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 … 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?
WARNING: Lance Wayland is a dreamier than usual historical hero who may steal your heart. If you have a weakness for sexy blacksmiths, proceed with caution.
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This is the first book in a new series by Cecelia Mecca and if you are already a fan, it certainly lives up to what we have come to expect from her stories. If you have never read one of her books, this is a good place to start, you won’t be disappointed.
I have been anxiously awaiting this book since Cecelia announced the new series. This book has both romance and intrigue. Set in a time where even an innocent remark against the King can result in the loss of your freedom or worse life to actually try and thwart the Kings actions is treason. A group of men are trying to stop the Kings tyranny and must garner support in order to do so. Each is tasked with obtaining the support of a particular noble. I thoroughly enjoyed the Blacksmiths journey in his task. There is chemistry and sizzle between the characters. There are bonds of brotherhood that far exceed mere friendship. There is romance, and it is HOT. There is intrigue that will keep you from putting the book down!
Every part of this book pulls you in until you have read each word! All wonderfully in-depth characters. Who I easily fell in love with. They are strong and brave as well as soft and vulnerable. Great friendships that will last a life time.
The beginning of a series I can not wait to read more of.
Adoring the start to this new series!
Lance Wayland is a master blacksmith with some emotional baggage and one of the four members of the Order of the Broken Blade. The order has a mission concerning the King. Therefore, it must be kept discreet since they are committing treason.
Lady Idalia is the strong, intelligent, underestimated daughter of the Earl of Stanton. The Earl is needed as any ally to further the Order of the Broken Blade’s purpose. But it seems Lance is more drawn to Idalia than the mission, which could prove disastrous for the order.
The book has a well written, engaging story line with steamy, romantic scenes intertwined into it. It speaks to the political, social, and gender injustices of the time period that still unfortunately hold true today. My “I got to have more” moment was at the end when she told the story of how the order was created. I am looking forward to Guy the mercenary’s story but also excited to see what happens with the other members of the order and their mission.
I have been anxiously awaiting this new series and now that I’ve read the first book, I’m completely hooked! Who knew that a blacksmith could be so darn sexy??? This story introduces us to the Order of the Broken Blade whose main purpose is to stop King John from abusing his power. I really loved the explanation of how that name for the group came about.
Most of this story takes place at Stanton Castle where Lance is the new blacksmith. When he meets Idalia, the earl’s daughter, it’s instant attraction and even though they know nothing can come of it, they just can’t resist each other! Every time they meet, the sparks fly and oh boy, does this author know how to write those scenes!! Lance wishes he could tell Idalia the true reason he’s there but he must do everything to protect the order.
The whole story flowed so smoothly and everything was described so beautifully, I could just picture it all in my mind….the village, the market, the tower room, the blacksmith shop, etc. I really was brought into their world and enjoyed every minute of it!! I now look forward to the next books in this exciting series:)
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.