A USA Today Bestselling book 8/21/19!Reader's Favorite Gold Medal Winner 2020 in Historical Romance!You met Achilles and Susanna in Book Two of the Executioner Knights series – and sparks flew! Now, read their endearing and touching love story in ‘Starless’!These Executioner Knights are in for a world of trouble…Achilles de Dere is a stubborn knight prone to fighting - anywhere, anytime. If there is a punch to be thrown, it's usually from Achilles. When he first met Susanna de Tiegh, the sparks flew – and not in a good way. Susanna, an accomplished warrior in her own right and an agent for William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, refused to take Achilles’ bullying behavior. Friends feared they would kill one another. But an abject hatred of each other soon turned into something else.Now, Susanna is all Achilles can think of, even as he goes about his duties for William Marshal. When Susanna discovers that her own brother is involved in a plot against the king, Achilles is sent to help her get to the bottom of the plot. Before he can get to the woman he calls “Sparks”, however, Susanna’s brother realizes she is on to him and sells her off to one of the crown’s greatest enemies to silence her.Achilles is determined to help the woman warrior who started off as a thorn in his side, but has now become the very air he breathes. It’s a race against time to not only save Susanna, but to stop the plot that threatens to destroy the very fabric of England herself. As Achilles once said to Susanna, without her in his life, his days are wrought with misery and his nights are Starless…Read in KINDLE UNLIMITED!!
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.
As always Kathryn Le Veque has got us another fantastic story full of wonderful characters . I always look forward to another book from her I have not had one book that has disappointed me she is top on my list!!.
We first met Archilles and Susanna in "The Mountain Dark," a trilogy containing the stories of three famed and feared knights known as the Executioner Knights. Achilles de Der, the youngest, most volatile of three assassin knights, has his first run in with Susanna de Tiegh, a highly skilled, specially trained warrior, formerly a bodyguard for a Welsh princess, in the second book of the series. They took an instant dislike for one another and had even come to blows in a down in the dirt fight at one point. But, something changed between the two along with the way. Susanna is severely injured in a battle and Archilles steps in and takes complete control over her care. They went from having an intense dislike to love, loyalty and devotion. This book is their love story.
It was so cute and a joy to watch the two of them discover their feelings for each other. Neither of them had ever had those feelings for another before and did not have a clue to how to even express those feelings. Two deadly warriors dancing around each other, stumbling through their flirting until they finally admit it to each other was just adorable. Of course, this story has several very tense life and death situations they are thrown into where their being able to finally be together is in serious jeopardy and doubt. They were the kind of situations that were nerve wracking, tense and edge-of-your seat reading. Good stuff!
Totally loved it! Hopefully, from the teaser at the end, there is another story coming up with one of the main characters in this book. I can't wait!
Achilles de Dere can’t really stand Susanna who he calls Sparks until she is wounded he so stays to take care of her. As Susanna slowly heals; Achilles plans to take her back to her brother’s place Aysgarth Castle. Of course the journey back to her brother’s is fraught with trouble not just the strong attraction each feels for one another but other people willing to fight them. Still Achilles and Susanna manage to get back to her brother’s without too much trouble. Achilles does tell Susanna that he will find a way to get back to her and will even marry her. Achilles must go back to William Marshal in London. As Achilles is there his love for Susanna grows until all he can think about is her. Susanna also finds her love for Achilles but while at her brother’s she learns the truth of his loyalty and that he is willing to sell his sister for his debts. Susanna is willing to put all on the line even her love for Achilles which could prove deadly and could kill them in the end. What an amazing medieval historical romance! It’s hard to believe the author can spin such a great epic tale of an enemy to lover’s story with not only much emotion but such heart! The book just moves with wonderful action but never leaves you in the dust. There is one small oversight maybe to read the previous book in the series just to understand the depth of feeling the main characters feel but really it’s not necessary to understand the story. Amazingly, so it can stand on its own despite being part of a series. The book is totally captivating! The plot and its twists will leave you spellbound and the characters are just so amazingly real that you just want to spend time with them either joking or fighting. Achilles is not only a handsome noble chivalrous knight but quite a jokester who will leave you smiling. Susanna is truly a spark but so charming that despite her warrior attitude is one that is just so much fun! This is definitely a keeper and one worth a reread!
Kathryn Le Veque has created a world of immense danger, reigning turmoil, and skilled warriors that step up to conquer rebellion. In Starless, two such warriors have acknowledged that the competitive spark between them has changed to a different kind of spark. Achilles de Dere is an aggressive Executioner Knight that finds Susanna de Tiegh frustrating and headstrong. Susanna will not put up with Achilles’ bullying and arrogance. These two fought throughout The Mountain Dark (book 2 of Executioner Knights) until Susanna is wounded during a battle and Achilles nurses her back to health. Now they explore the changing affection in their own way, which is awkward for warriors. They take Susanna to heal at her brother’s castle, but Achilles realizes later he may have just sent her to her death.
With the skill of a veteran author, Kathryn Le Veque ties several of her books and characters together. Starless seizes the reader’s attention from the very beginning as Achilles and Susanna are so used to being aggressive, but now they are traveling down unfamiliar territory in a relationship. The storyline is intriguing as danger is never far from them, but now they have something to lose. The pace quickens as enemies of the throne are in the most unexpected places, forcing them against each other. Overall, I loved the thrill of a blossoming new romance, yet the suspense of a hidden enemy and unspecified dangers makes this novel an absolute read. No wonder Kathryn Le Veque is a best seller; she enchants her readers with a kingdom that is more realistic than the history books.
Review written by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite.
Liked this story. I so fell in love with the heroine and her bravery. She had me laughing in parts and hanging on the edge to see what next. Wished there was more about her and less about all the land politics etc. good read!
"Sparks," he murmured, his lips against her forehead. "I am not entirely sure I can leave you. Without you, my days will be wrought with misery and my nights will be starless. There will be no joy, no beauty. Only longing."~ Achilles to Susanna
Clear the floor, I think I'm going to swoon! Achilles is a big, bad knight that's always up for a good fight and finds himself in the middle of them a lot. That does not exclude his fellow knight who is a fierce woman and highly trained and isn't afraid of a fight herself. To get a good feel for just how tumultuous their relationship started, read the previous book in this series, The Mountain Dark (The Executioner Knights #2). It was hell, fire, and brimstone that evolved into this beautiful love story.
Susanna isn't your usual tough heroine. She doesn't have a big ego or a big mouth. She isn't reckless nor does she think she knows everything. She's a trained knight and never at any time did she try to emasculate or humiliate Achilles or any other man in the book. She's respectful to them and they are respectful to her. I don't like loudmouthed, egotistical heroines who think and act like they have to dominate their men or conquer the man's world. That definitely was not Susanna. She held her ground and nobody questioned her abilities, yet she was able to hold onto some of her femininity and do what she had to do to make Achilles happy. He did the same for her. I loved how they worked together, even against each other, to get to a common goal.
This book is adventurous, thrilling, has a lot of feels to it, and some steam. This is a story of two people who were so unlikely to fall in love, the sacrifices they made (they were huge) to be together, and the ultimate happy ending.
I think this is my favorite book of the series so far. It had so much going for it, I read it in just a couple of days, working around my work schedule.
*Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone book. As I mentioned above, reading The Mountain Dark before reading this will give you a better feel for the relationship between Achilles and Susanna, but it isn't necessary.
This is one of those singular stories in which the hero and his heroine are truly “made for each other”, as neither could possibly fit with any other. And it’s perfect. Achilles is a knight who is one of three known as “Executioner Knights”. He has fought for king and country with no reservations about exactly how he achieved his goals. He has gotten “down and dirty” with the worst of foes, and beaten them. While on an assignment for his liege, he is thrown together with a unique woman, Susanna, a lady who grew up unconventionally. Susanna trained as an assassin and is highly capable, she shares the same liege and assignment with Achilles. The two are much like the proverbial oil and water, and cannot stand each other, until a little heat is added to the mix. It’s then that “sparks” become the flame that burns them both as they become involved in an unexpected, but dangerous undertaking. They are drawn into a treacherous plot that they must stop for the safety of not only each other, and their group of friends, but all of England. I loved this book and these two characters who made me laugh as I moved on from one page to the next. It is such an entertaining tale! Although it’s part of a great series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope that one or two of the personalities that were included have stories of their own in the future. If romance, mystery, humor and adventure are what you’re looking for, this is it. I highly recommend it.
From the moment you start this wonderful book, it is as if you never left Achilles and Susanna in the previous book. Watching them search their hearts for their true feelings makes for an amusing and passionate tale. Although this adventure is a dark and violent one, it is also full of humour, camaraderie, emotion and love. Due to Kathryn's brilliance, both Achilles and Susanna are extremely vivid characters and they are a tremendous force together, in this totally believable love story. Susanna is beautiful, strong, independent, intelligent and fearless. Achilles is one of the original Executioner Knights, handsome, cheeky, quick-witted, quick-tempered, passionate and herioc. All the other characters in this book, such as Sherry, Ciaus and Kevin enhance this fast paced adventure, which has you turning the pages as quickly as possible. The villain, Whitton de Meynell is especially dark, and one never knows what he will do next. Kathryn really explores the brotherhood of these knights, and it is a brotherhood of love through shared experiences. As usual she captures the time perfectly through her writing, and as you can tell, I absolutely loved this book. It leaves you with a warm glow. Outstanding!
Enter the amazing world of The Executioner Knights with this third installment to the series. Picking up from the last book where Knight Archilles (yes I think that is appropriate when it come to Susanna!) de Dere and warrior Susanna de Tiegh actually fought physically to see who could come out the winner. She earned the name "Sparks" from Archilles and a true respect and something else began to grow between them. Both work for William Marshall and on their last foray, Susanna was injured. So Archilles and a contingent are taking her to her brother's to recuperate. But what they find there is a large group of mercenaries training, although her brother says they are not his. Archilles leaves to let Marshall know, but when he is gone, the danger begins. An adventure that does not stop from the first page as Kathryn Le Veque immerses you into the sphere of this century and the fight for dominance with secrets and intrigue abound. I really enjoyed these two and could not wait to see what happened. Although you can read this one as a stand alone as all of Kathryn's books, I highly recommend you read them all! You will be glad you did!
"Without you, my days will be wrought with misery and my nights will be starless. There will be no joy, no beauty. Only longing."
Achilles meets his match with the female knight, Susanna! Susanna is an elite knight trained at one of the best training castles and is introduced in book two as the FMC's bodyguard/lady-in-waiting. I was so happy that she is the FMC in this book after her stellar introduction in Mountain Dark.
Susanna and Achilles do NOT like each other when they first meet. Achilles is a sexist ass who doesn't think that women should be warriors.... so Susanna puts him in his place. They come out of the fight with two black eyes and sparks flying!
I liked how Achilles is just absolutely enamored with Susanna and decides that she is the only one for him and pursues her. It got a bit worrisome because in the beginning Achilles really does try to change Susanna into a lady, but he learns to love Susanna as she is and not push her to be something that she is not comfortable doing. Susanna was raised around men and knights and doesn't know anything about being a lady, but wants to try and be more ladylike for Achilles which results in some cute and hilarious scenes. I liked how the author didn't make it into him trying to change her, but Susanna feeling free to try to be girly around Achilles when she previously never had the chance, or was too embarrassed to try.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 💋💋 I Love Achilles and Susanna , such a feisty and loving couple. They seem to develop an almost magical emotional attraction and link with each other . So powerful and touching ,it really gets your heart thumping.
Starless is the 3rd book in the Executioner Knights series. Achilles is the youngest of the group, a little hot headed, emotional and totally in love with his woman .
Susanna is his friendly nemesis, a female warrior Knight, highly trained and passionately in love with him . The two refuse to see the attraction at first, fighting constantly , but once they do nothing will keep them apart .
This is an Epic Medieval Tale with new characters in the shape of Kevin De Lara and Caius d’Avignon who I’m sure we’ll see more of , they are such wonderful characters. And old favourites Sherry ,William Marshall and Christopher de Lohr , among many others . There’s Battles , evil opponents, treasonous plots and so much more .
A highly recommended book that you won’t be able to put down .
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
This book focuses on the third of the Unholy Trinity, Achilles along with the warrior woman we met in Mountain Dark, Susanna. Susanna is a warrior herself, trained at the prestigious Blackchurch and also an agent for William Marshal, and when they first met, there was a lot of animosity between them, even to the point of them physically fighting. But after Susanna is wounded in a skirmish, Achilles dotes on her and takes care of her…and we see the tides changing in how he feels about her. This is not a drawn out love affair, within the first ¼ of the book, they are together. But Achilles and Alexander leave Susanna with her brother Samuel at his keep to heal and promises to return for her. But Susanna learns the dire truth of what has happened in the time she’s been away, and it’s not good.
This book is full of action, a great romance for the ages, and the danger that threatens not only Achilles and Susanna, but Samuel and Alexander as well. The meaning of the title is perfect for this book and the epilogue wraps it up beautifully. Reviewed by Cyrene
Again, I am in awe with this story of an Executioner Knight, Achilles de Dere and a Black Church Trained Knight, Susana de Tiegh, who both work for Sir William Marshal. These two have mentally and physically fought each other in prior occasions. It is said there is a fine line between love and hate. In Starless we witness if this is true. An excellent story which takes place where the second story left off. What a great read. Danger is a foot throughout!
Susana is still recovering from a previous injury sustained during a previous mission and her fellow knights, including Achilles feel it is best for her to recuperate at her family home. All does not look right though, Achilles vows to return... Susana plans to investigate on her own as well, while they return to report to The Marshal.
Achilles has possibly met his match in every which way. I highly recommend it! I know everyone will also be intrigued with Kevin and Sean de Lara as well!
I was so ready for this story after reading of Achilles de Dere is a stubborn knight prone to fighting anywhere, anytime especially when he meet Lady Susanna, an accomplished warrior in her own right and also an agent for William Marshall. The sparks and fists flied right from their first introduction. This book delivered the budding romance between Achilles and Susanna and their fierce loyalty to King, country and William Marshall keep them from killing each other. I loved their witty banter and sparring, watching them fight their feeling, their passions as they grow closer in this adventure of a life time as Susanna’s twin brother is involved in a plot against the king. I loved this story of passion, romance, loyalty and betrayal!!! An excellent story and one I voluntarily read and reviewed.
I loved this story of Achilles and Susanna and the adventure of their relationship. From enemies to lovers. Achilles was brought low not by his heel but by his heart. A truer love did not exist than his. For a warrior that never had any experience with women other than his mother and the many he bedded this feisty warrior woman took his wbreath away and she was the person he couldn't live without. Susanna never expected to fall in love and surely never expected there to be a man that would want to marry a woman her age with her fighting skills. I truly look forward to the next adventure with other Execution Knights and hope they are as much fun, humor and with situations that keep you turning pages lest your hero's life is at risk. As usual another winning book from a winning author.
“I love you. That will never change…from the beginning of time until the end of all things, I will love you just as I do now. Nothing can destroy that.”
Kathryn Le Veque’s third installment to her Executioner Knights series is beautifully written and heartfelt. I’ve pondered how to sum up the history and love affair of the fierce and loyal Achilles de Dere and his “Sparks”, Susanna de Tiegh, and know I will fail miserably. That being said, dear reader, Starless is a page turning, stay up past your bedtime adventure full of nail-biting battles and swoon worthy romance. I did not want this story to end, and wish I could give more than 5 Stars! Kathryn Le Veque is a master storyteller when it comes to medieval romance. Highly recommend and look forward to reading more adventures of the Executioner Knights!
Susanna’s and Achilles have been at odds since they met, but something is changing. Maybe it’s the growing respect or maybe it’s the attraction. Both brave warriors in there own right and both stubborn. When Susanna is injured in a fight Achilles is very concerned and takes her to her brothers to heal. After arriving at her brothers to recover and Achilles sees a mercenary army gathered and training and against his better judgment leaves Susanna there. When Susanna discovers that her brother is involved in a plot against the king that’s when things go wrong. Achilles and Susanna will have to fight to be together. This was such a great story. Achilles and Susanna cracked me up and just made me smile. They are so good together and are learning to love. I loved everything about this book.
Achilles de Dere is an Executioner Knight under the Earl of Pembroke, William Marshall. Also, under the Marshall is a female Knight known as Susanna de Tiegh. When Achilles first met Susanna the sparks flew, and not in a good way. What was a woman doing as a full Knight, when that was a man’s world? Not only did the sparks fly, but so did the fists, between them in a rowdy brawl. Friends were afraid they would kill each other, but soon the hatred turned into something else. Could this really be happening? Kathryn LeVeque has written a wild, fascinating and at times a romantic story of how a certain Executioner Knight believe that his world would be starless without her. One thing is for sure; you will keep turning the pages to find out how this pursuit will end.
This is just great storytelling with a fighting couple at its centre. It also touches on the theme of failure, as a central character faces the shame of selling out his family. Most of all it is an action adventure based on power struggles in the time of William Marshall.
At the heart of “Starless” are two hardened warriors who decide to stop fighting when sparks fly between them. Suzanna has always been a warrior, so her attempts to be feminine for the first time are quite funny. Achilles is a total boof head, bald skull and all, whose devotion is touching.
This is not one of Kathryn Le Veque’s heart wrenching dramas. It is light hearted entertainment, and excellent reading.
A pair of lovers with stars in their eyes. What could be better? An unconventional heroine. That's always good. Created by the existence of a weak rather and a dominant child, she is brave, literally strong, and determined. And loyal. Loyal plays a bit role in Kathryn le Veque stories, and the interplay of loyalties creates this story: without the bonds between the various players, it would never have happened. But the bonds exist, and the characters follow the dictates of who they are, and thus the story is woven. A twist here to add a layer of complexity. A bit of color for interest. And through it all, a young couple coming to grips with an almost overwhelming attraction for each other.
We’ve watched the “courtship” of Susanna and Achilles through the first two books in this series. A very volatile, but passionate love that neither has wanted to acknowledge. When Susanna is wounded and he must return her to her home to recuperate, he realizes just how much he cares and loves her. Prior to leaving Aysgarth, he promises to return in a month to request permission to wed. Achilles and Susanna each have misgivings about Aysgarth. It seems that there are many mercenaries training and one very unsavory associate of her brother’s in charge. As they uncover the depth of the danger, it is a race to save her brother and each other.
Achilles is one of the executioner knights also known as the unholy trinity in service to William Marshal. Susanna is a trained soldier also in the service of the Marshal. She and Achilles start off hating each other but that changes quickly to something more. When Susanna is wounded, Achilles and Alexander escort her to her home castle to her brother to recover. They discover an army of mercenary knights on the premises and suspect something underhanded going on. Achilles, Alexander, and Susanna need along with another knight must get to the bottom of it before there is a rebellion.
Another really enjoyable story from the three original Executioner Knights. Achilles meets Suzanna during book 2 when she is the bodyguard of Cadie who Kress falls for. They hate each other right from the beginning and even fight a few times much to the amusement of their colleagues and friends. However, their feelings for one another gradually undergo a change. Suzanna is escorted home to her brother’s castle so that she can recover from her wound. Sherry and Achilles accompany her but when arriving at the castle, all is not what it seems. Sherry and Achilles have to leave Suzanna with her brother, little realising that they are leaving her in great peril. When they finally get to return, all hell breaks loose!
Excellent story written by Kathryn Le Veque. The third book in the the Executioner Knights Series. This is the story about Achilles de Dere and Susanna de Tiegh. Susanna was trained with her twin Samuel de Tiegh. Their home was where they were taking Susanna to recover from a wound in her stomach. They did not know that her home had been lost to a villain named De Meynell . Things start going downhill as they try to take Susanna away. This is a story that I think anyone would enjoy. reading
Achilles de Dere and Susanna de Tiegh's story is as brilliant as the stars! It made me laugh and cry and at one point I wanted to throw my book across the room because of the dishonorable de Meynell knight's behavior but I had faith that my favorite author would quickly bring me back to forget this cowardly knight and bask in Caius', Sherry's and Achilles' honor as noble and strong knights who would overcome the odds and defeat the evil Lord de Meynell and his hold over Sir Samuel de Tiegh and Aysgarth Castle!
Loved, loved,loved this book. As always Kathryn le veques books never disappoint. Filled with suspense, romance, and humor, Starless is another great read.
The hero and heroine were perfect for one another, and the "old friends" as secondary characters let you see glimpses of their lives outside their stories.
Excellence Balances the " Executioner Knights" Trio
Using the allegory of a knitting project, Kathryn Le Veque picks up "stitches" from MOUNTAIN DARK and proceeds to craft a wonderful "blanket" that completes the trio of the series. She deftly ties in two "strands", adds a few new twists "picking up" characters from other books to complete the story. Well done. This is a very satisfying read.
If you love medieval romance with a strong hero and heroine then this should definitely be in your arsenal! I’ve read every book published by LeVeque and this series is not only engrossing, but necessary, to show the human side of the men and what their duties made them become, executioners. But with time and a good strong woman, their guilt, honor and integrity are restored. One of my favs and a must have!