The Protector by Katheryn Le Veque is a Blackchurch romance and quite a good one. It is told slightly differently than most of her novels, but to the same effect. The bulk of the romance had been over ten years earlier and was told by Fox de Merest, who had been an instructor at Blackchurch for years, to his friends, Tay Monro and Ming Tang, one night when none had been able to sleep. The lady in question is Lady Gisele de Salisbury whom he had been hired to protect when she was a mere ten years of age. She needed protection because she was the bastard daughter of William Marshal, and Queen Margaret, wife of young King Henry. Henry knew she was not his, but other than him it was a closely guarded secret and as an infant she had been sent to the Earl of Hampshire and his wife, at Selborne, to be raised there as a child of the house. Only three times had any attempts been made on her and the last one was violent and dangerous to others. At than point her adoptive parents sent her to Castlereigh, a convent, despite the fact that Fox had wanted to marry her. They had been lovers for years. Fox took her, promising he would come back for her. He had been threatened, as had she, so he ended up at Blackchurch, which was at least close to her. It had been ten years and it was still like it was yesterday.

What a book: full of nuance and detail. The characters, some of whom we have met before, were well-written and full-bodied. Gigi had lived at the abbey, not as a nun, but as a widow for ten long years. She was a terrific character who grew from an immature, entitled young woman into a woman of courage and beauty. She had not wasted her time while at the convent but acquired some skills. She had unlimited faith in Fox and knew he would return for her. It was an enticing story of courage and patience. Both she and Fox had grown in the intervening years and the story reflected that growth. As always, Le Veque has written a novel so full of the honor and glory of the time that it leaves one breathless.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Protector by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #KathrynLeVeque #TheProtector

Enjoy this steamy read with lots of wonderful characters, a storyline which is intriguing and keep you guessing with a HEA that will touch your heart!