I expect a story of passion, battles, knights and personal struggles when I delve into one of Kathryn Le Veque’s story. She never, ever disappoints me.
This superb story revolves around love – love for family, friends, of one’s country and ultimately love of a truelife partner – a tie so engulfing, so fulfilling, it’s as air to a soul.
“My love for your mother has pulled me through time and space, and continues to do so. Not even death will end it.” Quote from Nighthawk, words from William de Wolfe, Patrick’s father
If you’ve been reading Le Veque, you’ll find her books are more than three dimensional in their setting. They are somehow compounded with such richly textured characters, action-packed battles where death stares you in the face, such love and understanding you wish to reside in her world for all time. As I read further into her many books, it only gets better because characters from her other novels return to us as a community of people whose lives are interwoven with each other.
Patrick de Wolfe, the youngest son of William, loves his Da, never wants to tangle (she always wins) with his Scot’s born mother, is loyal to his family, and is career driven. A dream he’s always had, to join King Henry as his protector has come to him. Just as he thinks he knows what is important in life, he meets a young woman, saves her life, and from this point his journey diverges.
Who could know that love could change him so? But with his need to protect this woman, he brings danger to his own family. Brighton de Favereux has breached the dynamics of Patrick’s world. Patrick’s decisions and actions will try the tight-knit connections with his parents, uncle, sisters and brothers. His Da, very wise and greatly respected, butts heads with his son. Parents always think they know what is best for their children. Patrick needs to find his way and in this elegantly written story he does. He sees his father’s actions speak louder than his words for Patrick thinks his father has lived the example that love is the most important thing in the world—that is what he needs to discover for himself.
“I think I knew I loved her from the start,” he mumbled. “It is not a matter of defying the church or disobeying you. I had to answer my heart, Da.” Quote from Nighthawk, words from Patrick de Wolfe.
Brighton is a postulate of the priory. She’d been delivered to the church just after she was born. She must be returned to her position there, but can Patrick let her go? Danger, secrets and evil surround her in seemingly innocent surroundings. Mother Prioress has hidden hurt and hatred for the Haye clan. This is set to explode with Brighton in the middle.
As Brighton and Patrick’s budding romance takes hold, doubts plague Brighton as she realizes her total inadequacy in this new world outside of the priory. She can’t possibly measure up to the type of woman Patrick needs.
Patrick is in new territory with this woman, too. He realizes he loves her and wants to protect her. There is a scene, just too funny, where Patrick wants to make love to Brighton, and he likens his wife’s body as a keep – laying siege to it much like his warrior instincts! Brother! Can you imagine this innocent’s reaction? Patrick, you deserve an eye-roll, big time!
If you haven’t read any of Le Veque’s work, you are in for such a treat. The more I read, the more I become familiar with the knights and the world of Le Veque! Wonderful reads, exciting moments and deliciously poignant scenes.
This is an ARC copy, provided by the publisher to read and review. My comments, feelings and opinions are my own. The only thing that influences my review was the excellence of story, writing style, and rich characters which touches the very heart of the reader.
