Understanding Dawns

Loved Caius and Emellise's story. Cai is the Viper of Britannia and he is going on an important mission for William Marshall. For Cai, it is a disturbing situation he is discovering. While there is meets a prisoner, Smells we who has suffered. Emelisse has lost so much in a short period of time and she is trying to remain strong. A black eyed knight may change the life of despair she might have to live.

I was thrilled with visiting with the other characters that I have come to love. A young William de Wolfe, Sean de Lara and all of the Executioner Knights of William Marshall.

Anything Katheryn Le Veque writes is amazing! Her books always make you wanting more. Her stories are so engaging and her characters are so in depth. Just love her books!

Katherine LeVeque. Is the master of historical romance. This book is just another one of the masterpieces that she has written. She draws you into a medieval world with such depth and color you see every thing just as the well written characters do. Well written and engaging story

Karen Brotzman
The Viper, de Wolfe and The Marshall. A book you don't want to e
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2020
Verified Purchase
As always, the wait was worth it. Another perfect story.
From beginning to end I couldn't put this book down. I loved Caius and Emelisse, and how they complemented each other from the beginning. I also had to laugh at William Marshall's reaction at losing another of his knights to love. Add a young William de Wolfe, and his father Edward and you wish the story never ends.
Ms. Le Veque's talent for words and descriptions always keep me hooked from start to finish.
This onlly downside of this book is that it had to end and now I have to wait for the next one!

Perfect book for those who love medieval romance stories with lots of action and good story. A definite HEA and there are some x rated bits but can be skipped and still have a good story.

This story is everything I love in a historical romance. We have knights, a classic “damsel in distress” trope, and a very obvious, black-and-white villain. It was exactly the escape I needed during a big ol’ social uprising. Give me ALL the strong, broody knights and ALL the “happily ever after”s. Immediately.

Caius d’Avignon is a strong, stalwart knight in the service of the infamous William Marshal. He has a history of fighting with King Richard in The Levant, and is known as The Britannia Viper amongst his compatriots and enemies. Upon hearing of a conflict between his niece's husband and their neighbor, Marshal sends his most trusted men with his forces to settle the matter once and for all. Little did Cai know how complicated the situation was until he was in the muck of it. Covington de Wrenville turns out to be a greedy, manipulative man, eager to fight tooth-and-nail to gain his neighbor’s lands for its mysterious riches.

Emmilise de Thorington has been captured and abused at the hands of de Wrenville. Her father is dead and the key to the survival of her beloved Hawkstone Castle remains in her hands. She has found no kindness within the walls of Covey de Wrenville’s castel - until she meets his wife. Lady Alice de Wrenville knows her husband only married her for her ties to William Marshal. He has no love for her, or any care for her at all. She knows Covey and his greedy, braggadocious son Marius covet Hawkstone. She also sees and despises his treatment of Lady de Thoringong. After pulling her out of a dungeon and hiding her away, with the help of her paramore Sir Hallum Chadlington.

When Caius arrives and sees the mess de Wrenville has created and meets the beauteous Emmelise, he knows he has to help. What he doesn’t count on are his feelings for this brave beauty, who has been cracked...but not broken.

This was a super sweet story with lots of loooove and some strong, broody men (totes my favorite trope). I like how light the story is. There aren’t too many twisty-turns and the bad guys definitely get their comeuppance. There aren’t many grey areas, either. You don’t really have any good feelings for the antagonists at all. Your heart isn’t broken too badly before it gets put back together and we all live happily ever after. *swoon* This was a sweet romance!

4.5 stars

Good story. I enjoyed the banter between the Knights. I assume it was called Winter of Solace as Caius was old at 43 and Emmalise much younger. Dire things happened to her people and Caius, sent on a mission to theoretically aide the baddy, has to pull everything together and ensure there's a HEA for all parties. The author's kingdom is vast and I know that I've read about a few of these Knights in other books. Checking my records I've read The Wolfe which is William's story and he appears as a cameo in this book. I will certainly look out for other books and I heartily recommend this one.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sir Caius d’Avignon known as the Britannia Viper is a premier knight and serves William Marshal. William’s niece Alice has finally married and Alice’s husband, Covington de Wrenville is demanding assistance to fight against a bothersome neighbor. William wants Caius to take his army to Winterhold Castle and believes that Covington really wants the neighbor’s land but really can’t prove it. Caius must go and see the truth reporting back to William what is really going on but remain neutral. While in Winterhold Castle Emelisse de Thorington is being held prisoner by Covington himself. Covington demands that Emelisse’s brother surrender Hawkstone Castle, her home. Emelisse will not bow down to him and refuses. Caius gets to Winterhold and meets Emelisse being thrown into a feud and dispute that could go against William’s order by involving himself in the fight. Caius also can’t help his attraction to Emelisse which puts everything including their very lives into danger.
This is an extraordinarily awesome medieval historical adventurous love story! The book moves effortlessly and the writing is superb keeping you on the edge of your seat with anticipation! Ms. Le Veque just knows how to tell a wonderful tale from beginning to end! The story is filled with unforgettable characters from major to minor that stick with you throughout. Caius the strong stubborn hero is just the perfect knight attempting to do everything right. Caius thinks things are black and white when really there is a lot more to a situation than what he is told to do or follow. Still, he’s a lovable guy and a great book boyfriend. Emelisse the courageous feisty heroine is also a great heroine! She’s not only beautiful but willing to fight for her home and her love despite it happening under quick circumstances manages to be believable. This book is definitely a captivating page turner and one that stays with you long after it is finished!

The Executioner Knights Book 5

Caius so sent to solve a dispute over William Marshall at which he crosses paths with Emelisse. Truth must be found out and told while these two battle their attraction. Settle in for a journey to the Time of old where strength and honor can prevail and the knights will sweep you away.

Excellent story about Caius d’Avignon and Emelisse de Thorington.
Caius is one of William Marshal’s
Executioner Knights!
He has been called to William Marshal’s home to help him with a problem. While helping Marshal
he meets Emelisse de Thirington who was a captive after the battle.
Now different battles occurs. There are times that it is a battle of words
This is another excellent story by Kathryn Le Veque!

A wonderful story of a fierce knight, Caius d’Avignon, who is known as the Britannia Viper for his deadly strike while he was serving the king in the Levant. He is now one of William Marshal’s special knights who work as spies and assassins for the good of England.
It is in this capacity that Caius is given a special assignment to go north with an army of men to settle a dispute, one way or another, over a castle and lands. But this is a rather complicated situation and Caius must use every tool in his experience for a positive outcome.
Upon his arrival Caius is introduced to a prisoner in this dispute, Lady Emelisse de Thorington. She is the daughter of the owner of the disputed lands. Emelisse is beautiful and brave and she has scattered Caius’ usually reliable wits.
Caius must find a way to follow the directives of his master while not causing harm to this woman who quite suddenly has become so important to him.
This is a wonderful story filled with intrigue, emotion, romance and heat. I absolutely recommend it as I couldn’t put it down.
On a side note, I also find it especially interesting that the disputed lands in this tale actually exist today and can be found on the internet and even visited. The author mentions this in her note to the reader. I think that’s fascinating and brings even more life to the story.

Kathryn Le Veque your books are simply the best! Everytime I get a new book I sit down and read it all the way through in one day!
William Marshall calls on his arsenal of Knights to help him handle a family problem. This time it is Caius d' Avignon, the Britannia Viper who is in charge. Caius is calm under pressure, but extremely quick to strike when needed in battle.
Caius arrives to utter chaos, and knows he must talk to Emelisse de Thorington to find out what is truly happening.
There is greed, political intrigue, and lots of danger in this story. There is even a young Sir William de Wolfe as a squire with his horse that will give you a laugh or two.
This is another KLV love story that is so brilliant and captivating that you will be asking yourself how soon her next story will be published. Thank you Kathryn for all your stories!

I picked up and put down this book numerous times as it just did not keep me immersed in the story. The basic premise was good. A damsel in distress, knight to the rescue, but I think I was expecting the descriptive phrasing to be more reflective of the period. Some of it, like the word"swanky", just plain jarred.. I didn't expect it to be written in Old English, but I do want to feel like I'm there.The story line could have used some good action scenes. Don't just tell me the lead character is a heroic warrior; show me! Setting someone up for a Caesar-like assassination is NOT heroic! I'm going to have to pass on this series.

I really wanted to like this story but it never picked up. It felt mainly like a list of characters from previous books and trying to integrate them in the story. Both main characters are not interesting.

Kathryn Le Veque is a master of making a story come alive and as it unfolds, you can feel the emotions of the characters and almost see the scenes unfolding.
Caius d'Avignon. Big, fast and deadly. The Britannia Viper. An Executioner Knight and loyal to William Marshall.
Cai is sent on a mission to help a relative by marriage settle a dispute with a neighbor, although Marshall thinks there is more going on than that. It could get deadly.
Emelisse de Thorington was in the castle of that neighbor that was being harrassed. She is beautiful and Cai can see how Marshall's cousin has been abusing his power.
An intense story with deception, secrets, danger and a building love that cannot be held back.
Step into the world of 1214 AD when warriors were fierce and power was most important of all to some. Powerful Knights and the ladies that win their hearts. It does not get much better than this!

An incredibly exciting and dramatic romance, this novel had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Whilst Lady Emelisse may have been Covington's prisoner, she was no shrinking violet and was determined to overcome her family's enemy. An unexpected kindness from a stranger in Covington's own household takes her by surprise, but when the Executioner Knights arrive with William Marshal's army, the concerned care she receives from Caius d'Avignon, known as The Britannia Viper, is completely surprising. The man who vowed never to fall in love the way his friends have done, suddenly finds himself questioning his own reaction to Emelisse. Winter of Solace is well written with a good knowledge of the historical background of the era, drawing the reader into the plot and keeping one's attention throughout. I love the main characters in this novel, with Caius being the hero that minstrels sang about and Emelisse is a woman who is both loyal and adventurous, capturing Caius' heart with her sense of humour and lack of self-pity in trying circumstances. I reluctantly closed the book when I came to the end, wishing it would continue for a bit longer. Caius' friends also add to the fabric of the story, but the story would not have been complete without young William de Wolfe. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

I really enjoyed this story. It is the first book in the series that I have read but I really didn’t feel that I needed to have read the preceding books to understand the story. I could tell there was backstories to the characters, but the book was enjoyable as a stand alone too. If anything, I’m now interested to go and read the others. The love story is delightful and the weaving of factual characters with fictional is good. I would definitely recommend this book.

An Epic Medieval Adventure

Caius and Emelisse will have challenges that will keep you turning the pages. They must walk a tight rope, or they will lose everything they hold dear. Caius goes to give aid to an undeserving man. There, he meets his destiny. Caius and Emelisse will have a rocky path to tread. An honorable knight won’t aid a man who intends to conquer and steal. His loyalty is tested. Can he find a way to keep both his career and his love? If you enjoy highly detailed stories with romance, adventure, treachery, and a determination to beat the odds, you will appreciate this epic tale of valor and honor. Caius is a knight who does what it takes to do what is right.

Caius d’Avignon, the Britannia Viper is sent to settle a dispute between neighboring Lords. When he arrives with the William Marshal army he discovers that Lord Covington de Wrenville has already attacked killing Rupert de Thorington and thrown his daughter Emeliesse into the vault. Caius has quite the mess to sort out as de Wrenville is demanding the army to finish razing the de Thoringtons castle. Caius has come to find the truth of the matter and has quite a mess to sort out. First he has to find Emeliesse and talks to her and find out what has happened from her. He has already spoken to Wrenville and has determined that he is a liar and quite possibly mad. When Ciaus meets Emeliesse he is drawn to her for her beauty, but as he gets to know her and the truth he sees her as a beautiful, strong woman he comes to admire. But having to deal with a very difficult and sensitive situation will test Ciaus and his orders he was given by William Marshal.

I have loved all the Executioner Knights books. I have especially fallen in love with this one! Yes they are all stand alone books, but I think this is one of my favorites. Caius and Emeliesse have such a wonderful story. I loved that I get to see a glimpse of William de Wolfe as a young boy! There is so much in this story that made me smile and laugh! Don’t miss reading this one!

Winter of Solace by Kathryn Le Veque is another amazing Medieval Romance by the master. Nobody writes a reluctant suitor story better than Le Veque. The Britannia Viper, Caius d'Avignon, who has been sent by his liege to assist in a battle between feuding, neighboring lords, one of whom is family to William Marshal, the man to whom Caius is pledged. He is given certain latitude in how to handle the situation but what he discovers is that Marshall's kin, Covington de Wrenville, is totally in the wrong and a liar to boot. Caius is not able to fight with him, but is sworn not to fight against him. Not knowing how to proceed, Caius sends an urgent message to Marshal and settles in to wait for a reply. Meanwhile, Lady Alice, Covington's wife, the true kin to Marshal, his niece, a lovely young woman, if somewhat plain, awaiting her husband at home, discovers that young Lady Emelisse has been placed in the vault at her husband's order. Her only friend at her new home, Sir Hallam, reveals this to her and more. Eventually Sir Caius intervenes, and reluctantly takes Lady Emelisse hack to her home along with instructions to trade her to her brother in exchange for his surrender, only to discover than her brother is dead. In a way only Le Veque can, she has rendered a plot so complicated, it takes a mighty hero to unweave it all and do the right thing.

Sir Caius is the penultimate hero. He is brilliant, and brave, and honorable. He can figure out a way to do the right thing without disobeying his orders and behaving dishonorably. Emelisse is a beautiful young, strong and brave, and stubborn. She will not give up her home to de Wrenville at any cost and we watch as the love grows between her and Caius. It is romantic, and their joining is hot. This era is not an easy time to be alive, yet Le Veque always manages it with good sense and good grace. This book has been long in coming for her fans and I am sure they are loving it. It is an excellent read, in the Le Veque tradition and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

I received a free ARC of Winter of Solace from Dragonblade, through Netgalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #winterofsolace