Queen of Lost Stars

Dragonblade #3.1

by Kathryn Le Veque

1320 A.D. - Madelayne Gray d'Ebreux is the queen of all that is lost. Her child, her husband... everything. Or, so she thinks. The same battle that killed her husband resulted in the serious injury of her husband's commander, Sir Kaspian St. Hever. As Kaspian lays badly wounded, Madelayne is asked to tend the man in a most unconventional and intimate way. Instead of using her milk to nurse her child, who was born dead, she nurses a man who is forbidden solid foods because of a belly wound. And so, a unusual and sometimes erotic relationship develops between Madelayne and her patient.

Kaspian is tended by a woman who offers him her breasts as way of sustaining his life. At first, he looks at the situation as a necessity but he soon comes to crave it. He struggles to keep his feelings from the widowed woman but it becomes increasingly difficult. For a man who has known little compassion or kindness in his life, Madelayne comes to represent everything he has been missing. She soon becomes to represent everything he wants, and he wants her.

Join Madelayne and Kaspian on their journey through life, loss, lust, and passion in this adventure - packed and unconventional Medieval Romance. Can Madelayne finally change her stars with Kaspian's help?

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Medieval, Romance, Fiction, Medieval Romance, Historical Fiction

220 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2016

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Betty · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I carried on to the bitter end with this audio book in fascination and in the hope that it might get better but I still giggle when I think about it. I can't take a tough hero seriously who 'suckles' milk from the breast of the heroine. Okay he suffers a serious gut wound and she saves his life by performing this task. But honestly? As he gets better and attraction sets in - she carries on and he begs her for it. I just keep picturing Little Britain and 'Bitty Mummy! ...and to tell us that this formidable soldier smells of urine as she pops into bed with him and bares her breast....Nope this did nothing for me and to describe it as 'erotic and tasteful' as some reviewers have'.... must be me then.

The narration was abysmal, Welsh soldiers who sounded Irish, a heroine with an irritating, high pitched voice and a physic who was the epitome of Albert Steptoe! Truly this was one of the worst audio books I have ever listened to.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

guys now hear me out, i went into this with a specific kink in my head THIS IS A NO JUDGMENT ZONE

But this ATE from safety details to characters,,,

Kaspian was an amazing mmc he never treated or doubted madelyne

Madelyne was not meek and she always acted right

safety!!

book starts with FMCs husband dying and her giving birth to a stillborn, but even though she never loved the husband he loved her and respected her

no ow/om we literally do not know anything about his past

[daemyra, the realm's delight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. Found it on a GR list for lactating kink 🤭 and it’s erotic/tasteful/believable. The villain was fabulous, and caused enough havoc, showed enough cunning to be a dangerous foe. I wish the climax had more political overtones but was fine for what it is, and also gave the heroine some much-needed agency.

The story of the two coming together was deeply sweet, and they fell in love quickly. There was something safe, in the best way, and utterly charming about the couple. I don't think they had any reason to fall in love outside of the unusual breastfeeding circumstances drawing them together, and there wasn't much shown about why their initial attraction deepens, but that's ok. Was completely in Kathryn Le Veque's world, thank you!

[Sheen⚘ ⃰⃰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The scenes I've saved are not something I'd like to share w public but what was supposed to be a fun read (idk why i thought that) was quite serious and honestly idk about FMC but I'm a bit peeved out about her falling in love so soon after her husband's death and I'm talking in weeks! A husband who worshipped the ground she walked on.

As dead husbands go he's only second to Thomas Duenda which is the highest praise i can offer.


________

Update #2 - this is so game of thrones-y. People are dying (4 including the stillborn) in my lactation kink book. This was supposed to be a fun read?

________

Update #1 - So I'm reading this one between my anime binge for two reasons
1) a kink I'm shamelessly drawn to ever since i read one percent of you.
2) male narrator

So WHY is the death of husband so horrific and baby's so saddening that I'm crying?

WHY?!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

KLV's medieval romance is my guilty pleasure. Only she can make me forget about how the plot of Madeline nursing Kaspien with her milk sounded corny. I like KLV's ability to turn unconventional situation into love story.

[AG Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I admit to reading this book out of sheer curiosity and because it was free the day I picked it up.

There was a lot more story here than I expected, and it was a good one for the type of erotica it is. The subject of the breastfeeding erotica was done quite well and, I thought, sensitively. The characters were believable, the pacing was good, and I loved that the h's late husband was treated respectfully and without jealousy throughout the book by the H.

There are some editing issues, as well as some historical accuracy and terminology issues, but honestly far fewer than I expected. I was pleasantly pleased by the book overall, and the H and h made a great romantic couple.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a society...collectively...we should be more critical.

That being said, this was exactly what one would expect if a whole book had been written based on the Nun/Sir Galahad scene in Monty Python.
The religious aspect, while historical, made the weird fetish-smut so awkward.

This was weird. What an odd blend of medieval/romance/fetish. I can't. I can't get that time back.

[Eileen Dandashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review:

This story, very unusual, struck such a resonance with me. The storyline of the friend of a knight who dies in battle, marries his mourning wife wasn’t unusual. What was unusual was the way Madelayne shared her body with Sir Kaspian, the commander stationed at Castle Lavister.

Madelayne is a women of strength, beauty (inside and out) and intelligence. She is also one who has lost many loved ones—ones her mother called lost stars. After losing two children in childbirth, she felt she was useless. What good is a woman if she can’t birth heirs for her husband?
Kaspian is a knight who was a warrior first and foremost. When wounded he learns to rely on the selfless giving of a women. He changes a lot throughout the book. He had always been honorable. Love changes both men and women.

The physic is an interesting character. We meet him when Sir Kaspian is severely wounded. His speech is blunt, and sometimes, rudely, to the point. You learn to love this little man with a big heart under all his churlishness.

Sir Nicholas, the viper of this story, shows his colors early. We, the reader, are privy to his sly pursuits, the characters are not. He’s one of those people who easily lies and manipulates people for his own purposes. Oh yes, this man wants something. He covets what others have. He was one I love to hate. It appears others in the story felt the same way!

Narrator Brad Wills portrays the physic with a cackling, aged voice. I can’t say enough about Mr. Wills’ narrative talent. His superb interpretation of the characters’ internal dialogue helps give the reader incite into the character of protagonists and antagonists. His ability to know what Ms. Le Veque wants us to feel is phenomenol. His voice is versatile, pacing is sometimes quite dramatic. You, the reader, are no longer a bystander. You are physically amid each scene. His voices for women are extremely feminine. Emotion fills his words when appropriate. His voices for the inebriated make it all so real. I know Ms. Le Veque’s books are rich, historically and emotionally, and writes a damn good story. When she partners with narrator Brad Wills, her stories are no longer read, they are real.

Kathryn Le Veque writes rich medieval historical romances that absolutely keep you riveted to the page or the earphones. I love dipping into her worlds. This particular one has many sweet moments, passion, honor, greed, deceit, unhappiness and emotional scenes, which, when paired with narrator Brad Wills, it produces some awesome entertainment! If you haven’t read any of Ms. Le Veque’s work, you MUST try one of them. I recommend them very highly.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madelayne l'Ebreux is devastated by all the losses she has faced. She has just lost her baby and got news of her husband's death on the same day. Her husband's commander lays gravely wounded and needs her help. The doctor's strange request stirs up lots of unwanted feelings.
Sir Kaspian St.He'ver is the commander of Lavister Crag Castle on the Welsh border. A very dangerous place to be when a power hungry Welsh prince is attacking . The last battle cost his second in command his life, and himself with a terrible stomach wound.
When he realises just how much the beautiful Madelayne has helped him it brings him feeling that are less than honourable.
This is a very unusual medieval/ action,/adventure/ romance. Absolutely riveting from start to finish. Its also quite erotic in places. There is danger from someone who should be on their side. This traitorous Knight is only out to get everything for himself and is an absolute sociopath. Our heroine is an incredibly brave and selfless woman. Willing to put the needs of others above her own. Our hero hates this weakness that puts him at such a disadvantage. The doctor is a very progressive healer, with ideas well ahead of his time. Without him there would be even more death.
I loved every page. As usual an incredible book from this author.

[ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...] · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.... so, Queen of Lost Stars: Dragonblade/House of St. Hever was a good read. I mainly read it for a theme that the author used isn't always found in historical romances (hinted in the blurb). I wanted to check it out to see how it worked here. TBH I had no problems with it, but if you're squeamish and find this "not ok", then I won't recommend this book to you. I can only tell you that the reasons behind it seemed valid and there was nothing titillating or taboo about how the whole relationship between Madelayne and Kaspian was portrayed. It was a love story, that simple. It doesn't even have that many sex scenes so I won't even categorize this story under erotica.

There were some OTT moments, especially in the end but I largely enjoyed it. The title of the story has a significance which is explained as you read it. Recommended if you're looking for something slightly predictable but a good medieval romance read.

My first book by Kathryn Le Veque and it won't be my last. I mean to check out this whole Dragonblade/St. Haver family series to know more about Kaspian's family and ancestors.

PS: did I mention I thought the cover was really nice too? :D

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/24/2018)!💝

Blurb:
1320 A.D. - Madelayne Gray d'Ebreux is the queen of all that is lost. Her child, her husband... everything. Or, so she thinks. The same battle that killed her husband resulted in the serious injury of her husband's commander, Sir Kaspian St. Hever. As Kaspian lays badly wounded, Madelayne is asked to tend the man in a most unconventional and intimate way. Instead of using her milk to nurse her child, who was born dead, she nurses a man who is forbidden solid foods because of a belly wound. And so, a unusual and sometimes erotic relationship develops between Madelayne and her patient.

Kaspian is tended by a woman who offers him her breasts as way of sustaining his life. At first, he looks at the situation as a necessity but he soon comes to crave it. He struggles to keep his feelings from the widowed woman but it becomes increasingly difficult. For a man who has known little compassion or kindness in his life, Madelayne comes to represent everything he has been missing. She soon becomes to represent everything he wants, and he wants her.

[Nanadeb · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANR Very tastefully done. I loved this story!

The ANR (Adult Nursing Relationship) can be somewhat controversial- some embrace it, others completely reject it. I loved the way this story was written- used as a way to nourish a big, strong, alpha male- Kaspian, at a time of urgent wound care, and later excepted as a calming contentment between Kaspian and Madelayne, that lead to a deep intimacy. I truely loved this story, and believe this had probably been prevalent both historically, and is currently happening, despite today's society accepted beliefs. Wish I could find more stories like this one.

As for the story- despite Madelayne acting rashly multiple times, that could've had devastating results, I loved they both had deep faith and loyalty in each other, and avoided the typical aggravating plot tropes. Thank you. I had to overlook the fact that Kaspian survived a crucially life threatening wound tended by a thoroughly filthy medical healer which was very unbelievable in medieval times in my opinion. Despite this, it was a very good read.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope you love Erotic Medieval Romance, because if you do....you will really enjoy this book. Madelayne Gray d'Ebreux, is a complexed woman. There is an injured knight who needs her in order to recoupe from a life threatening injury. Madelayne, never thought she would develop emotions for this knight.

Kaspian St. Hèver is an amazing Knight who has been injured. To his surprise a woman comes into his life in an extremely odd manner. This knight learned early on that he must keep his emotions in line at all times. Can he continue to do so with the situation he is in? Kaspian is a good man deep inside and this woman stirs feelings in his soul.

Together these two discover the pull that will unite them. Can they work together on this journey of discovery to find happiness?

[Izzah ꒰Duchess of Cabria ಇ ⭑✧ ᴏɴ ᴘᴀᴛʀᴇᴏɴ ✧ ⋆꒱ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is singularly responsible for unlocking a very specific kink in me

I don't know if I should be grateful to it or curse it to perdition.

Regardless, the damage is done and I've since looked for more books with this specific trope and have only found one so far... Maybe some day I'll stumble upon another?
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬
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[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author's very poor and extremely wrong depiction of post partum bodies, feelings, etc just kept ruining this book for me. Based on the depiction in this book, I suspect the author has never been pregnant or birthed a baby or gone through baby blues or experienced breast feeding. So many things were wrong in such a huge way that it kept pulling me out of the book.

[Kerri Mahoney · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first Medieval Romance! It wasn't bad- I loved how strong the heroine was at the end of the book! She took control.

Loved the breastfeeding themes but would have loved MORE.

[NhaughtyV says Damn the Zon Save the Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 Stars*

“You are my queen…you are my sun, my moon, my stars, and the queen of my heart. Whatever darkness you have known in the past, whatever loss you have suffered, that has ended…For the rest of the days of your life, I will be at your side and you will only know happiness. This I vow.”

After a fierce battle takes the life of her husband, Madelayne Gray d’Ebreux finds herself now newly widowed as well as suffering the loss of their stillborn child. Bedridden and trapped inside the pain of losing a child and husband in one day, she is approached by the physic to nurse their leader. He has suffered a brutal would to the belly, and solid food will not be tolerated. She has the means to provide a lifesaving nourishment if she will be willing to put aside her thoughts of impropriety. Never did Madelayne imagine finding herself nursing a once powerful knight back to health, but that is exactly what she does. And during their time together, a bond is formed between them that will not be broken.

Sir Kaspian St. Hever awakens to find himself lying in the arms and feeding upon the breast of his best friend’s wife. Bewildered, his memory begins to return and he’s bereft with the knowledge that his friend was killed during the battle, and it is his widow he is gazing upon. As if his heart is telling him the story of their bond, Kaspian ceases to fight the connection between himself and Madelayne. This once cold and unfeeling knight has found sanctuary within the arms of his lady love, and he will unleash Hell to keep Madelayne safe from those that dare threaten their happiness.

Kathryn LeVeque is my go to author for medieval romance. Queen of Lost Stars was a little different and with the erotic fetish element, may not be for everyone. This medieval erotica is a beautifully written story, and I thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommend this author and her historic romances!

[AnnMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and wasn't the least bit put off by the breastfeeding aspect of it. In the beginning, it was a means to help a man survive, afterwards it was something sensual between the couple that was written tastefully and I don't know why so many people were offended by it. I don't think too much emphasis should be paid to that aspect of the story as it played only a small part in it. The storyline very much concentrated on the battles between the English and the Welsh, and treachery from within their own ranks.

The narration, for the most part, was very good, I especially liked the voices Brad did for the hero and heroine of the story. He goes from a fabulously deep voice to a perfect higher-pitched woman's voice beautifully and believably. BUT oh my goodness, his Welsh accent is absolutely horrendous, it was more like a cross between Irish and Scottish! His narration of the physic was awful and really detracted from what should have been some highly emotional scenes. Half the time I couldn't understand him, and when I could the screeching was just abominable. Then there was the washerwoman, she sounded like a mad witch, but it was so awful I had to laugh. I have listened to many books narrated by Brad and I have to admit that this is the first one that I have ever been able to say anything negative about. I really believe that I would have enjoyed this story much more if I had read it rather than listened to it.

[mk meow · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, the bad guy was so openly and egregiously bad that it somewhat spoiled the book for me.

FMC is pregnant, her husband and she live at his assigned duty station. He leaves with the garrison for a battle at a nearby castle, against the Welsh.

At the battle, bad guy is sent to help husband out. He literally sits on his horse and watches until husband is mortally wounded, then rides in to "save" him but of course he dies.

MMC, the garrison commander, is gravely wounded. The garrison heads home, dead body and wounded leader in tow.

While they were gone, FMC delivered stillborn. Her second loss. First was premature. She is then told her husband is dead.

Healer guy is working on MMC, who has a gut wound. Gives him "tea" with bread mold in it. Then he calls for FMC- says that MMC can't eat, but needs nutrition. Since her baby died, can she feed MMC her milk? At first, she is against. But he convinces her, because MMC was husband's best friend.

MMC wakes up a few days later, and realizes FMC has been feeding him. A few days later, bad guy shows up, having been reassigned by the King after husband died, and in light of MMCs injury.

Bad guy is a creep, and MMC announces his engagement to F, even though she'd turned him down. To keep bad guy away.

Eventually, they get married. Bad guy is killed by FMC, after a battle with MMC, after FMC's friend killed herself after consorting w bad guy behind her husband's back.

[Lynne Shear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading some of the reviews and the outline of this story, you might be put off - but don't be. This is a wonderfully seductive, evocative and romantic tale of Kaspian St. Hever and Lady Madelayne L'Ebreux. In Medieval times milk was only given to the elderly, the sick and babies, so it seems perfectly plausible that Dolwyd the Priest and healer should suggest that Madelayne give her breast milk to Kaspian to save his life. It actually adds a new and original dimension to this very engaging book and the growing relationship of these two, and it certainly adds a sensuous and erotic twist to this story, but it really works! There is also a sinister tale running behind this love story as with all Kathryn's books, but she has used her usual cleverness and historical knowledge to bring this story to life. Lady Madelayne makes a wonderful heroine with an extremely tragic past and Kaspian changes from a cold warrior to a very likeable and caring hero. I think this is one of my favourites. I love the thought that our dead relatives are 'lost stars', it is very comforting.

[Bonescuit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started out really good, I loved the concept of the story and I have to admit - the nursing parts were very steamy, there was so much emotion and taboo and it was very well written, esp. the first kiss was so heart breaking and hot at the same time. But I'm a fan of slow burn and this was very fast-paced for me. Also, the inner monologues and other events were sometimes boring, many times I lost myself while reading and after a couple times I didn't even try to re-read those passages, I just didn't care. I liked it, I just didn't love it. I would read some parts of the book again and I probably will, but I don't think I'd read the boom as a whole. Also, there were nods to women being a property of men and even though I do understand the period of time this was set to would explain this view, I would appreciate an educated hero who would be against such notion (like Jamie Fraser from the Outlander).

[Bunga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kirain bakal jadi novel ero karena sinopsisnya kaya gitu 😅 tapi ternyata gak juga, biarpun adegan hotnya lmyn. Katheryn Le Veque biasanya nulis adegan hot cuma 1-2x. Jadi kalo nemu buku dari dia yang adegan hotnya lebih dari 2 menurutku wow langka...

Kaspian terluka parah saat pertempuran dan karena luka-lukanya dia jadi ga bisa makan makanan padat, lalu dapat pengobatan alternatif berupa ASI. Kebetulan yang ngasih ASI ini seorang janda yang suaminya gugur di medan pertempuran ketika berjuang bersama Kaspian. Di saat 'pengobatan alternatif' diberikan ini Kaspian dan Madelyn bonding, sampai akhirnya jatuh cinta. Di sisi lain ada ancaman yang mengincar kedudukan dan benteng Kaspian, sekaligus ingin merebut Madelyn juga.

[Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Survival of loss and deception with love.

This is not what one would expect, but it is beautifully written and in such a way that it is totally acceptable. Madelayne lost her second child and then finds out her husband was killed in battle. Still recovering from these losses, the physic demands she nourish the commanding officer with her breast milk due to a near fatal abdominal wound. This story reveals a strong woman brought out of depression by helping her husbands friend to survive. Kaspian is greatful for her sacrifice. Of course, love blooms. Intertwined is much deception that is uncovered by a knight in the ranks. Many twists and turns for a really good read.

[Tutu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf @45%

What put me off is that the author mentioned heroine's mother and grandmother died of cancer. As this was a medieval novel that happened in 1320, and the first cause of cancer was identified by a British surgeon, who discovered it in 1775. The lack of research, and knowing that a simple act of Googling would solve this, is rather disheartening.

Our heroine lost his son and husband in a single day but managed to agree to breastfeed a grown man, said the man also was the one who led her husband to a deadly battle, which is unbelievable. She kept orgasms while breastfeeding also leaving a bad taste in my mouth, as someone read hundreds of smut romance novels before.

[Misha · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars 71% DNF

Sorry - it's a "it's not you, it's me" situation.

I was curious about the premise but after that was satisfied, I have lost interest in the rest of the story, which is pretty typical of a romance. Nothing new or exciting, IMO. The writing is pretty good but honestly, I'm looking for room to borrow a new book on my KU and decided this would be my sacrifice. That's pretty much my main reason for being done.

I think if you like romance and knights and bodice rippers, this would totally be your cup of tea. Unfortunately, my tastes run a bit darker...

[iread · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ridiculous

I normally love Kathryn Leveque . She is a master story teller, but this plot was just plain hokey. A grown man nursing may sound sexy and erotic to some, but I find it disgusting. As usual her battle scenes are phenomenal and her characters have a wonderful depth. But I can't go along with this plot . Out of the 30 books that I have read of hers this one is the first and only disappointment.

[ann_zack_cee_am_ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

So … this book has officially unlocked a new kink that I never knew I’d need and love. The breastfeeding and lactation kink! While I’m used to breast suckling in intimate scenes in HR, but never lactating breast feeding as the forefront of the story😁 Just .. wow! I really really love it! Kudos to Kathryn Le Veque for going against the norm as stated in her Author’s Note and it pays off haha! This is exactly why I love reading romance ; there always tropes or kinks for everyone!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've devoured all of Le Veque's medieval romance books, some more than once. It's always a true pleasure to anticipate reading her next one. A true love story of a woman's journey to avenge the death of the lost STARS and find her path to happiness. You can't help but stay up through the night to finish this one.*****

[Alan T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madelyne & Kaspian

Madelyne has just lost her son in childbirth when her husband Cairn L'Ebreaux is lost in battle. She is asked to provide breast milk to the castle chief Kaspian St. Hever who has a abdomen wound and cannot eat solid good.

Charectorization and plotting are excellent.

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brought together by necessity, and the love of a man lost to them both, these two people become united, although she is newly widowed and he is a stalwart commander of an English castle.
The face many trials together, bonded as they are. Even when tested those bonds don't waver.
An epic love story.