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de Lohr Dynasty #2
Rise of the Defender
1192 A.D.
Sir Christopher de Lohr is Richard the Lionheart’s champion, a man that the Muslims nicknamed “The Lion’s Claw”. Blond, battle-scarred and powerful, he is what all men fear. After the fall of Acre, Christopher makes a promise at the deathbed of a dying comrade to marry the man’s incorrigible but wealthy daughter. Christopher returns home to marry the woman, but the only thing is interested in is her substantial dowry. He has no use for a wife and resents being forced into the marriage.
The Lady Dustin Barrington doesn't want a husband. Petite and beautiful, she is a goddess with the heart of a tomboy. When the enormous, seasoned warrior comes to Lioncross Abbey Castle to marry her, she savagely resists him. More than ever, Christopher regrets agreeing to marry the woman but as they are forced together in a contract marriage, something strange happens… somehow, someway, the animosity subsides and a gentle warmth takes its place. More and more, they come to care for one another but neither of them will admit it.
As the voyage of discovery begins, Christopher is distracted by a very important task entrusted to him by Richard. He has been sent back to England ahead of King Richard to assess the climate of the country and also to assess the activities of Richard’s brother, Prince John. He leaves for London to put himself in the heart of the turmoil that is going on between Richard and John, and brings Dustin with him. The moment they arrive in London, an entirely new and dangerous world opens up to them.
Join Dustin and Christopher as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Evil princes, tournaments, politics, wars, and a threat to their relationship from deep inside Christopher’s inner circle invade their loving and passionate world. When Christopher is reportedly killed in battle, Dustin must pick up the pieces of her shattered life and attempt to carry on. But don't count the Defender out just yet… can he make it back to Dustin in time to prevent catastrophe?
Become a part of the sweeping three part saga in an epic Medieval Romance you won’t soon forget.
Audible Audio
First published April 2, 2013
646 people are currently reading
519 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Le Veque
326 books2,088 followersJuggernaut 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
March 13, 2017
I've read many of KLV's books. I typically like them and the writing is always perfectly good. Not amazing, but better than the average medieval romance. I ignored the bad reviews and bought/read this book anyway like I typically do. (What can I say? I have pretty low expectations for medieval romance novels. They're my way to mindlessly de-stress. I don't need award-winning material.) But this time it was a BIG MISTAKE. I don't often write reviews, but I had to for this one. I consider it my penance for ignoring the few rational reviews that warned me not to bother with this book. But I apologize if my inexperience with reviews turns this into a rant.
The first two "parts" are pretty on par with her usual work. Not sure why every character immediately falls in love with the heroine, Dustin. She's definitely not perfect, but hey, she's gorgeous and nice to animals so I guess every man within 100 miles has to be obsessed with her. And OF COURSE she has no idea she's pretty and punches any man who tries to tell her so. (Cause that's a normal reaction?!) She's forced to marry the hero, Christopher, who doesn't want to marry her either. But they quickly learn to endure the match, happily so. And the story continues on with the typical cadence of a Le Veque novel until about "part three" where things get stupid crazy. This story is absolutely way too long. She loved the characters she'd written so much that she wrote about them until I hated every single one. The amount of conflict written is just silly. There was enough with just the damn love-triangle (or who knows what shape when you add these other admirers in) and the issues involving King Richard and Prince John. Adding in another five conflicts doesn’t make the story “epic”, it just makes it obnoxious.
**** SPOILERS*****
Not sure why any other reviewer hasn't mentioned the rape though. I'm not one to call things in these novels rape too often. I'm pretty lenient about a seduction in a novel, but this is not okay. *After the hero's best friend shows up and offers to take care of the heroine who's sick (because any woman exposed to rain in the medieval era will come down with some illness), he OF COURSE falls in love with her (because doesn't everyone have to?!). A little while later in the story, the "best friend" sneaks into the heroine's bed and RAPES HER! She's sleeping and he knows she thinks it is her husband, but you know, he just has sex with her anyway and lets her think its her husband. I'm not sure what else to call that but rape. Later she realizes what happened and is only a little disturbed by it (she's worried her child might not be her husband, but quickly ignores the idea). And then later, the best friend admits to another character that he "made love" to the heroine even though he knew she thought it was her husband and no one ever seems to say anything about how messed up that is.
So when the husband is presumed dead, even though its clear to the reader he is alive, the best friend swoops in, like a whole week, if that, later, to take the heroine away and marry her. Obviously I hate this guy because he is a rapist. He's also super controlling. But of course she goes off with him, MARRIES HIM, and then promptly starts having wonderful, enjoyable anal sex with him. If the story hadn’t totally lost me at the earlier rape, it definitely lost me here. The heroine has gone off and married the hero’s best friend, that is not romantic. This is supposed to be a romance novel.
Obviously then its revealed the husband is alive and just in case that wasn’t enough conflict, the heroine has to suddenly get kidnapped or whatever. At this point, I just couldn’t anymore. To make it even worse, the hero’s random bastard child (that was mentioned 500 pages ago and never brought up again) has to show up at the end. Like I said, the amount of subplots thrown into this book is absolutely stupid.
Don’t bother with this book. Its definitely not worth the time it takes to read. It just gets worse and worse. And if you already have it or just have to read it, just read the first two parts and make up your own ending because I assure you it will be better than what is actually written.
The first two "parts" are pretty on par with her usual work. Not sure why every character immediately falls in love with the heroine, Dustin. She's definitely not perfect, but hey, she's gorgeous and nice to animals so I guess every man within 100 miles has to be obsessed with her. And OF COURSE she has no idea she's pretty and punches any man who tries to tell her so. (Cause that's a normal reaction?!) She's forced to marry the hero, Christopher, who doesn't want to marry her either. But they quickly learn to endure the match, happily so. And the story continues on with the typical cadence of a Le Veque novel until about "part three" where things get stupid crazy. This story is absolutely way too long. She loved the characters she'd written so much that she wrote about them until I hated every single one. The amount of conflict written is just silly. There was enough with just the damn love-triangle (or who knows what shape when you add these other admirers in) and the issues involving King Richard and Prince John. Adding in another five conflicts doesn’t make the story “epic”, it just makes it obnoxious.
**** SPOILERS*****
Not sure why any other reviewer hasn't mentioned the rape though. I'm not one to call things in these novels rape too often. I'm pretty lenient about a seduction in a novel, but this is not okay. *After the hero's best friend shows up and offers to take care of the heroine who's sick (because any woman exposed to rain in the medieval era will come down with some illness), he OF COURSE falls in love with her (because doesn't everyone have to?!). A little while later in the story, the "best friend" sneaks into the heroine's bed and RAPES HER! She's sleeping and he knows she thinks it is her husband, but you know, he just has sex with her anyway and lets her think its her husband. I'm not sure what else to call that but rape. Later she realizes what happened and is only a little disturbed by it (she's worried her child might not be her husband, but quickly ignores the idea). And then later, the best friend admits to another character that he "made love" to the heroine even though he knew she thought it was her husband and no one ever seems to say anything about how messed up that is.
So when the husband is presumed dead, even though its clear to the reader he is alive, the best friend swoops in, like a whole week, if that, later, to take the heroine away and marry her. Obviously I hate this guy because he is a rapist. He's also super controlling. But of course she goes off with him, MARRIES HIM, and then promptly starts having wonderful, enjoyable anal sex with him. If the story hadn’t totally lost me at the earlier rape, it definitely lost me here. The heroine has gone off and married the hero’s best friend, that is not romantic. This is supposed to be a romance novel.
Obviously then its revealed the husband is alive and just in case that wasn’t enough conflict, the heroine has to suddenly get kidnapped or whatever. At this point, I just couldn’t anymore. To make it even worse, the hero’s random bastard child (that was mentioned 500 pages ago and never brought up again) has to show up at the end. Like I said, the amount of subplots thrown into this book is absolutely stupid.
Don’t bother with this book. Its definitely not worth the time it takes to read. It just gets worse and worse. And if you already have it or just have to read it, just read the first two parts and make up your own ending because I assure you it will be better than what is actually written.
February 9, 2021
Too long.
I usually LOVE Le Veque, but I had a difficult time with this one. The h (Dustin) was for 75% of the book, a whinny stupid brat who I wanted to strangle. The H Christopher, I hated even more than Dustin.
On a positive note, the storyline was pretty good, and the characters were well developed (even though unlikeable). Unfortunately, I had serious problems with the motives and believability of their actions.
Christopher
It was "icky" to me, how Christopher treats Dustin as a child. Daddy issues? There is not one chapter when Dustin is not pouting or crying to "daddy." It was nauseating.
In all truth, I couldn't wait to be done with it.
I usually LOVE Le Veque, but I had a difficult time with this one. The h (Dustin) was for 75% of the book, a whinny stupid brat who I wanted to strangle. The H Christopher, I hated even more than Dustin.
On a positive note, the storyline was pretty good, and the characters were well developed (even though unlikeable). Unfortunately, I had serious problems with the motives and believability of their actions.
Christopher
It was "icky" to me, how Christopher treats Dustin as a child. Daddy issues? There is not one chapter when Dustin is not pouting or crying to "daddy." It was nauseating.
In all truth, I couldn't wait to be done with it.
April 12, 2024
Reread: 4/12/24
3.7 stars!
Not as good as I remember 😕! This book would have been better shorter. Dustin's personality started to grate on my nerves. She was over emotionally and immature, and everybody was in love with her. Chris deserves a special medal! The story also had every troupe but amnesia in its story. I especially hate when Dustin does the dreas "they'll be better off without" troupe and runs away 🙄.
This is still a good book, I'm just being more critical because I loved it so much the first time around.
Read: 1/23/21
5 stars
Another great book by Kathryn le Veque. This is one of her better books, which is saying a lot bc the woman has written so many.
The ending had some ridiculous moments but I still loved it!
3.7 stars!
Not as good as I remember 😕! This book would have been better shorter. Dustin's personality started to grate on my nerves. She was over emotionally and immature, and everybody was in love with her. Chris deserves a special medal! The story also had every troupe but amnesia in its story. I especially hate when Dustin does the dreas "they'll be better off without" troupe and runs away 🙄.
This is still a good book, I'm just being more critical because I loved it so much the first time around.
Read: 1/23/21
5 stars
Another great book by Kathryn le Veque. This is one of her better books, which is saying a lot bc the woman has written so many.
The ending had some ridiculous moments but I still loved it!
July 3, 2014
I Have Motion Sickness After All the Ups & Downs in this Story!!!
This story is a soap opera called Days of Our Medieval Lives. = )
I have felt so many different emotions about this story that I had to read it twice just to write a proper review. I loved it, hated it, loved it again...then absolutely hated it and then I FINALLY fell back into love with it towards the end. I can only think of one other story that made feel such conflicting emotions and that is 'Whitney My Love' by Judith McNaught. That book turned me into a human yo-yo as well.
I am not going to write a synopsis for the story since its already been done here in the reviews. I will say that is a story that most people need to know before going into it that its very long and very warped. When I said it was like a soap opera I really meant it. I won't say what kind of warped things happen because I don't want to ruin it for anyone. But don't start reading this story thinking its going to be some light happy go lucky romance. It's not...BUT don't despair there is a happy ending!
I almost didn't give it five stars only because of the heroine Dustin and a couple other reasons that I won't go into. Believe me if you read the story you will know what those reasons are. They ALL involve her... I REALLY tried to like Dustin. I understand she had a journey to go through, and that the author meant to make her that way. I just couldn't get over her selfishness and a few things she did outright disgusted me. The author did a VERY good job of making her a conflicting character. I like to think I am very forgiving and understanding person and maybe I would have done exactly what the hero Christopher did, but I couldn't help but be bitterly anger on his behalf. I am usually extremely emphatic to characters in stories sometimes even the villains, but I struggled once again with Dustin and another character. After reading the story twice I was able to take a calmer approach to her and her 'situations'. I was still mildly disgusted but realized its because the author did such a good job of making you love Christopher. I didn't JUST love Chris in this story but in past books he was in as well. He and his brother are major players in many of Le Veque's past stories. I now come away from this story with a better understanding of not only Dustin but another key character as well.
If you are looking for a deep twisting and turning story, something you can really dig your teeth in then this a must read. But be warned its very long...but throughly enjoyable. I love a good long story!
Enjoy!!!
This story is a soap opera called Days of Our Medieval Lives. = )
I have felt so many different emotions about this story that I had to read it twice just to write a proper review. I loved it, hated it, loved it again...then absolutely hated it and then I FINALLY fell back into love with it towards the end. I can only think of one other story that made feel such conflicting emotions and that is 'Whitney My Love' by Judith McNaught. That book turned me into a human yo-yo as well.
I am not going to write a synopsis for the story since its already been done here in the reviews. I will say that is a story that most people need to know before going into it that its very long and very warped. When I said it was like a soap opera I really meant it. I won't say what kind of warped things happen because I don't want to ruin it for anyone. But don't start reading this story thinking its going to be some light happy go lucky romance. It's not...BUT don't despair there is a happy ending!
I almost didn't give it five stars only because of the heroine Dustin and a couple other reasons that I won't go into. Believe me if you read the story you will know what those reasons are. They ALL involve her... I REALLY tried to like Dustin. I understand she had a journey to go through, and that the author meant to make her that way. I just couldn't get over her selfishness and a few things she did outright disgusted me. The author did a VERY good job of making her a conflicting character. I like to think I am very forgiving and understanding person and maybe I would have done exactly what the hero Christopher did, but I couldn't help but be bitterly anger on his behalf. I am usually extremely emphatic to characters in stories sometimes even the villains, but I struggled once again with Dustin and another character. After reading the story twice I was able to take a calmer approach to her and her 'situations'. I was still mildly disgusted but realized its because the author did such a good job of making you love Christopher. I didn't JUST love Chris in this story but in past books he was in as well. He and his brother are major players in many of Le Veque's past stories. I now come away from this story with a better understanding of not only Dustin but another key character as well.
If you are looking for a deep twisting and turning story, something you can really dig your teeth in then this a must read. But be warned its very long...but throughly enjoyable. I love a good long story!
Enjoy!!!
April 25, 2013
What happened with this book? Why did I waste valuable reading time on this? I keep asking myself these questions and I am ashamed. I should have known better. Whenever I read Kathryn Le Veque I am always rolling the dice. Some are good and some are bad. This was a bad one, a really long convoluted bad book. There were about 20 subplots in this book and they did not all climax at once, it happened throughout the book. So many useless conflicts, uughh! Every situation you can imagine happened and combined with the nauseating characters especially Dustin (I wish I could have choked her to death with her stupid hair) this book was so tedious. I kept at it though and was surprised by the afterward from the Author who gushed that she totally loved the characters and loved writing about them. Really? I hope the next Le Veque book I read is not a crapper like this one was. I know I sound crass but my IQ dropped by 20 after reading this.
December 6, 2016
I actually liked this book even more the second time around. To follow the growth and maturing of Chis and Dustin as their characters evolved was most enjoyable. I just love Christopher De Lohr. He was a fantastic hero. I know I will be re-reading this book again in the future.
Re-reading because I have to! Keeping original review (first read 7/2014).
Another epic Kathryn Le Veque novel. Seven hundred and twenty-four pages! I never thought I would salivate over one so long, but then again, I LOVE Kathryn Le Veque's epics! Here I go!
I did enjoy this book. It was quite a journey with the growth and molding of the two characters who were faced with many life-changing events. Love these long books.
Re-reading because I have to! Keeping original review (first read 7/2014).
Another epic Kathryn Le Veque novel. Seven hundred and twenty-four pages! I never thought I would salivate over one so long, but then again, I LOVE Kathryn Le Veque's epics! Here I go!
I did enjoy this book. It was quite a journey with the growth and molding of the two characters who were faced with many life-changing events. Love these long books.
December 14, 2017
What a fantastic book this one was. Kathryn Le Veque is a star author! She has fantastic strong heroes and heroines, a truly great story in every one of her books so far that I have read and I am hooked now and have to read them all!!! She truly transports you into that era and all of her characters are strong and heroic as you would want in your heroes. They also all have that deep true love. Just wonderful.
November 30, 2019
DNF at somewhere between 30-40% (didn’t really look before closing the website)?
I don’t usually review novels on here, especially not bad ones but this one I felt was needed for future readers.
One thing I don’t condone is cheating, especially not in the novels I read because I try to be as vigilant in their contents as I can when deciding on reading them. So when the supposedly honorable H cheats on his new wife just because he’s been without a woman for a while, I don’t see a reason to keep reading - but I did for a bit longer. He regrets it, fine, but then is upset about her being mad at him and not wanting to speak to him or have him touch her after. For some reason, the h also feels the need to have her first kiss with him the day after it happens, also after him saying most people wouldn’t look down on him for having sex with another woman while married. After this (in my opinion) stupid mistake of the h to just accept it, the H thinks that him stepping out will somehow strengthen their bond as a newly married couple. I know she’s written as being somewhat naive, but she’s also described as a stronge-minded woman so why make her a complete pushover here? Why have her just blindly accept that her new chivalrous husband has cheated on her hours before FINALLY admitting he cares for her in some way? What did that scene REALLY add to the story?
I don’t usually review novels on here, especially not bad ones but this one I felt was needed for future readers.
One thing I don’t condone is cheating, especially not in the novels I read because I try to be as vigilant in their contents as I can when deciding on reading them. So when the supposedly honorable H cheats on his new wife just because he’s been without a woman for a while, I don’t see a reason to keep reading - but I did for a bit longer. He regrets it, fine, but then is upset about her being mad at him and not wanting to speak to him or have him touch her after. For some reason, the h also feels the need to have her first kiss with him the day after it happens, also after him saying most people wouldn’t look down on him for having sex with another woman while married. After this (in my opinion) stupid mistake of the h to just accept it, the H thinks that him stepping out will somehow strengthen their bond as a newly married couple. I know she’s written as being somewhat naive, but she’s also described as a stronge-minded woman so why make her a complete pushover here? Why have her just blindly accept that her new chivalrous husband has cheated on her hours before FINALLY admitting he cares for her in some way? What did that scene REALLY add to the story?
February 20, 2021
A Chink💘 In His Armour🐺🍆⛲💪🔪
ADULT Alpha Male Historical Medieval🏰 Knight🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 Romance and Adventure🔪. Fact and Fiction Met and It was Awesome!
1192 AD
What an epic novel of Christopher🐺🍆⛲💪🔪, a knight who was King Richard, the Lionhearted's Champion and Defender! Christopher🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 is the greatest knight who ever lived and he and his brother David, fight beside Richard👑 in the Holy Land 🌴against Saladin, finally carrying the day!
As a reward, and a duty, King 👑Richard gives Christopher🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 a barony and Lioncross , a castle🏰 back in England. He is now known as the Lion's Claw! Along with it comes the late Baron's spoiled and naive daughter, Dustin💃💋. I know this name is ridiculous for the time period!
Christopher 🐺🍆⛲💪🔪doesn't want to be married👰 but the young Dustin 💘💋is a beautiful handful and needs his protection and firm guidance👋. If only She would accept it!
Meanwhile, Prince John👺👑, the evil brother of King Richard👑, is trying to take over England in the absence of his brother. Christopher🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 is duty bound to prevent the catastrophe!
Some reviewers didn't like the character of Christopher🐺🍆⛲💪🔪. However, he has to be stern, ruthless and decisive, or he never would have achieved the rank of the 👑King's Defender🔪💪🐎! He was the ultimate soldier. You don't get that way by being Mr. Nice Guy.
I did tire of the thoughtless and brainless antics of Dustin💃💋, the woman Christopher🐺🍆💪💪🔪 is forced to marry👰. The author makes her into a figure not unlike Helen of Troy, a woman so beautiful she causes men to go to war🔪💪 over her.
This is a very long novel based on historical fact and actual historical figures. May be too long for some. It took me two long nights of Joey, the kindle auto book reader, to finish.
ADULT Alpha Male Historical Medieval🏰 Knight🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 Romance and Adventure🔪. Fact and Fiction Met and It was Awesome!
1192 AD
What an epic novel of Christopher🐺🍆⛲💪🔪, a knight who was King Richard, the Lionhearted's Champion and Defender! Christopher🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 is the greatest knight who ever lived and he and his brother David, fight beside Richard👑 in the Holy Land 🌴against Saladin, finally carrying the day!
As a reward, and a duty, King 👑Richard gives Christopher🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 a barony and Lioncross , a castle🏰 back in England. He is now known as the Lion's Claw! Along with it comes the late Baron's spoiled and naive daughter, Dustin💃💋. I know this name is ridiculous for the time period!
Christopher 🐺🍆⛲💪🔪doesn't want to be married👰 but the young Dustin 💘💋is a beautiful handful and needs his protection and firm guidance👋. If only She would accept it!
Meanwhile, Prince John👺👑, the evil brother of King Richard👑, is trying to take over England in the absence of his brother. Christopher🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 is duty bound to prevent the catastrophe!
Some reviewers didn't like the character of Christopher🐺🍆⛲💪🔪. However, he has to be stern, ruthless and decisive, or he never would have achieved the rank of the 👑King's Defender🔪💪🐎! He was the ultimate soldier. You don't get that way by being Mr. Nice Guy.
I did tire of the thoughtless and brainless antics of Dustin💃💋, the woman Christopher🐺🍆💪💪🔪 is forced to marry👰. The author makes her into a figure not unlike Helen of Troy, a woman so beautiful she causes men to go to war🔪💪 over her.
This is a very long novel based on historical fact and actual historical figures. May be too long for some. It took me two long nights of Joey, the kindle auto book reader, to finish.
Want to read
November 2, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/2/2019)! 🎁
July 24, 2017
Enfin terminé ! Je n'en voyais plus la fin . Et pourtant il y a tout dans ce livre : des personnages intéressants, une histoire qui se tient, de la bagarre, des damoiselles en détresse, des vrais méchants. .......mais il est tellement long.
March 9, 2018
2* for the historical accuracy; however, the book is a huge disappointment overall. Had highly anticipated Christopher's story and what a massive let down. The worst KL book I have read to date. Unnecessarily long-winded and behavior so out of character for the times. 50% into it I threw in the towel and followed the advice of several reviewers and skipped through some of the middle to the end. Bottom line: Dustin/h is a cow and makes Christopher/H look pathetic.
{UPDATE AFTER READING DAVID'S BOOK: STEELHEART}
By all means, give this book a try but if you find yourself tormented and about to chuck it on the DNF pile, do it and pick up Steelheart. There are passages that are identical word for word and the Dustin/Christopher story is told in a much more palatable way.
{UPDATE AFTER READING DAVID'S BOOK: STEELHEART}
By all means, give this book a try but if you find yourself tormented and about to chuck it on the DNF pile, do it and pick up Steelheart. There are passages that are identical word for word and the Dustin/Christopher story is told in a much more palatable way.
January 10, 2020
Rise of the Defender is LeVeque’s best!
Christopher, the greatest knight for Richard the Lionheart, has no intention of getting married. But, Richard has other plans for him. He is to marry Dustin, a most beautiful and feisty woman who also has no intention of getting married. But, they do and what a wild ride it is. So many obstacles in their love story, but, of course, they get through it all and live the most loving life. My most favorite read of Kathryn LeVeque!
Christopher, the greatest knight for Richard the Lionheart, has no intention of getting married. But, Richard has other plans for him. He is to marry Dustin, a most beautiful and feisty woman who also has no intention of getting married. But, they do and what a wild ride it is. So many obstacles in their love story, but, of course, they get through it all and live the most loving life. My most favorite read of Kathryn LeVeque!
January 4, 2015
It is really difficult to like the book when you totally dislike the main character. Dustin is often called "intelligent but naive" , I , however, found her to be stubborn and petulant to the point of stupidity. When she was not throwing temper tantrums she was crying. I did enjoyed the historical background enough to give the writer another go.
August 18, 2013
Totally unrealistic behaviour for the heroine if considering the time period. Regardless of time period the heroine was bratty/TSTL. To DNF shelf quickly.
November 15, 2019
Christopher and Dustin had me feeling all types away! This is my first book on Medieval Romance, and I wasn’t disappointed! This book has so many things, love, war, treachery, loyalty, friendship, Compassion, understanding, anger, frustration. It had it all! I was fascinated from page one!
May 24, 2017
Well it certainly was a soap opera, but so good.
September 10, 2015
Oh my goodness, where on earth do I begin? This is truly an epic historical romance/historical fiction. The book is incredibly long and so much happens that it is difficult to craft an adequate summary.
Set during the Crusades of Richard the Lionheart, this epic novel explores the lives and love(s) of Lady Dustin Barrington and Sir Christopher De Lohr. Beginning with an unwanted arranged marriage, Dustin and Christopher begin to drop their mutual animosity and come to care for each other. Christopher is not adjusting well to life off the battlefield, especially when King Richard commands he stay put and spy on the local gentry. Similarly, Dustin has never had to answer to man and is not adjusting easily into her new life. Death follows Christopher from the battlefield into his new home with Dustin at Lioncross Abbey and soon Christopher and Dustin are forced to London and become embroiled in a deadly battle of wits with the King's evil brother, Prince John.
Christopher is a battle-hardened warrior. At first he is brutish, callous, and full of raging testosterone. I didn't expect to like him. But he softens around Dustin and readers discover he is honorable, loyal, and absolutely devoted to his beautiful, enchanting wife.
Dustin is a beautiful woman who has the personality of a tomboy. She has no problem running, jumping, climbing trees, and generally getting into mischief, but also knows when to turn on the ladylike charm in order to get her way. While she does mature as the novel progresses, there are times I wanted to shake her for her stupidity. Honestly, she is the reason this did not get a 5-star review.
This novel will turn you into an emotional wreck. It's a constant roller coaster between laughter, tears, disgust, fear, loathing, love, and yes even sometime confusion. There were portions that had me transfixed to the audiobook, eager to find out what happened next, enthralled in the passionate love scenes, or sitting in shocked disbelief in what had just transpired. There were a few points where I wanted to stop listening because of things that happened in the book (it's like a soap opera really), but I am so, so glad I continued. Give this one a try!!
Originally posted at Plot Twist Reviews [dot] Com
Set during the Crusades of Richard the Lionheart, this epic novel explores the lives and love(s) of Lady Dustin Barrington and Sir Christopher De Lohr. Beginning with an unwanted arranged marriage, Dustin and Christopher begin to drop their mutual animosity and come to care for each other. Christopher is not adjusting well to life off the battlefield, especially when King Richard commands he stay put and spy on the local gentry. Similarly, Dustin has never had to answer to man and is not adjusting easily into her new life. Death follows Christopher from the battlefield into his new home with Dustin at Lioncross Abbey and soon Christopher and Dustin are forced to London and become embroiled in a deadly battle of wits with the King's evil brother, Prince John.
Christopher is a battle-hardened warrior. At first he is brutish, callous, and full of raging testosterone. I didn't expect to like him. But he softens around Dustin and readers discover he is honorable, loyal, and absolutely devoted to his beautiful, enchanting wife.
Dustin is a beautiful woman who has the personality of a tomboy. She has no problem running, jumping, climbing trees, and generally getting into mischief, but also knows when to turn on the ladylike charm in order to get her way. While she does mature as the novel progresses, there are times I wanted to shake her for her stupidity. Honestly, she is the reason this did not get a 5-star review.
This novel will turn you into an emotional wreck. It's a constant roller coaster between laughter, tears, disgust, fear, loathing, love, and yes even sometime confusion. There were portions that had me transfixed to the audiobook, eager to find out what happened next, enthralled in the passionate love scenes, or sitting in shocked disbelief in what had just transpired. There were a few points where I wanted to stop listening because of things that happened in the book (it's like a soap opera really), but I am so, so glad I continued. Give this one a try!!
Originally posted at Plot Twist Reviews [dot] Com
March 30, 2017
I am awed by the brilliance that is Kathryn Le Veque. This epic is one long tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole way through, and that is a long long way because this is an 812 page book. The characters are just mesmerizing. They all learn and grow and evolve so much during the telling of this story, that they are almost unrecognizable from start to finish. I was glued to this novel from page one. It kept me utterly enthralled with adventure, passion, intrigue, betrayal, battles and love. I just love how I never know what is going to happen next, but the characters go from one ordeal to another with barely a breather in between. Le Veque knows how to weave the plot with such detail that the story comes alive in such a gripping way. It is a roller coaster of emotions...from funny and amusing one moment to heartbreaking the next. The passion is very erotic and steamy and you can feel the chemistry and connection between the characters. I would highly recommend this novel to those who want to sink their teeth into an amazing Historical romance that will keep them captivated from start to finish.
September 8, 2015
3.5/50
Good heavens this was a monster of a book! I think it would have served better had it been a trilogy, although I know the author likes to end each of her books with a happy ending and closure. Sometimes even a good thing can be daunting, however. I found I enjoyed it best by putting it aside a couple of times and reading something else, just to allow a rest so I could once again appreciate the fun of reading it. It does read much like a soap opera with events that stretch even the most vivid imaginations at times. And, the believability factor is sorely tested on a few occasions... But it is pure entertainment as always!
Good heavens this was a monster of a book! I think it would have served better had it been a trilogy, although I know the author likes to end each of her books with a happy ending and closure. Sometimes even a good thing can be daunting, however. I found I enjoyed it best by putting it aside a couple of times and reading something else, just to allow a rest so I could once again appreciate the fun of reading it. It does read much like a soap opera with events that stretch even the most vivid imaginations at times. And, the believability factor is sorely tested on a few occasions... But it is pure entertainment as always!
July 1, 2020
i love her style of writing............. but, the book was a total mess. I virtually never write bad review , What the hell was the author thinking!!!!!!!!!
December 28, 2018
This book was the worst book of Le Veque that I have so far read and I have read many. The main heroine Dustin is so irritating and dumb that I was hoping she will just die at some point along with Marcus. None of her actions made sense and I have a hard time believing she really loved Christopher considering how fast she decided to bed and marry his rapist best friend after he is presumed dead. I barely wanted to finish this novel since it was so long but I persevered and hated that Dustin got her HEA when I didn’t think she deserved it at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2017
One of the BEST writers I have read, regardless of genera! Rise of the Defender was epic! The story line kept you interested and excited to find out what this couple was going to do next. Loved it. I am currently working my way through all of Mrs. Le Veque's books and I am enjoying each one to the fullest. Bravo Kathryn, this needs to be a MOVIE!
February 26, 2016
The de lohrs
I loved this book. I am quickly finding that I am loving this author. I can't seem to get into other authors right now. Every book she writes becomes my favorite. Keep writing please.
I loved this book. I am quickly finding that I am loving this author. I can't seem to get into other authors right now. Every book she writes becomes my favorite. Keep writing please.
May 7, 2016
Great book!
Another great story from a master writer. This one gives us the beginnings of Chris and David de Lohr. I've enjoyed these characters in several books and it was wonderful to actually read their history. Loved the tie in to Robin Hood! Highly recommended!
Another great story from a master writer. This one gives us the beginnings of Chris and David de Lohr. I've enjoyed these characters in several books and it was wonderful to actually read their history. Loved the tie in to Robin Hood! Highly recommended!
April 18, 2015
This story is by far the best
Chris, Marcus and Dustin. I loved them all. I did get very very attached to Marcus and my heart broke for him more than. once
Chris, Marcus and Dustin. I loved them all. I did get very very attached to Marcus and my heart broke for him more than. once
March 10, 2016
Great long read. Too bad several chapters were messed up in addition to many repeats and the narrator laughing in the background.
Story: 5
Narration: 5
Editing: 0
Story: 5
Narration: 5
Editing: 0
April 6, 2016
Great Book
So many emotions in this book!! Destin and Chris love for each other saw them through many ups and downs. This is a book that Is well worth reading!!
So many emotions in this book!! Destin and Chris love for each other saw them through many ups and downs. This is a book that Is well worth reading!!
March 9, 2018
What the actual fuck. I love Kathryn LeVeque but this is crap. I don’t know what to say, I’m speechless and very disappointed. I’m writing a longer review later. Ugh, just ugh
March 4, 2019
AUDIOBOOK/BOOK REVIEW
Four warrior knights back from the Crusades, loyal to Richard the LionHeart, are instructed to return to England—Sir Christopher and Sir David De Lohr, Sir Marcus Burton, and Sir Edward De Wolf.
King Richard bestowed on Christopher an honor which makes him the right-hand of King Richard in England. He is the Defender of the Realm, gaining total control of Richard’s army left in England. Chris’s task is to make sure Prince John does not take over the realm while King Richard is still abroad. Prince John is not easy to deal with, nor his slimy advisor, Sir Ralph.
On Sir Author Barringdon deathbed he requested Christopher to marry his daughter. Lioncross Abbey would also be his. All his knights and fighting men were also bestowed upon him. Sir Christopher reluctantly agreed, only because the offer came with marriage to Baron Barringdon’s daughter. Chris does not want to marry. He wants to champion the king and none other. Sound easy enough? Never, as you will soon find out.
The friendship between these four knights returning to England makes them a special fighting team. They were always in sync, the other anticipating the moves of the battle. They watched each other’s backs for three long years in the Holy Land.
Dustin, Sir Author’s daughter is 19, ‘willful’ and difficult to handle, nor does she want to marry. Willful is not the only word for Dustin. Her beauty, intelligence, and innocence somehow excuse her willfulness. Chris, who never wanted to marry, thinks it may not be too bad after all.
How can this knightly friendship dissolve once on English soil? Simply by the love of one small slip of a woman who isn’t even aware how she affects men. Up to her 19th birthday, any advances by men, she easily thwarted with a swift punch in the nose. She knows what these men want– not her but her large dowry and the ultimate inheritance of her father’s wealth.
All would have been fine. As in most marriages, husband and wife find an equilibrium and manage a marriage, even if just to sire children. However, Marcus Burton was attracted to Dustin, with circumstances propelling them into more than just attraction.
As Chris finds Dustin is more than a beauty, he falls passionately in love with her. With that love, which he won’t admit to himself, he becomes protective and jealous of anyone who shows his appreciation to Dustin. Beware Marcus and David!
This tale, all 892 pages, not only has deep conflict between characters, but they have internal conflict within themselves. What is more important? Friendship where one’s life has been saved many times, honor, or love of a woman?
A note about the narrator: Brian J. Gill mightily adds to the emotion of the scenes with his pacing, tone, character voice, and display of various emotions which befall the characters. Jeffrey, a secondary character, has a German accent. We initially hear from him when Chris shows us he is becoming jealous; Marcus Burton has a brogue, and of course, the others sound English.
The story is magical. Don’t let the length of the story deter you from reading or listening. As a reader, I was entrenched, experiencing all that transpires. Each character has his/her own path of discovery about themselves and how they intend to remedy the situation they find themselves in. Some of them have more trouble than others to move beyond the lie they accept as true. Le Veque writes deeply emotional scenes of terror, hatred, guilt, sadness, and valor, giving much to ponder for the reader.
Four warrior knights back from the Crusades, loyal to Richard the LionHeart, are instructed to return to England—Sir Christopher and Sir David De Lohr, Sir Marcus Burton, and Sir Edward De Wolf.
King Richard bestowed on Christopher an honor which makes him the right-hand of King Richard in England. He is the Defender of the Realm, gaining total control of Richard’s army left in England. Chris’s task is to make sure Prince John does not take over the realm while King Richard is still abroad. Prince John is not easy to deal with, nor his slimy advisor, Sir Ralph.
On Sir Author Barringdon deathbed he requested Christopher to marry his daughter. Lioncross Abbey would also be his. All his knights and fighting men were also bestowed upon him. Sir Christopher reluctantly agreed, only because the offer came with marriage to Baron Barringdon’s daughter. Chris does not want to marry. He wants to champion the king and none other. Sound easy enough? Never, as you will soon find out.
The friendship between these four knights returning to England makes them a special fighting team. They were always in sync, the other anticipating the moves of the battle. They watched each other’s backs for three long years in the Holy Land.
Dustin, Sir Author’s daughter is 19, ‘willful’ and difficult to handle, nor does she want to marry. Willful is not the only word for Dustin. Her beauty, intelligence, and innocence somehow excuse her willfulness. Chris, who never wanted to marry, thinks it may not be too bad after all.
How can this knightly friendship dissolve once on English soil? Simply by the love of one small slip of a woman who isn’t even aware how she affects men. Up to her 19th birthday, any advances by men, she easily thwarted with a swift punch in the nose. She knows what these men want– not her but her large dowry and the ultimate inheritance of her father’s wealth.
All would have been fine. As in most marriages, husband and wife find an equilibrium and manage a marriage, even if just to sire children. However, Marcus Burton was attracted to Dustin, with circumstances propelling them into more than just attraction.
As Chris finds Dustin is more than a beauty, he falls passionately in love with her. With that love, which he won’t admit to himself, he becomes protective and jealous of anyone who shows his appreciation to Dustin. Beware Marcus and David!
This tale, all 892 pages, not only has deep conflict between characters, but they have internal conflict within themselves. What is more important? Friendship where one’s life has been saved many times, honor, or love of a woman?
A note about the narrator: Brian J. Gill mightily adds to the emotion of the scenes with his pacing, tone, character voice, and display of various emotions which befall the characters. Jeffrey, a secondary character, has a German accent. We initially hear from him when Chris shows us he is becoming jealous; Marcus Burton has a brogue, and of course, the others sound English.
The story is magical. Don’t let the length of the story deter you from reading or listening. As a reader, I was entrenched, experiencing all that transpires. Each character has his/her own path of discovery about themselves and how they intend to remedy the situation they find themselves in. Some of them have more trouble than others to move beyond the lie they accept as true. Le Veque writes deeply emotional scenes of terror, hatred, guilt, sadness, and valor, giving much to ponder for the reader.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews