Audiobook Review:

A story from Kathryn Le Veque, narrated by Brad Wills, is not just a story narrated, dear reader. It is an experience. Your senses liven. You will thrill to the moment, the smell of the surroundings, the palpable danger and fear, the richly characterized players. Frankly put, Brad Wills is my go-to narrator. It’s obvious he's quite successful. Check my blog for his biography. http://wp.me/p40XtX-2gY

I read The Red Lion four months past. This review discusses both book content and production.

However, principally, this review is my thoughts on the production of this marvelous story. As I listened, I picked up on certain humor I’d missed on the first go-around. Where I hadn’t chuckled with the read, I did with the listen. With the read, I’d missed the absolute marvel of how over-the-top hysterical Havilland can become, what force and ferocious determination emanates from her second sister, Madeleine. The scene when Madeleine meets with her neighbor is quite astounding. I crept up close to what was happening, hid behind the bush with Jamison Munro and heard it all. And reacted much as Munro had. Another scene which totally flew off any page of writing, is Madeleine’s rendition of the truth as she tells her younger sister, Amaline, what Sir Jamison did to her lover.

The voice of the serving woman, loyal to Havilland’s family, is brilliant. I see her very clearly – such an old crone, stooped with age, hands knurled with years of work.
And now a bit on the story.

Jamison Munro is part of The Lions of the Highland. He, along with Beaux, Kendrick and Caspian are sons of clan chiefs and each will have their own story in this new series.
Jamison is sent back to England, where he fostered by his father, for protection against the MacKenzies, who are out to get rid of him. He is back with the de Lohr men. If you’ve read any of this author’s work, you will be familiar with this lot. They are a rare breed among men. While there, he is caught up with the Welsh who, like most Scottish, do not tolerate them on land they consider theirs.

The de Llion sisters, half English, half Welsh have my admiration. They were dealt a hard hand. Their father had been mentally ill for some time. They simply hid this fact. All three sisters, Havilland, Madeline, and Amaline, are warriors, made so by their father. He had no sons, so his daughters were his sons. His decision shaped the lives of his daughters until they knew nothing else except battles and protecting Four Crosses Castle against their enemies – the Welsh. The castle and its occupants had all sided with the English.

Havilland is the stronger of the lot, Madeline, fiercely protective of her sister, however, Madeline has her own secrets and wishes for the keep, only complicating Havilland’s need to safeguard her family’s home. Amaline, age 15, is very sensitive to both her sisters’ wishes, although she knows Madeline has a nasty streak in her, as you will discover in the story.
Jamison is a man of strength, both physical and morally. When he meets the de Llion sisters, he is captivated by Havilland. Here is a woman he could respect, and yes, could love, if only she wouldn’t send a dagger his way first!

I more than recommend this new series for readers who haven’t had enough of the highlands, love excitement of a good battle, both in love and war, and who like their reads demanding their attention in all directions. Nothing is ever easy in the land of Kathryn Le Veque.

My last thought I wish to share is I would listen to this story, again, in a heartbeat. When I wish to read the book again, Wills’ voice will haunt each page. So much emotion, distrust, anger, and eventually, trust, love and happiness. It will sate your every emotion! ( )

Any one of Kathryn Le Veque’s stories is like a six-course dinner. It begins with an appetizer taking you into a scene where mischief is played out. As the courses follow, the story gathers momentum, depth, and texture, along with the usual build of tension thrusting us to the main course. By the time I finish one of her stories I am replete, satisfied beyond expectations. She draws me into her web, captivating every one of my senses. I adore her writing, whether medieval, highland or contemporary reads. She, by her plots, many-layered subplots and her vibrant, bold characters creates a story I am absolutely unable to put down. Every. Single. Time.

Jamison Munro is part of The Lions of the Highland. He, along with Beaux, Kendrick and Caspian are sons of clan chiefs and each will have their own story in this new series.

Jamison is sent back to England, where he fostered by his father, for protection against the MacKenzies, who are out to get rid of him. He is back with the de Lohr men. If you’ve read any of this author’s work, you will be familiar with this lot. They are a rare breed among men. While there he is caught up with the Welsh who, like most Scottish, do not tolerate them on land they consider theirs.

The de Llion sisters, half English, half Welsh have my admiration. They were dealt a hard hand. Their father had been mentally ill for some time. They simply hid this fact. All three sisters, Havilland, Madeline, and Amaline, are warriors, made so by their father. He had no sons, so his daughters were his sons. His decision shaped the lives of his daughters until they knew nothing else except battles and protecting Four Crosses Castle against their enemies – the Welsh. The castle and its occupants had all sided with the English.

Havilland is the stronger of the lot, Madeline, fiercely protective of her sister, however, Madeline has her own secrets and wishes for the keep, only complicating Havilland’s need to safeguard her family’s home. Amaline, age 15, is very sensitive to both her sisters’ wishes, although she knows Madeline has a nasty streak in her, as you will discover in the story.

Jamison is a man of strength, both physical and morally. When he meets the de Llion sisters, he is captivated by Havilland. Here is a woman he could respect, and yes, could love, if only she wouldn’t send a dagger his way first!

I more than recommend this new series for readers who haven’t had enough of the highlands, love the excitement of a good battle, both in love and war, and who like their reads demanding their attention them in all directions. Nothing is ever easy in the land of Kathryn Le Veque. ( )