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Knights of Honor #1

Word of Honor

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Become swept away in Alexa Aston’s new Knights of Honor, a medieval series set in the time of Edward III’s reign in England. At its heart are Geoffrey and Merryn, who will find lasting love in Word of Honor. This pair plays a part in each book of the series—sometimes small, sometimes large—as new couples come together to find passion and true love. Each romance focuses on honor and the code of chivalry that bound knights of this era.

1351 A.D. – Betrothed from a young age, Merryn Mantel and Geoffrey de Montfort are that rare couple—a love match. They spend five long years apart when Geoffrey leaves England to fight against the French. Geoffrey returns after the English victory at Poitiers, and he and Merryn wed. They spend one blissful night consummating their love, looking forward to a promising future together.

Yet Geoffrey vanishes the next day. Merryn is left lonely and confused as she clings to the hope that one day her husband will come back to her. Geoffrey finally returns almost seven years later. This new Geoffrey is a stranger to Merryn. He refuses to reveal where he has been and why he stayed away from the woman he loved.

Will her husband’s silence create a rift too large to heal, or can Geoffrey and Merryn recapture the love they once shared?

Join Geoffrey and Merryn as they fight for the love both have held in their hearts despite their years apart.

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2016

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About the author

Lauren Linwood

12 books53 followers
Pen name for author Alexa Aston

As a child, Lauren Linwood gathered her neighborhood friends together and made up stories for them to act out, her first venture into creating memorable characters. Following her passion for history and love of learning, she became a teacher who began writing on the side to maintain her sanity in a sea of teenage hormones.

Lauren’s historical novels focus on two of her favorite eras—medieval times and the American Old West. History is the backdrop that places her characters in extraordinary circumstances, where their intense desire and yearning for one another grows into the treasured gift of love. She also writes romantic suspense, where modern heroes and heroines unite to defeat a strong antagonist and discover a deep, abiding love during their journey.

Lauren, a native Texan, lives in a Dallas suburb with her family. An avid reader, moviegoer, and sports fan, she manages stress by alternating yoga with five mile walks. She is thinking about starting a support group for House Hunters addicts—as soon as she finishes her next piece of dark chocolate.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,826 reviews6 followers
March 29, 2020
This could have been an interesting story but I just didn't enjoy the writing style. There was too much telling, not enough showing. The language was too modern, despite the cultural details of those times, and neither MC was all that compelling. I found myself bored.

The romance was underwhelming too. Minutes after signing the betrothal contract, the H thinks this: He still had time to sow his wild oats before making Merryn his in every way. Merryn, the h, was only 13 at the time and I understand that this was pretty normal behaviour, but still. For a man who claimed to have loved his wife since childhood, that thought right there really undercut my belief in him. We never hear of whether or not he did such a thing, but the fact that he never refuted it in thought or words makes me believe that he did and just didn't think it was important enough to think about. I'm sorry, but I felt meh all around for this book.
Profile Image for Auj.
1,504 reviews112 followers
April 19, 2021
I've had this book on my TBR for about 3 years now, so I'm glad I finally got to it! I was curious about Merryn and Geoffrey's story after reading about them in "Love and Honor". I was wondering why Geoffrey suddenly left the night after they got married, so I wanted to read this one.

Merryn and Geoffrey had been friends all of their lives; their parents knew each other so they were betrothed when Merryn was 13 and Geoffrey was 16. Merryn's been in love with Geoffrey for some time now. He is honorable and handsome. One day, when his father dies, he'll be an earl too. But first, Geoffrey must go to war with England against the French. When he returns, they spend one blissful night after their wedding together and the next day Geoffrey mysteriously disappears, without a word, for years. When he arrives back, he's a changed man and won't say where he's been, as he gave his "Word of Honor". (Yes, the book is very aptly named.)


I really liked how Geoffrey's reactions to being free were so realistic. I wouldn't have thought about the aftereffects of PTSD he might have had and I liked how the author paid attention to it.



I also liked how this book was never predictable and I didn't see anything coming. What I didn't like as much was the insta-love and I felt the romance could have been developed a bit more, but considering the plot of this one, I can excuse the insta-love because it made more sense for the plot.

The preview of the next book at the end of this one really got my interest, so I think I'll be continuing with this series!
Profile Image for Celestine.
952 reviews118 followers
December 22, 2016
Geoffrey and Merryn, childhood sweethearts and a young, married couple, are perfect for one another and absolutely adorable. Then tragedy comes upon them and their love is tested - for years. Some aspects of this book were hard to read, and yet readers will root for them. I felt the plot was a little loosy-goosy, and then there is a whopper of an unbelievable plot contrivance. You know the kind where the villain talks and talks and leaves before killing the hero. Yep, that kind. I was a little weepy and sad for parts of this book, so it did push all the right emotional buttons. 3.5 rounded to 4 stars.
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
4,989 reviews149 followers
October 25, 2016
I just could not put it down. I love historical romance. I love medieval historical romance. I love romances that are based around honor, duty, respect, courage, and love. Geoffrey and Merryn takes me on a journey that last for many years. It endures much from the betrothal to the marriage to the separation and then back to the reunion. Between all those times, their love and honor keeps them coming back together again and again.

The test of love, respect, devotion, hope, and honor are all put to the test for these two true loves. Their passion for each other will be the key to the forgiveness needed. The faith of what’s to come. The despair of what has been suffered. Geoffrey and Merryn has captivated that depths of love, devotion, faith, hope, and honor in their love story. I will come back to this one each time a new one comes out.

The first romance of this series has set the stage for much to take place in the lives of these two destined lovers and the others of the upcoming romance. I hope to have the privilege to read them all. The beauty in the words. The detail put into the crafting of the plot. The attention to historical significance. The characters are rich. The scenery realistic.
116 reviews3 followers
March 3, 2019
Love Conquers All

Geoffrey & Merryn. From early childhood they loved each other, to be promised in wedlock to join their families was not a hard chore for these two as they so very much wanted to be wed to each other, a true Love Match. You could almost headline this as Love Through Time as this is what happens when the day after their Wedding Geoffrey is kidnapped. I’ll not divulge anymore as it annoys me when one reads a story and their comments practically tell you a short version of the entire novel, like being told what is going to happen next while watching a movie. I’ll only tell you that it is their endearing Love for each other that sees them through events that would destroy most couples.
Profile Image for Travers.
218 reviews14 followers
Shelved as 'dnf'
October 6, 2018
This book wasn’t my cup of tea, I read medieval romance because the heroes are confident, manly, dominant, and ruthless. And let’s get real, because they can get away with shit contemporary heroes couldn’t get away with because of feminism and... well, progress in general.

This book was too angsty -in a bad way. The hero was dealt a very shitty hand and ended up a shell of himself, I don’t have a problem with broken or broody heroes, but this guy was so psychologically damaged he was scared of his own shadow, that made me pity him, and I don’t like to pity my medieval heroes. They’re supposed to be brave, strong, and bigger than life.

So, yeah, not into this at all.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
2,207 reviews
October 28, 2016
This was REALLY good! I loved Merryn and Geoffrey. I can't wait for the series to continue. Most especially since we are teased with the fact that these two wonderful characters will continue appearing in future books!
Profile Image for Izzie d.
4,200 reviews334 followers
October 25, 2016
Excellent story, they are a devoted couple, fiercely loyal to each other, traumatised trying to find their way back to each other. Good story, quite exciting.
Profile Image for Susan Frances.
118 reviews5 followers
Read
February 19, 2018
A sweet love story with character predicaments that are rarely explored in the Medieval period, Word of Honor is a tale about questioning one's oath and one's code of honor, especially when such loyalties result in the individual becoming the victim of grave injustices. The reader is confronted by the main characters entanglement of conflicting emotions and their struggle to find their way back to an everlasting bond of love and trust. Some turns in the progression of the events are quite predictable as author Alexa Aston uses the language in the narrative to warn the reader about impending doom. Then there are some twists that the reader couldn't see coming.

Word of Honor is the first installation in Aston's Knights of Honor series. Set in Medieval times during King Edward III's reign in England, the reader is given a cursory background of the Hundred Years War. These were strategic battles between the armies of England and France fought in provinces that today belong to France. The author dots the narrative with real life figures from this time such as Queen Phillippa, the Black Prince and his loyal confidante the Earl of Oxford.

At the core of the novel is an English Lord and Lady, Geoffrey de Montfort and Merryn Mantel, whose parents forge a marriage contract for their teenage children. At the start, the couple is blissfully obliging, eager to sign the contract. They are untainted by the hardships that life can throw at people in love. The reader must move past this contentment to find the real pulp in the fiction.

Geoffrey is sent off to France to fight for the King of England prior to the nuptials. During that time, he discovers a plot against the English forces facilitated by Barrett, the son of the Lord Berold of Winterbourne, a neighbor of Geoffrey's ancestral estate at Kinswick Castle. Geoffrey takes part in Barrett's execution, sentenced for treason against the King. Berold vows to avenge his son's death. It is so surprise to the reader that the threat comes to fruition when Geoffrey is abducted on his wedding night.

Berold's youngest son Hardwin proves to be a friend to Geoffrey as he sneaks vittles and blankets to the imprisoned Geoffrey, chained in Berold's dungeon. Once again, it is no surprise to the reader when Hardwin frees Geoffrey after his father dies and he becomes Lord of Winterbourne. The years of incarceration for being loyal to the King and for protecting the English forces from sabotage make the reader question if it would have been smarter for Geoffrey if he had kept his mouth shut and not incited Berold's wrath. It is because of Geoffrey's chivalry that result in him sacrificing a part of his life and that of his family.

When Geoffrey returns to Kinswick, he discovers that Merryn gave birth to twins, his son Ancel and his daughter Alys. He lost their first six and half years, in addition to his confidence as a brave knight and a tender lover to his wife. Though Merryn remained faithful, never losing hope that Geoffrey would return, the King of England had chosen a new husband for her, Sir Benedict Symond. Though Geoffrey returns before Merryn is to marry the King's knight, the bliss that the couple experienced at the start of their engagement takes time and persistence to find again. Compounding the hardship is the oath Geoffrey swore to Hardwin in exchange for his freedom -- to never reveal that he had been imprisoned in Berold's dungeon to anyone.

In Medieval times, stories tell of loyalties being rewarded. In modern times, being loyal causes one to become the victim of grave injustices. The consequences make the observer question if upholding one's oath and code of honor is really worth the suffering that ensures. Modern stories suggest that no good deed goes unpunished, thus, Aston applies a modern theme to a period tale.

Readers can relate to a number of themes in the story such as feeling despair, needing to forgive, rebuilding trust, holding onto faith, and dealing with conflicting emotions -- upholding one's vows or not. The author explores the characters suffering sufficiently - being locked up and separated from family, being the victim of evil intentions, and finding inner strength from fighting hardships and hopelessness. Audiences are emotionally affected by the main characters. On the downside, Aston spends alot of the narrative on telling the story instead of describing the characters senses of smell, hearing, and their surroundings, which tantalize readers and stimulate their own senses.
Profile Image for Lily.
306 reviews6 followers
June 15, 2017
This novel kept me on the edge of my seat! I liked how unpredictable it was, I never saw the dark turn it took coming. The characters were very strong, yet likable and appealing. Their chemistry was powerful and the sexual connection was steamy. I'm glad I found this new author. I am eager to begin the next book in the series. Nice cover photo too!
Profile Image for Tracy.
1,483 reviews4 followers
April 26, 2019
3.5. I have been wanting to read this book for some time and am glad that I finally got to it. It was pretty good, but I. Some ways the characters and story line felt a bit simplistic. So good but not great.
Profile Image for Amelia.
789 reviews19 followers
October 27, 2016
The medieval world Lauren Linwood created for her Knights of Honor series is believably entertaining. From diverse characters to emotionally trying circumstances to vivid descriptions, I experienced this period in history where lives are often chaotic and happiness frequently lasts for only a brief time. With unexpected foes battling against those who live by high moral standards, the story captures your full attention and never lets go until every compelling situation plays out. WORD OF HONOR captivates with fascinating developments.

When Geoffrey de Montfort asked Merryn Mantel to be his wife, he knew much about her and was glad their upcoming marriage would be based on love, not duty. But before their vows are said, he must continue his obligation to help England battle against the French. For five years, he is away from the woman who holds his heart, fighting bravely and always being noble. When Geoffrey finally returns, Merryn is now old enough to marry. The couple wed shortly thereafter, and their days ahead only look bright.

Sadly, their ideal life as husband and wife is all too short, as Geoffrey disappears after a peculiar incident. Yet Merryn never lets herself think that he is dead. When he shows back up after nearly seven years have passed, she is elated. But she is puzzled over his unwillingness to explain what happened on that fateful day to cause his absence for so much time. Geoffrey may be her husband in name, but the closeness previously between them is now gone. Merryn just hopes her loving commitment to him is enough to bring back the pleasure of being married.

From the very start of WORD OF HONOR, I was totally caught up in the lives of Geoffrey and Merryn and what they each had to face. Though times were definitely tough in the middle 1300’s in England, these two were actually happy because of the love they shared. The way in which they express their devotion is sensual and demonstrates the strength of their feelings. But when forces work against him, they both suffer immensely for years. The emotional pain they felt is clearly conveyed, and I suffered right along with them when doubts about the future took over their thoughts. I so wanted to comfort Geoffrey for what he went through, and I also was deeply touched by how both he and Merryn were emotionally affected. Lauren Linwood made me care for this couple whose beautiful romance is destroyed by evil intentions. With several unforeseen turns, the uncertainty of what would ultimately happen to them just keeps intensifying. These individuals had always done what was right, yet it looks like they will never again have days filled with cheer if their love is not strong enough. I feared the decisions Geoffrey and Merryn might make at times, as I really wanted their lives to once more be joyful like before his disappearance.

Lauren Linwood interweaves several real historical figures into the story plus uses some medical remedies of the time period to make events come across as genuinely true. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing what folks living in this period would do when someone was hurt or ill. Several secondary characters stood out, and I am very pleased that Geoffrey’s cousin gets to tell his story next. WORD OF HONOR is occasionally heartbreaking, often delightful and always enchanting.

Copy received from author for Always Reviewing blog - 4.5 Stars
Profile Image for Eileen Dandashi.
542 reviews17 followers
October 24, 2016
As many of you may know, I’m partial to historical romance and Medieval stories are my strong inclination. I’m always ready for a good story with plenty of ruthlessness displaying the worst of man’s inclinations and counter-balancing with the very best of man and what he/she values in his/her life.

Geoffrey de Montfort, the hero of the story, is truly some sort of demigod. Do they still make them this way? A knight, who lives the rules of knighthood, and the code of chivalry to his core, and known for it, but suffers long and hard, again because of it. He has opportunities to escape his lot, but does not. I’d love to have him on my team!

Merryn is a woman Geoffrey has known since childhood. They think alike, and love each other even that young. After one day of blissful marriage, and one night of fully experiencing the love they share, Geoffrey is wrenched away from his new life. I ask you, how long would you wait for your man to return, ladies, if this sad circumstance happens to you? But to Geoffrey and Merryn this disaster colored years of living–both his and hers. Obviously, Merryn loves to her core this man who defies insanity from his plight. Both hero and heroine are treasures, characters with pristine honor.

That being said, it is always a pleasure I find such an agonizingly riveting story where I feel nothing could be worse and then it is. Time and time again, evil conquers good. But I love happily ever after stories…and so this is, but after an emotional rollercoaster which had me holding my breath.

Would you enjoy discovering an author which takes you to the moon and back? Who drops you thousands of feet into dung, just to find there is justice? Try this new series from the lovely Alexa Aston. I enjoyed it and if your inclinations run along the lines mine do, so will you!

This is a story of love so deep, nothing will destroy it, where guilt of a bad deed by a family member does not bleed into the value and honor of his progeny. Every man is responsible for whom he is and what he makes of himself.
Profile Image for Maria .
2,337 reviews22 followers
October 25, 2016
5 Stars - I would have loved to have given a higher rating. Word of Honor is the first book in this author's "Knights of Honor Series". I can say Alexa Aston is a brand new author for me and I am glad I took a chance on her story. I was pleasantly surprised with this incredible story. The plot was very intriguing and it kept drawing me in more and more. That told me, it would be a story I would thoroughly enjoy.

This is a story of true love and the possibility of overcoming severe obstacles (individually and collectively). Are too many obstacles stronger than true love or can love truly heal all wounds and triumph?

Well, this is the story of Geoffrey De Montfort and Merryn Mantle. These two have been betrothed since they were very young. He is now an English Knight who has battled in France, while she awaits his return. While in France, events occur that will bring danger to Geoffrey... a horrible danger that will change their lives.

He returns victorious from battle to wed his lovely betrothed. These two are so happy with one another because what they have is a true love match. The day after their wedding, danger disrupts their lives with a wicked turn of events. Geoffrey disappears with no trace for 7 years and when he returns...he is not the same and things are not the same with Merryn, except for what she feels in her heart. There is so much to overcome and faith is tested.

This story encompasses hope, love, true burning passion, despair, honor, faith and true forgiveness.

I can honestly say, this story is a keeper for me, one that I wish to keep in my personal library forever.

I look forward to book 2 in this series. I hope you take a chance a read Word of Honor.
1,378 reviews12 followers
February 4, 2018
I purchased this book in a bundle by the author that includes 3 full length stories called Knights of Honor.

I kept waiting for someone to review the bundle before I purchased it. This author is new to me and I normally wait to see what other reviewer's felt. I am so glad I didn't wait and I will be signing up for this author's newsletter.

WORD OF HONOR - 5 STARS. I wish I was better at conveying what all happens in this story, so much that I couldn't stop reading. I enjoyed how we meet them when they are teenagers and then it picks up 5 years later. I felt a connection to this couple from the beginning and the author wrote them with such depth of character.

There are more than 1 villain that kept the story more than interesting. The suspense and twists were an enjoyable read. At times I felt I was on the top hill of a roller coaster and when it plunges the excitement never ends until the last page.

The sadness that our H endures and his code of honor will just make you hold him to your heart. Don't get me started on the strength of our h too.

Several times I truly knew where the character's were taking me only to be surprised that the author did an amazing twist (to the good).

We have some misunderstandings and I thought oh here we go. But, such a relief because they are resolved very quickly and it felt perfect how it all turned out.

We have lovemaking within marriage and mildly described - not vulgar but full of passion.

Our couple do get their HEA, no cliffhanger and we are treated to 8 years in their future which brought a smile to my face. (ljb)




Profile Image for Barbara.
18.1k reviews8 followers
November 15, 2016
Book one in the Knights of Honor Series; a medieval series set in the time of Edward 111’s reign in England.This book is mainly Merryn Mantel and Geoffrey de Montfort story but they will appear in each book of the series. They have been betrothed from a young age Geoffrey leaves England to fight against the French and he is away for five years he comes back after the English victory at Poitiers, and he and Merryn wed.they spend a night together and he is gone the next day this time he is away for seven years and will not tell her where he has been! Will they be able to find their way back to each other after all this time ? What happened while he was gone? This is a book I wanted to know what was going to happen next ,a very good read. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
646 reviews8 followers
February 12, 2017
What an adventure!

One Knight so honorable that no matter the personal cost would never break his word once given. A spy caught in the act of betraying his country and King. A woman who loves the Knight waiting for him to come home to marry her. Seven years spent in a dungeon with no hope of escape. This adventure is worth taking. It has romance, intrigue and a love so deep and abiding that nothing can kill it. A must read!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
414 reviews
January 18, 2019
This was a pretty good start to a new series. It kinda had a Game of Thrones feel to it which I loved. The romance in this is pretty spot on and even though Geoffrey made a stupid comment in the beginning I still loved him and Merryn together. At times she seemed a little too perfect but over all this book had everything I was wanting/looking for. I’m already hooked and this series is just beginning. I cant wait to read Raynor’s story which is actually what I’m starting next.

Happy Reading 🤓
5,701 reviews35 followers
January 8, 2017
This was an interesting story. The emotions were all over the place... Sweet.. sad... happy... anger and pain.. love and excitement.. so much was going on.. I really enjoyed all the characters and the storyline and I'm glad i got to review it
674 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2018
Intriguing Story!

I found myself drawn into this story from the first page. The plot is creatively developed. Geoffrey and Merryn's story of love, and the obstacles they overcame made me want to know what happens next in their lives. Can't wait for the next book!
46 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2017
Enjoyed!

I really enjoyed this book so much that I had a hard time putting it down! I look forward to her next book
25 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2017
WOW!

This story brought tears to my eyes a couple of times. What a courageous couple. I recommend this book to anyone who loves knights and the middle ages.
Profile Image for C. Roberts.
108 reviews3 followers
March 8, 2018
Suspense aplenty

The plot was suspenseful, almost too much so. The characters were well constructed. I believe that this was a great historical romance.
Profile Image for Aleen.
454 reviews43 followers
March 4, 2017
Originally posted on my blog: Review: Word of Honor by Lauren Linwood

This review was also posted on the original release under Lauren Linwood (who is Alexa Aston).

review

I read this book in one day. My voracious appetite for the story was surprising, since I haven’t done that in a long time. It was such a heartbreaking beginning that I could sense the foreboding in the first few chapters. Marrying for love and a seemingly HEA early in the story could only mean bad news.

My heart went out to both of the main characters in this story. A honorable knight, whose life is forever changed from his duty to King and country. Geoffry was a man who had everything in his life and one day that disappears, just like he disappeared from his wife’s life. It nearly brought me to tears. It was unfair and I just had to find out what happened. So I sat and read it all day. I forgot to make dinner, but at least my husband understood.

It wasn’t just Geoffry that was honorable, it was his wife Merryn who also had a good character. After her husband’s disappearance she mourns for his loss, thinking him dead, but she still perseveres. She handles the estate and holds vigil for him and hasn’t changed a thing in his room. Hoping to one day see him again. I couldn’t help but love these characters.

As the title suggests Geoffry’s word of honor is his living.



“I cannot break my word, Merryn. You know I believe a man’s word sums up his whole character. The code of chivalry demands that I live by honor. Were I to share with you what you seek to know, ‘twould mean I must break my word to another. That I must never do.”




It is this code that alters his life from the beginning of the story and throughout it. Would it have ended differently if he confided in his wife from the first? It ended up nearly breaking him as a man, but with his wife he pulled through.

Word of honor it may be, but at what cost? I loved finding that out. This story really pulled at my heartstrings and gave the tone such a bittersweet feel, that I couldn’t stop turning the pages.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.”
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