Caius d’Avignon, the knight known as The Britannia Viper, finds himself on the opposite side of William Marshal… and the Executioner Knights are caught in the middle…Welcome to another Executioner Knights’ tale!When Caius d’Avignon is sent north at the request of a cousin of William Marshal to help in a dispute between neighbors, Caius couldn’t have imagined how his life would change.Caius is … life would change.
Caius is one of the Marshal’s premier knights, a man who served in The Levant with many of the Marshal’s agents, but he had one distinct difference – he’d been branded The Britannia Viper by the Saracen commanders for his hard strike. There is no one fiercer in battle. Therefore, William Marshal has great confidence that Caius will solve the situation – if not by diplomacy, then by the sword.
But Caius is caught off-guard by the situation when he arrives. The Marshal’s cousin is an unscrupulous and cruel man who has all but decimated his neighbors and demands they be destroyed. When Caius goes to speak to the neighbors to demand their unconditional surrender, the first thing he sees is a woman of astounding beauty.
Emelisse de Thorington is that woman.
Caius is drawn into the feud whether or not he wants to be. He comes to discover that the Marshal’s cousin is wicked and has harassed a noble family for years while telling William Marshal something quite different. The man is a thief and a liar.
But Caius can’t tell the Marshal that without jeopardizing his relationship with the man. There’s also the not-so-small fact that he’s fallen in love with the strong but battered Emelisse.
Will the career knight choose love over his career?
Find out in yet another exciting Executioner Knights adventure!
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I am an avid fan of Kathryn Le Veque’s books.
And this book , as with others ive read in her Midieval settings does not disappoint.
Caius is big , dark and leathal…an Executioner Knight…
Emelisse is the perfect counterpart to his dark…blond beautiful and strong in her own right.
The setting for this story a d references to other characters from other books Ms.LeVeque has written of, tie all these ” people” together….ADDto the backdrop real persons from histpry , actual towns , castles and such , you as a reader are transported to a long ago age where these men and women might actually have walked, lived , warred and loved .
My thanks to Kathryn for another superb read( i really expect nothing less) .
My thanks as well to Netgalley for having this title available to read before its actual release.
And finally , im eagerly awaiting any and all new works from this talented author.
SUPERB , KATHERYN LE VEQUE!Kathryn Le Veque
Caius d’Avignon, the Britannia Viper is sent to settle a dispute between neighboring Lords. When he arrives with the William Marshal army he discovers that Lord Covington de Wrenville has already attacked killing Rupert de Thorington and thrown his daughter Emeliesse into the vault. Caius has quite the mess to sort out as de Wrenville is demanding the army to finish razing the de Thoringtons castle. Caius has come to find the truth of the matter and has quite a mess to sort out. First he has to find Emeliesse and talks to her and find out what has happened from her. He has already spoken to Wrenville and has determined that he is a liar and quite possibly mad. When Ciaus meets Emeliesse he is drawn to her for her beauty, but as he gets to know her and the truth he sees her as a beautiful, strong woman he comes to admire. But having to deal with a very difficult and sensitive situation will test Ciaus and his orders he was given by William Marshal.
I have loved all the Executioner Knights books. I have especially fallen in love with this one! Yes they are all stand alone books, but I think this is one of my favorites. Caius and Emeliesse have such a wonderful story. I loved that I get to see a glimpse of William de Wolfe as a young boy! There is so much in this story that made me smile and laugh! Don’t miss reading this one!
A page turner for me …
Book 5 of the Executioner knights. I love this author’s stories. Kathryn Le Veque is unique in her writing. I read a lot of Medieval romance stories, but her just stands out to me. This author has become one of my favorite authors of all times. Caius D’Avignon, a fearsome Knight known to the world as The Brittania Viper. A strong knight that can be triggered in an instant falls rapidly for a beauty in distress. Lady Emilisse de Thorington , a beauty who has fallen pry to a greedy neighbor who stops at nothing to get what he wants. This is definitely one of my favorite Knights, the book is a page turner and I could not put it down. This book and the entire series is a must!
This is extraordinarily awesome medieval historical adventurous love story! The book moves effortlessly and the writing is superb keeping you on the edge of your seat with anticipation! Ms. Le Veque just knows how to tell a wonderful tale from beginning to end! The story is filled with unforgettable characters from major to minor that stick with you throughout. Caius the strong stubborn hero is just the perfect knight attempting to do everything right. Caius thinks things are black and white when really there is a lot more to a situation than what he is told to do or follow. Still, he’s a lovable guy and a great book boyfriend. Emelisse the courageous feisty heroine is also a great heroine! She’s not only beautiful but willing to fight for her home and her love despite it happening under quick circumstances manages to be believable. This book is definitely a captivating page turner and one that stays with you long after it is finished!
“I think I loved you before you were born…mayhap even from the beginning of the world and most certainly until the end of it.”
If you are new to Kathryn Le Veque’s writing, this is the perfect series to start! Le Veque is a master storyteller when it comes to medieval romance! Anxiously awaiting the next installment and truly wish I could give more than 5 Stars!
A wonderful story of a fierce knight, Caius d’Avignon, who is known as the Britannia Viper for his deadly strike while he was serving the king in the Levant. He is now one of William Marshal’s special knights who work as spies and assassins for the good of England.
It is in this capacity that Caius is given a special assignment to go north with an army of men to settle a dispute, one way or another, over a castle and lands. But this is a rather complicated situation and Caius must use every tool in his experience for a positive outcome.
Upon his arrival Caius is introduced to a prisoner in this dispute, Lady Emelisse de Thorington. She is the daughter of the owner of the disputed lands. Emelisse is beautiful and brave and she has scattered Caius’ usually reliable wits.
Caius must find a way to follow the directives of his master while not causing harm to this woman who quite suddenly has become so important to him.
This is a wonderful story filled with intrigue, emotion, romance and heat. I absolutely recommend it as I couldn’t put it down.
On a side note, I also find it especially interesting that the disputed lands in this tale actually exist today and can be found on the internet and even visited. The author mentions this in her note to the reader. I think that’s fascinating and brings even more life to the story.
Another EPIC romance from Kathryn Le Veque.
Kathryn has the ability to write stories that grab her readers attention and transfer them back in time to an era where knights were men who were strong, brave, intelligent, and sensitive and where women were passionate, loving, generous, and warriors in their own right.
Winter of Solace is about a knight who became known for his ability to kill very quickly and a woman who had to fight for the survival of her home and her own life. These two amazing people were thrown together in a situation not of their own making but together chose to turn the tides against two evil men. There is non-stop action, passion, romance, pain, joy, hidden lovers, brilliantly written characters, and a storyline that is absolutely epic. This story starts in London with our hero then goes to a castle where our heroine is being held captive. Without giving a play-by-play, this story does have an HEA, but it’s a hard fought, passion filled plot before our characters (main and secondary) find their HEA. It also introduces us to William de Wolfe from The Wolfe (De Wolfe Pack Book 2).
My kindle has 85 books written by Kathryn (some are individual stories and some are collections). Of those 85 books, all are 5 or more stars and I have read all of them more than once. There are countless authors who write stories that take place during the 10th-13th centuries, but none possess the awe-inspiring writing style of Kathryn Le Veque. I recommend this book, the other books in the Executioner Knights series, and every other one of her books. Read this book, you will NOT be disappointed at all.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and the publisher and am volunteering an honest review.
Kathryn Le Veque is a master of making a story come alive and as it unfolds, you can feel the emotions of the characters and almost see the scenes unfolding.
Caius d’Avignon. Big, fast and deadly. The Britannia Viper. An Executioner Knight and loyal to William Marshall.
Cai is sent on a mission to help a relative by marriage settle a dispute with a neighbor, although Marshall thinks there is more going on than that. It could get deadly.
Emelisse de Thorington was in the castle of that neighbor that was being harrassed. She is beautiful and Cai can see how Marshall’s cousin has been abusing his power.
An intense story with deception, secrets, danger and a building love that cannot be held back.
Step into the world of 1214 AD when warriors were fierce and power was most important of all to some. Powerful Knights and the ladies that win their hearts. It does not get much better than this!
An incredibly exciting and dramatic romance, this novel had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Whilst Lady Emelisse may have been Covington’s prisoner, she was no shrinking violet and was determined to overcome her family’s enemy. An unexpected kindness from a stranger in Covington’s own household takes her by surprise, but when the Executioner Knights arrive with William Marshal’s army, the concerned care she receives from Caius d’Avignon, known as The Britannia Viper, is completely surprising. The man who vowed never to fall in love the way his friends have done, suddenly finds himself questioning his own reaction to Emelisse. Winter of Solace is well written with a good knowledge of the historical background of the era, drawing the reader into the plot and keeping one’s attention throughout. I love the main characters in this novel, with Caius being the hero that minstrels sang about and Emelisse is a woman who is both loyal and adventurous, capturing Caius’ heart with her sense of humour and lack of self-pity in trying circumstances. I reluctantly closed the book when I came to the end, wishing it would continue for a bit longer. Caius’ friends also add to the fabric of the story, but the story would not have been complete without young William de Wolfe. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
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.
Winter of Solace by Kathryn Le Veque is another amazing Medieval Romance by the master. Nobody writes a reluctant suitor story better than Le Veque. The Britannia Viper, Caius d’Avignon, who has been sent by his liege to assist in a battle between feuding, neighboring lords, one of whom is family to William Marshal, the man to whom Caius is pledged. He is given certain latitude in how to handle the situation but what he discovers is that Marshall’s kin, Covington de Wrenville, is totally in the wrong and a liar to boot. Caius is not able to fight with him, but is sworn not to fight against him. Not knowing how to proceed, Caius sends an urgent message to Marshal and settles in to wait for a reply. Meanwhile, Lady Alice, Covington’s wife, the true kin to Marshal, his niece, a lovely young woman, if somewhat plain, awaiting her husband at home, discovers that young Lady Emelisse has been placed in the vault at her husband’s order. Her only friend at her new home, Sir Hallam, reveals this to her and more. Eventually Sir Caius intervenes, and reluctantly takes Lady Emelisse hack to her home along with instructions to trade her to her brother in exchange for his surrender, only to discover than her brother is dead. In a way only Le Veque can, she has rendered a plot so complicated, it takes a mighty hero to unweave it all and do the right thing.
Sir Caius is the penultimate hero. He is brilliant, and brave, and honorable. He can figure out a way to do the right thing without disobeying his orders and behaving dishonorably. Emelisse is a beautiful young, strong and brave, and stubborn. She will not give up her home to de Wrenville at any cost and we watch as the love grows between her and Caius. It is romantic, and their joining is hot. This era is not an easy time to be alive, yet Le Veque always manages it with good sense and good grace. This book has been long in coming for her fans and I am sure they are loving it. It is an excellent read, in the Le Veque tradition and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
I received a free ARC of Winter of Solace from Dragonblade, through Netgalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #winterofsolace
Winter of Solace by Kathryn Le Veque is book Three in The Executioner Knights Series. This is the story of Emelisse de Thorington and Caius d’Avignon. I have yet read the previous books, so for me this was a standalone book. Emelisse and her family have been in torment and terror of their neighbor for sometime. But it has now reached its peak. Caius is one of William Marshal’s best night and has the nickname ‘The Britannia Viper’. So when William Marshal calls him up to go settle an upset that his cousin is going through he does so. But what Caius finds is that all is not what it seems. It appears that William’s cousin is not telling the truth and it is he that is the problem. Caius also finds Emelisse in the mist of all the turmoil. Caius is drawn to Emelisse and he wants to help her with this turmoil but this puts him on the other side of William. This was a page turning read. This author never disappoints with her stories!
Another great story by this talented author! 5 stars
I truly enjoyed Kathryn Le Veque’s new novel ‘Winter of Solace’ her fifth book of the ‘Executioner Knights’ series! Her Medieval romance are always filled with rich characters, detailed setting of the Middle Age, emotions and packed with lots of actions and intrigues. What more can I ask for? Lovers of such stories are in for a treat! This author has great storytelling talents so when I read one of her many books, I immediately know that I’ll get sweep away to that period of time. Thank you for writing those great Medieval adventures.
‘Winter of Solace’ tells the beautiful story of Caius d’Avignon and Emelisse de Thorington. It’s all about a fierce Knight and a woman who has to fight to keep her home. When Caius is sent to her castle, Emelisse will do everything in her power to keep it. Together they will embark on a journey of twists and turns filled with lots of action and a touch of romance.
“I received a complimentary copy of this book from Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley . Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”
Caius d`Avignon was enjoying some down time in a tavern with his fellow Knights when he is called back to duty. When William Marshall gives an order all his men know to obey.
This task is to investigate and possibly mediate a complicated family matter.
Emelisse de Thorington is caught up in a nightmare that has taken three years to come to a head. For no reason she knows of, their neighbours started to harass her family’s holdings. Now it has turned deadly.
Our hero is one of the best and most deadly Knights in the land. He will find himself in a morally difficult position, to follow his orders or his heart. The biggest often fall harder and quicker than lesser men when it comes to love.
Our brave heroine will defend her home before herself.
An action packed historical adventure romance. There is danger, political intrigue and even some laughs in this story. A lot of the characters will be known to readers of this author’s work but this book will not spoil any of the others.
As usual with any of this author’s books, you will be hooked from the first page until the end.
I loved every page.