KNIGHT OF PASSION

Author: Margaret Mallory ISBN: 9780446559867 6/2010 HISTORICAL Publisher: GRAND CENTRAL
Time Period: 1420s

HOW CAN THIS PASSIONATE KNIGHT... Renowned beauty Lady Linnet is torn between two desires: revenge on those who destroyed her family or marriage to her childhood sweetheart Sir James Rayburn. One fateful night, she makes a misguided choice: she sacrifices Jamie's love for a chance at vengeance. TRUST A BEAUTY WITH A PAST? Jamie Rayburn returns to England in search of a virtuous wife-only to find the lovely Linnet as bewitching as ever. Their reckless affair ignites anew, even hotter than before, although Jamie vows to never again trust her with his heart. Then just as Linnet begins to make amends, she's tempted by one last opportunity to settle old scores. But a final retribution could cost her Jamie's love—this time forever.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Margaret Mallory sets her historical romance KNIGHT OF PASSION (All the King’s Men series) in England during the reign of King Henry VI, who ascended to the throne as a small child after the untimely death of his father. His mother Katherine, from France, was not trusted, and the boy’s guardians were in dispute until he could actually rule. This tale of royal intrigue is merely the backdrop to the romance of Sir James Rayburn of England and the Lady Linnet of French heritage, but raised in London by her grandfather. Their romance is tempestuous at best, with fiery passion interspersed with bouts of anger on Jamie’s part and danger on Linnet’s side. She seeks revenge for the men who took advantage of her grandfather, stealing his immense wealth in his failing years. Jamie fails to see the need for continually dredging up the past and the danger it puts his beloved Linnet in, and continues to issue ultimatums to her: Leave off the vengeance or leave me. He can’t stand the thought of doing battle in France while Linnet is left to her own devices in England.

Mallory has a keen sense of just the right combination of history, mystery, and romance, and creates very strong characters in Linnet and Jamie, although Jamie’s constant anger left me wanting to kick him in the shins. When he finally decides to help Linnet in her quest, everything comes right, though of course, there are several “darkest before the dawn” moments for the two of them. Mallory includes plenty of intimate encounters for this duo, as this is where they seem to have the most to agree on. Who says sex isn’t a good place to build a foundation for a strong marriage. I especially enjoyed watching one of Jamie’s potential mates get herself to a nunnery, rather than accept even one more quite tender kiss from him.

Mallory’s descriptions of the food, clothes, architecture, and the land are superlative. I felt like I was right there touching the rich fabrics, smelling the venison pie, and smelling the dank air in the secret underground lair of the devil worshippers.

KNIGHT OF PASSION is a lovely story of give and take, love and war, and most of all, family. Jamie and Linnet each have their own idea of family based on their experiences, and yet they both have to expand their thoughts as they learn new information about their parentage and childhood. Readers who enjoy a healthy lust for life and like learning some history on the side, will love Mallory’s newest tale.

Susan Barton