Kathryne Le Veque is the queen of the Medieval time period. Although this was not one of my favorite books of hers, I did enjoy it for the most part. Gage and Wynter are childhood friends who reunite when Gage returns home after having been banished by his elder brother. For the past six years he has worked as a mercenary.
Thank you Kathryn Le Veque, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

This is a bit of a weird one for me. I enjoyed it, but i wasn't very satisfied by it and there are a few.... Issues. Generally I love a good misunderstood hero with a "redemption" arc, but Gage isn't actually misunderstood, rather he might actually be a little too perfect. But character development aside, let's first get into what I did enjoy. The book is very well written and i think it found a good balance between bringing historical accuracy and still being a bit modern. There were a lot of funny and heartfelt moments and a little bit of spice too.
Now what didn't really work for me: Gage and Wynter have a ten year age gap, which wouldn't be too bad if they hadn't met when Wynter was still a child and Gage already a knight. While Gage continually makes it clear he knew her as a child before their reunion and therefore did not even consider a romantic relationship, when they eventually work it all out he says he's always loved her, but only realized when they met again. This is... More than weird. I kind of get what he wants to say, but it still feels icky. Like of course you can think a child is smart and funny etc but saying you've always loved them? Aside from that, I don't feel like Gage really falls in love with her when she's an adult, they meet and he thinks she is absolutely beautiful. And of course he knew her years ago, but that really doesn't seem like a good basis for a relationship. I'm missing a bit of a romantic progression on Gage's side. Wynter has always been in love with him, so that checks out a little more.
On more of a side note, I personally find it a little weird that in the end all of Wynter's sisters also marry men quite a bit older than them. I get times were a bit different, but it's not like there is a lack of younger man in the book and it just feels weird that all four girls are into considerably older man.
All in all, I still enjoyed it, but the issues mentioned above make it a little difficult for me to give the book four or five stars. I think just getting rid of the age difference between the protagonists would have taken care of the weirdness.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Reading a Kathryn LeVeque novel is always like taking a trip back in time. She does medieval knights so very well and really paints a vivid picture as if you are standing right there in the action. This was no exception.
Right off the bat, you feel for Gage and his situation. He has had it rough in his lifetime and his older brother isn't helping. When he meets an old childhood friend in the form of the beautiful Wynter, the flames burn bright between them but not everyone is happy about it.
There is so much going on here and it is all told so very well by LeVeque. I really enjoyed this story but just to be nit-picky I will say the one thing that bothered me was the constant reference to Wynter's beauty. It actually took away from everyone else in the story and made it seem like Gage's love was superficial in that he only loved her for that. Her beauty becomes so much talked about and focussed on that her sisters are described as plain which to me is petty and devalues them as not only women but as characters. Perhaps I am a bit too sensitive to authors dwelling on appearances in novels because I feel that it shouldn't matter so much.
Otherwise, a fantastic and engaging storyline that will have you right there cheering for the knight known as NorthWind and his lady.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my review.

2.5 stars

Gah, I might be on my own in not loving this book, but I promised a voluntary and honest review, so...

First off, the book is well written for the most part. The writing flows well, though a few chapters seem like they could be swapped with regard to timelines. But it isn't the flow that I disliked. Instead, it was that I felt cheated by the characters.

The basic premise is that Gage is banished from his home by his petty elder brother, and therefore leaves for Navarre (present-day Spain) to seek out his mother's family. His leaving is a blow to Wynter, a young girl he sort of knew for a few years when he'd served under her father, an earl with lands not far from Gage's home. She essentially refuses to marry the entire six years that Gage is abroad because no one can compare to him. Gage, however, leaves England without giving her a second thought beyond remembering her as an annoying child who followed him around relentlessly. He ends up serving as a mercenary in his uncle's army. That job eventually brings him back to England, where he's surprised to discover that their next paid war is going up against his brother, who has been stealing from yet another neighbor. Anyway, the two run into each other, and the rest is history.

All that is well and good, except I can't figure out the attraction; there's virtually no chemistry, and in fact, the two see very little of each other until the second half of the book. It seems like the reason Gage falls in love is because Wynter is beautiful. And Gage is noble and honest, which we know because we're told that he is. Their actions, though, are pretty average or at least are no more special than those of several other characters (most notably the other knights).

Speaking of other characters, I was far most interested in Clark and Summer, though their tale is told rather unevenly, and I wanted to see more of the youngest sister, Autumn. The second-oldest sister, Spring, draws the short stick in the character lottery; not only is she plain, but she's clumsy, foolish, and, frequently, a bitch. Because clearly only pretty people are kind and worthy.

I dunno, maybe I'm just crabby today. As I said, the story was not poorly crafted. Typically, u like this author's books, butI just wish more time was spent on character development. It took me a few days to slog through it as it is (when I like a book, I can polish it off in a few hours).

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!

Love this fast paced romance as Gage de Reyne aka North Wind on the knights tournament circuit making his fortune. He sees Lady Wynter de Thorington, a childhood friend, who’s all grown up and determined to win his love. She’s always believed he is an honorable man despite the rumors he’s destructive, powerful, cold as ice man. Despite his older brother’s belief he’s out to steal his brother’s legacy Gage seeks his future elsewhere. Lady Wynter has loved Gage as a child and her love has bloomed into her adulthood to a fiery passion and attraction that they can no longer deny. A captivating story of love, an honorable knight against his unscrupulous, treacherous brother seeking his banishment or death. I have voluntarily read and reviewed the great book.

Spellbound by Wynter and Her Knight

Wow, what a wonderful, action-packed, unputdownable read! A bit of a surprise for me, simply because this was my first Kathryn Le Veque and I'll admit I didn't expect to be so blown away. I love it when an author's writing bears the hallmarks of someone who not only can write but has wisdom--and from the very first pages including the "Note to Readers" (which amused me with its necessity of reminding readers that yes, England had coal in the middle ages), Le Veque really shone in that regard.

In many ways, this book reminded me of something by Julie Garwood, like The Bride. You have the lively, bold heroine and the exciting plot. But I found Wynter to be an even more loveable heroine than some of Garwoods. She was quirky and original and stubborn, certainly, but she was also very intelligent and made rational choices. Besides her stunning beauty, she was very easy to identify with and that was refreshing in a romance genre where that is not always the case.

Gage de Reyne is a strong, handsome, and broody hero. Just enough alpha to satisfy most readers, with a healthy helping of compassion and strong respect for women weighed in. There's an excellent back and forth tension between Gage and Wynter that begins as soon as the intro to the novel ends and the plot skips ahead six years. Suddenly, the girl who was in love with a handsome young knight, at least ten years her elder, has grown into a mature and lovely woman who is capable of making her own decisions. There is a real "brother's best friend" quality to the romance, which is funny because there are no brothers--just four sisters! But we are told that Wynter and Gage grew up in close proximity, so when Wynter blossoms and Gage is abruptly falling head over heels for her, it really feels like we are watching a "brother's best friend" type of guy who has been forced to see the heroine in a whole new way.

Le Veque also has created an excellent villain who is basically a more fleshed-out Prince John character from Disney's Robin Hood. Whiny and spoiled and confused as to why no one likes him or will do whatever he wants, Gage's older brother is very enjoyable to hate!

The only thing that irked me a little was the constant meanness shown towards Spring because she was "plain" and rather silly. At first Wynter's failure to defend her own sister from her aunt's spite had me riled, but as the plot continues, the two sisters become much closer. I had to trust the author to develop their bond and do her thing!

Ultimately, I am more excited for future Thorington Sister novels than for de Reynes. Le Veque has created a fantastic family of girls, each with their own unique personalities and each with a prospective love interest that will have you excited for the others to get their own books.

This is the second book of the series and my first time reading something by this author, and I found it to be a an enjoyable and fast-paced read. This book has a little of everything from danger and suspense to action and romance. The storyline is captivating and grabbed my attention from the very beginning and had me completely glued. Boothe was jealous of his brother Gage and had him banished. Gage left the country and became a mercenary knight, but returns years later. Wynter knew him as a girl and has been in love with him ever since. It is now time for her to marry, but being the headstrong girl that she is, she knows what she wants and has refused all suitors because what she wants is Gage. Gage's mercenary army has been called to fight for land that is being stolen, and he returns to his homeland after six years. He becomes reacquainted with Wynter and you cannot miss the fire that burns between them. Their love for each other could mean danger for Gage and is he willing to sacrifice everything for her love? This was one amazing story that was well-written with a brilliant cast of characters. The author did a fantastic job of bringing the medieval atmosphere to life with the vivid descriptions and storytelling and you are transported back to that time. I really enjoyed this story and am happy to have had the opportunity to read it.

I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

A Medieval Romantic Adventure

His brother threw him out of his home, and he had to find his place in the world. Little did Gage know that joining a mercenary army would bring him back full circle. The rumors were that he tried to steal his brother’s inheritance, but Wynter did not believe them. She loved Gage since she was a child, and she loved him still. The two face challenges, treachery, and heartbreak. Could their love beat the odds? This medieval romance will take you on a journey full of adventure and suspense that will keep you turning the pages.

Kathryn Le Veque is one of my favorite authors. After each book, I think how can her next book beat this one, but they always do. Make sure you have a box of Kleenex on hand for this one.
Gage de Reyne is banished from his home after the death of his father, by his jealous older brother. Gage becomes a mercenary known as the North Wind when he travels to his Mother's home in Pamploma.
Gage returns to Northumberland when the mercenaries accept a commission.
I encourage you to read this amazing story for yourself. It has all the components needed from battle scenes, heartbreak, wonderful characters, and so much more.

Another enjoyable read by Ms. Le Veque. A girl who becomes a woman has not forgotten the knight she fell in love with and refuses all suitors because of the love she still has for him. A knight who was banished from his home and has to make a living as a mercenary, has blocked him memories of the past. When the two meet again, both have questions for the other, yet sees how the other has changed. This causes strain between the two. Men do not think the way women do and requires some intervention by others. Still, there are some that would rather Wynter marry another man and try to steer her in that direction. Gage realizes it has always been Wynter, but he has been away for too long and how would she handle his life as a mercenary? However, there are bigger problems that need to be handled, which brings brother against brother. Can all their troubles be resolved in time before chaos and death reign? I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💋💋

Just stunning!
This book has everything you need from a KLV novel.
Danger, romance, treasonous behaviour, tearful moments, battle scenes, death scenes, weddings scenes, brilliant characters, off the charts chemistry, outstanding writing.
You really can’t ask for much more.
Oh don’t forget the obligatory box of tissues, definitely a good idea.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

Make a stop into the world of Gage De Reyne and his quest, due to his older brother's jealousy having him make his way on his own.

A strong knight who has to survive as a mercenary, finds himself coming upon a young lady her knew as a child. But she is a child no longer and determined to make Gage her own. She had loved him when she was a teen and was use to getting what she wanted!

Another magnificent journey into the Le Veque world that does not let you go until the end! Loved every word!

As always this is another great read by Katheryn Le Veque. She is my go to historical romance author. This story is filled with action that keeps you reading well into the wee hours of morning. And if you like reading about strong women and the men that love them. This a good book for you.

A Cold Wynter's Knight by Kathryn Le Veque is a little different from most of le Veque's medieval knight's books. That is not to say it was not just as good, it was just a little more calculated. His brother, Boothe, had driven Sir Gage de Reyne away from his home shortly after the death of their father. Boothe was, among other things, insecure, and in his paranoia believed Gage was after his inheritance. Nothing could be further from the truth, but Gage left, in order to save his own life. With him went Sir Lawrence le Becque, a life-long retainer of his fathers. He didn't know where to go but headed toward Pamplona, the home of his mother, where he still had uncles. He spent the next six years working as a mercenary for his uncle, who accepted payment in order for his family to fight. Now that had accepted a commission in Northumberland, close to hi family home. He and le Becque were both happy to be home. The others were cold. As was usual, they had no idea what the assignment was and wouldn't until they got there. While stopping at an inn, they ran into people they knew, well, used to know. Two young woman, Wynter and Spring, daughters of Lord Ashington, his father's/brother's neighbor and ally. Mu, but she's grown up.

Gage is just as honorable as all of le Veques's knights. He's just had a different path than most of them. A lot of people died in this book; people we knew; more than usual. The plot was a good, if complicated one. It was easy to follow but the reader was kept alert, not knowing what was to come next. Wynter had been a pushy child and was nearly as bad as an adult. What had never changed about her was her devotion to Gage. It had been the infatuation of a child and now was the love of a stubborn woman. Their road to happiness was strewn with problems and people who stood in their way. With communication over distance as it was then, it is amazing how it all came together. Love Kathryn le Veque and her knights.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Cold Wynter's Knight by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #kathrynleveque #acoldwintersknight

Wynter has loved Gage since she was a child. When he disappears her heart is broken. Six years later, he is back in her life as a cold warrior in a mercenary army. No longer does he see her as a sister, but a beautiful woman who still loves him. Unfortunately, he has a job to do. A war was started by his brother that will have devastating consequences.
Get ready for an emtional rollercoaster from start to finish.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Gage de Reyne was not only banished from his home, but also slandered by his brother’s lies. He has no other choice but to locate his mother’s family in France and align himself with them. Lady Wynter has loved Gage forever. When he disappears, she assumes that he is dead by his brother’s hand. When she meets Gage in an Inn by the name of The Rabbit Burrow, she is elated but also confused. When she and her family realize why Gage has arrived in England, part of them understand, but others are mislead by rumors. Wynter and Gage were always meant to be together, but fate sometimes makes it difficult.
The story of Wynter and Gage was a delightful, fast-paced read in the continuation of the de Reyne legacy.

Fast-paced and romantic, this novel has it all. Ousted by his older brother for no reason other than sibling rivalry, Gage de Reyne has no choice but to leave his home and find his own way. Being a man of honor and stamina, he has done well for himself whilst in service to his uncle. Wynter has been in love with Gage ever since she was a young girl and when he returns at the side of El Vibora he is taken aback when a coincidental meeting brings him face to face with the young girl he once called “sister”. However, he has bigger issues to deal with, namely his malicious brother's actions, which have forced his neighbor to call on the services of El Vibora and his army to quell the ongoing onslaughts on his land. It quickly becomes obvious that the attraction between Gage and Wynter cannot be denied, but with a battle looming, they have little time to examine their relationship. Regrettably, for every battle won, there is a corresponding loss, and in reaching their hearts' desires, a heart is broken. Ultimately, this novel comes to a good conclusion, with justice being served. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

First, I'm very biased. I have over 80 Kathryn Le Veque books on my Kindle (some have more than one story in the book) and I've yet to read one that I wouldn't recommend and read a second, third, or more times. This book held up and was amazing.

Our hero is banished by his brother only to return in a mercenary army when his bother oversteps with a neighbor. Our heroine hah loved our hero since forever and is crushed when he disappears yet is elated and destroyed when he returns. You are also introduced to a host of secondary characters who you also cheer for (which is weird because one wants our heroine for himself).

This was a powerfully written book that had me in tears more than once; or grabbed and pulled and tugged at my emotions that I was drained when the book was over. To call this book amazing is an understatement. Read this book!

After the death of their father Gage de Reyne is banished by his older brother who doesn't want him around. Gage leaves to make a living selling his sword, while his brother tells lies about why he left. Is our hero still an honourable Knight?
Lady Wynter de Thorington was only sweet sixteen when Gage vanished, but she already knew she loved him. Years later she is still refusing to marry, which means her younger sisters can't marry either. Is our heroine still just a little girl putting on plays and embarrassing her parents?
This medieval romance is very emotional and full of sibling rivalry. The characters have to settle the past before they can move on. Have they changed too much?
As usual from this author, we are drawn into the lives of our characters from the first until the last page.
You will need a box of tissues by the end.
I loved it.

Words aren't enough to describe how much I loved this book!

I've read enough of this author's works to know that I need to prepare my family to do without me completely before I start to read her latest. Her medieval world bursts into technicolor living action as soon as I start reading and I'm absolutely useless for anything else until I'm done.

There's always a lot going on in her world, and this book is no exception. In the prologue, Gage and Wynter are well acquainted but since he's 26 to her 16, not much more than hero worship is going on. Six years later, it's a whole new game when a wild twist of fate brings him back home.

The life stolen from Gage was heartbreaking, even as we can appreciate the tremendous warrior he's become as a result. The delicately balanced love triangle with Wynter and Brian - never a threat to true love, but an important relationship nonetheless - showcased all the honor and integrity we dream of when we think of knights and chivalry. The antagonist reminded me of the worst of dastardly villains, and his justice was well-deserved yet restrained just enough to maintain our victor's honor.

Getting to know Wynter's entire family was a joy throughout the book. I loved the honest portrayal of her sisters and her parents and the very ordinary relationships they had with each other. As much as I love being immersed in the vibrant historical setting, the characters are an understated reminder that people are the same, no matter when they lived.

There are triumphant highs along with devastating lows, and you'll definitely need a few tissues on hand. Grab this book for history alone, or just because you love raw, powerful men falling for their sweet ladies. The steam level is always blistering hot in this author's world as not a single aspect of our main characters' lives is left out. As a bonus, we actually see two romances, though the secondary one was as sweet and tender as it could be, with very little conflict.

I always finish a Kathryn Le Veque book with a deep longing to remain in her fictional world, reluctant to leave these characters who have become like family. It can't be overstated that this author is the foremost authority on medieval romances, and if you haven't read her books yet, you owe it to yourself to grab one and let yourself be transported back in time. This is what I read historical romance for. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.