A forced marriage. A hidden agenda. A hero ordered to betray his own brotherhood.
Creston de Royans—known inside the legendary Blackchurch Guild as The Avenger—is a ruthless warrior and elite trainer in the darkest arts of medieval warfare. Loyalty is everything. Brotherhood is sacred.
Then his powerful older brother orders him to marry.
The bride? A beautiful, guarded noblewoman still mourning the man who chose the priesthood over her.
Lady Ophelia de Camville never wanted another husband. Especially not a cold, dangerously controlled Blackchurch warrior. But refusal is not an option. Her powerful grandfather—leader of the formidable Septem Ports Alliance—has arranged the match for one
To use Creston.
Because the Alliance stands in quiet opposition to Triton’s Hellions—fierce familial allies of Blackchurch—and once the vows are spoken, Creston becomes the perfect weapon to fracture the Guild from within.
Now trapped in a high-stakes marriage of convenience, Creston must
Betray the brotherhood that made him… Or protect the wife he was meant to manipulate.
But Ophelia is no pawn. She has secrets of her own. And what begins as strategy ignites into dangerous obsession.
In a world of political intrigue, shifting alliances, and forbidden passion, love is the greatest risk of all.
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.
Title: The Avenger: A Medieval Romance (The Blackchurch Guild: The Shadow Knights) Author: Kathryn Le Veque If you are wanting to read an affectionate love story may I suggest that this book is for you. This author most assuredly gets me every time. Sometimes it seems as though her writing speaks to my soul. I genuinely love everything about her writing style. It epitomizes so much of her talent. It’s advantageous and very unique. Unique, because her writing reads almost like a movie. At least that’s how I view it. The tremendous time that the writer puts into researching the time periods. The characters and their family or friends. The events that transpires during that time period are excellent. Her writing almost always transports me away to a different time, where family, love, romance, passion, loyalty, honor and respect are on the line. Here you have Creston and Ophelia’s love story. After reading their story, I felt as though they were my closest friends. I was definitely enthralled in the story when it came to Ophelia’s grandfather. What’s his name?! Oh yeah - Oscar de Bulverton, Earl of Sidbury. What a sneaky bugger he is. I waited a number of pages for Creston to help Sidbury along with meeting his maker. Let’s not even go their with her mom, Ranada. You know how we were taught to respect our parents, but sometimes you want to shout to the top of your lungs. “What the fluke are you thinking?? My God!” Anyway that’s not the end of meddling family members. Royston de Royans. Creston older brother. He demands that Creston must marry. I imagined Creston side eyed his brother with the most menacing, cold steely eyes, as he mentally thought this - “who the hell are you to to demand that I marry someone?” Now Creston is known as the Avenger. His job at the BlackChurch is to interrogate the enemy. Did I mention that Creston may have some history with his brother? With family like this, it was such a reprieve and feelings elation and gratefulness to have brothers by bond and sisters by marriage within the BlackChurch. Having a brother in arms, such as Cruz is something that’s very genuine and special. I could have wept during that sentimental moment when the two were standing outside Creston’s Cottage, talking. It’s writing like this that makes the story poignant and very moving. I certainly connected with the emotions behind the story. The romance between the main characters was a simple love story, but a story about two exceptional people that found their way to happiness, when the two believed that they were destined for unhappiness. I consider the pace of the book to be adequate. The book wasn’t to fast for or to slow for my reading. I felt that the story maintained to the topics and objectives that the characters worked so hard for. The details and or descriptions in the book are described very well. While reading I imagined parts of the story that were positively good. And there are some good parts. I won’t reveal anything about the love scene. You will have to read that part for yourself. It’s more enjoyable that way. Well like I stated previously. This is a fantastic book indeed. I give this book two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I so love reading about the Blackchurch people!!! The characters were amazing and very interesting. The adventure was incredibly amazing and exciting!!! I love the strength that you gives to every character. I lot all of the characters especially Ming Tang!!!! A Shaolin monk in England!!! WOW!!! Thank you for another exciting adventure at Blackchurch!!! Can't wait for the next one!!!!😁
The Avenger by Katheryn Le Veque is a story about the Blackchurch Guild and the reader able to revisit many of the folks there they have met before. This story concentrates on Creston de Royans, a trainer there. Blackchurch Guild had been around for several hundred years at this point and had maintained its reputation for neutrality all this time. Creston was having an ordinary day when word came that his brother had arrived and wanted words with him. He hadn’t seen his brother in years and that had been fine with him. Now the head of his family had arrived to tell him he would marry and there were no options. Well, Creston had no intention of marrying but finally agreed to meet the woman. And meet her he did. Ophelia was a thin, quiet woman who seemed to have a mind of her own and spoke in a straightforward manner. Even more so when she arrived at his cottage in the night and told him her story. Remembering his past, he agreed to move forward with the marriage.
Creston, like all Blackchurch knights, is a man of honor. He is big, strong, and could be ruthless. He was not ruthless with Ophelia and the relationship quickly turned loving. With decent food she had turned into a beauty and glowed with her pregnancy. Ophelia had spent a difficult time with her grandfather, the man who had seen her married against her will, and the simple kindnesses she received at Blackchurch had made a huge difference in her life. Both were well-written, excellent characters. As the story unfolded the treachery of her grandfather become apparent, she quickly made the decision that she would stop him. This was a complicated story and yet, a simple romance. A story of friendship, loyalty, and deceit. Excellent read.
I was invited to read The Avenger by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #KatherynLeVeque #TheAvenger
Lots of action and intrigue in this charming romance
Creston and Ophelia certainly have an unusual journey to their HEA. Forced into an arranged marriage, they actually find support and sanctuary in each other against the villains who are using them as pawns for their own nefarious plans.
I loved the way both Creston and Ophelia were completely honest and open with each other, which was the only way to somewhat diffuse the weapons being used against them. Communication is key in all good relationships, and these two had that down from day one. Good thing, too, because in the months after their marriage, their trust in each other was put to the ultimate test.
I loved seeing all our favorite characters from Blackchurch again. This setting is one of my favorite in all of this author's expansive world, and this story was further enhanced by the inclusion of other characters from other parts of her world at different times in their lives. This author truly has some of the best world-building I've ever experienced, spanning so many books and series across several centuries.
We are treated to an extended HEA epilogue for Creston and Ophelia, and aside from one rather too convenient plot twist, it's a very satisfactory happy ending for all. As with all of Ms. Le Veque's books, this one is highly recommended for anyone who is looking for medieval romance.
Oh Ophelia! What were you thinking? I asked myself that question a few times throughout this book. Ophelia is the granddaughter to the Earl of Sidbury. Her grandfather is forcing her into an unwanted marriage to hide her pregnancy now that her previous betrothed left her at the alter. Creston de Royans is the Blackchurch trainer known as the Avenger and now he is forced by his brother to wed Ophelia. Neither wanted to marry and neither knew there was more to this marriage than they were told. I love the Blackchurch trainers and their wives and the relationships between them. Close male bonds and support off the charts. I love the way this author weaves a story that draws you in from the beginning and holds you captive to the end. Character development makes me feel like I know these guys and I have a mental picture of them as I read. I can’t wait until the next one.
Can Love Sprout from the Roots of Revenge? Ophelia’s groom abandoned her at the altar, and now she finds herself trapped in a deadly political scheme. Forced into marriage with Creston after her grandfather reaches out to his brother, Ophelia becomes caught in a dangerous conflict surrounding the Blackchurch Guild. What begins as a forced union slowly grows into love, but treachery lurks on every side, and the two soon find themselves fighting for survival. Ophelia once seemed timid and terrified, but love may give her the strength to stand against the cruel grandfather determined to destroy both the man she loves and the Blackchurch Guild itself. Never underestimate a woman with something worth fighting for. This is a medieval romantic adventure filled with brutal battles, shocking betrayals, and deep emotional bonds. If you enjoy medieval romance that does not shy away from the harsh realities of the time, this may be a book worth picking up.
Another marvellous medieval romance from my favourite author. We go back to Blackchurch to discover the story of the trainer known as the Avenger. The discipline he teaches is a particularly difficult one. He is a second son, and unfortunately that means when his elder brother commands him to marry, he has to obey. Our heroine is also being forced into the marriage. There is a wicked reason behind it. You will need a box of tissues for the really sad part. This one is certainly romantic. The danger doesn't come the way you will expect. Our author knows how to make each book totally different from the ones she has written before. I am never disappointed with any of them. I don't even read the blurb for the books she writes. I buy them automatically, as soon as they are released. Great fun.
Brilliantly Written Powerfully Emotional Love Story Not to Miss Oh, my goodness what a terrific all-encompassing love story this turned out to be Creston and Ophelia are 2 awe-inspiriting characters that took me into a gripping story of finding unquestionable love and loyalty. Truly an exciting and passionate story that moves at a fast pace the entire book I shed many tears at the wonderfully written surprise packed ending that had my heart soring with love and compassion This is one of the best Blackchurch episodes I think I have read in the series. Mature Advisory: Fantastic Cast of Characters, even the villain added so many different emotions throughout the pages, Tissue Box recommended I wish I could give this story more than 5 stars.
Always a wonderful story. Anticipation to read it, but sorry to get to the end.
I love Le Veque books. I love that I ran across a free Kindle book and now I have them all. I look forward to each new book and wait in forced patience for the next one to come out. This book was as wonderful for me as the first one I read. I always look forward to how the next one will be well written and exciting. She has never let me down and I don't think she ever will. I thank her from the bottom of my heart because she has gotten me through some rough times with her writing. Thank you so very much Ms Le Veque. I hope that there are many years to come with the wonderful stories that you let us read.
Ophelia was in love with Cecil de Braque even though she new he wanted to go into the priesthood. His companions. Talked him into being with her and she ends up with child, they planned to marry until the day of the wedding and he stands her up at the alter and goes to the abbey. Her grandfather is upset at the wedding but glad it happened that way because he had other plans for his granddaughter.
Royston de Royan went to the Black Church Guild where his brother Crestor de Royan trained men. He had a marriage proposal for him and Creston was not at all happy about it, until he meets her.
I love reading Kathryn's books and The Avenger was another great. This,was the story of Ophelia and Creston a BlackChuch trainer forced to marry but finding true love. Full of the usual romance and twists and turns that all of Kathryn's books hold. With a lot of drama for good measure. This one also included two of the Executioner Knights. So I thoroughly recommend reading this book Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade publishing for my arc copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I'm so relieved you had a beautiful ending. I was slowly reading spacing myself to enjoy the latest Black church tale. The story itself was a mixture of up and down emotional story. That grandfather was really a nasty character! I'm glad he's only a made up person, lets hope no one has a grandfather like that one. Great book, I will read it again like your other books. I think I read Wolf 4 times?
Another brilliant book in this series. I always look forward to a new book by KLV. This instalment in the Blackchurch series didn’t disappoint. Creston and Lia are forced into marriage but there are hidden plots beneath the overtures of Lia’s grandfather. Past and present secrets come to light and an already sensitive situation is made worse. In this book, the Blackchurch trainers are supported by none other than two Executioner Knights. It makes for an interesting story.
Crestón & Ophelia Loved this book 📕. Having read most of the Executioner Knights and Blackchurch Guild Series I was familiar with most of the characters and it was satisfying to read this lovely romance. Both the main characters came with troubled pasts but found happiness with each other. There were villains especially the h vile grandfather that were eventually eliminated for their HEA. As all of KLV books there was little spice but lots of sweet romance. I would recommend this book.
I was super excited for this release and it was worth every second of the wait. The book is perfect!! The story is very engaging, and Creston is, of course, captivating. The historical context of the book is incredible; it feels like we've been transported to that era. I also loved that it's just the right amount of steamy. I highly recommend it; I read it in less than two days.
I have read every book by Kathryn but none of them have caused me to cry as much as this one, which is saying something, because Christopher de Lohr's story was heart wrenching at times. This story was amazing and I hope that we get to see the children of Cres and Lia in the future.
Another marriage match that will make you laugh and cry. KLV reads are great for this, danger, secrets, backstabbing brother, abusive grandfather, and a storyline that will keep you turning the pages and laughing (Lia's cooking)! Really enjoyed this one, grab some tissue, some tears too. How about a match for that Viking Kristen?
I just love reading books by Kathryn leVeque and this one is awesome!
The Blackchurch Guild series is a world of its own. These men and women are unique and so are their lives. I just cannot imagine being forced into a marriage but Creston and Lia are such special people. This book pulled me in from the first page!
As always you will be transported to the world this author has created… it’s a wonderful escape into a world of intrigue and chaos, a time when women could only hope that the man their male family members chose for them was kind, or suffer the consequences… it’s a great read that will make you laugh and cry… Enjoy!!
This was an entertaining, well-written medieval romance. It was fun, charming, suspenseful and I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed this medieval romance and look forward to reading more books by this author.
This is a story that is part of the Blackchurch series that can be as as stand alone story with a HEA ending. I loved this new installment in this series. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys medieval Knights and action and romance.
One of the very best series Kathryn Le Veque has written. Men of valor, honor and fidelity finding not only their particular talent in training but discovering the richness of family. I loved this one!!
This is by far one of the best series I've read, by any author. That being said, I read everything Kathryn Le Veque writes, and highly recommend her novels to all!