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Legend of the Theodosia #1
With Dreams Only of You: The Legend of the Theodosia Sword
One family. One Legend. One chance to reverse the tides of fortune.
Welcome to the USA TODAY bestselling blockbuster, a multi-genre collection unlike any other historical romance collection. Six of the top authors in their respective genres bring you this powerhouse collection, WITH DREAMS ONLY OF YOU. Join the de Reyne family as they grapple with a family legend that follows them through centuries of hope, heartache, adventure, and romance in seven amazing
Roman Scotland - The origins of the Theodosia Sword.
Medieval England - The legend begins.
The Scottish Highlands - The legend takes a twist.
Tudor England - A new dimension to the legend.
Georgian Era - The legend upon the high seas.
Regency England - The legend has new life.
Contemporary Times - The legend concludes.
Seven unique and powerful stories take the legend of the gladius, the Theodosia Sword, through the ages. Discover how each era of the family finds their own love, peace, and happiness. The sword that can tear them apart is also the one that binds them.
One family. One legend. One chance to reverse the tides of fortune... will each generation of the family take that chance?
Welcome to the USA TODAY bestselling blockbuster, a multi-genre collection unlike any other historical romance collection. Six of the top authors in their respective genres bring you this powerhouse collection, WITH DREAMS ONLY OF YOU. Join the de Reyne family as they grapple with a family legend that follows them through centuries of hope, heartache, adventure, and romance in seven amazing
Roman Scotland - The origins of the Theodosia Sword.
Medieval England - The legend begins.
The Scottish Highlands - The legend takes a twist.
Tudor England - A new dimension to the legend.
Georgian Era - The legend upon the high seas.
Regency England - The legend has new life.
Contemporary Times - The legend concludes.
Seven unique and powerful stories take the legend of the gladius, the Theodosia Sword, through the ages. Discover how each era of the family finds their own love, peace, and happiness. The sword that can tear them apart is also the one that binds them.
One family. One legend. One chance to reverse the tides of fortune... will each generation of the family take that chance?
526 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2015
About the author
Kathryn Le Veque
312 books2,003 followersJuggernaut Indie author Kathryn Le Veque is a 'tour de force' in publishing.
Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.
Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.
Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.
Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 1, 2016
This is a collection of 7 stories that all have a theme of an ancient Roman sword as it travels through the years and passing hands.
The 1st 3 stories were really good. Skip the one by Knight (the 4th) the 5th was ok. The 6th was juvenile and the last, contemporary I stopped as soon as I got whiff of the immature dialogue.
The two stars are soley for Le Veque, (the first two stories) and Tizdale. (the third.)
In fact if I could rate them separately here is what I would say:
1. 5 stars
2 4 stars
3 5 stars
4 1 star
5 3 stars
6 1 star
7 1 star
June 27, 2015
EXCEPTIONAL!
These stories, uniquely crafted and inspired by a rare Roman artifact, were so mesmerizing. Every story was expertly written by a talented author. Every one of them was a page turner that I never wanted to end. And, yet, I couldn't wait to get to the next story to see how the Gladius, the Roman sword, would affect the next succeeding generations and next pair of unsuspecting characters brought together by the mystery and wonder of the artifact. I especially enjoyed how everything came together and the circle, opened by the prologue story, closed with the last story.
"Crimson and embers,
my love for thee.
For Eternity it will bind us.
In Elysium will I wait,
my heart of fragile stars,
With dreams only of you."
This collection will haunt me for a long time. For the power of love is an amazing thing. It is up to the individual to determine if it is a curse or a blessing.
I highly recommend you pick up this boxed set. It is truly a winner and one that will be read and re-read by me many times!
These stories, uniquely crafted and inspired by a rare Roman artifact, were so mesmerizing. Every story was expertly written by a talented author. Every one of them was a page turner that I never wanted to end. And, yet, I couldn't wait to get to the next story to see how the Gladius, the Roman sword, would affect the next succeeding generations and next pair of unsuspecting characters brought together by the mystery and wonder of the artifact. I especially enjoyed how everything came together and the circle, opened by the prologue story, closed with the last story.
"Crimson and embers,
my love for thee.
For Eternity it will bind us.
In Elysium will I wait,
my heart of fragile stars,
With dreams only of you."
This collection will haunt me for a long time. For the power of love is an amazing thing. It is up to the individual to determine if it is a curse or a blessing.
I highly recommend you pick up this boxed set. It is truly a winner and one that will be read and re-read by me many times!
July 10, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection. Taking the Roman Gladius throughout times in Scotland and Britain, perilous and not so perilous eras, with the poesy ring later becoming part the Gladius. We see how each author puts her stamp on the unfolding tales of sword and ring.
June 27, 2015
With Dreams Only of You
I gave this five stars because the authors kept the theme of the gladeous and the ring together and as each separate generation received or hunted for the sword they had you wondering if these really was a curse or just the swords mysterious beginning was bringing together those that are true loves even if the ones that are not would believe they are cursed and is using their mishaps , unhappiness,and anguish on the so called curse.
I really enjoyed reading this and especially by such great and wonderful authors that bring you right into the time that the story is about and you are there where you can see how the historic memories can be changed but still have the essential gist of the true happening of what legends that are being told through the different eras and countries.
If you love to read and you love all types of genders of romantic fiction in this book you have it all from the best authors of Medieval to Contemporary romance in one book. You will not be able to put it down once started (I was almost late to work) the plot will have you thinking about it at odd times and you will be wanting to get home as soon as you can to try and see what will be happening next.
I really love this book and would recommend it for you will fail in love with not just the plots, characters or the curse but mostly with the authors and will be wishing that they will come up with another collective story again.
Please read " With Dreams Only Of You" you will enjoy it as much as I have and want more from the authors Kathryn le Veques, Christi Caldwell, Eliza Knight Suzan Tisdale, Eva Devon and Cynthia Wright.
I gave this five stars because the authors kept the theme of the gladeous and the ring together and as each separate generation received or hunted for the sword they had you wondering if these really was a curse or just the swords mysterious beginning was bringing together those that are true loves even if the ones that are not would believe they are cursed and is using their mishaps , unhappiness,and anguish on the so called curse.
I really enjoyed reading this and especially by such great and wonderful authors that bring you right into the time that the story is about and you are there where you can see how the historic memories can be changed but still have the essential gist of the true happening of what legends that are being told through the different eras and countries.
If you love to read and you love all types of genders of romantic fiction in this book you have it all from the best authors of Medieval to Contemporary romance in one book. You will not be able to put it down once started (I was almost late to work) the plot will have you thinking about it at odd times and you will be wanting to get home as soon as you can to try and see what will be happening next.
I really love this book and would recommend it for you will fail in love with not just the plots, characters or the curse but mostly with the authors and will be wishing that they will come up with another collective story again.
Please read " With Dreams Only Of You" you will enjoy it as much as I have and want more from the authors Kathryn le Veques, Christi Caldwell, Eliza Knight Suzan Tisdale, Eva Devon and Cynthia Wright.
June 28, 2015
A multi genre story written by several authors is new some thing new for me. Kathryn LA Veque, Suzan Tizdale, Eva Devon, Eliza Knight, Cynthia Wright and Christi Caldwell did an amazing job writing each part of this story. They made each story their own, adding all their special touches and were still able to make this one perfect story.
With Dream Only of You starts out with a prologue in 124 A.D. with a knight on the verge of death. All he wanted was to be with the woman he loved more than any thing else but since that was impossible and death was immenant, he etched a message to her into the blade of his Gladius. He hid it in the wall where he hoped it would be found and returned to her.
After the prologue you are transported to 1272 AD where you meet Eryx and Frederica. Kathryn La Veque starts the story of the de Rayne/Gladius and the first attempt to decipher the message on the blade. All they are able to make out is Theodosia. Was it a woman? The name of the sword? A place? After leaving 1272 A.D. you jump to 1365 where Suzan Tisdale brings you a tale of death, abuse and rescue. Fast forward to 1601, Queen Elizabeth's court, where Sebastien de Rayne will do anything to get back his family heirlooms including marrying the daughter of the man who has them. In this portion of the story Eliza Knight introduces you to the ring that is intertwined with the Theodosia gladius. Eventually you leave London and end up in France in 1749 with Cynthia Wright. She tells a a tale of desperation. A grand adventure of pirates and kidnapping and curses. Christi Caldwell pulls you into amasquerade ball, betrothal ball, family rivalry, theft and forbidden love in London during 1811. And finally Eva Devon brings you to present time with MacKenzie ONeil. Mac has been having very odd dreams that have kept her from having a good night's rest ever since she received a poesy ring. She dreams and search for answers takes her to Castle de Rayne in England where she meets Lord James Reign. With James by her side, they set out to finally found out what is engraved on the Theodosia blade and if it's a curse or a blessing.
A must read for all historical readers. A great story if you like variety in your stories. A captivating story that will hold your attention till the end.
With Dream Only of You starts out with a prologue in 124 A.D. with a knight on the verge of death. All he wanted was to be with the woman he loved more than any thing else but since that was impossible and death was immenant, he etched a message to her into the blade of his Gladius. He hid it in the wall where he hoped it would be found and returned to her.
After the prologue you are transported to 1272 AD where you meet Eryx and Frederica. Kathryn La Veque starts the story of the de Rayne/Gladius and the first attempt to decipher the message on the blade. All they are able to make out is Theodosia. Was it a woman? The name of the sword? A place? After leaving 1272 A.D. you jump to 1365 where Suzan Tisdale brings you a tale of death, abuse and rescue. Fast forward to 1601, Queen Elizabeth's court, where Sebastien de Rayne will do anything to get back his family heirlooms including marrying the daughter of the man who has them. In this portion of the story Eliza Knight introduces you to the ring that is intertwined with the Theodosia gladius. Eventually you leave London and end up in France in 1749 with Cynthia Wright. She tells a a tale of desperation. A grand adventure of pirates and kidnapping and curses. Christi Caldwell pulls you into amasquerade ball, betrothal ball, family rivalry, theft and forbidden love in London during 1811. And finally Eva Devon brings you to present time with MacKenzie ONeil. Mac has been having very odd dreams that have kept her from having a good night's rest ever since she received a poesy ring. She dreams and search for answers takes her to Castle de Rayne in England where she meets Lord James Reign. With James by her side, they set out to finally found out what is engraved on the Theodosia blade and if it's a curse or a blessing.
A must read for all historical readers. A great story if you like variety in your stories. A captivating story that will hold your attention till the end.
July 27, 2015
This set kept me up late every night because I simply couldn't put it down! Kathryn Le Veque's prologue tugged at my heart and made me feel a deep down need to continue reading. Her story that followed did not leave me disappointed. Susan Tisdale's contribution was gripping! I loved the characters and the banter between them. Josephine stole my heart. I got a huge kick out of the way she hid her smarts from Graeme and let him make a fool out of himself-well deserved I might add! Eliza Knight's Max and Sebastian were perfect together. The flirtation and playfulness drew me right in and made me root for them. I adored Cynthia Wright's Sea Rogue and found the Russian heroine to be a great twist to the tail. Christi Caldwell's story gripped my heart. I love the way she makes her characters so real, flawed yet perfect. The way Theodosia went after what she believed to be hers and how she stood up to the devil duke. These two were made for each other. Eva Devon's story brought a wonderful end to the set and the legend. I found the way she tied it all up very satisfying and thought the way she mentioned earlier characters to be brilliant. This is a must read! It is truly no wonder that this set made the USA Today bestseller list. It will capture your imagination, keep you reading, and leave you satisfied. I have no doubt that it will live in my mind for a long time into the future.
July 22, 2015
This was a brilliant six-novel-anthology that started with the story of a gladius (Roman sword) owned by a Roman soldier who inscribed poetic words on his gladius as a legacy to be returned to the beloved wife (Theodosia) he left behind as he died, and which was “linked” to a poesy ring that he gave to his wife upon their marriage. The other five stories carried the legend of the sword through romances occurring during the following eras, terminating with a contemporary romance that ended in Scotland and England. It was so exciting to uncover each story about the legend and the people it touched through the ages. A wonderful concept for an anthology…and I hope there is another one like it in the future.
June 25, 2015
I could not put this book down. I was hooked from the prologue. These six talented writers did an amazing job. I am familiar with each author and enjoy their books. These stories go from one part to the next so smoothly that you don't even think about it being wrote by different authors. The characters in each story were all well written. It was easy to fall in love with each hero and heroine. I do not read a lot of contemporary romance, but I think Eva wrote an ending worthy of the book. In fact, there is not one story that I did not enjoy. My only complaint would be that I would have liked some of the stories to be longer.
June 26, 2015
Loved this multi-genre family saga. This collection is unique, compelling and powerful.
An awesome collection from authors with powerful voices. From historical (though the ages) to contemporary the reader follows one family, de Reyne though the centuries and the legend of the Thedosia Sword.
Dangerous, powerful, adventurous, passionate and romantic. All the makings of a fabulous read! A must read! My hats off to these authors, they used their own unique voices to create a powerful bundle of romance. A job well done, ladies!!
*Personal buy*
Rating : 5
Heat rating : Mild to a bit of heat
Reviewed by: AprilR
An awesome collection from authors with powerful voices. From historical (though the ages) to contemporary the reader follows one family, de Reyne though the centuries and the legend of the Thedosia Sword.
Dangerous, powerful, adventurous, passionate and romantic. All the makings of a fabulous read! A must read! My hats off to these authors, they used their own unique voices to create a powerful bundle of romance. A job well done, ladies!!
*Personal buy*
Rating : 5
Heat rating : Mild to a bit of heat
Reviewed by: AprilR
July 24, 2015
Oh My!! Oh My!!
I did not want it to end..Wanted more. Love this book!!! I am not going into any spoilers. I love all of these authors books. When I found out they written a book together I couldn't wait to get the book and read it. When I got the book I was like a child opening their Christmas present. Since from the first part of the book about Lucius and Theodosia to the very end about James and MacKenzie, I was in awe with every character and it ran smoothly. Thank you ladies for another wonderful story...
I did not want it to end..Wanted more. Love this book!!! I am not going into any spoilers. I love all of these authors books. When I found out they written a book together I couldn't wait to get the book and read it. When I got the book I was like a child opening their Christmas present. Since from the first part of the book about Lucius and Theodosia to the very end about James and MacKenzie, I was in awe with every character and it ran smoothly. Thank you ladies for another wonderful story...
July 1, 2015
Very good anthology.
The stories flowed effortlessly from one to another almost is if written by one author. The cast of characters were all interesting and I loved the fact that the heroines were not all perfect beauties with perfect bodies. The stories will stay with you and I'm left with questions and the desire to read not only more from these authors, but also about these characters and their families.
The stories flowed effortlessly from one to another almost is if written by one author. The cast of characters were all interesting and I loved the fact that the heroines were not all perfect beauties with perfect bodies. The stories will stay with you and I'm left with questions and the desire to read not only more from these authors, but also about these characters and their families.
July 2, 2015
I finally finished reading "With Dreams Only Of You" and I loved it! It held my attention throughout the story. Each of you are great storytellers in your own right but the way you all collaborated to do this story was amazing! I loved the way it started and the way it end. I hope we readers will be blessed again having you all work together in another story! Thank you for keeping me so entertained with the magic of your characters and your gift of storytelling.
August 11, 2015
Can't wait to dream
I have never read books by several authors with a common thread, so I wondered how With Dreams Only Of You was going to flow. But flow it did. Each book from a different era and a different struggle, and each one equally captivating. The prologue had me crying so I was hooked from the beginning. I had to see where the legend of the Theodosia would take me. It is a journey I highly recommend.
I have never read books by several authors with a common thread, so I wondered how With Dreams Only Of You was going to flow. But flow it did. Each book from a different era and a different struggle, and each one equally captivating. The prologue had me crying so I was hooked from the beginning. I had to see where the legend of the Theodosia would take me. It is a journey I highly recommend.
July 10, 2015
Centuries of turbulence ending in timeless love eternal!
The stories told by these ever so talented authors centering around this Roman Gladius and posy ring to culminate in timeless love were extraordinary! I am sleep deprived from not being able to put this collection down!
The stories told by these ever so talented authors centering around this Roman Gladius and posy ring to culminate in timeless love were extraordinary! I am sleep deprived from not being able to put this collection down!
July 1, 2015
What a wonderful idea!
I wonder who came up with the idea of having different authors writings their own stories about the same thing? Whoever....it was brilliant! I will read this book..or books.. over and over again!
I wonder who came up with the idea of having different authors writings their own stories about the same thing? Whoever....it was brilliant! I will read this book..or books.. over and over again!
July 19, 2015
Great book!!
Fantastic book by all my favorite authors! Enjoyed the stories of the different couples throughout the centuries. I highly recommend this book to everyone who has read the various authors books. A must read!!
Fantastic book by all my favorite authors! Enjoyed the stories of the different couples throughout the centuries. I highly recommend this book to everyone who has read the various authors books. A must read!!
June 25, 2015
FABULOUS
I loved how it evolved!!! It was fabulously written and kept me turning the pages!! I highly recommend this series!!!!
I loved how it evolved!!! It was fabulously written and kept me turning the pages!! I highly recommend this series!!!!
June 29, 2015
Amazing
This is one amazing and enjoyable read. The stories woven together are well crafted. I haven't read a series this quick in a long time.
This is one amazing and enjoyable read. The stories woven together are well crafted. I haven't read a series this quick in a long time.
July 13, 2015
Great stuff!
December 22, 2015
Great fun! And, a creative and unique way to follow true love through the ages as seen through one family and its gifted heritage.
February 22, 2020
Just great book(s)
Interesting would not put it down, so I did the audio, so I could rest my eyes and still be part of the book. So many books in one but difference story. Magnified.
Interesting would not put it down, so I did the audio, so I could rest my eyes and still be part of the book. So many books in one but difference story. Magnified.
February 22, 2017
A fantastic collection from some top names in historical romance! Five stories of love, loss and redemption that span the centuries and revolve around the legend of the Theodosia Sword.
July 26, 2017
I have read two of the novels in this series. This is marking that I read With Dreams.
November 19, 2018
I actually only have the first one by Le Veque.
May 5, 2019
Boring
Not worthy of LeVeque. Was bored out of my skull. Would recommend passing up this book. It was a waste of time.
Not worthy of LeVeque. Was bored out of my skull. Would recommend passing up this book. It was a waste of time.
August 15, 2015
With Dreams Only of You is a collective effort by six talented authors, namely: Kathryn Le Veque; Suzan Tisdale; Eliza Knight; Cynthia Wright; Christi Caldwell; and Eva Devon. It is the story of the Legend of the Theodosia Sword, which started in 124 A.D and span through centuries to end in the 21st century. All the stories have one or two things in common – a Gladius and an engraved ring – and, with the exception of the prologue, they’re evolving around the de Reyne family and their descendants (de Rayne, Rayne, Reign – depending on the century).
I’ve enjoyed each of the stories but would have liked to know more about the sword and the curse associated to it and the ring – which was introduced in Eliza Knight’s part but without much explanation about where it came from and how it came to be connected with the Gladius.
Generally speaking, the stories were well-written. However, I found quite a few repetitions and typos in the first two stories which could have been avoided through another round of edits. There were also some problems with the French wording (with French being my mother tongue, I couldn’t help but notice those). That said, the whole book is a page turner and highly entertaining with characters mostly well-defined and interesting.
I’ve enjoyed each of the stories but would have liked to know more about the sword and the curse associated to it and the ring – which was introduced in Eliza Knight’s part but without much explanation about where it came from and how it came to be connected with the Gladius.
Generally speaking, the stories were well-written. However, I found quite a few repetitions and typos in the first two stories which could have been avoided through another round of edits. There were also some problems with the French wording (with French being my mother tongue, I couldn’t help but notice those). That said, the whole book is a page turner and highly entertaining with characters mostly well-defined and interesting.
August 27, 2015
The concept for this collaboration was unique as the authors moved through different time periods with The Sword of Theodosia as the focal point for the characters. Moving through the family history of the Rayne family gave you the sense of continuity for the plot throughout the stories and allowed you to feel as if you were reading one continuous novel verses several short stories. It was inventive to give you a small taste of authors you have never read before while reading some of your favorites. Each story brought you unique and well developed characters with rich details in setting. The emotion was full as each couple discovered the essence of their love and how the sword brought them together. It was a lovely read that would entertain you and leave you feeling that love is eternal.
July 3, 2015
I've hesitated reviewing this book because it appears I'm one of the few who didn't feel it was outstanding! exceptional! terrific!, pick your adjective. That's not to say each author didn't do a wonderful job with their own story. I think having a group of authors write a story like this is a great idea and very entertaining.
I didn't think each story explained the power or the story of the sword well enough. Then the ring was thrown in without much being said about it until the end. I didn't like the Georgian story at all but the rest of them, especially La Veque and Knight, were really good.
I didn't think each story explained the power or the story of the sword well enough. Then the ring was thrown in without much being said about it until the end. I didn't like the Georgian story at all but the rest of them, especially La Veque and Knight, were really good.
September 12, 2016
Exceptional
All 7 writers are Exceptional. I love how each story is so connected to on another. Each writer has there own unique style of written, with passion and great imagination. I also enjoyed the escalating of the time periods, with its special cultural rules and proper politically correct behaviors. The main characters that fell in love, came by that love in the same way, yet there love for one another was different but strong in there commitment to one another. A must read.
All 7 writers are Exceptional. I love how each story is so connected to on another. Each writer has there own unique style of written, with passion and great imagination. I also enjoyed the escalating of the time periods, with its special cultural rules and proper politically correct behaviors. The main characters that fell in love, came by that love in the same way, yet there love for one another was different but strong in there commitment to one another. A must read.
August 27, 2016
I loved this book, and the concept of multiple writers using a common item.tHis is the second book I have read like this with a continued storyline with a common bond. This one is about a sword and a ring through many centuries and many owners. Delightful I would like to read more. I couldn't put it dow n. e
These stories link so well together, they just flowed from one author to the next. I highly recommend this book for a great adventure. I hope they do another book group together soon . Five
stars is not enough.
These stories link so well together, they just flowed from one author to the next. I highly recommend this book for a great adventure. I hope they do another book group together soon . Five
stars is not enough.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews