A fake marriage is the last thing he wants . . . and the one thing he needs.Guy Lavallais never expected to marry. But when a nun overhears him making treasonous overtures to a bishop, she makes a shocking ultimatum: marry her or she’ll tell all.And there is plenty to tell. Guy is a member of the Order of the Broken Blade, a brotherhood of knights seeking to tame King John—or if that fails, to … to tame King John—or if that fails, to overthrow him.
If the wrong person learns his secret, Guy will die a traitor’s death.
Of course, Lady Sabine isn’t a nun at all.
She was brought to the abbey against her will, and she’ll do anything to escape. Even bribe a wickedly handsome mercenary. She tells herself the marriage doesn’t matter—it’s a temporary measure to protect her from her guardian.
Once she and Guy part ways, she’ll be free to pursue her passion. And yet, the more time she spends with the mercenary, the more he awakens other passions.
Their pretend marriage begins to feel very real, but Guy’s mission for the order soon threatens both their arrangement and their very lives.
WARNING: Guy Lavallis is a true medieval bad boy. If you have a weakness for expert swordsmen who know how to wield their weapons, proceed with caution.
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Love this new series with its plots and passion. With a King that over steps himself and one group of men that will set out to try and reign him in if nothing can be done they will take him down but in order to do anything they will need allies. And it is Guy Lovallais a Mercenary he is both arrogant and deadly but there is more to him then he shows his enemy’s and his friends. Now Guy must convince the Bishop to back there cause.
Lady Sabine de Stuteville has lost her parents and been abandoned at the abbey her guardian wants nothing to do with previding her a dowry she will become a novice a future nun if she can’t escape her fate but every attempt fails untill she hears a treasonous plot against King John now she will blackmail a menber of the Order of the Blade Guy Lavallais is not amused. Marriage Guy wants nothing less in the world he has responsibilities to his friends and members of the Order and its far to dangerous but Sabine says its only temporary just until her guardian gives and forgets about her she just needs to hide for awhile. The more time spent together leads to deeper feelings but Guy’s enemies may separate them before they can share there love for each other. I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
This book gripped me from the very beginning. I loved Sabine, she didn’t stop until she got what she wanted. What Guy thought he wanted wasn’t actually what it ended up being. I loved everything about this book stayed up past my bedtime so I could finish it. Was totally worth it.
This book spoke to me. The dynamic of the relationship between Guy and Sabine struck me in my heart. I don’t want to add a spoiler alert so that’s all about that.
This is book two and starts with a new romance. You will need to read book one to understand what the order is and what it is all about. The ending is exciting and leaves you wanting more for book three!
Excellent book!
“The Mercenary” is the second novel in Ms. Mecca’s Order of the Broken Blade series and it has all the elements I love in an historical romance. It has a wonderful storyline with an exceptional plot filled with historical detail, political intrigue, suspenseful action, treason and of course love. Take a hardened, ruthless, legendary mercenary engaged in a treasonous mission against the king add a feisty strong and independent Lady who in desperation will do anything including resorting to blackmail to escape her guardian and a forced stay in a nunnery and you have a great story. Guy and Lady Sabine are two strong, independent multi-dimensional characters in a temporary marriage. As they spend time together their relationship grows, they begin to trust each other and their bond strengthens. Ms. Mecca is an amazing storyteller and she has a special way of artfully combining historical detail and romance to create exceptional stories that entertain and delight her readers. This book is so good that it needs to be savored like a fine wine and enjoyed by other readers so I won’t give away plot specifics. If you love historical romance with some intrigue I highly recommend this author and this second book in her series. 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.
Danger, Intrigue and Sizzle are Written in these Pages!!
A brilliant journey back to the 1200’s when England and Scotland dealt with Kings and knights. The Order of the Broken Blade works to gain support to force to King to answer for his actions. To be caught might result in penalties for treason.
A young woman forced to pledge herself as a nun resorts to blackmail to escape her plight. Is pledging herself to a Mercenary just another prison, or the chance of a lifetime?
Splendid characters, who will touch your heart and make you laugh! This series continues to highly entertain!!
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
Clara doesn’t know if she should get involved when she sees a man being beaten up, but she ends up chasing the ruffians away and caring for him at her place. She doesn’t have time to take care of the man as she is trying to get her business up and running. But she knows that nothing good can come from a nobleman dying on her, so she does her best to see to his care. He soon leaves and he is but a memory until she is evicted from her place of business. When she learns that the person responsible for the eviction is none other that the nobleman she nursed back to health, she decides that she hasn’t seen the last of him yet.
Henry thinks he has awaken to an angel when he sees Clara. But soon learns that the spitfire is definitely no angel! When he is well enough to travel home, he gets back to his well ordered life. But he can’t seem to get Clara out of his mind. When she barges into his home, demanding answers, he is even more intrigued.
Can this former madam and current MP find their HEA when their lives are so different?
I loved Clara and Henry’s story! Clara had been disappointed in so many people and events throughout her life that she wasn’t going to sit down and let Henry take her future. I loved her drive that pushed her to fight for what she wanted in life. She didn’t let her circumstances defeat her. I also really liked Henry. After he let out the starch in his collar, he became a fun loving guy and perfect for Clara!
I have loved this series so much and am sad to see it is over, but Caldwell’s upcoming series is tied to it so hopefully we will continue to see our favorite characters!
This book is worthy of 6 stars! To say this book is awesome is an understatement. The Mercenary is the second installment in the Order of the Broken Blade and while each book can be read standalone, I am not sure why you would want to read only one. If you have read the Blacksmith then you know how great these characters already are. The Mercenary is Guy’s story and it does not disappoint… well the book has to end so there is that. I love this series, in a time where title and status mean everything these four young men forge a bond as tight as any family by blood. They are truly dedicated to each other and their cause. The friendships are true, the love is hot and the loyalty is fierce. When I picked this book up I was captured from the start. The story flowed and kept me in suspense. Now that I have finished I am anxiously waiting for The Scot!
Outstanding read! You know how normally the end of a book is winding down to its HEA with kisses and promises? NOT this one! I wanted to take notes at the ending knowing this would spill into the next book! I cannot wait for book #3!!
Who wouldn’t love a mercenary? They are their own boss, sell their skills to the highest bidder, and never stay too long in one place. Add to that one who is well-known for his skills….and knows it…and you have our hero, Guy. One who would not allow a nun, well nearly a nun, walk all over him. But did he have a choice?
(MY FAVORITE LINES IN THE BOOK)
(Sabine)”I suppose I’ve not thought of you in this light, as a knight, despite knowing otherwise. This is the first you’ve used your title.”
(Guy)”The title is meaningless. It is a man’s training that defines him.”
Tragedy struck Sabine of the worst kind and she found herself alone… living at the nunnery and wanting nothing more than to get away from the cruel man her parents thought would keep her safe. She’s already tried to escape but to no avail. She had to find a way out, and after overhearing secret information, she gave Guy an ultimatum…get her away from the nunnery or she’d tell all. Desperate times call for desperate measures and Sabine’s bold ‘it is what it is’ attitude humored me to no end.
It’s an enemies to lovers story but it’s far more than that. It’s two people coming together for a purpose larger than themselves who fall in love when neither one of them intended to.
I was gifted with an ARC and wanted to leave a review. I give it 5 stars, two thumbs up, and cannot wait for the next book.
Guy and Sabine are a great couple. Guy is very protective of Sabine from the very beginning. She had the utmost confidence in Guy. Sabine knew he would keep her safe and look after her as long as they were together. He was shocked with himself at how he fhad feelings for her and did everything he could to fight that attraction. Guy has an important mission trying to gain support to overthrow the king; afterall he is a mercenary and has not time for feelings.
This story will make you laugh and keep you in suspence at the sametime. Sabine starts to have faith in her own abilities to take care of herself knowing that her and Guy do not have a future. She stays calm in difficult situations and knows what to say to break the tension. This story is well written and will keep you interested from the beginning to the very end. Another great story in the Broken Blade series and I can’t wait till the next one comes available.
I received a copy and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion.
Guy Lavallais is mercenary and the second knight we meet in the order of the broken blade series. The order is fighting to save the people of England from the corrupt King John. Guy is cocky, arrogant, handsome and extremely deadly. He’s not a man you’d typically trust or think honorable at first glance. Lady Sabine de Stuteville was sold to the nunnery by her guardian after her parents died. If she cannot escape she will have to become a nun.
She overhears a conversation where Guy is explaining the order’s mission, then blackmails him and insists that he takes her with him and that they temporarily marry. Guy is not marriage material. “And I will not be blackmailed. By a nun.” The book takes them on a journey to help Sabine escape her current situation and to further the order’s agenda.
Guy is now my favorite knight, well at least until the next book in the series come out! A swoon worthy swordsman who will fight for you to the death! He keeps Sabine on her toes about consummating the marriage. I can just picture that twinkle in his eye as he taunts her about their “deal”. “You’ve simply to make an offer, and I promise”—he winked—“not to refuse.”
All the books in the series are stand alone but I enjoy and recommend starting at the beginning. The ending to The Mercenary had me psyched for The Scot and The Earl! My mind was working, trying to figure out the future storylines. I cannot wait for more! I was given an ARC of this book and chose to post a review.
It was humorous how Sabine and Guy meet. “I will not be blackmailed by a nun” Guy says to Sabine. Little does he know she is not a nun. She devises a plan to escape the monastery and it will be life changing for them both. With a cause to be won and danger all around, is not the time to fall in love. Or so they think. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
The Mercenary by Cecelia Mecca is book 2 in the Order of the Broken Blade Series. This is the story of Sabine and Guy. I have read (and Loved!) the previous book but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Guy is a mercenary who has come to a convent to speak to the Bishop there on a mission for the Order of the Broken Blade, which is a brotherhood of Knights wanted to keep King John in tow or overthrow him. Sabine has lost her parents ad her guardian doesn’t need another mouth to feed so she has been forced to stay at the convent where she has been trying to escape from. When she happens to overhear the conversation of Guy’s she thinks to blackmail him into marring her temporarily until to help her escape. Guy knows if he is exposed it could cost him his life and in danger the brotherhood. Never thinking or wanting to marry because of his chosen goal he has no choice but to accept the terms. But while they end up having to work together they end up building feelings for each other and what is to temporary doesn’t seem to be what they want after all…but danger is near.
Exciting Read….Loved it.
This series is totally blowing me away!!! I laughed, I cried and I sat on the edge of my seat holding my breath reading The Mercenary by Cecelia Mecca and is book 2 in the Order of the Broken Blade series and if you love medieval romances as much as I do you have got to read this book. Though in a series The Mercenary can be read as a stand alone but I would recommend that you read The Blacksmith first in the series to get the full picture and Cecelia can paint quite a picture in her writing. Her characters are just wonderful and you cannot help yourself in falling for Guy Lavallais the Mercenary with one of the best sword arm and bad boys in the country. I haven’t read such a captivating book in a very long time. I just could not put this book down. Yes, I read this in a day and I was so sad when I finished it. This story has a traitor to the king, an Oblate, escape, being sold to a nunnery, blackmail, a mission, independence, a temporary arrangement, kindness, an unwanted proposal, being orphaned, standing up for the right, mistrust, a cruel guardian, patience, a reputation, revenge, rebels and yes love. If you are a lover of Monica McCarty books you will love Cecelia Mecca’s books they are that good!!
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Another story of intrigue and romance in the Broken Blade series and I was hooked from page one as usual!! Sir Guy Lavallis is a scoundrel and rogue mercenary when he is caught talking treasonous matters by Lady Sabine at the abbey where she has been placed at.
Lady Sabine has attempted several escapes from the abbey but all have failed so when she hears these plans she begins to form her own escape plans by blackmailing Sir Guy into marrying her and taking her away from the abbey. Guy and Sabine are so incredibly great together but sometimes you want to wack Guy upside the head. Five stars are just not enough!! Can’t wait for the next in the series!! I was gifted a copy of this book and am thrilled to leave this review.
After the deaths of her parents, Lady Sabine was sent to a convent. Despite her escape attempts the reverent mother is determined she will be a nun. An overheard meeting could change that for her.
Sir Guy Lavallias is a mercenary and reputedly the best swordsman in England. He and his brothers in arms are known as The Order of the Broken Blade. Their mission is to save England from a corrupt King John. Treason is a very dangerous undertaking.
For a previously sheltered young lady our heroine has more than her share of courage and determination. Our hero has only known fighting his whole life. The only people who really know him are his friends in the Order.
There is a lot of danger and excitement in this story. The characters are fabulous. Each book in the series is linked to the others. It would be better to read the series in order, but each one is a complete story on it’s own.
I’ve loved both of the ones I’ve read.
The Order of the Broken Blade series has it all!! The backdrop of the historical Baron’s War adds wonderful danger, suspense and intrigue; along with the passion and romance you come to expect from Cecelia. The four founders of the Order are very different and this story centers on Guy, the bad boy mercenary. But he is actually a very complex character who has more loyalty and honor than he leads you to believe. The members of the order are proposing treason against the bad King John of England and so they are in great danger. Not a good time to fall in love, but Sabine is desperate for help escaping abbey she was forced into, before she is made a nun. Sabine and Guy help each other with a “marriage of convenience” but they start to want and need each other more. Will their passion interfere with their mission? Will they have to separate? There is so much to this story that you will not be able to put the book down! And I cannot wait for the other books in the series