Obliteration
Kathryn Le Veque
Medieval Romance
It’s another epic Guard of Six novel when one of the Six finds himself with an explosive inheritance that threatens to ruin his reputation as a noble knight.
An inheritance that involves… wine, women, and song??
Sir Jareth de Leybourne is the moral compass of the legendary Guard of Six—a noble knight known for honor, logic, and restraint. But when his wealthy uncle dies, Jareth inherits far more than land and coin. He inherits a scandal that could destroy everything he stands for.
Summoned to the bustling medieval city of Bristol, Jareth discovers his uncle’s fortune was built on a discreet but wildly profitable enterprise: Aphrodite’s Feast, an elegant brothel and gambling hell quietly tolerated for its philanthropy. The business funds churches, education, and charity—but its existence threatens Jareth’s reputation as one of England’s most honorable knights.
Running Aphrodite’s Feast is Lady Desdra le Daire, a brilliant, sharp-tongued woman burdened by secrets of her own. Neither a courtesan nor a criminal, Desdra is a spinster by choice, using her education to manage the operation that saved her life. From the moment she and Jareth meet, sparks fly—clashing ideals, forbidden attraction, and undeniable chemistry.
As Jareth struggles to reconcile duty, honor, and inheritance, a deadly truth emerges: his uncle had a powerful enemy who now wants Jareth dead. Worse still, Desdra is caught in the middle—and the man threatening her life is her own father.
To save Desdra and protect his honor, Jareth must confront betrayal, corruption, and a love that could cost him everything.
Uncaged Review: Sir Jareth de Leybourne is ethically
just and faultless to the core. When he receives an
inheritance from his uncle who has died. Jareth always
thought that he wouldn’t get anything because he was
the second son. When Jareth tells King Henry about the
inheritance, Henry demands that he go and take several
of the knights to go with him too. When Jareth arrives,
he is stunned because his uncle owns not only castles,
a school and lastly, a brothel. Which the proper uptight
Jareth definitely doesn’t agree with the brothel. When
Jareth meets Desdra, the owner of the brothel, Aphrodite’s
Feast, he immediately judges her. So, a struggle
between the exemplary Jareth and the nuanced Desdra
go head-to-head in a combat that could cost them both?
When a bigger threat comes to claim Jareth’s inherit-
ance, can both Dedra and Jareth find a way to put their
differences aside to fight for what is right and also true
love?
It’s amazing how Ms. Kathryn Le Veque stories are not
cookie cutter and are just so different. I was disappointed
that this novel had more quick deaths in it. I wanted
to see more of those characters, including the villain
living a bit longer. Just to be killed by a knight would
have been nice. I think I really wanted some epic battles
which Ms. Le Veque writes really fantastic fight scenes,
so I kind of missed that. Yes, I wanted some of the
minor character stories even though they are not central
to the book, but they have suddenly become important
to me. Still, the book doesn’t lose steam despite me
craving more, which is altogether excellent! Jareth, the
morally consummate knight, has a true dilemma on his
hands. So, the struggles that he faced were just a delight
to read. While Desdra is just a great heroine! Smart,
feisty and witty, I also couldn’t help but fall for her too.
Do I look forward to another book about the six? Of
course, I do but am glad to have read this one!
Reviewed by Roslynn Ernst
4.5 Stars
