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Brethren Origins #2
Demetrius
Athelyna Des Moutiers has lived the better portion of her years in a convent, isolated from the harsh realities of her world, and has dedicated her life in service to a higher calling. When her father dies, her manipulative older brother negotiates a betrothal contract to one of the King’s knights, surrendering her to a creature utterly foreign—a man. A wedding present, an ancient brooch with mythical powers, foretells a future she cannot deny, so she accepts her fate. Can she win the love of her husband, a stubborn brute equally resistant to marriage?
Demetrius de Blackbourne is a Nautionnier Knight, a pious man, and a virgin who, much like his bride, has vowed to devote himself to divine endeavors, and his plans do not include a wife. When he is tasked with settling a troublesome region, and installing the King’s new garrison, he neglects the most important charge of all—his lady. But the gentle spirit and quiet strength of Athelyna manifest a temptation he can neither ignore nor deny, and Demetrius finds himself fighting for the one thing he never thought he would want—her heart.
Demetrius de Blackbourne is a Nautionnier Knight, a pious man, and a virgin who, much like his bride, has vowed to devote himself to divine endeavors, and his plans do not include a wife. When he is tasked with settling a troublesome region, and installing the King’s new garrison, he neglects the most important charge of all—his lady. But the gentle spirit and quiet strength of Athelyna manifest a temptation he can neither ignore nor deny, and Demetrius finds himself fighting for the one thing he never thought he would want—her heart.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2016
57 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Devlin
53 books517 followersBarbara Devlin was born a storyteller. A Texan, through and through, Barbara hasn’t been without a book in her possession since she was in kindergarten. She wrote her first short story, a really cheesy murder-mystery, in high school, but it was a Christmas gift, a lovely little diary with a bronze lock, given to her in the fifth grade that truly inspired her love for writing.
After completing part of her undergraduate studies at the University of London, Barbara returned home and began a career in banking. But the late 80’s weren’t too promising for the financial industry, and every bank that hired Barbara soon folded. So she searched for a stable occupation, and the local police department offered the answer to her prayers.
Initially, Barbara wasn’t too sure about her new chosen career in law enforcement, but she soon came to love being a police officer. However, on an uncharacteristically cold and icy day in December 1998, Barbara was struck by a car and pinned against a guardrail while working an accident on a major highway. Permanently disabled, she retired from the police department and devoted her time and energy to physical therapy.
Once Barbara got back on her feet, she focused on a new career in academia. She earned an MA in English, continued on a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric, started writing historical fiction in her spare time, and completed five full-length novels featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast. Book six is currently in the works.
After completing part of her undergraduate studies at the University of London, Barbara returned home and began a career in banking. But the late 80’s weren’t too promising for the financial industry, and every bank that hired Barbara soon folded. So she searched for a stable occupation, and the local police department offered the answer to her prayers.
Initially, Barbara wasn’t too sure about her new chosen career in law enforcement, but she soon came to love being a police officer. However, on an uncharacteristically cold and icy day in December 1998, Barbara was struck by a car and pinned against a guardrail while working an accident on a major highway. Permanently disabled, she retired from the police department and devoted her time and energy to physical therapy.
Once Barbara got back on her feet, she focused on a new career in academia. She earned an MA in English, continued on a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric, started writing historical fiction in her spare time, and completed five full-length novels featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast. Book six is currently in the works.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 4, 2017
++SPOILERS++
3 stars
I recommend reading the first book to get the full insight to how the Bretheren came about, which is not fully explained in this book.
The Bretheren were formally Templars in France untill they were forced to leave and seek exile in England. The king then made these former Templar brothers into another group and pledge loyalty to him the group was called "The Bretheren." He thus arranged a wife to the first brother from the first book, along with land and title. In this book, it is Demetrius' turn to wed and gain land and title.
Again we have the same reluctant groom troupe as we saw in the first. The reason is because the Templars gave a vow of chastity and were brought up believing they would burn in hell for breaking their vows. But they are no longer Templars.. so they agree to abide the King's orders but have difficulty with adjusting to new ways.
Demetrius is a pious man who had lost his faith in God. The wife chosen for him grew up in a convent and like Demetrius, also did not wish to marry and instead wished to live her life devoted to God.
Yadda yadda ...at first they fight it, then accept it (quite easily IMHO). They fall in love, learn to trust each other and she helps him regain his faith. HEA.
Overall, I did enjoy it although there were some things that bothered me.
There is little conflict and what little there is, is insanly easily resolved.
Erika- He does treat her a little shitty, but is immediatly reprimanded by Isolde (his sister in law) and he is humbled. He treats her shitty again later on a few more times, but is again sorry very soon and is begging her forgivness. The h (Athel) also does some pretty stupid stuff and deserves his ire, but then is given a good shake down again from Isolde. So I think this would be ok for you.
I did love Demetrius for he was just clueless about women, how to court them and how to treat them..so it was easy to forgive him.
The beginning was a little slow and I felt bored with the constant journeying and camping. I also thought it was a bit lazy on the part of the author that the "magical" brooch only showed the one vision, repeated over and over.
The heroine was rasied in a convent yet she overcame her repressed sexuality, too fast and too easily IMHO.
The Old English used took away from the emotional aspect of the read, making all the dialogue seem too formal and stiff. But I eventually got used to it and started to feel the love.
The characters should have been more fleshed out, they felt 2 dimensional, bland and flat. We get very little backround on the heroine, all we really know is that she was raised in a convent.
There is some humor, which I liked but it was just a repetittion of the same humor experienced in book one. Speaking of repetittion, the author needs to find new ways to describe the ever popular "chin dipping." Everyone is constantly dipping their chins at each other.. it became quite laugable because I couldn't help but think of bobble heads.
What I thought was the worst.. was the two "supposed" antagonists. Her "evil" brother, who suddenly becomes good, as well as the noble Hammert (or something like) that who also goes from threatening Demetrius to becoming his loyal servant in a matter of one conversation with Athel.
At any rate, it was a decent low angst, low conflict read and I will read the next book since it is KU.
Safety-H & h first last and only. No ow/om, sex is mild and IMHO 100% safe. No cursing, no abuse, little to no violence. The H says some harsh words to the heroine a few times, but is immediatley sorry and there is a bit of unnecessary groveling.
3 stars
I recommend reading the first book to get the full insight to how the Bretheren came about, which is not fully explained in this book.
The Bretheren were formally Templars in France untill they were forced to leave and seek exile in England. The king then made these former Templar brothers into another group and pledge loyalty to him the group was called "The Bretheren." He thus arranged a wife to the first brother from the first book, along with land and title. In this book, it is Demetrius' turn to wed and gain land and title.
Again we have the same reluctant groom troupe as we saw in the first. The reason is because the Templars gave a vow of chastity and were brought up believing they would burn in hell for breaking their vows. But they are no longer Templars.. so they agree to abide the King's orders but have difficulty with adjusting to new ways.
Demetrius is a pious man who had lost his faith in God. The wife chosen for him grew up in a convent and like Demetrius, also did not wish to marry and instead wished to live her life devoted to God.
Yadda yadda ...at first they fight it, then accept it (quite easily IMHO). They fall in love, learn to trust each other and she helps him regain his faith. HEA.
Overall, I did enjoy it although there were some things that bothered me.
There is little conflict and what little there is, is insanly easily resolved.
Erika- He does treat her a little shitty, but is immediatly reprimanded by Isolde (his sister in law) and he is humbled. He treats her shitty again later on a few more times, but is again sorry very soon and is begging her forgivness. The h (Athel) also does some pretty stupid stuff and deserves his ire, but then is given a good shake down again from Isolde. So I think this would be ok for you.
I did love Demetrius for he was just clueless about women, how to court them and how to treat them..so it was easy to forgive him.
The beginning was a little slow and I felt bored with the constant journeying and camping. I also thought it was a bit lazy on the part of the author that the "magical" brooch only showed the one vision, repeated over and over.
The heroine was rasied in a convent yet she overcame her repressed sexuality, too fast and too easily IMHO.
The Old English used took away from the emotional aspect of the read, making all the dialogue seem too formal and stiff. But I eventually got used to it and started to feel the love.
The characters should have been more fleshed out, they felt 2 dimensional, bland and flat. We get very little backround on the heroine, all we really know is that she was raised in a convent.
There is some humor, which I liked but it was just a repetittion of the same humor experienced in book one. Speaking of repetittion, the author needs to find new ways to describe the ever popular "chin dipping." Everyone is constantly dipping their chins at each other.. it became quite laugable because I couldn't help but think of bobble heads.
What I thought was the worst.. was the two "supposed" antagonists. Her "evil" brother, who suddenly becomes good, as well as the noble Hammert (or something like) that who also goes from threatening Demetrius to becoming his loyal servant in a matter of one conversation with Athel.
At any rate, it was a decent low angst, low conflict read and I will read the next book since it is KU.
Safety-H & h first last and only. No ow/om, sex is mild and IMHO 100% safe. No cursing, no abuse, little to no violence. The H says some harsh words to the heroine a few times, but is immediatley sorry and there is a bit of unnecessary groveling.
October 14, 2016
Another great installment.
Like the first book, the medieval verbiage is a little hard to get used to - but the effort is worth it.
Demetrius is the second knight of the Brethren commanded to marry by the king. To say that he is less than thrilled is a colossal understatement. And his bride to be , Athelyna aka Athel is just as determined as her would be groom to escape this marriage.
This book features another virgin hero and a feisty heroine. I really liked how these two really tried to make their unwanted marriage work. Arucard and Isolde play a big role in this book and Arucard's advice to Demetrius is very amusing.
This couple has a different set issues to overcome to get their HEA and Demetrius must overcome a dark secret.
Again, I highly recommend this book - but I think it would be best to read this series in order.
Like the first book, the medieval verbiage is a little hard to get used to - but the effort is worth it.
Demetrius is the second knight of the Brethren commanded to marry by the king. To say that he is less than thrilled is a colossal understatement. And his bride to be , Athelyna aka Athel is just as determined as her would be groom to escape this marriage.
This book features another virgin hero and a feisty heroine. I really liked how these two really tried to make their unwanted marriage work. Arucard and Isolde play a big role in this book and Arucard's advice to Demetrius is very amusing.
This couple has a different set issues to overcome to get their HEA and Demetrius must overcome a dark secret.
Again, I highly recommend this book - but I think it would be best to read this series in order.
March 25, 2016
Barbara Devlin is a genius. From the moment I picked up Enter the Brethren I was hooked on the Brethren. Upon reading Arucard, I knew her Ascendants would be just as phenomenal. Now, having read Demetrius, the second book in the Brethren Origins, I can't imagine ever not having read any of her books.
In typical Barbara Devlin fashion, you are captivated by the characters from the very first page. Their struggles as former Templar Knights can be felt on every page, in every action of these men. They've made a vow, one that none of them took lightly nor will they renege on easily. One by one each of the new Brethren Knights will be tasked with marriage and producing heirs by his majesty. I understand that for most men, avoiding the marriage noose is of the utmost imperative unless they are seeking an heir to continue their family name. In the case of the Brethren it goes so much deeper. First Arucard was tasked with getting married, now, a year later it is Demetrius who the King has decided will be the next to marry and again, the bride has already been chosen. Athelyna, if I do say so myself, is by far the best match for a former Templar Knight who has lost his faith.
“I abandoned it, as it abandoned me.” Tears welled in his silvery gaze, and she sat upright. “I am a hollow tree, my lady. I am damned, and I would not surrender ye to the same fate.”
I must be honest. As I read Demetrius confessing his loss of faith after everything he and his brothers had gone through and their losses, I cried. I don't admit this lightly as I have been accused of being hard to reach with the books I read. However, I must commend Ms. Devlin for showing the heart behind these battle hardened soldiers. Watching these two characters flounder and struggle day by day to not only come to terms with their new marriage, but with their growing feelings for each other is endearing and sure to tug on the heartstrings. Athelyna helped Demetrius find not only love, but rediscover his faith.
As a side note I want to add... AT LAST! We get to see the origin of not only another Brethren Ascendants, but we finally get to hear the story of the origin of the mystical jeweled brooch Lady Amanda in Loving Lieutenant Douglas sports hoping to dream of her one true knight. If you are familiar with Loving Lieutenant Douglas and Amanda and Mark's romance, you do not want to miss reading how the jeweled brooch came to be in Lady Amanda's possession.
I could not possibly recommend Demetrius more. This is a Must Read for lovers of Historical Romance everywhere.
In typical Barbara Devlin fashion, you are captivated by the characters from the very first page. Their struggles as former Templar Knights can be felt on every page, in every action of these men. They've made a vow, one that none of them took lightly nor will they renege on easily. One by one each of the new Brethren Knights will be tasked with marriage and producing heirs by his majesty. I understand that for most men, avoiding the marriage noose is of the utmost imperative unless they are seeking an heir to continue their family name. In the case of the Brethren it goes so much deeper. First Arucard was tasked with getting married, now, a year later it is Demetrius who the King has decided will be the next to marry and again, the bride has already been chosen. Athelyna, if I do say so myself, is by far the best match for a former Templar Knight who has lost his faith.
“I abandoned it, as it abandoned me.” Tears welled in his silvery gaze, and she sat upright. “I am a hollow tree, my lady. I am damned, and I would not surrender ye to the same fate.”
I must be honest. As I read Demetrius confessing his loss of faith after everything he and his brothers had gone through and their losses, I cried. I don't admit this lightly as I have been accused of being hard to reach with the books I read. However, I must commend Ms. Devlin for showing the heart behind these battle hardened soldiers. Watching these two characters flounder and struggle day by day to not only come to terms with their new marriage, but with their growing feelings for each other is endearing and sure to tug on the heartstrings. Athelyna helped Demetrius find not only love, but rediscover his faith.
As a side note I want to add... AT LAST! We get to see the origin of not only another Brethren Ascendants, but we finally get to hear the story of the origin of the mystical jeweled brooch Lady Amanda in Loving Lieutenant Douglas sports hoping to dream of her one true knight. If you are familiar with Loving Lieutenant Douglas and Amanda and Mark's romance, you do not want to miss reading how the jeweled brooch came to be in Lady Amanda's possession.
I could not possibly recommend Demetrius more. This is a Must Read for lovers of Historical Romance everywhere.
December 30, 2022
A home run
Barbara Devlin has issued another winner in her brethren origins series. I'm really enjoying this series. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I'm also going to read all of Barbara Devlin's other books. The series is about templar knights who are chased out of France and run to England for shelter. They're all devout and have never been in intimate relationships with women. In England, the King decrees they must marry. So Begins each of the 1st two stories in the series.
Barbara Devlin has issued another winner in her brethren origins series. I'm really enjoying this series. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I'm also going to read all of Barbara Devlin's other books. The series is about templar knights who are chased out of France and run to England for shelter. They're all devout and have never been in intimate relationships with women. In England, the King decrees they must marry. So Begins each of the 1st two stories in the series.
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June 17, 2019Another amazing story
What amazing series. It is well written. I would totally recommend this series to any one that has a love for old English and the time period.
What amazing series. It is well written. I would totally recommend this series to any one that has a love for old English and the time period.
December 30, 2016
This book was hard to put down. I love this series and it makes me want to reread the Brethren of the Coast series. I liked Demetrius and Athelyna. This book is not as complex and emotional as book one. This book is not a clean read, but does have less sex than book one.
April 2, 2016
Oh wow Ms. Devlin has written another amazing tale to follow behind Arucard. The tales spun in this breathtaking series sweeps you back in time in your mind. I am always captivated in her tales and the historical facts and speech. I think every book she writes is the best and yet she manages to go above and beyond my expectations.
“Thou art my warmth, when I am cold. Thou art my strength, when I falter. Thou art my benevolent lord and master, when I desire direction. Thou art the father of my babe, when I require a partner for our fledgling family. Thou art my protector, when I need shielding. All these things, and more, thou art for me, so I have not nor have I ever doubted ye.”
Demetrius de Blackbourne One of the Templer knights that fell into the hands of the king fleeing from the order of there death. Sadly going against his vows to the church is something he has a hard time doing until his heart is swept away by a new vow before God that to his wife. Even then they are strangers and not all is as it seems.
“I abandoned it, as it abandoned me.” Tears welled in his silvery gaze, and she sat upright. “I am a hollow tree, my lady. I am damned, and I would not surrender ye to the same fate.”
Athelyna Des Moutiers on the run from and king proclaimed match she runs unbeknownst to the one man she is trying to evade. Trying to go from the life a convent where she had intended to take vows to the king commanding her marriage at her brothers request to try and rise in the court.
Can these to find out what love and a higher faith in commitment in the sacrament of marriage over the vows they had meant to take?
“And I still love ye, because love is not a word I utter so indiscriminately as to render it meaningless.”
“Thou art my warmth, when I am cold. Thou art my strength, when I falter. Thou art my benevolent lord and master, when I desire direction. Thou art the father of my babe, when I require a partner for our fledgling family. Thou art my protector, when I need shielding. All these things, and more, thou art for me, so I have not nor have I ever doubted ye.”
Demetrius de Blackbourne One of the Templer knights that fell into the hands of the king fleeing from the order of there death. Sadly going against his vows to the church is something he has a hard time doing until his heart is swept away by a new vow before God that to his wife. Even then they are strangers and not all is as it seems.
“I abandoned it, as it abandoned me.” Tears welled in his silvery gaze, and she sat upright. “I am a hollow tree, my lady. I am damned, and I would not surrender ye to the same fate.”
Athelyna Des Moutiers on the run from and king proclaimed match she runs unbeknownst to the one man she is trying to evade. Trying to go from the life a convent where she had intended to take vows to the king commanding her marriage at her brothers request to try and rise in the court.
Can these to find out what love and a higher faith in commitment in the sacrament of marriage over the vows they had meant to take?
“And I still love ye, because love is not a word I utter so indiscriminately as to render it meaningless.”
March 27, 2016
"Demetrius", #2 in the "Brethren Origins" series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Meet, Demetrius de Blackbourne, a pious, honor-bound virgin, a proud, Nautionnier Knight. And, Athelyna Des Moutiers who has spent most of her young life, isolated from the outside world, living in a convent, where she will come face to face with the harsh reality of cruelty, and passion. Her brother and the King betroths her to Demetrius, who only wishes to endeavor in doing good, and finding peace, not marriage. Athelyna, a young lady who is a pawn between forr brother, does not wish marriage either. But, marry they do, then the sparks fly.
Filled with passion, danger, a bit of mystery, some suspense and romance. Ms. Devlin has written a masterful story with a powerful storyline. Brilliantly written to entice the reader into page after page of intrigue and adventure, as the H/H learn each other and this new world they find force upon them. Can turmoil, and passion bring peace and tranquility to Demetruis and Athelyna? Through it all can Demetrius and Athelyna find their HEA?
A must read, for fans of Historical Romance, and the Nautionnier Knight. An absolute delight to read. Hurry and get your copy.
*Received for an honest review from the author*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
Meet, Demetrius de Blackbourne, a pious, honor-bound virgin, a proud, Nautionnier Knight. And, Athelyna Des Moutiers who has spent most of her young life, isolated from the outside world, living in a convent, where she will come face to face with the harsh reality of cruelty, and passion. Her brother and the King betroths her to Demetrius, who only wishes to endeavor in doing good, and finding peace, not marriage. Athelyna, a young lady who is a pawn between forr brother, does not wish marriage either. But, marry they do, then the sparks fly.
Filled with passion, danger, a bit of mystery, some suspense and romance. Ms. Devlin has written a masterful story with a powerful storyline. Brilliantly written to entice the reader into page after page of intrigue and adventure, as the H/H learn each other and this new world they find force upon them. Can turmoil, and passion bring peace and tranquility to Demetruis and Athelyna? Through it all can Demetrius and Athelyna find their HEA?
A must read, for fans of Historical Romance, and the Nautionnier Knight. An absolute delight to read. Hurry and get your copy.
*Received for an honest review from the author*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
April 7, 2017
Great beginning to a great series.
The only issue I have is the lack of self preservation althenya has. No matter what demetrius does she forgives immediately and then he does it again or worse. I feel like she allows herself to be a doormat for him to take advantage of. If just one time she made him work a little to win her back he might have valued her more and she might have felt some self worth.
The strange thing is that brethren woman usually make their men toe the line. They usually do not let them get away with anything. At some point or another they are all morons -as men are generally wont to be -the women usually make them work to get back in their good graces. Strong women and men that realize they have actually married up!
The only issue I have is the lack of self preservation althenya has. No matter what demetrius does she forgives immediately and then he does it again or worse. I feel like she allows herself to be a doormat for him to take advantage of. If just one time she made him work a little to win her back he might have valued her more and she might have felt some self worth.
The strange thing is that brethren woman usually make their men toe the line. They usually do not let them get away with anything. At some point or another they are all morons -as men are generally wont to be -the women usually make them work to get back in their good graces. Strong women and men that realize they have actually married up!
March 18, 2016
I have read all of the books to date and I have to say I love them all including this one!! Were I alive in those days and less outspoken I myself would have fallen victim to the charms of these knights and made quick friends with their ladies. Reading their tales of woe and romance I find myself overcome with emotion and connecting with them as if they were here with me and I eagerly await the next book. As I wait I find myself wondering what adventures await and I can't help but hope they will all be there to greet me within the pages of the next book!! I can't wait to share this with my friends
April 4, 2016
The second Brethren knight takes a bride
Demetrius is one of 5 surviving Templar Knights who have sought refuge in England. They were celibate. The English King has given them a new Order. The Brethren of the Coast. He is also giving them wives one by one. The theme of two virgins coming together is not often written about in romances.
This story includes the origin story for the brooch that gives one dreams of heir one true knight which is used by brides in the Brethren of the Coast series which is set in the early 1800's.
Demetrius is one of 5 surviving Templar Knights who have sought refuge in England. They were celibate. The English King has given them a new Order. The Brethren of the Coast. He is also giving them wives one by one. The theme of two virgins coming together is not often written about in romances.
This story includes the origin story for the brooch that gives one dreams of heir one true knight which is used by brides in the Brethren of the Coast series which is set in the early 1800's.
December 2, 2016
This was fun and I really enjoyed the wedding scene in the first part of the book, it was laugh out loud funny. There were a number of funny moments in this story. While I liked Arucard's story better and thought there was more action in the first book, this one was a great read and I had a hard time putting it down to do other things! I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series, Aristide. The covers of Barbara Devlin's books are stunningly beautiful and I love her writing style.
April 8, 2016
Demetrius (Brethrens Origins Book 2) by Barbara Devlin is another sensual story involving a Templar Knight and a plan to change his life forever. From start to finish this story moves, a sensually-charged historical romance that is bewitching and captivating. There is a battle raging of the heart as friendships and loyalties are tested.
A must for fans of Barbara Devlin and lovers of historical romance.
A must for fans of Barbara Devlin and lovers of historical romance.
April 5, 2016
Loved this story!!!!!
I loved this book. I have enjoyed the first brethren origins and this one was just as good. I has also read all brethren if the coast series and have loved them all as well. I do not know of another author that I read that I have given all 5 star reviews to except Ms. Devlin. I loved all her books.
I loved this book. I have enjoyed the first brethren origins and this one was just as good. I has also read all brethren if the coast series and have loved them all as well. I do not know of another author that I read that I have given all 5 star reviews to except Ms. Devlin. I loved all her books.
March 14, 2016
a template knight sworn to chastity is forced by the English king to wed a would be nun...comedy of errors, clumsiness and danger ensues. love is found and triumphs.
May 10, 2016
Excellent balance and intrigue.
Excellent balance and intrigue keep the readers captivated and mesmerized you will not want to leave off reading even at the end, you will want More.
Excellent balance and intrigue keep the readers captivated and mesmerized you will not want to leave off reading even at the end, you will want More.
June 11, 2016
This could have been a good story but there was so much use of archaic language that it was difficult to follow(thee, thou, goest, wither, doest, thy). Gave up after 3 chapters.
October 27, 2016
Really interesting premise - I've enjoyed both this & the previous story.
September 30, 2019
In the multi-author collection called Medieval Ever After
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews