Forbidden Lovers: A Medieval Romance Series Starter Collection

by Cecelia Mecca

Three bestselling series starters in one collection for a limited time! 

Each full book in this collection can also be read as a standalone novel. Fans of enemies to lovers historical romance will enjoy these first in series books which





The Thief's Border Series Book One

A thief turned reluctant protector. A countess who resents but can't resist him.

Sir Geoffrey has dedicated his life to exacting revenge on the men who killed his parents and stole his birthright. The son of a baron, he has been reduced to stealing the resources he needs to reclaim his family legacy. Just when he’s on the verge of

success, his uncle asks him to help protect a wealthy countess. It’s a distraction Geoffrey resents, even more so when he meets Lady Sara. The gorgeous, complicated and alluring lady is everything he’d want in a woman—and everything he can’t have.

With her betrothed coming to claim her hand in marriage and a distant cousin intent on usurping her earldom, Lady Sara Caiser feels beset by controlling men. As if that weren’t enough, her father’s deathbed request was for two lawless border reivers to

serve as her protectors. Despite her misgivings, an undeniable attraction pulls her into Sir Geoffrey’s arms. The man she thought nothing more than a thief is more dangerous than she believed, for he’s noble, caring and sinfully attractive. As the

threats against her continue to mount, Sara must decide what’s more important—her duty or her heart.



The Order of the Broken Blade Book One

Love was never part of the mission.

Lance Wayland has a secret purpose for becoming Stanton Castle’s new smith. He and his three closest friends are the founding members of the Order of the Broken Blade, formed to blunt the power of King John, whose outrageous taxes and unjust laws have taken a toll on their country. 

To succeed, they need money and men, both of which they can get from the Earl of Stanton. Lance’s mission can only be waylaid by one thing—his interest in the earl’s lovely daughter.

Idalia knows better than to think she’ll be allowed to marry a smith.

Yet Lance Wayland is the most compelling man she’s ever met—a welcome diversion from the stresses of running Stanton Castle and her mother’s illness. She knows the entanglement can go nowhere, their connection grows stronger each time they see each other.

Fate seems determined to keep them apart.

But Lance and Idalia are drawn together like moths to a flame. Can Lance pursue the woman he loves without betraying the order to which he’s pledged his troth?



The King's Kingdoms of Meria Book One

He cared only for duty—until he met the one woman who could claim his heart.

My mission is clear.

I’m to go to Murwood End, the land of the Voyagers, to retrieve the king’s secret son. With the heir dead, it’s our only hope for saving our kingdom from those who would destroy us.

But complications arise from the start. No one knows when the king’s son will return from his latest mission, or at least no one will say. And his closest friend—a woman, a Garra—seems to loathe me on sight. A further I’m completely

captivated by her.

Genres: Historical

754 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2021

About the author

Your escape awaits...

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.

FREE prequels:

Jump into her worlds with a free prequel: https://meccaromance.com/cissy-mecca/insider/


Website www.meccaromance.com

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Reviews

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

I’ve read all three of these series starters, and I can guarantee once you read them you will be begging for more.

Cecelia has a wonderful way of drawing you into her worlds, they’re e wondrous and passionate, full of excitement and tension.
Some with factual Historical instances involved, others complete fantasy.
One thing they all are is outstanding,
And I can highly recommend them all .

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Blacksmith
Four men. One mission— to save England from the ravages of King John
Lance Wayland has a secret purpose for becoming Stanton Castle’s new smith. He and his three closest friends, Guy, Terric and Conrad are the founding members of the Order of the Broken Blade, formed to blunt the power of King John, whose outrageous acts have taken a toll on their country. To succeed, they need money and men, both of which they can get from the Earl of Stanton. Lance’s mission is of vital importance, and can only be waylaid by one thing his interest in the earl’s lovely daughter.
Idalia knows better than to think she’ll be allowed to marry a smith, yet Lance Wayland is the most compelling man she’s ever met a welcome diversion from the stresses of running Stanton Castle and her mother’s illness.
This is the first in a new series & what a series it looks to be. As with all series starters it needs to set the scene for the series & it does so beautifully. The four friends are introduced at the beginning & their reasons for forming a traitorous group are mapped out. The pace of the book was very good & flowed effortlessly & of course I read it in well under a day, as I was loath to put it down. The characters are so well portrayed. I loved Lance & Idalia the chemistry between them was apparent from their first meeting & the air around them fairly crackled, I loved how their relationship developed from attraction, to liking, to love it was so believable. An engrossing, captivating romance, I’m SO looking forward to the rest of the series

The King’s Commander
The start of a new series Vanni has to go to Murwood End, the land of the Voyagers, to retrieve the king’s secret son following the Oryan sank drowning all bar one but Matteo the heir was on board & perished, hence my mission. Things don't go to plan from the outset, no one knows when the king’s son will return from his latest mission, or at least no one will say. And his closest friend—a woman, a Garra—seems to loathe me on sight.In the beginning, but Vanni is captivated by Aedre Lorenson he's torn between doing my duty as the king’s commander and following my heart.
The author paints a vivid picture of the kingdom of Meria. The book is told from Vanni’s point of view & first person isn’t my favourite but I was so engrossed that it didn’t impact on me. It was a book that on one hand I wanted to read slowly to savour but on the other I couldn’t read fast enough to find out what would happen. Wonderful characters & an edge of the seat plot that was both exhilarating & romantic made for an unputdownable read, I can’t wait for the rest of the series
The author never disappoints & 3 series starters will keep you reading for hours & whet the appetite for the rest of the series

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all three of the books in this starter series, and most of the novels in the series as well, and have enjoyed each one immensely.

The Thief's Countess: This is an exciting, sensual read that kept my attention all the way. through. I was resentful when my attention was distracted by such mundane things as laundry and meal preparation! The pull of emotions and electric attraction between Sir Geoffrey and Lady Sara was everything that was forbidden to them, and yet they were unable to pull away from the allure of exploring their illicit relationship. Intermingled with danger and betrayal, this is a very fine example of medieval romance.

The Blacksmith: Set against the backdrop of Medieval England on the border between England and Scotland, the author once again draws the reader into a powerful romance with all the tension and unrest that prevailed in that era. My interest was piqued on more than one occasion and I found myself hitting Google to discover more about the history of the times. Lance Wayland makes a wonderfully strong, silent hero, whilst feisty, kindhearted Idalia wins one over immediately. Despite the difference in their status, one can only root for Lance and Idalia, trusting that they will get their chance at love, even though protocol dictates otherwise.

The King's Commander: had me engrossed from the opening sentence and it only got better from there. Sent to Murwood End on a mission that he knows has little chance of success, Lord Vanni d'Abella encounters the Garra, Lady Aedre Lorenson. Despite her obvious disdain for him as well as his reluctance to entangle himself with any woman, their attraction for one another cannot be denied. When threatened, Vanni finds himself jumping to Aedre's defense and comes up with a solution to the problems she has been experiencing. Unable to leave Murwood End until he has at least spoken to Kipp Aldwine, Vanni is increasingly drawn to spending time in Aedre's presence. With the threat of war hanging over their heads, Vanni cannot stay in Murwood End and Aedre refuses to leave, bringing them to an impasse.

Each story is a standalone and comes to a good conclusion, making Ms Mecca one of my favourite authors. Having read all the books in this set, this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Annette Drewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three wonderful books which showcase this author’s unique writing style. If you haven’t read any books from Cecelia before, take a look at these first in series novels and become captivated by the worlds she creates.
The Thief's Countess: Border Series Book One
The historical detail in this book is incredible and her strong characters are realistic of this time period. Gregory and Sara are star-crossed lovers, who by duty cannot continue their chosen path. Fast paced action kept my interest all the way through the book. I enjoyed the twist at the end.
The Blacksmith: Order of the Broken Blade Book One
This is certainly a different way of treating the ‘King John’ era, the dissatisfaction of the Barons is more pronounced, especially when traitors and their families are severely punished. Idalia and Lance are brilliant characters who have had problems with their fathers in the past. The attraction between this couple starts almost from the time they meet each other. With secrets getting in the way of trust, can they reach for the stars and succeed in having a future together.
The King's Commander: Kingdoms of Meria Book One
Brilliant introduction to the Kingdom of Meria. This book sets the scene and gives the reader an insight into the political problems, which I am sure will play more prominently in future stories. When Vanni arrives at Murwood End at the King’s behest, little does he realise how his life and beliefs will change. Aedre is not afraid of the stranger, but when she meets him at the docks, there is an attraction which is so strong, she is overwhelmed. Coming from different worlds, can they find a way to be together? The banter between the main characters is very realistic and I kept wondering what they would come up with next.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers are in for a real treat with this set of books which are the first in three of the book series for this author. I haven't read the third book only because I don't like stories written in the first person which this book and series is. That said, I am sure it will be an amazing story because Cecelia Mecca writes no other! I am happy to share my reviews for the other two books though...

THE THIEF'S COUNTESS is the first book in THE BORDER SERIES by Cecelia Mecca. It is also her first full-length novel and one I thoroughly enjoyed.

Lady Sara Caiser has recently lost her father, and knowing that he was dying, he persuaded Sara to agree to marry a nobleman, a pure marriage of convenience, she hadn't even met the man. By marrying him her home would be safe from a distant relative who would upon her father's death try to lay claim to it and all the other properties her father owns and which would rightfully go to Sara on his death. On his death bed, he tells Sara that he has sent for two reivers who he trusts to come to the castle in order to keep her and it safe until she could be safely married. Her future husband is at least 2 weeks travel away from there.

Sir Geoffrey is one of the reivers. He is a misplaced Baron, his home being captured from him by the Scottish. His Uncle Hugh is the other reiver. Their goal in life is to capture back their home and perhaps gain the title of Lord back for Geoffrey too. In the meantime, they must do what they can to survive and to keep Geoffrey's siblings fed and looked after. In order to do that they have become reivers. Not the most popular of people, it's no wonder that Sara, who knows nothing of their past, isn't pleased to have men like that in her castle. How could two thieves have the ability to keep her safer than her own men?

From the start, despite them not thinking much of each other, Geoffrey thinking that Sara was a spoiled, pampered woman, and her thinking that he was just a good for nothing thief, there was a huge attraction between them. An attraction that continues to grow and which both have to fight. Sara is betrothed and must be a virgin on her wedding night, and Geoffrey believes he isn't good enough for her, not to mention the fact that he must put all his energies into getting his castle back and having revenge on the men that took it. He hasn't got anything to offer a woman, especially a noble one.

Will they be able to fight their attraction to each other, and will Geoffrey and his uncle manage to keep her and her home safe from her relative, who is marching with soldiers in order to fight to take the castle as his own. If the castle is kept safe, Geoffrey knows that it's only until Sara's betrothed arrives and then he and Hugh (his uncle) must take their leave. Something he has to keep in mind the harder it gets to keep away from her.

This was a wonderful story of lust/love between two people who are very much opposites, at least they believe that, to begin with. It's one filled with the excitement of battle, amongst which there are treachery and deceit. It's one that had me wondering how on earth it could end happily without any recriminations and with everybody happy, not just Sara and Geoffrey. I couldn't read the book fast enough to find out how things worked out.

I must admit that the end wasn't what I expected, but I could see why it happened the way it did, and I can't fault the author's planning. (Each of the following books was fabulous just like this one)

THE BLACKSMITH is the first book in the series by Cecelia Mecca, ORDER OF THE BROKEN BLADE.

Lance Wayland takes on the job as Master Blacksmith working for the Earl of Stanton. It's a position taken mostly to allow him to work out if the Earl is for or against their King. Although treasonous, Lance and three of his friends have become the Order of the Broken Blade. They want to stop King John's unjust laws and unfair taxes. Four men alone can't achieve that, so each man will do what he must in order to recruit both men and money for their cause. The Earl of Stanton can supply both if he indeed is on their side.

Idalia is the middle daughter of Stanton's. With her mother very ill in bed, feared to be dying, it has fallen to Idalia to take on most of the work her mother used to do. She never even thinks to complain although she dearly would love a break from it all. When she greets Lance she is nearly speechless from the attraction she feels to him. He is equally attracted to her and it isn't long before she finds excuses to spend time with him. The more they get to know each other, the more they think about a future together but that it can't be possible between them. That doesn't stop them from sharing some very passionate kisses and sometimes more. Lance knows he should use their relationship to find out where her father stands with regards to the king, but if he does surely it will ruin their budding romance. Surely though, he needs to put the Order and its cause before his heart. He can't let his heart rule his head.

The romance and passion between Lance and Idalia were beautiful. I really enjoyed seeing how their relationship developed and how they dealt with the dilemmas that came up because of not only who he is, but what he is. A blacksmith could never marry a Lady regardless of his treasonous activities, or could he?

As well as the romantic side of the story, what I loved about this and many of this author's books is that even if there was no romance, the books are exciting. Once you start reading them you don't want to put them down. In this book, I was anxious to find out if Stanton would help them with their cause. I also love a good battle against tyrants and although it's early stages in the series, I look forward to seeing the Order grow and see what they do in order to bring the King to his senses. There was also a very emotional part in the story involving Idalia's mother, I admit that I got a bit teary-eyed then. This book definitely had me running the gamut of emotions! (the rest of the series is just as great).

[Cherie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 Amazing stories that all crackle with sizzling tension.
I have read all three individually and I'm letting you know that this is a terrific buy.
All three of these stories can be a stand alone.
The Thief's Countess: 5 Stars
I liked the strong characters and thought that they were well matched. Steamy relationship with a good back ground story. The secondary characters were good also. Terrific ending and I'm glad to have received the extended epilogue from the author at the end of the story. It looks like this books leads into the second book. This could stand alone but I like to finish a series.
The Blacksmith: Short But Packed With An Epic Romance 5 Stars
A good start to a new series of 4 books. A short book but a wonderful read. I loved all of the characters and the plot which will continue through the series. This book is a complete story with no cliff hangers. To get the full impact you would want to read all 4 books. The romance had just the right amount of intimate pleasures and steaminess for me. Intimate rating very warm. The story moved at a fast pace with no dull moments. I highly recommend this story if you like a well written steamy romance story.
Kings Commander: 5+Stars
A Magical Romance That Sparks With Sizzling Romance.
This story had me captured that I had to finish in one sitting or I'd have in my head all night.
Wonderful set of books that I highly recommend.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This box set consists of three first of series books.
The Thief's Countess: (Border Series Book One) and The Blacksmith: (Order of the Broken Blade Book One).
I have read and re-read these many times. Each time I love them.

The King's Commander: (Kingdoms of Meria Book One)
This is the first book in the new series by Cecelia. I have just finished reading this one and as usual with her books I really enjoyed it.

These are three great books that give an idea to each of these series. Although they are part of a series they are in itself stand alone stories.

[Gigi’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great collection! I have read and enjoyed all of these starter books by Cecelia Mecca. They were all great starts to fantastic series! If you like reading medieval, English/Scottish border or historical fantasy romance, these books are for you.

[Eva Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are all starters to a series that can each be standalones with HEAs. I love this author and just can not get enough of her books. so if your looking for starters for this author this is the right boxset for you.

[R Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series starter spectacular!

Cecelia Mecca is my favorite author for medieval romantic suspense. This boxes set includes the first book of three different series. Buy it today and immerse yourself in her spectacular story-telling. You won't regret it!

[Annette Summerfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've only read the first book so far. It definitely is about lovers...lol . There is a lot of love made in this story. If anyone isn't fond of reading books with sex in it, you had better move along. I enjoyed the story, but I skimmed along a lot of it.

[Peni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please see individual stories for review.