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In a land torn by war, a seer’s forbidden knowledge sparks an unexpected love.

Sir Darien of Crimson Hollow, heir to an earldom, is sworn to the Guardians of the Sacred Oak, a secret knightly order dedicated to restoring England’s rightful queen. Duty has always anchored him—until he meets Liana Fletcher, the enigmatic seer’s daughter whose beauty and special abilities awaken something within him.

Raised in secrecy on the Isle of Ely, Liana is trained to read the ancient runes—a power as dangerous as it is profound. Drawn to Darien’s intellect and honor, she finds herself breaking the one vow she ever swore to secrecy. As political alliances shift and whispers of sorcery stir unrest, Darien and Liana must rely on each other to navigate a treacherous path that could change England’s future—and their own.

Join Darien and Liana in a tale of prophecy, honor, and passion in this final installment of The Knight School Chronicles.

169 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2025

48 people are currently reading
44 people want to read

About the author

Cecelia Mecca

95 books811 followers
Your escape awaits...

Cecelia Mecca is the bestselling author of steamy historical romance and also writes contemporary small town romance as Cissy Mecca and romantasy/PNR as C.L. Mecca.

Armed with a Ph.D. and lots of chai, she's known for giving readers "heroines who you want to be your best friend." When these ladies meet alpha-males who try to gain control, sparks fly until the very last page. One reader says, "No one can so completely whisk you away like Cecelia."

Our Highlander-loving author can be found in Northeast, Pennsylvania thinking up new ways to tame both medieval and contemporary bad boys. She is firmly House Stark and Gryffindor and loves all things fantasy, especially when tinged with a bit of steamy romance.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,283 reviews101 followers
July 18, 2025
Darrien has been the most mysterious of this group for the entire series, so I loved learning more about him and the mist-shrouded Isle of Ely. His path was totally different from what might be expected of a knight and was a little bit forbidden in how he was breaking with tradition to pursue a relationship with his family’s seer. I loved how little Darrien ultimately cared for flouting convention a bit. He was always there to reassure and support Liana and did not hide from his developing feelings, thus giving her the courage to embrace hers as well. I loved that they approached things as a team and their story was a satisfying wrap-up to this series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Dorothy.
207 reviews
January 16, 2025


Knight school chronicles


To Love
Cecelia Mecca

This is a remarkable love story. The intrigue and suspense just make the love story that much more touching. The author has rendered her characters with a loving hand and really cares about them enabling us to care about them too. This whole series is impressive and demonstrates how incredibly talented the author is. I recommend this book and the entire series.



To Desire
Cecilia Mecca

WOW The final book in The Knighthood School Chronicles. This series was phenomenal in many ways.

The story was well written. The plot thickens. Kept readers attention throughout.

The characters were
human-like and the 3-dimensional.
Emotional maturity
Ability to love
Ability to accept love
Equal partner
Feisty heroine
Hero protective, tender, caring and gentle/ strong, talented. Brutal intimidating scarey

The imagery was lifelike. Visual and vital. Creating a relationship between reader and author to learn and explore all the senses.

The suspense. Holding the audience on the edge of their seat. A page-turner, not able to put down, a read in one sitting

I bet you’ve already guessed. I was super impressed with the series and the author



To honor
Cecelia Mecca

Caught my attention from page 1 to and to the very to the very end. Thoroughly enjoyed. Good job, Cecelia

To Desire
Cecilia Mecca

WOW The final book in The Knighthood School Chronicles. This series was phenomenal in many ways.

The story was well written. The plot thickens. Kept readers attention throughout.

The characters were
human-like and the 3-dimensional.
Emotional maturity
Ability to love
Ability to accept love
Equal partner
Feisty heroine
Hero protective, tender, caring and gentle/ strong, talented. Brutal intimidating scarey

The imagery was lifelike. Visual and vital. Creating a relationship between reader and author to learn and explore all the senses.

The suspense. Holding the audience on the edge of their seat. A page-turner, not able to put down, a read in one sitting

I bet you’ve already guessed. I was super impressed with the series and the author.

To Desire is a new release. If you’re interested,here’s a an introduction to the rest of the series

Profile Image for Alison.
867 reviews5 followers
January 10, 2025
To Desire
A Medieval Romance
The Knight School Chronicles Series
Cecelia Mecca
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sir Darien of Crimson Hollow, is the heir to an earldom. He is also sworn to the Guardians of the sacred oath, a secret knightly order dedicated to restoring England's rightful Queen. He's always been bound by duty until he meets Liana Fletcher, who is a seers daughter whose beauty and special abilities awakens something within him. Which is something he did not expect.

Liana was raised in secrecy on the Isle of Ely. Liana has been trained to read the ancient runes. This is a power that is very dangerous as it is profound. Liana finds herself drawn to Darien breaking the one vow she ever swore to secrecy. Then as political Alliance's shift and whispers of sorcery stir unrest, Darien and Liana find they must both rely on each other to navigate the treacherous path that could change England's future.

Will they be able to do what they set out to do? Or will other forces drag them apart?

Cecelia Mecca is absolutely fantastic. This is one of my go-to authors and this book is why. My emotions ran the gambit as I cheered these two main characters along the way. One moment I was smiling and the next I was ever so worried for this amazing couple. All in all this book was utterly fantastic and I would recommend it to historical readers everywhere.
Thank you Ms. Mecca you always know how to put a smile on my face just when I needed it.
Profile Image for Lorrie.
276 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2024
I’ve read historical romance for more than twenty years. Cecelia is one author that will transport you to medieval times with her wording for dialog alone. Add to that her description of scenes and surroundings and you’re placed alongside her characters in a blink. Outstanding writing, like no other medieval writing I’ve read.

This story instantly grabbed my attention in chapter one and I read half the book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. Loved Darien from the start: an earl's son, heir to rule Ely one day. He was a gifted knight, and extremely talented with a bow. My favorite part about him was his character. He was humble, open-minded, quick to listen to other opinions, and normally assessed situations before acting. Fierce in battle but kind and patient to others.

Liana was a healer and a seer as is her mother who currently serves Darien's father as an advisor. Something within Liana moved the moment she saw Darien after years of him being away. It was more than an attraction, something told her to take action knowing her mother would probably not approve. But she knew there was a bond between her and Darien, even if it didn't include romance.

I was gifted with an ARC and wanted to post my thoughts, I highly recommend this book, it was definitely my favorite in this series.
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,574 reviews89 followers
January 2, 2025
I have loved the characters and all the books in this series. To Desire is every bit as enthralling as the previous novels. The attraction between Sir Darien and the seer Liana is instant although they are initially unable to act on their feelings for one another. Liana nevertheless feels compelled to let Darien know that there are additional elements to the prophecy proclaimed by her mother and that he needs to be made aware of them before returning to the battlefront. Recognizing the truth in Liana's words, Darien persuades her to accompany him back to Castle Blackwood in order that she might share her understanding of the outcome for which they have fought so hard. The element of mysticism brings an interesting dimension to the plot and the attraction between Darien and Liana grows from respect to love and understanding of one another. I felt bereft when I came to the end of the book as Darien had to part from the men who were closer than brothers, although their common goals and purpose did not change. I received a copy of this beautiful love story as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,290 reviews66 followers
January 3, 2025
Sir Darien of Crimson Hollow, heir to an earldom, is sworn to the Guardians of the Sacred Oak, a secret knightly order dedicated to restoring England’s rightful queen. Duty has always anchored him until he meets Liana Fletcher, the enigmatic seer’s daughter whose beauty and special abilities awaken something within him. Raised in secrecy on the Isle of Ely, Liana is trained to read the ancient runes. Drawn together they embark on a journey.
The fourth & final book in this enthralling series of four close friends who are talented knights & part of a secret order. I’ve loved Darien throughout the series & looked forward to his story, which was an engrossing book. The chemistry between Darien & Liana sizzled but they also grew closer as they journeyed back to the Guardians stronghold. An action packed book with strong characters who had depth. Darien is strong, honourable & caring, Liana is risking much travelling with Darien & she doesn’t hide the truth. A lovely finale which I devoured in a sitting & yes the author had me reading until the early hours to finish it
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Profile Image for Crystal Butler.
532 reviews3 followers
January 18, 2025
Sweet story

Darien was recruited into the Guardians of the Sacred Oak fighting for the cause against his father’s wishes. His father calls him home urgently and tells him that Queen Mathilda is not going to win against King Stephen for the throne. This was told by the healer and seer who also used runes, but her daughter Liana who followed in her mother’s footsteps saw it differently.
The Earl and his trusted guard Brandon along with Darien went to see the healer, it was the first time Darien had seen Liana in a decade, since her father’s funeral. Again the runes were read with the same outcome from Aliana’s mother but Aliana still saw something different than her mother. As the Earl was leaving she told Darien to meet her later. When they meet she tells him that she felt there was more to the runes than what her mother was seeing. He asked her to go back to Black Castle with him. This is when they begin their journey together.
Profile Image for Cherie S.
1,144 reviews19 followers
January 3, 2025
Destiny, Seer, Wonderful Romance
This is an amazing story that sadly ends the Knight School and this wonderful series, but all good series must sadly end.
Darien and Liana are challenged with secret meetings, smoldering attraction, seer's predictions, kings, battles, while these two
 beautiful characters are discovering the love of their life.
A beautiful love story that kept me extremely engrossed to the very heartfelt ending.
Their journey has them meeting head on with their destiny as the stone Runes predicts.
A fantastic ending to a wonderful series of four great warriors and their ladies that captured their hearts and each found such happiness.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.

Profile Image for Carole Burant.
1,279 reviews38 followers
January 4, 2025
The runes never lie.....Darien and Liana are fated to meet and be together but so much stands in their way, it almost seems an impossibility. I've absolutely loved the other books in this series and this one, the final one, is just as brilliant.

Amidst the turbulent danger of trying to restore England’s rightful queen and not knowing who to trust, Darien and Liana must work together to pass on the information of what the ancient runes have shown her or else peace will never be known. I love it when an author mixes real historical facts with their own imagination, it makes for wonderful and exciting reading!!

I'm sad to see the end of The Knight School Chronicles but I sure did enjoy the whole series!!

I received and ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
3,116 reviews18 followers
January 6, 2025
Brilliant Conclusion to the Series!!

Love these journeys to earlier times (1152). Knights, warriors, castles, and most importantly a battle for the crown. The Guardians of the Sacred Oak continue to support Queen Matilda while many still support King Stephen.

A call to return home for Sir Darien, results in an important message from an unusual source. Liana is a mage and reads runes (as does her mother) but their readings conflict. Used to staying in the shadows, Liana returns to Castle Blackwood with Sir Darien risking all.

A fine line between accepting guidance, while staying true to your own course. POlitics, strength, camaraderie, romance, and magic.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
605 reviews3 followers
January 7, 2025
"To Desire: A Medieval Romance" by Cecelia Mecca is the final installment in The Knight School Chronicles. It is a fantastic end to an excellent series. I am always in absolute awe of this authors ability to world build. You do not just read a book by Cecelia Mecca, you become a part of it. "To Desire" is another well written story with great characters. This story may be set in Medieval Times but the female characters are no shrinking violets and the men who adore them are not the typical blustering knights. The story has love, honor, strength, family (biological and chosen), and suspense. This book was a fabulous ending to The Guardians of the Sacred Oak and their support of Queen Matilda.
403 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2025
Sir Darien of Crimson Hollow, is the son of an earl but has joined a secret knightly order that is trying to overthrow King Stephen and reinstate Empress Maude as the true Queen of England.
Sir Darien is called home by his father because he has had a message from the seer.
Darien meets the seer’s daughter and they decide to return to Castle Blackwood to pass on the readings from the ancient runes.
This is the start of another wonderful story by Cecelia Mecca.

Cecelia has intermixed real history with fiction and romance to give an excellent book.
Her stories always have excellent descriptions of the history and life of the times – almost makes me feel I am there with them.

I enjoyed each book in this series.
Profile Image for Petula.
3,126 reviews90 followers
January 8, 2025
This medieval romance has wonderful where our heroine's talent is even more dangerous than the hero's. All she has ever known is to keep it hidden. Now, she will be thrust into the notice of powerful people.
Our hero is known as the best archer in the land. That is unusual for a knight, but he is no ordinary knight.
We get plenty of adventure and romance in this book.
It is part of a series but easily read on its ocharacterswn. Each book in the series is based around the secret society our hero's are part of and the cause they all have sworn to serve .
I have loved every book in the series.
Great fun.
276 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2025
An ending to an incredible series

This is Sir Darien's and Liana's story. He is the heir to Ely and Liana is the healers/seers daughter. They haven't seen each other in many years, but a vision from Liana's mother brings Sir Darien home. And the pair reacquainted themselves.
The vision shared by Liana with Darien is not quite the same as her mother's, so the two of them have an adventure as they return to the Castle to deliver the prophesy of events to come to the others.it's
This is a slow burn romance and ties the mystery of this story in with the history of Stephen and Matilda. A very good blend of fiction and fact.
The best book in the series.
1,306 reviews16 followers
February 12, 2025
A Medieval Romance with a mystic Flair

Liana knows the runes do not lie, but she also knows that they have more to say than what her mother is seeing. Darien asks her to accompany him on his journey to go back to Blackwood Castle, where the Guardians of the Sacred Oak are stationed. It will be a journey that determines their destiny. Does a commoner who can be labeled a witch, and a nobleman have a chance to be together?

Love, danger, and magic blend in this medieval romance to create an entertaining tale. I recommend this story to those who like medieval romance with a dose of the unexplainable.
9,377 reviews139 followers
January 3, 2025
This is the final book in the series and brings Darien and Liana's story. Ms. Mecca once again does a fantastic job taking you back to the day with her descriptive scenes and perfect dialogue. She takes you into their lives with emotions, romance and steam and kept me turning the pages with all the action, suspense and intrigue. She moves the story fluidly and delivers a terrific conclusion to their story. Loved and recommend this book/series.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
198 reviews3 followers
January 12, 2025
Darien is an Earl's son and a member of Guardians of the Sacred Oak. They are on a mission to help the true leader of England get the throne. Liana is a seer and knows she must help Darien on this journey to accomplish his mission. Their respect and attraction continues to grow while they try to achieve their goal. They are both in danger but know they are doing the right thing.
This was a great conclusion to a wonderful series. Cecelia's stories are always intriguing and I love the historical background in her books. I look forward to what she has in store for us next.
30 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2025
Knight Series

I love her, but not her best. She writes with intelligence and always intrigue. These characters were good, but not up to A + standard. Her C is still better than other writers. Spoiler ⚠️ No way any night would marry a maid and a seerer. She is usually spot on with historical facts, this was just silly and inaccurate. The stories were the same, like plugging in knights names. Almost like she didn't write these stories. Plus, where was Evie's mom? Still, ok reading.
5,831 reviews
December 28, 2024
Be still my beating heart!
I have absolutely loved this series!

Love may just be able to overcome all obstacles!
Darien and Liana certainly have plenty of obstacles in front of them.

Action, intrigue, emotion, romance, and just the right amount of steam!

This was a story I did not want to put down, and so, I didn't!

If you love historical romance, this is a series not to be missed!

More than FIVE Stars!
2,105 reviews13 followers
January 7, 2025
What a brilliant ending to this amazing series. I enjoyed this series very much and loved the historical gems included by the author. Darien and Liana are strong, powerful characters who invite the reader on a rollercoaster ride of danger and intrigue. This action-packed book grabbed my attention from the very first page and wouldn’t let go. I highly recommend this book and series to historical lovers everywhere. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
125 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2025
My favorite author has done it again! I highly recommend you read this book! I loved all the books in this series, but To Desire was my favorite. I loved Sir Darien and Liana! I read half of it one day and finish it the next day! I love how Cecelia is the one author who could transport you to Medieval times with her wording alone and the description of the scenes. Well done, Cecelia! I am looking forward to you writing more new series in Medieval and Scottish Romance!
247 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2025
A perfect book to end the series

This was the perfect book to end the series! The adventure was really exciting and interesting. The characters were awesome. I loved reading every book. I got hooked and couldn't wait for the next one. I am sorry that it is over but truly hope somehow you can go on with a new series with the new school that will open. Thanks for sharing your adventures!
1,678 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2025
This riveting book is an awesome ending to the series. I loved how insightful and engaging Liana is, I also love her name. Darien knows what he wants and goes for it. This book is full of surprises, danger, twists, richly detailed settings and so much more that you won’t want to put it down. Loved how personable and true to life the characters are. Such an awesome book , you won’t be disappointed.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced review copy of this book.
131 reviews2 followers
January 6, 2025
Darien and Liana.....the final piece of the puzzle, so to speak. Theirs was a gentle love story. Even though it did not have the moments of angst or for me, that burning sexual tension, it was a beautiful love story that brought all the past together so well.
Four friends for life. I hope we get a chance to read about them all again in the future.
Profile Image for Gina.
2,431 reviews33 followers
January 12, 2025
This final book in the series had Darien, future Earl and Liana, daughter of the Earl's seer, aligning to get an important message to his friends. Their love story is not without complications but desire can not always be controlled. On their journey they learn each other's deepest thoughts and how they work well together as if destiny put them together.
292 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2025
What a great final book in the series.

Another wonderful story that pulls together all the knights and their true loves. This one definitely has a swoon worthy ending because it truly does complete the story! A feel good romantic story told by the amazing Cecelia Mecca, what more could you want?
Profile Image for Kristin.
1,475 reviews119 followers
June 17, 2025
I would like to thank the author for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a good ending to the series. I like that the heroine has unique skills that help lead to her and the hero’s relationship. I also like how the ending was bought about and that it gives an opportunity for more books set in the world.
680 reviews5 followers
July 26, 2025
This is the third book that I have read by Cecelia Mecca and it won't be my last one. I was drawn into this medieval romance story with a background of a captive king and a would-be queen. Families are split apart, and Darien, heir to an earldom, falls for Liana, a seer's daughter. It was a great book and I will be looking for more of Ms. Mecca's books!!! 5 stars!!!
Profile Image for Carolyn Meredith.
665 reviews9 followers
January 5, 2025
This end of series story gives us Darien’s HEA, the end of the conflict and a glimpse into the future. A well written, quick and easy read with a small bit of steam. I enjoyed this book as well as the whole series.
Profile Image for Gaia Love.
323 reviews12 followers
February 12, 2025
This final installment of the series was absolutely wonderful. Darien and Liana are such wonderfully unique characters in their thoughts and how they go against the grain. I loved seeing Liana‘s unique gift and then their HEA at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews