Neill Waryn is known throughout England as the champion knight who cannot lose. His victory at the Tournament of Peace is the only one that matters to him, however, for it earns him a boon from the English king. Rather than ask for wealth or riches, he requests that the king remove the corrupt official who is destroying the fragile peace along the border between England and Scotland. His brothers and sister are borderers, and nothing matters more to him than their safety.
His Reward
Neill's reward comes at a price—he is asked to promise himself to one of the queen's favored ladies. Although he's reluctant to enter into an arranged marriage, it's a price he's willing to pay. Until he meets Kathryn Baird. The beauty is clearly a highborn lady, yet she's working at The Wild Boar inn as a common servant. He's immediately intrigued by her, and when she petitions him to bring her to Scotland, he finds he can't refuse. Little does he know Kathryn's mysterious past will play into his own attempts to restore peace at the border.
Fate has brought them together, but is it powerful enough to overcome a promise made to the king?
Cecelia Mecca is the bestselling author of steamy historical romance and also writes contemporary small town romance as Cissy Mecca and romantasy/PNR as C.L. Mecca.
Armed with a Ph.D. and lots of chai, she's known for giving readers "heroines who you want to be your best friend." When these ladies meet alpha-males who try to gain control, sparks fly until the very last page. One reader says, "No one can so completely whisk you away like Cecelia."
Our Highlander-loving author can be found in Northeast, Pennsylvania thinking up new ways to tame both medieval and contemporary bad boys. She is firmly House Stark and Gryffindor and loves all things fantasy, especially when tinged with a bit of steamy romance.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 💋💋 What can I say , this should be on the book alone but I find myself wanting to review the series as a whole. Exciting, addictive, romance that’s full on , characters that endear themselves to you in just a few pages , and a writer who has become one of my favourites . This is the ending of the Border series, a series that I’ve loved from the first page of the first book and I can’t say enough wonderful things about it . Whatever I write won’t explain the depth of love we Border fans have for both the series and the author , both are exceptional. This is Niall and Kathryns book , he’s the youngest and last to settle of the Waryn brothers , shes the daughter of the Kings messenger and she’s looking for the man who murdered her father . Niall shows how truly honourable and kind he is by helping her in her quest and slowly the two become enamoured of one another, but when they plan for one ending, the king plans for a different one, will they be together or will Niall have to follow his Kings orders and not his heart . One saves his country and family the other his soul , which will he chose . This has been a great journey that Cecelia has taken us on , but all is not lost , 700 years into the future and the Derricksons and Moreleys are still around , look out for Cecelia Mecca’s new Paranormal Books ,The Bloodwite series . I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
I would like to thank the author for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The Knight’s Reward is the final book in the border series. Tension has been building up on the border and I have been waiting desperately for this book.
Katheryn is a member of the royal court but has been hiding away at The Wild Boar, an inn on the Scottish/English border. Her father was murdered on business for the king and Katheryn is not safe. We got peeps at her story in the other books in the series and the Takes From The Inn snippets.
Neill has a fearsome reputation as the best knight in England. On his way home to restore peace to the border he stops at the inn. Having won the Tournament of Peace Neill uses his boon to ask for a corrupt official to be removed, only it comes with an unwanted condition.
This is a lovely ending to the series and I loved seeing so many characters from previous books. I really need a reread.
There are lots of new interesting places that are visited including Edinburgh castle and the Tower of London. I loved the inclusion of real life historical figures, especially the Queen.
I loved the resolution to all the problems faced by Neill and Katheryn. Katheryn also suffers from panic attacks and this is not something normally shown in historical fiction. As somebody that suffers from panic attacks myself, I love that it’s been included.
The Knight's Reward By Cecelia Mecca is book 10 in the Border Series. This is the story of Neill Waryn and Kathryn Baird. This can be a standalone book if you wish to do so, but I have truly enjoyed reading them in order....sad that this is the last book in the series. Kathryn is working at The Wild Boar Inn hiding and looking for the killer of her father. Kathryn's father was a messenger for the King but was killed to prevent the message from being delivered. Neill is the youngest brother and had the honor of winning the Tournament of Peace. Neill has requested for his reward to have the corrupt official be removed due to him causing so much upset between England / Scotland boarder. In addition, he is told that he will marry one of the Queen's ladies. Neill has no chocie but to accept and he is taken back by Kathryn's beauty but he knows there is more going on with this lady working at the Wild Boar's Inn. Such a fan of this author and of course this series!!!
The sequel series set thirty years after the Border Series ends is called Brotherhood of the Border. Meet the children of your Border Series favorites and start with the first book in the series, A Noble Betrayalhere.
The Knight's Reward is the ninth and final book in the Border series by Cecelia Mecca. This and each book in the series can be read as a standalone, but having followed the series from the very first book it was a pleasure to catch up with all of the main characters during each new one.
This is Neil Waryn's story. He has worked hard to earn his reputation as the champion knight who cannot lose. When he wins a coveted tournament he is offered a boon from the King of England. Neil chooses to have a corrupt official removed, one that accepts money to allow lawlessness between the borders. The long-held peace brought on by the day of truce between the borderers has become non-existent thanks to that one man. The King agrees to the boon, on two provisos, one that the Scottish King renews his allegiance to/with himself, the second one, that Neil marries one of the Queen's ladies in waiting. Never having been in love, nor particularly expecting to, Neil agrees to marry once the corrupt official has been removed. First of all, he must travel to Scotland for a council meeting where the peace treaty will be discussed and he can inform everybody that the man in question is going to be removed.
Kathryn Baird is one of the Queen's ladies in waiting, but now is working in an inn. Disguised as a barmaid she is biding her time until she can find a way to reach a man that she believes could have had something to do with the death of her father, or at least have an idea who did. Before he died he told Kathryn not to return to the King's court because it wouldn't be safe.
When Neil goes to the inn she overhears him talking about his trek to Scotland to attend the council meeting. Fate seems to have stepped in and she realises she must get him to agree to take her with him. He doesn't have to know why she wants to attend, nor that the man she wants to see will be at the meeting. Kathryn fascinates him because as much as she pretends otherwise, he can tell that she is a lady of quality and hopes to discover the truth about her during their journey.
From there the story really takes off. Do they make it to Scotland safely, and does Kathryn get to keep her secret? Does she find out who killed her father, will justice be done? What of the peace treaty, will it come into effect again, and can it be done without blood being spilt first? Will Neil marry the woman of the King's choosing, or will he give in to the strong attraction that builds between him and Kathryn during their travel to Scotland. An attraction that she feels equally, but not knowing that he is to be betrothed to somebody else? Neil knows that if he chooses to be with Kathryn and not marry the woman he is supposed to that peace between the borders would be forfeit. But how can he marry a stranger when he could very well be in love with Kathryn?
There was so much going on in this story, it was the perfect balance of drama, romance, sadness and happiness. Neil is a swoon-worthy hero, not only the perfect protector but his passion with Kathryn was steamy hot. As for Kathryn, she was a little naive but for the most part, was a strong, capable woman who when push comes to shove must choose between her heart and her head. The Kerr family and the Waryn's started as enemies to begin with in the series, but now they are family and are the ultimate example of peace between the border clans!
I loved this story and this whole series so much, I can't recommend it enough. Cecelia Mecca is definitely one of my favourite authors now and I am sure that if you read this or any of the books in this series that you will add her to your favourites list too.
The Knight's Reward Border #9 By Cecelia Mecca ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Neill Waryn is very well know throughout England. He is a champion Knight who doesn't lose, yet to him winning at the Tournament of Peace is all that matters because if he wins he will get s boon from the King of England. This boon is very important to him and his family. All he requests is that the king remove the corrupt official who is bent on destroying the peace along the border between England and Scotland. His family are borderers, and nothing matters more to him than their safety. Neill's boon didn't come without a cost though. Now he finds himself agreeing to a marriage. A marriage to one of the Queen's favored ladies and although he is reluctant at best, it's a price he's willing to pay. Until he meets Kathryn.
Kathryn Baird is a beauty and clearly a highborn lady, yet she works at The Wild Boar inn as a common servant and Neill is quite intrigued by her. So when she asks him to bring her to Scotland, he finds he can't say no. Little does Neill know that Kathryn's mysterious past will play into his own attempts to restore peace along the border.
Now that fate has brought them both together will it be powerful enough to go against the king or will their sense of honor stop them from finding what they are both looking for?
Cecelia Mecca is absolutely fabulous. Her characters are engaging and you can't help but fall deeply in love with them. The chemistry Neill and Kathryn have nearly sizzles off of the pages. I found myself rooting for them and hoping that they could overcome the obstacles that were in front of them. I really enjoyed revisiting with some of the characters from previous books and as sad as I am to see the border series end I can't help but feel a tad excited about the new series that Ms. Mecca will bring us in the future.
Neill is a champion knight and Kathryn is a lady in hiding. They meet at The Wild Boar Inn where she is working and from the beginning he knows that she is not who she claims. They end up traveling together and meet up with border series characters all along the way. He wants peace at the border and she wants to know how who killed her father. They fall for each other and wish for their hea but will Neill have to choose his duty to the king? Well if you like heas read this one you won’t be disappointed. This is #10 in the series and I am sad to see it end but know that I can always go back and reread it over and over. I really started getting into this series about a year ago and have to say I rarely stick with an entire series the whole way through (& they typically have less than 10 books) but I thoroughly enjoyed it. And I fell in love with so many of the characters. I definitely have my favorite books from the border series and this one has now become one of them. A great way to bring everything to a close and wrap up the series. I am looking forward to another great series.
I found this a really good book. Kathryn is an extremely strong character. She is one of the most inspirational ladies in this entire series. Sir Neill Waryn is her hero. Kathryn travels from the wild boar inn with Neill and they get close over the journey. During the book they travel all over the country from Edinburgh to London. The love comes with tons of trials in many areas but Lady Kathryn holds the key to the successful end of the book. This was a great ending to the series with lots of main characters coming back into this book.
It'a a reader's quest to be drawn into a story, with this author's books... you are submerged.
A great sadness fell upon me after reading this book, it was bitter sweet. On one hand, I could not wait to have the book in my hands....and on the other, it was like an ending to a friendship.
I have followed this author from the very beginning, I'm one of those followers that awaited (impatiently at times) for the next book to roll out. She's one of few authors that I drop whatever I'm currently reading to read hers. And this book was no exception.
My favorite line in the book did not come from one of romance, but wisdom: "Regret," he said, "is a thief, and only we can allow him to steal from us."
Neill has won the king's tournament and is given a boon. One he has carefully thought out given the chaos among the border of England and Scotland. One of the king's wardens is corrupt and if he was to be removed, the duress with the Scots would go with him. The king considers his boon and will agree so long as Neill promises to marry the bride of his choice. He must agree, as is his duty to king and country.
Until he meets Kathryn at a well-known tavern along the border. He knows she's a lady by the way she carries herself, so then why is she working at this tavern like some beer wench? She shocks him by her request to take her north to which he was traveling for a council meeting. Something inside him knew early on he'd not deny this lady much, and would gladly offer his unbidden protection.
Their story begins here, and since I offer no spoilers, you'll have to read it for yourself. Just know there are plenty of hurdles, twists, and a long journey they must travel before they find their HEA. The best thing about this book was the author brought back most of the characters you've grown to love throughout the series. You'll get one more glimpse as her story draws to a close. It's written to be a stand alone but I would highly recommend you start at the beginning.
I was gifted with an ARC and wanted to post a review in thanks for a great read, a really great read!
It was with both excitement and regret when I cracked open the virtual pages of Cecelia Mecca’s “The Knight’s Reward.” Excitement at yet another trip to a different world and regret because it will be the last. Neill Waryn finally gets his story and I’m back to excited. Known throughout England as the champion knight who can’t be beat but with those winnings come expectations. Will Neill be able to meet them? What will stand in his way as he seeks peace for those who live along the border? Who will his love interest be? Because this IS a romance. And will that love be stronger enough to bear defying a king?
This was a fun AND romantic story. I thoroughly enjoyed the verbal jousting between Neill and Kathryn. The characters are well-matched. And while the attraction is most definitely there, Ms. Mecca does a wonderful job slowly drawing it out to make us cheer on this likeable pair. The back story that has existed through much of this series continues and I always enjoy how well the author brings in the other characters from the series making for cohesive storytelling.
“The Knight’s Reward” is the tenth and final book in the Border series and it was an amazing trip to a different time and place—set in thirteenth century Northumbria along the Anglo-Scottish border. If you haven’t checked out this series yet, I highly recommend it.
A beautifully satisfying ending to an amazing series!
Whenever I'm asked to recommend a medieval romance, this author's Border Series is the first thing that comes to mind. Everything about these books is sheer perfection, and this final installment is its crowning jewel.
Neill has been in the shadows all throughout the series, stories that not only give us the heart-stopping romances of his siblings and other contemporaries, but also set the stage for the final showdown that brings the entire series to a commanding conclusion. Neill has certainly met his match in Kathryn, a woman who challenges him on levels he never envisioned. These two have to work for their HEA, work that only makes it all the sweeter.
The writing is so perfect, it makes you feel as though you're standing right there in the midst of the action. I guarantee by the time you're done you'll be checking your calendar to remind yourself of what year we're really in. The storyline is enthralling, the characters are unforgettable, and the action never stops.
If you've been following this series all along, you absolutely can't miss this one. And if you haven't started yet, there's no reason not to start now that the series is complete. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
WOW what a Fantastic Story! Cecelia Mecca's characters chemistry is heart warming , sweet and palpable. Neill and Kathryn are believable and so realistic with such depth and individuality it's easy to relate to. I could not wait for the story to unfold. Another awesome story filled with drama, adventure, love, longing, and plot twist and turns. This book will keep you turning the pages! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, from cover to cover. I always enjoy how well the author brings in the other characters from the series, it's like revisiting old friends that you haven't seen for a while. It was nice to catch up with them all.
Having had the opportunity to read all the novels in Ms. Mecca’s Border Series and to fall in love with their characters and the Medieval Scottish period it is with regret that this series has come to an end. I love that Ms. Mecca chose to conclude this wonderfully written series with Sir Neill Waryn and Kathryn Wyld’s story. The storyline is flawlessly written and rich in medieval historical details. Her characters have depth are strong willed and have great chemistry. Neill has a goal by entering and winning a tournament. He wants to bring peace back to the borders and have the Warden of the Middle March replaced because he is corrupt. The English King grants his boon with two caveats. One of those is he must marry a lady in waiting to the Queen. On his way home he meets Kathryn who is a barmaid at The Wild Boar. He knows she is not what she seems and it is at this point that their flawlessly written love story begins. Their story is filled with intrigue and several twists and surprises as Neill struggles with duty and loyalty to his family and the border lords as his growing feelings for Kathryn deepen. Kathryn is strong willed and no pushover. She also is struggling with her feelings and decides to take matters into her own hands. Would Neill defy the King or follow his heart? Would Kathryn make things worse by her actions? Would they get their HEA? I never give details of a plot because writing is an author’s livelihood. I will say I enjoyed that characters from all the other books are present as the final storyline in this series concludes. I highly recommend this final book in the Border series. I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from the author. It was a pleasure to give my honest opinion about the book.
Okay I admit it. I put off reading this amazing story because I knew it was the last one in this phenominal series! As many others have said, I also begin reading Cecelia's stories from book one and to say I was captured is putting it mildly. I was a fan for life at that moment and I think I dreamed of braw knights and enchanting settings. This was all and more that I knew it would be, with Neill Waryn, the youngest of the Waryn brothers. Winning at the Tournament of Peace, he wins a favor from the King. All he wants is for the corrupt official removed who decides the fate on the borders between England and Scotland. Noble you say? Well yes, Neill is definitely all about peace. But the King asks that he wed one of the Queen's ladies. Yes, he will sacrafice if that is the price for his request. As it often does, fate intervenes and he meets a beautiful young lady, Kathryn Baird and she requests he take her to Scotland. So their story begins and is filled with intrigue, suspense and a love that tries to find it's way. There is the slight problem of Neill's promise to the King so what is to be done? Immerse yourself in a story that will pull at your heart and having you read way into the morning hours. Because you will not be able to put it down. Seriously. Amazing. Sigh
I love the Border Series and hope this is not the last. Especially love where each family member has their own love story. I loved how the youngest brother has grown into a respectable and famous Knight known throughout the Kingdom. He wins the most Prestigious Tournament and given a favor by King Edward. He ask for the removal of the Border Sheriff that extorts the honest people and takes bribes from the criminals to be let go free. The King agrees, but gives him tasks to accomplish first. He must attain Scotland's King Alexander's agreement to pledge his support to King Edward and he must marry a choice of the Queen. He agrees and leaves to go home then to Alexander. He stumbles into the woman of his dreams on the way. Kathryn was in hiding from the man that killed her father as he was attempting to deliver a message from King Edward to Alexander about his pledge. They talk and find they both must get the message to the Scottish King and prove that he murdered her father. They are successful and he must now face Edward concerning the Command he must marry the Kings choice. Their love is so strong that he refuses and only by her renewing her relationship with the Queen and pouring out her heart has any hope of working.
Very good story in this final book of the Border Series. Sir Neill Waryn, known as the champion knight throughout England, asks a non of his king after he wins the Tournament of Peace. This bon is for the removal of the English warden, Caxton, a man known for taking bribes and letting English criminals go free after committing crimes upon the Scottish people and others.
However, Sir Neills reward comes with a price. He must marry one of the queens favorite ladies. Neill reluctantly agrees to the match as he knows this may be the only way to achieve peace in the Border area. Then he meets Kathryn Baird wiring at The Wild Boar. Neill can tell right away that she is not a common servant and does not know why a highborn lady would be paying as a servant.
Kathryn jobs Neill on his journey north for reasons of her own. She is intent on finding out who killed her father.
Throughout their journey, the two fall in love and Neill decides to refuse the kings decree to marry the queens favored lady. Will his decision cause more strife or will the two find their happily ever after?
Neill is a knight who wins a tormatment that grants him a reward from the King. His request will bring peace for his family and his people but the wish comes with a condition from the King. He has to marry one the Queens lady in waiting. He agrees never dreaming he will meet the love of his life. Lady Kathryn is undercover trying to discover who killed her father when she meets Neill. Neill wants to protect her and help her discover the truth. The chemistry and connection between the two grows but they both know they can never be together. Neill now has to decide between his people and his heart.
I have really been looking forward to Neill's story and this went above anything I could have hoped for; once you start you just don't want to stop. This is a great story for the end of the series. There were some very interesting and enjoyable twist in the story. I'm sorry to see the series end but am looking forward to the next one. I received a copy and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion.
This was a wonderful ending to a great series. I would highly suggest you read these stories in order because it just makes everything so much more complete. They are all great and worth reading. These are some of the best Scottish romances I have read. They are a little "lighter" without a lot of angst but the combination of some history, some fiction, some angst - but not too much - makes for enjoyable read.
The ending of this was fantastic with the h really taking control, as many of the females in this series did. The H is also appealing although I awarded 4 stars because he was not quite as swoon-worthy as the rest of the males in this series. It was actually the fact that he was not entirely truthful to her - which he could and should have been, that made me give this story 4 stars instead of 5.
I am glad that I pushed through my moment of irritation though because the h coming into her own and reunion of all the characters at the end made it worth it. The H did redeem himself as well. Highly recommend.
I received this book quite a few days ago, but just couldn't bring myself to start it. This is the final book in this series and I just didn't want it to end. Cecilia Mecca has done a fantastic job of providing a clear picture of life in the borderlands. I've said it before...it is very obvious that Ms. Mecca does her research. I actually feel smarter although it never felt like I was studying! This book completes the Border Series and although all ten books are stand alone, it is best to read them in order to avoid any spoilers. This final book does a great job of tying everything together and we get glimpses of a bunch of beloved characters throughout. This is a great series and I highly recommend it. However, when you start, make sure you have lots of time because if you are anything like me you will find yourself binge-reading and ignoring everything else in your life!
Well written. Dual POV. Hero totally smitten. No intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine. Hero is about to be betrothed as part of an agreement with the King but he has not yet met the woman, though he has agreed to the arrangement in theory, when he meets the heroine. Some mystery. Forbidden love. Secondary characters drop breadcrumbs for possible future storylines developing through the series and updates of previous characters and couples from previous books appear. There are references to the romances between previous couple's stories which may be spoilers if you have not read them before this one. HEA.
When Neill wins the Tournament of Peace, he earns a boon from the king. He decides to ask for a corrupt official to be released from office. The king agrees, but only if Neill marries someone chosen by him. Not ready for marriage, Neill reluctantly agrees.
Kathryn has been working at an inn after her father was murdered. Determined to find out shat happened, she requests that Neill takes her north to speak to the last man that spoke to her father. Neill agrees, but he knows that Kathryn is hiding more than just the fact that she is a highborn lady.
Neill and Kathryn grow closer as they travel and Neill finds it hard to carry through with his agreement with the king. Will their love destroy the peace that the borders are longing for?
I really enjoyed this story. We've not seen much of Neill in the other books in the series as he was fostered away from his brothers and sister. Watching these two fall in love was a complete joy. I really like both characters and thought they were perfect for one another.
I didn't want the story to end. Does that make sense? Niall was the youngest and finally gets his love story. A champion for the ages! And can he help keep a pact between 2 kings, save the girl, break his word, not start a war between 3 countries, and still find his happily ever after? What does a Waryn do best? And I love the family members we reconnect with! I So hope Cecelia comes back for the next generation or at least gives us more of the Morleys hence maybe peeks back to some of the characters we love. Standalone but you will want to read the series.
My favorite books have been written as a series. I love how you can travel from one book to another and find what has happened to the previous characters. The Knight’s Reward has truly finished the series and not left you wanting for more...feeling incomplete. The lives of the Waryn’s and all of the merged families combined with them has been a great pleasure to read about. Cecelia Mecca has done an outstanding job in this by bringing us back to a time of great adversity and hardship in life but joy and love to be had by those who did not have the comforts of life that we have now. Love does always win.
Kathryn Baird, daughter of Richard Baird, messenger to King Edward was working in a tavern after her father is killed when Neill Waryn finds she looks out of place. He asks her her story. She thinks to tell him part so he will take her closer to where Bostworth might be. He was the last man to see her father alive. On their travels they fall in love but he is promised to another by their king as his reward at the win of the tourney. Do they get to be married?..... this is a great book, I like it best of all. I loved seeing the characters from the other books,too.
I enjoyed this very special love story. It was a journey of two people with a very sad beginning in their lives. It is full of intrigue, difficult beginning and many problems to overcome, romance, will a touch of spice. I liked the hero and heroine so much. I felt they would never overcome their hurtles, to find happiness. So happy to see the wonderful family of reoccurring characters. They are so unique and lovable, I have enjoyed this series so much. This story has a HEA ending. I recommend this book, as I do all her books. I can’t wait for next book.
"The Greatest Knight in all of Christendom" Yes, that's a quote from the book and a perfect fit for our hero. I have been waiting for Neill's story since the beginning of the series. I've always had a soft spot for 'bad' boys. And Neill is definitely one of them. I loved his story. There is so much going on and meeting previous characters was such a joy. I just couldn't put the book down until I finished it. This story is the perfect ending to a perfect series.
This story of Kathryn and Neill was a perfect ending to the series. It brought full circle and back to the first book why this family and others connected were doing in the first place. Kathryn’s fire and drive to find the true brought out the true character of Neill and the best of his training. This series might be over by Cecelia did a great job. I received an advanced reader copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
I was looking forward to reading about this last brother. The knight to beat all knights in combat and looks. The story tide up many loose ends for the borderlands and had a plot of mystery and surprises. I am good at guessing the mystery or surprise but not this time, I was wrong. The book brings together all the characters of the other books and give a good conclusion to the series!
After binge reading a whole series, I don't need to say again how much I loved the series and this story is a wonderful way to end an awesome series. Strong heroine, honourable hero, their bond, their vulnerabilities...everything makes this story beautiful. And then there is the warmth of family, and the wonderfully real humorous moments...a book to be enjoyed!
A fabulous ending to this wonderful series. Niall is the last of the Waryn brothers and a knight. Kathryn is looking for the man who murdered her father. Sparks fly between these two but will the King have other plans for them? Fast-paced read with amazing characters, an entertaining story with plenty of drama and twists and turns. I was taken on an amazing journey back in time. I loved it!