!
April 17, 2019
Awesome!
Great Great book! Absolutely loved this story and the characters. Kathryn Le Veque makes the characters come alive. Very exciting and filled with drama and adventure.
Great Great book! Absolutely loved this story and the characters. Kathryn Le Veque makes the characters come alive. Very exciting and filled with drama and adventure.
June 16, 2019
Wow
Another great book. It was funny, exciting, scary, loving, and sad. A great story. Loved all the characters. Can't wait until the next one.
Another great book. It was funny, exciting, scary, loving, and sad. A great story. Loved all the characters. Can't wait until the next one.
March 28, 2020
The Beast
A page turner, I really liked how the beast was this tough person who had a compassionate side for the weaker person. You let both side of this complex person show.
A page turner, I really liked how the beast was this tough person who had a compassionate side for the weaker person. You let both side of this complex person show.
August 22, 2020
Wonderful as are all of this series so far!
Great story!!! Exciting & sexy for this time of fighting in history!
Great story!!! Exciting & sexy for this time of fighting in history!
February 4, 2021
Good
Good book i really enjoyed it had to deal with guest star joan of arc. This author is great with history added to her world most recommend
Good book i really enjoyed it had to deal with guest star joan of arc. This author is great with history added to her world most recommend
February 26, 2021
Great Historical romance
This is another great book. I know we have a hard at time now but nothing like in the days of the de Russe.
This is another great book. I know we have a hard at time now but nothing like in the days of the de Russe.
May 8, 2022
The Maid
Great characters, enjoyed the whole book .Wonderful story of the Maid, although this part was fiction it gave you something to ponder.
Great characters, enjoyed the whole book .Wonderful story of the Maid, although this part was fiction it gave you something to ponder.
September 17, 2022
Simply A Great Read
I was captured from the first few sentences. The action is fast so never a dull moment. Pick it up and enter a world of long ago.
I was captured from the first few sentences. The action is fast so never a dull moment. Pick it up and enter a world of long ago.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews