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Lords of de Royans #2
Lord of Winter
1187 A.D. - They call him the Lord of Winter. As Richard the Lionheart's most powerful general, Sir Juston de Royans is as moody as he is skilled. Reminiscent of the ancient warrior Achilles, Juston fights when it is necessary, instead choosing to command the powerful men beneath him. Never wrong in action or command, he has never lost a battle and when he finds himself in the midst of a terrible siege at Bowes Castle, he predictably emerges the victor with the lady of the keep as his prize.
And that's when the trouble begins.
When the never-wrong egotist meets the flame that will melt his frozen heart, a romance of epic proportions happens.
And that's when the trouble begins.
When the never-wrong egotist meets the flame that will melt his frozen heart, a romance of epic proportions happens.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2016
422 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Le Veque
324 books2,083 followersJuggernaut 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
December 30, 2023
3 🤔🤔🤔⭐️s
I read this part in order to start the Unholy Family series.
I wasn’t as thrilled as I expected to be…
The cast consisted of many characters and not only it was confusing but tiring as well.
Also, there were plenty of repetitions and some things could have been further exploited and developed.
I read this part in order to start the Unholy Family series.
I wasn’t as thrilled as I expected to be…
The cast consisted of many characters and not only it was confusing but tiring as well.
Also, there were plenty of repetitions and some things could have been further exploited and developed.
January 2, 2024
Read: 1/2/24
Another great KLV book! I especially enjoyed having so many of my favorite knights, like Christopher De Lohr, together in one book.
Sir Juston lost his wife and daughters to a betrayal, which resulted in their brutal slaughtered. Years later, he is known as the Lord of Winter because of his cold heart. He is Richard the Lionhart's greatest commander (pre The Defender) in the fight against Henry II. Juston has besieged a great castle for his liege. There, he meets the late Castle garrisons' sister in law.
Emera is relieved when her sister's husband is killed. She has had to fend off his advances for 2 years. That relief ends when Juston demands that she become his mistress. She fights like a wildcat and is able to hold him at bay. Emera plans to go to a charity hospital to live. She feels a calling to heal the sick.
Juston is surprised by this beautiful wildcat that has a kind, healing heart. His ice around his heart slowly begins to melt. Instead of demanding her in his bed, Juston wants Emera to come to him willingly and Emera is determined to become no man's whore. I like watching these two together. They balanced each well! Of course, others will conspire to take advantage of this budding relationship.
One problem I had with this book was that Emera learns near the end that her estranged uncle might be the man that brutally killed Juston's family. A man that Juston has searched for in vengeance. She is scared to share this fact because she doesn't want Juston to hate her. Then, other big plots happen to take the focus away. By the end of the story, nothing is ever mentioned again. I'm hoping this mystery will be solved in the other books in the series. Juston deserves his revenge!
I highly recommend this medieval gem!
Another great KLV book! I especially enjoyed having so many of my favorite knights, like Christopher De Lohr, together in one book.
Sir Juston lost his wife and daughters to a betrayal, which resulted in their brutal slaughtered. Years later, he is known as the Lord of Winter because of his cold heart. He is Richard the Lionhart's greatest commander (pre The Defender) in the fight against Henry II. Juston has besieged a great castle for his liege. There, he meets the late Castle garrisons' sister in law.
Emera is relieved when her sister's husband is killed. She has had to fend off his advances for 2 years. That relief ends when Juston demands that she become his mistress. She fights like a wildcat and is able to hold him at bay. Emera plans to go to a charity hospital to live. She feels a calling to heal the sick.
Juston is surprised by this beautiful wildcat that has a kind, healing heart. His ice around his heart slowly begins to melt. Instead of demanding her in his bed, Juston wants Emera to come to him willingly and Emera is determined to become no man's whore. I like watching these two together. They balanced each well! Of course, others will conspire to take advantage of this budding relationship.
One problem I had with this book was that Emera learns near the end that her estranged uncle might be the man that brutally killed Juston's family. A man that Juston has searched for in vengeance. She is scared to share this fact because she doesn't want Juston to hate her. Then, other big plots happen to take the focus away. By the end of the story, nothing is ever mentioned again. I'm hoping this mystery will be solved in the other books in the series. Juston deserves his revenge!
I highly recommend this medieval gem!
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May 3, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/3/2020)! 🎁
April 11, 2018
Another fabulous book, such a great read. You get captivated after the first few pages. Such great characters and compelling story.
December 31, 2017
I am a little surprised by all the 5-star ratings. While I enjoyed this book right from the very beginning there was so much exposition that I nearly gave up about 20 times. I'm glad I stuck with it, but I had such a hard time looking past all the "as you know," if they know why are you telling them? I don't think I've ever read a book with so much exposition and useless dialogue. The wonderful things about books is they have a narrator to move the story along you don't have to do it through dialogue.
There were also way too many characters being introduced at the same time. There is no hope of keeping them all straight and most of them were insignificant to the plot. It’s like reading “Game of Thrones.” I found myself skimming through some of the dialogue between lesser characters.
But, I did like the hero and heroine I was invested in their story and wanted to follow them to the end. It may not be worth the effort to everyone, but I do recommend it for the main story and characters. The historical accuracy was impressive, and the character development was top notch.
There were also way too many characters being introduced at the same time. There is no hope of keeping them all straight and most of them were insignificant to the plot. It’s like reading “Game of Thrones.” I found myself skimming through some of the dialogue between lesser characters.
But, I did like the hero and heroine I was invested in their story and wanted to follow them to the end. It may not be worth the effort to everyone, but I do recommend it for the main story and characters. The historical accuracy was impressive, and the character development was top notch.
November 3, 2022
ADULT Medieval🏰 Knight's🐺💪🗡🐎 Romance💕
The Lord of Winter is called that because of his hard demeanor and scorched earth policy during battles. He fights for the rightful King Arthur👑 against King Henry👑.
I got this ebook from Amazon with📚 KU.
There were some parts of this book, especially near the end that were ludicrous and not believable. Knight's don't leave their weapons behind especially during a conflict!
The Lord of Winter is called that because of his hard demeanor and scorched earth policy during battles. He fights for the rightful King Arthur👑 against King Henry👑.
I got this ebook from Amazon with📚 KU.
There were some parts of this book, especially near the end that were ludicrous and not believable. Knight's don't leave their weapons behind especially during a conflict!
June 5, 2020
Another Great and Unique Story
I really liked this story because it is such a different type of romance with a strong female character and a strong male character who can’t bring himself to say those three little words that mean so much: I love you.
I really liked this story because it is such a different type of romance with a strong female character and a strong male character who can’t bring himself to say those three little words that mean so much: I love you.
July 30, 2024
A soft 4. Very very repetitious . Overloaded with Macho characters who are probably galloping into their own books even as I type. But it was a decent story so a soft 4 ( or 3.5) it is. However the rest of the series is safe from me.
You can add a star if teenage girls(19) in love with men old enough to be their father(39) are your thing.
You can add a star if teenage girls(19) in love with men old enough to be their father(39) are your thing.
Read
April 5, 20175.0/5.0
Read full review in the 2017 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2017 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 1, 2017
What a tumultuous beginning the two main characters, Sir Juston de Royans and Lady Emera la Marche had. Sir Juston, having laid siege to the castle where Lady Emera was living with her sister, Lady Jessamyn de la Roarke (the sieged castle's garrison commander's wife), was the conquering hero and quite brutal and cold in his treatment of Lady Emera and her sister. Sir Juston demanded Lady Emera, as his prisoner, to "service" him. For the past two years, Lady Emera had successfully eluded the unwanted advances of her sister's husband and was certainly not going to give in now. As a result, Sir Juston has his trusted commander Sir Christopher de Lohr ("Rise of the Defender") throw her in the vault. And, so the story of a emotionally detached warlord and a stubborn, lonely lady begins.
Sir Juston de Royans, Lord of Winter, was an older, seasoned warlord whose wife and two small daughters had been murdered years before. As a result, he totally disregarded any sentiment and/or emotions and became a cold-hearted individual. He was accustomed to commanding men and having them fulfill all his wants and desires. Those wants and desires also pertained to women, either having them cowering or willingly. He demanded women to come to him and they did. In Juston's mind, when he gave a command to a prisoner, man OR woman, that prisoner was to obey. Simple. Sir Juston was not accustomed to anyone saying "no" or even questioning his every word. So, when he was faced with Lady Emera who not only said "no," many times, but also questioned every command and move Sir Juston made, he was furious and intrigued at the same time.
Lady Emera la Marche never had any intention of ever marrying. She was a kind, compassionate, brave but lonely woman who was just trying to survive in a world where women had very few options. She was also strong-willed, stubborn and very naive. But, she did have her principles and fought for them and herself when pressured each and every time Sir Juston would try to pressure her to "service" him.
There were some very humorous moments in this book where I laughed out loud, despite the dire circumstances and what was trying to be done. I loved the gradual character development so you had a chance to learn what drove the two main characters. And, they were fully developed by the end of the book. I loved visiting with Christopher de Lohr ("Rise of the Defender"), David de Lohr ("Steelheart"), Marcus Burton ("Rise of the Defender") and Gart Forbes ("Archangel") as young men before they became legends in their own right. I also loved meeting the new characters which make up the "Unholy Trinity," Max, Kress and Archilles. I just KNOW there are books coming with them as lead characters. Too good to pass them up!
And, finally the story itself. It held me spellbound from the very first page. A definite page-turner, without a dull moment. Simmering passion, many memorable characters, intrigue, betrayal, battle - what more could you want? Definitely a keeper!
Sir Juston de Royans, Lord of Winter, was an older, seasoned warlord whose wife and two small daughters had been murdered years before. As a result, he totally disregarded any sentiment and/or emotions and became a cold-hearted individual. He was accustomed to commanding men and having them fulfill all his wants and desires. Those wants and desires also pertained to women, either having them cowering or willingly. He demanded women to come to him and they did. In Juston's mind, when he gave a command to a prisoner, man OR woman, that prisoner was to obey. Simple. Sir Juston was not accustomed to anyone saying "no" or even questioning his every word. So, when he was faced with Lady Emera who not only said "no," many times, but also questioned every command and move Sir Juston made, he was furious and intrigued at the same time.
Lady Emera la Marche never had any intention of ever marrying. She was a kind, compassionate, brave but lonely woman who was just trying to survive in a world where women had very few options. She was also strong-willed, stubborn and very naive. But, she did have her principles and fought for them and herself when pressured each and every time Sir Juston would try to pressure her to "service" him.
There were some very humorous moments in this book where I laughed out loud, despite the dire circumstances and what was trying to be done. I loved the gradual character development so you had a chance to learn what drove the two main characters. And, they were fully developed by the end of the book. I loved visiting with Christopher de Lohr ("Rise of the Defender"), David de Lohr ("Steelheart"), Marcus Burton ("Rise of the Defender") and Gart Forbes ("Archangel") as young men before they became legends in their own right. I also loved meeting the new characters which make up the "Unholy Trinity," Max, Kress and Archilles. I just KNOW there are books coming with them as lead characters. Too good to pass them up!
And, finally the story itself. It held me spellbound from the very first page. A definite page-turner, without a dull moment. Simmering passion, many memorable characters, intrigue, betrayal, battle - what more could you want? Definitely a keeper!
December 31, 2016
Cold Temperatures Prepare to Thaw
Deserves more than 5 Stars! Kathryn Le Veque makes Medieval Romance captivating and spectacular! Lord of Winter will grab at your heart from the Prologue to the Epilogue.
The storytelling is intriguing. It is not just about the romance, it is also about the loyalty and brotherhood of a band of courageous English Knights who serve Sir Juston de Royan. He is Richard the Lionheart's Lord of Winter. He is a knight who has worked hard for his reputation and titles. He is also a man who has suffered tremendously with a loss that cuts deep. His loyal knights have witnessed his suffering but admire their Commander who has had to continue on. These knights would lay their lives down for one another.
On a siege, Sir Juston de Royan meets an intriguing and courageous Raven haired woman who refuses to bend to his will. Lady Emera la Marche, a woman who is as stubborn as she is beautiful. She just might be the one to melt de Royan's frozen heart.
This author weaves tragedy, edge of your seat battles, brotherhood, love, passion and laugh out loud moments to create a wonderful story that will keep you intrigued and turning the pages.
In this story, we see a much younger Christopher de Lohr, David de Lohr, Marcus Burton, Gart Forbes and Erik de Russe. We also meet for the first time The Unholy Trinity - Maxton Loxbeare, Kress de Rhydian and Achilles de Dere.
This is a story that I truly enjoyed
Deserves more than 5 Stars! Kathryn Le Veque makes Medieval Romance captivating and spectacular! Lord of Winter will grab at your heart from the Prologue to the Epilogue.
The storytelling is intriguing. It is not just about the romance, it is also about the loyalty and brotherhood of a band of courageous English Knights who serve Sir Juston de Royan. He is Richard the Lionheart's Lord of Winter. He is a knight who has worked hard for his reputation and titles. He is also a man who has suffered tremendously with a loss that cuts deep. His loyal knights have witnessed his suffering but admire their Commander who has had to continue on. These knights would lay their lives down for one another.
On a siege, Sir Juston de Royan meets an intriguing and courageous Raven haired woman who refuses to bend to his will. Lady Emera la Marche, a woman who is as stubborn as she is beautiful. She just might be the one to melt de Royan's frozen heart.
This author weaves tragedy, edge of your seat battles, brotherhood, love, passion and laugh out loud moments to create a wonderful story that will keep you intrigued and turning the pages.
In this story, we see a much younger Christopher de Lohr, David de Lohr, Marcus Burton, Gart Forbes and Erik de Russe. We also meet for the first time The Unholy Trinity - Maxton Loxbeare, Kress de Rhydian and Achilles de Dere.
This is a story that I truly enjoyed
January 17, 2022
3.5 stars.
In truth, his heart didn’t ache for her now like it used to but there were times when he missed her and his daughters greatly. It was just easier to push it aside as time went on as he steeled himself against any kind of emotion for anyone or anything else. The Lord of Winter’s heart was a frozen thing, indeed.
“My friend has ordered warmed wine,” he said. “What else do you have for us back in the kitchen that is hot and satisfying?” It was a sexually charged question and the young woman giggled.
Good story telling and seemingly well researched, but the writing lacks finesse - clunky and amateurish with awkward use of language and over-explanation.
That said, I did enjoy the story line and the thought the MCs were handled fairly well. The abundance of detail can sometimes be tedious, making the book longer than necessary.
He simply looked at her, his frustration mounting. Why did she have to be so difficult? Why couldn’t she simply do as he asked?
Perhaps Emera had never thought to marry because she was equating marriage with unhappiness. But all of that changed last night; to actually feel something for a man – to yearn for him, to tremble at his touch – was something Emera never thought she would know. She counted herself extremely fortunate. To be married to such a man was a dream few women knew.
In truth, his heart didn’t ache for her now like it used to but there were times when he missed her and his daughters greatly. It was just easier to push it aside as time went on as he steeled himself against any kind of emotion for anyone or anything else. The Lord of Winter’s heart was a frozen thing, indeed.
“My friend has ordered warmed wine,” he said. “What else do you have for us back in the kitchen that is hot and satisfying?” It was a sexually charged question and the young woman giggled.
Good story telling and seemingly well researched, but the writing lacks finesse - clunky and amateurish with awkward use of language and over-explanation.
That said, I did enjoy the story line and the thought the MCs were handled fairly well. The abundance of detail can sometimes be tedious, making the book longer than necessary.
He simply looked at her, his frustration mounting. Why did she have to be so difficult? Why couldn’t she simply do as he asked?
Perhaps Emera had never thought to marry because she was equating marriage with unhappiness. But all of that changed last night; to actually feel something for a man – to yearn for him, to tremble at his touch – was something Emera never thought she would know. She counted herself extremely fortunate. To be married to such a man was a dream few women knew.
February 5, 2017
4.5/5.0
Another winner by a gifted author! For anyone who loves medieval knights who are larger than life and women who are strong enough to handle them and are looking for romance, romance and more romance. You just won't find any better than Kathryn LeVeque. And, Lord of Winter is the perfect example of all of the above. I was a little disappointed with the epilogue. I ached for more between the two main characters after the declaration leading up to the epilogue and during the blessed event. That was the focus of the entire story so it was odd that it ended with so much about the knights instead. Still the rest of the story was pure romance, escapist perfection!
Another winner by a gifted author! For anyone who loves medieval knights who are larger than life and women who are strong enough to handle them and are looking for romance, romance and more romance. You just won't find any better than Kathryn LeVeque. And, Lord of Winter is the perfect example of all of the above. I was a little disappointed with the epilogue. I ached for more between the two main characters after the declaration leading up to the epilogue and during the blessed event. That was the focus of the entire story so it was odd that it ended with so much about the knights instead. Still the rest of the story was pure romance, escapist perfection!
January 2, 2017
Lord of Wintet
Wow...great to see where the beginning of so many houses started from. So many LOL parts and oh wow moments. Awesome book that gives the in sight of so many of LeVeque books that leaves you thrilled. Answered so many mquestions, looking forward to the books to come after this one.
Wow...great to see where the beginning of so many houses started from. So many LOL parts and oh wow moments. Awesome book that gives the in sight of so many of LeVeque books that leaves you thrilled. Answered so many mquestions, looking forward to the books to come after this one.
January 4, 2017
GREAT, ONCE AGAIN
I just cannot get enough of these books. There was not as much romance add I would have preferred but the action, wit and comraderie in the story just barreled through.
I just cannot get enough of these books. There was not as much romance add I would have preferred but the action, wit and comraderie in the story just barreled through.
April 26, 2018
Lord of Winter, is a book part of a different series and I will say that the soft colors of the cover is what drew me into this story. This story was a bit different than what I have read perviously from this author. It definitely had a higher level of angst that I wasn’t expecting but I found myself fully enjoying this tale. It does take on some tougher topics but I was very impressed with seeing how Le Veque handled these issues that would be a really rough topic to place in a love story such as this one but like always…..I fell hard for this story and I became easily swept away in this story.
It takes place in the late 1100’s, where we are in the time of Richard the Lionheart. Our hero, Juston, is one of his most respected warriors and knights. But Juston over the years has become cold and hard. He once was in love, married with two little girls. But while fighting in France, they were murdered and Juston has never been the easy going and compassionate knight that he once was. He has turned cold and dark and only his honor and loyalty has kept his going over the years. His friends and men that serve him wonder if they will ever see the Juston they knew in the beginning.
At the beginning of the story, we see Juston and his knights along with his army, overtaking a castle. Juston fights the leader, and kills him and takes over Bowes Castle and all who are within including a lovely lady who makes him feel once again and his heart becomes alive upon meeting this woman that faces him head on and sets him straight. Emera is the sister to the chatelaine of the castle, but Emera is the real chatelaine. For two years she has had to dodge her brother in law’s sexual advances and has been miserable under his command. Now that he is dead, and a new lord has taken over, she has no problem giving her vow of loyalty. And even though Juston is cold on the surface, she senses great pain and grief, and as the truth comes to the surface, they start to connect and the intimacy grows between them.
I found myself totally immersed in this story and having a blast with this hero and heroine. I really do get a kick out of this theme and seeing such a anti hero become the good man he once was as he learns to overcome the pain of the past and embrace the happiness he can have in the present. Simply a provactive and emotionally in tuned story that keeps you on edge from beginning to end…..a romance that will knock your socks off!!
It takes place in the late 1100’s, where we are in the time of Richard the Lionheart. Our hero, Juston, is one of his most respected warriors and knights. But Juston over the years has become cold and hard. He once was in love, married with two little girls. But while fighting in France, they were murdered and Juston has never been the easy going and compassionate knight that he once was. He has turned cold and dark and only his honor and loyalty has kept his going over the years. His friends and men that serve him wonder if they will ever see the Juston they knew in the beginning.
At the beginning of the story, we see Juston and his knights along with his army, overtaking a castle. Juston fights the leader, and kills him and takes over Bowes Castle and all who are within including a lovely lady who makes him feel once again and his heart becomes alive upon meeting this woman that faces him head on and sets him straight. Emera is the sister to the chatelaine of the castle, but Emera is the real chatelaine. For two years she has had to dodge her brother in law’s sexual advances and has been miserable under his command. Now that he is dead, and a new lord has taken over, she has no problem giving her vow of loyalty. And even though Juston is cold on the surface, she senses great pain and grief, and as the truth comes to the surface, they start to connect and the intimacy grows between them.
I found myself totally immersed in this story and having a blast with this hero and heroine. I really do get a kick out of this theme and seeing such a anti hero become the good man he once was as he learns to overcome the pain of the past and embrace the happiness he can have in the present. Simply a provactive and emotionally in tuned story that keeps you on edge from beginning to end…..a romance that will knock your socks off!!
October 25, 2020
A COMPLEX BUT FULFILLING HISTORICAL ROMANCE. NOW, THIS IS THE KIND OF STORY THAT REALLY GETS INTO THE DETAILS - WAR, STRATEGIES AND ROMANCE.
JUSTON, LORD OF WINTER earned his name when his wife and two daughters perished in a fire set by the enemy while he was fighting a battle away from home. Years later, he has turned into a hardened man, one less honorable, more vindictive and not as compassionate. Truth be told, while I loved the whole captor-captive romance, I found Juston and Emera's romance lacking something vital. They had a rather admirable relationship, and one that isn't based purely on lust but more on respect and everything else a person should want to be loved for, not just their physical features and such. This story was emotionally driven, less on the desire (which I do lament, and wished there were more passionate scenes). Juston's personality change from coldhearted to a man in love was a bit too swift for my liking, but I guess it made sense? He's also a man of few words, and not prone to vocalizing his feelings. Adept at war and with a sword, but when it comes to women, he still has much to learn.
EMERA is a brave, beautiful and admirable character. Plagued by her sister's lecherous husband for 2 years, she cannot deny feeling like a trapped bird. When the Lord of the Castle perished in his battle with Juston, Emera shows that she has absolutely no loyalty to the deceased lord, in fact she's grateful for Juston for getting rid of that black, thieving scum. Emera's misplaced gratitude takes a turn when Juston turns them out of their home, and later decides to have them as chattel - Emera for his own. Emera's a lady of virtue, and I loved how she fought back with reason and calm towards a strong and supposedly ruthless man like Juston. There were two moments that made me laughed aloud, and yes, their interactions were sometimes wrought in humour. Emera's a strong character, but I felt that there was more to her than just what she already was. Sadly.
OVERALL this was a well-written romance but it lacked passion, as crazy as it sounds. I'm an avid fan of more steamy reads, so I guess this is a personal preference, but I still thought it could have been way way better if the emotions involved didn't feel like a corked bottle that didn't let loose its potential. While I enjoyed the romance, part of me felt it a little STIFF.
JUSTON, LORD OF WINTER earned his name when his wife and two daughters perished in a fire set by the enemy while he was fighting a battle away from home. Years later, he has turned into a hardened man, one less honorable, more vindictive and not as compassionate. Truth be told, while I loved the whole captor-captive romance, I found Juston and Emera's romance lacking something vital. They had a rather admirable relationship, and one that isn't based purely on lust but more on respect and everything else a person should want to be loved for, not just their physical features and such. This story was emotionally driven, less on the desire (which I do lament, and wished there were more passionate scenes). Juston's personality change from coldhearted to a man in love was a bit too swift for my liking, but I guess it made sense? He's also a man of few words, and not prone to vocalizing his feelings. Adept at war and with a sword, but when it comes to women, he still has much to learn.
EMERA is a brave, beautiful and admirable character. Plagued by her sister's lecherous husband for 2 years, she cannot deny feeling like a trapped bird. When the Lord of the Castle perished in his battle with Juston, Emera shows that she has absolutely no loyalty to the deceased lord, in fact she's grateful for Juston for getting rid of that black, thieving scum. Emera's misplaced gratitude takes a turn when Juston turns them out of their home, and later decides to have them as chattel - Emera for his own. Emera's a lady of virtue, and I loved how she fought back with reason and calm towards a strong and supposedly ruthless man like Juston. There were two moments that made me laughed aloud, and yes, their interactions were sometimes wrought in humour. Emera's a strong character, but I felt that there was more to her than just what she already was. Sadly.
OVERALL this was a well-written romance but it lacked passion, as crazy as it sounds. I'm an avid fan of more steamy reads, so I guess this is a personal preference, but I still thought it could have been way way better if the emotions involved didn't feel like a corked bottle that didn't let loose its potential. While I enjoyed the romance, part of me felt it a little STIFF.
September 24, 2019
Bagus banget ceritanya. Rumit tapi bikin gregetan gak bisa berhenti. Stockholm syndrome alias tawanan yang jatuh cinta sama orang yang nangkap dia. Kenapa kok bisa gitu?
Emera, tinggal di Bowes Castle bersama kakaknya dan kakak iparnya, Brey De la Roarke, yang kejam (beberapa kali berusaha nge-rape Emera), lalu suatu hari Bowes Castle diserang dan direbut musuh yang dipimpin Baron Juston De Royans. Brey mati dibunuh Juston dalam duel satu lawan satu. Kematian Brey membuat Emera merasa terbebaskan. Tapi seperti lolos dari mulut singa masuk mulut buaya, Emara dan kakaknya, Jessamyn, justru ditawan. Istilahnya spoils of war, awalnya Emara dan Jessamyn mau 'dikasihkan' ke pasukannya De Royan, tapi Juston malah tertarik ke Emara dan yah... melakukan hal yang bikin saya kepengen nempelengin dia. Untungnya gak terjadi hal-hal yang diinginkan karena Emera melawan dengan gigih (soalnya udah pengalaman ngelawan Brey yg beberapa kali mau nge-rape dia) 😅
Si Juston sendiri punya pengalaman pahit dimana dia berangkat ke medan perang meninggalkan anak-istri, tapi ternyata anak-istrinya malah dibunuh musuh. Ini yang bikin kepribadiannya berubah dingin seperti musim salju (winter). Sembilan tahun dia berduka kehilangan keluarga yang disayanginya dan belum kepikiran move on. Maka dari itu, pertemuan pertamanya dengan Emara membekas dan meninggalkan kesan mendalam.
Garis besar ceritanya sendiri adalah perebutan Bowes Castle. Ada battle juga tentunya, biarpun kurang banyak tapi kita masih bisa merasakan ketegangannya. Lalu tentu saja ada intrik-intrik juga karena Emera-Juston menjalin hubungan pastinya Emera dianggap traitor oleh prajurit2 De La Roarke. Tentunya nyawa Emera juga jadi terancam karena dia ga bisa masuk kubu mana pun, ibarat makan simalakama.
Overall, ceritanya bagus banget dan saya suka sekali karakterisasi hero dan heroinenya. Konfliknya biarpun ribet, tapi bacanya gak bingung kok. Dan di buku ini juga ada Maxton dkk, timelinenya sebelum buku By Unholy Hand.
Emera, tinggal di Bowes Castle bersama kakaknya dan kakak iparnya, Brey De la Roarke, yang kejam (beberapa kali berusaha nge-rape Emera), lalu suatu hari Bowes Castle diserang dan direbut musuh yang dipimpin Baron Juston De Royans. Brey mati dibunuh Juston dalam duel satu lawan satu. Kematian Brey membuat Emera merasa terbebaskan. Tapi seperti lolos dari mulut singa masuk mulut buaya, Emara dan kakaknya, Jessamyn, justru ditawan. Istilahnya spoils of war, awalnya Emara dan Jessamyn mau 'dikasihkan' ke pasukannya De Royan, tapi Juston malah tertarik ke Emara dan yah... melakukan hal yang bikin saya kepengen nempelengin dia. Untungnya gak terjadi hal-hal yang diinginkan karena Emera melawan dengan gigih (soalnya udah pengalaman ngelawan Brey yg beberapa kali mau nge-rape dia) 😅
Si Juston sendiri punya pengalaman pahit dimana dia berangkat ke medan perang meninggalkan anak-istri, tapi ternyata anak-istrinya malah dibunuh musuh. Ini yang bikin kepribadiannya berubah dingin seperti musim salju (winter). Sembilan tahun dia berduka kehilangan keluarga yang disayanginya dan belum kepikiran move on. Maka dari itu, pertemuan pertamanya dengan Emara membekas dan meninggalkan kesan mendalam.
Garis besar ceritanya sendiri adalah perebutan Bowes Castle. Ada battle juga tentunya, biarpun kurang banyak tapi kita masih bisa merasakan ketegangannya. Lalu tentu saja ada intrik-intrik juga karena Emera-Juston menjalin hubungan pastinya Emera dianggap traitor oleh prajurit2 De La Roarke. Tentunya nyawa Emera juga jadi terancam karena dia ga bisa masuk kubu mana pun, ibarat makan simalakama.
Overall, ceritanya bagus banget dan saya suka sekali karakterisasi hero dan heroinenya. Konfliknya biarpun ribet, tapi bacanya gak bingung kok. Dan di buku ini juga ada Maxton dkk, timelinenya sebelum buku By Unholy Hand.
May 16, 2017
This was a good read, surprisingly...
I liked both the hero and heroine. I enjoyed the Hero's strength and ability to defend and conquer. I really liked how the heroine was dedicated to her craft and later the hero. She was strong, and didn't need angst to show it. She genuine in her beliefs but was not whiny and annoying about it.
The romance was sweet. I liked how the author made the battles/war the problem and didn't have to create miscommunication and angst as the plot. I hate that. The secondary characters were also good.
However, there were a few cringe worthy moments. Like the fact that the hero enjoys hearing his many victories retold to him. That was off putting. It made him sound childish or a leader with no humility. The heroine starts demanding for his intentions not after the first kiss practically.
I would have enjoyed this more if there was more chemistry and character development for the couple. Her deciding to never mention her uncle was disappointing to me. I feel with so many things going on, the author missed a few things to make the main characters more memorable and stronger. There we're a few instances where the author would explain what someone meant when saying this or that. I found that unnecessary especially when it was easy to tell if something was said in sarcasm or sexual etc
None the less it was a pleasant read.
I loved the epilogue, as I do in any books. It ties things off nicely.
I liked both the hero and heroine. I enjoyed the Hero's strength and ability to defend and conquer. I really liked how the heroine was dedicated to her craft and later the hero. She was strong, and didn't need angst to show it. She genuine in her beliefs but was not whiny and annoying about it.
The romance was sweet. I liked how the author made the battles/war the problem and didn't have to create miscommunication and angst as the plot. I hate that. The secondary characters were also good.
However, there were a few cringe worthy moments. Like the fact that the hero enjoys hearing his many victories retold to him. That was off putting. It made him sound childish or a leader with no humility. The heroine starts demanding for his intentions not after the first kiss practically.
I would have enjoyed this more if there was more chemistry and character development for the couple. Her deciding to never mention her uncle was disappointing to me. I feel with so many things going on, the author missed a few things to make the main characters more memorable and stronger. There we're a few instances where the author would explain what someone meant when saying this or that. I found that unnecessary especially when it was easy to tell if something was said in sarcasm or sexual etc
None the less it was a pleasant read.
I loved the epilogue, as I do in any books. It ties things off nicely.
January 9, 2019
Sir Juston de Royans is a hardened warrior, moody, deadly, heroic but a killer. He knows what he wants and he always gets his way, but it would seem that he has met his match in the beauty that is Lady Emera. After a terrible tragedy that occurred a few years earlier, Juston has switched off to emotion and compassion, but Emera starts to help his frozen heart melt. The sexual energy and tension vibrates continuously through this dark tale, from start to finish and from the moment I started this wonderful book, I knew I was not going to be disappointed! Watching this couple's relationship unfold is very entertaining, to see the walls of protection crack and gradually crumble around Juston's heart is completely compelling. Lady Emera is a wonderful heroine, she is strong, truthful, heroic and stubborn! She has been lonely for a very long time, left to defend herself against her sister's brutal husband. But, as usual, it is Kathryn who brings this romance together in an extremely entertaining and emotional way with all the surrounding characters of Sir Kress, Sir Maxton, Sir Achilles, Sir Chris and Sir David de Lohr, Gart Forbes and Sir Erik. These wonderful characters and their camaraderie certainly enhance this great tale. I absolutely loved this from the very first page to the last!
February 3, 2019
The Thaw Of The Lord Of Winter
She lives a very controlled and unhappy life in her Brother-in-law's home. Emera has studied to be a healer and has plans to work in a hospital and wants no man in her life.
Juston De Royan ; The Lord Of Winter has other plans as he captures the Castle for Richard the Lionheart and Emera becomes a prisoner. She has more freedom and is happier as a prisoner than when she was free.
Justin and Emera find they are attracted to one another and this has never happened to her before. Justin's wife and children were murdered and he has closed his heart to everyone. His coldness has earned him the title of "The Lord Of Winter". The Thaw his Knights see in him has them suspicious of her since this has never happened before. They watch her carefully for signs of being a traitor.
While the Army is away Emera's life is in great danger and it's then he realizes he is in love with her and the thought of another loss like he suffered before is something he thinks he can't endure. A daring rescue saves her and their future together.
She lives a very controlled and unhappy life in her Brother-in-law's home. Emera has studied to be a healer and has plans to work in a hospital and wants no man in her life.
Juston De Royan ; The Lord Of Winter has other plans as he captures the Castle for Richard the Lionheart and Emera becomes a prisoner. She has more freedom and is happier as a prisoner than when she was free.
Justin and Emera find they are attracted to one another and this has never happened to her before. Justin's wife and children were murdered and he has closed his heart to everyone. His coldness has earned him the title of "The Lord Of Winter". The Thaw his Knights see in him has them suspicious of her since this has never happened before. They watch her carefully for signs of being a traitor.
While the Army is away Emera's life is in great danger and it's then he realizes he is in love with her and the thought of another loss like he suffered before is something he thinks he can't endure. A daring rescue saves her and their future together.
March 12, 2019
Just finished reading another Terrific book by Kathryn Le Veque. I love this author. She just took me on another journey full of intrigue, suspense, drama, love, humor and even a bit of history.
Then when I think I know what will happen next, again I am wrong. There will be unexpected twists and turns. You’ll never be able to figure out where this author is going in her stories.
I have every Medieval book written by Kathryn Le Veque and pre-order any new ones. I don’t want to miss anything she writes. I have read 31 so far and have many more to look forward to. I can honestly say that I have not had a duplicate plot, ending, storyline or duplicated anything. Each of her books is an individual piece of work. As with all of Kathryn Le Veque books you will not be disappointed.
Now, I will read one of this author’s newer books, By The Unholy Hand. Lord Of Winter is a Pre-Quel to The Unholy Trinity Saga. I’m so glad I read Lord of Winter first. I was introduced to the Executioner Knights and now I look forward to reading each of THEIR stories.
Then when I think I know what will happen next, again I am wrong. There will be unexpected twists and turns. You’ll never be able to figure out where this author is going in her stories.
I have every Medieval book written by Kathryn Le Veque and pre-order any new ones. I don’t want to miss anything she writes. I have read 31 so far and have many more to look forward to. I can honestly say that I have not had a duplicate plot, ending, storyline or duplicated anything. Each of her books is an individual piece of work. As with all of Kathryn Le Veque books you will not be disappointed.
Now, I will read one of this author’s newer books, By The Unholy Hand. Lord Of Winter is a Pre-Quel to The Unholy Trinity Saga. I’m so glad I read Lord of Winter first. I was introduced to the Executioner Knights and now I look forward to reading each of THEIR stories.
September 21, 2022
Juston and Emera.
Juston de Royans , the Lord of Winter was an arrogant brute who was unmatched on the battlefield for his strength and cunning. He lost his wife and 2 daughters to a murderer while he was away in a battle and then became a man with no heart. Emera, the sister-in-law to the commander of Bowes castle was there when Juston and his army took it over. He tried to force her to “service” him a few times and she refused him each time. Despite that, they began to grow close, enemy and captive. Their story is full of excitement, anxiety, deception, strong male relationships, humor, personal growth, trust, and love. I loved this book! Lots of familiar characters. Christopher and David deLohr, Marcus, Maxton, Kress, Achilles, and Gart Forbes were all young knights. Since I had already read the deLohr Dynasty and the Executioner Knights, it was nice to read about these strong men in their younger days. This is one book I may read again.
Juston de Royans , the Lord of Winter was an arrogant brute who was unmatched on the battlefield for his strength and cunning. He lost his wife and 2 daughters to a murderer while he was away in a battle and then became a man with no heart. Emera, the sister-in-law to the commander of Bowes castle was there when Juston and his army took it over. He tried to force her to “service” him a few times and she refused him each time. Despite that, they began to grow close, enemy and captive. Their story is full of excitement, anxiety, deception, strong male relationships, humor, personal growth, trust, and love. I loved this book! Lots of familiar characters. Christopher and David deLohr, Marcus, Maxton, Kress, Achilles, and Gart Forbes were all young knights. Since I had already read the deLohr Dynasty and the Executioner Knights, it was nice to read about these strong men in their younger days. This is one book I may read again.
December 29, 2023
This is a 4.52, with over 1200 ratings. I don't honestly think it's a 1, but seriously we need some balance here. I can't read this book. Another reviewer said the writing is clunky, amateurish, with over exposition. Well, yes, it is. As for the clunky writing, there will an entire paragraph of stunted sentences, seemingly with a period every few words. The next paragraph may have one long run on sentence. There is a great deal of repetition and over explanation. Once you tell me who someone,os, or what they are like, you need not repeat it over and over. In early pages we are told of the character of the brother in law. A scene with him interacting with the sisters before the battle would have been very effective at demonstrating his character as opposed to pages telling us what he was like.
Obviously many people are fine with reading novels at this skill level. This lady is making money selling it. It's just not for me.
Obviously many people are fine with reading novels at this skill level. This lady is making money selling it. It's just not for me.
June 4, 2020
William Marshall trust one of his premier knights to handle a problem brewing that involves Alice, his niece, and her new husband Covington de Wrenville a warlord to King John. His son Marius suggest his father Alice to have William Marshall under his power. Caius d’Avignon is better known as the Britannia Viper, is calm under pressure and you never know when he’s going to strike. He arrives at Castle to find a war going on between the neighboring Hawkestone Castle and Emelisse de Thorington held captive in Covington’s vault. Emelisse’s father was killed in the last battle, her brother is holdup in their castle continuing to fight for their home. This is an action packed as Caius tries to figure out the truth and Emelisse fights for her life and her family. They receive some unexpected help as they try to outsmart Covington and Marius who want to marry Emelisse and take over Hawkestone and all her riches. This is an epic story from Kathryn Le Veque!!! I have voluntarily read and reviewed this amazing story.
February 5, 2019
Although this was a good book, I did not like it as well as the others that I've read. I know that that was a violent time especially for women but I could have done without the near rape scene where he wants her to service him. I have to take a break from reading it for a couple of days because it was kind of graphically violent for my taste. That is not to say it wasn't a good book but I could have done without the graphic violence. I liked Emera and Juston's story. However, for a very intelligent military tactician, Juston was very inept at personal relationships. I don't feel by the conclusion of the story, that he learned anyting to his advantage and dealing with women. But it was an exciting read but violent. If you like graphic violence, then you will like this book.
April 27, 2021
Sir Juston De Royans is a very powerful Knight, but also because of his past a tortured one. His latest castle conquest is going to bring back emotions he thought long dead.
Lady Emera la Marche lives with her sister in the castle that is currently under siege. She is quite happy to see the end of her brother in law's rule. The conquerers can't be any worse.
This story is full of battles and our hero is a hardened warrior who shows no mercy. Our brave heroine is a healer and just wants peace.
You will meet many great Knights at the begining of their careers. England is a volatile place with the King and his son fighting for power, and various Lords on each side.
Our author draws us into the emotions of all the characters and I couldn't put the book down.
A great story.
Lady Emera la Marche lives with her sister in the castle that is currently under siege. She is quite happy to see the end of her brother in law's rule. The conquerers can't be any worse.
This story is full of battles and our hero is a hardened warrior who shows no mercy. Our brave heroine is a healer and just wants peace.
You will meet many great Knights at the begining of their careers. England is a volatile place with the King and his son fighting for power, and various Lords on each side.
Our author draws us into the emotions of all the characters and I couldn't put the book down.
A great story.
May 30, 2019
Awesome
Another magnificent book by Katherine LeVeque. The characters were so well defined you felt like you knew them for years they were personal friends and the way she writes the stories you just get into it so much that it’s like you are with them like they are friends and you just want the story to go on for ever and ever and you don’t want to generations to come it’s just so beautiful it really is it’s so enjoyable I know I read for entertainment pleasure education as well and she gives me all of that she is a well-rounded writer and I just love her books and this is another awesome book thank you
Another magnificent book by Katherine LeVeque. The characters were so well defined you felt like you knew them for years they were personal friends and the way she writes the stories you just get into it so much that it’s like you are with them like they are friends and you just want the story to go on for ever and ever and you don’t want to generations to come it’s just so beautiful it really is it’s so enjoyable I know I read for entertainment pleasure education as well and she gives me all of that she is a well-rounded writer and I just love her books and this is another awesome book thank you
September 26, 2019
Just a quick note. Loved the intense emotions/ actions in this book, but...
March 20, 2020
Wholly entertaining
It's worth it. The characters are so we'll written you remember them and want to find out their own stories. This written makes you interested in pretty much everyone in her story. No over the top nothing, both the heroine and hero are believable and realistic to the times they live in, and you still grow to like them, even if a bit rough at the beginning. And this makes sense because of the times. The women are strong without sounding too modern and out of place, strong and balanced. Her characters grow and evolve at a great pace and once more, it's convincing. Anyways, I love her stories.
It's worth it. The characters are so we'll written you remember them and want to find out their own stories. This written makes you interested in pretty much everyone in her story. No over the top nothing, both the heroine and hero are believable and realistic to the times they live in, and you still grow to like them, even if a bit rough at the beginning. And this makes sense because of the times. The women are strong without sounding too modern and out of place, strong and balanced. Her characters grow and evolve at a great pace and once more, it's convincing. Anyways, I love her stories.
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