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Knights of Honor #3

Code of Honor

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1365 A.D. - After the Earl of Sandbourne banishes his supposedly unfaithful wife to a convent, his young son Michael swears never to set foot on the family’s estate until after his father’s death. Michael will then claim his title as the new earl and restore his beloved mother to a place of honor.

Fifteen years pass, and the now-knighted Sir Michael Devereux serves Lord Geoffrey de Montfort at Kinwick Castle. He accompanies the nobleman and his family to a wedding, where Michael unknowingly falls in love with the bride before he even knows her identity.

Lady Elysande Le Cler is angry that her usually indulgent father went against her wishes and betrothed her to a stranger prior to his death. Now as her wedding day approaches, dread fills her—until she meets a dashing stranger who helps her deliver a foal. Elysande loses her heart to this knight, frustrated that they can never be together.

Join Michael and Elysande as they find fate has other plans in store for them.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2017

208 people are currently reading
109 people want to read

About the author

Alexa Aston

143 books480 followers
Award-winning and USA Today bestselling author Alexa Aston lives with her husband in a Dallas suburb, where she eats her fair share of dark chocolate and plots out stories while she walks every morning. She enjoys travel, sports, and time with her family.

Her historical romances bring to life loveable rogues and dashing knights, while her contemporary romances are light and flirty and sometimes contain a bit of suspense.

Stay in touch with Alexa at:

Website: https://alexaaston.com/

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Lorraine.
1,161 reviews87 followers
September 16, 2018
I wonder why I like reading about the medieval era because women had no rights and to top it off -
women were considered property. A womn’s husband, father, or even, a brother could and did accuse a woman of just about anything (infidelity, immorality, disobedience- oh, please), and then, the male family member could beat the woman. In Alexa Aston’s Code of Honor (Knights of Honor #3), this particular horror takes place, but the author developes a character, Sir Michael Devereux, who is a product of a horrific marriage which includes domestic violence, but this character grows into a caring knight who lives by a code of honor. The difficulty I had with this book is the story does not seem to flow well, and some events occur that just do not appear to belong in this story, but I do like the ‘idea’ of the story. 3 stars.
Profile Image for Amelia.
794 reviews19 followers
March 23, 2017
In the latest Knights of Honor story, two people find their love being tested over and over again when unforeseen circumstances keep developing. One man must prove whether he is worthy to be a knight, while a situation forces a woman to follow undesired obligations and not her heart. Alexa Aston has combined meticulously researched details with a heartfelt historical romance to create a story that will long be remembered. Medieval books have been a favorite for many years, and Ms. Aston delivers exactly what I like in this genre. CODE OF HONOR has a multitude of emotional issues, a delightful cast of characters, and constant realism.

Although his father ignored him all through childhood, the mother of Michael Devereux showed him much affection. But when the Earl of Sandbourne was going to get rid of his wife by forcing her to live in a convent, the boy left his unhappy home and vowed to stay away until his father was dead and the title became his. Days and then years go by, and Michael has changed from an awkward child to a respected knight. He has sworn fidelity to those living at Kinwick Castle, and his latest task is to make certain those whom he serves are safely guarded while traveling to a wedding.

With her marriage only a few days away, Lady Elysande Le Cler is resigned to becoming the wife of a man whom she barely knows. Yet it is the path set for her, and she only hopes things will not be as bad as she fears. When relatives began arriving for the celebration, one of the knights escorting her uncle and family ends up assisting her when a horse gives birth. Michael feels a deep attraction to Elysande, but she is already promised to another and neither would ever go against their pledges. But staying away from the other is the hardest thing this couple has ever done.

The third book in the Knights of Honor series is filled with constant ups and downs, many of which caught me by surprise. Though Michael and Elysande are drawn to each other, a number of factors keep them from ever thinking they have a future together. Even when it appears they just might have a chance of actually being a couple, a new problem makes their having a relationship seem hopeless once more. I went through so many emotions while reading CODE OF HONOR, from elation to despair, and the author had me feeling each sentiment to the fullest. Alexa Aston makes her characters very realistic, and their reactions are always true-to-life. She also accurately shows life in medieval times, and I was moved by how women plus children were often treated. CODE OF HONOR is adventuresome at times and continuously emotional.

When I think of a hero, Michael is a perfect example. His younger days were packed with misery, but he did not let it keep him from his goal of becoming a well-regarded knight. Learning about all his ordeals growing up and how he overcame them only added to his hero status. Elysande is also a compelling character, as she put her duties first yet let me know how much it pained her. Their love is truly powerful, and I totally enjoyed their daunting journey. Though this story could be read first, the two prior books in the series are not to be missed and getting to catch up with their characters was enjoyable.

I voluntarily reviewed the book and all comments are my honest opinion
Profile Image for G.A. Hurst.
Author 2 books50 followers
March 4, 2017
Code of Honor is book three in the fabulous Knights of Honor series. This romantic highland story is the tale of Michael Devereux and Lady Elysande. There are appearances of familiar characters of the de Montforts (Geoffrey and Merryn) from previous books.
This is a very well written story about highland knights and the time period is 1365 A.D. Many issues are brought to the surface that women had at that time (being property with no rights…). Marriage was mostly arranged and not a matter of love or choice for the female and sometimes not for the male either.
This wonderfully romantic story is, however, a tale of true love winning over all odds. Sir Michael meets and falls in love with Elysande (name unknown to him at the time) as he helps her birth a foal in the stable at his liege lord’s sister’s estate. Complications arise when he finds she’s the bride-to-be that they’ve come to see married. And there the story begins and takes off with many twists and turns. Just when you think love wins…it turns again. I spent several hair pulling moments thinking…”what now!”
Alexa Aston is the pen name of one of my favorite authors, whose stories are well and truly woven with adventure, history and romance. She has never written one that has disappointed me and this story is no exception to that. If you have followed this marvelous series, you’ll enjoy this romantic adventure as it winds its way into your imagination and heart.
Grab a copy and sit back for a wonderful time!

Copy provided for honest review.
Profile Image for Lily.
306 reviews7 followers
June 19, 2017
Great third book in the Knight's of Honor series. Compelling characters make this a captivating read. Lots of action and good chemistry between the hero and heroine adds depth to the story. I was drawn right into the plot and was eager to pick up this novel again and again. Looking forward to book 4.
Profile Image for Aleen.
454 reviews43 followers
March 17, 2017
Originally posted on lampshadereader.com

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.



Code of Honor by Alexa Aston gave me the feels for the almost star-crossed lovers in this book. You can always count on your heart breaking when you read one of Aston’s romances, but she somehow mends it back together with her happily ever afters.

So on that note... OMG why does the author do this to me all the time? First she gives us Michael’s backstory, which in itself left me tearing up. We got to see inside his POV while he was young and insecure, training to become a knight, but at the same time dreading to go home to a volatile situation. It was such a sad flashback, but it really helped to understand Michael’s character.

In the present storyline, Michael has essentially done all his character growth. His resentment for his father festers for a long time and he practically is awaiting for his death. I totally understood why he felt that way, I don’t blame him, but let us just say that the forgiveness does not come.

Duty and honor dictate his life and especially when romance enters it. The love between Michael and Elysande seemed doomed from the beginning. A roller coaster ride really. Full of hope one minute, to dread in the next. I’ve come to find out that I kinda like being treated like that when I read a story. It increases the drama factor a lot.

As far as Elysande’s somewhat unrealistic knowledge and bravery when it comes to initiating kisses (she being a virgin after all) I liked the sweetness of the whole thing.

 

“I am committed to you, heart and soul. In time, we’ll make it official in the eyes of God and man, but I want you to know that I am yours till our dying day-and beyond.”






Holy swoon-fest!

It’s a story where you’ll be wondering how they could ever end up together. Bridal contracts were not to be broken and betrothals were basically marriage anyway, but it worked out in the end.

 
A little note...

This can be read as a standalone, but characters from the previous books do make an appearance and do play a role.

This series was previously written under Lauren Linwood.

 
24 reviews
May 30, 2017
Good read

I enjoyed reading this book. The characters were well described in a believable way. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Marilyn Rondeau.
496 reviews24 followers
March 27, 2017
In a bold and horrific beginning the Earl of Sandbourne banishes his supposedly unfaithful wife to a convent. After trying to stop his father from striking his mother again, Michael was beaten back by his father, whereby, he jumped on his horse and swore to never return home until his father was dead and he could restore his mother to her rightful place of honor as the countess.

Fifteen years later, the newly knighted Sir Michael Devereux serves Lord Geoffrey de Montfort at Kinwick Castle. Asked to organize the honor guarding for Lord Geoffrey and his family as they traveled to visit Lord Geoffrey’s sister and attend the wedding of their niece Michael was thrilled and honored to be chosen. Michael unknowingly falls in love with a horse-mad maiden he helped to foal a mare and assumed she was part of the stable workers.

Lady Elysande is furious at her step-father for not listening to her pleas to call off her betrothal which was made when she was but a child. As her wedding day approaches, she is full of dread especially as she has also fallen in love with the honorable knight who helped her foal her mare. It almost seems like fate has intervened when she hears that her betrothed died on the way to the wedding, but unfortunately, his aged father plans to step in and take over for his son.

*** I have to say I really enjoyed this story, to only because I have been following along with the, Knights of Honor series, but because each book in this series had wonderful characterizations which made me fall in love with the characters.

Just when you thought the Elysande’s problems were over along comes this beast of a supposed father-in-law who after burying his only son wanted to jump in and marry his dead son’s betrothed! The events leading up to the show down between Elysande and her step-father and finally her mother’s support still made you think all would be well. But, there was more in store for these ill-fated lovers and some really neat surprises as well.

Bottom line: Fast pacing, great writing and a wonderful story make this one highly recommended Historical Romance fans should hurry to read!!!

Marilyn Rondeau

1,625 reviews14 followers
February 6, 2018
CODE OF HONOR - 4.5 STARS. Oh, I loved how this starts. I am such a sucker for when an author starts our character(s) when they are younger. What our H endures when he is 8 is so heart wrenching, it stayed with me.

The character's from book 1, WORD OF HONOR have great parts in this story too. It was nice to catch up with character's I enjoyed discovering in that book. This can be a stand alone, but since book 1 is my fav, don't miss it.

There are so many moments that will make you sigh. I do believe in love at first sight and this was certainly but to the test. They both fall in love in about a day. This is another unique story line and has several villains. More twists that I thought my head would spin off - all in a good way. Great imagination by the author because this held my interest from the start to finish.

We have 1 foreplay and 1 lovemaking act about 3.5-4 heat level out of 5 outside of marriage. It was an uncertain road if they would make it to HEA, but all is well. No cliffhanger's either - yea.

The character's have great depth and I could feel their pain which they had a lot thrown at them. The ending will have your heart pounding more than once. (ljb)

Profile Image for Petula.
3,070 reviews86 followers
March 5, 2017
Sir Michael Devereux has grown into a brave and honourable Knight. He has no intention of returning to his home until his brutal,hated father is dead. He serves a very good lord who has taught him how a family should be.
Lady Elysande Le Cler is about to marry a man she has only seen once, and whose father terrifies her. She is sure he will not allow her to live the kind of life she would like. She is devoted to her horses and happiest dressed in men's clothing.
This is a wonderful and very emotional story. Our author certainly knows how to draw us into the lives of the characters.We laugh and cry with them. There are many twists and turns in our protagonists fortunes.
This is a stand alone story, but you may have met some of the characters before if you have read the previous books in the series.
I always enjoy this author's books, there is always so much happening. A really good story, I loved it.
604 reviews
January 1, 2018
He lived by his knightly Code of Honor

Enjoyable story, with some familiar characters along the way. However the focus of the book is on Sir Michael and Elysande. Each of them has an unwelcome betrothal to unravel before they are free to marry. There were some surprises in the twists and turns along the way that made this book stand out. I enjoyed the surprises, as I hate to guess correctly what will likely happen next. This book held my interest, and will be enjoyed by those readers who like manly, honorable men and intelligent and capable heroines who together overcome distressing circumstances.
Profile Image for Denise.
251 reviews10 followers
March 28, 2017
Shunned by his father, Michael puts all his energies into being the most courageous and honorable Knight in the realm. That lasts until he meets and falls in love with Elysande. Their mutual love of horses and each other, doesn't necessarily lead to an easy path to ever after.

Not until her purposed wedding is in jeopardy and his future wife makes an appearance, does he eventually find his loves. (Yes, two women-one he has loved forever and one he hopes to love forever as his wife.)

Great story, wonderful ending.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
423 reviews
January 18, 2019
Great Read. Michael is a Knight at Kinswick and Elysande is Geoffrey’s niece. It was love at first sight for these two. But Unfortunately Elysande was betrothed to another and that’s when all the drama starts. I felt so bad for Michael and Elysande. Every time they had a chance to be together something would get in there way. It was sad but also at times a bit much. I really enjoyed this book and the epilogue was perfect. Now I’m off to read Avelyn’s story, she’s Elysande’s sister.

Happy Reading 🤓
577 reviews5 followers
March 28, 2017
Honorable

This is another great book written by Alexa Aston. Michael's childhood was not good but he matured as an knight that you could depend on. He meets and falls in love with Elysande but things happen that causes problems. I would recommend all 3 books.
691 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2018
Excellent series continues!

Alexander Aston does an outstanding job in continuing this series! As those before it, the reader is drawn into the interesting plot. Wonderful characters that I found myself rooting for.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,397 reviews28 followers
March 26, 2021
Honor above all else

Michael left home at a very young age after seeing his mom brutally abused! He promised never return as his fathers only heir until his father died! Michael became a trusted knight in the household of Lord Geoffrey from a previous story! They traveled to his nieces Elysande wedding this us where she and Michael meet and fall in love!
This couple goes through so much to reach a HEA! Elysande former betrothed was sickly and passed away and his father is in relentless pursuit of Elysande! Michael father passes and Michael is now betrothed from a young age to another woman!
There does not seem to be any hope for a HEA for this couple they need a miracle! Do they get one?
42 reviews
July 4, 2022
Such great books

This book is as good as the first two. I haven't read books this fast in awhile. Reading into the morning hours is something I haven't done in a long time. You will thoroughly enjoy this read, again with so many twists and turns it keeps you wanting to find out what happens next. Enjoy! I'm off to get Book 4.
777 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2020
Knights of Honor series

Well written characters are realistic and enjoyable. Page turner, will keep you glued to pages as the story unfolds. I would totally recommend this series to anyone you love King Edward Period.
Profile Image for Jami.
193 reviews
June 17, 2020
Another excellent story by this author

I am always anxious to start the next in the series, each is a unique story in itself with characters from previous stories entwined. The author does an excellent job building up even the smallest character in her books.
563 reviews6 followers
September 28, 2023
Strong Characters

I enjoyed the love story between these two, but I think it had a lot to do with the H. He was so endearing and just a good person. I think the evil stepfather and then future father-in-law was too much and a bit of an overkill on the obstacles.
13 reviews
April 20, 2020
Very exciting!

So many things happened ! I was so worried that things were going to go badly at the end !
Exhilarating!
Profile Image for Eileen Dandashi.
542 reviews17 followers
March 28, 2017
Love the series -- Sir Michael is a sweetheart!

I felt sorry for Michael Devereux, a young boy at the beginning of this tale. No young person should have to deal with what he does. He has a father who apparently doesn’t care a damn for him, treating him harshly, and a mother who loves him beyond anything else. His father not only is harsh with this son, but feels his wife is having affairs behind his back.

A day Michael will never forget and festers in his heart, is the day his father beats his mother and kills a knight, all because of jealousy and not based on any truth. Here we see what a loose canon the man is. Michael leaves his father with the intention never to see him again, returning to his fostering knight. A young boy of ten, plump and seemingly clumsy turns into a knight of great standing, serving an admired and respected knight, Lord Geoffrey de Montfort.

Elysande meets Michael Devereux by chance. He quickly sets his heart upon her, but finds she is to marry in just a few days, betrothed to Hendry. In fact, Elysande, wishes with all her heart she could marry Michael instead. Once Elysande is told her betrothed, Hendry, dies on the very journey to Castle Hopeston, she's elated. Then she's told his father, Lord Ingram, wants to marry her. Be warned! Lord Ingram is despicable. His words:

“You better get used to a man telling you what to do. In and out of bed. Women are here to serve men. Nothing more.”
Elysande is an adorable, adventurous and totally devoted person to horses. She mid-wife’s two mares with help from Michael which encourages their relationship. Her heart and feelings quickly are focused on Michael.

“I’ve always been yours,” she replied. “From the moment of my birth. I knew not who you were and when we were fated to meet, but now that we have?” Elysande kissed him. “It will always be you. Never another. You are my light and my life, Michael Devereux.”
Young love is rocky. Sir Michael discovers something from his youth which will change everything, devastating to Elysande and Michael’s future.

Elysande is pursued by Lord Ingram, even after he’s been told not to; his interest is not reciprocated. He nearly succeeds in capturing her, the devil, with the intent of showing her what little power she has over her own life and body.

Author Alexa writes an entertaining and moving story, moments of optimism and hope, then plummeting the reader to despair. I was hooked from the beginning of the read with its emotional highs and lows forcing me (I went willingly!) to stay with the story to resolve the calamity.

I’ve enjoyed the series thus far, and would recommend this read to readers who crave danger, suspense, honorable knights and strong women who know what they want.
Profile Image for Maria .
2,479 reviews23 followers
March 29, 2017
This is the third book in the Knights of Honor series. I have read them all, but this was not my favorite.

Sir Michael Devereux serves Lord Geoffrey de Montfort currently at Kinwick Castle. Lord de Montfort along with his cousin, Sir Raynor, fostered with Michael, though Michael was seven years younger. They took him under their wing. Sir Michael had a very rough childhood. Now he has been tasked with escorting his liege and his family to a wedding. At the castle they arrive at Michael ends up meeting a beautiful maiden while assisting her in the delivery of a foal. He falls in love with the girl.

Lady Elysande Le Clear is not happy because her father betrothed her to someone she has only seen once many years ago. Her father is now deceased and she must complete her duty. An Uncle she has never met before is on his way to attend her wedding. She looks forward to meeting Geoffrey de Montfort and her new relatives. While she is trying to help her horse with her delivery she seeks the assistance of a handsome Knight. Between the two of them they assist during the birth of a new foal. She realizes a bond begins to form between the two of them.

Later he realizes the maiden is the bride. These two go through a lot this week.

I felt I could not rate it higher, because the hero lost my attraction to him later in the story and it made me feel he lost part of his knightly teachings. I did rate both previous stories higher than this one. I still look forward to the next story in this series.
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