Review: Knight of Desire by Margaret Mallory

Knight of Desire (All the King's Men, Book 1) by Margaret Mallory
Forever (July 1, 2009) ~ 384 pages
Fiction / Historical Romance

Edition Reviewed / Special Thanks: Paperback ~ Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy for review!

Perfect for : Personal reading, book club read

In a nutshell: I thoroughly enjoyed this book from both the historical as well as the romantic aspect. Knight of Desire is written in a seamless manner, pulling the reader along from start to finish. The main story begins in June of 1405, in England near the Welsh border (the prologue takes place in 1400), at which time the king and prince of England, along with their armies and supporters, were fighting Welsh rebels who were trying to invade England.

Catherine, who grew up as a friend of the prince, has been passing along information to him about the rebels she has overheard during her husbands dealings with them. Her spying and betrayal of her husband ultimately results in a win for England, and the death of her husband (a win for her). Little does she know that the King has forfeited her lands and castle, giving them to William FitzAlan, also giving him the choice to send her to The Tower or marry her.

After marriage to an abusive husband, the last thing Catherine wants is another marriage the same day her husband has been found to be a traitor and is killed in battle. . . but she finds herself married and must find a way to make the best of the situation for her son.

Ultimately, this story is one of trust, something both Catherine and William need in order to make their future a success. Catherine must learn to trust that William will not abuse her in the same manner that her previous husband had. William must learn to trust Catherine, knowing that she betrayed her first husband, causing his death.

One last note. With so many details included about the fighting between the English and the Welsh rebels, I was particularly fascinated by the Welsh nobleman's treatment of Catherine when she is captured. There is a conversation in the book that talks about how she was treated well because they were nobles and they still respected her status, but if she had been captured by commoners, it would have been very different.

Overall, I loved this book. I didn't put it down until I finished it, and I look forward to the next book in the series, Knight of Pleasure, which will be the story of William's half brother Stephen (who was charming in this book!).

About the Book: (From the Publisher)

FEARLESS IN BATTLE
His surcoat still bloody from battle, William FitzAlan comes to claim the strategic borderlands granted to him by the king. One last prize awaits him at the castle gates: the lovely Lady Catherine Rayburn.

TENDER IN BED
Catherine risked everything to spy for the crown. Her reward? Her lands are declared forfeit and she is given this choice: marry FitzAlan or be taken to the Tower. Catherine agrees to give her handsome new husband her body, but she's keeping secrets, and dare not give him her heart. As passion ignites and danger closes in, Catherine and William must learn to trust in each other to save their marriage, their land, and their very lives.

Excerpt:

About the Author: (from the Publisher)

MARGARET MALLORY recently surprised her friends and family by abandoning her legal career-and her steady job-to write tales of romance and adventure. At long last, she can satisfy her passion for justice by punishing the bad and rewarding the worthy-in the pages of her novels, of course. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband and their two college-age children. KNIGHT OF DESIRE is her first book so she would dearly love to hear from readers.

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