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The Falcon's Heart

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He was banished for a crime he didn’t commit. Has he returned for revenge or love?

Just a few months short of winning his knighthood, Jevon was accused of stealing a precious brooch from the baron’s wife. Furious, the baron banished him with the brand of a thief on his hand and a price on his head if he ever returned to the county of Poitou. Abandoning his hopes of an honorable future, Jevon takes refuge among a band of disreputable mercenary archers who welcome the extraordinary eyesight that makes him nearly undefeatable with the bow. They dub him “le Falquet”—the Falcon. But the shame of his unjust brand haunts him, as do memories of the woman he loved. The same woman who accused him to the baron.

Constantia has grieved seven years over Jevon’s banishment. He had called her his heart’s twin. Lacking a dowry now as she did then, she has buried her loneliness in caring for the baron’s children. Constantia is visiting a neighboring castle when the king’s war with his rebellious sons comes to Poitou. Frightened for the safety of the children she has become devoted to, she makes a desperate flight through the woods to warn the baron their castle will be the next to fall. But an archer with a familiar face intercepts her, determined to prevent her from raising the alarm: Jevon, no longer an idealistic squire, but now a vengeful man.

Constantia cannot blame Jevon for returning to Poitou with revenge in his heart, but she is stunned to learn that he thinks her to blame for his exile all these years. If he was not the thief she had been made to believe, who was? Love flames swiftly back to life when she and Jevon are reunited, but love may not be enough to overcome Jevon’s pain at her betrayal unless she can discover the truth behind the missing brooch.

416 pages, ebook

Published November 14, 2025

5 people are currently reading
19 people want to read

About the author

Joyce DiPastena

22 books587 followers
Joyce DiPastena illuminates the Middle Ages for modern readers through heartfelt historical romance. However many changes a few centuries may bring, she believes that stories of love unite people across time. Joyce is a two-time Whitney Award finalist. The Historical Novel Society rated her romantic historical novel, The Lady and the Minstrel as “highly recommended,” while the same title won a Swoony Award for Excellence in Clean Secular Romance.

Joyce grew up in southern Arizona and can easily withstand summer temperatures of 115 degrees, as long as she’s sitting in a restaurant, movie theater, or under a ceiling fan—inside an air-conditioned building. She can be bribed with chocolate chip cookies and enjoys attending the Arizona Renaissance Festival every year. She holds a degree in history, specializing in the Middle Ages, from the University of Arizona. Joyce currently resides in Mesa, Arizona with her black cats, Nyxie and Calypso, who bring her good luck every day.

Visit her at joycedipastena.com.

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,918 reviews239 followers
February 2, 2026
Wonderful story! If you enjoy medieval era stories, with great characters, a sweet love story, flashbacks, knights, castle sieges, and much more, then this is one you'll enjoy!

The beginning was a little slow for me but we are given pieces of a mystery and show Jevon, Le Falquet, quite down on his luck and struggling to survive. As he determines to survive, he turns to revenge and finds a way to slowly get there. Then we jump to years later as he has joined in as a mercenary trying to help others swear fealty. He finds himself with the chance to put into motion a way to seek revenge. But when Constantia appears in his life again, he finds himself questioning everything he believes from the last many years.

I loved the dual POV between Jevon and Constantia. I loved the flashbacks they experience that slowly starts filling in all of their backstory and brings to light so much for the readers. I loved the pacing of how the author introduced the flashbacks between their current day moments.

You will find secondary characters that you will cheer for and several others whom you will not care for...not one bit! Great mix of characters and how all of their stories weave together to create this wonderful read! You're going to love the sweet love story as well, as it unfolds and continues developing. Lots of regrets and wrongs that will be righted as understanding comes and anger fades.

Content: Clean. This book does deal with battles and sword fights and castle sieges and such but I still consider it a clean read with how the author wrote it. There are some kisses but nothing further. No language.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Diane Richmond.
87 reviews5 followers
November 13, 2025
This medieval novel, of knights, fair maidens and injustice is the perfect book to curl up with on a cold winters day. The characters were well developed by the author and the book left you wanting more (which is good, because this is the first if a series!)

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
917 reviews11 followers
November 4, 2025
This was an amazing clean romance that took place in the Middle Ages, and the intensive research and attention to detail that the author provided was plain to see! The characters were well rounded and they grew as the story progressed, and I loved watching justice prevail in the end! There was war violence and mention of violence toward women, but nothing was graphic, and the whole story was told with tact and grace. I loved finding out what happened to the characters in this book, and look forward to more books in this series!
Profile Image for Esmare.
96 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2025
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review because I love these books and the medieval period, and that is why I read them.

I love how accurate Joyce's books are to the medieval period in how things are described and how the 'world' works in her books, it makes me feel like I travelled back in time when I read them.
I've researched and learnt quite a bit about the medieval period on my own, and have had various discussions with people who think everything in fantasy or that makes sense in a modern worldview and mindset is how thing were in the medieval period or that it was all dark and dreary all the time, which it wasn't. Which makes it all the nicer to be able to disappear for a few hours into my favourite period in history without getting annoyed with everything that isn't accurate and doesn't work that way (I recently got annoyed about that in a contemporary story, it's not just a historical romance thing) and spend time with characters that have become friends.

The epilogue, and the castles, were my favourite parts of the story, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone so I'm going to leave it at that.
2,407 reviews6 followers
November 15, 2025
I received this book as a free given complimentary copy to read and have thoroughly enjoyed this story. It weaves true historical facts around characters who would have been living during that period and how their lives were affected by the times they lived in. Both Jervon and Constancia are caught within the differing loyalties and when they both learn to balance out all the circumstances and their feelings they ultimately find their hea. Enjoyed this delightful mix of intrigue, historical facts and romance within the pages of this story. She did not disappoint..as usual
Profile Image for Elizabeth Mueller.
Author 12 books48 followers
November 14, 2025
Immersive, Character-Driven, and Worth the Patience

Betrayal. Lies. Deception. Misfortune frowns upon Le Falquet—or Jevon, as Constantia once knew him, her first love. After having his hand branded as a thief the day she pointed her finger, he survives beneath the stars, nursing resentment for the woman he once loved dearly. Now aligned with her enemies, he battles memories of her soft touches. Will he fold?

The description and sensory details are engaging. They captured my interest right from the start. The language and voice are as authentic as one dares, without pulling the reader out of the delicate balance between medieval and modern—an immersive feat.

Joyce writes so close to the point-of-view character that plot exposition is experienced through the character alone. How gripping! This creates a sense of urgency and lends itself to natural storytelling.

The story jumps across time for much of the first half—watch those chapter subheadings closely, or risk getting lost. I found myself flipping back often, which disrupted the story’s natural momentum.

This book is definitely character-driven. Dialogue dominates to the point that the setting fades—I often couldn’t tell whether the characters were walking through a castle garden, feasting, or camping under the stars.

Though Jevon’s knightly virtues make him endearing, his lack of guile feels at odds with his mercenary past. Even the Earl of Gunther seems wary of his credulous nature. I had to suspend my disbelief at certain parts (would a friend-turned-enemy really divulge private affairs in the heat of battle?).

Overall, I found this book engaging—especially once the timeline catches up and the story flows seamlessly. That’s when things intensify, and we finally learn the truth of Jevon’s “thievery,” as does Stantia.

The author is fantastic at weaving the villain arc. Gwen (who is worse than Harry Potter’s Ms. Umbridge!) is truly aggravating. The injustice of her cruelty was so triggering that I had to set the book down to gather my bearings.

The pacing is slow at the start, but once it hits its stride, it accelerates into breakneck speeds. Buckle up!

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melissa’s Bookshelf.
2,565 reviews177 followers
November 15, 2025
Betrayal, false accusations, a castle siege, & heartfelt 2nd chance romance made The Falcon’s Heart unputdownable! Joyce DiPastena’s long been a favorite author whose books don’t get nearly as much recognition as they should. Her medieval tales are filled with swoon worthy romance, suspenseful action, accurate historical details, noble characters, & dastardly villains whom you can’t wait to see get their comeuppance. The Falcon’s Heart is the new, first book in the Poitevin Hearts series, & the exciting, long awaited prequel to A Dangerous Web. It’s the perfect way to reintroduce the series & provide an intriguing background for the proceeding books.

Jevon was well on his way to becoming a knight until he was falsely accused, even by the woman he loved, of stealing a valuable brooch. Banished from Poitou & branded as a thief, he works with a band of mercenary archers who’ve dubbed him “le Falquet,” the Falcon, because of his extraordinary eyesight & accuracy. Now seven years later, shame, bitter injustice, & vengeance drive him to join the Earl of Gunther to take up King Henry’s quest of bringing Poitou under control. When he comes face to face with his former love Constantia again, he’s torn between the feelings he’s tried to suppress & his mission to siege the baron’s castle where she resides.

I absolutely loved this story & the friends to enemies to more second chance romance! “Stantia” has always loved Jevon even when it looked like there was proof against him. The misunderstanding & betrayal are a wedge between them & I loved seeing that quickly resolve. They’re both eager to prove Jevon’s innocence & I enjoyed how the mystery unfolded. Their sizzling chemistry leaps off the page.

The thrilling action involving the siege of the castle as well as the twists, turns, & surprising betrayals concerning the brooch kept me eagerly turning the pages. There’re several villains whom you can’t wait to see get their dues including the baroness who’s particularly conniving. I loved how noble Jevon & Constantia were despite all the obstacles in their way.

Highly recommend this exciting, kisses only, medieval romance! I received an advanced copy from the author with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily. 4.5-5 stars!
1,019 reviews33 followers
November 14, 2025
Seven years ago, Jevon was falsely accused of theft, branded and banished. Now, he's back with the Earl of Gunther's army as an expert bowman, which entails an unexpected meeting with the woman he believes accused him - who happens to also be the woman he loved, maybe even still loves. Faced with a choice between honouring his allegiance to the earl and acting on his love for both Constantia and the innocent children he used to care for, which will he choose? Constantia will never forgive him if he chooses the former - and he can never have anything offer her if he chooses the latter. But people have long memories, and the choice to have a future together may be out of either of their hands anyway...

An enthralling read that I read far too late into the night. Jevon's struggles after being falsely accused, his dilemmas after Constantia appeared and the way he clearly still cared for her despite believing her to have betrayed him grabbed me from the start, and learning Constantia's side of things added to that. Throw in some suspense and an interesting historical background, and the result is a fascinating story with some very moving moments, some very tense moments, and some very heartwarming moments too - as well as a villain I could very well have done without, had she not been such an integral part of the story. Despite that, the story is also a good reminder not to think the worst of people - sometimes you'll definitely be disappointed, but you may be beautifully surprised, as happened to Jevon a few times. I'm eager to see other characters get their own stories. Recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
322 reviews10 followers
November 16, 2025
I first became aware of Joyce DiPastena's Medieval tales after reading her contribution to the "Winter Romance Anthology". I subsequently sought out more of her works, and have read most of them. This was several years ago, and with no new releases I assumed she stopped writing. Therefore, I am happy to see she's picked up her pen again.

"The Falcon's Heart" is now the first book of her engaging Poitevin Hearts series. After my initial confusion, I understood the timeline and happily proceeded. Although this is a longer novel than my usual fare, the storyline never lagged. Characters are well-developed, nuanced, and believable. Constantia and Jevon are a lovely couple, and secondary players are likewise interesting. DiPastena's historical research and attention to detail is superb. The Medieval period was fraught with violence and while storming a castle is a grisly business, graphic scenes are kept to a minimum.

This genre is a favorite of mine. However, I generally avoid it now, as too many authors include explicit bedroom scenes. An exception is Tamara Leigh, whose works I love, and now Joyce DiPastena. I don't know if she's revising her other novels, but I'll revisit the other books in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Tina Scott.
Author 32 books19 followers
November 18, 2025
The Falcon’s Heart by Joyce DiPastena is engaging from beginning to end! This sweeping medieval tale centers on Jevon and Constantia, two people who have every reason to despise each other—she, for his ruining their chance at marriage and vanishing without a word; he, for her accusation that branded him a thief and led to his banishment.
For seven long years, Jevon has lived by his bow as a mercenary archer, always watching his back. When Gunthar recruits him to help subdue the rebellious Poitevin lords and secure their allegiance to the king, Jevon sees not only a chance to serve—but the perfect opportunity to confront the man who condemned him.
At its core, The Falcon’s Heart is a love story, but it’s also a tightly woven mystery. With twists and turns at every corner, I found myself guessing the true culprit until the very end. The story is rich with authentic historical detail, from castle life to battlefield realism. DiPastena’s deep knowledge of the medieval era shines through, grounding every emotional moment in vivid, believable context.
If you enjoy page-turners filled with sweet romance, intrigue, and exquisite historical accuracy, you’ll want to pick up your copy of The Falcon’s Heart by Joyce DiPastena.

2,088 reviews13 followers
October 30, 2025
This book is filled with twists and turns which encourage the reader to continue turning the pages to find out what will come next. The story is filled with action, betrayal, danger and romance. Since Jevon was decried a thief and banished from Poitou, he has grown from boy to man but has kept his honour even whilst working as a mercenary. When he returns to France with the Earl of Gunthar on King Henry’s business, he encounters Constantia again after seven (7) years. Their reunion is not what Jevon expected but does partially clear the air about their past. How they prove Jevon innocent makes this a wonderful story. I really loved the final few chapters, and I highly recommend it to all lovers of historical fiction.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Florence Belle.
15 reviews
December 11, 2025
Le Falquet pulled me in from the very first page. Jevon was on the brink of knighthood when he was falsely accused of stealing a brooch and cruelly banished. Watching him transform from an idealistic squire into a fierce, skilled archer known as “the Falcon” was thrilling, but what really stayed with me was the ache of his lost love and the injustice that haunted him.

Constantia’s heartbreak and loyalty made her such a relatable, human character. When fate throws her back in Jevon’s path, sparks fly, but the tension between love and betrayal keeps you turning pages. The mystery of the stolen brooch adds just the right amount of suspense, and the romance feels earned and heartfelt.

If you love historical romance with real emotion, a touch of adventure, and characters who feel like they could step off the page, Le Falquet is definitely a story you won’t forget.
Profile Image for Lillian Huffman.
200 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2025
I was eager to read this story because I have read five stories in this series and loved them all. I had no doubt that I would enjoy this one as well and I was not wrong. This story highlighted Joyce's writing style so well. There were many twists and turns that were enjoyable to read and follow. Jevon's long held resentment and Constantia's doubt about him leaves one to wonder what the truth was behind the supposed theft was. Finding out the truth took several hours to find, about 6, but it was so worth it. May you enjoy spending the time to find out as much as I did.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
67 reviews5 followers
November 29, 2025
I really enjoyed The Falcon's Heart. It took me a few chapters to get into Medieval mode, but once I was there, I was thoroughly invested. Following Jevon as he struggled to shake free of the wrongful accusation and punishment of theft kept me enthralled. Constantia's sweet protection of her lord's children and servants won my heart. The twists and turns they navigated together drew me back to the story amidst my normal daily tasks. I loved this story and it's a must-read for anybody who likes Medieval historical novels. I'm looking forward to the other Poitevin stories.
2,466 reviews28 followers
December 12, 2025
I did enjoy this story, particularly the parts set in the later years, I did find some of the earlier years just a bit repetitive. It did have plenty of action and obviously a good amount of research had been done by the author. I liked the character of Jevon and to some extent, Constantia. There are number of interesting secondary characters, not all likeable. It has a very satisfying ending. I received a copy via Niche Reader and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. However, I did preorder my own copy.
1 review
November 17, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Both protagonists are dealing with their personal traumas, each perceived differently and incorrectly. But their hearts and values have never changed. As they struggle through new crises and possible traumas, will their hearts guide them to their true selves? You'll have to read this wonderful book to find out!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
4 reviews
November 6, 2025
Incredibly good book! I read it all in one sitting. The plot was sound, the characters intriguing and believable, and I enjoyed the historical details that went into it.
I really appreciated the fact that Jevon had a heart for mercy even in difficult situations. And there WERE some difficult situations, so I'll leave that as a small note of caution for sensitive readers.
25 reviews
November 15, 2025
I was given a complementary copy. This is my review. I loved this story. I literally stayed up all night to finish it because I couldn't put it down! The characters are relatable. You can't help but root for them and empathize with their circumstances. If you're a fan of medieval historical fiction this is a must read.
47 reviews3 followers
November 23, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I was surprised that there was more adventure than romance in this book. Also, I was expecting the mystery to take a more prominent role. In spite of this, I still enjoyed it. It was easy to get invested in the lives of the characters especially the hero and heroine. Overall, a good start to the series.
Profile Image for Shannon Foudray.
20 reviews2 followers
December 15, 2025
Medieval knights, fair maidens and a story that I enjoyed immensely! Sitting curled up with hot cocoa and fuzzy blanket getting lost in the world of Jevon and Constantia and King Henry’s war as it ravages their lands and lives
702 reviews
November 14, 2025
Clean story full of intrigue, historical facts and more. Well written, paced correctly and wonderful characters. Lots of twists.
Profile Image for Clare O'Beara.
Author 25 books371 followers
December 5, 2025
I greatly enjoyed reading this story, a vivid tale set around the siege of two Norman castles in medieval France. The point of the siege, we are told, was to force a surrender and ransom, as bloodless as might be arranged. Therefore, the death toll is surprisingly low for the day, and women are generally respected. A mercenary archer is on the outside, looking in to a castle where years ago he used to work. The irony doesn't escape him, more so when he captures a young woman hoping to flee with warnings, and she's someone he used to flirt with as a lad.
Themes include second chance at love, seeking the truth, and loyalty.
I read an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction and the author. I have reviewed in my own time. This is an unbiased review.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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