The Chevalier
by Philippa Lodge
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENRE: Historical Romance
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
Emmanuel, Chevalier de
Cantière, youngest son of a baron, is happiest raising horses far from his
complicated family. When news comes his mother is deathly ill, he races to her
side only to find she has apparently recovered and moved on, leaving behind her
companion, Catherine.
Catherine de Fouet blends into the background, saving up so she’ll never have
to wait on waspish, scheming old ladies like the baronesse again. She has no
interest in a resentful gentleman, estranged from his mother, no matter how
broad his shoulders or intriguing the wounded soul behind his handsome face.
She just needs someone to escort her back to Versailles
But Catherine is suspected of poisoning the baronesse. She rebuffs a pushy
courtier who tries to use blackmail to make her his mistress, and her
reputation hangs by a thread.
The chevalier wants more than anything to protect this woman whose prickly
exterior hides sweetness and passion. They need his family to help him through
court intrigues—almost as much as they need each other.
~~~~~~~~~~~
My Review:
It 's a family romance with a sweet love story and a bit of mystery.
Emanuel is the youngest son of a baron, but he has decided to live away from his family. He returns home when it is notified that his mother is dying. But as soon as he arrives his mother is well and she has left for Paris. She has left home her lady companion who was unable to leave with her. Emanuel decides to take her to Paris so has the opportunity to see his mother after three years. During the journey they can know each other but when they arrive in Paris someone has tried to kill his mother. Manu has to find out who did it.
Catherine is a very sweet and honest girl, willing to work hard to regain the property that has had to rent. Manu is a courageous and gentle knight, loyal to his family despite the different opinions
It's the third book in the series, but can also be read without knowing the other.
It was a pleasant reading with a well-woven plot and well constructed and complex characters.
If you are looking for a romantic novel is not the right choice, the love story is in second plan but if you want to read a well-written historical novel is perfect for you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXCERPT:
Manu smoothed his soft suede gloves firmly over his fingers
and grasped the fencing foil’s hilt. Dom took a quick look at the guard on the
point, nodding when he found it securely soldered on.
Cédric approached. “What sort of attack does d’Oronte
favor?”
Manu opened his mouth to reply.
But his brother snorted. “It’s ridiculous for me to give you
advice when you know the man’s fighting style and I don’t.”
Manu nodded grimly. He suddenly wished for his half-brother,
Michel, who had worked the most with him with swords. “He favors the Italian
style. He’s showy and sometimes loses focus in an effort to look better. But he
is quite skilled.”
“Not as skilled as you, eh?”
His brother’s confidence made Manu warm.
“We’re evenly matched, as I said. Not the best, but far from
the worst.” He glanced at Catherine and got an uneasy, angry feeling in his
belly.
Cédric elbowed him. “You don’t want to lose in front of
Mademoiselle de Fouet. Should I encourage her to take Françoise up to my apartments?
The fighting might frighten them.”
Manu stared at Catherine, who smiled and dropped her eyes
bashfully. “I don’t think she’s easily frightened.”
Cédric chuckled. “Then it’s an old-fashioned tournament, and
you’re fighting for your lady’s hand.”
Manu couldn’t take his gaze from Catherine’s pink cheeks.
When she lifted her head so he could see her eyes under the brim of her hat, he
had a sudden urge to kiss her. “I suppose I am. D’Oronte’s been bothering her.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Philippa Lodge has a hundred stories in her head and a social media
addiction. She writes historical romance set in Louis XIV’s France (sometimes
with the king himself!); New Adult romantic women’s fiction-type stories set in
small-town, small-college, modern America; and contemporary romance with nerdy
beta heroes and cranky heroines whose pasts can be healed with the love of a
good man. She lives with one husband, two cats, and three kids in the inland
valley of California.
Outside the US:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE
Philippa will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a
randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour,
Thank you for hosting!
RispondiEliminaThank you for hosting ! Grazie!
RispondiEliminaGreat review, thanks for sharing! I've enjoyed following the tour for The Chevalier and I'm looking forward to reading it :)
RispondiEliminaThank you! I hope you enjoy it!
EliminaWhat is your favorite part of the book?
RispondiElimina