KNIGHT OF DESIRE

Author: Margaret Mallory ISBN: 9780446553391 7/2009 HISTORICAL Publisher: GRAND CENTRAL
Time Period: Welsh Border 1405

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. KNIGHT OF DESIRE

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I enjoyed KNIGHT OF DESIRE for many reasons. I loved the fact that Catherine stood up for herself and did what she had to do to rid herself of her no-good husband. And her having a secret that I never saw coming was cool, too. Usually authors hint around so much, you know what the “secret” is before it’s uncovered in the story; but Ms. Mallory did a great job keeping it a true surprise.

And family. I love the coziness of the story, especially when Stephen was introduced. He gave the story that added element to reinforce the familial bond that was forming in the home. And then there's jealously. How many of us can relate to that one? Well, there’s a lot of that going on, and for those of us that know what that feels like you’ll enjoy this book, although Catherine was too nice to William—she forgave him too fast. Let’s see... This story took place in 1405. Yeah, he would still be making up to me in 2009.

There’s something for everyone in KNIGHT OF DESIRE, and I haven’t even touched on the kidnapping and murder yet! I can’t give that away, so you’ll just have to read it to find out who got taken out. I see Stephen’s story is next in this series of All the Kings Men to come out in December. I can’t wait to read it!

Sheila Smith