A Knight's Temptation : All About Romance

A Knight’s Temptation

Grade : B

Aldwin Treynarde is a man in need of redemption. Disowned by his family and the center of more than one scandal, Aldwin is on a quest to retrieve a stolen ruby pendant for his lord. Ultimately he wants more than commendation for a job well done upon delivery of the pendant. To Aldwin, the honor of being dubbed a knight, as well as the possibility of regaining his parents’ respect, are utmost in his mind as he determines to show himself worthy.

Lady Leona Ransley certainly looks like no lady as she waits nervously among the shadows of a filthy, disreputable tavern. She has come to meet an unknown man to exchange a ruby pendant for the much needed money offered for its return. No matter what, she cannot reveal her identity or how the jewel came into her possession as such information may implicate her father as a traitor. Leona believes she is the only thing standing between her father and total ruin.

Resolved to not only recover the precious necklace but also to discover how it came into the bearer’s possession, Aldwin is especially intrigued when he sees it is a fearless woman making the exchange. Leona recognizes Aldwin as a childhood playmate she holds responsible for an incident that almost claimed her life, while he believes that eight year-old girl died. But all Aldwin sees in Leona is a lady of the night – what other type of woman would be lurking in such a seedy establishment exchanging a valuable jewel for a reward?

When the woman refuses to answer his questions, Aldwin decides it’s best to forcefully escort her to de Lanceau along with the pendant and quickly ascertains that Leona is no fragile maiden. Expertly trained to defend herself, she fights him at every turn and I was exhausted just reading their first encounter. As I reflect on this book now that I have finished it, the most defining word that comes to mind is “tussle” as the leads continually struggle for power physically.

As a book that could fit in both the Held Captive and Cabin & Road Romance Special Title Listings here at AAR, A Knight’s Temptation wins points from me on both counts. Aldwin is rather forceful in taking and keeping Leona with him as they begin their journey since he knows she will escape at the first opportunity. As they spend time together, Aldwin realistically evolves from forceful to considerate with touching tenderness as his regard for her grows. Leona, however, is a harder nut to crack and her defensiveness is a bit difficult to read at times regardless of her captive status. She refuses to see the common sense in the protection Aldwin offers and is unrealistic in her determination to fix the dire situation at her father’s keep singlehandedly. This is a woman who must be in charge and she is happy no other way.

The crux of this story is the development (or proof) of Aldwin’s worthiness of knighthood. Although there have been some unfortunate incidents in his past, Aldwin does not dwell in tortured hero land – he is strong and views his situation pragmatically without the need to feel sorry for himself or act out his dysfunctional past with a dysfunctional present. I thought him very healthy mentally for the past burdens he must bear. Although this works to some extent as a stand-alone book, the author was required to give a large amount of background to keep the reader on track with the current storyline. A number of characters appear from past books and several have large roles while Aldwin’s character played a very significant role in the previous book, A Knight’s Vengeance. The consequences of his actions within that book are a driving force in A Knight’s Temptation.

For a villain to work for me, I need to see some measure of reality amidst their malicious machinations. Give me a villain who repeatedly laughs at the suffering of others or delights in excessive amounts of outright evil, and a book quickly slides downward in grade. Such is the case here as the villains from A Knight’s Vengeance continue in their foul plans to wreak vengeance and have it all for themselves. For those who have read this prequel and are looking for a satisfactory conclusion to all those evil plans, I’m afraid you must continue reading the series as the ending is certainly in the “to be continued” category.

As a whole, the compelling battle of the wills between the leads as well as the touching revelation of a man worthy of knighthood made for a most enjoyable read. And since I am continually on the lookout for a good Medieval romance, I just may pick up the next in this series now that I am I am familiar with its many characters and back story.

Reviewed by Lea Hensley

Grade : B

Book type : European Historical Romance | Historical Romance | Medieval Romance

Sensuality : Warm

Review Date : April 1, 2009

Published On : 2009/04