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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Let me start by saying that all books I’ve read by Cecelia Mecca have never left me disappointed, and this new series is going to be stellar!
THE BLACKSMITH is truly exceptional in its depth given to its characters and settings. Lance Wayland is a knight but a master blacksmith. I could feel the heat of the forge as Lance works the steel as described by the aurhor.
The ORDER OF THE BROKEN BLADE is formed by lance and his friends, Guy, Terric and Conrad. Their mission , to gather enough support from those lords who will stand and fight King John. Treason, for sure if they are caught. Lance is sent to Stanton Castle in this quest for support against the king….enter the daughter of this Lord, and it’s sparks flying immediately from mutual the attraction …
Want more??? Read this book and be swept away …LOVE IT,CECELIA MECCA!!! And i cant wait for the next book!
Cecelia Mecca
*I recieved an ARC of this book and this is my review honestly and freely given*
The Blacksmith, by Cecelia Mecca. This was a sweet book to read. I loved the romance between Lance and Idalia. I found it to be very romantic, a bit naughty and very steamy. I liked that the writer really took the time to go into the details of the love affair between the two. As swept as I was about the romantic parts of the book the plot to the story feel it hindered the enjoyment of the book. It worked against the entertainment and the suspense of the book.
1st of a series. I loved the way the characters for the upcoming books were interwoven
And had read the 2nd book as well. It only gets better.
No ending
Great story line.
Forbidden romance is always entertaining to me, and I loved this one. Lance is certainly handsome and dreamy, and I love the undeniable attraction he has to Idalia and her to him. This is a romantic story and a great introduction to the series. I plan to read them all!
More than a blacksmith.
When four men who have known each other since youth become the beginning of a rebellion, it only forms a stronger bond between them.
Lance is a master blacksmith and travels to Stanton to observe the Earl hoping he will join their cause against King John. Totally unexpected was meeting the Earl’s daughter, Idalia. When their physical attraction becomes more, what hope can they have to be together, until fate steps in. A truly romantic love story. Looking forward to reading THE MERCENARY.
I was on the fence about giving this new series a try. Historical fiction was never my thing. However, I did enjoy Cecilia Mecca ‘s paranormal series, so decide to give this one a shot. The court entrigue, characters, and overall motivation behind some of the character ‘s actions has convinced me to test the waters a bit with this sub category of the romance genre. Cecilia Mecca really knows how to make the reader feel like their in the story. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for the others members of the order.
He has a mission. She has many responsibilities and few choices. Love complicates his plans.
I very much enjoyed this well written romance. The characters have great chemistry. The story has a good mix of romance and intrigue and takes on some important societal issues of the era. I look forward to reading more about the other characters.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
During the Thirteenth Centure King James was taxing his kingdom into ruin all in a bid to win his never ending war with France these were dark days for the people under King James’s rule people were struggling not just from outrageous taxes but cruel laws. But The Order of The Blade will rise up and make plans in the shadows they will need more men and money to finance them and if the are cought they will be considered treasonous and face a horrible death.
Lance Wayland the son of a master Blacksmith has been entrusted by the order to use his skills and gather information about the Earl of Stanton and see if he would be favorable to there cause if he can only stay away from his lovely daughter Idalia she is a distraction he is not sure he can trust her with his secrets and his friends at the Order think he can use Idalia to get what they want can he betray the women he wants and loves or is the cause lost.
Idalia knows what her station in life means merry well for political advantage she will never be allowed to pursue a mere blacksmith but each day is harder to ignore there attraction what will she do. There is a very dangerous game being played will love win.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Lance Wayland has just become the new master smith at Stanton Castle with the goal of getting the Earl of Stanton to support the newly formed Order of the Broken Blade’s mission of bringing the King’s order to heel from his many extorting ways of taking from the people. Small problem though, Lance can’t seem to stay away from the Earl’s daughter, Lady Idalia.
Lady Idalia has taken on the responsibility of running Stanton Castle due to her mother’s unknown illness and when Master Lance sets up shop she can’t seem to stay away but also knows that her father will never allow her to marry just a smith.
I can’t begin to say how much I loved this book! I loved the complex characters and can’t wait to see where the next book will take us in this intriguing journey of treason and a brotherhood that was forged many years ago but has transformed into an unbroken bond out of loyalty and love for each other.
This book was gifted to me and I am thrilled to leave this review!!!
King John’s arrogance and greed are bankrupting the country and causing hardship and discontent with most of the people. Four friends – an Earl, a Baron’s son, a mercenary, and a master blacksmith – band together to form The Order of the Broken Blade. (The significance of this title is explained in the story) Their mission is not to dethrone King John, but to force the King to end his extravagance and his harsh dealings with his subjects. They realize that, if caught, this could be considered treason. This first book of the series is about the blacksmith, who is sent to be master blacksmith at Stanton Keep. His real mission there is to surreptitiously find out if the Earl would be willing to support their cause. He stumbles upon one big problem – the Earl’s entrancing daughter. I love the way the Ms. Mecca gets you into the minds of the characters, and gets you caught up in the story I received an ARC of this book.
This is a great start to a new series. The author delivers an intriguing and realistic story that captured and held me from start to finish. She brings a multitude of supporting characters along with Idalia and Lance who have a strong connection and hot chemistry but a forbidden romance. She brings you back in time with her descriptive writing and vividly painted scenes. It’s an action packed story,moves fluidly and I loved reading. I’m looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Cecelia Mecca has a new series! Woot! If you’ve yet to check out this author, then jump on over to the nearest book site to grab yourself some books—as in several.
“‘The Order of the Broken Blade.’ A perfect name. A symbol of the abuse of power that can accompany a man who believes his rule divine.” And anyone familiar with the rule of King John will understand. Back to Northumbria we go in the year, 1214, where we meet a small group of men fed up with King John and wanting to make a change. A very big change. A treasonous change. *cues mood music and gets comfy to read*
Likes: I loved the world building. Having read everything Ms. Mecca has published, thus far, I knew I was in for a treat. The imagery and characters were well-crafted. Lance was hawt! and his oh-so-sweet words to Idalia would have me sit up straight and take notice before promptly swooning. Lady Idalia was the right mix of everything you’d want in a female lead. The introductions to the secondary characters already have me wondering what their stories will be. Of course, there’s the series arch, which will encompass all the future stories. Then there’s the romance, which was all sorts of melty.
“Knight or blacksmith, earl or mercenary . . . none of their titles, or lack thereof, would matter if they were exposed as traitors to the crown.” “The Blacksmith” is the first book in The Order of the Broken Blade and I can’t wait to find out what’s next.
Fascinating Story of an Earlier Time!!
Four men create the Order of the Broken Blade. A symbol of the abuse of power that can accompany a man who believes his rule divine. If they are found out – it is treason.
The journey to gain support results in a relationship with the possible supporter’s daughter. Will he risk his goal for love, or lose his love for kin and country? You are transported back to a time of castles and knights, of horses and war. A wonderful start to this series, can’t wait for more!!
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
“The Blacksmith” is the first novel in Ms. Mecca’s new Order of the Broken Blade series and as all of her books it is a well written and an amazing story. I have never read a novel by Ms, Mecca that I did not absolutely enjoy. Ms. Mecca is an amazing author and talented storyteller. The storyline is a blend of romance with political intrigue and historical detail. The main characters Lance and Lady Idalia are multi-faceted, engaging and have great chemistry. Lance is a kind, protective and swoon worthy hero who is torn between his assigned duty to the cause and his growing affection for an Earl’s daughter. Lady Idalia is drawn to her blacksmith and is a strong willed heroine who is dedicated to her ill mother and castle. I really loved Lady Tilly, Idalia’s teenage sister who always found a way to give Lance and his “Sun” time together. I was captivated with this story from the first chapter and stayed that way until the end. This first book is a wonderful start to Ms. Mecca’s new series and a novel that I highly recommend.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from the author. It was a pleasure to give my honest opinion about the book.
In becoming the new master smith of Stanton Castle, Lance Wayland has an ulterior motive. He and his three closest friends have just formed the Order of the Broken Blade, dedicated to curbing King John’s despotic power and easing the taxes that are choking England. The Order can get money and men from the Earl of Stanton, Lance just has to keep himself from being distracted by the earl’s daughter.
Lady Idalia knows she’d never be permitted to marry a blacksmith, but Lance is the most handsome man she’s ever set eyes on. She’s under a lot of pressure running the castle and coping with her mother’s worsening illness and interactions with Lance are a welcome respite. Despite all the reasons they shouldn’t be together, a fierce bond develops between Idalia and Lance the more time they spend in one another’s company and each must decide what is worth risking for love.
I love love loved this book! I think this is some of Cecelia’s best writing yet. Swoonworthy, brooding hero. A heroine with some good sense (the kind that has been so uncommon in heroines I’ve read recently). An interesting overarching plot. A brotherhood of strong men with an unbreakable bond. This promises to be an amazing series and I can’t wait for more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed and advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What a way to explode into a series! A hunky blacksmith whom you adore from the onset and instantly find him worthy of a noble’s daughter! Every time this author has a new release, I dump my current book to read it!
This is a story of forbidden love where a blacksmith is attracted to the earl’s daughter. The one Lance currently works for, not to mention the fact that he’s on a mission that’s bigger than any of them. Idalia immediately catches his eye and from that first moment steals his thoughts and finds her way into his heart. A man who rarely smiles finds himself longing to do so, because of her. But he has to focus on his mission, the “Order of the Broken Blade” are depending on him.
Idalia has taken on her mother’s tasks of running the castle while she’s ill in bed. She doesn’t mind the work and only wishes her father would notice her worth. And the new blacksmith has certainly caught her eye and she’s addicted to the way she feels when in his presence. But their love could never be, her father would never approve. As a noble’s daughter she’s destined to marry for some gain in a man’s world, but she yearns to marry for love.
FAVORITE LINE IN THE BOOK: That smile could chase away demons, of which he had many.
The reader will find out the meaning behind the mission’s title in the end and since I’m not one to disclose spoilers, you’ll have to read it for yourself to find out. I was gifted with an ARC and am happy to post a review for this story. An excellent beginning to a new series!
Lance is a blacksmith who’s undercover trying to recruit an Earl’s support to go against the king. Idalia is the Earl’s daughter and Lance is instantly attracted to her but can not let her know the real reason he is there. The connection between the two continues to grow as time goes by and Lance feels guilty that he is lying to her. He is trying to fit in with the clan as their new blacksmith and is happier then he has been in a long time. Idalia is busy running the keep while her mother is sick and her feelings for Lance continues to grow as she helps him fit in. She knows her father would never approve of their romance but she can’t seem to stay away. He has concerns of his own not knowing how Idalia will react when she learns the truth about why he is there.
I have been looking forward to this new series and it did not disappoint me. Both of these characters have a strong personality and will fight for what they want. I love reading about the historical details of that time. The next story in this series cannot come soon enough.
I received a copy and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion.
What a wonderful start to this new series. The Order of the Broken Blade looks to be a great series. 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. I loved this story and look forward to reading more about the other members of the Order.