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The Champions of Saint Euphemia #4
The Crusader's Vow
Fergus’ heart was broken forever—until Leila tempted him to love again…
Returning home to Scotland triumphant and entrusted with the precious relic of the Templars, Fergus is stunned to learn that his beloved Isobel has wed another man. He knows he will never love again, so a marriage of convenience to his friend and comrade, Leila, seems a fitting compromise. At least it will give Leila the security of a home and husband, even if it offers far less than Fergus desired of marriage…
Leila fears her past will pursue her, compelling to return to her former life, until Fergus offers the ideal solution. She yearns for more than a practical match with the valiant Highlander, but hopes to win his heart before revealing the love she has kept secret from him. All might end well, if Fergus’ former betrothed would just relinquish her hold upon him…
When those who hunt the Templar treasure in Fergus’ possession identify its location, both Fergus and Leila could lose far more than their marriage. Will they triumph over the past and trust each other in time to find happiness together?
Returning home to Scotland triumphant and entrusted with the precious relic of the Templars, Fergus is stunned to learn that his beloved Isobel has wed another man. He knows he will never love again, so a marriage of convenience to his friend and comrade, Leila, seems a fitting compromise. At least it will give Leila the security of a home and husband, even if it offers far less than Fergus desired of marriage…
Leila fears her past will pursue her, compelling to return to her former life, until Fergus offers the ideal solution. She yearns for more than a practical match with the valiant Highlander, but hopes to win his heart before revealing the love she has kept secret from him. All might end well, if Fergus’ former betrothed would just relinquish her hold upon him…
When those who hunt the Templar treasure in Fergus’ possession identify its location, both Fergus and Leila could lose far more than their marriage. Will they triumph over the past and trust each other in time to find happiness together?
320 pages, ebook
First published April 19, 2016
65 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Claire Delacroix
112 books519 followersNew York Times bestselling author Claire Delacroix sold her first book in 1992, an historical romance called ROMANCE OF THE ROSE. Since then, she has published over sixty romance novels and novellas, and has also been published under the names Claire Cross and Deborah Cooke. She has an honours degree in history, with a focus on medieval studies. She is an avid reader of medieval vernacular literature, fairy tales and fantasy novels.
For books written under the pseudonym, Claire Cross, see:
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For books written under Claire's own name, Deborah Cooke, please see:
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In October and November 2009, she was the writer in residence for the Toronto Public Library, the first time that the library has hosted a residency focused on the romance genre.
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For books written under the pseudonym, Claire Cross, see:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
For books written under Claire's own name, Deborah Cooke, please see:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
In October and November 2009, she was the writer in residence for the Toronto Public Library, the first time that the library has hosted a residency focused on the romance genre.
Visit her two websites here:
http://www.delacroix.net
http://www.deborahcooke.com
Like her Facebook Fan Pages here:
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorClaireD...
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDebora...
Subscribe to her monthly newsletter to keep up to date and receive special offers:
http://eepurl.com/reIuD
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 12, 2018
This was a buddy read with Becca and Andrea (CP) in the HRBC. It was another enjoyable installment by Claire Delacroix, who writes lovely prose. They are stories where love is built from a foundation of respect and integrity along with that spark of attraction, of course. This was not my favorite of the series, but still quite good.
September 4, 2018
Overall, this series is outstanding. IMO Claire Delacroix is an outstanding author of Medeival HR and deserves to be much more popular than she is. However, Medeival isn’t as popular as Regency and Victorian eras, so that may explain why I don’t see her books in my home feed by HR-loving friend reading of her books. Medeival ear isn’t all that popular.
Compared to the previous three books, the story didn't agree with me as well as the other books. I had really looked forward to the romance of "Leila" the Saracen girl. She was a minor, but very interesting character in the last three books. I was really excited that there would be a book focused on her. She turned out to be an outstanding heroine, but the plot for her love story did not agree with me as I had hoped it would.
Claire Delacroix is still a phenomenal author of Medieval HR and this series is great.but the story for the outstanding Leila was disappointing. The hero, Fergus’ dithering about investing his emotions was exasperating. In the prologue, the heroine expresses her admiration for the already betrothed Fergus:
“After eleven months in each other’s company, I know much of you, and all of it has merit.” She looked up at him, her eyes flashing. “I admire you, Fergus. You are the manner of man to whom I should like to pledge my troth.” But since he is promised to another, she reassures him that she is his loyal friend.
In the aftermath of his discovery of betrayal by his faithless betrothed, he is feluctant to be emotionally available to Leila. Everyone in his home quickly sees Leila’s value and intelligence, even Fergus’ father who has also been on crusade.
The religious issue, Leila is a Saracen, was handled to my satisfaction. I wondered why Fergus’ father was so accepting and eager for her to be his daughter-in-law. Claire Delacroix worked in a reasonable explanation for the broad mindedness of Fergus’ father that he would eagerly welcome Leila with her Muslim faith, as a daughter and lady of the manor.
Though I did not enjoy that story itself, which involved waiting for Fergus to fully commit to Leila when everyone, including the reader has already seen how awesome she is, Leila has earned herself a rare place of honor on my "strong heroine" shelf. She is an outstanding heroine who deserved a better story.
Compared to the previous three books, the story didn't agree with me as well as the other books. I had really looked forward to the romance of "Leila" the Saracen girl. She was a minor, but very interesting character in the last three books. I was really excited that there would be a book focused on her. She turned out to be an outstanding heroine, but the plot for her love story did not agree with me as I had hoped it would.
Claire Delacroix is still a phenomenal author of Medieval HR and this series is great.but the story for the outstanding Leila was disappointing. The hero, Fergus’ dithering about investing his emotions was exasperating. In the prologue, the heroine expresses her admiration for the already betrothed Fergus:
“After eleven months in each other’s company, I know much of you, and all of it has merit.” She looked up at him, her eyes flashing. “I admire you, Fergus. You are the manner of man to whom I should like to pledge my troth.” But since he is promised to another, she reassures him that she is his loyal friend.
In the aftermath of his discovery of betrayal by his faithless betrothed, he is feluctant to be emotionally available to Leila. Everyone in his home quickly sees Leila’s value and intelligence, even Fergus’ father who has also been on crusade.
The religious issue, Leila is a Saracen, was handled to my satisfaction. I wondered why Fergus’ father was so accepting and eager for her to be his daughter-in-law. Claire Delacroix worked in a reasonable explanation for the broad mindedness of Fergus’ father that he would eagerly welcome Leila with her Muslim faith, as a daughter and lady of the manor.
Though I did not enjoy that story itself, which involved waiting for Fergus to fully commit to Leila when everyone, including the reader has already seen how awesome she is, Leila has earned herself a rare place of honor on my "strong heroine" shelf. She is an outstanding heroine who deserved a better story.
November 26, 2017
Scottish Crusader Fergus now leads the Champions of Saint Euphemia as they carry a priceless reliquary into Scotland. He has left behind all the other Champions (book 1-3) except his man-at-arms Duncan and Leila, who was the first to protect the treasure when it was disguised in a saddle bag and she was disguised as a manure-covered boy. Fast forward to book three, and Leila has dropped her disguise and is seeking to remove herself far from Jerusalem where her uncle was attempting to marry her to a violent man. Fergus's home will do, since he was the one to secure her position as a stable boy with the Templar company. But Leila knows she is setting herself up for heartache since Fergus has been long betrothed to the fair Isobel.
But once they arrive at Fergus's home, they discover that Isobel has married another. Honorable Fergus seeks to protect Leila, a Muslim and Saracen long in his care, and Leila endeavors to turn Fergus's heart to her. It takes a while. And he is a cad. And says uncaring things. And makes love to Leila while thinking about what husband to find her permanently. Uh, no.
The brave and independent boy that was Laurent turns into an indecisive and internally whiny Leila. Plus, I was curious how a Saracen blacksmith's niece knew the slightest thing about running the household of a Scottish laird.
There is more hiding and stealing of the reliquary, but I felt the story had too many holes for the same enjoyment as the previous books.
Book source: Kindle Unlimited subscription
But once they arrive at Fergus's home, they discover that Isobel has married another. Honorable Fergus seeks to protect Leila, a Muslim and Saracen long in his care, and Leila endeavors to turn Fergus's heart to her. It takes a while. And he is a cad. And says uncaring things. And makes love to Leila while thinking about what husband to find her permanently. Uh, no.
The brave and independent boy that was Laurent turns into an indecisive and internally whiny Leila. Plus, I was curious how a Saracen blacksmith's niece knew the slightest thing about running the household of a Scottish laird.
There is more hiding and stealing of the reliquary, but I felt the story had too many holes for the same enjoyment as the previous books.
Book source: Kindle Unlimited subscription
September 21, 2018
This was a buddy read I did with Joanna and Andrea (CP) some time ago. I love Claire Delacroix's books and this series in particular has been a fun adventure.
The Crusader's vow features Leila and Fergus. I've really been looking forward to their story after seeing the sparks of chemistry between them in the earlier books. While Delacroix still created an engrossing story (as usual), I felt like there was so much going on there wasn't room for some quieter, sweeter moments between the leads. Therefore, this was enjoyable, but not a 5 star read for me.
What made this story unique? Well, Leila is from a Middle Eastern background (she was referred to Saracen in the context of the novel). I found her to be so compelling. I loved her way of thinking, her sensitive nose (it was often funny and cool), her loyalty, and the very real struggle she underwent to build a new life in a foreign land. So much fierceness and bravery. For me, she was the highlight of the novel. In addition, the caper plot with hiding the relic and keeping it safe continued (this has been the purpose of the quest from Book 1). This heightened the tension in the story and allowed me to read about how Leila and Fergus worked together. I also enjoyed seeing things through the eyes of Fergus' squire, Hamish. I love when authors work in the perspective of a minor secondary character to shed more light on the protagonists. It's a way to convey information without the dreaded info-dump.
So what did I not enjoy? Well, I thought Fergus clung to his old dream a little too long. For most of the series, Fergus has been a steady and wise character. However, in this book, he didn't listen to the insights of others and caused Leila a lot of pain for a good 40% of the book. It just didn't feel quite as true to his character, though I understood some of his stubbornness early on, I had trouble getting behind the blind risks he took as a result. Now, once Fergus did come around, he never wavered and that saved him as a hero for me. The other thing I didn't like was the crazy plot and how neatly everything wrapped up at the end. With so many rich struggles and past secrets, I love a HEA as much as the next person (probably even more), but in this case, the neat little bow ending made it harder for me to believe and took away some of my enjoyment.
In a nutshell, I binged on this book which means it flowed well and had plenty to keep my attention. Wonderful heroine? Check. Strong if slightly mistaken hero who has to grovel for forgiveness a bit? Check. Crazy villains and poisonings and betrayals and a brew of spies? Check. Interesting tidbits about the Crusades with perspectives from the knights and the Saracens? Check. In-laws who are actually nice and supportive? Check. A writing style that never fails to grab me and not let go until the end? Check. Check. Check. This book was fun. Not my favorite of the series (Wulf and Christina have that honor), but a good read if you've been enjoying the series. I'll definitely be reading the final installment in short order!
The Crusader's vow features Leila and Fergus. I've really been looking forward to their story after seeing the sparks of chemistry between them in the earlier books. While Delacroix still created an engrossing story (as usual), I felt like there was so much going on there wasn't room for some quieter, sweeter moments between the leads. Therefore, this was enjoyable, but not a 5 star read for me.
What made this story unique? Well, Leila is from a Middle Eastern background (she was referred to Saracen in the context of the novel). I found her to be so compelling. I loved her way of thinking, her sensitive nose (it was often funny and cool), her loyalty, and the very real struggle she underwent to build a new life in a foreign land. So much fierceness and bravery. For me, she was the highlight of the novel. In addition, the caper plot with hiding the relic and keeping it safe continued (this has been the purpose of the quest from Book 1). This heightened the tension in the story and allowed me to read about how Leila and Fergus worked together. I also enjoyed seeing things through the eyes of Fergus' squire, Hamish. I love when authors work in the perspective of a minor secondary character to shed more light on the protagonists. It's a way to convey information without the dreaded info-dump.
So what did I not enjoy? Well, I thought Fergus clung to his old dream a little too long. For most of the series, Fergus has been a steady and wise character. However, in this book, he didn't listen to the insights of others and caused Leila a lot of pain for a good 40% of the book. It just didn't feel quite as true to his character, though I understood some of his stubbornness early on, I had trouble getting behind the blind risks he took as a result. Now, once Fergus did come around, he never wavered and that saved him as a hero for me. The other thing I didn't like was the crazy plot and how neatly everything wrapped up at the end. With so many rich struggles and past secrets, I love a HEA as much as the next person (probably even more), but in this case, the neat little bow ending made it harder for me to believe and took away some of my enjoyment.
In a nutshell, I binged on this book which means it flowed well and had plenty to keep my attention. Wonderful heroine? Check. Strong if slightly mistaken hero who has to grovel for forgiveness a bit? Check. Crazy villains and poisonings and betrayals and a brew of spies? Check. Interesting tidbits about the Crusades with perspectives from the knights and the Saracens? Check. In-laws who are actually nice and supportive? Check. A writing style that never fails to grab me and not let go until the end? Check. Check. Check. This book was fun. Not my favorite of the series (Wulf and Christina have that honor), but a good read if you've been enjoying the series. I'll definitely be reading the final installment in short order!
April 11, 2017
This series just keeps getting better!
I started this book skeptical because I'm not a big fan of heroes who have loved before. And throughout the series Fergus has been faithful to the memory of his beloved Isobel and I wasn't convinced that Leila could ever take her place.
I really love this book, Leila is an absolutely wonderful heroine, she loves Fergus with all her heart and will do anything to make him happy, including giving him up.
Fergus is anxious to be home and return to his beloved Isobel, but he can't deny he's drawn to Leila. He has offered to help Leila find a husband and he intends to keep that promise. When they arrive at his keep he is stunned to learn that Isobel do not wait for him and married another shortly after he departed 4 years ago.
Fergus is intent on seeing Isobel again finding out the truth in her betrayal and he uses the excuse of having to tell her the news of Kerr and to give her the gifts that he brought her, but he heeds the advice of his father and his good friend Duncan and asks Leila to hand fast with him before going to see Isobel. They reason that Isobel's husband will be more receptive to a married man rather than a spurned betrothed.
Leila is thrilled to have the opportunity to win Fergus' love and accepts that he will need time to heal his broken heart.
This book truly has it all - steamy love scenes, action, betrayal, some really nasty villains, reunions and finally an ending that brings a tear to your eye and smile to your lips!!
I can't really give too many details in this review without spoiling the story. But this is definitely a must read installment to the series. And while it could easily be a standalone title - I highly recommend reading the series in order.
I started this book skeptical because I'm not a big fan of heroes who have loved before. And throughout the series Fergus has been faithful to the memory of his beloved Isobel and I wasn't convinced that Leila could ever take her place.
I really love this book, Leila is an absolutely wonderful heroine, she loves Fergus with all her heart and will do anything to make him happy, including giving him up.
Fergus is anxious to be home and return to his beloved Isobel, but he can't deny he's drawn to Leila. He has offered to help Leila find a husband and he intends to keep that promise. When they arrive at his keep he is stunned to learn that Isobel do not wait for him and married another shortly after he departed 4 years ago.
Fergus is intent on seeing Isobel again finding out the truth in her betrayal and he uses the excuse of having to tell her the news of Kerr and to give her the gifts that he brought her, but he heeds the advice of his father and his good friend Duncan and asks Leila to hand fast with him before going to see Isobel. They reason that Isobel's husband will be more receptive to a married man rather than a spurned betrothed.
Leila is thrilled to have the opportunity to win Fergus' love and accepts that he will need time to heal his broken heart.
This book truly has it all - steamy love scenes, action, betrayal, some really nasty villains, reunions and finally an ending that brings a tear to your eye and smile to your lips!!
I can't really give too many details in this review without spoiling the story. But this is definitely a must read installment to the series. And while it could easily be a standalone title - I highly recommend reading the series in order.
July 15, 2020
I am really enjoying this series and don’t want it to end. I didn’t think these books would maintain their allure but they do. Fergus and Leila’s tale has you enthralled from the moment they reach Killiaric. The dark, ominous cloud Fergus ‘sees’ worries the reader and makes you worry for them and their future. The relic continues to play a key role and its story is closely entwined with our loveable characters. Lots of loose ends are tied up in this instalment. A great read!
May 15, 2018
Good enough to re-read
I skipped over the third book, but after reading this one, I will go back and read it. It has quite lot of the I am not going to confide in you attitudes but not as annoyingly situated. I love the appearance of previous characters that add to the plot. This story can be read as a stand alone just as well as it can be read in a series. I liked it.
I skipped over the third book, but after reading this one, I will go back and read it. It has quite lot of the I am not going to confide in you attitudes but not as annoyingly situated. I love the appearance of previous characters that add to the plot. This story can be read as a stand alone just as well as it can be read in a series. I liked it.
January 28, 2022
action and intrigue
This tells us again of a further continuing saga that follows the treasure a.l are guarding. In this story we read of Ferguson and how,he finds his real true love
This tells us again of a further continuing saga that follows the treasure a.l are guarding. In this story we read of Ferguson and how,he finds his real true love
June 4, 2023
3.5 stars - Well-written with good drama! However, I would have liked the romance to have more intensity, and the hero to be more passionate (and less naive).
Bonus points for having a POC heroine!
Bonus points for having a POC heroine!
November 6, 2017
Wonderful stories
I have now read 2 different historical fiction series by this author, she is very talented. I highly recommend these stories.
I have now read 2 different historical fiction series by this author, she is very talented. I highly recommend these stories.
April 17, 2018
Felix & Leila
Book 4 and another great read. Keeps your attention and you won't want to put it down. Neat little nuggets of surprise throughout.
Book 4 and another great read. Keeps your attention and you won't want to put it down. Neat little nuggets of surprise throughout.
November 25, 2017
Claire Delacroix’s latest Templar tale, The Crusader’s Vow is like a panoramic walk back in time. Rich in historic fact and fiction her authentic landscapes, conversational dialogue and depiction of characters make the read honest. Her riveting storyline is a tale of two cultures and the indispensible conviction that love conquers all. Her characters major and minor are superb and her use of Scheherazade’s tales and the revelation at the end is compelling, but it’s definitely her stars, Leila and Fergus that are the real standouts in this novel. The book reads well as a stand-alone but reading in order will fill in all the necessary blanks.
SUMMARY:
Four years ago Fergus left his Scottish home and his beloved Isobel to Crusade with the Templars. On his return he learns of Isobel’s subsequent marriage to another. That betrayal and his father’s failing health has made him decide to be a good son and take a wife of convenience for the good of his family’s keep. Luckily he knows just the woman he wants to fill that particular role, a woman who truly vexes him, an Eastern beauty.
Leila is a survivor; disguising herself as a boy to escape an arranged marriage, leaving her home knowing she’ll never return, traveling in the company of Templar Knights and pilgrims from Jerusalem to Paris. But now finding herself in Scotland those survival skills will be put to the ultimate test as she takes on the unexpected position of the infidel wife of a former Templar, one who’s captured her heart. One whose heart has been badly hurt by the betrayal of another, one she’s determined to heal with her own love.
SUMMARY:
Four years ago Fergus left his Scottish home and his beloved Isobel to Crusade with the Templars. On his return he learns of Isobel’s subsequent marriage to another. That betrayal and his father’s failing health has made him decide to be a good son and take a wife of convenience for the good of his family’s keep. Luckily he knows just the woman he wants to fill that particular role, a woman who truly vexes him, an Eastern beauty.
Leila is a survivor; disguising herself as a boy to escape an arranged marriage, leaving her home knowing she’ll never return, traveling in the company of Templar Knights and pilgrims from Jerusalem to Paris. But now finding herself in Scotland those survival skills will be put to the ultimate test as she takes on the unexpected position of the infidel wife of a former Templar, one who’s captured her heart. One whose heart has been badly hurt by the betrayal of another, one she’s determined to heal with her own love.
March 24, 2017
Another great story in this series. This romance took an interesting path and was well worth taking the journey with the characters. The interfaith and mixed race marriage aspects of the story were thought provoking as I'm sure that must have happened, but hardly ever discussed throughout the history of the Crusades. Very well written book with an attention to detail that I appreciate. I'm sorry this series has ended as each book has provided me with a throughly enjoyable escape to the days of the crusaders!
April 18, 2017
A heart racing and heart stopping combination you won't be able to put down! STRONGLY RECOMMEND EVERYTHING BY CLAIRE D
I now understand why this story was written last and out of sequence! Fergus and Leila's story made my heart race and stop! It made me happy and sad, frustrated and elated! I Couldn't. Put. It. Down! I thank God for this author's storytelling talent and her perfection in knowing how to deeply develop her characters, the setting and the storyline without getting mired down in useless details. She strikes the perfect balance while at the same time not making the mistake so many authors of historical romance make in not giving enough depth to details and character development! She makes you feel like you are there next to the characters witnessing and experiencing the story right along with them!
I now understand why this story was written last and out of sequence! Fergus and Leila's story made my heart race and stop! It made me happy and sad, frustrated and elated! I Couldn't. Put. It. Down! I thank God for this author's storytelling talent and her perfection in knowing how to deeply develop her characters, the setting and the storyline without getting mired down in useless details. She strikes the perfect balance while at the same time not making the mistake so many authors of historical romance make in not giving enough depth to details and character development! She makes you feel like you are there next to the characters witnessing and experiencing the story right along with them!
April 30, 2017
Continuing the story of the Crusaders who rescued and protected the reliquary of St. Euphemia, Fergus returns to his home in Scotland, fiercely protective of both the relic and the young woman Lela, to whom he gave refuge while in Outremer. His 4 years of fidelity to his betrothed, Isobel, go unrewarded when he finds that she married within 3 months of his departure. As much to protect Lela as himself, he suggests a handfast with Lela, fully expecting that he will have to release her at the end of the year and day, so that she can achieve happiness with someone else. Lela, on the other hand, is determined to make Fergus fall madly in love with her, unaware that he already has. When Isobel sees a better future for herself in Fergus and tries to win him back, Lela’s future and very life is threatened. Beautifully written, in language reminiscent of the era in which the story takes place with enough twists and turns in the plot as to be a surprise when the conclusion is finally reached. Loved it! A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
April 30, 2017
This was a well-written, excellent book. Fergus is returning to Scotland after four years of military service, eager to marry his betrothed, Isobel. He finds out Isobel married someone else shortly after he left. Leila has been traveling with Fergus and his men after fleeing an arranged marriage to a cruel man. Leila loves Fergus and wants the best for him. At the suggestion of Fergus's father and his good friend Duncan, Lelia and Fergus agree to be handfasted for a year and Leila hopes that he can come to love her in that time. This was a great book, with many twists and turns, romance, action and suspense. This book can be read as a standalone, though it is part of the Champions of Saint Euphemia series. I loved this book and the entire series. Copy gifted by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews