Overcoming

Another story that makes you feel! Julian de Velt, the middle son of Jax de Velt, the Dark Lord, has always struggled with how people perceive his eyes, which are a family trait inherited by his father. He is magnificent in battle, but he lacks confidence when it comes to women. Until he comes across a woman, Lista, who accuses him of being a had commander. She is attracted to the dual colored eyed de Velt knight, but first she has to defend her addicted mother and aunt from causing her more shame!

I really wanted to love this book. I usually love KLV books but between the pot head mother and aunt getting high and buying drugs and the hero's main concern being his eye color I couldn't even finish the book.

2.9 stars

The Dark Angel, for all that it's a story about a child of Ajax de Velt, is a fairly sweet and uncomplicated story. There is little drama apart from some jealousy and one really stupid jump to a conclusion, though it's still a pleasant read.

Julian de Velt is a hunky warrior with a mushy heart who is a god on the battlefield but an insecure wreck off of it. When he meets sweet Lista de la Mere quite by happenstance, they are almost instantly smitten. As it turns out, Lista's mother and Julian's mother were friends years ago, a relationship which enables Julian and Lista to fast track towards a relationship of their own.

At first, Lista is hesitant to believe Julian likes her because she's embarrassed by her mother and aunt, who are basically drug addicts. Julian is equally hesitant because he thinks that Lista will make fun of his oddly colored eyes. They quickly dissuade the other of their insecurities and quietly agree to court. Unfortunately, Lista's aunt has other plans and manages to create the perception of a love triangle between Lista, Julian, and another young knight. Julian behaves like an ass and nearly loses Lista in the process.

The author tries to explain why Julian was so hurt, but it was really hard not to think of him as just one giant insecure baby. The other knight, Louis, claims that Julian is not a good enough person to deserve Lista, and I kind of agreed with him. Anyway, this is a romance and of course has an HEA; without introducing spoilers to this review, I'll just say that I felt that the conflict was resolved much too easily. I needed more of a grand gesture.

All that aside, the characters in this book are nice enough to root for. This author's books are hit and miss for me, but they generally are on the side of it. This one kind of straddled the line.

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

Sweet love story.

Lista's life seems like a lot of work. Her grieving mother take solace in substances, with the full support of her aunt. Lista's days are spent running the household and taking care of these two. A chance meeting with an old friend of her mother's puts her in the path of Julian. Julian is a quiet knight with problems of his own, but he can't help noticing this attractive young woman. As her aunt and mother plot for their own ends, the pair's growing feelings will be put to the test.

The love story was very delightful, and I genuinely enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot. I love a good awkward sister meddling, and there was plenty of that. Could have used more: Heat. Not quite at the level I usually enjoy. Also had: Good plot twists to drive the story, very sweet budding relationship between the main characters. If you are looking for something intriguing with a sweet love story, this is for you.

Heiress Lista de la Mere needs a husband after losing her father and brother. She’s now left dealing with a troubling mother and aunt who are looking for her husband with fortune to keep them and their addictions. Lista’s mother decides she’s the perfect bride for her Kellington Coleby de Velt’s son, Julian.
Julian de Velt is a hardened warrior just like his father Ajax, but he’s also is gentle, shy and insecure around especially Lista. Julian doesn’t know what to think of feisty young who’s unafraid to reprimand him or his warriors. He seems quite smitten with her until he finds she has a different plan and he backs away from the woman he’s starting to fall in love with.
Katheryn’s has done an excellent job of showing us the battle hardened warrior this story is very emotional and well written. It’s especially hard to read the story of Jax’s death and how Julian feels responsible. Have a box of tissues ready for this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed the excellent book.

This is the second book I have read by this author, and for someone who hasn't read a lot of the medieval genre, I am really liking it! The author has such a way of describing scenes and events you feel as if you are right in the middle of it all, experiencing it for yourself. I haven't read the previous books in the series, but you can be sure I will remedy that soon. This story was about the middle son of Jax deVelt, Julian. He is a bit reserved by nature because of all the bullying he endured during his childhood because of his eyes. All the males in his family have the two-colored eyes, but his are more pronounced and noticeable. Even as an adult, he's had to face ridicule. So when he meets Lista, he is reserved with her, even though he has an instant attraction. Lista and Julian meet while Lista is trying to protect her mother and aunt, both addicted to alcohol and drugs, from soldiers. Julian agrees to protect them and accompanies them back to their castle, along with his sister Addi. Julian and Lista spend more time together and they begin to form an attachment, but her mother comes up with a plan to create competition for Julian and causes a misunderstanding between him and Lista. Julian lacks self confidence and doesn't believe he can win Lista's hand and makes a big mistake. The story will take you on an emotional journey, but also get ready for some humor as Lista's mother and aunt provide quite the entertainment with their addictive habits.
This was a wonderful story with great characters. I will definitely be reading more of Ms. Le Veque's books in the future!

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

Lovely Medieval Romance

Julian was different, and his looks have earned him some disdain. He was hurt, far too many times, and he was afraid to trust anyone. Would Julian let fear and a conniving woman destroy a good thing? Lista loved Julian, and she did not care about how he looked. Just when Julian began to accept that reality, there were forces at work to separate them. Greed and bitterness were at work. Lista and Julian’s story might make you shed a few tears, so you will want to keep that box of tissues handy. It will also be a lesson about keeping that line of communication open, no matter how vulnerable it might make you. Love itself hurts the heart sometimes, but the loss of it hurts much more. Julian’s confidence was shaken by several things. He blamed himself for the death of his father, right or wrong. Then, there were his looks. Could he be lovable? Lista thought so. Would she convince him of this fact, or would he be a stubborn fool? I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like medieval romance.

Another epic tale from the Queen of the Medieval realm, that will take you through all of the emotions of sadness, disbelief and happiness until you are simply immersed!

The prologue finally gives us what happened to the great Jax de Velt that will truly bring tears to your eyes. As I have said before, when an author can do that, you know her writing is powerful.

His son, Julian, feels a strong responsibility for his death, but as fierce and strong as he is as a knight, inside he guards himself well against those who might look down on him. Like women. That is until he meets Lista.

Lista has lost her father and brother, but has gained an unruly mother and aunt, who she has had to devote most of her time to, trying to keep them out of trouble.

But when she meets Julian, his sister and mother, her life will change.

Sit back and enjoy this story that will leave you with a sigh and a smile..

Such an amazing story! Julian the son of the great Ajax De Velt is a great warrior in his own right but at times lacks a certain confidence in himself. Lists de la Mere has enough of her own troubles trying to control an aunt and a mother who are making her life miserable. Julian and Lista are made for each other but both have to learn to trust and love to be together.

I have to say this was just an amazing story! I laughed and i definitely cried! This story was so heartfelt! I loved Julian and Lista both and enjoyed going on the journey with them. Sometimes happy, sometimes I just wanted to shake them. I so recommend reading this book! I have read most of Kathryn LeVeque’s books and the de Velts are definitely some of my favorite reads!

This book drew me in with the Prologue. Such depth of writing Kathryn, in sharing the full story of Jax de Velt's death. It really makes the reader part of the story!
This is Julian and Lista's story. Julian had his own doubts, pain, and insecurities. Lista had her problems with her Mother and Aunt. In the end Julian and Lista were each others greatest strength.
This is a fantastic book. You will cry and experience various emotions as only Kathryn Le Veque gives her readers!

This is another amazing book by Kathryn Le Veque.

Our story begins with the hero being forced to watch his father die. This changes him, makes him harder and more unforgiving. Her meets our heroine who unfortunately must care for her mother and aunt who are both addicted to alcohol and whatever elicit drugs they can get their hands on. They still fall in love but a misunderstanding threatens to rip their love apart. Can forgiveness and reason prevail or will these two amazingly strong people be torn from each other permanently.

This is easily a 5🌟 out of 5🌟 book and I highly recommend it to any lover of romance.

I just reviewed The Dark Angel by Kathryn Le Veque. #TheDarkAngel #NetGalley

The House of de Velt is under attack from none other than King John and his mercenaries. Just another day in England, and one that the de Velt’s will never forget. It takes time to forget the pain caused by that evil attack; years for the de Velt family to heal. Julian has appeared in other de Velt novels, but this is his story as he comes to grips with his insecurities. Time has passed and the family goes into town where they meet Lista de la Mere, her mother Meadow de la Mere and aunt Flora d ‘Orbec. They do not realize that Meadow and her sister are smoking hemp leaves and licking fungus off trees. Why? Just to take the pain of life away and the heck with anyone’s feelings. That leaves Lista trying to keep her family together and meeting Julian has given her one more desire. Julian feels it too and one escapade leads to another. I enjoyed the journey they take to find their way and the wonderful support gained in their journey. Another wonderful de Velt novel.

This was an entertaining, well-written medieval romance. It was fun, clever, steamy, held my interest and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

Julian was in charge of his family and had been since the death of his father at the hand of King John. Today, was a shopping trip into Berwick for his mother and sister. As luck or fate would have it, this trip ends with a huge misunderstanding.
Lista Rose de la Mere was not happy. She dreaded each visit to town with her mother and aunt, where they always seemed to find the “herbs” they needed. Only this trip puts all three of them in the path of the men of Pelinom. After a brief argument, Lista, her mother and aunt accept the apologies and make plans to visit.
Unfortunately, two older ladies are addicted to drugs and Lista has reached her limits. Julian is enamored of the beautiful Lista and is happy with an opportunity to spend time with her. What they don’t know, is Lista’s aunt is determined to make her way back to Court no matter whose happiness she needs to sacrifice.
This was another great book in the ongoing saga of the de Velt descendants!

The Dark Angel by Kathryn le Veque is a bit of a departure for a le Veque book. Oh, there's still a hot knight and a beautiful woman, but the problems both of them carry are out of the ordinary. Lista's mother was a drug addict and a drunk, or as close as one could come in the early 1100's and she had to try to manage it every day. Her aunt was leading her mother down this dark path. Lista knew she was in pain from the deaths of her father and brother, but this was too much. Now she's brawling in the street with a knight. Julian had seen his father die in his mother's arms during a battle and yet, he didn't seem to be in as bad shape as she was. The, they found each other and it all seemed like it was going to be OK and it was, for a matter of days. Until Lista's aunt Flora manage to manipulate things that took Julian from her.

Justin was the middle of the famous Jax de Velt. Jax, who was gone now and the grief was palpable. Only an experienced author like le Veque could write a beautiful novel like this in which the reader watched as he worked through his problems without it becoming maudlin. Two needy people coming together made a new couple that was beyond strong together. The relationship went through some dark corridors before it came together. It was good to watch Lista come into her own, and with Jax's help, deal with her aunt Flora and help heal her mother. It was a terrific book and I loved every moment of it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Dark Angel by Dragonblade, through Net galley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #dragonblade #kathrynleveque #thedarkangel

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
💋💋

WOW!
This book blew me away, from the Prologue onwards I was emotionally involved in every page.
I’ve read many of Kathryn’s books and can honestly say that this one made me ugly sob, if your a big fan, then when you read it you’ll find out why.

The epilogue is a beautiful picture of a terrible and dark day for the de Velt family.
The rest of the book is outstanding and I can’t say when I’ve read a character that has made me so emotionally involved with his journey.

By the end, yes I was drained, but also elated and satisfied too,
I couldn’t read another book for a day or two, as this one wouldn’t leave my thoughts.
That’s the sign of a brilliant book to me.
Outstanding writing and reading!!

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


Sent from my iPhone

Another extraordinary romance!

If I didn't love my ebooks so much, I'd wish I could live in Ms. Le Veque's medieval world. She writes with such loving detail, such deep emotional conviction, so much beauty to be found in ordinary lives lived with extraordinary valor.

Julian and Lista are like no other couple -- and frankly, that's quite an amazing feat considering how many book couples this author has conjured up over the years. I loved Julian's softer side, and I adored how strong and sure-hearted Lista was. The battles they had to win on the way to their HEA - both literal and figurative - were both breathtaking and awe-inspiring.

The characters are so vividly portrayed, it feels like I've known them for years. I was swept away right from the heartbreaking (but authentic) prologue all the way to their victorious HEA. Each KLV book is an adventure, and this one is one of the author's finest. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

A book by Kathryn Le Veque is meant to be savored. THE DARK LORD is one of my favorite books and an extra plus is reading books about Ajax and Kelli's children. Julian is a complex son. He is very sensitive about his eyes, rejection from ladies and fear of trusting any one. When he meets Lady Lista de la Rosa, he admires her honesty, but when her aunt manipulates Julian and another knight to compete for courting her, Justin's insecurities causes him to make a huge mistake. Only when his mother reminds him of his father's words of finding his own greatest, does Justin finally understand what he must do.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Lady Lista de la Mere is trying to shop and keep her troublesome mother and aunt from causing too many problems in town. When the women get in the way of an army, things get really interesting. Our heroine has more than her fair share of responsibility. That's not going to improve very soon.

Sir Julian de Velt finds himself on the sharp side of a lady's tongue when one of his men pushes someone. As a battle hardened warrior from a much feared family, he's not used to anyone having the courage to do that.

Our hero might be fearless on a battlefield but in other ways he lacks confidence.

This is a medieval romance filled to bursting with great characters that we fall in love with on the first page and will carry on loving when they appear in other books as well.

You will need two boxes of tissues just for the prologue in this story. If you've read any of the other books concerning this family you might know what is going to happen, but this time we are right there. Luckily for us the main story is set a few years later and has lots of humour in it. Older ladies out of their heads on hemp smoke and magic mushrooms is entertaining for those of us who don't have to deal with them.

I don't know how our wonderful author can give us so many books that are about the linked families but are all so different from each other. They just keep getting better and better.

I loved it.

As usual this was an excellent book. I must say I had tears in my eyes with Jax's death. I knew he died from other books, but to actually read how it happened and died in Kelli's arms was so profound. Julian's and Lista's story was just as strong and loving. Her mother and aunt were something else though. I would recommend this book to all of Kathryn Le Veque's book fans, you will not be disappointed.