THRILL OF THE KNIGHT

Author: Julia Latham ISBN: 0061235156 3/2007 HISTORICAL Publisher: AVON
Time Period: Medieval - England 1486

A Lady's Deception Lady Elizabeth Hutton will never succumb to the ambitions of a neighboring lord—even after his soldiers imprison the newly orphaned heiress in her own bedchamber. Ever resourceful, the proud beauty has devised a strategy to escape the devil who's determined to possess her and her great wealth: she will switch roles with her loyal maid so that she can save herself and her people. A Knight's Rapture Sir John Russell's love of adventure has always carried him to far-flung places and dangers—and now he must ride to the rescue of the noblewoman he hasn't seen since boyhood. However, it is not his bride-to-be but her bewitching servant who enflames his passion—and Sir John's desire for the fiery beauty threatens to undermine his sacried, sworn oath, forcing a noble knight into the most devastating choice of his life: between duty and honor... or ecstasy and disgrace.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Julia Latham (aka Gayle Callen) begins her new medieval series with the terrific THRILL OF THE KNIGHT. It's refreshing to read a medieval book in the middle of the outbreak of paranormals that have been plaguing the bookstores. Latham's debut book is an easy Top Pick! Filled with rich characters and a sweeping plot, THRILL OF THE KNIGHT is a superlative read!

Who doesn't like a story about a maiden locked in a tower, while an evil man has declared himself her guardian and plans to marry and take over her castle? I will say that this is no naïve maiden. In fact, Elizabeth Hutton has switched identities and is masquerading around the castle as her lady maid, Anne. Since the evil Viscount Bannaster has never seen Elizabeth, he is unaware of the intelligent deception.

Unfortunately, Elizabeth's life hasn't been very easy. Losing both of her parents at a young age and then losing her betrothed later on, she has been having to take care of her keep on her own. She was managing well, until now. Her only hope is the third brother from the family that her betrothed was from.

Baron John Russell has heard of Elizabeth's plight and is on his way to rescue her. He doesn't expect her "maid" to capture his attention and his longing. But he isn't innocent either. He is running a deception of his own, making believe he is a wounded bailiff instead of the baron, to gain access into the castle and to eventually save Elizabeth.

Elizabeth and John, both harboring secrets, end up desiring each other. Now they will have to tell each other the truth, or face the dire consequences that are in store for her.

I loved THRILL OF THE KNIGHT! The mistaken identity plot was extremely well thought out, and Latham makes it work wonderfully. The hero, John, is every romance reader's Knight in Shining Armor. The villain is truly a villain, while the maiden imprisoned in the tower just adds more charm to this medieval!

The ending is magical, and all I can say is, run out to your nearest book seller and get a copy of Julia Latham's THRILL OF THE KNIGHT!

Julie Kornhausl