Conrad Saint-Clair, Earl of Licheford, may have started a rebellion against the king, but he is powerless against the woman he loved and lost.The Order of the Broken Blade finally has the support it needs to succeed, to curb King John’s outrageous behavior, or so Conrad hopes. They have waited all winter for the king to respond to their demands. With their rebellion on the cusp of success—or … the cusp of success—or utter failure—the last thing on Conrad’s mind is romance. Which is why he is completely blindsided when the only woman he’s ever loved, his friend’s sister, shows up on his doorstep.
Years ago, Cait Kennaugh was brutally attacked by a king’s man at the Tournament of the North. Her brother Terric and three other young men banded together to save her.
Conrad, then a handsome earl’s son, wielded the sword that killed her attacker.
A bond formed between the boys that day, one that culminated in their rebellious order, but it wasn’t the only connection forged by the traumatic experience. Cait and Conrad began corresponding, unbeknownst to her brother, opening their hearts to each other in their letters—until Cait stopped writing.
Fear drove Cait from the man she loves, and she’s desperate to reclaim him.
But will the earl risk opening his heart to her again, while his rebellion hangs in the balance?
WARNING: Conrad and Cait’s second chance at love story will melt your heat. If you have a weakness for second chance romance, proceed with caution.
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As always , Cecelia Mecca delivers!
This book, the final in the THE ORDED OF THE BROKEN BLADE ,brings our final man into focus. Conrad and his lady love , Terric’s sister , Cait have their story told . The how , why and when explained.
So much explained, the history woven into ( and yes , im huge history buff) the time this group of men and women would have lived are exceptional.
Well done Cecilia! As always ,I’m in awe of your writing ability. To mold a cast of characters , each so diverse and compelling that as a reader, i find myself eagerly awaiting anything you put out for us to enjoy.
I was given an arc of this book and it was my pleasure to read and give my review freely and unbiased.
Cecelia Mecca
Conrad Saint-Clair, Earl of Licheford, is shocked when Lady Cait rides through his gate with her brother. He has not seen her but the one time she came with her family to the Tournament of the North and was saved by four young teenagers from a rape attempt by a king’s man. Conrad’s broken blade was the instrument that he used to kill the man. The four became close friends and now have formed The Order of the Broken Blade to lead the rebellion against evil King John. Along with 20 other barons they have presented their demands and now wait Spring to force the King to deal with them. Now when he has this rebellion to co-ordinate, 14 years after he last saw Kate and fell in love with her, she finally comes to him. This book tells how he manages to act honorably while leading a rebellion and romancing his woman. A great story leading to the signing of the Magna Carta in 1212.
After the nerve-racking winter-long wait it seems the Order of the Broken Blade finally has the support it needs to curb the power of the tyrannical King John. Conrad St. Clair, the Earl of Licheford, must keep his focus on their rebellion, but that becomes much more difficult when the only woman he’s ever loved, and the sister of his best friend, arrives unexpectedly at his castle.
Lady Cait Kennaugh was attacked by one of the king’s men at a tournament years ago and saved by her brother and his three friends, but it was Conrad who ultimately dealt the killing blow to her attacker. Cait and Conrad began a secret correspondence shortly thereafter and forged a strong bond through their letters, until Cait’s guilt got the better of her and she stopped writing, believing herself unworthy of Conrad.
Now Cait hopes to overcome her fear and guilt and rekindle her connection with Conrad, but he may not be willing to risk his heart again, especially with his rebellion on the line.
First off, I loved this book and I’d give it 10 stars if I could.
A past has been briefly teased between Cait and Conrad earlier in the series and I was so hoping they’d wind up together, but I didn’t expect them to have grown so close. Cait had old scars she was still dealing with and feelings of guilt that kept her pushing Conrad away, believing herself a bit unworthy. Conrad was still coming to terms with filling his parents’ shoes and very vulnerable, afraid to put his heart on the line and have it broken again. I loved that Cait realized the power she had, found her strength, and went after the man she knew she belonged with. For his part, Conrad didn’t try to deny that they belonged together, even if he did make Cait sweat a bit. He was so sweet and vulnerable, while also being such an honorable man’s man. He was perfect hero material and these two made an excellent couple. I loved not only Cait and Conrad’s chemistry together, but also seeing the bond between all the members of the Order and their wives.
This has been one of my favorite series and I’m sad to see it end, but what a perfect ending it was and such an interesting part of history to dive into. This book and its characters were fantastic and it’s just in time to be one of my favorite reads of 2019.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have mixed reactions. I felt it was appropriate that the happily ever after for England as a whole was represented by Cait and Conrad’s journey of grief, regret, and forgiveness. The two players that started it all really had their share of hard times. They deserved to have their stories told.
Cait and Conrad’s understanding of each other’s differences and similarities as a result of their maturity was a ride worth witnessing. They both had to accept that the characteristics that frustrated them about the other were a central part of what allowed them to blossom into the people they are now as grown adults.
That being said, I expected to experience more sparks between Cait and Conrad given their history and the circumstances surrounding it. While there was teasing from both parties, it lacked that extra heat that I thought would be there. I’m not saying the writing was bad. It just felt like the writer was holding back. Cait and Conrad’s story had the potential to be something intense and powerful. Instead, it was restricted to the status quo of an ordinary star crossed lover’s trope. Just without the feuding families. Again, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Cait and Conrad were both well-rounded and intriguing characters to learn about. I just felt that that writing style didn’t really do Cait and Conrad’s road to true recovery justice.
Despite these issues, I enjoyed the overall interaction each couple of the series went through to get where they are now. It was really engrossing to watch as they fought on and off the battlefield to learn who they truly were as people; looking forward to the next project.
This latest book brings the suspense, drama, intrigue and romance that has kept me invested in the series. Conrad and Cait must traverse a path fraught with impediments before they can claim their HEA. I suggest reading the series in order for maximum enjoyment.
OH how I just loved Conrad and Cait’s story!!! The Earl by Cecelia Mecca is book 4 in the Order of the Broken Blade series and what a series this has been. This medieval story is one of the best I have read. Cecelia has such an amazing writing talent and her stories are just so original that I can not say enough about them and The Earl does not disappoint. You fall in just love with her characters. Though in a series you can read The Earl as a standalone but I highly recommend you read the whole series to get the full story… you won’t be disappointed that you did. This is truly Cecelia Mecca at her best. This story has an attempted rape, a brotherhood, new friendships, protection, confused emotions, heartbreak, misunderstandings, a stand against a cruel king, a long time love affair, secrets, schemes and a second chance at love. You must read this book and series. It’s the best!!
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
I have enjoyed the series. Conrad and Cait are the final story in the series. They have had a tough battle to find their way together. I was happy to see them get their happy ending as a conclusion to the series. I recommend reading the whole series in order and enjoying the other romances as well.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
Just like every book in this series I absolutely loved this book. The chemistry between the characters and the storyline itself were so engaging. I could not put this book down and would recommend it to anyone who loves historical romances! Can’t wait to read more from this author!
I loved this book and the way Cecelia Mecca tells of a romance between Cait and Conner and a second chance at love. Full of suspense and intrigue, time will stop for you until the last page is turned. It can be a stand alone book or can be the conclusion to the series, “The Order of the Broken Blade.”
You will not be sorry for buying this book and trusting that the author has a wonderful story to tell you about love, intrigue and second chances.
The final book, the march on London we’ve all been waiting for….happens in this book. The birth of the Magna Carta and the brotherhood known as “The Order of the Broken Blade”….both epic and monumental in their own rights.
The story of Cait and Conrad. The hero that saved her from an awful fate along that river years prior where four young men forged a brotherhood to stand together. An Order so strong, it gained the followers of many barons and clerics along the way. A movement so powerful, it forced a king to take pause and listen.
This story shows you the steps leading up to the gathering of forces prepared to march into London to force the king’s ear to listen to their pleas. To change the injustice that was happening and bring about a brighter future for all. Amidst all this, is a beautiful love story this author has woven into a piece of history. One that deserved a tapestry depicting their story on Conrad’s solar wall.
It may have been Cait who Conrad saved on that day, but in turn it would be her that saves his. A connection between two people too strong to ignore, too powerful to set aside, too spellbinding to forget.
FAVORITE LINES: She’d come back into his life with all the force of an explosion, her sole purpose to drive him mad, apparently. The way she was looking at him now, as if he were a particularly fine morsel on her plate…
My favorite part of the book was at the end when Lance called a meeting of the Order. What he did was unexpected, but so meaningful, it brought the whole series full circle for me. It was an ending to their cause….but a new beginning for the Order. A group that would stand strong together to the end of time. Outstanding series, it comes with my highest recommendation. I was gifted with an ARC and proudly post a review for such a colossal read.
Incredible conclusion!
All of the books in this series are filled with characters that are very lovable! That is one of the reasons it makes it bitter sweet to say goodbye with this final book. The power of the connection between the men and what they stand for is inspiring. Their conviction evident throughout the series. The romance that develops between Cait and Conrad is breathtaking. Their longing for each other began from a very young age. To feel like you have lost someone who was never really yours. Another triumphant series!
Cecelia Mecca brings this extraordinary story/series to an epic conclusion brilliantly. It is no wonder it’s a #1 Bestseller! I’ve loved every minute of it and with each story it just gets better and better. The entire series is a MUST read for anyone who loves historical romance. Cecelia does a fantastic job of weaving the historical events with a beautiful, emotional, love story that is sure to take your breath away.
Conrad St. Clair, the Earl of Licheford and leader of The Broken Blade is the perfect, most noble of heroes. Cait Kennaugh, sister to Terric inadvertently brought the the four young men together years ago when they banded together to save he from rape. Though she fell in love with Conrad while exchanging letters she eventually quit writing due to fear of not being good enough for him. It was wonderful to see her gather the courage to overcome her fears and and fight for their love. Their chemistry is off the charts.:
Cecelia’s characters are captivating and amazing! Her dialogue is just fantastic, her imagery is so realistic you can’t help but imagine yourself there and part of the story and the storyline itself, is simply fascinating. The romance and love story is both breathtaking and sigh worthy.
Bravo Cecilia, you continually outdo yourself! Your talent truly knows no bounds. Cecelia, thank you for transporting me through time to experience such an exciting historical event and the love stories of the Broken Blade through your incredible writing!
This is the fourth and final book in the Order of the Broken Blade series. The author once again brings strong,well developed characters and takes them on an action packed journey. She does a great job developing the story and moving it at a steady pace, bringing it to life with her detailed scenes. The relationship between Cait and Conrad is strong and I enjoyed reading their story. I loved this book / series and highly recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
The Earl: A Second Chance Medieval Romance (Order of the Broken Blade Book 4) by Cecelia Mecca 5 Stars isn’t justice for this fantastic heartwarming story! The story is set in 1215 in the Scottish and English Borderlands.
Conrad has loved only one woman, and lost her. He will never marry or love anyone else. Cait stopped writing Conrad even though they both confessed their undying love for each other. But, she’s not going to hide or be afraid anymore. She desperately wants a second chance, even if he won’t forgive her, she has to try before he leaves for war and the reckoning with the corrupt King himself. I enjoyed watching Conrad and Cait’s emotional ride through their heartbreak and angst to a simmering passion held in check only by a thread of Conrad’s control and honor. But, that doesn’t deter the saucy Cait from trying Conrad’s resolve from doing the right thing, and to keep his best friend, her brother, from killing him if he didn’t.
The storyline is engaging, expertly written and executed bringing the story and it’s memorable characters to life. Fast paced with action, danger, twist and turns, and a hot romance that is worth the wait! I can’t say enough good about this book and the other books in this series. They are on my best reads list. This is the fourth and technically the last book in the series, although, I’m hoping for another option.
Happy Reading
Adult Content: Steamy explicit open bedroom scenes (4-5 flames).
An amazing book. The series as a whole is absolutely wonderful. Highly recommend this book and the series.
This is such an awesome book. Conrad and Cait have so much chemistry. I loved the suspense, twists, drama, and so much passion. I couldn’t put it down. I so enjoyed reading about the couples in the previous books. Such a great series, I highly recommend every one of the books. Though I do think this is my favorite.
If you’ve been following the stories in The Order of the Broken Blade, then you’re as excited as I was to find out that Cecelia Mecca has published the final book in this series, “The Earl”. In it, we FINALLY get Conrad’s story as he and Cait’s, Terric’s (from The Scot) sister, story and it is everything you could imagine and more. Sadly, this is also the final story in The Order of the Broken Blade, and it goes out on a high note. Not only do we see Conrad and Cait navigating their way around each other and finally, to each other; we also get the conclusion of The Order’s pledge to stop King John. Lovers of English history will enjoy all the details Ms Mecca puts into this fictionalized version of the Articles of the Barons. Likes: As with all the stories in this series, both Conrad and Cait are strong, independent, and incredibly likeable characters. Their chemistry together is both entertaining and hawt. Since this is the last book, we also get more of our favorite knights and their wives to help round out this enjoyable read. Lovers of historical romance will enjoy this series, which I recommend be read in order to fully immerse yourself in the thirteenth century.
I adored the conclusion to the Broken Blade series!
I was anxiously awaiting this book and it did not disappoint. The 4th book is about Cait and Conrad’s relationship and the final events that occur between the Order of the Broken Blade and King John.
When Cait Kennaugh shows up at Licheford Castle, Conrad, the Earl of Licheford, is surprised by her appearance. The sparks fly between them and don’t stop. Even though they are only looking at each other from a distance everyone notices. Both of their hearts are broken but if they can just have a decent conversation all could possibly be as it once was or even better. But there is a lot going on and it is hard for them to get resolution before the men need to leave for London to force King John to respond to their uprising.
I tried to savor this book as much as I could knowing it was the last in the series. My heart ached for both Cait and Conrad. It was hard to see the guilt that Cait carried with her after the event that brought the 4 men together and how that kept her and Conrad apart. It was so exciting to see all 4 men and all 4 women get their HEAs and what Lance does at the end just ties the story up in a perfect bow. It was a powerful and fitting resolution. I also love how history was brought into the story. I read all the historical points made at the end of the book and I have not read what comes after the “book” to the end in a very long time. I was given an ARC of this book and chose to post my review.
This is the wonderful conclusion to the Broken Blade series. Cait finally brings herself to be able to go to Conrad and admit her feelings and after she forces her presence on him as he is marching to take London he admits he has never stopped loving her. This book was gifted to me and I was so excited to leave this review!! I can’t recommend this series enough!!!
The rebellion is coming to close to ending as Conrad St. Clair, the Earl of Licheford and his three friends of the Order of the Blade to bring King John to heal. He doesn’t need any distractions, they are so close, when the only woman he’s ever loved Cait Kennaugh shows up unexpectedly with her brother Terric. Years ago Cait was brutally attacked by a king’s man at the Tournament of the North. Terric and three other young men banded together to save her and Conrad was the one who delivered the death blow to her attacker.
For years Cait and Conrad began a secret correspondence shortly thereafter and forged a strong bond through their letters, until the guilt Cait felt got the better of her and she stopped writing. Conrad never knew why she stopped writing, did she still love him. Eventually he went on with his life wondering what happened to the young woman he loved. Caitlyn showing up now is a distraction he does not need. Why is she here? Does she still love me? Caitlyn realizes her mistake and her guilt over the man he killed to save her and rushes to Conrad’s side to see if they still have a future for she’s never stopped loving him? A truly captivating story of romance, trust and loyalty at its best!!! An excellent story and one I voluntarily wrote a review.