Sir Kieran Hage had a mission to fulfill. As the head of a peace delegation intending to end the Siege of Acre in 1192 A.D., he carries the crown of thorns said to be worn by Jesus Christ as an offering of truce from the Muslim warlords. It is a holy relic of the most important magnitude. Unwilling to accept peace, however, Kieran’s men turn against him and make an attempt on his life. Wounded, Kieran seeks out a man who he believes is a physic. He is greatly mistaken. Not a physic but an alchemist, the mysterious man does the only thing he knows to do for the dying knight - he puts him into an eternal sleep so he will not bleed to death, suspending his bodily functions, only to be awakened by the power of truly deep emotion.
Eight hundred years later, Dr. Rory Osgrove excavates the English knight from his dusty tomb and an accidental kiss brings him back to life. Together, they shared an adventure in Modern Times before a twist of fate sends them back to his time.
Back in his element, Kieran is determined to finish his mission of peace. He must return the crown of thorns to England. But the same assassins who tried to kill him the first time are after him again, patterns of life repeating themselves, and Kieran, now with Rory, finds himself back on the run. Over dry land and heavy seas, he and Rory flee the assassins, struggling to make their way back to England.
But as they travel, the real Medieval world opens up. To Kieran, it is the world he knows but to Rory, it is much different. The modern girl finds herself in a land of no cell phones, bathrooms, antibiotics or airplanes. She must learn to live in this strange, new world, a place she thought she knew a great deal about until she actually found herself in the midst of it. Dangers lurk everywhere as she struggles to adjust, but even as she tries to acclimate to an environment that is much more different than she ever imagined, bigger fears come to light.
Rory’s biggest concern is that her presence in a world where she does not belong might somehow change the course of history. With her advanced knowledge, every move she makes jeopardizes the modern world but her love for Kieran and their life together begins to ease her fears. She is content so long as she is with him. But even as Kieran and Rory settle in to Medieval domestic life in Kieran’s wealthy seat of Southwell Castle, Prince John has been told of the miraculous treasure Sir Kieran carries and he wants it for himself. When coercion doesn't work, he resorts to threats and dirty tricks and somehow, in the midst of the pomp and battles and Middle Age political dealings, a tragic accident changes the course of history forever. What Rory feared has come to past.
But all is not lost. Sometimes love is stronger than Time and History, and Rory and Kieran’s love story defies the odds. Not even death can them apart.
Juggernaut Indie author Kathryn Le Veque is a 'tour de force' in publishing.
Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.
Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.
This book makes me want to have a shelf called heriones I want to smack.
I got this book free, and started reading for a challenge. If the book hadn't been perfect for the challenge I may not have ever finished it.
The begining of the story was rough because I hadn't read the prequel. At this point I don't think I will.
The plot and story were great. Dispite my huge dislike of Rory/Libby I did cry for her at the end.
Maybe I don't fully understand what a person with a doctorate in archaeology really has to do but I imagine you have a very intensive knowledge of your area of expertise. And being on archeological digs you would have experienced living in tents and getting your hands dirty.
Rory/Libby has got to be the most stuborn near sighted person ever. With all this knowledge of the time period and she has no idea how to be socially acceptable. 1. she flat out refuses to listen to Kieren even after she realizes he knows more about the time than she does. 2. She insists on a bath everyday, ok it is good to be clean but in the time period and days of just sitting you could manage to skip 1 day here or there. 3. She admits only whores where make up in this time period, but she spent pages talking about applying it. Why would you want to do any thing that would confuse you with a midevil whore? 4. She was so worried about affecting King Richards life, but had no qualms about messing with the out come of two servent boys lives. And there were many more instances that are even more obvious. I realize not everyone has the street smarts to survive 800 years in the past seemlesly, but you have a doctorate! Get a clue.
Second book in Crusader series. My copy was actually an audiobook narrated by Brian J. Gill (audio wasn't an option to choose from on Goodreads at the time of my review).
This is a general overview of the prequel, The Crusader, and this second book, Kingdom Come. A modern-day archaeologist, Rory Cosgrove, uncovers an incredibly well-preserved knight, Sir Kieran Hage, a friend of, and loyal to King Richard the Lionheart, from the Third Crusade. She becomes obsessed with him after reading his journal which was included in his possessions. After his descendants demand his remains be turned over into their care, she breaks into the morgue where he is being stored in order to say goodbye to him. As she is sobbing, she gives him a kiss, which revives him, later learning that he was put into a stasis by an alchemist after being injured in battle and was only to be revived after receiving a kiss from his one true love.
The story continues with the second book when they are hurled back to the 12th century. Rory--called Libby by Sir Kieran--does not acclimate well to medieval times. She is wearisome, to say the least, with all of her demands and complaints, especially considering she had a Ph.D. in this time period. I'm not sure why she was so surprised about the conditions or about what would be considered normal behavior by a woman of those times. She continually went against Kieran's wishes even when he patiently explained that it was for her own safety. Her carelessness ends up causing a great disaster.
Overall, I did enjoy the story, although I found Rory to be ridiculous. Kieran was unbelievably modern in his thinking, although the combination of his strength, courage, patience, and tenderness made him an awesome heroic figure.
I need to mention one thing about the audiobook version because I have never encountered this before and it actually shocked me and made me laugh out loud. About two minutes from the end of Chapter 21 of 26 (not sure how this would equate to a paper version of the book), but at a time when a character is holding a little baby and is singing to it to soothe its crying, the narrator, in a "breaking through the fourth wall" moment, is heard to say, "Oh, Lord. Another bloody song. I have no idea what this song is." I understand. He already had to live through the experience of singing Queen's "We Will Rock You" (and it wasn't pretty). haha Love it!
What an awesome read! I don't generally like time travel books, but this two-part series that goes from medieval to modern and back again riveted my attention.
I adored the modern, independent woman trying to cope in medieval times and failing miserably. It was fantastic. Kudos to Kathryn Le Veque for incorporating the musical stylings of Queen and Madonna into a medieval. Uproarious laughter ensued while I clapped and stomped and sang along all whilst picturing a malodorous pub filled with Ren Fair denizens.
Yes, this story was definitely my cup of tea. Read the two-book series. You will not be disappointed.
Kingdom Come is a great book on its own BUT if you have read The Crusader, this is a MUST read. If you have not read The Crusader then I would recommend that you read The Crusader followed by Kingdom Come. You won't be sorry.
The journey you will be taken on is nothing short of amazing!
You will experience a full circle ride of twists and turns that you won't see coming. Your emotions will take this journey with you.
I can't find words to describe what an amazing story teller and Author Kathryn Le Veque is. You will definitely find out for yourself when you read both of these books. Enjoy your journey!
Kingdom Come is part two of The Crusader by Author Kathryn Le Veque. This Author has such an incredible talent, you feel as if you are watching a movie as you read her words. As Sir Kieran Hage and Dr. Rory Osgrove's story continues, they are faced with even greater challenges. Sir Kieran now has the holy relic in his possession and is determined to complete the mission he feels God has bestowed upon him. New threats are added to Sir Kieran's life and old enemies resurface. Rory discovers obstacles she never could have imagined facing. As she tries to let go of her independent nature and give Kieran her complete trust, the love between them grows deeper. This is so much more than a love story. It is an adventure through time as the Author takes the reader on thrilling ride. The Crusader and Kingdom Come are two of the best books I have ever read. It is an epic love story that should become a movie. I did not want Kingdom Come to end, it's that good. This is an absolute must read by Author Kathryn Le Veque. An amazing, thrilling, intriguing, passionate story. Loved it.
The story of Kieran and Rory continues in this second book of the series. A beautiful love story that defies time and reality to brush up against faith and mystery. With passion complicated by dedication and devotion Kieran and Rory are rewarded with a love that transcends human boundaries.
The chapters fly by as their tale takes the reader along as the couple travel the ancient roadways and seas of their Medieval world to accomplish their predestined purposes. Even with the grammatical and character name mistakes, this reader stayed engaged until the very last scene that gives one hope in forever love.
Kathryn Le Veque!!!!! How do you come up with these ideas? This was one of these best books I have ever read! I laughed through most of the book and I cried my heart out at the end..sobbed...huge engulfing sobs...entire box of tissues.... sobs! Then it hit me! OMG! I knew what was happening! I was deliriously happy! Thank you for writing this amazing story! I'll admit when I read the first book, I was upset that it ended so abruptly, so of course I bought the next book!!! I'm so glad I did!!! It was amazing!!!!!
A little disappointed after what happened at the end of book one. No explanation as to what happened after. I guess we were to assume that her mistake erased everything that occurred at the end of book one. Kieran adjusted much better than she did. For a supposedly intelligent woman there were many times that she acted too immature. Also, there was no wrap up to the boys they adopted. In fact, no wrap up at all really.
This author is so good at telling a story. She made this somewhat cheesy storyline fun, romantic, thrilling and a lot of history thrown in. I enjoyed it
What a crazy ride this was! I absolutely loved reading what happens to Rory and Kieran when they disappeared on the beach and contrary to the ending we get in book one, nothing happens as it was described. Everyone's history, everyone's future is distinctly changed due to choices made by Rory, whether we agree with them or not, those choices made for a very engaging and twisted read.
With that being said and not divulging much so as to not ruin the book for future readers I really must add my disappointment in Rory's character. If I thought she was a selfish woman in book one, she was even worse in this book! Did the author purposely write such a bad female lead? In a few words, Rory was still selfish in this book, only happy when Kieran was spending his coinage on her and add to that the million and one temper tantrums she has and man this book almost became a DNF!
A more worse character I could not have encountered! I get that it was hard for her to get used to the past but after a few days or even weeks of the same, you would think as an accomplished archeologist, she would have acclimated or tried her best to, but she didn't. She was miserable like 90% of the book and this was over a three hundred page read..that's a lot of misery. Plus she put herself in unnecessary dangerous situations because she kept acting like she was still in her time. Situations that could have been avoided if she just listened to Kieran, who by the way was so fucking whipped he almost seems emasculated by her because it was very obvious that she called the shots in that relationship, a little crying, some running away and boom..the man let her get away with any and everything...
Overall I really did enjoy the story, it was an amazing followup to book one, if Rory wasn't such a damn child every damn minute of the day, this would have been a five star read for me, sadly her character was lacking greatly..
If I could have given this two book series 10 * I would. This second book was so full of action and drama, danger and mystery, love and romance, struggle to fit in, feminine camaraderie, masculine honor and might, stop me because I could go on.
There were times I wanted to shake the heroine, Rory Osgood. But then I think of myself trying to survive if I was thrown into a world 800 years ago. Frankly, I wouldn't survive. A little whining? Omg, you haven't hear of whining until I was forced to sleep in a bed crawling with vermin. Thank the author, Rory was a very strong individual. That strength was an obstacle and a saving grace for her. But the hero, Kieran Hage... Swoon times ten. (s x 10) Yep, he was the ideal alpha hero and he can put his boots and tunic under my bed any ol' time he wants, move over hubby. Son of gun, he was all the massively huge and devastatingly handsome super heroes we know rolled into one.
These two books are my favorite of the author's, and that's saying a lot! (I never was a fan of Medieval fiction until I kept getting her name in my face countless times on Amazon, probably because of my interest in Diana Gabaldon originally, and Lauren Royal. I finally started listening to some of her books on audio back when Audible had their Romance package, AND because I was going to have the opportunity to meet her back in the fall of '19. She was so gracious. Listened to and answered what I would consider the dumbest questions. She's amazing.)
The characters in this book from beginning to end are so beautifully integrated into the story. And when the book was done, I wanted it to go on and on. Highly recommend.
If I thought "The Crusader" was great, this one is just as good or even better. I hate cliff hangers; but as you finish "The Crusader" you don't realize it's a cliff hanger and are totally surprised to find this one to be not only a sequel but fantastic continuation of the previous one. Not only do you get the head of the coin but the flip side too. Kathryn Le Veque takes you on an unforgettable journey of danger, love and intrigue. I haven't quite finished the book but I can see how Rory's character thrusts herself into situations to right wrongs and if necessary sacrifice herself to aide others and accomplish better for others. Though she is probably a bit too daring at times she means well. Over all if there is an author or books you really need to read Le Veque is the one and her books are tops!
Anyone who likes a good time travel story will greatly enjoy this book. Even those who don't believe time travel is possible will wonder after reading this ,if time travel is possible after all. A real page turner that you won't want to put down till the end. Also, the twist that Kathryn mentions us definitely that and you won't want to miss it either. I think Kathryn should do some more time travel stories since this one was so amazing, not that her regular medieval history stories aren't just as amazing . But anyone who can write a time travel like this one , should do a few more on top of her regular medieval romances. Pretty please lol
Fate , duty and honor, combined with the gift of a holy relic, generates a love spanning centuries!
This story begins with an attempted murder,thwarted by an alchemist named Kaleef who gave Sir Kieran Hage potions to place him in stasis to heal his body to be awakened by someone who loves him best! This is a story of kings and infidels,betrayals of friends and relatives, more importantly the formation of a love for the ages! This story held me enthralled from the start in the Crusader to the end Kingdom Come!
This (along with the previous Crusader Series book 1)has to be the most epic tale I've read in a while... I had tears of sadness and of joy at various parts of their story. I absolutely loved it!!!!! So sad its finished. I recommend you read this, my favourite by Kathryn Le Veque so far.
I read this book as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription (free book but I have to pay £7.99 a month for the subscription), but I think I might actually purchase these 2 books in this series so I own them. Very rare I do this.
i started to wonder, but then TOTALLY REDEEMED itself!!
Began reading this & after a time it had the feeling that “So, Ok thus isnt my favorite of the two. But then I picked it back up!! Boy was I ever glad! I don’t like to give things away. 🤷♀️ Reading the story & discovery is apart of the fun. Trust me when I say after a break you need to go back & finish it!! One if the bestest wonderfulest (yes I know) awesome surprise endings! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! HAPY FANTASTICAL READING!!
This is the sequel to THE CRUSADER, which I highly recommend reading first to understand the love story. Who cares if there are some spelling and grammatical errors! The books stands as a great love story. KINGDOM COME is my favorite of the two books, very emotional with an ending that completes both books. This series is worth the read.
I'll preface this with saying that I have read probably half of KLV's extensive repertoire and absolutely adore her writing. But the heroine of the Crusader novels got on my last nerve with her dramatics. The storyline was awesomely imaginative and would have been a five star review if not for Rory's willfillness.
A history lesson along with an interesting story. My family were the Saxons that were almost destroyed by the Norman's so unfortunately my genealogy has some empty spots. However, the author gives a good picture of those times. I am going to miss her books, unless I reread them.
Kieran's and Rory's story continues. It is a must read. Kathryn Le Veque writes compelling stories! If you pick one of her stories to read, you won't be disappointed! I have 3 more books of hers to read - The Dragonblade Trilogy is next!
Oh my god !!! What a story wow I’m speechless and I can’t believe that I have not read this amazing book for so long! Kieran Hage and Libby having the best story from all KLV books.Please someone tell me there’s more the end is just crazy
Narrator: Brian J. Gill does a pretty darn good job. Liked it a lot. Though it did reminds me of another book I've read a while back it had some very strong similar tt to it but in that one she finds her H in a room in an old castle. The audio in this one also needs editing.
A beautiful happy ending to Rory and Kieran’s timeless love story. I will enjoy re-reading this one again. It’s hard to beat a love story that spans 800 years.