Dark Steel

De Russe Legacy #7

by Kathryn Le Veque

Read the USA Today Bestseller!
The Dark One’s adoptive son, Dane Stoneley, finds his own epic love story in Dark Steel….

1512 – Dane Stoneley de Russe is a hardcore knight, bred for battle. His father, Gaston de Russe, is called The Dark One, a knight so deadly and legendary that he is more myth than man.

Dane has a lot to live up to.

In a nasty battle on the Welsh marches, Dane saves the life of the Duke of Shrewsbury and it is an action the duke never forgets. On his deathbed, he rewards Dane for that act of selflessness by pledging his only child, his heiress, to Dane. Now, it is Dane who will inherit the Dukedom of Shrewsbury and become a powerful man in his own right.

It is a gift that any man would be glad to accept, and Dane is no exception. Except for the marriage part. Focused on the dukedom he will inherit, he gives little thought to the means by which he will acquire it and only on his wedding day does he catch a glimpse of his bride, the Lady Grier de Llion de Lara, for the first time.

Then, the situation changes markedly.

Grier is a lovely young woman, raised in a Welsh convent when her mother died, and far removed from her father and his English legacy. She is more Welsh than English, but she is intrigued with her new husband, handsome Dane. As Dane and Grier come to know one another, feelings develop that neither one of them can admit. When rumors of a Welsh uprising against Shrewsbury began to circulate, it is Grier who decides to involve herself where she doesn’t belong – in her husband’s war plans.

Enter a great world of Medieval pageantry and battles, where love crosses lines and battlefields, and where betrayal is inevitable as two countries remain at odds. Can Dane and Grier overcome the prejudices they’ve always been taught in order to love their enemy?

Dark Steel is the romance of a lifetime!

******

The de Russe Legacy series are all stand-alone novels, but the chronological order by the date the book is set

The Falls of Erith
Lord of Black Angel
Beast
The White Lord of Wellesbourne
The Dark Dark Knight
Dark Steel
Dark Moon

Genres: Historical, Historical Romance, Medieval, Romance, Medieval Romance

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2018

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read: 4/23/24
3 stars!
Lacking 😔
There wasn't enough time to tell this story right. The instant love was rushed, and the plot was just dull. Such a disappointment for a beloved character.

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never felt so sorry for a heroine than I did for Grier! When she was 6 years old her father sent her to a convent and there she stayed for 12 years....being starved and/or beaten an every day occurrence. It's the only life she's known and when she is forced to leave the convent and marry Dane, she is in shock. As she gets to know Dane, though, she realizes that he's a good man and he's willing to teach her what is expected of her, promising she will never starve again or have to sleep on a hard floor.

Dane is a warrior knight and never expected to fall in love but when he meets Grier and is forced to marry her, he will do anything to protect her. Not really knowing each other, trust will become an issue and when circumstances has him reacting unfavorably towards her, a battle ensues in which he might lose her forever.

By the way, I'm still giggling at the "fleshy sword" part! lol

[Tracy DeNeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grier and Dane

I loved this book! I fear I shall be yawning all day at work.

Dane Stoneley de Russe and Grier de Lara don’t want to marry anyone, yet marry they must. It’s a good thing that they come to some sort of attraction early on in this forced marriage.

This is another fine story by Kathryn Le Veque. She is the master of crafting strong, alpha males and smart heroines in her medieval world. Dane was a hero that we’ve known since his childhood. Even as a boy, he displayed hero material and fans have been clamoring for his story ever since.

The battle scenes were harrowing and this reader was engrossed. I couldn’t put the book down until all was settled. It was settled and I am very pleased with the outcome. Thank you so much for another glimpse of some old and new favorites. I can’t wait to see what happens with Willie Wellsbourne and his partners in mischief in future books.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dane de Russe first appeared as a young boy in "Dark Knight: Dark One." He was a sensitive boy and very protective of his abused mother. This is his story.

Thanks to his adopted father, Gaston de Russe, he has become quite the dedicated, loyal knight with more than average skills. Dedicated to family, still sensitive, he is a leader among men who garners tremendous respect. With Gaston de Russe's guidance and love, he surely fulfilled all the potential and promise he displayed as a young boy.

This was a sweet story of a man who never thought he would find the great love his mother and adoptive father found. A man who unexpectedly inherits the title of Duke from an older knight who so admired him, along with a bride. A man who was expected to live up to the expectations of running and defending a vast, wealthy empire, coupled with marrying a women he has never met who spent her entire life sheltered in a convent. While I was already predisposed to love Dane's character, he proved to be worth it. His intended, Grier de Lara, was the perfect counterpart for Dane. Naive, angry at her deceased father for dumping her into a convent as a six year old where she was terribly abused and literally starved, she eventually becomes resigned to her fate once she meets the warm, sensitive man her father betrothed her too. They were adorable together, even with the inevitable misunderstanding.

I was anticipating Dane's book, having LOVED and read several times "The Dark Knight: The Dark One." Ms. Le Veque certainly did his story justice.

Now I have three books to re-read for the entire family saga starting with one of my all time favorite books "The Dark Knight: The Dark One," followed by Trenton de Russe's book (Dane's adoptive brother) which is "Dark Moon: The Dark Sons Series Book 1," and "Dark Steel: A Dark Sons Novel." YAY!!!

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

By Kathryn Le Veque
A Dark Sons Novel (de Russe Legacy Book 6)

1512 Dane Stoneley de Russe is a hardcore knight and I mean hardcore. He is bred for battle. His father Gaston de Russe, is called The Dark One, a knigh so deadly and legendary that he is more myth than man.

In a nasty battle on the Welsh Marches, Dane saves the life of the Duke of Shrewsbury and it is an action the Duke will not forget. On his deathbed, he rewards Dane for the act of selflessness by pledging his only child, his heiress, to Dane. Now Dane is set to inherit it all becoming a Duke and a very powerful man.

Grier is a lovely young woman, raised in a Welsh convent where he father sent her because she looked so much like her Mother after she died. She is far removed from her Father and her English Legacy. She is more Welsh than English, but she is more then intrigued with her new husband, handsome Dane. As Dane and Grier come to know each other, feelings develop that neither one of them can admit. When rumors of a Welsh uprising against Shrewsbury begin to circulate, it is Grier who decides to involve herself where she doesn't belong and that would be in her husband's war plans which anger and hurt him deeply.

Will there be a Welsh uprising and will Dane and his knights be able to stem it? Will Dane ever be able to forgive Grier for meddling in plans she should not have?

Kathryn Le Veque is once again totally fantastic. There are not enough words in the dictionary to describe the talent this lady has. I anticipate and read all of Ms. Le Veque's books like it's the first time. Once again I give you kudos Ms. Le Veque you have held me utterly captivated throughout the whole book. I as a reader thank you for keeping my imagination alive with the world of medieval knights and Ladies.
.

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely Loved Dark Steel. After the death of Grier's mother at age 6 she is sent by her father to live in St. Iloes Convent. The horrors she suffered there as a young child made me cry. I was glad that we didn't live through her beatings and starvations. Instead we learn what happens through her retelling of her 14 years at the Convent. Her father the Duke of Shrewsbury is killed in battle and he leaves his Dukedom and his entire fortune which is huge to Sir Dane De Russey. But Dane must marry his daughter Grier to inherit.

They are married and Grier can't believe the kindness of her new husband. She is now the Duchess of Shrewsbury and her life is a millions times improved. Dane is a generous, kind and loving husband. He is disgusted with Garreth the dead Duke of Shrewsbury as he learns of what kind of life Grier has suffered at the hands of the Mother Superior at the Convent. Grier also, has a stalker. Davies ap Madoc. He is determined to have Grier as his own. He is obsessed with her. He is determined to kill Dane and take Grier for himself and the Dukedom.

This is a very fast paced, and sensuous romance, Its also, loving and romantic. The action does not overtake the romance. The secondary characters are well written and you feel attached to them. I can't wait for the next installment of The Sons of De Russey Legacy.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sir Dane de Russe is forced to make a promise to a dying man. The man was the Duke of Shrewsbury, and he wants Dane to protect his daughter and his Dukedom. There is only one way that is acceptable.
Lady Grier de Lara has spent the last fourteen years shut away in a convent, always believing she will eventually become a nun. The news that she is an heiress and about to be married doesn't go down well.
Our honourable and battle hardened warrior never dreamt he would reach these dizzy heights. Our neglected and nervous heroine is in for a very steep learning curve.
There is an unstable man that will cause everyone heartache.
I managed to get through this story with only a little cry. A marvellous love story, that you can't help but get involved in. The characters are as usual fantastic it's great to meet the families of our heroes from previous books. Our author always manages to bring something fresh to each book.
I have read lots of her books and loved all of them. I am eagerly waiting for the next one.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Dane’s book is wonderful, as expected this author has the perfect lady to tame his heart .
Somehow I never teamed Dane up with an ex-nun , but she really is his soulmate and his perfect partner, they compliment each other so well .
She been in the convent for many years since she was 6 , and not treated particularly well , despite having a well off family and a father who seems to want the best for her .
Dane is given her as well as an estate in marriage, one he really doesn’t want , but out of respect agrees too .
It’s a story that is fast paced and full of deceit , jealousy and missed chances , with many trust issues to be sorted between the main characters.
When all concludes its another wonderful hit from Kathryn Le Veque, one that you’ll adore beginning to end.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Kathryn Le Veque has written a great book. Not as much fighting and more romance in this one. Always great characters though.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story deserves more than five stars! the story went by quickly for me, and this is a testament to this author's ability to tell a great story. Sir Dane de Russe is the adoptive son of Gaston de Russe, The Dark One. Dane finds himself with a deathbed request he feels he cannot refuse. Fulfilling this request leads to an exceptional tale. Add in the heroin, Grier de Lara, the only child of the Duke of Shrewsbury who has been in an Abbey from a very young age. Her strong reluctance brings about a war of Wills.

I definitely enjoyed the antics of two of Dane's knights, Boden de Russe who is also his younger brother and Sir William Wellsbourne the wild son of Matthew Wellesbourne.

Every time I read this author story I know I am in for a rare treat because I know I am about to embark on the storytelling Journey that will make me smile, gasp, swallow deeply at times and laugh out loud.

I look forward to the next story in the de Russe series.

[Kat Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dane a very serious, thoughtful, analytical Knight whose primary problem was that he tended to be a very trusting soul. However, after he was told that his betrothal to the heiress of Shrewsbury had been decided by their fathers, without any clue that they were to marry and become the new Duke and Duchess of Shrewsbury so their could carry on the de Lara legacy. Neither Dane nor Grier, the de Lara heiress, expected or desired this surprise marriage. Grier had been living in a nunnery since the age of six after her mother’s death and was therefore extremely sheltered and naive to the ways of the world. Her past physical and emotional abuse at the nunnery was very unexpected and a surprise that greatly affected her outlook on life and her responses to Dane and their bidding relationship. Even with the age disparity, they both had a lot to learn about married life and trusting the stranger they found themselves married to. Grier being naive about the ways of the world came to realize that even though in her mind, she was attempting to help or protect her husband, discovered it wasn’t a good idea to try to try to take things on by herself in her efforts to protect him. He on the other hand, being a person use to trusting those around him had to learn to understand and trust the very sheltered, naive girl he’d married. Once you include Kathryn Le Veque’s amazing ability to develop complex, memorable characters by incorporating their emotions and personality characteristics into the character. you never know how your emotional connection will affect your reactions, and have your laughing or crying by the next page. It’s so easy to get attached to her characters as you watch them handle various experiences throughout their lives. can’t help but laugh when they laugh and cry when they become broken hearted. This is a real page turner that keeps you on the edge of your chair until the very last page. I highly recommend this book to Kathryn Le Veque fans and any other readers who may not be familiar with her astonishing repertoire of wonderful and exciting books.

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke of Shrewsbury lies dying on the battlefield and he asks Sir Dane de Russe to make a promise to a dying man he wants Dane to marry his only child a daughter to protect his daughter and his Dukedom, he wants Dane to become the next Duke of Shrewsbury. Dane never dreamed to become a duke so Garreth de Lara’s request comes as a surprise and a chance for him to become the Duke of Shrewsbury and become a powerful man in his own right. Dane has always been a warrior, a knight to be respected and the Garreth de Lara has just rewarded him with his beloved daughter and dukedom.
Lady Grier de Lara’s father sent her to the convent after her mother died when she was six years old. She’s been shut away for fourteen years in a convent, always believing she will eventually become a nun. She never dreamed to marry and have a family, her father never visited her at the convent. Dane shows up at the convent and totally rocks her world, she doesn’t want to marry especially to a man she doesn’t know and to return to a people she’s all but forgotten. As Dane and Grier come to know one another, feelings develop that neither one of them can admit when they least expect it betray hits too close to home and everything falls apart for Grier and Dane. Can they regain the trust they once shared, will their new found love survive and will they forgive each other to live happy ever after? Another great book by Kathryn le Veque. The story is rich with history and some of our favorite de Russe characters. This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

[Crystal Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story

Dane Stoneley son of Remington and Gaston de Russe was given one of his father’s outpost Blackmore Castle near the Welsh border with the provision that he would remain loyal to the Dukedom of Warminster. Dane along with his younger brother Boden and another knight William Wellsbourne and 400 de Russe troops set out for Blackmore Castle but when they got there they found the castle to be rather dilapidated bunch of stones. No matter to Dane he was very happy with it and within a year it was rebuilt. He had built friendships and alliances among the borderlands including the Duke of Shrewsbury Garrett de Lara who liked Dane. He was always showering Dane with gifts. He had no sons of his own and an only daughter who was in a convent. This is where he found himself at Shrewsbury fighting the Welsh. He tries finding the Duke in all of the fighting only to find that he and 2 of his guards had slid into the moat below. He reaches down to take the Duke and bring him to safety only to find that he had a bad wound to his groin. As the Duke is dying he tells Dane that he needs to bring his daughter home since she is the heiress and that he has given her to Dane along with the Dukedom and all that Shrewsbury owned.
When the Shrewsbury men came to give Lady Grier Ysabel de Lara the message that her father had been killed and she was to marry and return home to become the Duchess. Dane and Grier were married at the Abbey. There is a lot of excitement that follows.

[Cindy Coker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story! Dane becomes the man we all thought he may under the care and love of his mother and the DeRusse clan. This story was a fast read, but full of so much that you cant believe its over. Grier & Dane are incredibly endearing. I kept thinking, "oh what a sweet boy, Remington must be so proud" As we saw in Dark Moon, Dane is no nonsense, and an incredible knight, but he is extremely protective over those he loves and holds dear. Enter his wife, Grier, sheltered and a bit naive, yet a will of iron. She fits Dane like a glove and watching their story unfold was amazing to watch. Love Boden and Willie, its always so fun when characters from past novels appear. It truly brings the series together as you come to know all of them with each turn of a page. So many links in this book to other stories, places and families. This story had the chuckles, sympathy, compassion, tears. Its a must read for all DeRusse and Le Veque fans. The ending will leave you in your feels!! Wonderful story and so incredibly glad we get to see Dane DeRusse as the honorable loving knight we knew he would become.

[Bunga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sebenernya agak kuatir pas baca buku ini. Takut ga nyambung karena buku ini adalah salah satu dari rangkaian series dan karakter2nya sudah beranak-pinak bergenerasi-generasi dari series-series yang berbeda. Tapi ternyata buku ini bisa dibaca sebagai standalone.

Alurnya jelas dan mengalir. Cara penulisannya juga enak dipahami. Langsung klik gitu rasanya. Kaya ketemu jodoh 😅😂

Buku ini menceritakan tentang Grier dan Dane yang terpaksa menikah setelah ayahnya Grier (Duke Shrewsburry) tewas di medan pertempuran. Grier adalah anak perempuan satu-satunya sekaligus heiress, jadi tentunya ada beban dan tanggungjawab besar untuk melanjutkan garis keturunan keluarganya dan juga rakyatnya. Dane sendiri dapat wasiat dari ayahnya Grier untuk menikahi putrinya dan menjadi Duke yang baru. Maka dari itu menikahlah mereka berdua. Di sini bagusnya mereka sama-sama sadar tanggungjawabnya, jadi nikahnya gak pake drama-dramaan.

Ketertarikan instan? Tentu dong. Rahasia-rahasiaan atau misskomunikasi? Awalnya gak ada, tapi nanti ada satu kesalahan fatal yang jadi konflik di klimaks.

Overall, interaksi Dane-Grier so cute. Suami idaman banget lah si Dane ini. 😍

[Betty Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really did enjoy this book. Dane Stoneley de Russe is a hard core knight bred for battle. While in battle on the Welsh Marches, Dane saves the life of the Duke of Shrewsbury and the Duke never forgets. While on his death bed, the Duke remembers Dane and leaves him the Dukedom of Shrewsbury but he has to marry his daughter, who has been in a convent since the age of 6. This leaves a lot of problems for Dane for when he goes to the Convent to claim his bride, she really doesn't want this or anything to do with Dane or the Dukedom. Lots of problems for both Dane and |Lady Grier de LJion de Lara, the dukes daughter. She is very nieve and has no idea of how to run the castle let alone what do to when she is married and no idea of how men act . Funny in spots but really felt for Grier, for she has so much to overcome. Plus, there is also someone else who had thought to claim Grier..so that is going on in the background. Lots of tense moments. Highly recommend.

[Cyrene Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of betrayal, innocence, abuse, danger and finally love. It was exciting to see that one of my favorite characters from previous books was getting his story, and it is a story worthy of the strong knight, Dane. Grier is the perfect match, a shining light which she rises from her sheltered life to be a woman of honor and worthy of being and becoming the Duchess of Shrewsbury. The complexity and uniqueness of all of Le Veque’s characters continues to amaze me, and Dane and Grier are no different.

Kathryn Le Veque brings it all together in a way that only she can, and keeps the reader glued to the pages until the very end. One of my favorite parts of all of her books is the epilogues. The author pulls many different emotions from the reader, and finally the time to relax and smile and sometimes cry, is always the epilogues, and again, this was no different. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Cyrene

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is real fish out of water story with some very funny moments. Grier is taken from the nunnery where she expected to live her life. Her kidnapper/rescuer is Dane de Russe a top gun knight who is also not ready for marriage. Because of a death-bed promise and the lure of a dukedom, Dane is coerced into marrying an equally reluctant Grier.

The laughs come from Grier’s inexperience with the real world. Having starved in the nunnery, after wedding Dane she gobbles down a rich meal then brings it up again. She is absolutely humiliated but Dane’s reaction shows that he may be a caring husband after all. Of course there are problems in the romance as a Welsh nobleman resents Grier’s marriage. There are themes of mistrust and abuse, but told in such a compelling way they are not depressing.

As a Kathryn Le Veque novel there is gritty realism, bloody battles and not a lot of lace and butterflies. But the romantic relationship is truly touching. ‘Dark Steel’ is well worth reading.

[Darlene A. Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book. So many feelings being tossed around. A bit of humor in the schooling our heroine gets about sex. Her ladies maid took on the job. After all, she was experienced in such things. Did I mention that our heroine was a virgin? Her father put her in a convent after her mother died. She was around 8 years old at the time. Years later a Duke and his guards come to the convent to advise her that her father is now dead and she and the family dynasty is now in the hands of her husband to be. (Her father took care of that business just before he died. Thanks, dad.)

Life outside the convent was very different. The husband to be was a Knight, a warrior. That was his life. What did he know about marrying a convent bred woman. Besides he hadn't spent much time with women due to his Knightly profession.

So here we have two very green humans who have been pushed together. Let the fun begin. ( I did shed a tear or two along the way.)

[Barbara Literski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

WOW!!! Kathryn Le Veque has written another great story! This one is about Dane Stoneley de Russe.
Dane was given Blackmore Castle by his father Gaston de Russe. He becomes friends with the Duke of Shrewsbury, Garreth de Lara. Because of his friendship to the Duke, he finds himself and his men fighting against the Welsh in a battle that the Duke is injured and dies but not before he tells Dane that all he has is now Dane’s. The one thing Dane will have to do is marry his heir Grier de Lara.She has been at St. Idloes Abbey, in Llandridod, since she was six.
Neither Dane nor Grier wanted to marry, but realized that it had to be done.
Now comes the enemy that leaves a path of destruction in Dane and Grier’s marriage.
To really feel the love, sorrow and other emotions you should read the story! It is truly a great story but to me the ending was the best!!!!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having loved the story of his parent’s romance, I couldn’t wait for Dane’s chance at happiness. Dane is a very honorable man and is content with his life. Unfortunately for him, the parents-his and the father of Grier, have other plans. His father has accepted the betrothal contract submitted by Garreth de Lara, Duke of Shrewsbury, for his daughter’s hand and holdings. The raging battle brings the time frame forward, too quickly for him. Grier was sent to a convent and has been ignored by her father and starved by the lack of food available to her. This comes into play their first night together. His response and actions toward Grier are enough to bring tears to your eyes! This sets the stage for a beautiful story of love, with a few missteps, and a lifetime of happiness for both of them.

[Barbara Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the remarkable chronical; written by Kathryn Le Veque, of the life of Dane Stoneley de Russe and Lady Grier de Lara. On the Welsh Marches, Sir Dane is in battle for his friend the Duke of Shrewsbury against a band of threating Welsh. The Duke receives a death blow and with his last breaths makes Dane promise to marry his only daughter, Lady Grier de Lara. The only problem is Grier has been in a Welsh Abbey since her mothers death when she was 6 years old. When Dane goes to claim her, he finds a strong, beautiful women that knows nothing of the world outside where she grew up and love is but a fleeting memory Kathryn has given us a story that shows how these two adjust and finding feelings and discover that love is within their reach. This is a keeper and one that will be reread many times.

[Lynne Shear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Steel is a wonderfully uplifting and heart warming tale. We first met Dane Stoneley de Russe in the Dark One, now he is all grown up and what a wonderful man he turned out to be. Heroic, muscular, handsome and self assured, who still battles with trust issues and stubbornness which nearly demolishes his marriage to the beautiful, naive, abused Lady Grier de Lara. As the new Duke and Duchess of Shrewsbury, they both have a lot to prove and although dangers lurk, Kathryn really focuses on all the characters in this book, their personalities and friendships and for me, this is what makes this book such a delight. Dane, Boden (his brother), William and Dastan are all hugely close and have a very close brotherly bond and this adds to the humour and poignancy of this wonderful tale. I absolutely loved it!

[Sandra Standefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this story. As the Duke of Shrewsbury lays dying he asks Dane Stoneley de Russe for a promise to has promised to marry his daughter Grier and take care of her. Dane has no choice but to agree. Grier has been raised in a convent and doesn’t know to much about life on the outside. Grier has so much to learn and Dane is there to help her. There was so much to this story. There story made me laugh, brought tears to my eyes and sometimes made me want to shake them! I have read many of Kathryn LeVeque’s books and every time I finish one I say that’s my new favorite! I loved Dane and Grier’s story and Dane is my new favorite knight! Definitely swoon worthy and definitely 5 stars!

[K YB · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5 ⭐️
It was short and sweet but nothing spectacular in terms of writing or storyline.
I thought it was interesting with the characters and their backgrounds, a knight adopted by his mother’s husband seems a bit unrealistic for that time but maybe I am wrong. Griers life seemed very sad and horrible at the church. In fact her eating normally but throwing up because she had never had enough food was so sad. I also had such a hard time understanding her father, he was a horrible person to send away his daughter who had lost her mother instead of consoling her. I thought that was weak, and immature as a grown man.
The miscommunication between Grier and Dane was very quick and quite ridiculous when you think about it.

[Colene Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dane de Russe is the stepson of Gaston de Russe who he respects, honors and loves. Gaston de Russe purchased Castle Blackmore so Dane would have something of his own. Dane has built a friendship with the Duke of Shrewsbury who ends up dying in battle but before he passes he asks Dane to to marry his daughter as his last request. Grier has been raised in a convent where she has been starved and abused so when the soldiers come for her she is most adamant that she will not be marrying the man her father has chosen for her.

[Melly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good fluff read:) I liked the fact the author made the hero a good guy, yet still tough and authoritative. All too often I see authors who try too hard to give their hero's bad qualities. That is fine for normal fiction - but this is a romance.

Now don't get me wrong, the guy wasn't perfect by any means. But there wasn't this overt attempt by the author to make certain the guy had negative qualities.

Definitely enjoyed. Will buy from this author again.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having to wed a young lady that you didn't need, Having to wed a man you didn't want these are the main questions that are bringing two families together, making a family even stronger and help in making a family grow when the Lady is the last of a great family lineage.
Put in a villain who thinks he's in love with the lady, a sister that loves her brother but knows he's ruining his life and threatening their family and Kathryn will bring together a great love that was in the making of Medieval lore.
Dane De Russe the adopted son of Gaston,The Dark One. Finally meets his match with the past of his real father threatening to break through, Dane fights to realize his love of Grier learning that the obstacles in their way are tests of how much they have to live for.
In this book, Kathryn brings her magical touch not just in her words but to bring the past of Medieval lore into the readers hearts. And that will keep growing with every word in every book that she can write. She consistently writes her love of the times into her hero and their ladies and the scenery is so life like that as you read each book your body may be in 2018, but your imagination has you living her characters.
I just love Kathryn Le Veques books and just can't get enough and you will too...

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dane will become the Duke of Shrewsbury if he agrees to marry the daughter of the dead duke. The problem is (1) Dane never knew there was a daughter, and (2) having been raised in a convent since she was six, thinking she would become a novice, she doesn't want to marry him but does because she simply had no choice.

Grier and Dane begin forging their dynasty and their love for each other.

Formula fiction, but it wasn't bad.

[Kathy Brickert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five bright stars!

Always give stars for a Le Veque book! I simply adore her stories and the families and characters that come to life through each tale! So good to see Gaston and his good friend Matthew Wellesbourne again! Love when the books link the generations! Such a grand tale! Good read!!!