Return of De Velts

Dark Spawn is a great story. The battles are epic and all the houses that come together will have you reminiscing. Cole and Cori have both had events happen in their lives that have shaped them. Their story is so very good. We get to witness the Dark Lord again. Loved it!!!

This is the fourth book in the Battle Lords of de Velt series. It features Coleby de Velt, the son of Ajax de Velt. The female protagonist is Lady Corisande "Cori" de Bourges. This was an enthralling read set in the dark times of the Medieval Britain. Kathryn Le Veque is very good at providing description that bring her stories to life. She pulls you in and makes you care about Cole and Cori. This book has a beautiful romance, exciting battles and boat loads of suspense.
I highly recommend this book.

It started out kinda slow for me, but picked up quickly, so much couldn’t put it down. When a knight goes on campaign to protect English lands he winds up at a castle to defend. There he meets the lady that he wants for his wife.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

I always read Katheryn LeVeque whenever I get a copy of any of her books and review them when they come out on the other platforms. I sometimes forget to review them on here. This was a wonderful book by her as always.

This book is not for those who like a light, nice romance, this is dark, bloody, and ruthless but still romantic. Any book by Kathryn Le Veque is sure to be a winner, she just is the queen at writing gothic, heavy historical romance.

Overall I liked this book but I must admit that I was lost with so many characters, it was a bit confusing. I am new to this author so I have not read anything before except for excerpts. I knew about her writing style and what she writes about so no surprise. She certainly does her homework! There were just too many people to keep track of and all from their own books and this is the 4th in the series.

Why I did give this a high rating was for the writing which is so strong, the historical context, the realness of everything, the battle scenes- like you are sitting right there watching it, the chemistry and connection between Cori and Cole- which is sizzling, Cori's character which was awesome to see as women weren't anything but pawns at this time.
My thanks to Dragonblade and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

Dark, medieval romance....descriptive about some of the brutal methods of the war in those times, so not for the faint of heart. Loved Coleby and Cori, and the deVelt family. Kathryn Le Veque's stories are always entertaining.

DNF after chapter 1. I have read medieval romance before, but never anything by this author. I didn’t have a problem with the gruesome parts of the invasion that took up chapter 1. My issue was there were so many characters introduced in the prologue, and then chapter 1 seemed to focus on quite a few of them, I couldn’t tell who the main character was supposed to be. Maybe because this is the 4th book in the series, but I just really felt like I was missing lots of information. I rarely DNF but this felt hopeless unless I go back and read all the other books first. I think people who love the Game of Thrones style of tons of characters will maybe like it.

The Dark Spawn by Kathryn Le Veque is another wonderful romance from this veteran author. My favorite book from her is whichever one I am reading at the moment. I even like Ajax de Velt, who is the most gruesome hero in her stable. Now it's his son's turn. Coleby (Cole) de Velt is one of the Marshal's men and has such spent the last two years in the court of the king of Scotland, not exactly spying, but just lying back and hearing what he would hear. Now it has all come to fruition and the English know the Scots, along with the Northmen, are going to attack. What is not yet known, is when and where. Marshall contacts Jax de Velt and directs him to do what he does best, something he hasn't done in years, but the goal is to get the attention of the king. As William Marshal is sending armies to Northumberland, Jax is attacking Fountainhall Castle and capturing Alpin Canmore, the liege, who will be able to supply the information Marshall requires. Only two other are to be left alive: his wife, who may be able to help persuade to cooperate, and a man to tell the tale of what happened that day. After Jax "questions" the man he is taken to Alastor de Bourne, the hereditary king of Northumberland and the man most likely to assist William Marshal and his army in rebuffing this attack. Shortly after Canmore's arrival he meets with an unfortunate accident (truly) but inadvertently discloses the information they need. Then Cole meets de Bourne's daughter, Corisande (Cori) and life starts spinning out of control.

Cori travels with her father's army to act in a medical capacity. This nearly puts Cole over the edge. He is so protective of her. He can't allow this. But she is not one to take orders and she refuses to listen. The more time he spends with Cori, the more he wants her, and then he realizes he loves her. She is so different from the compliant wife he lost. But, there are things in the way. There is a woman who thinks they are going to become betrothed. Cori won't admit her feelings until that situation has been rectified. There are so many things going on: things that need to be fixed. Can all of this get straight? So many of our favorites are here, on the edge of Scotland, fighting to retain their property and their lives. Cole de Velt is a real hero and Cori will be the perfect wife for him, if he can work it all out. This is a gripping story full of detail and twists and turns. There is nobody like Le Veque for creating characters that a reader immediately identifies with and cheers for. This is a fabulous book...one of her best, and that is saying something. I recommend it.

I was invited to read an e-ARC of The Dark Spawn by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #thedarkspawn

Ajax, Jax, de Velt, The Dark Knight, is married to Kellington, his light. Their oldest son, Cole, is The Darkest Knight of All. He works as an Executioner Knight for William Marshal. He comes back to his fathers castle Pelinom Castle when he is between assignments. Cole, Julian, Allaston, Wellington, and Addington are brothers and sisters and the children of Jax and Kellington.
Corisande de Bourne is a great healer and her fathers surgeon at The Keld Castle. Alastor de Bourne, the ruler of the castle, has sons Anteaus, Ares and Atlas. And of course his daughter Corisande.
Jax was called to conquer Fountainhall Castle as only Jax could do. He is to take as hostage Alpin Canmore.
The King William of Scotland was the figurehead of a plot to regain Northumberland from the English. There is a great battle with all the great houses there to gain control of Berwick Castle to fight off the Norsemen, the Earls of Orkney.
Corisande and Cole feel an immediate pull to one another. They chat and laugh. Eventually Corisande is told that Cole had a betrothed. Her heart is crushed as her last suitor left for battle and never came back. She was told he married the lady of the castle to keep from war. So Corisande is beside herself. Cole finally makes her talk to him and explains Lady Audrey de Longley, daughter of his fathers best friend, TheEarl of Teviot visited with him and the families had thought they would marry but he never asked or thought that. So, to be fair, before Corisande would accept Cole's suit he must make sure Audrey is satisfied with him not marrying her.
How does everything work out between Cole and Corisande? Will they go on to be the next great love by LeVeque?

Before I read this, I wanted to go back and read the previous two books dealing with the de Velt family and unfortunately missed downloading my free copy from NetGalley. That however didn't detour me from reading this book and I'm so thankful for that.

Cole is everything a hero should be: strong, passionate, brave, powerful, loving, and generally just perfection (in my mind anyway). Cori is also the perfect heroine: dedicated to her family, giving, brilliant, generous, and beautiful. When these two meet an epic love story begins.

Between battles, misunderstandings, kidnapping, and Scotts determined to take back land they believe is theirs, Cole and Cori have to fight to have their love, but when descended from the Dark Lord and ancient kings, fighting is in their blood and fighting they will do.

The book was wonderful, perfectly written, and had characters you care deeply for. This book gives you feelings of joy, anger and will have you laughing, crying, and begging for more. It also introduces characters who, like with all Kathryn Le Veque books, has your waiting with baited breath for their stories. I think I say this with all of Kathryn's novels, I LOVE her writing and I have zero doubt that you will too.

#TheDarkSpawn #NetGalley

Coleby de Velt has been undercover for the last two years as a spy for William Marshall, infiltrating the Scots. Now it’s time to be Coleby de Velt, the son of Ajax de Velt! The battle is coming and so is a beautiful woman that will have the potential to be Colebys greatest love or his greatest heartbreak. I absolutely loved Coleby and Cori’s story. Coleby is my new favorite Knight! I loved having his father in the story along with all the other great houses! If you have never read a book my Kathryn LeVeque you will not be disappointed in this one. I love all of her stories but this one is epic!

Medieval Action, Adventure, and Romance

This story is not for the faint of heart. The battles are brutal, and the action is deadly. Yet, there is a deep love that challenges the darkness that dwells in the son of the man they call The Dark Lord. Cori is a healer, and her gentleness captures Cole’s heart. When she is taken hostage, their love is tested. Can they survive the trouble? If you like medieval stories with intricate detail, brutal battles, and a love for all time, you might enjoy this tale. It just might consume you.

1210 A.D.
Can you imagine standing in a magnificent room full of spies, killers, gentlemen knights including the fiercest Executioner Knights, all from the greatest warrior families? (Kathryn Le Veque's world that is!) There was a scheme underfoot that had to be stopped and only the best were being sent to Scotland.

When Jax de Velt and his sons Cole and Julian roused their army to march into Scotland to specifically capture a man, Alpine Canmore, it was no total destruction. Actually brutal and even hard to read about. But such was the way in those times. Canmore knew secrets of coming destruction and to the English.

As they moved the man to Castle Keld, the Lady Cori, chatelaine and healer, came into contact with Cole. She had never seen a man with eyes such as his and was startled. Such an imposing figure but also he seemed to be kind. Cole could not get over Cori "She was beautiful.. and her.. green eyes seemed to throw lightening bolts at him." Oh yes, an instant attraction for them both!

I can honestly say that this author is in a league of her own, bringing the characters and stories alive with her descriptive prose. Simply amazing and wonderful to see such a strong knight fall... fall in love that is!!

The Dark Lord, Ajax de Velt’s son Coleby de Velt has grown into quite the executioner knight. He’s definitely taking after his father’s dark side in warfar. The perfect knight for William Marshal to send on a mission marching across Scotland and on the loose. Katheryn le Veque certainly knows how to write a story that grabs your attention and you can’t stop reading until the end. He falls for Lady Corisande “Cori” de Bourges after she’s bewitched him. We see Coleby falling in love, she’s taken captive and a great secret is revealed. Will life ever be the same? Will even a darker side of Coleby come to life? Life in medieval times were brutal time in history especial if you’re a de Velt! I love how we see all of our favorite knights of old rom Christopher de Lohr, Gart Forbes, Sean and Kevin de Lara to name a few of the executioner knights. I voluntarily read and reviewed this excellent book filled with action, betrayal, love and romance.

William Marshal has called his Executioner knights together, and what a collection it is of familiar names: Christopher de Lohr, Sir Bric MacRohan, Sir Dashiell Reims, David de Lohr, Kress de Rhydian, Achilles de Dere, Maxton of Loxbeare, Kevin De Lara, Alexander de Sherrington, Caius d'Avignon "The Britannia Viper", and Gart Forbes. Marshal proceeds to tell them he has called them to together with their armies to help protect England, and that he has turned The Dark Lord, Ajax de Velt loose on Scotland to send a message to William, King of Scotland. This is only the Prologue. What a beginning!!!!!
This is the story of Coleby 'Cole', son of Ajax de Velt; and Lady Corisande 'Cori' de Bourges.
Cole has been a spy for William Marshall for two years in Scotland. After Ajax de Velt captures the Scottish fortress Fountainhall, Cole helps to deliver Alpin Canmore to Cori's father to be interrogated. The chemistry between Coleby and Cori is instantaneous and Cole knows he wants Cori in his life. Cori is a healer, and her father's surgeon when he goes to war which is very unusual for a woman.
Kathryn Le Veque has written a gripping fast paced story that you won't want to put down. The battles are ferocious. All the historical details that Kathryn gives in her stories is amazing with wonderful rich details. It was wonderful to see so many familiar characters in this story, but also to meet some new ones that we know will have stories of their own sometime in the future. I always sit down and read Kathryn's new books on the day they come out. I hope you will as well

The Marshal had summoned his men: all of his deadly men for a ungodly quest. This quest, to protect England, would also unleash the de Velts.
Coleby de Velt is a spy for William Marshal. Having grown up on the Scottish Borders has given him an advantage-one that has been in use for the past two years. When the men receive their Orders to march on Fountainhall and take no prisoners-male or female; with the exception of Alpin Canmore. They take their prisoner to The Keld, home of Alastor de Bourne for interrogation and imprisonment. Cole doesn’t know that this is also where he will meet his destiny by the name of Lady Corisande de Bourne.
Corisande, or Cori to family and friends, was also known as her father’s healer and had been since her mother’s death. Coleby and Cori fell hard and fast, but Coleby had one slight issue, a possible betrothed. When the armies march on William, King of Scotland, Cori and her sister Gaia are taken prisoner. A deal for their release is negotiated, but will it may be the end of the love affair for Coleby and Cori.

Coleby de Velt is one of The Marshal's spys and has been working at the Scottish court. Now the time has come to use the intelligence he and his men have gained. A huge battle will be coming soon.
As the son of the most vicious Knight England has ever known Cole lives up to the family name, but he also has a much softer side with those he loves.
Lady Corisande de Bourges has been the running the castle with her father since her mother's death. Her duties will soon put her in great danger, but not before she a visitor changes her outlook. She is an incredibly strong and brave woman who will sacrifice herself for others.
An all action historical romance, full of great characters. Some we have met before and some new. The battles are terrifying and realistic.
As usual our author has given us a book to really get our teeth into. It will grab you on the first page and you will not be able to put it down. So many old friends from other books meet up here, but it is still a book you can read on it's own without spoiling any others.
This is an author that I will buy automatically without even reading the blurbs.
Great book. I loved it.

Another enjoyable read by Ms. Le Veque! Having a legendary and battle driven father, Cole has much of his father in him, but underneath, he is a caring person, but many do not see that. He has been working as a spy, gathering Intel about the Scots and their plans. He never expected to feel anything until he met Cori and he knew there was something special about her. Cori is the surgeon and healer for the castle and the daughter of de Bourges. Cori is talented in her healing abilities and cares for all those around. Having not had much interest in men due to her duties, she is struck by Cole. They have a few bumps in the road they need to overcome, but both fall in love with each other. However, the Scots have an agenda and the English need to counter their plans. During a battle, Cori is taken as a hostage and Cole will stop at nothing to get her back, but what he discovers could change everything between them.
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

An incredibly fast-paced and dramatic story, I found this novel horrifying in parts and deeply romantic in others. The camaraderie between the brotherhood of knights is intense as they depend on one another for their lives. Despite Cole's vicious reputation, underneath it all he is a man with a heart who feels deeply and the love he has for Lady Corisande makes him protective of her. It also means that when despicable acts of war are committed, Cole is deeply wounded by the rumours. I loved and admired Corisande for her generous spirit, and I felt her pain when faced with an impossible situation. I found the planning and strategising intriguing and was so glad that the final outworking of this novel came to a good conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Amid the turmoil of and impending war with the Scots, the oldest son of the Dark Lord Jax DeVelt, Cole delivers a prisoner to Lord De Bourne. When his oldest child Chorisende walks into the room it is a moment in time that will change both of their lives. Cori as she is called by her family is a healer who has been taught by her Mother to be a battle surgeon. In the days that follow they both are aware of their feelings but Cole is the first to ask if Cori will allow him to get to know her. And she happily agrees. There is much that she has to learn about him but the arrival of the Scots at the gate puts things on hold.
This is written in the wonderful style Katheryn has of making you feel like you are right there witnessing it all. Her sweeping battles and all the strategy of all the war machines and men makes this book so hard to put down. And through it all is the love of a knight and his soulmate.
All of her books are stand alone but they do relate to each other and it enriches the story to read others who have some of the same characters. I highly recommend you giving this book a try I know you will love it.