The White Lord of Wellesbourne

Matthew Wellesbourne has been engaged to Alixandrea Terrington St. Ave for 9 years. They have never met and this is a business/ contract type engagement. Alixandrea Uncle finally makes Matthew come up to agree to marry her immediately. Matthew has been somewhat vocal to his brothers about his upset with marring and when his brother meets Alixandrea at a Pub that she stop at on the way to the Castle tell her so. This does put Matthew and Alixandrea off each other for a little while but their attraction is something they cannot fight. Unknown to Alixandrea her Uncle has set up that once she marries Matthew the men she has brought with her will attack and kill her new husband. This starts their emotional love story.

wonderful, beautiful, amazing.....

Kathryn Le Veque is fast becoming a favorite author of mine. This is the third book of hers that I've read, and they've all been solid four stars. She's a fine writer, and I love her romances. The heroes and heroines actually fall in love with each other, without misunderstandings, big secrets, or bratty, spoiled behavior. They talk to each other, and actually discuss their problems and misunderstandings like adults. The obstacles to their relationships come from external sources, not from the hero or heroines themselves. That's my favorite type of love story. <br /><br />In brief, Alixandrea, the heroine, has been betrothed for more than half of her life to Matthew, the hero. They have never met, and he keeps delaying the marriage. She finally descends upon him to force his hand. Matthew and his powerful family are strong supporters of King Richard III, and Matthew is one of his top military advisors. Alixandrea also comes from a powerful family that supports Richard, hence the alliance. The two fall in love while the threat of war and political betrayal hang over them, and threaten to separate them. There are also many wonderful and vivid secondary characters, who enrich the story. Matthew has three brothers, and the relationship among the four of them, and their father, is very well done. Matthew's friendship with Gaston, another top military advisor to Richard, is also beautifully depicted, and is a pivotal part of the story of shifting loyalties and alliances. <br /><br /> Ms. Le Veque puts the historical in historical romance front and center. The book begins shortly before the Battle of Bosworth, and the reader is treated to the politics of the jockeying for support by Richard and Henry Tudor (later Henry VII), the rival claimant to the throne of England. Richard, and other powerful lords of the period, are believable characters in the book. For readers like me, who like well researched history and politics along with their romances, this is just about heaven to read. Also, the heroes and heroines in Ms. Le Veque's books are clearly the product of their times. They don't come across as 21st Century people dressed up in medieval costumes. But, most important, while the history is beautifully woven throughout the novel, the romance always remains the focal point of the story.<br /><br />I would liked to have seen an author's note at the end. Obviously Richard III was a controversial figure, and has been interpreted in many different ways by both historians and novelists. It would have been interesting to learn about Ms. Le Veque's source materials, and why she chose to portray Richard III the way she did.

Another lovely Medieval historical from Ms. Le Veque. How on earth had I missed this author in the past? She has managed to get me out of a year-long reading funk with two of her books in one week.<br /><br />And up next? Yup, yet another of her stories. I'm hooked!

About the Story: On her way to meet her betrothed with her four hundred soldiers as part of her dowry, Lady Alixandrea Terrington St. Ave, needed to stop before she reached the castle. She had her men stop at a tavern very close to the castle itself to gather her wits and her ‘sloshing brains’ after nine days of riding a carriage with a bad axle and her driver’s inept ability to drive anyway that would make her more comfortable.<br /><br />She had been betrothed to Matthew Wellesbourne for ten years. Her uncle, Howard Terrington, decided he had waited long enough. He would give Matthew Wellesbourne, The White Lord of Wellesbourne, no more time. He had to have access to Wellesbourne castle. Alixandrea had heard tales of The White Lord since childhood--a giant of a knight with a reputable reputation.<br /><br />Being a beautiful well-spoken woman, she could not escape notice when she entered the tavern. She looked like an angel in the doorway of the tavern. Once in the tavern she was approached by a rather large man who offered to bring her refreshment. When she refused, he hardly believed it. All women were immediately enamored of him, wanting his company. Sir Luke introduced himself and conversationally introduced his brother, Matthew of Wellesbourne, who was sitting in the far corner of the tavern as being of ill-temper, ‘brooding like a bear’.<br /><br />At this point, Alixandrea saw him for who he was, her betrothed. <br />Politely, she asks why he is unhappy and Sir Luke, drinking liberally, spills that he is unhappy about the impending marriage for he does not want to marry, so he came to the tavern to drown his sorrow in drink and wenches. Obviously Sir Luke’s tongue is quite lose with drink because he mentions that Matthew’s betrothed probably isn’t all that attractive, but she’s worth something for she’s bringing with her 400 fighters and a large dowry.<br /><br />Slightly bemused, Alixandrea now knows that she must marry, but not with any merits she herself brings to the union. All her girlhood dreams are gone. Hers will be a marriage without respect, let alone love. She accepts this bit of news with head held high.<br /><br />The scene that follows has Matthew crossing the room to meet her after he’s heard all the foolish remarks his brother has spoken. He sees her beautiful and soft-spoken, a woman he’s attracted to.<br />So many forces are afoot around this union that soon begin to materialize. Are Matthew and Alixandrea strong enough to combat them all?<br /><br />My Thoughts: This book was everything I could want in a Medieval historical romance. The cadence of its sentences, along with the superb (and frankly, ravishing voice) delivery of narrator Brad Wills, transported me from now to then. From the outset I was engaged with the humorous scene where Luke tells Lady Alixandrea the woes of his brother and how utterly ashamed Luke became once he knew who he spoke with.<br /><br />Kathryn Le Veque’s descriptive words of imagery set the scene of each act. I clearly smelled the putrid stench of the tavern as Lady Alixandrea walked through the doors, the dirt of the road that her maid kicked up while walking, the terror of a battle raging around her head and helpless for escape, of stables smelling of hay and urine. I was there. I saw it all.<br /><br />It was a story of heightened tension in a gripping storyline erupting even before Matthew could take Lady Alixandrea to the castle. Their neighbor, a Tudor ally, attacked them, something Matthew knew would eventually happen, just not that day. Luckily, with the additional 400 fighters with him he fought well, even though the attack was a surprise. They were able to fight them off, but Luke, Matthew’s brother, was struck by an arrow. He had been guarding Alixandrea. I was ready to see the lady shot or White Lord injured. But we find that Lady Alixandrea is not only beautiful and as graceful as any queen, but quick-witted, intelligent and courageous besides.<br /><br />We learn Matthew is not only a fighting knight, but also a compassionate son. For the last 12 years, since his mother had died, their father, also a knight, had never been exactly sane. Anything could set him off. Matthew had taken it upon himself to try to manage his environment so he would not go over the cliff into madness. He’d drink and talk of his lost lady love, how much misery life was without her and very often would try to kill himself.<br /><br />From the first, I was caught in battle, intrigue and the wicked ways of greedy men. I was privy to how knights discuss strategy and warfare. I was party to reasons why men fight each other, why some men would follow Richard III and others Henry Tudor, how women could be used as pawns to barter.<br /><br />I enjoyed the scenes where the four brothers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, all knights, would work together to protect their own and their king, would discuss the great battle soon to be fought because it was evident something large was going to happen. When divisions were apparent among the brothers, it never interfered with how they pulled together. The author created a great story in the throws of history. Certainly, this would make a great film!<br /><br />This story gave me a real sense of the peril people lived in during that time of history in England, with the constant wars. It was a gripping tension-filled read, further enhanced by the excellent performance of narrator Brad Wills. His voice for Matthew was perfect. It is a deep bass voice that only bespeaks the size of the man. I coward when he spoke and then he’d use his voice speaking words of respect and love to Lady Alixandrea which would melt my heart. But with such a huge, massive voice, he paradoxically spoke the dialog of Lady Alixandrea eloquently, befitting the woman. His voice for the lady’s maid, had a rather raucous pitch and volume much as I envision the non-nobility of that time period speaking. Brad Wills’ performance perfected a most perfect story. She's gained another besotted fan!<br />

I laughed, I cried, I got mad it was such a great read .Matt The White Lord grabbed hold of my heart .I couldn't help but fall in love with him .He's kind ,caring ,loving and one of the Kings best knights. Alexandra is a beautiful woman with a kind heart. Matt and Alexandra have many obstacles to hurdle as they find their way to true love .

This author writes from the heart and I just can't get enough of her books! I absolutely adore medieval romances and Kathryn Le Veque knows her stuff. Right now I'm on a De Russe Legacy kick and I'm thoroughly enjoying this series. <br /><br />This is Matthew and Alixandrea's story and I just loved both characters. Between the politics of the time and the blossoming romance between them, this truly is a fascinating story to read. I also loved the friendship between Matthew and Gaston, so much respect for the both of them! <br /><br />A solid 5 star read!!

This ought to be read before The Dark One: Dark Knight (De Russe Legacy #2) the story about the White Knight's best friend, de Russe.<br /><br />I read this second so the story answered a few questions that the The Dark One: Dark Knight (De Russe Legacy #2) brought up. This story had a very tight story around the Battle at Bosworth Field.<br /><br />Matthew Wellesbourne and Alixandrea Terrington St. Ave were promised to each other when they were children. Matthew made assumptions about his prospective bride, and did his best to avoid her because he did not want to marry. Many arranged marriages never engendered a loving relationship but this story is different. Matthew and Alixandrea do marry but to their astonishment they fall in love.<br /><br />Even on the eve of a great battle this may seem idyllic for the newlyweds but Alixandrea has been caught up in the devastating machinations of politics. Matthew and his brothers all scramble to make the world safe for Alixandrea... then come the battle that will end the War of the Roses. Matthew is then called upon to question his loyalty to his king or to his best friend. Now, not only will the battle decide who inhabits the throne of England but all that Matthew and Alixandrea were getting used to may just be crushed.<br /><br />There is a quietude to the romance -- the swelling of the reader's heart as they read about the hero and heroine coming together. Yet, the author never lets you forget that events greater than Matthew and Alixandrea are hanging overhead just waiting to destroy what they want to become.<br /><br />This is a great story but I really do hope you read this before the epic The Dark One: Dark Knight (De Russe Legacy #2). Two stories that truly belong together!

A moving story of a WONDERFUL Knight and his LOVELY lady love...<br /><br />I love digging into one of this authors stories. I never have to wonder if I I'm waisting my time or not...I'm usually always entertained and hardly ever leave one of her books disappointed. This story is no different. Matthew the hero is a dream boat of a Knight. He's kind, generous and compassionate to a fault. His lady love in this story is not only beautiful on the outside, but on the inside as well. She is kind, tough, and feisty. A perfect combo for a great heroine. The characters are very well developed and I really enjoy how they love and 'feel' openly. Believe me I love a brooding hero as much as the next person, but its nice for once to see a hero love so openly. Last but not least a secondary character in particular stood out named Gaston who has his own story in 'The Dark One, Dark Knight'. I cant wait to read his story! He is an interesting character to say the least!!<br /><br />A certain death did bother me at the end of the story...just didn't see the point of it. But its a Medieval story with fighting and battles so it wasn't too unexpected. It just wasn't who I thought it was going to be.<br /><br />If you love Medieval Romance with romantic hero's and feisty heroines...this is a must read!<br />

What a wonderful book to read if you like medieval knights you can't go wrong with Kathryn Le Veque' s books. The wonderful friendships and romances are so well done with strong characters you just can't leave you get into her books pretty quick and can't let go until you have finished them.